Effingham versus Richmond Ek

t1mpani

t1mpani

Platinum Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2002
Messages
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Just a quick question--I've long been a fan (from afar) of the Ek #5 Bowie, but have never seen one up close. Reading through on past threads here, I've seen many references to the superiority of the older (and current) Richmond versions to the ones Blackjack was making for awhile. I'm not doubting that, so much as wondering what form "better" takes as these knives seem relatively straightforward in terms of build, and I'd have a hard time telling an Effingham from a Blackjack in the photos I've seen were it not for differences in the blade logo. Are we talking about differences in materials used, dimensions, or just consistency of build? I know the old Blackjacks didn't always have the most even grinds on the planet, but I always looked at that as a matter of looking around until you found an even one.

Essentially, I'm trying to decide if it's worth paying for the Richmond model when the Blackjacks can be found for a good deal less. I'm not averse to paying for superior quality at all, but it'd be nice to know what the differences actually are.
 
I collected Eks for years. In general I've found the fit and finish on the Richmond Eks to be better. That is not always the case, however. I've seen a few Effigham models that were very nice.

Contrary to popular belief, Richmond never stopped making knives. Unfortunately, the last Richmond Eks I purchased new (about 3 years ago) were a little substandard in my opinion. Here's why. The new sheaths were cheap nylon affairs with no tiedown D ring- much different from the old heavy nylon and leather ones. The logo was very light and blurry on all 3, the checkering on the grips wasn't as sharp and crisp as my older ones, and the box was just a cheap brown cardboard affair. They used to come in a nice collectible heavy black box, wrapped in oil paper, complete with the Ek Commando logo, booklets, stickers, catalog, etc. The new ones had nothing. The quality, fit, and finish of those three have stopped me from placing any more orders with the company. Last year I lost interest and sold all but one, my first Ek that I purchased during the Gulf War.

As far as picking one goes, I guess it all depends on how much you want to spend and what you want to do with it. The Richmond ones are certainly more collectible. They all make good users.

Looks like they're still out there: http://www.ekknife.com/
Hope this helps.

Scott
 
Thanks much--that's disappointing to hear about the current production Richmonds. Obviously more aesthetic trouble than functional, but for the money I would think they could "get it right" so to speak.
 
Do you happen to know what steel they're using? I've gone through the website and it's either not there or I'm missing it.


Edit to add: Okay, I did find it, it's on the pricing page. "HCS1415" stainless steel. I'm not familiar with this steel, is it similar to anything?
 
Well, I sent them an email, we'll see what they say. Thank you for all your help. :)

Warren
 
Here in Australia we only ever got to see a late batch of Richmonds and a couple of batches of Effinghams.

There was a clear difference in fit and finish, and a noticeable difference in performance.

The fit and finish of the Richmonds was better, and the steel/heat treat seemed to be higher quality/performance.

I am very grateful that I had the money for my Richmond model 5 all those years ago, and it’s definitely a keeper.

After a week of investigation I gave up on trying to work out what the new Ek steel is.
 
This is the response I received from Ek Knives in regards to the steel:

"Warren -
This is proprietary to us. Closest is 440C, but with a little less chrome
(so easier to sharpen). See comments on web site (www.ekknife.com) - well
liked.
Best wishes,
Bob"

Just curious--what steel did the Blackjack versions use?
 
I'd also like to point out that there were two "grades" of Effingham Blackjacks. Easy to distinguish, the more expensive Eks had brass guards, while the lower grade had steel. I have no idea if there were any other differences.

Also, I've read that the late-production Effingham Eks were of lower quality than the earlier knives. I can't verify personally, but it might be worth a forum search to learn more.

My only Ek is a #5 from Effingham with the steel guard. There are no apparent QC issues. Bought it on closeout for $30. :)

-Bob
 
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