I cannot open my GEC #73 slip joint

mongomondo

mongomondo

SUPPRESSING FIRE
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Sep 17, 2006
Messages
3,290
I just received my beautiful Northfield 73 and I cannot open this thing. It's the strongest back spring I have ever felt. I managed to get it open once but I stupidly closed the blade and I think my fingers are shot. I cannot do it again. Why the heck did they make these so ridiculously tight? This is really frustrating and ridiculous. You have to have fingernails made of steel.

Otherwise I'm really impressed by this knife, it came shaving sharp unlike my 2010 #66 Jack. I'm not sure if I love or hate this thing. I can't believe I'm contemplating buying one of the knife opener picks they sell, anyone use one of those?

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GEC is one of the best production knives made today. The single problem I've seen is the pull on the springs. Pretty sad given the rest of the designs and quality is outstanding.
 
I've never had a GEC so tight I couldn't open it but I've had a couple that were pretty darn tight.

Go by a hardware store or something like that and pick up a spray can of lubricating oil and under pressure, spray the joints. Some guys even wash them in hot water and dish detergent before lubricating them. I haven't gone that route myself. WD-40 or Rem Oil would work just fine. Pick up a can of compressed air too if you decide to go the washing in hot water and dish detergent first.
 
You could always send it to GEC and have them adjust the action. They were going to fix my Big Jack per e-mail request, but I didn't follow through. Mine wasn't as tough as you've described. You might as well enjoy using it.
 
Crazy that it is that tight, when I was 6 I asked my dad for a knife he said no. a few days later I asked again... No you are too young! finally after much pestering on my part he gave in and handed me an inexpensive single bladed Buck folder (I thought it was the best thing in the world) I tried to open it and couldn't for the life of me, he then said when you can open that knife you are old enough for one of your own... I eventually lost interest in the knife and lost track of it. I have the sneaking suspicion it was glued shut. I think I just found the knife for my Son!

Sorry for the Rant! Hope it loosens up for you
 
Thats a great loooking knife. I would be disappointed too... I could be wrong, but I would be surprised if oiling it will help much. You can see where it already has some wear marks on the side of the spring from rubbing. Seems a little excessive for a knife thats only been opened a few times.

I would definitely contact them, and have them make it right.
 
Unfortunately, it must be returned. Can't be right. Of course, when you have a knife with an ultra spring, havung a Longpull on it can make opening even worse.
 
I have the opposite problem with an executive whittler. The Master has a pull of about 5, the pen about 3 and the coping has no snap on opening and pull of about 1.

Regards

Robin
 
I had the exact problem with my #73. I called GEC and they told me to send it back and they would fix it. I got it back last week and it's now easier to open but is still harder to open than any other knife I own. I'm planning on spraying it down with WD40 and see what happens.
GEC is very accommodating and will take care of your problem.
 
I know one friend that had to use pliers to open the darn thing.Thats crazy.Send it back.It is a pretty booger though.
 
If you got it from the dealer whose picture you used, give him a call or send him an e-mail. I'm sure he will make it right.
 
Send it back. I actually broke a GEC backspring trying to loosen it. That said, it is still my favorite brand.
 
Modoc ED said:
If you got it from the dealer whose picture you used, give him a call or send him an e-mail. I'm sure he will make it right.
Click to expand...

I considered that but I don't want to lose the serial # by getting a replacement. I guess it's going to GEC, I didn't know this was a defect. I read that the scout pattern had really tough springs and thought it was normal. My #66 is much easier to open.
 
Like the others said let them fix it, and I'd bet when it returns it'll become one of your favorites like mine! Just beautiful on that bone!
 
Not against production knives at all,but this is just one of many reasons I prefer a custom. I can specify some things I want & don't want
-Vince
 
Mongomondo,

Everytime I sent knives to GEC for repair, they came back with scratches in the blade and/or bolsters. Some came back with the same problem they went in, just more scratched-up. I would rather loose the serial number and get a functioning knife from the get-go.
 
I've only sent one knife to GEC for some minor repair work and it was returned without a single problem. My only complaint is that it took 'em over a month to get it back to me, but from what I understand, their usual turn around time is closer to a fortnight.
 
If it were going to be an edc knife, you could fix it yourself by taking the backspring down from just forward of the pivot pin to the bolsters, but you'd need a decent belt grinder for that operation. It's likely how GEC'll make the fix, not really difficult, plus they can keep the knife intact. Really is a bit much to have THAT much spring tension on a slippy.

Eric
 
Mongomondo,

"I can't believe I'm contemplating buying one of the knife opener picks they sell, anyone use one of those?"

Yes.

I have the GEC pick and the AGR pick on my key ring.

They are both good, but the GEC is longer and gives better leverage. It is also almost 4X as expensive.

Mike H.
 
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