That's a wicked looking trap

Well, I used V-14'S for years, and while I have no problems with using toothed traps, that trap would NOT be my choice for catch and release.

I am going to guess that if you inflict just enough pain , that they don't fight the trap , some salve and a wrap while they are collaring probably takes care of the puncture.

vs

they feel no pain , foot goes numb and they slide from side to side a lot causing a cut rather than a puncture

The early Minnesota wolf research program (USFWS) found that the wolves had a faster recovery with the toothed trap. The Newhouse #14 was the preferred trap till production ceased in the 70s. They eventually had an independent foundry cast some #14 jaws for the program. There is a lot more to that story but here are a couple. First is pretty much stock #4 newhouse with those jaws. Second is a little later with mods.

That's MY #7 picture.

Wish we could use them on beavers down here.
I remember when you buy crimp on "teeth"

heck that's my Facebook post !

I most toothed traps the springs are weaker, but hold better due to the teeth. They worked great for wolves and bear. On bear they worked better than foot snares.

Sorry,but that is most definitely not true.I used to use newhouses for beaver here when it was legal Those longsprings were anywhere from 50 yrs.old or older and were still next to impossible to set without setters.