Cold Steel R1 or Blackjack Model 7

V

VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hey guys. I've been looking for a knife of this style, and these seem like the best offers that don't cost an arm and a leg. I like that the Cold steel is more rust resistant(I imagine) But I figured asked you guys would be my best bet. Which would make a better camp knife/survival/defensive blade?
 
I would say that both knives (patterned after the Randall 1-7 if I recall) are more intended as a combat knife, but they should work for just about anything. The Blackjack has a better grind and steel so I'm going to have to give it the nod. Keeping A2 rust free really isn't as hard as it's made out to be, and it will be definitely resist chipping better than the VG-1 San Mai, although I would say both are probably quite tough. The Blackjack is also American made and convex ground by hand, and it's not much more expensive than the R1.

If it counts, I like the aesthetics of the Blackjack Model 7 better because it is available with the metal pommel.
 
I'll second the Blackjack. I have a Model 125, very nice blade, nice leather sheath, I prefer convex grinds, and I like A2. I will add that I have no experience with Cold Steel or their steel.
 
Where I'm looking the Blackjack is actually cheaper. I live and camp in wet climates which was my main concern. I planned on probably having kydex made for whichever I chose but if the A-2 was going to rust quickly I didn't want to bother. It looks like I'll be going for the antique ivory micarta since the leather washers worry me and they don't have black available :P
 
On my leather washer handles I just treat them with Hubbard shoe dressing, others have used beeswax. The treatment will result in a very dark handle that is highly weatherproof.

I have a couple A2 knives and they have shown no tendency to rusting in the field. However I keep all my tools maintained in the field. With normal care you will have no problems.
 
I see the other fellas spoke of the other piece (which I know nothing about) but I do have the CS Recon1 with the clip point. That was my first real knife. I can tell you this much, you can absolutely beat the snot out of it and you aren't going to damage it, let me rephrase that....if you use it as a prybar you're going to break it but you aren't going to see that blade move to a side or get loose on you. The Tri-Ad lock is unbelievably stout but there is a pretty good breaking in period for both the blade and the lock - just work with it and both will loosen up as they should with time.

But the AUS8A steel really is a good steel. Very easy to sharpen and it holds the edge relatively well, depending on how long you're going to be out maybe bring you a sharpener with you (overnight or 72 hrs.) It locks up like a vault. You mentioned for self defense? You pull that out of your pocket and when that blade slams shut if people are around you - they will be looking to see what that loud noise was, and I am not embellishing in saying that. It is somewhat menacing.

The blade is covered with something different this year I think - but it looks pretty badass but will more than likely chip off over time with regular use. What I did was go to AutoZone and picked up one of those little bottles of touch up paint..they even had the satin/glossy kind that was on the blade. I would touch it up with that and buff it with the drimmel to keep it looking sharp but I have seen where it looks real nice without the paint job so I've been thinking about stripping it. {?} But it's a good knife, it was for me, I've kind of moved on to different makers etc. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either. Good luck.:thumbup:
 
VolundoftheForge, I have a Blackjack Model 1-7 in black micarta if you are interested. Just shoot me a PM or email.
 
MrPocketsOfSteel said:
I see the other fellas spoke of the other piece (which I know nothing about) but I do have the CS Recon1 with the clip point. That was my first real knife. I can tell you this much, you can absolutely beat the snot out of it and you aren't going to damage it, let me rephrase that....if you use it as a prybar you're going to break it but you aren't going to see that blade move to a side or get loose on you. The Tri-Ad lock is unbelievably stout but there is a pretty good breaking in period for both the blade and the lock - just work with it and both will loosen up as they should with time.

But the AUS8A steel really is a good steel. Very easy to sharpen and it holds the edge relatively well, depending on how long you're going to be out maybe bring you a sharpener with you (overnight or 72 hrs.) It locks up like a vault. You mentioned for self defense? You pull that out of your pocket and when that blade slams shut if people are around you - they will be looking to see what that loud noise was, and I am not embellishing in saying that. It is somewhat menacing.

The blade is covered with something different this year I think - but it looks pretty badass but will more than likely chip off over time with regular use. What I did was go to AutoZone and picked up one of those little bottles of touch up paint..they even had the satin/glossy kind that was on the blade. I would touch it up with that and buff it with the drimmel to keep it looking sharp but I have seen where it looks real nice without the paint job so I've been thinking about stripping it. {?} But it's a good knife, it was for me, I've kind of moved on to different makers etc. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either. Good luck.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Thanks. My EDC folder is a BM 710M390 and I'm looking into an Emerson CQC 7
 
I own both and they both are great knives. Both made very well and both razor sharp. But my choice would be the Blackjack. Cold Steel's R1 is expensive usually over $200 while the Blackjack can be made new for as little as $143. Plus the CS can be had only one way while the BJ has a number of options.
 
I have owned both and liked them both. Given a choice i would go with the Blackjack. The ivory micarta looks really good. However, for a camping and hunting knife I think the Blackjack 125 is a much more practical knife.
The A2 does require some care. It stains very easily, particularly around blood or salt water but is nowhere as high mainteance as steels like 1095, o1 etc.
 
I own the Model 14 so I will definitely say get blackjack. I have literally never had A2 rust, and I have the used the knife for skinning and fishing. A2 is even better than the steel real Randall knives use, and IMHO carbon steel is the best choice for a large wilderness knife. I would even say get the model 14 over the 7 if you want a really tough knife for camping and survival because of the full tang and slightly more robust blade. I will say that getting a kydex sheath wouldn't be a bad idea, but the sharpshooter sheath is definitely better than what cold steel puts out.
 
If it matters, I owned blackjack halo attack. I really liked the sheath and everything overall, but disliked the nickel silver guard. I would personally prefer something like brass that would develope patina just like the blade does. Nickel silver just developes scratches.
 
I own that Blackjack and a few others that look like a version of the 1-7.

I have owned the 1-7 for about 20 years and I will not part with it.

Its is a very close copy of the Randall 1-7,but SOOOO much cheaper.

I will do a T&E between that and the Randall as I have one inbound soon.

But the BJ will remain a favorite of mine due to its service already.
 
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