Lets talk GEC!

This is interesting. I tried a stainless 33 conductor with a bail on my key ring. That didn’t go very well. I like the profile (both length and width) to be less than the car key fob.
 
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One person that I would love to have a beer with, along with Jiki Jiki and NewBlades16 NewBlades16 , is Randy Bell with GEC. As far as I can tell, he is one of the mad geniuses behind our favorite knives.

He recently posted a video on the GEC Collectors FB page reviewing their locking knives over the years. It seems that he has answered a question we ask here repeatedly; why do all GEC locking knives have at least some up and down movement?

My take on the video is that their machinery cannot get the parts precise enough to fit as tight as they would like. As a result, a lot of hand finishing is required to make the final adjustments. Hand finishing, by its very nature, is variable and imprecise. So, they have not been able to make their locking knives as tight as they would like. According to Randy, side to side play is easy to eliminate, and should not be present, but it takes great precision and extremely small tolerances to completely remove all up and down movement. He said they are always working on improving their techniques and have some machinery in the works that he believes will make the knives better.

Bottom line is that if you are annoyed by any up and down movement at all on a locking knife, GEC might not be your best choice. I have come to accept it, realizing that they are doing the best they can given their limitations. I have no concern that the locks will fail. They just cannot afford to build a custom knife on one hand or invest in very expensive machinery on the other hand to get them perfect.

(This is just how I interpreted the video. Randy is eccentric to say the least. You might want to watch it yourself. He is a hoot. You might have a different takeaway.)

M MessieurRick , this post might answer your question. Almost all GEC locking knives have a bit of up and down movement.
 
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I like the looks of that #05, but can't justify buying one, as I already have quite a number of small knives with coping blades. I hope those that get them enjoy 'em. It's a cool idea.
 
A pass here, too. Instead of mustache combs, fruit knives, crown lifters and keychain knives, how about just running a variety of their Barlow patterns for a while, at least until everyone who wants one can get reasonable access to one, and without paying more than $300 on the secondary market.
 
Dave Dallam said:
A pass here, too. Instead of mustache combs, fruit knives, crown lifters and keychain knives, how about just running a variety of their Barlow patterns for a while, at least until everyone who wants one can get reasonable access to one, and without paying more than $300 on the secondary market.
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I’m pretty sure the 86 is coming later this year
 
Dave Dallam said:
A pass here, too. Instead of mustache combs, fruit knives, crown lifters and keychain knives, how about just running a variety of their Barlow patterns for a while, at least until everyone who wants one can get reasonable access to one, and without paying more than $300 on the secondary market.
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This is funny to me because I have no interest in more Barlows and would much rather see more of this trend of unique knife patterns
 
Looks like it would be nice to own one but its not worth the lolliscramble though. Plus its good to practice some self control.
 
Interesting design and I am sure they will sell a boatload of them but I will pass on this pattern. Have fun guys and gals.
 
These are a pass for me too. I’m glad to see something new, and for those interested I hope you get one. My wallet needed a break anyway.
 
Leslie Tomville said:
View attachment 1592716

One person that I would love to have a beer with, along with Jiki Jiki and NewBlades16 NewBlades16 , is Randy Bell with GEC. As far as I can tell, he is one of the mad geniuses behind our favorite knives.

He recently posted a video on the GEC Collectors FB page reviewing their locking knives over the years. It seems that he has answered a question we ask here repeatedly; why do all GEC locking knives have at least some up and down movement?

My take on the video is that their machinery cannot get the parts precise enough to fit as tight as they would like. As a result, a lot of hand finishing is required to make the final adjustments. Hand finishing, by its very nature, is variable and imprecise. So, they have not been able to make their locking knives as tight as they would like. According to Randy, side to side play is easy to eliminate, and should not be present, but it takes great precision and extremely small tolerances to completely remove all up and down movement. He said they are always working on improving their techniques and have some machinery in the works that he believes will make the knives better.

Bottom line is that if you are annoyed by any up and down movement at all on a locking knife, GEC might not be your best choice. I have come to accept it, realizing that they are doing the best they can given their limitations. I have no concern that the locks will fail. They just cannot afford to build a custom knife on one hand or invest in very expensive machinery on the other hand to get them perfect.

(This is just how I interpreted the video. Randy is eccentric to say the least. You might want to watch it yourself. He is a hoot. You might have a different takeaway.)
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The up and down or back and forth play have no concern to me really. Side to side play is a little more bothersome as far as im concerned of the life expectancy of the knife. I have knives (like many of you probably) that i have retired due to side to side play becoming more and more severe. Once it starts to have a certain amount it gets worse faster. Cutting with it, if you have to apply any force it will cause the knife to start twisting, making the blade pry against the bolster opening the gapage even more. The more side to side it gets the less the knife will remain straight when trying to make a cut. Then its just not as saitsfying to use so into the retirement bag it goes.

im not trying to complain, just explaining how side to side play does matter in the long run if you plan to use the knife. And i understand a couple taps with a hammer may very well fix it.
 
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