Vertical blade play....acceptable or not?

R

Relee1

Joined
Oct 31, 2013
Messages
315
I need some help from my forum friends. I just bought a brand new knife manufactured by GEC. Terrific knife....beautiful. The problem is that it has a small amount of vertical blade play, which causes the blade to wiggle a bit when in the open position.

My question to you is. Should I return it for repair, or just live with it?

What are your thoughts
 
If it's a lockback, I've concluded that it's almost to be expected with the design.

I do have a Buck 110 and a Buck 500, both from the 70s/early 80s and they have no play. Also few Schrades (Davek, carrying the one you sent today - thanks again my friend). But, in general, if pushed hard, I think there's just too many places that design can loosen up.

I find it unacceptable. But, I used to work as a bike mechanic and just can't stand something in my hand that has slop in it. I've also found that Opinels can be used harder with no blade play. At the end of the day, it's your hand and your satisfaction that matters.
 
yea, I have two #42 LBs and they have a little play but as pinnah says, it is somewhat common.

what knife is it?
 
I would say if it's just a tiny bit and it's not a bother to you, then it should not be an issue. As mentioned previously, it's not a rare occurrence with the design. Some makers execute it better than others, but it should be fine.

If it's a new production knife, the seller or maker may swap it out for you. If it's a vintage knife, it may have developed this simply from use & wear.

I've a couple that have a bit of movement and have never had a problem.
 
My GEC 72 has a little vertical play. Doesn't seem to hurt anything but it is a little disappointing. I have used lockbacks for years and my GEC is my first one with noticeable play.

Jim
 
I believe that is just how they are made by GEC and with the high overall quality of my #72, I can live with that.
 
I love my GECs (no backlocks) for their very honest design and quality. I do not consider backlock play to be acceptable from this manufacturer in this price range. I have Italian, French, German and American backlock knives in higher (and lower) price ranges with absolutely no play in the lock. So what ?
 
It is a folder (no lock back), A Northwoods Fremont Jack in Mammoth. A beautiful knife, so I don't want to replace it. KSF will stand behind it, if I want it replaced or repaired. My concern is: If I send it in for repair, will GEC be able to repair it without in some way damaging it in the process. My guess is that they will have to replace the blade. I want it tight because the blade wobbles when in the open position, but I could live with the wobble if I thought that in the repair process, the knife was somehow changed for the worse.

If it weren't so darn gorgeous, I'd have it replaced, but I'm not going to find another mammoth as pretty as this one.
 
Northwoods is a KnivesShipFree.com house brand. GEC makes them as a special factory order for KSF. I would suggest you contact Derrick Bohn at KSF to discuss the proper returns/repair procedure rather than going directly to GEC.
 
Never heard of blade wobble on the Fremonts until now and that's a hefty price to pay for wobble.:D Call up and see what they say. they'll make it right.
 
jc57 said:
Northwoods is a KnivesShipFree.com house brand. GEC makes them as a special factory order for KSF. I would suggest you contact Derrick Bohn at KSF to discuss the proper returns/repair procedure rather than going directly to GEC.
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Have done that and KSF (Jason) told me to go ahead and send it to GEC, because they would do the same, and I could avoid a step by sending it directly to GEC. KSF will stand behind whatever I want to do with it. I'm just wondering whether I should send it in for repair, or just live with some blade wobble.
 
Derrick and KSF is very straight up and quality committed. Trust them to get it right.
 
jc57 said:
Northwoods is a KnivesShipFree.com house brand. GEC makes them as a special factory order for KSF. I would suggest you contact Derrick Bohn at KSF to discuss the proper returns/repair procedure rather than going directly to GEC.
Click to expand...

That sounds right to me... That knife at that price should be darn near to perfect. KSF will make things right.
 
I've checked a number of my GEC slipjoints, and none of them have vertical blade-play. (I assume you mean play along the same plane as the blade, not sideways.) On a couple knives with secondary blades with lighter closing pressure (pull), I can bounce the blade against the spring by pushing in the closing direction, but I wouldn't call that "play", the blade is just moving in the direction of closing, but it snaps back open. Slipjoints stay open by spring pressure and the force against the cutting edge. If the blade pivots away from the open position with light pressure, and does not snap back open, that is not normal.
 
rma100 said:
Send it to GEC. They know how to fix knives without destroying them.
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Thanks Bob, I know you have a close relationships with the good folks at GEC, so I know You've dealt with these kinds of issues before. I'll send the knife to GEC for repair.

Thanks everyone, for your help. This one's going back.
 
Sherman01 said:
I've checked a number of my GEC slipjoints, and none of them have vertical blade-play. (I assume you mean play along the same plane as the blade, not sideways.) On a couple knives with secondary blades with lighter closing pressure (pull), I can bounce the blade against the spring by pushing in the closing direction, but I wouldn't call that "play", the blade is just moving in the direction of closing, but it snaps back open. Slipjoints stay open by spring pressure and the force against the cutting edge. If the blade pivots away from the open position with light pressure, and does not snap back open, that is not normal.
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Sherman, I have over 60 knives made by GEC, and have had zero issues, and certainly no vertical play before. I was quite surprised with this knife, I feel confident they will make it right.
 
Relee1 said:
Thanks Bob, I know you have a close relationships with the good folks at GEC, so I know You've dealt with these kinds of issues before. I'll send the knife to GEC for repair.

Thanks everyone, for your help. This one's going back.
Click to expand...
Only thing I'd add is that if you're in love with your knife . . . and you sound as if you are . . . I'd suggest you stipulate that you don't want GEC to replace it. If it can't be fixed, ask them to send it back to you as is. Otherwise, they have the right to send you a replacement. This statement comes directly from the GEC Warranty:

"GEC reserves the right to replace parts with those that are on hand and not identical to the products original form. GEC may at its discretion offer a replacement product, either identical to or of similar value, to the customer." [Emphasis added.]
 
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