How does GEC respond to quality control issues with their knives?

sharkattacksw said:
Correct me if I'm wrong...Back then people probably didn't care about blade centering, "walk & talk", cosmetic blemishes, etc.
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Walk and talk was important. See bottom right of this old catalog scan: "action that walks and talks"

4DcterM.jpg
 
Little Things Worth Knowing About Selling Pocket Knives 1931

"Most men are more particular about selecting their pocket knives than in choosing many other articles involving a much larger expenditure. They are anxious to get one that is "just right" and will frequently deliberate longer in making the choice of a $1.50 pocket knife than in selecting a $150 radio set. Nearly every man has a different conception of the kind of pocket knife best suited to his use. If the salesman takes pains to see that the customer is unhurried and is enabled to choose a knife that strikes his fancy to a "T," the store has gone far in acquiring a loyal, steadfast patron. The farmer usually favors a fairly heavy knife, of good quality, having three or four blades of varying shapes, in order that a suitable blade may be available for all ordinary uses. Usually, patterns having a punch blade, a castrating blade, and large and small blades for general purposes, are most popular with farmers. The size, shape, as well as the weight of the knife, the kind of handle, type of bolsters, and other factors, also receive due consideration. A fairly thick, "stocky" handle is…"

"...The office man and others following similar pursuits, generally prefer a smaller and lighter type of knife having two or more blades. In this instance, the prospect’s pocket knife requirements are governed by the need for a knife that will sharpen pencil, cut parcel twine, and serve as a manicuring aid. A small manicure blade is often favored while smooth handles, having rounded, bolstered ends and thin bodies, are popular"


[unfortunately, Google books isn't providing full access to the article. I actually pieced together that quote from 4 separate previews]
 
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traumkommode said:
I can say that GEC fixed an off center blade for me no questions asked and gladly. It took nearly two months to get the knife back, and this was two years ago now. So I don't know how quick that turnaround is anymore.

There's also a story from arizonaranchman arizonaranchman I think about dropping his 77 Barlow and getting cracked bone covers replaced while another run of 77s was happening. They weren't the originals, so now he has a unique knife with covers from the 2016 run on a 2015 knife or something like that

There's an upcoming run of 15s, Will, so it might be an option.
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Your memory is very good! Yes that’s exactly right. They incorporated my scale replacement needs by using scales from a run of 77’s they had going at that time. :)
 
Will Power said:
Well, looks like we might need a pair of kid-gloves for handling them too...;) And I am aware that Ivory Bone is not just slapped on straight from the Cow or Bull..at least I hope not! ;) But it's an easier match than other bones.

I still think that after 10 years in production they might've built up a small stock of parts by now to cover some repair needs but that seems not to be the case.
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now do people see why I want 1095/al/metal scales on my knives? :p:D
 
supratentorial said:
Walk and talk was important. See bottom right of this old catalog scan: "action that walks and talks"

4DcterM.jpg
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Walk and talk is still important to me. These recent GEC releases have been real disappointments in that department. I know there’s another thread with a poll on pull strength.

The first run of 78’s have bear trap pulls but the latest run are much weaker. Not to mention that the Maher and Grosh SFO I got is pinned too tight, making the action sluggish. I really wish they had kept the same pull weight. Also, I think they are so concerned with watertight springs, they’re sacrificing good walk and talk. I’d actually prefer a slightly loose blade instead of an overly tight one.

I hope someone from GEC is reading all of this!
 
All the talk about the Beer Scouts cracking makes me wonder how the earlier Crown Lifters fare?
 
supratentorial said:
Little Things Worth Knowing About Selling Pocket Knives 1931

"Most men are more particular about selecting their pocket knives than in choosing many other articles involving a much larger expenditure. They are anxious to get one that is "just right" and will frequently deliberate longer in making the choice of a $1.50 pocket knife than in selecting a $150 radio set. Nearly every man has a different conception of the kind of pocket knife best suited to his use. If the salesman takes pains to see that the customer is unhurried and is enabled to choose a knife that strikes his fancy to a "T," the store has gone far in acquiring a loyal, steadfast patron. The farmer usually favors a fairly heavy knife, of good quality, having three or four blades of varying shapes, in order that a suitable blade may be available for all ordinary uses. Usually, patterns having a punch blade, a castrating blade, and large and small blades for general purposes, are most popular with farmers. The size, shape, as well as the weight of the knife, the kind of handle, type of bolsters, and other factors, also receive due consideration. A fairly thick, "stocky" handle is…"

"...The office man and others following similar pursuits, generally prefer a smaller and lighter type of knife having two or more blades. In this instance, the prospect’s pocket knife requirements are governed by the need for a knife that will sharpen pencil, cut parcel twine, and serve as a manicuring aid. A small manicure blade is often favored while smooth handles, having rounded, bolstered ends and thin bodies, are popular"


[unfortunately, Google books isn't providing full access to the article. I actually pieced together that quote from 4 separate previews]
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Wow that's great. I've always had the feeling that people don't really change all that much and there've probably always been lots of people who were particular about their knives (along with there always being collectors). It has always seemed silly to me when people claim it's a new phenomenon unique to this generation of knife enthusiasts to be particular about knives.
 
draggat said:
Also, I think they are so concerned with watertight springs, they’re sacrificing good walk and talk. I’d actually prefer a slightly loose blade instead of an overly tight one.

I hope someone from GEC is reading all of this!
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They may be reading it, but they have also read for years the hatred the majority of folks have for blade play. Some tuning may be in order, but they won't be shimming the joint anytime soon.
 
draggat said:
....Also, I think they are so concerned with watertight springs, they’re sacrificing good walk and talk. I’d actually prefer a slightly loose blade instead of an overly tight one....
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knifeswapper said:
They may be reading it, but they have also read for years the hatred the majority of folks have for blade play. Some tuning may be in order, but they won't be shimming the joint anytime soon.
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That makes perfect sense. Since they are so tight, I think the tang stamps need to be looked at as possible friction points, as well as the actual blade being stamped out usually leaves a raised edge around the kick area on one side of the blade. I have had luck sanding these areas down a little.
I think this is one of the ways a knife is able to "break in". As the tang stamping, (and kick area mentioned) rubs against the liners and gets situated. It is good that it starts tight because it is only going to loosen up.:thumbsup:
 
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