Pics and thoughts on the GEC 42 if you please!

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WillieD

Joined
Jan 22, 2004
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With GEC coming out with a new run of 42s, please post your pics and thoughts on the single blade 42. I have a few 72s and really likethe Gec lockbacks, but is the 42 going to be a smidge too big or not? I was thinking of grabbing another clip 72 because I like them so much. Should I just go big with a 42??? BTW, the micarta looks sweet, but how will that wear compared to say, African Blackwood?
 
Missed the previous runs of the clip #72's but not this time. Got in a stag, green bone and Cocobolo from this run. Also have a stag and ivory bone #42 preordered. Will gladly post pics of the family when they all get here. My bet is that these will move fast so if you want one don't delay.
 
It's all subjective of course but to me the 42 is GECs finest achievement to date. I love the pattern and it takes the style of the 72 and transforms it from a nice pocket knife to a more robust knife for the bush and for hunting. Blade play can be an issue - fortunately my 2 are pretty good in that respect.
 
2manyknives said:
It's all subjective of course but to me the 42 is GECs finest achievement to date. I love the pattern and it takes the style of the 72 and transforms it from a nice pocket knife to a more robust knife for the bush and for hunting. Blade play can be an issue - fortunately my 2 are pretty good in that respect.
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does that mean we should expecxt some up/down bladeplay in these knives? I like the look of the 42, but I'll pass if there is blade-play of any sort. It may seem overly fussy, but I just can't live with any blade play on an expensive knife.
 
I have two of them, ebony and frontier bone. Lock up on the ebony is bank vault solid. The frontier bone blade saw a ton more hard use from me in the beginning, and after a year has a touch of up an down blade-play.

So 50/50 chance?

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Pic with my current edc. A powder horn and a huckleberry.
 
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My new black micarta 42.
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I have yet to own a 42 lockback, but I plan on picking one up in African Blackwood. I've heard that the 42s tend to generally have less blade play than the 72 lockbacks.
 
I have a green jigged bone #42 that I'm carrying right now in a leather pocket sheath. Love it. Perfect size for me. Smaller than my #23 but still plenty of blade. Slight amount of vertical play but no side to side. Lockup is very strong.
 
burnside said:
I have yet to own a 42 lockback, but I plan on picking one up in African Blackwood. I've heard that the 42s tend to generally have less blade play than the 72 lockbacks.
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Any reason why the 42's have less blade play than the 72's? Smaller knife or difference in locks maybe?
I've been looking into both the 72 and 73, leaning more towards the 73 so I wonder if there's blade play in the 73 like the 72.
 
Barry at Gunstock Jacks Knives and Collectibles sent me an email last night. He told me that he had hand picked a #42 for me for the color. It has ZERO play per Barry and locks up tight (just right). Now that just refers to the one I have on order with him. I can't say anything about the other 42s. This is my first #42 and I'm excited about it. I like lock backs.

Tom
 
csisland said:
Any reason why the 42's have less blade play than the 72's? Smaller knife or difference in locks maybe?
I've been looking into both the 72 and 73, leaning more towards the 73 so I wonder if there's blade play in the 73 like the 72.
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It's just what I've read here and there. I've heard the same thing about the 65 Ben Hogan not having any blade play, but I think that might be due to the lock being located in the middle of the handle instead of at the end of it.

I've heard that the 73s do not exhibit the 72 lockback's blade play, but that they are nail breakers comparatively.
 
burnside said:
It's just what I've read here and there. I've heard the same thing about the 65 Ben Hogan not having any blade play, but I think that might be due to the lock being located in the middle of the handle instead of at the end of it.

I've heard that the 73s do not exhibit the 72 lockback's blade play, but that they are nail breakers comparatively.
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I think I'm going to hold off on the 72 and 73 for now and look at the 42's and pony jack.
 
Double Ott said:
Barry at Gunstock Jacks Knives and Collectibles sent me an email last night. He told me that he had hand picked a #42 for me for the color. It has ZERO play per Barry and locks up tight (just right). Now that just refers to the one I have on order with him. I can't say anything about the other 42s. This is my first #42 and I'm excited about it. I like lock backs.

Tom
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I think that's the way to go with ordering online which is to talk to one of the sales reps and tell them what you're looking when they hand pick one.
 
I have to tell you guys, GEC has had some issues, but these new runs of 72 are the best fit and finish knives i have (along with the 73s) that i have seen in a long time.
 
#73 slipjoints RARELY have any blade play, as they have the stoutest springs, on average, of any GEC.
#73 linerlocks usually have a little vertical play to the lock bar, but the spring usually keeps it snug during normal use.
 
burnside said:
It's just what I've read here and there. I've heard the same thing about the 65 Ben Hogan not having any blade play, but I think that might be due to the lock being located in the middle of the handle instead of at the end of it.

I've heard that the 73s do not exhibit the 72 lockback's blade play, but that they are nail breakers comparatively.
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I'd like to know where, specifically you get your information from? Do you own a 72? A 42? Or maybe a few 73's so you have first hand experience with any of these?
I heard at the Flea Market that Jim Frost owns W.R Case & Sons Cutlery.
 
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black mamba said:
#73 slipjoints RARELY have any blade play, as they have the stoutest springs, on average, of any GEC.
#73 linerlocks usually have a little vertical play to the lock bar, but the spring usually keeps it snug during normal use.
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I realize this is a thread about 42's:p , but is the 72 or 73 real hard to get open or "nailbreakers".? I use all of my knives and put them to work.
 
I personally own 3 of the original run of 42's and they all have zero blade play in either the vertical or horizontal planes. I also have 5 of the 72's which are all tight in the horizontal but exhibit a small amount of vertical play. By small I mean that you cannot even come close to sliding a sheet of copy paper between the blade and the lock bar when open. More like a tiny "tick" when you move the blade and not really evident during use. Doesn't bother me at all as there are so many more positive attributes the #72 brings to the table that I find it to be one of my favorite knives on the market and a day does not pass now without one in my pocket (of course I have a couple others along for the ride :D ) . Smaller and more people friendly than the #42 which I covet as well. How can you not love this;

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I have an African Blackwood showing on Wednesday. Hope less bladeplay than some of my 72s. I`ll have it just in time for a hiking trip up near Tidiute end of this week! Going to take it with me.
 
WillieD said:
I have an African Blackwood showing on Wednesday. Hope less bladeplay than some of my 72s. I`ll have it just in time for a hiking trip up near Tidiute end of this week! Going to take it with me.
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Please share photos of the ABW 42 when you receive it! That is the one I would pick up if were going to get one.
 
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