GEC's liner locks.

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parkourdude

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Mar 15, 2013
Messages
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Hey all.

I've got a few questions on GEC's liner locks.

Firstly I should clarify that when I was into modern/tactical knives, I avoided liner/frame locks like the plague. As irrational as that may or may not sound, I always had a constant nagging worry that the lock will wear out in just a few years leaving me with a sloppy blade....


Now with GEC's liner locks.

1. Am I correct to presume that GEC's liner lock knives are basically just slip joints (where the backspring is the main force) with a liner that comes across the tang once blade is in the open position?

2. If I am correct in above question - This means that even if the liner wears and you could effectively force lock rock, a worn liner would just mean extra protection after the spring strength has been defeated (by accident/foolish-use) right?

3. Do you guys find it cumbersome having to close the liner first?


My knife-nut urges are kicking in and I feel like I could open up my options a whole lot by not being so scared of liner locks...

Thanks. :)
 
I don't own any GEC's with liner locks, but I do know that they are basically slipjoints with an extra lock. Have you ever handled an electrician knife? They ussually have a screwdriver blade with a brass liner lock. On both that I've handled, the lock was a bit worn away, but there was still the backspring keeping the blade open, and with "lockup." The blade would have 'play' if the backspring force was overcame, but it didn't bother me the same way it would in a modern liner-locker.
 
I've had a couple GEC's with LL and it's not a problem at all. You'll get used to it. Easy to use and extra peace of mind for those who like a locked blade.

If you use a knife so much and for so long that the LL starts to wear out then I wanna see pics! :)

GECs liner locks are STEEL, so no wear to worry about like the old brass LL might have in the past.
 
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1. Yes.
2. More or less correct - the lock doesn't provide any direct pressure against the tang, it moves entirely in front of the tang so that it cannot be pulled forward. Not much to "wear" e.g. not the same kind of lockup as a standard liner-lock where the two angled faces meet at 30-60% of the tang.
3. Not really - but I'm glad for the half-stop

This is all true of my #55 "hounds tooth" - I cannot recall any of their other liner locks.
 
I have a #73L in blue bone and the liner lock doesn't put much pressure on the blade tang but definitely offers enough protection from closing on you. And there's no way it will wear out.
I close mine with a bit more caution though because the half stop can bite you if you carelessly attempt to close the LL and blade simultaneously.
Beautiful knife. I recommend one for sure.
 
Even without the liner lock, defeating the spring strength on a GEC would be a feat in itself.
 
Yep, what rma100 says. My first 73 was a liner lock, I wanted the peace of mind of the lock, but in my actual use, I found the spring stout enough that I really didn't need the lock. I love the pattern so much though, I picked up two more 73's sans lock : )
Jim
 
To address the other part of your question, i too come from tactical style knives to these traditionals, and i used to own a 23 single blade (Scout?) With a liner lock. I loved the knife, but i actually found it difficult to disengage the lock and close the knife--especially one handed. That spring is really a beast to overcome when opening and closing, and you have to remember--they don't just snap open--they snap closed too!
 
Parkourdude - I was just reading a thread about this last night. I can not remember the thread name or the time period but if you dig a little bit on here you should find it. Maybe one of the veterans on here remember and attach it.
 
Just to whet your appetite a little, here is my #23 LL with nice patina and terrific burnt stag. GEC linerlocks are great.

23stagLL_zps3a7a5ecc.jpg~original
 
I love liner locks. They rock. They don't wear out really and even if they do )which is extremely unlikely) the back spring will support it like you said. Buy and use liner locks is my recommendation. :D
 
I like GEC's liner lock too, for all the above reasons. This one is my work knife

A7CF1D35-5D74-4DC2-8C37-D7BFAB5E884A_zpsjbqod1ya.jpg


You've also got a better chance of finding a #73 with the liner lock at dealers at the moment as it's not as popular as the slipjoint version:)
 
Just to clarify, on GEC product, the liner-lock is NOT part of the brass liner or frame, but is a separate piece of steel. You will never, ever wear it out in a couple lifetimes.

Also, the LL's lock up very tight, much more so than the lockback style (with lock bar), and as the lock wears it stays tight. For those who have a problem with lateral play on GEC's 72/42 series, I suggest they try the liner lock 73/23 series. You won't be disappointed.
 
I love those 73 liner locks. I have a 85 liner lock. I don't find it difficult to close one handed. The half stop is strong so I'm not worried about closing the blade on my thumb. The lock feels like it would last a lifetime.

 
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