A knife with a backspring and a liner lock has to have a half stop. That's because the half stop results from a flat blade tang and the liner lock needs a flat tang to rest against. I do agree that this would have been better with a lighter pull weight, maybe a svelte 5, but that might have required them to redesign the backspring as past #23s have been known for their very stout pull weights. As it is I still quite like mine but it seems they have a lighter pull weight than others at about an 8 or 8 1/2 at most.
Absolutely. Good catch. No pun... They should have just done away with the lock. I’m a weird guy that prefers a 7-7.5 and don’t hate an 8. 😂😂😂 I know that’s not a very popular opinion.
Totally agree with you my friend.not only with these type of blades but with any knife, you should know what you are doing, otherwise get the most secure blade out there, and of course accidents happen to all of us no matter how much experience. Great vid, hope you are able to upload more. 👍😊
Absolutely. Last thing you want is a negligent accident. Accidents definitely do happen, but the worst ones are the ones you feel like a fool for having happen 😂😂😂. Thank you, sir. I’m hopeful to do some more videos soon. 👊🙏
Cool to see a larger locking traditional. I agree this is not a knife for a novice user. I think that it would result in an injury for sure. Great review 👍
Really interesting review about this knife and GEC generally - always enjoy what you have to say. You should be looking forward to the #74 Tidioute Mustang in Brown Burlap Micarta, just released now, as it ticks your criteria for what you want in a GEC! Agree totally about that Beer/Sausage/Comb contraption - I gave it a miss too - the collectors will love it I'm sure, for its novelty value. But this #23 - I have it in the Beaver Tail, and I think the configuration is just about right. Viewed as the knife it is, a sturdy folding hunting/outdoors knife, it makes sense to me. The strong pull is what I want, the liner lock just an extra insurance against unplanned closure, the half-stop to protect during planned closure and make opening more progressive. It is a knife to use slowly, thoughtfully, and with purpose! Certainly not a fidget toy, mine has already made short work of processing fish and small game in the field. Contrast this with my #97 Allegheny, a similarly large knife and a reissue of a traditional folding hunter pattern, which has a pull so weak (about a 4) that it's simply unsuitable for serious use.
Thank you, sir. I am really tempted on the 74. I have one or two already, but the burlap model looks cleeeeeean! Like a step or two above the usual fit and finish. Yeah, collectors want lots of weird stuff and I’m sure they’ll be $300 knives in a few years. The 23 is definitely a working knife. The 97 is a hoss. I didn’t pick one of those up, but I have a few 98’s. A split back whittler and a camp knife. Big, but great knives. 👊
@@Alumapro23 Never heard of the #98 Whittler so looked it up and wow! There's another one for me to track down if I can. Not sure what a "hoss" is (being English), a horse maybe? Either way, my #97's in the most glorious big slabs of Sambar Stag which is why I couldn't resist, but I daresay the only of my GECs which isn't a user, because of that laughably weak spring.
@@davids9549 Hoss just means, big, huge, strong, etc. Big Ben is a hoss of a clock. Big Ben that plays the Quarterback position from the Pittsburg Steelers is a hoss of a man. The 98’s came out 8ish years ago. Stag can be very nice. Im a picky person when it comes to stag though and they don’t make a lot of the type of stag I like anymore. I like stag that is fairly slim and caramel in color. The opposite of what a lot of guys like. They like thick and gnarly “popcorn” stag.
I totally agree man. Nothing has changed. Now we have less patterns and covers that sell out just as fast. Every drop is like a Northwoods drop now. If you can’t checkout within 3 minutes of the availability announcement, you ain’t getting one.
I wish they made the single blade without the liner lock. I hate locks on traditional knives but love a strong snappy spring so this one is frustrating to me.
Thanks for your thoughts on this one, Clint. I really like the looks of that pattern, but in my opinion they could do away with the liner lock. Cheers.
Good review knife bro, I like this knife and was happy to see it has a strong pull. I wanted the #35 until I found out it had a weak pull and you made some really good points too. Cheers!
I have a Case-Bose Eureka Jack with a 9 or 10 pull and it’s cut 2 people😂. The wharncliffe blade is very strong from closed to about half way to the half stop and then it flies to the half stop. I cut myself opening it in the knife shop before I bought it and brought it over to my brothers house the next day and he nicked himself exactly the way I did. It’s great when it’s open but getting it there is honestly scary.
Great review. I really wanted one of these when I first saw them but the size held me back. Just too big for pocket carry. I'm hoping GEC releases a smaller version in the future.
