GEC IS MAKING TRAPPER KNIVES IN 2020.

[waynorth]

If it's GEC's big'un, it's big!! Compared here to a #14 to appreciate the scale!!!!

 

[Onearmbladenut]

If it's GEC's big'un, it's big!! Compared here to a #14 to appreciate the scale!!!!
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Well it is official , the OKCA club knives will be GEC#23 4.5" closed antique jigged bone two blades with beaver shield . These knives have to be delivered by the second week of April. So everybody be looking for big #23 trapper two bladed knives soon. (The Oregon knife show is April 18th this year.)

 

[jstrange]

How’s the typical execution on the 23’s? Any blade wobble or centering issues?

 

[rdg]

I have 2 23'2, a double blade and a single blade. No issues at all. My favorite knives bar none. GEC does a great job.
Bob

 

[Onearmbladenut]

I have 2 23'2, a double blade and a single blade. No issues at all. My favorite knives bar none. GEC does a great job.
Bob

Thank You very much !

 

[Onearmbladenut]

A #23 would make a great 2020 BladeForums member knife. A #23 single blade with a bull lock in Chocolate almond wavy rogers jigged bone and bomb shield .

 

[JohnDF]

If I was to want a #23...
I'd wish for a single blade, non-locking, no shield, barehead, nail nick, in Orange Osage... A true Work Knife.

 

[Onearmbladenut]

If I was to want a #23...
I'd wish for a single blade, non-locking, no shield, barehead, nail nick, in Orange Osage... A true Work Knife.

I am all down for Osage Orange . The more you use it the better is looks. I prefer a Tidioute nail nick also. Nicks are located further down the blade , closer to the tip, for easier opening. I still want a bull lock or a liner lock would be cool.

 

[rbeggs]

I love the 73s and 23s but here is a gec trapper that seems to be unsung, a 2013 48 with the full clip. Its an awesome knife with the old gec action and snap. @GEC please make more! Its one of the best they've made IMO.

 

[BladeCommander]

I too like the 48 slim trapper with the full clip, as opposed to the turkish clip. It was on my list to try, but I have not had the opportunity yet.

 

[Rockon75]

I have an improved trapper from around that time and they do snap. The half stop has surprised me a couple times and taken a slice of flesh.......but I like the snap.

 

[black mamba]

The 48s along with the newer 44s have about the best W&T of any of GEC's patterns, and I've had a bunch of both.

 

[nyrico]

I am so ready for some 23s, single blades would be my choice, Bull lock would put it over the edge.

 

[TheChunk91]

The 48s along with the newer 44s have about the best W&T of any of GEC's patterns, and I've had a bunch of both.

Those abilenes are pretty good too though.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Don't have a 23 yet. I've acquired 6 smaller GECs with coping, sheepfoot, or ramfoot patterns this year.

Ready for something different...For me, the 4-4.5" size is ideal, but I agree it's heavy for the pocket. Sounds like I will be able to take my time and pick out a really nice, thick, stag for my belt.

Don't sell the 23 two blade short for pocket carry. I usually have mine in . Leather slip. I carry it, and a few other slipjoints at the same time, no issues at all.

 

[JohnDF]

There are still#48s on the dealer's shelves.

 

[gaj999]

There are still#48s on the dealer's shelves.

LOL Good point. Skinny little things. I'm wanting that big, comfortable handle and those sturdy wide blades. I'm really hoping that they make enough to go around. Fingers crossed.

 

[kamagong]

I am still hoping for a single blade, slipjoint model 73.

I've been wanting one.

Amen!

-- Mark

GEC had some outstanding Stag back in '09! This was a "Get-Well-Gift" when I was in the hospital, unable to walk on my own!! I felt like getting up to dance!! There are great friends in the knife community!! The knife worked like a charm!!
The #73 is a very usable size at 3 3/4"!!

Although the 23 and 73 are very accurate renditions of the old Remingtons, they tend to be quite heavy for their size. The more recent 74 pattern (especially in the drop point blade) are just as effective and a good deal lighter in pocket.

For sure. The single blade 73s are about perfect but I don't care for the two bladed versions at all.

I still hope for a single blade model 73. I would prefer a non-locking blade but each to his or her own.
I would love to have stag but I am very fond of various wooden cover.

I want some 72's or 73's. Bear trap 73's to be exact. I love my bear trap 73!! Satisfying SNAP.

to all of these comments. I agree heartily! I've always felt (still do) that the 23/73, in addition to being GEC's earliest patterns, remain two of their best. If GEC ever decides to keep a pattern readily available and in continuous production, the #73 should be it.

Those clean and flush joints are probably more trouble than Bill Howard wants to deal with on a regular basis though.

I would love to see a liner-lock in stag. #73’s and stag are a perfect pairing.

Yes, they do go together nicely.

They made a few in 2015. These used to be known as bear traps and this one is no exception. Great knife! I love the cut swedge and nick on this one. Wouldn't mind seeing them come out again.

Interesting. My #73, being a present from my wife and daughter, is my most valued knife. But I don't like the cut swedge. Even after all these years of carry I still think it out of place on a drop point blade.

My interests are no longer in the direction of accumulating as it was when I first found BladeForums and GEC.
In those days a 23 bull lock was high on my list but it never materialized. I know I'm repeating myself but for all those who yearn for a 73 be careful what you wish for because after it's in hand you'll find you will have no need for another knife.

Need stopped being a factor a long time ago...lol. In any case, I think this is a case of YMMV. As much as I appreciate my #73, GEC makes other knives that tickle my love of knives gene. There's the classic appeal of my sawcut Charlow. The graceful lines of the Waynorth lamb foot. Not to mention the rugged good looks of the #74 Stallion, what I like to think of as the GEC bunny knife.

 

[tmd_87]

I am gonna need to get my hand on one of these #23s! Big Ole Trapper!!! Yes please! Gotta be quick with that reserve button.

 

[Onearmbladenut]

I just got my email. We OKCA club members all got to move fast on this one. I am heading to the bank and post office in the morning. Looks like this #23 is going to be a smooth Autumn/Goldenrod Natural Bone . In the picture the secondary blade is the same as the main blade . I believe that picture has a mistake. The OKCA club knife has a beefier secondary blade. I'm not sure what they call that beefier secondary blade. That is why I am here on Blade Forums to learn. I am buying both knives , so I am super excited. I want a Sambar Stag #23 two blade , if GEC makes one. No telling what is on Bill Howard's creative mind. The hunt is on ! "GEC KNIFE COLLECTING IS WAR !"