Get em now!

Joined
Mar 7, 2006
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2,171
Okay guys, I don't usually run around saying you really gotta get one of these. In fact, I haven't until now. I may say how good I think something is or that I think it offers a good value for the money. I may even "encourage" someone who is thinking about a particluar knife, such as, ohhh, a yellow handled Sodbuster. I just don't go telling someone get something before it's gone. This time you really should. I won't plug something intensely for friend or family just to help them out. Only if it works exceptionally well. . If I'm going to rave over something it better really impress the dickens out of me. Yep, this one did.

http://www.vintageknives.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jncorrmqq

This was commissioned by our own Waynorth. It is simply one hell of a fine knife. If there were plenty left to go around I'd let you discover it on your own and try not to embarass Charlie by spouting like this. But they are in limited number and not too many left as I understand it. So I'm tipping you off to this. I ain't getting paid to endorse it, push it or sell it, nor am I connected with Vintage Knives. I'm on the using end.

This ain't your pleasant little EDC or your fruit knife or your Daddy's Oldsmobile. This is however, your grandaddy and great granddaddy's heavy user tool. This is a working knife that just happens to look pretty darn good too. I just finished test cutting some different knives on some leather scraps. The shaving sharp blades, the various knives I EDC in both carbon and stainless steels, and this one. Most of the others bind in the leather, make lesser cuts, or require a lot of effort to cut leather. Many of them will skive pretty well, but this harness jack (Farmer's Jack as the website calls it) cuts straight, fast, and clean. The punch practically jumps through the leather. I held up some reasonably thick leather and pushed and pull cut right through it cleanly and with ease. I took some latigo straps, laid them down on a magazine and tried cutting tips off with the different knives. Various results, but none did a really great or easy job. Press the front edge of the blade of this HJ into the strip and the tip (of the latigo silly) just pops off. I find it to be just one fine using knife. Mine has seriously strong backsprings.

If you want one to stick in the safe, go somewhere else and leave the remaining stock to people who will use it. Limited numbers or not, this is made to be used by people who appreciate a fine working knife.

I did have to hit mine a few (very few) licks on a soft stone when I got it. Cutting paper the blade would catch in a few places. Using magnification I could see a tiny wire edge in a place or two. I took three strokes per side on a fine Arkansas stone, a few strops on bare leather, checked it again, then took five more strokes per side and a little more stropping. That was it. I've been using it since. The blade geometry seems to work very well for its intended purpose. It just needed the tiniest bit of cleanup.

Apologies if I got a little carried away, but I love this knife more each time I use it and I think anyone who loves a purpose driven, hard working knife will love it too. Just get your own while they are out there cause you can't have mine! :D
 
Its made of good High-Carbon steel. Of course its going to cut great..! Nice looking knife..!! Give me Carbon anyday. If I don't care for it then its my fault. Mineral oil magic keeps em nice. Thanks for the post & take care of that puppy..!
 
Amos Iron Wolf said:
So I'm tipping you off to this. I ain't getting paid to endorse it, push it or sell it, nor am I connected with Vintage Knives. I'm on the using end.

If you want one to stick in the safe, go somewhere else and leave the remaining stock to people who will use it. Limited numbers or not, this is made to be used by people who appreciate a fine working knife.
It is interesting you are so carried away with this knife. It seems like a pretty nice knife and Schatt & Morgan make some fine knives. I am glad you are not with Vintage knives as there are other knife compaines out there. He are some knives with different scales, but.....

http://www.soonerstateknives.com/schattmorganharnessjacks.htm
 
Those are some nice looking HJs. I only linked to Vintage Knives because to my understanding they are the only ones handling this particular knife which was designed/commissioned by one of our regular members & posters here. The Mayer punch is not something you see on most HJs and I'm impressed with its performance as I am the rest of the knife.

I have some favorite EDCs that I consider excellent carry and general use knives. Specifically two Yellow Handle CV Case XXs, a Sodbuster Jr. and a Barehead Trapper. I have knives that I just like the look and/or the function of. So far however, I only have two traditional slippies that just really sing to me and that I just totally enjoy using, this particular harness jack and my Remington, Musket-1, Daddy Barlow. The big barlow just feels good in my front jeans pocket and really good in hand. The harness jack just seems to speak and one thing it says is "Put me to work. I can produce for you." That HJ, and I'm sure it is true of many well made and designed harness jacks, is what I call a purposeful knive that screams to be used for real work. It doesn't hurt that this one is from one of our own and just happens to be a really fine knife. It is also bladed in 1095 carbon steel instead of 420HC. It's a nice touch. Now if someone wants to pass me one of those other harness jacks I'll be happy to put it to work and let you know how I like it. ;)

I certainly would encourage folks to look at several of the great places for some great knives out there. Just in this case a slightly more unique harness jack is only available in limited number from one place.