Owned a GEC 23 on pre-order. It was a two bladed model slip joint. Sold it after receiving it. I'm more of a 77, 15, 86, 93 kinda dude if I'm going to carry a traditional. The spring tension was crazy hard on that knife. Dangerous. I agree that a knife that size should be a primary carry. I'd rather take a SnG, XM-18 3.5", CRK Sebenza, or Emerson with a solid, dependable lock. I've been bit by traditional knives (failure to move my finders out of the way in time). So used to carrying a modern folder. My worst cuts were either Swiss Army Knives or Traditionals. This 23 in all iterations is a gator trap! You're right! lol
Hahaha! It’s definitely not a toy/fidget knife. The worst, most awkward, cut I’ve gotten was from an Emerson. I stabbed myself in between my pinky and ring finger with a Commander. All my fault. I partially waved the knife in my pocket 🤦♂️. Emerson’s are not toys or knives to let less experienced people hold either 😂😂😂
@@Alumapro23 Now that you mention it, I also got myself with an Emerson (couple times). Blade on my CQC-15 partially opened , and I got myself with the tip. Not fun. Yeah, be careful with the Emersons as well. I also got bit by my Norseman. Partially opened in my jeans pocket (didn't have the knife all the way back). Reached into the pocket while trying to pay for groceries...OUCH. Kept it from bleeding too much till after I paid and left the store. Then it started gushing. Flippers and Emersons are dangerous. CRKs and Striders are okay so far. ;)
I’m sitting here saying “what a beautiful knife,” my GF’s sitting here saying “oh he needs to get some moisturiser on his hands.” 😂 Was the African black wood you mentioned Gabon Ebony?
Hahaha! I need to add a PO Box to my description box for gifts. Winter is coming and some coco butter would be a nice early fall gift 😂😂😂👊. I can’t remember if it was African Blackwood or Gabon ebony. Now I’m going to have to go look at the tube 😂😂😂
I want to like this so badly but that billboard graphic on the blade is a real turn off. Seems like GEC is going full Cold Steel on the graphics lately
@@Alumapro23 I did give in and just guy one though :-) Just like the size and design. Should make a good woods, day camp knife or yard/garden knife. Really been enjoying your reviews
This was way too much knife for me-- too textured, too big, too hard a pull. BTW, it's not a beard comb but rather a *beer* foam trowel (at least to me).
A knife with a backspring and a liner lock has to have a half stop. That's because the half stop results from a flat blade tang and the liner lock needs a flat tang to rest against.
I do agree that this would have been better with a lighter pull weight, maybe a svelte 5, but that might have required them to redesign the backspring as past #23s have been known for their very stout pull weights. As it is I still quite like mine but it seems they have a lighter pull weight than others at about an 8 or 8 1/2 at most.
Absolutely. Good catch. No pun... They should have just done away with the lock. I’m a weird guy that prefers a 7-7.5 and don’t hate an 8. 😂😂😂 I know that’s not a very popular opinion.
Whoa there, that bear trap is just aching to taste blood !
😁
Totally agree with you my friend.not only with these type of blades but with any knife, you should know what you are doing, otherwise get the most secure blade out there, and of course accidents happen to all of us no matter how much experience. Great vid, hope you are able to upload more. 👍😊
Absolutely. Last thing you want is a negligent accident. Accidents definitely do happen, but the worst ones are the ones you feel like a fool for having happen 😂😂😂. Thank you, sir. I’m hopeful to do some more videos soon. 👊🙏
Cool to see a larger locking traditional. I agree this is not a knife for a novice user. I think that it would result in an injury for sure. Great review 👍
Thank you for the kind words 🙏👊
Really interesting review about this knife and GEC generally - always enjoy what you have to say.
You should be looking forward to the #74 Tidioute Mustang in Brown Burlap Micarta, just released now, as it ticks your criteria for what you want in a GEC!
Agree totally about that Beer/Sausage/Comb contraption - I gave it a miss too - the collectors will love it I'm sure, for its novelty value.
But this #23 - I have it in the Beaver Tail, and I think the configuration is just about right. Viewed as the knife it is, a sturdy folding hunting/outdoors knife, it makes sense to me. The strong pull is what I want, the liner lock just an extra insurance against unplanned closure, the half-stop to protect during planned closure and make opening more progressive. It is a knife to use slowly, thoughtfully, and with purpose! Certainly not a fidget toy, mine has already made short work of processing fish and small game in the field. Contrast this with my #97 Allegheny, a similarly large knife and a reissue of a traditional folding hunter pattern, which has a pull so weak (about a 4) that it's simply unsuitable for serious use.
Thank you, sir. I am really tempted on the 74. I have one or two already, but the burlap model looks cleeeeeean! Like a step or two above the usual fit and finish.
Yeah, collectors want lots of weird stuff and I’m sure they’ll be $300 knives in a few years.
The 23 is definitely a working knife. The 97 is a hoss. I didn’t pick one of those up, but I have a few 98’s. A split back whittler and a camp knife. Big, but great knives. 👊
@@Alumapro23 Never heard of the #98 Whittler so looked it up and wow! There's another one for me to track down if I can.
Not sure what a "hoss" is (being English), a horse maybe? Either way, my #97's in the most glorious big slabs of Sambar Stag which is why I couldn't resist, but I daresay the only of my GECs which isn't a user, because of that laughably weak spring.
@@davids9549 Hoss just means, big, huge, strong, etc. Big Ben is a hoss of a clock. Big Ben that plays the Quarterback position from the Pittsburg Steelers is a hoss of a man.
