Blackjack HALO attack model 13 VS Boker ww1 trench knife.

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Star

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Aug 7, 2015
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Looking into a new fixed blade and these two stand out the most. Im not familiar with either company other than Boker isn't well received and Blackjacks are copies of Randall knives. Knife will probably be used for when I'm out in the woods or even a bigger EDC. Anyone have experience with either knife?
 
Before we begin, why those two? Neither are "woods knives."

The BlackJack...let's call it a Randall "tribute" :rolleyes:...might be OK in the woods. The Boker (and Bokers ARE well recieved...they make very good knives) was designed for hand to hand trench warfare...i.e., stabbing.

If you are just looking for something "sexy" (nothing wrong with that!) then your only criterion should be which one you think is cooler looking. But neither is terribly suited or designed for outdoor recreation.
 
I mean I don't need them to be a dedicated woods knife. I have some Esee knives for that. I do like the sex appeal for both. I don't really have any blades that have a more combat influence rather than a more woods blade. I'm a little skeptical on Boker since I've seen some negative comments when I looked them up in the past. Could the Blackjack be used for woodscraft should the need arise?
 
Sure, it could. It could also be used as a paring knife too.

It sounds like you think it's cool looking. Then get it. Its a well made knife...so is the Boker.
 
I think chisel ground tantos are cool looking. That explains why I make so many of them.
 
I'm looking for a good fighting/combat style knife. These two just stick out to my personal taste. They are cool but I do want them to be functional. Any idea on the Boker steel? Says it's .75% carbon content. Leads me to believe 1075 carbon steel. I'm not familiar with metallurgy. Both could fit a combat knife's role?
 
It's probably a stainless.
 
Star said:
I'm looking for a good fighting/combat style knife. These two just stick out to my personal taste. They are cool but I do want them to be functional. Any idea on the Boker steel? Says it's .75% carbon content. Leads me to believe 1075 carbon steel. I'm not familiar with metallurgy. Both could fit a combat knife's role?
Click to expand...

Steel really doesn't matter too much in a fighting knife unless you are getting in knife fights everyday. Both knives are more than capable of hurting someone with.

Are you trained in any specific knife fighting techniques? The trench dagger is really designed for a specific type of attack on your enemy's major arteries.
 
You were right... It is very likely 1075.

C:*0.70-0.80; Mn:*0.40-0.70; P:*0.030;
S:*0.050; Si:*?;
Standard: AISI (US)

Notes:
Relatively simple carbon steel. Can produce pretty decent results when heat treated properly, Several knife manufacturers use it in their budget knives, including Boker folders.

Cross-References:

Standard:
AFNOR - C72D
AFNOR - FM72
AFNOR - XC75
BS - 060A78*
BS - 070A78
DIN - C72D
DIN - C75
DIN - CK75
DIN - D73-3
DIN - D75-2
DIN - D78-2*
DIN - D78-3*
EN - C70E
EN - C70G
EN - DNH7
GB - #75
GB - 8MnSi
GOST - 75
JIS - S75C
JIS - SWRH77*
JUS - C.1832
JUS - C.1837*
SIS - 1774
UNI - C75
UNS - G10750
W-Nr - 1.0605
W-Nr - 1.0617
W-Nr - 1.0620
W-Nr - 1.1248
W-Nr - 1.1252
W-Nr - 1.1253

Proprietary:
Bonpertuis - DNH75
Nisshin - NK11

* - Maker(s) list the alloy as similar or a replacement for alloys in this group.
 
marcinek said:
Steel really doesn't matter too much in a fighting knife unless you are getting in knife fights everyday. Both knives are more than capable of hurting someone with.

Are you trained in any specific knife fighting techniques? The trench dagger is really designed for a specific type of attack on your enemy's major arteries.
Click to expand...

I just prefer a tough steel is all. I'm not trained in knife fighting by any means and hope to never experience a knife fight. For me it's the same principle behind having a handgun, I don't want to use it on someone but it's better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.
 
Another related question. Are they still making the HALO model 13? Can't seem to find it anywhere. Knifeworks.com might have some I'm just waiting to hear back from them. Is Knifeworks a reputable dealer?
 
I remember reading that the classic line of blackjack knives were made by Bark River. If that is still the case; a convex ground, A2 steel, BRKT made knife would be a very good outdoors blade. I don't much like the overall design of the model 13 (how am I supposed to choke up on a knife for detail work when it has a huge guard like that)... but it would likely still be the better woods knife.

That boker ww1 trench knife is a replica intended i assume for collectors. It's a stabber. Boker as a company makes some great knives but they also have to make stuff that sells so you need to look at their catalog with a critical eye.
 
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Think I'm set on the Blackjack. If I do need fine work done I always have my Izula on me.
 
sideways said:
That boker ww1 trench knife is a replica intended i assume for collectors. It's a stabber. Boker as a company makes some great knives but they also have to make stuff that sells so you need to look at their catalog with a critical eye.
Click to expand...

Yes....but so does everybody. :confused:
 
So I guess my last question, is Knifeworks a trust worthy distributer? I've bought from Bladehq and knifecenter before. Knifeworks seems to be the only place I can find the Blackjack I want. Thanks.in advance for everyone's input.
 
I have bought quite a few knives from Knifeworks and have always been satisfied.
 
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