Ideas for large-ish, sturdy jack knife?

Frankki

Frankki

Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
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Looking for some input and ideas.

Have tried a Case 6232 and Schrade 33OT recently, nice enough knives but kind of small. And the master blades are a little too slim and narrow for my taste. Somewhat delicate if you will, I can't see myself doing any serious work with them. The Case actually ended as a handbag knife for the missus because she finds it "cute". :D

So, what would be a proper sturdy jack that isn't completely lost in my not-even-that-big-a hand? Size around 4" would be ideal but I can't seem to find much in that range. Could be a bit smaller if it's wide and solid enough otherwise. What's important is a master blade of some significance and strength.

Not a fan of the straight cigar or sleeveboard patterns, I like a bit of shape and curvature in a knife (and in wimminfolk too of course ;)) . Things like gunstock, serpentine, swell center etc. are much better.

Carbon steel blades a plus, but usable stainless is acceptable. Vastly prefer handles of natural material, don't like blade etches that are too gaudy. Shield is plus, as is double bolstered. Strong action and springs necessary. Good level of fit and finish goes without saying. Budget-wise let's say up to about $150 for a nice one but that's about it.

Man am I being picky again.. :) Thanks for any help and pointers in advance.
 
Yes the GEC 73 looks kind of good and I've seen it in jack form but it seems to have a spay master blade? Not sure what to think of that really, seems like a strange idea. :confused:
 
Schatt & Morgan has several, the Wildcat Driller and English Jack jump to mind. Excellent f&f, excellent value in my opinion.
 
Frankki said:
Yes the GEC 73 looks kind of good and I've seen it in jack form but it seems to have a spay master blade? Not sure what to think of that really, seems like a strange idea. :confused:
Click to expand...

I THINK they did a version in Hemlock Bone that had a pen blade on it.

The stainless version I have(from 2006 with KILLER thumb nail extractors) has Clip and Skinner
 
Northwoods (Knives Ship Free) has a couple patterns that might work for you.

Ed
 
Jacks do seem to be a smaller pattern. Here are some variants that are a little bigger.

The aforementioned GEC Jack with spey master
GEML734209JCO.JPG


Then some others, that kinda match
BDML3B73CF.JPG

GEML538210WN.JPG

MMML00J5203.JPG

SMMLO42271.JPG


Someone needs to make a 4" gunstock. Some American copperheads have a small secondary, but most have two big blades.

GEC is going to make a dogleg jack soon, but it will still be in the 3.5" area.

Mike Latham
CollectorKnives.Net
 
I would recommend the Case Bose Tribal spear.Its about 4-1/8 " I think & its a curved jack frame Modified warncliffe blade.
It's " Simple , Effective , Useful "

I'd go over your budget to obtain it,too With superior materials,in the end it'll prove more sturdy

-Vince
 
VCM3 said:
I would recommend the Case Bose Tribal spear.Its about 4-1/8 " I think & its a curved jack frame Modified warncliffe blade.
It's " Simple , Effective , Useful "

I'd go over your budget to obtain it,too With superior materials,in the end it'll prove more sturdy

-Vince
Click to expand...

I'm badly drooling for that one but it's many many pennies.. then again, nice things are.

Some good ones shown, thanks, food for thought for sure.
 
Frankki said:
I'm badly drooling for that one but it's many many pennies.. then again, nice things are.

Some good ones shown, thanks, food for thought for sure.
Click to expand...

You are willing to go "your limit",you are almost there.
As soon as you say the word sturdy,I know those Case Bose knives are gonna be overbuilt,compared to most others shown here

The pivot bushing pivot,teamed w/ ss bolster & liner is alone worth the extra coin you'll need above your limit.

If you shop,they can be had reasonably,for what you are getting
-Vince
 
Another idea:

Queen City Classics English Jack in carbon. Bit over 4" Clip and Pen, longpull in Bone or Ebony. Not too dear either, a big 'un:thumbup:
 
I like the Case 6292 in red bone or chestnut. 3-7/8" long, clip and pen blades in carbon chrome vanadium for around $50 or less. Mooremaker has a beautiful yello trapper that may fill your needs. So many options for your price range, you may have some trouble deciding.:)
 
Trappers would be an obvious choice, but for some reason I just don't like them. No Trapper has ever done me wrong in any way (also you can feel free to burn the heretic now :D) but they leave me totally cold.

I have the Case 6292 on my want list also as soon as I can find a nice one that's available. Although the premium jacks are probably all on the slim side, I guess?

Of the more affordable options I'm kind of liking the Northwoods gunstock best so far, even if it is a little small. Have to agree with Mike Latham, a 4" gunstock jack should definitely be made available. I know I know, design and tooling costs etc. but what's the deal with always stopping at 3.5" size?

And still counting pennies and figuring what to sell to get that Case Tribal Spear. My taste is far too expensive in relation to disposable income. It's the same thing every time. :)
 
What about a Canal street cutlery swell center jack. They just came out about a couple of months ago. I would have gotten one already but I had too many already on order at the time. I think maybe next month.
 
When a person sets up a limit of $150 for something, that becomes a psychological barrier, nothing more. If you can afford to spend $150 for a toy, you can do $750. It is just a state of mind. $150 is 16.5 $9 hamburgers (not counting the drive to go get them, or food for the rest of the gang). If you can't pay for something now, save your money. Just my opinion. Those Case Bose knives are really something.
 
BTW, size in numbers on paper can be illusory. The 3.75 inch Case Bose dogleg jack is more robust and beefy than many 4 inch knives.
 
Okay okay.. you guys are just pushing me over the edge to order the Tribal Spear and enjoying every second of it aren't you? :p :)

I don't think for a moment that it isn't a great knife, but it is also a lot of money, for me. But yeah, there are ways around it and nothing good is ever cheap or free.

However.. that Canal Street 4 1/8" swell center in bone and D2 doesn't seem like a bad idea either in the other price category. That's pretty close to my original specs and kudos to them for coming up with something like it!
 
CSCswellcenterjack.jpg


Oh yeah!!! That's nice!!! I could go for one of those myself.

Frankki, that's got your name written all over it!! I'm gonna quit looking because I know that's "the ONE".


Ed
 
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