EK knife

johnwaynesandw

johnwaynesandw

Joined
Mar 18, 2005
Messages
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I recently bought an EK knife with wood scales. I would like to remove the scales and wrap it in para-cord. Would this knife be better let as is, or should I remove the scale? What are the pros and cons of either handle for this type of knife? I would like to use it as a work knife and not like a fighting knife.The reason I am asking is because I don't know anything about theses knives and just recently got interested in them. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I do know it is made in Effingham IL. Is there a difference in quality when they were made there as to the originals?

Thanks,
John

 
If you are going to keep and use it as a work knife as you say, then modifying is fine. The cord wrap will give it better grip than the smooth wood scales. That being said, I've owned a few of these, and they are somewhat collectible. Modifying it would make it less valuable to anyone else. I can't tell from the pic if it's been used or not. Unused and unmodified obviously makes it more valuable in the eyes of a collector.
 
With a collectible knife like that, I wouldn't do anything to it that can't be changed back. For example, I think there is no way to remove the handles without destroying the original pins and perhaps damaging the wood.

But it's your knife. And if it's already been used or modified I doubt it's worth more than fifty bucks anyway. Perhaps a Blackjack/Ek collector can add more regarding the rarity, age, and value of your particular knife.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
P1030236.jpg

:)
Vietnam-era Model #6, Miami production. My buddy carried it as a Marine and used it with great affect in combat. The leather sheath is still in great shape, looks almost new. If you look closely you can make out the blood stains. Awesome knife. It is my most cherished material possession.
 
Made in IL? I mean its all up to you, it could have been one of the Old ones made in Miami and I would have still say its up to you. I collect EK's but a knife is a knife and its YOUR knife. So if you want to cord wrap it after removing the scales then I say go for it. What I do recommend though is checking out that "online auction site" as many cord wrapped EK's come up on there so all you'd have to do is buy one already that way. thats what i would do.

Tapedeck74.....thas nice:thumbup:, I have only a few Miami's that would be highly prized by anyone.
 
Thanks for all the info. I guess I should leave it as is. I may have messed up by reprofiling the edge (it was quiet wide). I think I will just look for one with the cord already on it, and leave this one the way it is. Does anyone know what the steel is? The previous owner thought it was 440C, but was not sure.

Thanks for sharing your pic.



Thanks again,
John
 
as well as a few early Effingham ones. You used to be able to see them all over Ebay but their supply is drying up.

Overall, I like the wood or micarta handled ones better than paracord, but it's personal preference. However, if you remove the handles and wrap it in paracord, you've just killed about 1/3 to 1/2 its value. If you want a user, an early to mid effingham model should do fine or you can still get a modern Richmond model. Don't you dare use an old Richmond, Miami or Camden Conn. one as their value will only skyrocket in the future. If you get one with a Serial number, put that in a climate controlled glass case and protect it from any of the elements as those were made during the life and time of John Ek and is a piece of history.
 
I have a Pig Sticker with black para cord and a boot clip sheath,brown with white thread. I also have one like yours,but it is a single edge clip point.
 
Sounds like you got an Model 3 which is a single edge with a false edge on top. Also, like it was said, if the Ek is made in Miami (very collectible) or Hamden, Conn. they are from the pre-blackjack phase, which bought the company back in the 90s but went out of business in 1997. Best person to ask is Mike Steward, former president of Blackjack, then worked for Marbles, now the owner of Bark River. He has always made a superior product. Bark River is also making the blackjack models for the company that owns the rights to Blackjack now. Most of the blades were 440A or 440 C depending on the model. The ones with parachord and a brass guard were 440C and the the ones with a steel guard and maple wood handles I believe were 440A
 
I'd have to agree with the Twisted Terrier, MM, the wood is better for a user, mine had the cord wrap and after some real heavy use it became uncomfortable to hold, the paracord had burn marks from the campfire, the cord was loosening up, it just didn't feel as secure, so I hacked some oak off a chair that they threw out at work, used some pieces of 1/8" copper tubing and a homemade flarin' tool and I had me my wood handles.

BTW this was the Combat Bowie model and I beat the hell outta this knife and it never disappoints, it pains me that I made a user outta it but it's so damn good at what it does I can't put it away.:D :thumbup:
 
I think ultimately you have to look at what your plans are for the knife. If you don't plan on ever selling and you like paracord then go for it. If you want to keep it original though for resale one day then don't use it and don't mess with the handles. The Blackjack era from what I have heard though is not much valued among Ek collectors.
 
Both of my Pig Stickers dont have cross guards.Did any? And both are marked Ek. The single edge has wood handles,and is marked with a US stamp on one side.
 
John can you tell me anything about the Ek knife you have pictured? I have the exact same one with no stamp on the back side and I cant find any information on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

johnwaynesandw said:
I recently bought an EK knife with wood scales. I would like to remove the scales and wrap it in para-cord. Would this knife be better let as is, or should I remove the scale? What are the pros and cons of either handle for this type of knife? I would like to use it as a work knife and not like a fighting knife.The reason I am asking is because I don't know anything about theses knives and just recently got interested in them. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I do know it is made in Effingham IL. Is there a difference in quality when they were made there as to the originals?

Thanks,
John

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