I probably won't become a harness jack collector. The one I have is all the knife I need in that line and is for using. If I did collect them I would certainly be looking into the ones in the Sooner State Knives listing. Those are nice knives at what appears to me to be a good price.
 
well it's not a sodbuster but it is a really nice knife. up until recently i had not heard of a harness jack, and now they keep popping up. looks to be a very well made knife. later, ahgar
at this time i'm still stuck on the case sodbuster, can't help it, i'm sick.
 
Schatt and Morgan in 1095 -- wow. I almost impulse bought it when I saw the picture. I'm going to sleep on it but I just might wind up with one of those. Thanks for the review and the link, Amos.
 
Amos Iron Wolf said:
Those are some nice looking HJs. I only linked to Vintage Knives because to my understanding they are the only ones handling this particular knife which was designed/commissioned by one of our regular members & posters here. The Mayer punch is not something you see on most HJs and I'm impressed with its performance as I am the rest of the knife.

I have some favorite EDCs that I consider excellent carry and general use knives. Specifically two Yellow Handle CV Case XXs, a Sodbuster Jr. and a Barehead Trapper. I have knives that I just like the look and/or the function of. So far however, I only have two traditional slippies that just really sing to me and that I just totally enjoy using, this particular harness jack and my Remington, Musket-1, Daddy Barlow. The big barlow just feels good in my front jeans pocket and really good in hand. The harness jack just seems to speak and one thing it says is "Put me to work. I can produce for you." That HJ, and I'm sure it is true of many well made and designed harness jacks, is what I call a purposeful knive that screams to be used for real work. It doesn't hurt that this one is from one of our own and just happens to be a really fine knife. It is also bladed in 1095 carbon steel instead of 420HC. It's a nice touch. Now if someone wants to pass me one of those other harness jacks I'll be happy to put it to work and let you know how I like it. ;)

I certainly would encourage folks to look at several of the great places for some great knives out there. Just in this case a slightly more unique harness jack is only available in limited number from one place.

I probably won't become a harness jack collector. The one I have is all the knife I need in that line and is for using. If I did collect them I would certainly be looking into the ones in the Sooner State Knives listing. Those are nice knives at what appears to me to be a good price.
Thanks for your further expanation of why you like that knife. It is a good bit of difference between the ones I mentioned and the one you mentioned. It really is a good looking knife.
 
Just made my purchase of one of these very lovely looking knives! Hard not to after reading AIW's post starting up this thread(very persuasive!). But truth be known, I have been thinking about this purchase long before this thread was ever written... Looking forward to receiving this little beauty and very posssibly putting it at the very top of the EDC list:thumbup: :D :cool:
 
Let us know how you like it, sunnyd:thumbup:
 
sunnyd said:
Just made my purchase of one of these very lovely looking knives! Hard not to after reading AIW's post starting up this thread(very persuasive!). But truth be known, I have been thinking about this purchase long before this thread was ever written... Looking forward to receiving this little beauty and very posssibly putting it at the very top of the EDC list:thumbup: :D :cool:

So i gather you were able to pickup from the subtle emanations that I love mine? ;) I think you'll really enjoy it. It's a knife made for using.

Enjoy, and as Waynorth said, let us hear what you think about it.
 
Amos Iron Wolf said:
So i gather you were able to pickup from the subtle emanations that I love mine? ;) I think you'll really enjoy it. It's a knife made for using.

Enjoy, and as Waynorth said, let us hear what you think about it.

No question this bad boy HJ is a first class cutter in every respect!:thumbup: :cool:


000_0942.jpg


From the fine fit & finish to the perfectly beautiful jigged Amber bone scales, fabulous half stops and superb walk & talk built with a Mans size handle, this is my new #1 EDC!
 
Ahh, I see you have the Swell End HJ. A good looking knife indeed! I especially like the jigging. I'm getting around to playing with one of those. I've had the Farmer's Jack for a little while now and nothing so far to make me lose my love for it. It's still a favorite. You know you really need both! ;) (Hey, I'm not going down this pathway alone!)

That Cooper/Robeson punch on that Swell End really makes a big hole fast. Having both it and the Mayer punch gives a great combo for making anything from sewing holes to lacing holes.

Nice photo, very context oriented. I like that pouch! I'm guessing from the look the loop on the tether goes on the belt and the knife and sheath ride in the pocket?

Like I said, I'm just getting ready to start playing with the Swell End. We'll have to compare notes once we've had some more time to play with 'em. Sure beats hanging out in bars! (I'm waiting for someone to make a crack about leather bars now. heheh.)

Glad you are enjoying that knife. Purposeful knives are meant to be used and appreciated.
 
I just received one of these today. It's a very nice knife - and seems to be pretty darn solid. The random jigged bone, shield and bolsters make it look really classy.

Amos Iron Wolf, when you said "Mine has seriously strong backsprings", you weren't kidding. This might be the only shortcoming of this knife - the springs are so strong that it's really difficult to open. My thumbnail is getting a real workout. On the leather punch, I think I'm going to keep the last 2/3rds of the punch unsharpened so I don't slice my fingers wide open pulling it from the halfstop. Opening it is a two step operation - one effort to get it to the halfstop, another to get it open all the way. Once open, the strong spring helps make this thing feel 100% rock solid.

