Blackjack Trail Guide

B

bladefoolish

Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
620
I'm a fan of the original Effingham Blackjack knives, and have several, but with one exception (a Model 5) they've been safe queens. Well, when it rains it pours, because in the past two weeks I've acquired to of the Effingham Trail Guides -- both in good shape, but used just enough for me not to be reluctant about actually getting them dirty.

My question: have any of y'all had any experience with this knife in the great outdoors? I'm used to a slimmer knife, and the Trailguide seems kind of wedgey to me.
 
The older trailguide is one of my favorite knives. I would not baton with it but it is most of what I want in a hunting knife. I have opened up a deer and skinned it and still have the blade hair popping sharp. The only thing I would like to improve on is the sheath. I have a leather handle on mine. A real worker as far as I am concerned. It has plenty of belly, and I think it has a good point for thrusting. It is one of my do all knives. a to". Regards.
 
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Great knife with nice handling qualities but like the op I feel it's a bit thick in the blade. A slightly slimmed down version would be close to the perfect bush knife for me. I also have a mini trailguide and like it a lot - it could be a bit thinner as well.
 
That's my initial impression, that it's a little thick for what I intend to use it to. Glad to hear that it's a good all around worker despite that.
 
I just bought a used one from Mr. Scott Gossman. Its one of the more recent Trail Guide II's with a visibly larger diameter handle than the older models. I really love the way the leather handles feel, very grippy. It is kind of heavy and wedgy but he put an atom-splitting edge on it so I see it as being very useable. I may even take it backpacking though that may be slightly overkill.
 
bladefoolish said:
Not that I plan to baton with mine, but why would you hesitate to do so with the Trailguide?
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Not to be disrespectful to anyone who batons but I have always tried to take care of my tools and use the best tool for the job. I will, and have, used my kukri to baton. I don't want to chip out the blade etc. It has such a keen edge and want to keep it that way for game use. I can usually find small overhanging twigs and squaw wood to make a fire. I have even split wood with a saw by sawing half way through the limb then smacking it on a log to get to dryer wood inside. Why dull a knife if you don't have to? I know you can resharpen in the bush. Plus, I like my pricier knives. I would baton with an Old Hickory from the flea market for 3.00.
 
I don't baton with my knives -- I would if necessary, I suppose, but I've alway's thought there was a good reason god made hatchets.
 
bladefoolish said:
I don't baton with my knives -- I would if necessary, I suppose, but I've alway's thought there was a good reason god made hatchets.
Click to expand...

My thinking exactly. I would baton if I "had" to. I do enjoy all the photos posted that show baton work. Strong, great looking knives, and some works of art.
 
bladefoolish said:
I'm a fan of the original Effingham Blackjack knives, and have several, but with one exception (a Model 5) they've been safe queens. Well, when it rains it pours, because in the past two weeks I've acquired to of the Effingham Trail Guides -- both in good shape, but used just enough for me not to be reluctant about actually getting them dirty.

My question: have any of y'all had any experience with this knife in the great outdoors? I'm used to a slimmer knife, and the Trailguide seems kind of wedgey to me.
Click to expand...

I have a couple of the newer versions and they're fine, but not quite what I prefer for a general use kind of blade. My all-time favorite Blackjack is the Woodsman... I think that model is a great all-arounder. I have a fancy stag carver version and a hard-working black Micarta model. If you like Blackjack knives and want a user, check out the Woodsman. (And I believe most all the Woodsman blades were 52100... :thumbup: They take and hold a scary-sharp edge.)

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
bladefoolish said:
Not that I plan to baton with mine, but why would you hesitate to do so with the Trailguide?
Click to expand...


I broke mine doing, what I feel, was very light batonning. I was splitting some kindling on my living room floor. It was an original effingham one in A2. I really liked the knife. I have heard that Mike Stewart would honor the warranty. I dont know. I just havent had the time to look into it.

Matt
 
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