Rusty,
Prigger may have confused you. John Ek originally made knives starting in WWII. Those that Prigger cites are old John Ek made knives. John died in the 70s and the trademark was sold to folks who formed the Ek Commando Knife Company in Richmond, Virgina. John's son Gary was making knives in the spirit of his late father, first in St. Augustine Florida (where I met him) and then later in Miami. The Richmond Ek knives are mass produced unlike those of the original father and son. But they are considered quality pieces with some new designs like the #5 bowie being introduced. The Richmond company is the one acquired by Blackjack. Quality of materials slid during the Effingham, Illinois Blackjack days until bankruptcy stopped everything.
So, in addition to the marks Prigger mentioned which identify John or Gary Ek's blades, those with the crossed blades and wreath citing WWII, Korea and Vietnam (and later the Gulf war) are either Richmond or Effingham. Many of the Blackjack Eks are stamped Effingham but not all.
Personally the least desirable are the late Effingham blades. Those called Warrior with brass riveted hardwood handles are poor, but the micarta handled M3,M4,M5 and M6 models are of better construction and materials. The Richmond Eks are the best of the mass produced and the original John Ek handmade knives are the ones with real collectors value.
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-=[Bob]=-
I did NOT escape from the institution! They gave me a day pass!
