Eureka Jack - Pattern/Handle Shape Explanation?

[pertinux]

As inspired by current threads featuring the same, including:

Neat looking pattern. Guy couldn't decide whether he was making a reverse dogleg or coke bottle, looked at it and yelled - EUREKA.

I've not held a Eureka Jack in-hand, but the pattern/handle looks ungainly to me, and possibly uncomfortable-- especially the palm-side hump.

Yet, the enthusiasm of those whose taste I trust suggests otherwise.

Could someone explain (and/or proclaim the goodness of) this pattern, for the ignernt?
Or point me to yet-undiscovered links (I tried).

~ P.

 

[Sonnemann]

I always thought of it as a reversed slimline trapper "48" type frame, in profile if not in length. For me the appeal is the relative rarity and the semi-swayback shape that I like.

 

[Blues]

Sarah, it's a wonderful pattern (and it comes in a few incarnations). However, if the frame build is off (even fractionally), it throws the entire knife off and ruins the aesthetic appeal...at least it does so for me. For this reason I find myself judging this pattern with a very critical eye.

The Eureka is one of my all-time favorite patterns. A great size (usually about 3.5" to 3.75" closed), great blades and very comfortable in the hand as well as pocket.
I suppose it's one of those patterns that you either "get" or you don't. For me it was virtually love at first sight and I've never changed my opinion since.

Here are a few examples of Eureka Jack patterns. The last pattern, by Joe Allen, is from a Eureka frame (also made by Joel Chamblin) which was popularized by the New York Knife Co. back in the day.

 

[zippofan]

Beautiful knives Elliott, wow! As always, Enrique Pena's bone jigging gets me, just perfect. If I ever have the opportunity to have a custom made (not until I have two kids out of college ), I will be contacting him.

I've heard of this pattern but never really investigated it. Now that GEC seems to be making an SFO I have a feeling I'm going to have one.

Cheers,
Griff

 

[Boggs]

P...........


It's actually a very comfortable as Elliot mentioned...............the rise of the spine seems to meld with your palm, while the underside rest comfortable in your fingers........

 

[black mamba]

If you'd like to try one cheap, Rough Rider makes a very nice Eureka Stockman for around $10.

Here are all the handle variations. These are 3-3/8" closed.

Pattern numbers are 372, 406, 407, and 890.

 

[Getahl]

Is it called a Eureka Jack because the hump makes the knife look vaguely like the state of California?

 

[Jack Black]

Great pics Elliott :thumbup:

 

[supratentorial]

This knife is no longer mine but I don't think the present owner will mind me sharing the photo (if you do, let me know)

 

[Blues]

Great pics Elliott :thumbup:

Thanks, Jack. (You can tell that I didn't take 'em...)

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks, Jack. (You can tell that I didn't take 'em...)

You take a great picture Elliott! I've been missing them these past couple of weeks

 

[Blues]

You take a great picture Elliott! I've been missing them these past couple of weeks

Thanks, that's very kind of you to say, Jack. Taking (and giving) a breather, I guess.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks, that's very kind of you to say, Jack. Taking (and giving) a breather, I guess.

Take it easy pal

 

[pertinux]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I really appreciate the input.

I always thought of it as a reversed slimline trapper "48" type frame, in profile if not in length. For me the appeal is the relative rarity and the semi-swayback shape that I like.

Well, now that you put it that way, I can "see" it.

Sarah, it's a wonderful pattern (and it comes in a few incarnations). However, if the frame build is off (even fractionally), it throws the entire knife off and ruins the aesthetic appeal...at least it does so for me. For this reason I find myself judging this pattern with a very critical eye.

I think that's what's put me off me so far-- the lack of symmetry is in itself a visual distraction (to me), and pictures alone might render this pattern "thrown off" out of the gate...?

(Elliot, your last example looks sowbelly-ish from the perspectives shown; I think sowbellies look odd, too, but a single-bladed sow is one of the most comfortable knives I've held yet....)

For any of you: did you "get" this pattern the first time you saw it, or did you have to handle one first to appreciate it? Because this makes good sense to me:

It's actually a very comfortable as Elliot mentioned...............the rise of the spine seems to meld with your palm, while the underside rest comfortable in your fingers........

If you'd like to try one cheap, Rough Rider makes a very nice Eureka Stockman for around $10.

Thanks-- I didn't realize RR made any.

And Elliott of the critical eye and custom Customs says:_____________________________

?

(Okay, probably not fair to compare, but if I wanted to give the pattern a chance to make a good impression, I'm thinking I'll wait to see someone else's...? Or is the RR a revelation, as t'were?)

I'm still wondering about the pattern's history, ie, somewhere along the line someone had to have decided this was a good idea, and chose to make a pattern that just plain felt good (to hear y'all tell it), bent as it is. Or, recognized that what was first thought to be a mistake was actually functional and comfortable?

~ P.

 

[ken erickson]

I have made many different patterns and I must say if I were to build Myself a daily carry knife it would be based on the Eureka pattern.
I do understand that looking at pictures that it appears as if the pattern is "odd" shaped. In hand the subtle curves, the blade selections, the comfort in hand and pocket become apparent. I also admit that I am partial to the Eureka pattern built using a single spring, master coming off the large end.

 

[Jack Black]

I have made many different patterns and I must say if I were to build Myself a daily carry knife it would be based on the Eureka pattern.

You really should build yourself one Ken!

Jack

 

[ken erickson]

You really should build yourself one Ken!

Jack

I am like the car mechanic that fixes everyone's car and drives a beater barely able to make it 2 miles! LOL

Here are few pictures of a Eureka that shows the thinness of the single spring. This version also allows for basically sunk joints as a extra benefit.

 

[Peregrin]

I am like the car mechanic that fixes everyone's car and drives a beater barely able to make it 2 miles! LOL

Here are few pictures of a Eureka that shows the thinness of the single spring. This version also allows for basically sunk joints as a extra benefit.

Reminds me of the "shoemakers son" who has the old shoes with holes in the bottom.

 

[Jack Black]

I am like the car mechanic that fixes everyone's car and drives a beater barely able to make it 2 miles! LOL

Here are few pictures of a Eureka that shows the thinness of the single spring. This version also allows for basically sunk joints as a extra benefit.

It's been the same with a few other knife-makers I've known Ken, they're so busy looking after their customers, they never get round to making a knife for themselves. I've known custom makers in Sheffield who didn't even own a single knife!

That IS a great pattern, and very nice pics as always

 

[Thalestin]

It's been the same with a few other knife-makers I've known Ken, they're so busy looking after their customers, they never get round to making a knife for themselves. I've known custom makers in Sheffield who didn't even own a single knife!

That IS a great pattern, and very nice pics as always

Haha so true. When I was working as a gardener/landscaper me and my boss would make some beautiful gardens. However, my boss did not have anything to show but dead grass on his property.

Never quite got the appeal of this pattern. Just docent flow with me aesthetically. Not saying the customs here aren't nice, but I'd take another pattern given a choice. Looks pretty functional though