Blackjack Jet Pilot vs. Entrek?

D

Doc1911

Joined
Jun 25, 2000
Messages
71
I'm torn between a Blackjack 15 Pilot Survival knife and an Entrek Elk model. Both have been reviewed well. My main concern is the durability of the aluminum handguard of the Entrek knives. I also like the edge retention of A2 steel. I had an old Effingham model 1-7, and still kick myself for selling it. Which knife really represents the best value for money?

Thanks!
Tim
 
When it comes to guards that aren't integral; as long as you don't bang them (like batoning or other stupid stuff like that), I wouldn't worry about it. Im the kind of dying breed of guys who don't usually prefer batoning as use for knife.

And by batoning I mean accidentally hitting the guard.
 
Doc1911 said:
I'm torn between a Blackjack 15 Pilot Survival knife and an Entrek Elk model. Both have been reviewed well. My main concern is the durability of the aluminum handguard of the Entrek knives. I also like the edge retention of A2 steel. I had an old Effingham model 1-7, and still kick myself for selling it. Which knife really represents the best value for money?

Thanks!
Tim
Click to expand...

The Entrek is a tough stainless which may be an advantage.
 
And I forgot to say I heard Ray Ennis say somewhere that he didnt know of a guard being damaged. The great warranty would cover it in any case.
 
Hey Doc, the guards on the Blackjack are aluminum to, 6061 to be exact.
 
I have a Entrek Elk and a JAG. They are great knives and I use mine as my primary hard use outdoor knives. They aren't pretty but they stay sharp and cut well for such thick blades. Sharpening is no problem. The guards have had no problems. These knives are extremely durable. My only complaint is the sheaths aren't much good. I had custom leather pancake sheaths made for them. I have a couple of the newer production Blackjack knives and they are excellent but I use the Entreks more and have less concern about damaging them.
 
Frizzman said:
I have a Entrek Elk and a JAG. They are great knives and I use mine as my primary hard use outdoor knives. They aren't pretty but they stay sharp and cut well for such thick blades. Sharpening is no problem. The guards have had no problems. These knives are extremely durable. My only complaint is the sheaths aren't much good. I had custom leather pancake sheaths made for them. I have a couple of the newer production Blackjack knives and they are excellent but I use the Entreks more and have less concern about damaging them.
Click to expand...

Please tell us more about the elk and its uses and characteristics I am considering one. Pictures would be great if possible.
 
I am sorry but I don't have photo capability. I got my Elk 5 or 6 years ago I believe. It was a Christmas gift from a close friend. The handle is green, linen Micarta. It is smooth but I have had no problem with it being slippery and it doesn't abrade my hand. There have been no hotspots with extended use of the knife.The contour fits my medium sized hand well...not too thick and not too thin. The guard and the mild back curve on the rear locks it into my grip solidly for both push and pull cutting. The lanyard hole is big enough and well placed.

The blade is hollow ground and is in a form somewhat like a Bowie/clip point. There is a good amount of belly toward the upswept point. The hight grind of the hollow groung edge give it a thin enough edge that is high enough to make it an effective slicer. This also allows a good cutting surface in a blade made out of very thick stock. I have used the knife for tasks such a food prep, wood splitting and shaving fuzz sticks. I have made pot hooks and other camp articles with it. I have chopped brush and cut rope and other cord with it. It has withstood some light prying and twisting in wood.

The knife has held a good edge and is pretty easy to resharpen with my pocket diamond hone. I have had no chipping or bending of the edge. I don't baby it but I don't abuse it either. I live in a coastal area and its corrosive around here. I do wipe the blade and keep it clean after use. I treat it the same as my carbon steel blades. The bead blasted finish does show scratches and wear some but its a tool and not a showpiece so I don't care.

My only criticism is the sheath arrangement on the one I got. It may have changed. The synthetic sheath was ok but not tight enough to retain the knife without some sort of strap or other means of keeping the knife from falling out. The knife had a female snap inset in the handle that was supposed to connect with the male snap on the upper inside face of the belt loop. This never worked well for me. Whenever I sat or put pressure on the end of the sheath while on my belt the snap would let go. I eventually removed the snap part from the hole in the side of the handle and filled it with epoxy. I got a local holster maker to make me a thick, leather pancake sheath for it. Its perfect with that sheath since it rides high and close to my body. It doesn't cause problems when I sit down or flop around during activities and the sheath keeps it in snug without any retainer device. I really like my Elk!
 
Frizzman said:
I have a Entrek Elk and a JAG. They are great knives and I use mine as my primary hard use outdoor knives. They aren't pretty but they stay sharp and cut well for such thick blades. Sharpening is no problem. The guards have had no problems. These knives are extremely durable. My only complaint is the sheaths aren't much good. I had custom leather pancake sheaths made for them. I have a couple of the newer production Blackjack knives and they are excellent but I use the Entreks more and have less concern about damaging them.
Click to expand...

I have the same question as fielder but relative to the Jag if you don't mind. I've been looking at that vs. the Javalina and have come across more reviews of the Javalina. Hope this helps the OP as well, not trying to steal a thread!
 
Frizzman said:
I am sorry but I don't have photo capability. I got my Elk 5 or 6 years ago I believe. It was a Christmas gift from a close friend. The handle is green, linen Micarta. It is smooth but I have had no problem with it being slippery and it doesn't abrade my hand. There have been no hotspots with extended use of the knife.The contour fits my medium sized hand well...not too thick and not too thin. The guard and the mild back curve on the rear locks it into my grip solidly for both push and pull cutting. The lanyard hole is big enough and well placed.

The blade is hollow ground and is in a form somewhat like a Bowie/clip point. There is a good amount of belly toward the upswept point. The hight grind of the hollow groung edge give it a thin enough edge that is high enough to make it an effective slicer. This also allows a good cutting surface in a blade made out of very thick stock. I have used the knife for tasks such a food prep, wood splitting and shaving fuzz sticks. I have made pot hooks and other camp articles with it. I have chopped brush and cut rope and other cord with it. It has withstood some light prying and twisting in wood.

The knife has held a good edge and is pretty easy to resharpen with my pocket diamond hone. I have had no chipping or bending of the edge. I don't baby it but I don't abuse it either. I live in a coastal area and its corrosive around here. I do wipe the blade and keep it clean after use. I treat it the same as my carbon steel blades. The bead blasted finish does show scratches and wear some but its a tool and not a showpiece so I don't care.

My only criticism is the sheath arrangement on the one I got. It may have changed. The synthetic sheath was ok but not tight enough to retain the knife without some sort of strap or other means of keeping the knife from falling out. The knife had a female snap inset in the handle that was supposed to connect with the male snap on the upper inside face of the belt loop. This never worked well for me. Whenever I sat or put pressure on the end of the sheath while on my belt the snap would let go. I eventually removed the snap part from the hole in the side of the handle and filled it with epoxy. I got a local holster maker to make me a thick, leather pancake sheath for it. Its perfect with that sheath since it rides high and close to my body. It doesn't cause problems when I sit down or flop around during activities and the sheath keeps it in snug without any retainer device. I really like my Elk!
Click to expand...

Many thanks for those helpful comments.
 
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