Question on GEC 99 Wallstreet American Elk

M

Murindo

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I handled one today. Sweet knife. I was surprised that it is roughly the same size as my Viper Swayback Stag. The blades are virtually identical. I would judge the fit and finish on the Viper to be slightly better.

I noticed that there is a slight side to side play in the lockup on the 99. Is this common for these knives? There is no play on the Viper or on my other GEC's.

While these were certainly worth the original $ 90 MSRP, I can't see paying $ 225 to $ 300 for one now, but then I'm a user not a collector.
 
Murindo said:
I handled one today. Sweet knife. I was surprised that it is roughly the same size as my Viper Swayback Stag. The blades are virtually identical. I would judge the fit and finish on the Viper to be slightly better.

I noticed that there is a slight side to side play in the lockup on the 99. Is this common for these knives? There is no play on the Viper or on my other GEC's.

While these were certainly worth the original $ 90 MSRP, I can't see paying $ 225 to $ 300 for one now, but then I'm a user not a collector.
Click to expand...
Lock up on GEC lock backs often have slight blade play, but the 99s are collectible because they are stainless steel, which GEC doesn’t do as often as 1095. GEC also has more “hand made” processes in their production than Viper. The Viper is a “super steel” as well.
 
JohnDF said:
I can say the same thing about any GEC ever made.
I'm patient and I can wait for a GEC knife I want to become available at retail price.
Click to expand...

I guess I don't quite understand. There is no waiting for another issue of 99's as far as I know.
 
JTB_5 JTB_5 I think he is talking about the GEC Viper with 1095 or 440C.

M Murindo GEC lockbacks tend to have a little blade play. Is ok, have carried and used an 83 pretty hard, the lock has never hinting at failing. If anything the gunk down inside has tightened it up a bit. IMO the size of the 99s make the slight blade play more noticeable. Gave the one on top away so don't have the receipt but pretty sure it was more than 90 MSRP.

GEC99pair-1.jpg
 
Do you mean the brand Viper?...or GEC Viper? Lockbacks nearly always have blade play...
 
Pretty much seems like any lock from any brand have variations of play. I have a user GEC lock back without any significant play, but many report some play. A lot of people have other modern folders with integral locks that have play, and some don't within the same brand and model - Sebenza comes to mind as I was just over on that side of the forum. In my opinion, price, brand, or type of lock, is a luck of the draw if you will have blade play. People will say their x brand lock is perfect, and others will say their x brand lock has play. Both groups, with the same brand and model are right.
 
Murindo said:
There is no waiting for another issue of 99's as far as I know.
Click to expand...
You can go two ways with it...
You can wait for somebody to sell theirs at retail price.
Or you can wait for GEC to produce more, which I'm sure they will eventually.
 
Chief said:
JTB_5 JTB_5 I think he is talking about the GEC Viper with 1095 or 440C.

M Murindo GEC lockbacks tend to have a little blade play. Is ok, have carried and used an 83 pretty hard, the lock has never hinting at failing. If anything the gunk down inside has tightened it up a bit. IMO the size of the 99s make the slight blade play more noticeable. Gave the one on top away so don't have the receipt but pretty sure it was more than 90 MSRP.

GEC99pair-1.jpg
Click to expand...
That’s possible, I hadn’t considered that. I’d take a 47 Viper over a 99 in a heartbeat.
 
I was referring to the Italian Viper Knives Swayback with M390 blade, Ti bolsters, and stag scales. Magnificent knife!

I don't mind a little side to side blade play in a knife with a hidden pivot. Just wanted to know if this was typical in a 99 Wallstreet.

In my experience most lock backs with exposed adjustable pivots have no side to side blade play.
 
GEC lockers do exhibit slight up and down play, my 83s have a little but very little, the Clip Wall St. Stag despite having been a user seems to have none.

As for all lockbacks exhibit play, not so if you have a Moki-you can barely see the join between tang and spring :cool: Got to say that the two RR lockbacks I own and 2 Chinese OT 3 have no play either but the finish is not Japanese standard ;)
 
having recently scored a 99 myself, there is a certainly a little play, but not excessive.
 
My 30yo beat to hell, used as a hammer, Buck 110 has no play as does my 2018 Bose/Case Wilford hunter. You guys used to moan about play in Queens Mtn Man lockback. Why is play OK in GEC?
 
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