Thinking of buying a GEC #78 American Jack.

R

Relee1

Joined
Oct 31, 2013
Messages
315
Just wondering what those who have one think of it. I want it as a user. Any comments, pro or con, would be helpful.
 
Last edited:
Do it! And post pics to that thread when you get one, I love seeing 78's in the wild!
 
I've wanted a 78 for some time but have been very hesitant to buy one because of their reputation for very stiff springs. It's a shame because I love everything else about them.
 
I have one in african blackwood and really love it even though it has a stout pull, stout blades and great snap. It reminds me of the vintage turn of the century ebony jackknives.
 
addylo said:
I've wanted a 78 for some time but have been very hesitant to buy one because of their reputation for very stiff springs. It's a shame because I love everything else about them.
Click to expand...
A stiff spring can be softened pretty easily. I had a nail breaker #23...was a bear trap, and I washed it, oiled it, and worked it until it's now about a 5 or 6. If you want a #78, fear not....it can be tamed, and when it is, you've got yourself a fine knife with plenty of W & T.
 
I've got a 72 that's also a bear trap. Nothing I've done seems to tame that beast. I even left it a quarter open for a week but no joy. I still like it but can't open it without breaking a nail.

Maybe I should try the 78. It can't be worse. Let me know how yours turns out.
 
addylo said:
I've got a 72 that's also a bear trap. Nothing I've done seems to tame that beast. I even left it a quarter open for a week but no joy. I still like it but can't open it without breaking a nail.

Maybe I should try the 78. It can't be worse. Let me know how yours turns out.
Click to expand...

Will do. BTW, here is a pretty good you tube vid review of this knife. This reviewer had obviously had this knife for a couple of weeks, and it looks like he tamed the blade somewhat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqf5JXnAv5o
 
My 78 has a pretty strong pull.
I always thought it was caused by the full , half stop ( squared off tang). How would you soften that?
 
See the end of the thread I previously referenced, I described the method I used to soften one of mine and it worked incredibly well. Still has very solid and positive half-stop and full open positions but it's much easier on the nails!
 
I've had good luck with loosening the pull on GEC knives by first, using dishwater detergent, opening up the knife and washing it thoroughly under hot water from the faucet, this gets much gunk, dirt and shavings out of the knife. I then dry it using compressed air (keyboard duster). Then I oil it well, taking care to use plenty of mineral oil. I then remove excess oil and wrap the blade in something and begin pumping the blade back and forth, allowing the oil to get in all the joints. I continue to do this from time to time for several days. during the evenings before bed, I leave the blade partially open overnight to stretch the back spring. I do this for several days.

Eventually, the pull on the knife will be reduced, and the "bear trap" will just become a knife with nice W & T. I do this with many of my GEC knives, and it makes quite a difference.
 
In cranberry jig bone.

First of all it is a drop dead gorgeous knife. That deep cranberry jigging against the polished mirror finished blade is something to see.
Secondly, who said it had a hard pull? I'd rate it about a 7, but really nowhere near a nail breaker like my #23.
Thirdly (that's a word, right?), the pen blade on this knife is over 2 inches long, and is one of the most useful I've ever encountered.

Overall, it seems to be perfectly named. It reminds me of the way pocket knives used to be made in America....tough, reliable, and true blue dependable.

Why has no one told me about this "American Jack," and what an outstanding knife it is?

I'll be carrying it daily for a while, and let you know what I think then. Thank you all for your earlier responses to my inquiry.
 
Oh come on Relee1.... You can't make that post without pictures!! ;)
 
Relee1 said:
In cranberry jig bone.

First of all it is a drop dead gorgeous knife. That deep cranberry jigging against the polished mirror finished blade is something to see.
Secondly, who said it had a hard pull? I'd rate it about a 7, but really nowhere near a nail breaker like my #23.
Thirdly (that's a word, right?), the pen blade on this knife is over 2 inches long, and is one of the most useful I've ever encountered.

Overall, it seems to be perfectly named. It reminds me of the way pocket knives used to be made in America....tough, reliable, and true blue dependable.

Why has no one told me about this "American Jack," and what an outstanding knife it is?

I'll be carrying it daily for a while, and let you know what I think then. Thank you all for your earlier responses to my inquiry.
Click to expand...

Glad you're liking yours. I just got one of the Chestnut Jigged Bone versions and it is a great knife. I love the coloration of the bone. Just like the Autumn gold on my Pemberton.




Mine was a bit of a nailbreaker in that it literally tore off a good chunk of my left thumb nail. I softened the spring using the icepick method. I went a bit overboard, from an 8-9 down to a 4-5, and was kicking myself, but with a little tuning and cleaning the action is nice and smooth and the walk and talk is positive. The pull now is actually a lot like my 15 Harness Jack. If I had to do over I'd probably stopped short of how far I softened it as it feels like different knife in a way, but I'm happy, and it will be used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top