The 98’s came out 8ish years ago.
Stag can be very nice. Im a picky person when it comes to stag though and they don’t make a lot of the type of stag I like anymore.
I like stag that is fairly slim and caramel in color. The opposite of what a lot of guys like. They like thick and gnarly “popcorn” stag.
I totally agree man. Nothing has changed. Now we have less patterns and covers that sell out just as fast. Every drop is like a Northwoods drop now. If you can’t checkout within 3 minutes of the availability announcement, you ain’t getting one.
They should have just kept things the same. They’re never going to please everyone.
I wish they made the single blade without the liner lock. I hate locks on traditional knives but love a strong snappy spring so this one is frustrating to me.
I agree. That would have made more sense to me.
That style of liner lock often hotspots on the inside of your knuckles & it’s unnecessary.
Great review . When I first open the 23 I thought the same . Dangerous
Man that 23 is H U G E!! Thanks for the closer look ... 🤜🤛🏻
Hahaha! 💯👊
Thanks for your thoughts on this one, Clint. I really like the looks of that pattern, but in my opinion they could do away with the liner lock. Cheers.
Thank you, sir 👊🙏
Good review knife bro, I like this knife and was happy to see it has a strong pull. I wanted the #35 until I found out it had a weak pull and you made some really good points too. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words 👊🙏
I have a Case-Bose Eureka Jack with a 9 or 10 pull and it’s cut 2 people😂. The wharncliffe blade is very strong from closed to about half way to the half stop and then it flies to the half stop. I cut myself opening it in the knife shop before I bought it and brought it over to my brothers house the next day and he nicked himself exactly the way I did. It’s great when it’s open but getting it there is honestly scary.
Great review. I really wanted one of these when I first saw them but the size held me back. Just too big for pocket carry. I'm hoping GEC releases a smaller version in the future.
Another run of 72’s would be GREAT! 👊
I like the look of those scales. I also like the big stuff. 🤣🤣Great video brother.
Hahaha! Thanks! 👊
Owned a GEC 23 on pre-order. It was a two bladed model slip joint. Sold it after receiving it. I'm more of a 77, 15, 86, 93 kinda dude if I'm going to carry a traditional. The spring tension was crazy hard on that knife. Dangerous. I agree that a knife that size should be a primary carry. I'd rather take a SnG, XM-18 3.5", CRK Sebenza, or Emerson with a solid, dependable lock. I've been bit by traditional knives (failure to move my finders out of the way in time). So used to carrying a modern folder. My worst cuts were either Swiss Army Knives or Traditionals. This 23 in all iterations is a gator trap! You're right! lol
Hahaha! It’s definitely not a toy/fidget knife. The worst, most awkward, cut I’ve gotten was from an Emerson. I stabbed myself in between my pinky and ring finger with a Commander. All my fault. I partially waved the knife in my pocket 🤦♂️. Emerson’s are not toys or knives to let less experienced people hold either 😂😂😂
@@Alumapro23 Now that you mention it, I also got myself with an Emerson (couple times). Blade on my CQC-15 partially opened , and I got myself with the tip. Not fun. Yeah, be careful with the Emersons as well. I also got bit by my Norseman. Partially opened in my jeans pocket (didn't have the knife all the way back). Reached into the pocket while trying to pay for groceries...OUCH. Kept it from bleeding too much till after I paid and left the store. Then it started gushing. Flippers and Emersons are dangerous. CRKs and Striders are okay so far. ;)
Hahaha! 💯👊
The 14 run was the last fun one for me. Lot's of variety.
💯 TONS of covers in that run. 👊
I’m sitting here saying “what a beautiful knife,” my GF’s sitting here saying “oh he needs to get some moisturiser on his hands.” 😂
Was the African black wood you mentioned Gabon Ebony?
Hahaha! I need to add a PO Box to my description box for gifts. Winter is coming and some coco butter would be a nice early fall gift 😂😂😂👊.
I can’t remember if it was African Blackwood or Gabon ebony. Now I’m going to have to go look at the tube 😂😂😂
I don't understand why they stopped SFO's so suddenly. Do you know the reason because I haven't heard why?
People complaining about availability. They switched 2 or so years ago and totally ruled out SFO’s after they started back up this summer.
I want to like this so badly but that billboard graphic on the blade is a real turn off. Seems like GEC is going full Cold Steel on the graphics lately
I’m not a fan of big graphics either.
@@Alumapro23 I did give in and just guy one though :-) Just like the size and design. Should make a good woods, day camp knife or yard/garden knife. Really been enjoying your reviews
Anthony Miller Hahaha! Nice! Thanks for the kind words. I hope your new knife serves you well 😁👊
This was way too much knife for me-- too textured, too big, too hard a pull.
BTW, it's not a beard comb but rather a *beer* foam trowel (at least to me).
Anything I’m going to run through my hair and the store next to my eating utensils 🤮🤮🤮
@@Alumapro23 No I mean for the foam on a mug of beer. Using that tool as a comb would be painful, and yes, disgusting.