My first GEC experience....

I

immolatus

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Aug 25, 2013
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So I finally got to pick up a Northfield and decided to go for two. In a way (other than the obvious) I'm glad I did.

Sorry my picks aren't as good as some I've seen here.

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I must first admit that my expectations where rediculously high given all of the stellar reviews of the GEC line. The wharncliffe:


Arrived with both vertical and horizontal blade play. Not enough to send it back but enough to bother me for an hour. I also found it to be extremely light wich to me is a bit unsettling. I like weighted things, color me odd. I will say that I was unsure about the swedge on a wharncliffe but in person it's really quite elegant. The snap on opening is satisfyingly crisp despite that small amount of play.

The scout linerlock:


I wasn't sure I'd like this one as much as I do. I've never operated a slipjoint with a halfstop before. It made me smile right away. The pull and snap of this guy are both almost abusive, very strong. It also has a decent weight for the size....I'm thinking the steel liner. Also the blade centering of both are dead on center.
 
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Excellent choices. The #73 is one of GEC's earliest patterns. It remains among their best.

- Christian
 
Very nice looking pair - a matched set with those scales. Northfields are my favorite of the GEC line. Give up some updates on your impressions as time goes on?

Ref the vertical blade play, IIRC the lock-back models often have some minor degree vertical play. The horizontal play should be very minimal to none. You'll have to be the judge of whether this one is acceptable to you. If not send it back to your vendor for an exchange or to GEC and they'll make it right.
 
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I got a #73 linerlock last week and it was a real nail breaker to open . After a little work , lot of work ,it has eased up nicely and has become a real favourite.
 
If you like some weight in the pocket so you know it's there or whatever, choose the two bladed models of the #73 or go with the larger 2-bladed #42. It will certainly put a smile on your face if you like the closed length and a heavy knife.

My first GEC was a #73 and it was a nail breaker. It did loosen up a bit.

I honestly have noticed very little blade play on any of my GECs. Most of them are near new to new however. My #42 is my user and carried in a leather pocket slip.
 
Every 42 and 72 lockback I've owned had vertical play. I think it's just the nature of the beast.

Now, 73s (especially the Scouts) are hit and miss in the pull department (at least for me). I have some from 2007 (a year known for bear traps) that are very easy to open and have been since I received them. I have one from 2011 that is at least a 9 on a 10 scale. But I love the looks and live with the pull.
 
22-rimfire said:
If you like some weight in the pocket so you know it's there or whatever, choose the two bladed models of the #73 or go with the larger 2-bladed #42. It will certainly put a smile on your face if you like the closed length and a heavy knife..
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Yeah I was thinking that might be the next logical step. I'm also a Trapper guy but I didn't want to do the same old thing with my first impression of the Northfields. I've got a Tidioute Viper on the way(the frontier bone was just released) and after that will be a trapper. I also don't pocket carry only around the house. I usualy do a belt sheath. I've got four boys and want to be able to pass down the collection to whoever is interested; so I don't like them to get chewed up in my pocket.
Thanks for the info on the lockback by the way. Makes me feel better.
 
Of the latest run of 42 lock backs that I have handled, not one had any perceptible horizontal blade play.
 
Very nice bone on those two.

I'm a keen fan of the 73 pattern in single blade, must have about 6 of them. I was less struck on GEC's lock-back efforts, too much play for my taste. Some people say it's inherent to Traditional LBs but I don't accept that, I've got Böker, Moki and Schrade LBs without play. On the other hand, I certainly like GEC linerlock plus backspring models, these are all tight and very solid knives.

I hope you will continue with GEC knives.

Thanks, Will
 
Nice handle choice on those two. :thumbup:

Sorry my picks aren't as good as some I've seen here.
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The easiest way, without going to any trouble, take the pictures outside. In the shade works OK, or hold a white trash bag to filter the sunlight.
If you're going to shoot indoors, turn the flash off, add light, and use a tripod.

Best Luck to you!
 
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