Has anyone purchased the recent version of the Blackjack Small made with the kraton handle? I understand that they are made in China. I am just wondering if they are comparable to the cocobolo handled models, which I think are made in Japan or the older models. I am also wondering about the nylon sheath, I assume it has a hard plastic liner. If you have one or have looked at one, your thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.
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Blackjack Small Questions.
- Thread starter Quy4n8
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2004
- Messages
- 277
I recently purchased two of the kraton handled Smalls (for carry in situations where I can't have anything more than a 3" blade) and my friend bought one of the Cocobolo versions. Yes, mine are made in China, I forget where the other was made, I was thinking it might have been in Japan.
These must be somewhat semi-production knives because there were subtle differences between the three. As should probably be expected, the more expensive cocobolo model was perceptibly the best of the three with better better fit and finish and near perfect grind. It was also the sharpest of the three being scary sharp. One of mine was really quite sharp, easily shaving hair. The grind lines on the last one weren't quite perfect and it wasn't quite that sharp.
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm really lousy at knife sharpening so I contacted Ken Warner via email about a sharpening service. He immediately (within one day) responded saying to send it back and he would do whatever it took to make it right. My friend is actually quite good with convex edges so he worked on it a little and got it very sharp. I thanked Ken for his offer but decided to not send it back. He reiterated that he would be satisfied only if I were.
The nylon sheath is, unfortunately, not the most practical. It is not lined but is very heavy nylon. The belt loop is a single piece of nylon stitched to the body of the sheath. The loop is so small that it's utterly impossible to get a decent size leather belt through it, the stitching would rip out. I just wish it came with a kydex sheath.
The leather sheath for the Cocobolo handle is really quite nice and seems to be very usable. If I were going to do it again, I'd order the wooden handled version.
Do I like the little blades? You bet! They feel just awsome, the handles fit my small little hands very nicely and that tiny guard is just enough to keep my hand from sliding onto the blade in. I haven't used them for cutting anything, but I do practice short range combat throwing and they perform excellently. And since I have two of them, the one with the lessor grinds is my dedicated trainer. At the deeply discounted price I paid, it wouldn't be worth my time to try to create an approximation of them.
I really like Blackjack knives and have a Quick and am eagerly awaiting my 8" Anaconda 3 Bowie.
These must be somewhat semi-production knives because there were subtle differences between the three. As should probably be expected, the more expensive cocobolo model was perceptibly the best of the three with better better fit and finish and near perfect grind. It was also the sharpest of the three being scary sharp. One of mine was really quite sharp, easily shaving hair. The grind lines on the last one weren't quite perfect and it wasn't quite that sharp.
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm really lousy at knife sharpening so I contacted Ken Warner via email about a sharpening service. He immediately (within one day) responded saying to send it back and he would do whatever it took to make it right. My friend is actually quite good with convex edges so he worked on it a little and got it very sharp. I thanked Ken for his offer but decided to not send it back. He reiterated that he would be satisfied only if I were.
The nylon sheath is, unfortunately, not the most practical. It is not lined but is very heavy nylon. The belt loop is a single piece of nylon stitched to the body of the sheath. The loop is so small that it's utterly impossible to get a decent size leather belt through it, the stitching would rip out. I just wish it came with a kydex sheath.
The leather sheath for the Cocobolo handle is really quite nice and seems to be very usable. If I were going to do it again, I'd order the wooden handled version.
Do I like the little blades? You bet! They feel just awsome, the handles fit my small little hands very nicely and that tiny guard is just enough to keep my hand from sliding onto the blade in. I haven't used them for cutting anything, but I do practice short range combat throwing and they perform excellently. And since I have two of them, the one with the lessor grinds is my dedicated trainer. At the deeply discounted price I paid, it wouldn't be worth my time to try to create an approximation of them.
I really like Blackjack knives and have a Quick and am eagerly awaiting my 8" Anaconda 3 Bowie.
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2004
- Messages
- 277
Glad to help.
