Photos For the love of Lockbacks! (Traditionals only)

[screened porch]

 

[Hibou Canne]

 

[Chief]

Popped my 83 apart to have a look at the insides. There is a lot going on with the spring and small nub in the blade catch, everything has to be just so in order for the lock to lock and unlock. Have owned approximately 20 GEC lockbacks and all but one, a SS 42, have rock lock you can feel. 99s are the worst, followed by 72s. My 83 has also developed some side-to-side play after years of use. Can make it go away by pinching the bolsters but it comes back so not worth the effort. This is not a criticism, just my opinion based on my observations. I also feel steel liners would improve GEC lockbacks, brass is simply more malleable. That said, my GEC lockbacks have never failed or hinted at failure in use. They are sufficient for their intended use, small traditional knives. Maybe this will be my first recover, chipped the coco on the pile side near the lanyard hole during disassembly.

B BrotherJim this shot shows the U shaped cutout in the blade the lock fits against. Pretty sure all GEC lockbacks are built like this, all mine are. So much gunk in this 83 is difficult to see clearly until taken apart / cleaned out.

 

[BrotherJim]

Popped my 83 apart to have a look at the insides. There is a lot going on with the spring and small nub in the blade catch, everything has to be just so in order for the lock to lock and unlock. Have owned approximately 20 GEC lockbacks and all but one, a SS 42, have rock lock you can feel. 99s are the worst, followed by 72s. My 83 has also developed some side-to-side play after years of use. Can make it go away by pinching the bolsters but it comes back so not worth the effort. This is not a criticism, just my opinion based on my observations. I also feel steel liners would improve GEC lockbacks, brass is simply more malleable. That said, my GEC lockbacks have never failed or hinted at failure in use. They are sufficient for their intended use, small traditional knives. Maybe this will be my first recover, chipped the coco on the pile side near the lanyard hole during disassembly.

B BrotherJim this shot shows the U shaped cutout in the blade the lock fits against. Pretty sure all GEC lockbacks are built like this, all mine are. So much gunk in this 83 is difficult to see clearly until taken apart / cleaned out.

VERY interesting to see. Thank you for posting this !!!

 

[wouter1967]

Vintage three some.

Edit : Added a second photo.

 

[wouter1967]

 

[Modoc ED]

 

[tiguy7]

LionSteel Best Man and Seibert EmoskopView attachment 1887852View attachment 1887851

 

[Will Power]

Popped my 83 apart to have a look at the insides. There is a lot going on with the spring and small nub in the blade catch, everything has to be just so in order for the lock to lock and unlock. Have owned approximately 20 GEC lockbacks and all but one, a SS 42, have rock lock you can feel. 99s are the worst, followed by 72s. My 83 has also developed some side-to-side play after years of use. Can make it go away by pinching the bolsters but it comes back so not worth the effort. This is not a criticism, just my opinion based on my observations. I also feel steel liners would improve GEC lockbacks, brass is simply more malleable. That said, my GEC lockbacks have never failed or hinted at failure in use. They are sufficient for their intended use, small traditional knives. Maybe this will be my first recover, chipped the coco on the pile side near the lanyard hole during disassembly.

B BrotherJim this shot shows the U shaped cutout in the blade the lock fits against. Pretty sure all GEC lockbacks are built like this, all mine are. So much gunk in this 83 is difficult to see clearly until taken apart / cleaned out.

Interesting & thorough research

I'm certain you're correct about the brass liners, if they were steel the whole knife would be tighter. The 83 is a fine sized small lockback with tremendous scale options, it's just a bit of a drawback that they can develop play.

Thanks, Will

 

[mbkr]

LionSteel Best Man and Seibert EmoskopView attachment 1887852View attachment 1887851

Nice knife. I have an identical one. Not to put too fine a point on it, but its not a lockback.

 

[mbkr]

110 and little brother 55. Both with ebony handles.

 

[Bastler]

 

[Hyesouljah]

I do love this Bocote 83 but it might be time to make either my dark brew jigged bone or stag 83 a new user. Either cover would be a first as a user for me

 

[unwisefool]

Interesting & thorough research

I'm certain you're correct about the brass liners, if they were steel the whole knife would be tighter. The 83 is a fine sized small lockback with tremendous scale options, it's just a bit of a drawback that they can develop play.

Thanks, Will

What size is the knife in your photo? Thanks!

 

[Centermass]

Definitely love me some lockbacks!

 

[tiguy7]

Nice knife. I have an identical one. Not to put too fine a point on it, but its not a lockback.

Guilty as charged. Have to start posting earlier in the day.View attachment 1888588View attachment 1888587

 

[brownshoe]

I do love this Bocote 83 but it might be time to make either my dark brew jigged bone or stag 83 a new user. Either cover would be a first as a user for me
View attachment 1888467

Is your dog a pit? I Em.

 

[mitch13]

 

[Will Power]

What size is the knife in your photo? Thanks!

The GEC 83 is 3 3/8" closed, a size I like for a lockback.

Thanks, Will

 

[Hyesouljah]

Is your dog a pit? I Em.

She is an American Staffordshire Terrier. Part of the same family as Pits! They’re such great dogs!