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Why are GECs so hard to open?
- Thread starter filedog
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The funny thing is I'm with the others who didn't know which dealer the knife was purchased from and didn't think this was so much about the dealer as about the pulls on GECs.
For whatever it's worth, I've had four GECs (#s 15, 48 and 71) and had no problem opening any of them.
For whatever it's worth, I've had four GECs (#s 15, 48 and 71) and had no problem opening any of them.
I specifically avoid GEC models that have reputations for difficult springs. I found the White Owl perfect, as well as the Gambler.
The #15 was not too stiff for myself, but for something advertised as a "Boy's Knife"? That thing is much stronger than a Swiss Army Knife and would guillotine my seven-year-old's fingers.
The #15 was not too stiff for myself, but for something advertised as a "Boy's Knife"? That thing is much stronger than a Swiss Army Knife and would guillotine my seven-year-old's fingers.
Will Power
Gold Member
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- Jan 18, 2007
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Back to the springs issue. Not all of them are hard to open, but having robust springs may have a connexion to their generally sturdy construction/weight, perhaps?
The White Owl 68 would be an excellent choice for the OP. No half-stop, smooth opening and very decent snap, best of all worlds. They offer Spear or Clip Master blades and come in stainless as well. They are single-spring knives so if you prefer Jacks, they are not the thing. I rate them very highly indeed.
A slightly smaller choice is the Conductor 33, but you get a LOT of blade relative to its 3.25" frame, again no half stop, moderate pull and fine snap.
The 56 Dogleg Jack has moderate pull and no half stops and the 66 Jack is a good sturdy knife without over zealous springs.....The Eureka Jack is also one to consider as it's got reasonable springs and fine action.
Generally, I like stoutly sprung knives I dislike soft springs and get rid of knives with wimpish springs. As for the wet hands/gloves scenario that's where one handed openers come into their own.
Some GEC patterns or examples have challenged me. An early 73 is really tough and I've heard it said that later models are generally mellower. I don't know about that...last week I got a 73 made in 2013 from the exchange. Wonderful looking knife, great bone and finish but it defeats even my tolerance for strong springs. This is almost a pliers job to open it! It's not helped by the placement of the Longpull nail nick which makes opening even more tricky. The half stop is brutal and closing it requires total concentration. I've flushed it out, left it open stressed overnight but nothing seems to make any difference. I really question if GEC could fix it short of dismantling the knife, which they probably won't. Another one of their knives having an unbearable spring is the tiny 26 Sleeveboard, it's fantastic Primitive Bone but you can feel your nail lifting when opening it :barf: On such a tiny knife this is outlandish.
Finally, they usually have robust springs, some patterns 23, 73 and 78 often have 'difficult' springs, but many GECs are lighter and more thumb friendly, the GEC made Northwoods Northfolk has extremely light springs and not very much snap, so they do offer a range of strengths.
Regards, Will
The White Owl 68 would be an excellent choice for the OP. No half-stop, smooth opening and very decent snap, best of all worlds. They offer Spear or Clip Master blades and come in stainless as well. They are single-spring knives so if you prefer Jacks, they are not the thing. I rate them very highly indeed.
A slightly smaller choice is the Conductor 33, but you get a LOT of blade relative to its 3.25" frame, again no half stop, moderate pull and fine snap.
The 56 Dogleg Jack has moderate pull and no half stops and the 66 Jack is a good sturdy knife without over zealous springs.....The Eureka Jack is also one to consider as it's got reasonable springs and fine action.
Generally, I like stoutly sprung knives I dislike soft springs and get rid of knives with wimpish springs. As for the wet hands/gloves scenario that's where one handed openers come into their own.
Some GEC patterns or examples have challenged me. An early 73 is really tough and I've heard it said that later models are generally mellower. I don't know about that...last week I got a 73 made in 2013 from the exchange. Wonderful looking knife, great bone and finish but it defeats even my tolerance for strong springs. This is almost a pliers job to open it! It's not helped by the placement of the Longpull nail nick which makes opening even more tricky. The half stop is brutal and closing it requires total concentration. I've flushed it out, left it open stressed overnight but nothing seems to make any difference. I really question if GEC could fix it short of dismantling the knife, which they probably won't. Another one of their knives having an unbearable spring is the tiny 26 Sleeveboard, it's fantastic Primitive Bone but you can feel your nail lifting when opening it :barf: On such a tiny knife this is outlandish.
Finally, they usually have robust springs, some patterns 23, 73 and 78 often have 'difficult' springs, but many GECs are lighter and more thumb friendly, the GEC made Northwoods Northfolk has extremely light springs and not very much snap, so they do offer a range of strengths.
Regards, Will
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