Next GEC between these two #23 or #73

In my opinion the 73 is a great pocket knife and the 23 is a great folding knife to put in a belt sheath like the Buck 110. They are both nice, but the size difference is deceptive and makes for a very different knife in terms of carry and use. For example, I had a 2-blade #23 that was very well made but when I compared the weight and size to a small custom fixed blade I sometimes carry, it just didn't make sense to hang onto.

If you're just a collector, then you'd better round out and get one of each pattern!
 
If you like big knife, then the 23 will please you. But for most users, the 73 offers more than enough in size and use, I find it an excellent choice and would not want a bigger version.
 
Both of my 23's, one single and one double blade, are both very well made, and are at GEC currently to have their pulls reduced. However, I would stick with my 73 for now. I usually have a large one hand opener in another pocket, but the 73 is the perfect size for me for EDC. I spent a couple hours yesterday working on a walking stick, and the blade held up fine.
 
I love them both and went through this same decision process. In the end I chose the 73 because of its smaller size and could be used as an EDC. I will be adding the 23 soon as I just like them and I want one of those big ole boys.
 
i chose the pioneer since i tend to favor the papa bear (i own three militaries and not one paramilitary. hehe..) but the pioneer is hardly ideal for pocket carry. oh, if you want a pioneer or scout in your pocket, i advise an end-capped version. it's smooth and "sinks" better in the pocket. so a scout's better for edc. but i prefer the pioneer in the field, or a survival situation, or even as a within-reach pocket knife on the work bench.
 
If you already have a #73 you might want to expand your options and get the #23. Unless of course you want a spare.

- Christian
 
I have a #73 and think its a great work knife size that you can still pocket. From what I hear, the 23 is a touch big. Have you thought about the #42? I think its a touch bigger than the #73 and little bit smaller than the #23.

Either way, it's hard to go wrong!
 
You're a troublemaker :-)

roninelh said:
I have a #73 and think its a great work knife size that you can still pocket. From what I hear, the 23 is a touch big. Have you thought about the #42? I think its a touch bigger than the #73 and little bit smaller than the #23.

Either way, it's hard to go wrong!
Click to expand...
 
My 2 blade #23 makes a great bag knife. ie it's with me, but in my edc bag. When I carry it every week or so it rides comfortably next to my wallet.
 
OK i broke down and ordered a Black canvas #73
AND
a #15 Jig Bone Huckleberry Boys both non-serial
 
I was just going to post this, and saw that you already pulled the trigger...Like said before, if you don't mind a large knife in pocket the 23 is a great knife. Here's mine with a 73 and a slimmed down Buck 110.






It's a pretty good size knife!
 
To add more weird ideas...if you like your #73, why don't you go for a two bladed carbon #73? different steel, slightly different pattern, one more blade (I suggest a clip/pen or drop/pen), same frame... :rolleyes:

Fausto
:cool:
 
my first GEC #73

gec-73-open-2.jpg
 
You see, pictures always help :)
Ok, so I will correct my advice: you could get a single blade #73, with carbon steel, smooth handles (wood, for example), and see how it carries.
You might find out that many people here have some reason in saying that a single bladed #73 is the best GEC knife around :p
Obviously, if you want to go bigger, the #42 or #23 are good options. Personally, I wouldn't really go bigger than the #73, but that's just me.

Fausto
:cool:
 
73. Definitely 73. So easy to pocket carry. Especially if you sew a smaller pocket in your front pockets.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk 21371651832.904606.jpg
 
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