BLACKJACK KNIVES: Hit Me, or Fold?

C

crustaceanmick

Joined
Nov 4, 2007
Messages
246
Just looking for some feedback on Blackjack Knives.
Specifically their fixed blade Trailguides. (4 7/8"blade)
Good Knives? Bad Knives?
(You know I've had my share! LZ.-1)
 
I have had them in the past. They are good knives. I do like Bark River knives even better though.
 
They were great knives made in a small factory in Il.I understand they are now produced in Red China which kills the allure for me.
 
Some are being made in the US. Others in China. Some were also made in Japan, but I don't know if they are still making any there. I picked up a China made Grunt a while back, and believe it is well worth the $20 I paid. Comfortable handle, beefy blade, good steel, and a full convex grind.
 
piglipsticker said:
They were great knives made in a small factory in Il.I understand they are now produced in Red China which kills the allure for me.
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FYI....the new Blackjack knives are made in the USA by Bark River Knife & Tool. This a fact as I've been to the shop and I've seen the product. They will also honor the warranty on older Blackjacks that need some help. It pays to do a little research before making a comment such as that.
 
Ken C. said:
FYI....the new Blackjack knives are made in the USA by Bark River Knife & Tool. ;)
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The Kraton (or whatever it is) handled ones are being made in China in the factories that make Rough Rider knives.
 
I have a few of the older ones, they are great. The newest one I have is a Trailguide from when Blackjack was newly revived. It is made of 52100, convex edged. Great F&F, scary sharp OOTB (just like Bark River ;)), with a very nice leather sheath. Unfortunately I have not been able to bring myself to use it :o, just like my Bark River 1st production run Highlander. If it is anything like the originals then it is an excellent knife.
 
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kiahs said:
The Kraton (or whatever it is) handled ones are being made in China in the factories that make Rough Rider knives.
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Those don't count. I wouldn't even consider them Blackjacks. Why Ken Warner is continuing with that line is beyond me.
 
Ken C. said:
Those don't count.
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:D

Why Ken Warner is continuing with that line is beyond me.
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They're certainly good bargains if you don't mind the China stamp. Mike Stewart compared the 10cr17 they're using in the Grunt and Anaconda to AUS-10, which is certainly not a bad steel. If Mike ever does the Grunt in A2, I'll be the first in line.
 
Ken,

I believe that Ken Warner has sold the company and the new owners(Blue Ridge??) have asked Mike to do all the classics while the Quick , Grunt and Small blades are being carried on as stated by kiahs being made over seas.

I will have to go over to my post on KFC where I asked this question, but IIRC, this is what I was told.

Cerberus
 
The blackjack trailguide with leather handle and A2 steel is my favorite knife. Handle stays warmer in the hand in the winter. The convex grind is scary sharp. Zips through all the deer I cleaned with it. By far my favorite do all knife. I do have a full drawer of other knives and this is my favorite. The original ones are getting fairly pricey these days but mine should last my lifetime. Regards Loosearrow
 
I did pop off without knowing and im sorry.I collected and used the Effingham stamp knives in the past and they were fantastic with great thick carbon steel blades.The last ones i picked up and looked over were bright shiny rubber handle examples that bore little resemblance to what i had.They were very inexpensive and im sure well worth the money.I'll look into the US made knives,i'm sure they are great.
 
Hey guys, thanks for all the info. It sounds as though the Trailguides
are a good quality knife. Think I'll try one out. Thanks again.
Crusty:thumbup:
 
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