Overall, I really like it. I'm thinking that someday this will make a great gift for my son - after I've gotten a good 25 years of use out of it!

Amos Iron Wolf, thanks for the tip!
 
brewthunda said:
I just received one of these today. It's a very nice knife - and seems to be pretty darn solid. The random jigged bone, shield and bolsters make it look really classy.

Amos Iron Wolf, when you said "Mine has seriously strong backsprings", you weren't kidding. This might be the only shortcoming of this knife - the springs are so strong that it's really difficult to open. My thumbnail is getting a real workout. On the leather punch, I think I'm going to keep the last 2/3rds of the punch unsharpened so I don't slice my fingers wide open pulling it from the halfstop. Opening it is a two step operation - one effort to get it to the halfstop, another to get it open all the way. Once open, the strong spring helps make this thing feel 100% rock solid.

Overall, I really like it. I'm thinking that someday this will make a great gift for my son - after I've gotten a good 25 years of use out of it!

Amos Iron Wolf, thanks for the tip!


My pleasure! I enjoy various knives and appreciate some a lot, but very few are absolute hands down favorites. This one is very much a favorite. Lol, after opening it a few times all other knives seem a little weak springed until I realize what I'm comparing them too. I figure if this particular knife ever closes on my fingers while using it, I will have had to do something REALLY stupid.

I'm glad y'all are enjoying them as much as I enjoy mine. I think our own Waynorth might have learned a thing or two about Harness Jacks in his years of researching and collecting them. ;)

I used to think a punch was a punch. Just in reading the info on the site about each knife and the info that's been posted here regarding punches I see that the punch was a serious and varied blade form intended for serious users.

I just need to quit talking about getting this room cleared out and do it. Then I'll have some space to use the knife to make a sheath for it. I really like that one SunnyD has in that pic. That vintage Official Boy Scout sheath knife beside it sure fits in with another thread on here.

Good cutting.
Amos
 
Amos Iron Wolf said:
Ahh, I see you have the Swell End HJ. A good looking knife indeed! I especially like the jigging..

Nice photo, very context oriented. I like that pouch!..

..I'm guessing from the look the loop on the tether goes on the belt and the knife and sheath ride in the pocket?

Glad you are enjoying that knife. Purposeful knives are meant to be used and appreciated.

Hello Amos,

Thanks for the complement on the photograph. That is cool considering my lack of any real ability with a camera. I very much agree with your assessment on this knife. Since I have been using this knife every day for nearly two weeks now, I can attest to the outright functionality of this little gem.

First off, the knife is really well suited for EDC usage yet very hansom at the same time. The scales are beautiful with deep rich color and consistent jigging. This swell-end HJ has the perfect amount of heft for my hand and incidentally is surprisingly well balanced with the master blade open. I'm not sure if this was by design or just came together by chance, but the fact remains, making it an absolute joy while in use.

Secondly, the master blade has ample belly just back from the tip which is exactly where I like it which exacts smooth and accurate cuts using the tip as a reference point. And I am so glad it was designed with the long pull which is a real plus. The punch goes through leather with ease and makes neat and clean holes without tearing like some punches I have used in the past. It also serves extremely well for my pipe bowl scraper/cleaner. The fit and finish looks more like a custom knife than a production piece in my opinion. As stated before the half stops are a great incorporation, one for safety and two the fabulous walk and talk it provides the owner.

I was utilizing the leather pouch on the tether which is called a 'buckaroo' as you mentioned in your post, whereby you surmised the exact application for its intended purpose. The buckaroo was my means of primary carry as protection for the knife in my pocket. But I was using it so much that it was just more comfortable because of its heft and convenience to confine it in a leather belt sheath worn on my right hip. Besides its now starting to show signs of good honest use with its lightly scratched bolsters and blades. And yesterday I put it on the Wichita stone for the first time and in short order had her hair popping sharp.

Incidentally, I got several of these buckaroos made up custom from my good friend Ron Ryder over at Cutters & Collectors on the web. He makes these up in different sizes for a variety of pocket cutlery. I really like all mine a lot and typically use it most often when I am dressed up for Sunday-go-to-meet'ins or Dinner out and such. If anyone is interested you can check Ron's website below:

http://www.cuttersandcollectors.com/homepage.html

brewthunda,

I must second your assessment regarding the undersized pull on the punch blade. That too is my only criticism of this piece. Actually, I would like to suggest to giving thought to match-striker pulls on any future designs to the good folks responsible for these decisions, which are my all time favorite pulls. I can see where the punch blade size may have made match-striker pulls on the punch nearly impossible, but surely a longer and wider pull for the punch-blade would have been prudent.

What I have done is let my left thumbnail grow about a 1/16-1/8 inch longer than usual since I started EDC'n this knife and it is now a one step operation opening the punch. You might try that as a quick fix and see if that works for you rather than risk injury. All my fingernails are typically nubs in the finger skin, but hey, I need me blades man..:thumbup: :cool:

Best,

Tony
 
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