So what's the difference between the GEC pioneer, missouri and scout trappers?

hank_rearden

hank_rearden

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Jun 7, 2002
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that's assuming they're all northfield unekxelled? the scout is the smallest at 3 7/8, the missouri at 4 1/4 and the pioneer at 4 1/2. only the missouri doesn't seem to come with a cap-end (i may be wrong.) prices vary much the same way, depending on handle material and serialization.

which would you pick and why?
 
Get all three! No, seriously. I've got the Pioneer two blade and single blade versions, Scout two blade and single blade versions, and plan on picking up a Missouri Trader and Trapper at the Chesapeake show.
 
I would probably pick the Scout for the more pocketable size. Lately I have been eyeballing the Pioneer because I think it would be good to own a fairly massive pocket knife as well. I didn't think that I would, but I have been kind of liking the 'gold-glitter' acrylic version of the pioneer.
 
The main difference between the three patterns is size. The 73 Scout Trapper is far and away Great Eastern's most popular pattern overall.
 
hank_rearden said:
that's assuming they're all northfield unekxelled? the scout is the smallest at 3 7/8, the missouri at 4 1/4 and the pioneer at 4 1/2. only the missouri doesn't seem to come with a cap-end (i may be wrong.) prices vary much the same way, depending on handle material and serialization.
which would you pick and why?
Click to expand...

The scout and pioneer were the "original" two patterns that GEC started with in early 2007 assembly. Since the two frames have been around the longest there have been many variations in bolsters, blades, etc. The Missouri was somewhat of a compromise on the pioneer "pants pulling" size; and it has not had as many runs through the factory yet to have many variations. Given the amount of time at market, the Missouri has been a very popular pattern and has outsold the 73 and 23 patterns 2-to-1 since its release at my shop. But all are very similar and to each his own. BTW, the scout is on the books at 3 3/4" and the #72 lockback is 3 7/8". The scout and pioneer can both be found in linerlock models as well.

It surprises me that GEC can maintain a market for so many knives that appear very similar; but if you talk to someone that has an opinion on the matter, they can sure convince you why their choice is the one to have :)
 
I own all three sizes, and my preference- all three sizes. Ha! For different reasons of course. I think my least favorite though it's not really fair- would be the Trader. I have the Copperhead version, it's a beauty, but for me I prefer the thickness of the two blade Trappers. My single blade Pioneer is nice and fat with stag scales. I'll get a two-blade Pioneer one of these days, but next up, the Saddle Trapper! I think the Missouri Trapper is about the perfect size. Wish mine had a lanyard hole.

Yeah, all of them...
 
I have the 23 in single and double blades. I also have the 73, but only in the double.

I "need" the missouri too!
 
thanks gents. actually what's drawing me towards the trapper pattern(s) aside from the 2x2 jack configuration, is the handle. looks to be the best shape for a slipjoint (my favorite right now are the case serpentines.) but my reservation with the handle is the fact that both blades are full-length. would the retracted blade make the handle shape pointless while gripping? no such problem with a single blade of course, but i want two blades. that's why i'm also curious with the missouri jack. a shorter pen blade will slightly preserve the handle profile when using the bigger skinning blade.
 
Picked this up just recently (about a month) and absolutely love it:

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog...09/421112lb-MS-Trader-copperhead-jig-bone.jpg

I keep it in my left front pocket (mostly jeans) on a rather long leather lanyard wit a bead neat the top---the knife sinks to the bottom of my pocket, the the lanyard in long enough to make it out of the top of the pocket--and the bead is just thick enough to snag the outer part of the pocket, keeping the lanyard from being dragged in... my para2, most of the time, lives in my right front pocket... I bought the #42 as a compromise between the 72/73 and the 23... but I think a 23 (with lanyard hole and liner lock) is in my future--not because there is anything wrong with the 42, quite the contrary... because they are so damn nice...
 
My #23 is from GECs first year. I had a single blade #72 and traded it away. There's not a lot I'd change about my pioneer, except for a lanyard hole.

I seem to have settled on one big #23 and an assortment of #53/54 for my GECs.

GEC_23_beast.jpg
 
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