2020 GEC #23 Trapper Thread

I'm going to reserve judgement until I see more reviews or try one myself.
I've seen too many reports of knives having a '9' pull, just to end up being a '6' or '7' when i got it.
A good example of this is the A Wright Lambsfoot. Some people think they are bear traps.
If you're used to a '5' pull, a '7' can feel pretty bad until you're used to it.

 

Exactly. Nine minus two is seven. Seven is about right.

 

Out of curiosity, I got in early the first of the new 23s. No denying that it’s an attractive & very well crafted example/model. It has proven chops since it’s intro years ago and has a robust following in the resale market.

I think this is a great knife for the collector/fan of strong pulls. However, as a collector/user I can’t really use it. One of GECs top dealers rates that pull as a 9 out of 10. I would say that could be close – though maybe a strong 8 at the most? Who knows, it can get a bit subjective at this level… Anyway, I know my nails will never be strong enough to use this on a daily basis or to just admire the function on my desk – not to mention, one of my hobbies is guitar - and I need my thumbnail (well, to be honest, repairing my own motorcycles & other stuff in the barn doesn't help in the thumbnail dept). It may, however, improve with use? Time will tell…

We all set our own standards, so there is no good or bad here. For those who like a 9 gator snap classic, you have been very well served. When I bought this, I was close to straying from my standard, anyway – that is, if I am looking for a knife of this length, girth and weight, it has to (for me) be easier to open. As such, for utility it can’t compete with my Dad’s Case Trapper. On the practical side of smaller, I will revert down to my blade delete 86 – a favorite.

You can see from the photo that the 23 is “substantial” and, (IMHO) it ranks as a great value. Looks like a terrific run – enjoy!

 

If these are truly an 8-ish pull, I can't wait to get mine.

 

My experience with the Wright lambsfoots is that two of mine have strong gator snaps, and two are easy to open either with the nail nick or by pinching. In other words, inconsistent.
My two GEC folders have very nice pulls (5 or 6?), but I dislike halfstops.

 

I hear ya but when some dealers are rating them as 9 out of 10 average pull it also got my attention. Guess everyone has a different way of rating them. For me when you have to bite down and grunt lol loosing pieces of Your finger nail trying to open it and don’t look forward to trying to open it that’s a 9 to me and to strong of a pull.

 

Does anyone own one that has owned the last run of 46 whalers? How does the pull compare?

 

Will the liner locks have a lighter pull, since the liner locks the blade? I have never held a locking GEC, so don't know. I am looking forward to getting my hands on one of the liner locks when they become available as I love the size and shape of the #23.

My 44 had the heaviest pull of the few GECs that I own. The 23 is definitely heavier.

 

Southriv, I am a user of knives that likes to collect knives I use. Everyone's experience is different, but I think a heavy knife whittles and makes fuzzy sticks easier because of the size and weight. Also, the bigger the folding knife, the better for the camp and kitchen. I love large folding knives for the field.

Geoff

 

One thing for sure the 23 is a beautiful knife and pattern

 

It's about and 7.5 on the main and a 7 on the secondary. At least in my opinion. I like the strong pulls though.

 

This definitely a substantial knife and you know when it's in your front pocket LOL.

 

Just for comparison, I've had a dozen different #44 Buffalo Jacks, and every one has been a 6, super consistent. I'd be surprised if the #23s weren't heavier. 7 to 7½ sounds about right for the ones I've had in the past. The linerlocks still have the same springs, so the pulls usually are not any lighter. The lock just prevents closing.

 

Not a 9 pull in my world. Which is a good thing. I agree with 7- 7.5.

 

I am loving the belly on the spey blade

 

It’s a shame that’s not the one they’re putting in the liner lock.

 

I respect your opinion on pulls since you are a fellow Lamb owner and have experienced this weight of pull before.

I'd completely agree that the #44s had a #6 pull.

This is sounding great!!!
I'd say a 7-7.5 sounds perfect on a big knife like this.

 

Since we’re doing comparisons would anyone mind showing me the 23 and the 97 together?

 

@Christopher Bastian

 

Thank you sir! That’s a big ‘ol knife.