All About Pocket Knives

The #23, in Woodland Micarta, is in at Knivesshipfree

GEC's first knife was a #23. Since then (2006), GEC has done quite a few runs of the #23 pattern. It is a big solid knife, best carried in a belt sheath. But i just cannot get excited by another run of #23. Quite often an 'older' but never used #23 shows up on ebay often with excellent Stag or excellent hardwood (eg Snakewood). I find these more interesting than this current run of 23's.
kj

Roland, glad you spoke up. I can’t get excited about this either. The woodlands Micarta is very nice but just isn’t my cup of tea. I probably early reserved a few of the other handle materials and will keep my word to purchase those but I am not buying these at every drop like I have in the past.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:10 pm Roland, glad you spoke up. I can’t get excited about this either. The woodlands Micarta is very nice but just isn’t my cup of tea. I probably early reserved a few of the other handle materials and will keep my word to purchase those but I am not buying these at every drop like I have in the past.

Mark someone is buying them they sellout in minutes

I LIKE it!

Doc B wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:12 pm The #23, in Woodland Micarta, is in at Knivesshipfree
Pioneer.jpg

Franks Classic Knives , AAPK sponsor has a batch of #23 Pioneer Trappers Woodland Micarta in stock.

I had to add this one to my #23 pre-orders ! Bill Howard Rocks !

AAPK supporter Franks Classic Knives just sent me an invoice. Brazilian Cheery wood Pioneer Trappers #23 will be posted soon for sale.

Frank's SFO #23 Pioneer Trapper two blade "Exotic India bone" After buffing , oil washing , and cleaning , this #23 knife will be a whole new animal.

That India bone is beautiful!

2020 Oregon Knife Collectors Association SFO Club knife #23 Antique Autumn jigged bone

Received my first of this run today, typical GEC high quality, I would say pull is a 7, maybe a little less than older runs I have.

2020 Oregon Knife Collectors Association "Club Knife"

2020 AMKCA club knife in production.

Smooth Antique Autumn Natural Bone #23 Northfield Pioneer Trapper in production

AAPK's sponsor "Frank's Classic Knives" has more GEC#23 Pioneer Trapper Beaver gnawed cherry wood knives coming in on 06/16th or 17th. Reserve you knife today on the Frank's web sight.

Boy that was quick ! GEC is pumping out some great knives !

Mr. Frank received his last batch early today. Franks Classic knives a small batch in stock , right now.

Got one in Monday.

kootenay joe wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 4:59 pm GEC's first knife was a #23. Since then (2006), GEC has done quite a few runs of the #23 pattern. It is a big solid knife, best carried in a belt sheath. But i just cannot get excited by another run of #23. Quite often an 'older' but never used #23 shows up on ebay often with excellent Stag or excellent hardwood (eg Snakewood). I find these more interesting than this current run of 23's.
kj

KJ, I can see why you weren't excited about another #23 run. Especially if you've had one. I've never had one, so I picked up one in Woodlands micarta. I actually like the micarta, think it looks good and you wouldn't have to worry about breaking it. But, it may be the only knife I've ever owned...that scares me. Because of the length of the blade and the force that it pops in to the half stop and full-open position...It definitely has the potential to "jump" out of your hand and possibly cut you. Closing is no real problem, because you can palm it closed. I thought I was going to put it in the edc rotation...but it went in the safe. Sort-of in time-out. Additionally, it is a big knife! One will be enough, for my collection.

Doc B, the early #23's all had strong springs. Some are nail breakers, i.e. not a knife that you would want to carry and use.
There is no need for 'overly strong' springs. On a big knife like the 23 the springs should be strong but not so much that it makes opening or closing dangerous even if you are careful.
Many people are liking this run of 23's. I am the exception and waiting to see what is coming next.
kj

I’m fairly new to GEC’s. It was the 23 that got me excited about them because I actually like the large size. I really like the the styles, and have received 2 of the Beavertail Brazilian Cherry and 1 of the Woodland Micarta. I love the look and feel, but agree with a couple of you - the springs are so stiff I think they are dangerous. I’ve handled knives for 30 years, but cut myself trying to pry all 3 apart. I’m 6’3, 250 lbs with grizzly hands. Very disappointed to think this is a knife I would not carry.

I’m wide open to suggestions on how to help with the pull.

Mohunter wrote: ↑Thu Jun 18, 2020 2:27 pm I’m fairly new to GEC’s. It was the 23 that got me excited about them because I actually like the large size. I really like the the styles, and have received 2 of the Beavertail Brazilian Cherry and 1 of the Woodland Micarta. I love the look and feel, but agree with a couple of you - the springs are so stiff I think they are dangerous. I’ve handled knives for 30 years, but cut myself trying to pry all 3 apart. I’m 6’3, 250 lbs with grizzly hands. Very disappointed to think this is a knife I would not carry.

I’m wide open to suggestions on how to help with the pull.

Suck it up , Friend ! Let Kenny the One arm help you out. Take an old T-shirt and wrap it around one of the blades. Open and close it about a 100 times while watching TV. I use my knees/thighs to hold the knife. Drop some oil in the track and joint. Close the knife and grab the other blade. Work the blade 100 times. I learned with Boker Congress "gator snap" knives. You only need to open one blade at a time. Having more that one blade at a time , it is a "BOOBY TRAP" ! KNIFE SAFETY IS ALMOST NEVER TAUGHT. One blade at a time needs to be taught to every child. I will end up 10 to 12 Trappers when the run is over. Four fingers and a thumb , I have no brains buying this "Bear Trap" Trapper knife. I carried one today. Go buy yourself a CASE XX blade pick. My left thumb nail is too soft for this big knife. "Bear Trap" loud snap aint going to stop me !

I got a "BEAR Trap" Allegheny Mountain Knife Collectors Association SFO GEC#23 Pioneer Trapper Goldenrod Natural bone two blade knife , pre-paid and I am ready ! It should be released next week.