- Joined
- Oct 29, 2015
- Messages
- 760
I've been out of the slipjoint world for awhile, instead spending my time and money (not real money, but PayPal Credit money) on flippers and other "modern" knives.
But, I recently came across a photo of the new release of black micarta American Jacks and began obsessing over what appeared to be a contender for a new favorite production slippie.
Not knowing how much they originally went for, I paid a 25% mark-up and am very pleased to have landed one.
These check a lot of aesthetic boxes for me: I love the contours of swell-ends; and the satin finish applied to both the double bolsters and the always classy-looking houndstooth shield pairs well with the textured finish on the canvas covers. And, practically speaking, the satin finish hides swirls and scratches that otherwise diminish the appearance of mirrored bolsters.
The sanded, and therefore grippy, micarta covers both look and feel great. I love the muted matte look of these, but wonder whether, like denim, they'll be prone to soaking up oils and gunk. Builds character, right?
The spear blade, while not as stabby as a wharnie or clip, should suffice for the tasks most desk jockeys demand of their knives. It's plenty sharp out of the tube, and regular stropping will keep it ready to open envelopes and cut the tape on your Priority mail boxes.
The profile is slim, allowing the 78 to disappear into your watch pocket or pocket slip. It feels significantly thinner than, say, the Northwoods Delta Jack. And generally speaking, between those two, I'd keep the 78 if I had to choose to part with one (I actually did make just that choice).
The fit and finish are spot-on, with no liner gaps and zero blade wiggle. I'd call the pull a 5-6, with plenty of audible snappiness.
My sense is the black 78s will become highly sought-after, joining the 77 as some of the production slipjoint world's most appreciated and, in terms of the secondary market, most outrageously priced, knives. I'll swap mine for a Bitcoin!
But, I recently came across a photo of the new release of black micarta American Jacks and began obsessing over what appeared to be a contender for a new favorite production slippie.
Not knowing how much they originally went for, I paid a 25% mark-up and am very pleased to have landed one.
These check a lot of aesthetic boxes for me: I love the contours of swell-ends; and the satin finish applied to both the double bolsters and the always classy-looking houndstooth shield pairs well with the textured finish on the canvas covers. And, practically speaking, the satin finish hides swirls and scratches that otherwise diminish the appearance of mirrored bolsters.
The sanded, and therefore grippy, micarta covers both look and feel great. I love the muted matte look of these, but wonder whether, like denim, they'll be prone to soaking up oils and gunk. Builds character, right?
The spear blade, while not as stabby as a wharnie or clip, should suffice for the tasks most desk jockeys demand of their knives. It's plenty sharp out of the tube, and regular stropping will keep it ready to open envelopes and cut the tape on your Priority mail boxes.
The profile is slim, allowing the 78 to disappear into your watch pocket or pocket slip. It feels significantly thinner than, say, the Northwoods Delta Jack. And generally speaking, between those two, I'd keep the 78 if I had to choose to part with one (I actually did make just that choice).
The fit and finish are spot-on, with no liner gaps and zero blade wiggle. I'd call the pull a 5-6, with plenty of audible snappiness.
My sense is the black 78s will become highly sought-after, joining the 77 as some of the production slipjoint world's most appreciated and, in terms of the secondary market, most outrageously priced, knives. I'll swap mine for a Bitcoin!
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