So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

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LSS152
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So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by LSS152 »

I really like the size and style of the blade and frame. Mine was made in 2013. The only thing I don’t like the the blade wobble when the blade is open. Are all the lock backs like that? I have never owned one before. Can this be fixed? Every newer GEC I have has been perfect except this one. Here is a picture.
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XX Case XX
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by XX Case XX »

I know your question concerns GEC Lockbacks which I don't own, however, I have noticed slight side-to-side in many name brand lockback's. Don't know why but that's what I've found. Big or small seems to make no difference. I don't get it either. ::shrug::

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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by kootenay joe »

Yes most people with GEC lockbacks report some blade play when in the open locked position. A knife mechanic should be able to explain why these LB's have blade play.
Other brands such as Rough Rider 'never' have blade play in their lockbacks.
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QTCut5
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by QTCut5 »

All three of the 2010 GEC #72s I used to own had slight up/down movement (but no side-to-side wobble) in open locked position. I've read comments by others saying basically the same thing. Apparently that's just how they were made.
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by jerryd6818 »

You made me do it. I had to go dig out my 72 made in 2010 and give it a try. It has no side to side play and the very smallest hint of blade rock in the open and locked position.
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by kootenay joe »

I have a 2012 #72 Northfield with a clip blade and slight side to side play but zero up-down play.
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by royal0014 »

Now if those knives were good and 'snug' y'all would be
on here complainin' about them being too tight . . . . :lol:

On a user lock back a little side to side play is normal and acceptable imho.
But ... up and down play is a no go. I would not trust the lock.

Again, that's just my opinion .. ... ..
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by gsmith7158 »

This 72 came in yesterday is one of the three that Q showed earlier. Thanks Q it's a great knife and as you said has just an ever so slight up and down movement. I don't believe the blade would close unexpectedly but I will say this, the Case Tribal Lock that I have been carrying for the past few weeks is rock solid. No movement in any direction when opened.
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QTCut5
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Re: So I picked up a # 72 and I have a question

Post by QTCut5 »

royal0014 wrote:Now if those knives were good and 'snug' y'all would be
on here complainin' about them being too tight . . . . :lol:
I beg to differ. A lock back does not have to be super stiff to function properly. I have a number of Case Copperlocks (1549WL) that open smooth as silk, lock up rock solid (with absolutely zero play in any direction) and require minimal pressure to release the lock. A perfectly engineered and manufactured lock back made in USA that can be purchased brand new for under $50. I wonder why GEC can't produce a lock back folder of equal quality? Maybe they have and I'm just not aware of it...I've never had or heard/read much about the #99 Wall Street, for example. But pretty much everything I've ever read about the #72 mentions some degree of blade play.

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We are all just prisoners here of our own device.
In the master's chamber they gather for the feast.
They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast.
(Eagles: Hotel California)


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