Got GEC #73, not happy at all...

thejamppa

thejamppa

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
2,907
Hello everyone!

I sold my Kershaw knives in here and few SAK's to my friends in order to scrape money for GEC #73 few weeks ago. My first GEC was really good. Excellent fit and finish no bladeplay.

Alright. Finally, after weeks and weeks and weeks of waiting, I got Northfield 735109L Single blade liner locking Yellow Texas Rose smooth bone. Naturally I expected fit and finish to be like my #25 however:

Considerable blade play up and down and side to side. If not all there's gap between liner and back spring and noticable gap between bone and liner. I can tolerate bit gaps but that gap between bolster and bone is really huge when onsidering side of an knife. And its it goes thru other side of scale and I can fit easily tip of Spyderco Caly 3 in that gap from both sides it looks like liner would have bent bit or similarly. Bone scale looks well made and being straight. Also in my eyes whole blade seem bit distored in my eyes. Linerlock never seem to contact the blade tang but when blade is opened it snaps against opposite liner. I am not sure if this is how it should be...

Pictures here:
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Edit:
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Considering the length I went to get this knife and its 45 of 50 serialized Premium pocket knife, I really think fit should be whole another league. I've honestly seen China made knives with better fit than this speciment unfortunately. I'm so thinking contacting GEC about fixing this, though sending it to across the pond is quite effort. To me, this kind of fit is not something associated with GEC's products.

Edit: I contacted the GEC and I wait their answers. I keep you guys posted on this. Thanks for bearing my venting. I really like this knife so I want it really badly fixed as it should be.
 
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definitely substandard give the supplier time to correct this forum members are interested in members that are not treated ethically.dennis
 
Sorry to see that, Jani.
Your post got me taking my #72 right out of my pocket and subjecting her to a very detailed checkup.
Mine has no bladeplay at all, but I noticed a very small gap between the liners and the back that runs about half an inch from the bolsters towards the end of the handle. Fortunately, it's not so big to bother me.
I've read good things about GEC customer service, I think you should send it back for replacement.
Hope this turns out well in the end, and by all means, keep us posted!
 
Just to make sure my eyes are not crooked and why my blade seemed to be bent, I took my steel ruler, which is straight and did bit comparisons:
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I guess its bit bend so I still can trust my eyes.

I know GEC has good reputation and their customer's service will most likely ask to return knife for check up. Oh, well, another few week waiting... Its well worthy if they straighten blade and fix the blade play. I don't that much mind the gaps... but if they can fix them too I am just happier. I just want solid lock up on blade which is straight anything else is just bonus. GEC has good reputation so that is why I expected more.
 
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Alright, GEC replied and they gave me address to mail knife for fixing. That was fast!
 
I don't remember what knife it was they fixed, but they did fix it quickly, and got it shipped back to me real fast. This is one knife brand that I don't hestitate to purchase over the 'net. No worries...they'll get it right!
Matt
 
That gap around the scales is terrible! Not nearly good enough, I hope they fix you up properly. When I had a crack around the pin on a 73 my supplier exchanged it immediately. In fact I got the replacement before he got the defective knife back.
 
I have a Queen liner lock with a blade that is off a little - but lockup is tight. I recommend sending it in to GEC. They will fix it for you or replace it.
 
I just came back from post office and the knife is now in mail towards Titusville. I'm impressed how fast they responsed. I have confidence they will repair it fast.
 
Yeesh. It looks like whomever put that one together was asleep at the wheel. None of my 73s look like that.
 
I had the similar experience with GEC and quite frankly will never buy another without having it in my hand. Yes, the dealer offered to take it back but my Daughter bought it for me and the return transaction would have cost enough that I passed. I have NEVER had a Rough Rider knife with the problems that the GEC has and it annoys the hell out of me every time I open it.

Regards

Robin
 
I've had to send back a few GECs myself. Don't expect the knives to be perfect. Actually, you can never tell what you're getting unless you inspect them personally before you buy. But GEC always repaired the knives (even if in one case the main blade came back scratched).
 
Pipeman said:
I had the similar experience with GEC and quite frankly will never buy another without having it in my hand. Yes, the dealer offered to take it back but my Daughter bought it for me and the return transaction would have cost enough that I passed. I have NEVER had a Rough Rider knife with the problems that the GEC has and it annoys the hell out of me every time I open it.

Regards

Robin
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If it annoys you, Robin, you really oughta send it for repair! Why live with that? Your daughter bought it to make you happy!!
 
Pipeman said:
I had the similar experience with GEC and quite frankly will never buy another without having it in my hand. Yes, the dealer offered to take it back but my Daughter bought it for me and the return transaction would have cost enough that I passed. I have NEVER had a Rough Rider knife with the problems that the GEC has and it annoys the hell out of me every time I open it.

Regards

Robin
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In a production enviroment nobody can produce a 100% perfect product. All they can do is stand behind the product and try to make you happy after the fact. I know that you contacted the dealer nut have you talked with anyone at GEC about it?

Paul
 
I like knife manufacturers who use skilled craftsmen put their knives together but aslong human factor is there these kind of pieces will show up now and then. I just am bit wondered how this kind knife ever got out of factory. However, aslong I get fixed one, that is upto GEC's standard, I am happy and will continue buying them.

I got certificate and tube here to comfort me, till my knife comes back... I only owned it for 3 hours and I am already starting to have withdrawls from it... Dang :D
 
waynorth said:

If it annoys you, Robin, you really oughta send it for repair! Why live with that? Your daughter bought it to make you happy!!
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You're probably right Charlie but I decided to keep it for the simple reason that you stated, she bought it for me to make me happy, if that makes any sense. ;-) I don't open the blade with no opening snap and use the master for cutting veggis so I don't have to sharpen it so the tip of the very pointed Wharnie doesn't end up above the tangs of the coping and pen blades.
My Daughter makes me very happy. ;-))

Best regards

Robin
 
It doesn't matter who makes it, there are always going to be those that slip through the cracks as far as QC.

While it is irritating, if the company makes good on it and makes the customer happy, thats all a person could ask for.

For all the great reviews of the GEC's, this has to be one of the few that aren't outstanding in quality.
 
There are some that get out that aren't up to snuff. Send it back to the dealer for a replacement. IMHO--that knife doesn't look fixable.
 
I already sent it for GEC, they might replace it if they so seem it fitting. The dealer I bought it has no GEC's as there's no official GEC importer here. It was special order. GEC has warranties for materials and workmanship and I use that. Fingers crossed though... Hello again mr. Murphy, I think by now, we can use first names :D
 
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