Just got my new 2 tonight, and have a few thoughts.
It feels smaller in hand, mostly due to the height of the handles (and maybe 1mm thinner). Weight is also significantly less - and interestingly, they were not as aggressive drilling holes in the liner. I think this is a good thing, as too light would shift the balance.
The grind is beautiful!
Opening and closing... on the fence.
I loosened my pivot a touch, and it opens easily. I am a bit bothered that the handle flares wider right at the hole when closed, effectively obstructing part it. I can imagine gloves will make it a bit difficult to open?
Closing is easier than my GB1, which I often needed two hands to close. Yes, I have sissy thumbs evidently. If I think about it, I can close the gb2 one handed without looking.
Seems kinda odd to me - if you have big strong thumbs, closing will be a cinch but opening may be a bit more difficult. Reverse is true. Not sure if some specimens have more or less lock bar tension?
Bottom line - I traded my gb1 a year ago, and the gb2 is a much better knife for me (ergos, weight, the fact that I can close it...). Biggest difference is I fell in love with the gb1 the first time I held it. The gb2 is more refined, but didn't hit me with that same jolt.
Just wanted to add - after about a week, both opening and closing are much easier. Maybe my thumbs are finally toughening up!