Blackjack knives

I

ivan_yulaev

Joined
Oct 20, 2003
Messages
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I'm looking for a small, utility fixed blade - no larger than 3", must be sheeple friendly. So, I've narrowed it down to a few choice...

1. Blackjack Stainless small.
2. Benchmade 210 Activator.

What I'm wondering about the blackjack...

1. How does AUS-10 compare to, S30V?
2. How do the handle scales compare? Does the blackjack have water-resistance handle scales? This will be a 'beater' knife, so I need solid, solid handle scales for it.
3. Convex edge...is this easy to sharpen with a lansky-type kit?
4. How do the sheathes compare?

Thanks in advance.
 
I think you will find the BJ Small to be more of a user knife, it is easy to keep sharp, the handles are protected but I really couldnt say if they are waterprrof but I imagine using them then letting them dry or drying them off afterward wouldnt hurt them. One of the nice things about the small is the pocket sheath, it's a add on but well worth it if you want to carry the knife everyday. All the smalls I have seen with AUS steels have had a flawless finish to them and while S30V is the newer steel AUS-10 is still a very good and useable steel.

The Small is going to have some more handle to it than the BM 210 does, so you will have more grip and the knives are full tang.

You can e-mail Ken Warner or Jerry Cozort at this email: knifeware@earthlink.net and ask them more about the handles. Ken Warner is a fine fellow and nice to talk with.
 
I really like the BM 210, but have no experience with the Blackjack you mention. The 210 is a great small fixed EDC. I have no problem getting good grip on the handle for appropriate tasks. The only gripe I have is the sheath, as it doesn't do much well IMO. The 210 really needs a good aftermarket sheath to shine as an EDC piece.
 
I can give a little information on the Blackjacks. As far as steel goes, I'd personally go for one of the 1095 carbon steel models. Convex grinds can sometimes take a couple tries to get used to the sharpening, and the 1095 should theoretically be easier to sharpen than VG-10. I have nothing against VG-10. It’s one of my favorite stainless steels, but not nearly as good as a solid carbon steel for utility work on a knife with this thin of an edge.

As far a sharpening methods go, try this link. If you have more questions on sharpening, definitely give Ken Warner a call. He’s great to talk to. I talked to him shortly after receiving my Blackjack Small. He strongly favored, at that time, using just a flat piece of notepad cardboard for sharpening the Blackjack Small. DO NOT use a Lansky on a convex edge!!!!

I believe that the handle on the Blackjack Small is just basic wood. I wouldn’t worry too much though. I’ve seen Marbles knives of similar construction that have lasted almost a century of use. Good wood is pretty tough stuff, and only requires a minimum of care. I beat the snot out of my Blackjack Small, and all it has a couple of scuffs to show for it.

As NGK-Webmaster said, definitely get the back pocket accessory sheath. It’s a very handy little sheath.

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Oops.... For got the link. http://home.nycap.rr.com/sosak/convex.htm
 
For no particular reason, I have never paid too much attention to Blackjack knives. However after reading this thread it dawned on me how nice it would be to have a short (3") fixed blade with a comfortable wood handle. A very traditional looking fixed blade (with a nice guard), small enough to carry on a daily basis, stout enough to handle various tasks, and inexpensive enough to beat up if needed.

I ended up calling New Graham and buying one of the Blackjack smalls, with maple handle and 1095 steel. I also purchased one of the small accessory sheaths, as suggested.
 
you wont regret the blackjack,i think. i have been very happy with mine, no complaints at all. i am not at all gentle with my knives and it has held up.

rick
 
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