New to Traditional Folders (kind of) (GEC content)

L

Lefty923

Joined
May 10, 2011
Messages
132
Hey all. While I'm not new to the forum, I am new to the TF section. I just happened onto it by accident. Funny thing I was doing my Christmas shopping at Amazon and a GEC #23 w/black micarta found it's way into my cart. Now my rationalization to the wife about the purchase is that all my pocket clip knives are eating up my pockets, actually true. So going with a deep pocket knife will fix that problem. Now my question is, is the #23 Pioneer going to be too big? My normal EDC has been a Spyderco Delica 2, or a Spyderco Para 2. I plan to get a KSF pocket slip for the GEC. I know the #23 is very close in length to the PM2.

Thanks for the new addiction, I've already got my eyes on a #72, #15, and a #53.
 
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Welcome to the GEC addiction, it's all down hill from here...............................................................
 
That's a big knife! I find that, without a clip, I prefer a much smaller knife riding deep in my pocket. Seems 3.5" is ideal for my taste, which I'm just now discovering after trying a few different options. I've never been a big knife guy anyway, I carried a small sebenza for years after trying a large and finding it to be too much knife. But...that's me. That looks like a great pattern and you may end up loving it. I think a 4.5" knife might ride better in the back pocket, the 4.5" single blade pattern is often called a backpocket knife, a term coined by Tony Bose. Give it a try though and see what you think.

If you do decide it's too big then I can highly recomend the #15 pattern. I have a single spear blade boy's knife riding in my pocket right now and it's really a great size and goes almost unnoticed until I need it. I also have a clip main 2-blade TC barlow which is also fantastic. I've tried going to 4" for front pocket carry but just found it a little larger than I wanted to ride loose in my front pocket.
 
In general, I find a 3.5" closed length knife to be about right. Still, I'd stick a #23 in my pocket without a concern.
 
The #23 is almost as big and heavy as a Buck 110 but, if you wear suspenders on your pants you should be O.K.
 
the size of the #23 won't be too different to the moderns that you carry, but it will be relatively heavier. I like bigger knives, and would have no problem carrying a 23. If you find it is too big, then there is the perfect excuse to buy its little brother the #73.
 
If you like the style/design of the 23 but are concerned about size, you might consider the 72 or 73 which are similar but smaller. Best of luck.
 
Welcome to the Traditional side... I discovered this subforum back in June while surfing around from another subforum. I noted the absolute BEAUTY of the GEC folders. Their outstanding quality was very obvious. I quickly fell in love with the idea of one of these... I ordered a #55 from one of our vendors here and have carried it daily since then - it's never out of my arm's reach since the day it arrived in my mailbox - it's become a part of me. I've added several others to the mix since then and have grown to appreciate their quality and the tradition they bring forward from the past.
I assume you know the SIZE of the 23? This is one of the largest of the GEC models, but no doubt you'll appreciate it's high quality. Personally I limit my pocket knives from 3" to 3 5/8" max generally. One or two blades is my preference.
Whatever you choose stay in touch and share some pics when it arrives! :)

This thread needs some pics! So here are my Babies... From the top: #6 Pemberton (2 3/4" closed), #55 Houndstooth (3.5") and a #92 Eureka Jack (at 3 3/4)". All in Autumn Gold bone.

 
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Don't have a 23, but sure like the size of the 42 Trader. For me it fits my hand just right and is big enough for any cutting tasks.
 
Lefty923 said:
Now my question is, is the #23 Pioneer going to be too big? My normal EDC has been a Spyderco Delica 2, or a Spyderco Para 2. I plan to get a KSF pocket slip for the GEC. I know the #23 is very close in length to the PM2.
Click to expand...

I have a 23 (and a few Spydercos and Benchmades, including a Manix2 and a 710, which I do not consider too large for EDC). For me the 23 is too big for every day carry.

Lefty923 said:
Thanks for the new addiction, I've already got my eyes on a #72, #15, and a #53.
Click to expand...
evil+plan+working_b18d97_3594064.jpg
 
If the looks snagged you wait till you see how well a traditional slices, you are about to have a monkey slightly larger than King Kong on your back, welcome to the addiction.
 
Well my #23 came today. WOW that thing is a beast! It's going to add some weight in my pocket for sure. I have a KSF pocket slip on the way. I see a #72 in the future. I did NOT need another addiction. Thanks guys. :)
 
Goes with the territory Lefty! Spend you free time thinking of creative ways to convince your wife you need more now.:D
 
Was it a two blade or single blade?

I carry both a single blade and a two blade #23 frequently.

I don't find either too big or heavy for pocket carry at all.

But people's opinions on that vary.

I frequently carry double bladed grandad barlows, which are even longer.
 
Bigfattyt said:
Was it a two blade or single blade?

I carry both a single blade and a two blade #23 frequently.

I don't find either too big or heavy for pocket carry at all.

But people's opinions on that vary.

I frequently carry double bladed grandad barlows, which are even longer.
Click to expand...

It's got two blades, that's what attracted me to it. The pen blade will come in handy around sheeple.
 
fatcorgi said:
the size of the #23 won't be too different to the moderns that you carry, but it will be relatively heavier. I like bigger knives, and would have no problem carrying a 23. If you find it is too big, then there is the perfect excuse to buy its little brother the #73.
Click to expand...

It took 6 posts for someone to suggest the #73? You guys are slipping!

And I'm kinda new to traditionals. I just got a bottle of mineral oil. Who knew you needed to lube your knife?
 
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