Augie
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Buttons are random, when they have them I was told GEC puts them in 1 of every 5 tubes but that may have changed.
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2020 GEC #23 Trapper Thread
- Thread starter bax229
- Start date
Buttons are random, when they have them I was told GEC puts them in 1 of every 5 tubes but that may have changed.
TexasTomcat
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Photo and what kind jigging you have on your OKCA?
The jigging is different on each of the beavers, no two are identical. As far as buttons go, its seems to be done at random. You may get one or not. I have about 6 or so GEC knives and only ever gotten one.
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I bought both also. I noticed the same thing. The two blade has the tighter jigging. And the #23LL has the wider flat space jigging. I liked the tighter jigging best at first. I have another #23LL beaver gnawed on the way. It would be nice to have tighter jigging on that one. I hope GEC will offer old beaver cherry-wood models with the new jigging. That would be fun. Both of new beaver gnawed jigging knives are really nice , so it really does not matter. I think every 2020 GEC#23/23LL knife is a hit.
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I have about 6 to 8 GEC knives with that jigging. I never could get a straight answer from my fellow collectors about the name. It is most definitely my favorite jigging "FEEL" in my hand. I was calling it "wavy peach-seed" jigging. Now I call it it "wavy Rogers" bone jigging. If I am wrong ,please correct me. I am here to learn.
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No two are the same , I guess it is a "Pot Luck" thing. I am so happy with the quality on all of my #23s so far.Even some of the two blades had flat spots and wider jigging.
I like the one that I got as well. It's from the 2nd round of LL to dealers and does have wider jigging with more flat spots. It seems the later they are in production the wider the jigging got. Some of the early ones seem to have jigging right on top of each other, I would rather have flat spots than that.
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Finally got to play with my new #23 Micarta...
GEC did a great job as usual. Just excellent fit and finish. I won't re-hash everything everybody else has already said. This is my first #23, and while it's a big knife, it's not overwhelming. Also, my first jigged Micarta and I really like it, it's very grippy. And finally the pull and action... I was wondering what it was going to be like after reading so many complain about the strength and selling them off. But, it's a solid #7 pull to my thinking, same as my old #73, which is a favorite carry. In fact, I was surprised how easy it is to pinch the blade open. I'd say the pull is perfect for a knife like this and the walk n talk is excellent as well. Well done GEC.
GEC did a great job as usual. Just excellent fit and finish. I won't re-hash everything everybody else has already said. This is my first #23, and while it's a big knife, it's not overwhelming. Also, my first jigged Micarta and I really like it, it's very grippy. And finally the pull and action... I was wondering what it was going to be like after reading so many complain about the strength and selling them off. But, it's a solid #7 pull to my thinking, same as my old #73, which is a favorite carry. In fact, I was surprised how easy it is to pinch the blade open. I'd say the pull is perfect for a knife like this and the walk n talk is excellent as well. Well done GEC.
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My blue camel bone is on the way, cant wait to get it in, will be my first and only of the 23 pattern. Unless there ends up being a northwoods model
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I just received an E-mail . My Blue Camel bone knife has just been shipped. I am sweating it out for a Mesquite wood #23LL invoice. I'll be so happy when this run is over. I want that GEC#33 Conductor Tidioute knife. I expect some killer knives will be produced in months ahead. The GEC#23LL Bullet red-tail jigged bone knife is next. Those will sellout very fast.
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btb01
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Finally got to play with my new #23 Micarta...
GEC did a great job as usual. Just excellent fit and finish. I won't re-hash everything everybody else has already said. This is my first #23, and while it's a big knife, it's not overwhelming. Also, my first jigged Micarta and I really like it, it's very grippy. And finally the pull and action... I was wondering what it was going to be like after reading so many complain about the strength and selling them off. But, it's a solid #7 pull to my thinking, same as my old #73, which is a favorite carry. In fact, I was surprised how easy it is to pinch the blade open. I'd say the pull is perfect for a knife like this and the walk n talk is excellent as well. Well done GEC.
Nice assessment, John.
You can pinch yours open?! 
I got two #23 liner locks in, a Beaver Tail a couple days ago and a Micarta yesterday. I haven’t had a chance to take any pictures outside yet, but I did snap this one last night (after doing a bit of doodling while watching TV).
I definitely like this pattern more as a single blade than the double, and the liner lock is a nice feature but not really necessary in my opinion. The pulls are stout but manageable. After reading @JohnDF’s comment I tried pinching both of mine open, but that’s not happening (maybe with some pine tar on my fingers
). I agree that the Micarta has a nice texture, and I bet it will darken a bit with use and look really nice.I sharpened my Micarta this afternoon and I’m planning on carrying it for a while. (That one in particular is just begging for some patina!) One minor complaint I have about that knife is that whoever sharpened it at GEC got a little heavy handed (or pivoted the knife a little) near the tang/sharpening choil, so the bevel there is a little wider than the rest of the edge, sort of creeping up the side of the blade if that makes sense. Not a big deal, but I can be kinda OCD about having nice, clean, even bevels, so it’s a minor annoyance.
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The OKCA is a jigged bone but not sure what style I would call it, love it honestly. My favorite 2 blade of the run. Here's a few pics including the button.
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John I’m glad you’re able to “Pinch” the blade open!Finally got to play with my new #23 Micarta...
GEC did a great job as usual. Just excellent fit and finish. I won't re-hash everything everybody else has already said. This is my first #23, and while it's a big knife, it's not overwhelming. Also, my first jigged Micarta and I really like it, it's very grippy. And finally the pull and action... I was wondering what it was going to be like after reading so many complain about the strength and selling them off. But, it's a solid #7 pull to my thinking, same as my old #73, which is a favorite carry. In fact, I was surprised how easy it is to pinch the blade open. I'd say the pull is perfect for a knife like this and the walk n talk is excellent as well. Well done GEC.
I was afraid it might be more than you could handle! 
It’s a great knife my friend! I can’t wait to see what you end up with for a sheath/slip! Great post Barrett!Nice assessment, John.
I got two #23 liner locks in, a Beaver Tail a couple days ago and a Micarta yesterday. I haven’t had a chance to take any pictures outside yet, but I did snap this one last night (after doing a bit of doodling while watching TV).
I definitely like this pattern more as a single blade than the double, and the liner lock is a nice feature but not really necessary in my opinion. The pulls are stout but manageable. After reading @JohnDF’s comment I tried pinching both of mine open, but that’s not happening (maybe with some pine tar on my fingers
I sharpened my Micarta this afternoon and I’m planning on carrying it for a while. (That one in particular is just begging for some patina!) One minor complaint I have about that knife is that whoever sharpened it at GEC got a little heavy handed (or pivoted the knife a little) near the tang/sharpening choil, so the bevel there is a little wider than the rest of the edge, sort of creeping up the side of the blade if that makes sense. Not a big deal, but I can be kinda OCD about having nice, clean, even bevels, so it’s a minor annoyance.
Sorry to hear about the bevels. It happens sometimes. While on the subject, just curious about what you usually use when sharpening?! Freehand or sharp-maker seem to be the way for me lately. I’m really thinking about a KME or something similar in the near future. Am I to understand you can’t pinch yours open! That sketch is fantastic my friend!
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I'm already starting to design it...