GEC 73 or 23 ?

Razor

Razor

Joined
Dec 8, 1999
Messages
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I have fairly small hands and was want to get a trapper model with two blades. I would like to get both and see which I like best. Which would you all get? I have one GE with a 4 1/8" blade and it feels good, but the boys knife feels good. Is the 73 quite a bit larger than the 23. What about the #42? How is it different? :confused:
 
I have medium sized hands and can get a full grip on the #73. The #23 is quite a bit bigger at 4 1/2" closed. The most common two blade models of each has a drop point and spey blade. The #42 has a clip blade with a drop point secondary and is a 1/4" shorter than the #23.

The #48 pattern is another option for a two blade trapper if you think you'd like something slimmer.
 
73 = 3-3/4" Comes with drop point and spey (Scout), or spey and pen (Jack), or single drop point Linerlock.
72 = 3-7/8" Comes with clip or spear or Wharncliffe lockback (Mini-Hunter), or drop point and pen (Cody Scout).
74 = 3-7/8" Comes with clip and Wharncliffe (Saddle Trapper), or with single Cotton Sampler blade.
42 = 4-1/4" Comes with clip lockback (Missouri Trader), or with clip and skinner (Missouri Trapper).
23 = 4-1/2" Comes with drop point and spey (Pioneer), or skinner and pen (Jack), or single drop point Linerlock.
 
Razor, you sound like me for the most part. My journey started with a #73. I like it and if you prefer a medium sized knife, it is big enough. BUT, I like something a little larger. Love the #74 Saddle Trapper (2012 BF knife), but it is essntially the same size. Wonderful and useful design.

I carry one of the larger Vic SAKs (Adventurer model) routinely also which is about 4 1/4" long. That was my benchmark size that I have grown very comfortable with that size and weight for pocket carry and using. So... the GEC journey continued....

I bought a 2-bladed #23 (4 1/2") and really like it in the hand. But it is heavy in the pocket. Heavy is okay as long as you're comfortable with that. Got a #42 Missouri Trapper and I think I found where I want to be for a larger EDC traditional. (I think.) I would suggest you get a sheath/pouch or leather sleeve to keep either the #23 or #42 in you pocket so it doesn't get all banged up. I have been carrying the #42 since I got it. I would love GEC to produce the #42 with the blades of the 2012 BF knife (wharncliffe and clip). That might well be my ideal knife. I hope GEC is listening.
 
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black mamba said:
73 = 3-3/4" Comes with drop point and spey (Scout), or spey and pen (Jack), or single drop point Linerlock.
72 = 3-7/8" Comes with clip or spear or Wharncliffe lockback (Mini-Hunter), or drop point and pen (Cody Scout).
74 = 3-7/8" Comes with clip and Wharncliffe (Saddle Trapper), or with single Cotton Sampler blade.
42 = 4-1/4" Comes with clip lockback (Missouri Trader), or with clip and skinner (Missouri Trapper).
23 = 4-1/2" Comes with drop point and spey (Pioneer), or skinner and pen (Jack), or single drop point Linerlock.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Jeff! I have the hardest time keeping these straight, especially the 72s and 73s.

:thumbup:

~ P.
 
Black Mamba (Jeff), the size and blade summary is quite useful. You essentially focused precisely where my dominant interest lies. I feel some of the dealers should list a similar kind of table to help people choose between the different sizes and designs. Maybe someone could develop such a chart as a sticky here at the BF Traditional forum. The approximate weight might also be a useful bit of information.
 
I like the 73, it is about perfect. I can still put it in my watch pocket, and with fairly large hands, I have no problems with grip. The 42 is a nice knife, but seems a bit big for a "pocket knife". just my 2 cents.

It really depends on how you like to carry and if you really need a larger knife. The 73 is more than enough for me and I like knives to be pocket friendly as well. I do think you should get them all and maybe sell what you dont like...:D
 
22-rimfire said:
some of the dealers should list a similar kind of table to help people choose between the different sizes and designs.
Click to expand...

I would like to see GEC do it and also keep it updated.
Pictures
Dimensions
Half stop or not?
Production or discontinued?
 
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