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Blade play in a GEC lock back.??
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 8:37 pm
by MikeEngland
I Was never really interested in a lock back folder until I found a GEC #72 that I just fell in love with. Now that I have the knife in hand, I'm curious about the amount of play it has when locked open.

It's not terrible, but compaired to the other 3 GECs I have it is much more noticable. I have a #56 and a #65 that are just sound as a hound with a pound of ground round, but, of course, they are just regular slippies. I also have a #73 linerlock. The linerlock, when open, locks up much tighter than the 72 with very little play. Another noticable difference with the 72 is that the back spring is
much lighter than the 73, which kinda thru me.
Anyway, What I'd like to know is, are these differences typical for a lock back folder? The knife functions fine and locks securely, but I feel a bit of a wiggle when I'm useing it and it's a little off putting

I'd really appreciate some opinions from you lock back lovers out there.
Re: Blade play in a GEC lock back.??
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 8:41 pm
by chetr1200c
mike, they are not typical to wobble, even a little. i would not be satisfied with it and i would send it back, especially if it is new. i carry an old japan inexpensive lockback everyday in a belt sheath, and use it every day too. it is as sound and strong as the day it was bought 22 yrs ago
Re: Blade play in a GEC lock back.??
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 9:13 pm
by junebug
mike i have a 72 also that i have noticed a couple differances on.....
the back spring is NOT like any of my folders.....
it is the only lock back by them i have too,so nothing to compare it too.
the open an close swing is SMOOTH AS SILK,very light!
mine locks up tight no blade wobble!
but, it does have a small hitch in it UNLOCK function, its like it has a small bur.???
but nothin bad at all in my opion....i love it!!!
Re: Blade play in a GEC lock back.??
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 9:17 pm
by biglmbass
It's my experience the 72s are prone to slight blade play. I returned the 2 examples I had for a refund, but I'm told GEC can make them tight should you decide to send them in for repair.
Re: Blade play in a GEC lock back.??
Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 2:49 pm
by MikeEngland
THanks for the advice guys

I've contacted GEC and they said they's be happy to take a look at it for me. I can't wait! If this knife comes back working like the rest of the GEC items I own I'm gonna be one happy customer

Re: Blade play in a GEC lock back.??
Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 4:12 pm
by chetr1200c
they have a great customer relations program. they always satisfied my needs. i even had an edc un-x-ld retouched by them when i was at the cyclops plant last year. it was a stag 73 pattern. they buffed out all the scratches on the two blades, sharpened them, and then restamped the etching on the blade..made the knife look brand new while i waited. it took them only 15 mins.
you will be happy when you get it back
