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!
