Great Eastern #73 Scout question

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PB Wilson

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Jul 17, 2006
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So I'm smitten by these GEC knives and I've found some #73 Scout models that would probably make me very happy. I'm interested in the single blade ones but I'm not sure if I should choose a liner lock or a slip joint.

Does anyone have any pros/cons, rules of thumb, personal experience with any GEC with or without the liner lock?

From what I've read, GEC knives have a pronounced spring and probably aren't prone to closing on me, especially if I'm not doing anything stupid with it (I've got some beaters for stupid tasks). Is the lock a good idea or just added insurance?

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Leave the linerlocks to my Spyderco Military, a traditional trapper should be a slipjoint. Just my two cents.
 
The springs are really stiff and you have to put some effort into closing them. If this thing closes on you, you're doing something REALLY stupid. Skip the liner lock, unless you get it for sentimental reasons (it's an old school liner lock, like on Schrades, not a Walker type like you see on knives nowadays).
 
I'm thinking of getting a #23 at some point, and I go back and forth about having a linerlock or not. Right now I'm thinking it's not necessary; the GECs have half-stops, which should give you a second chance if you somehow fold it up during use, and that shouldn't happen through appropriate use anyway. Some people think that the liner lock could potentially give a false sense of security. Since the linerlock doesn't really detract from use, I'd go go with whatever version has the handle material I want at the better price.
 
I think this is one of those cases where a lock is just something else to fiddle with, and the knife is easier to use without it. I just picked up a Spyderco UKPK and was struck by how nice it us to be able to just close the blade when I'm done with it, rather than release a lock, turn the knife over to get my fingers out of the way, etc.
 
It really boils down to what the lock is worth to you; as it is really the only physical difference in the two models. It is a sweet built little lock as it not only slides behind the back-end but also over the front-edge. Backsprings are the same either way.

Mike Latham
CollectorKnives.Net
 
You don't need the lock. As long as you push against the sharp edge, you'll be fine. I've never even come close to having one of my GEC scouts closing on me, and none of them have liner locks.
 
Well, I searched around and found the one I liked best (a Northfield with smooth black buffalo horn) and it comes with a liner lock. I pulled the trigger and it'll be mine soon.

Thanks for the specific info knifeswapper. It's good to know that the backspring is the same. Just a little added insurance I guess.

Thanks again everybody.
 
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