I wanted to take a bit of a deeper dive with regards to the Pioneer Trapper. When this knife was first announced, I was rather uninterested - it was too big, had two full sized blades (one of which was a spey), and reports of the stiff action were a bit off-putting.
However, since acquiring one and either carrying it with me about the house or fiddling with it while I've been at my desk, I have come to the conclusion that this is likely one of the finest knives that GEC has produced this year. Up until this point, I had placed the M&G Trapper on that lofty pedestal and though I still think it is one of GEC's best, there are some minor issues that easily caused it to cede its position to this #23.
Allow me to elaborate some.
My first impression of the knife was that it was big, heavy, and not particularly well suited to everyday use - as an outdoor knife, it would be certainly hard to beat, however. The more that I examined it though, the more that I scrutinized the details, marveled at the fit and finish, and admired the excellent blade grinds - the more I begin to realize how much I've missed GEC's typical attention to detail with regards to some of their more recent runs.
Everything is tight, flush, and immaculate. You can see some patina already happening with my handling.
This is a neat feature - tangs are flush with bolsters when in the closed position. I am not sure if this is a common feature (not in my collection, anyway) and I am not certain if there is a official term for it either. It is nice nonetheless and the transitions are smooth.
I am not one to complain about the springs not being flush at the half stop. I don't find it impactful when it comes to the knife design one way or the other but I do acknowledge that it is a sign of superior craftsmanship. GEC doesn't typically nail this particular feature and I own very few that could even be considered close. This #23 nails it though and the springs remain flush in all three positions.
One of my favorite aesthetic elements on this knife is the UN-X-LD Bullet shield. It is very finely inlet (and pinned) and is very striking when paired with the bone covers and the pattern it adorns.
Speaking of jigging - I feel they did this knife a huge service with the classic look that the jigging pattern and bone color conveys. Good rich color, excellent jigging coverage and depth, and great fitment to the knife.
I am not one who is typically a fan of spey blades but the large one that this Trapper sports is one heck of a slicer and I suspect it will get a lot of use. The thin grinds and excellent edges are going to make this knife a user that will be very hard to beat - especially in a more rugged setting than my home.
Despite its seemingly overall perfection, I do have one criticism. The point of the spey blade is a bit proud of the well - I can catch a fingernail on it. An easily remedied problem but one that is pretty common with GECs nonetheless.
Overall, this is an exceptional knife and one of a quality that GEC should aspire to regularly. Though some will find the stout pulls and hearty snap to be a bit troubling, I think such features suit the knife and make it an exceptional and rugged user that is suitable for whatever tasks you might toss at it.
Well done, GEC. I hope to see more of this quality going into the new year.
Sláinte!
edited to add that this may or may not be a recycled pic
