Knife Terminology

[waynorth]

Here's the picture Kerry! You probably did pay to much, if you go by THIS price!!

Please note, the cap bolsters are foreshortened because I could not put the book completely flat without breaking the binding!

 

[KnifeHead]

I definitely paid too much for that knife....but I still like it. Thanks Charlie for straightening that up for me.

 

[waynorth]

Jack Knives!

So, since the humble jack knife has come up, let's see how humble it is!!
Naming the different varieties is occasionally confusing and contradictory. I think it can be simplified if we agree on the terms. As I mentioned to you all, and to Kerry specifically, Winchester called his example a "swell end" jack, and in a sense it is. But I think a better name is Regular Jack. A Regular Jack has straight sides, and tapers somewhat to make it wider at the bottom. (I used to call it a swell end, but have seen the error of my ways. I can change. . . . if I HAVE to) Another feature of the regular jack, is a square bolster. When the top bolster is round, the knife becomes a sleeveboard jack, but more about that later. A thinner version of a regular jack becomes a slim jack, but I am not clear on when that occurs; how thin is a slim jack?
Anyhoo, here are some regular jacks, with some of the bolster variations that, I think, stay in the category;

 

[waynorth]

When Jack Knives are over 4" in length, they are called English Jacks. Here are some examples, along with some regular jacks for comparison. I guess you can call the S & M a Sleeveboard English Jack because of its rounded bolster at the top.

 

[Blues]

A thinner version of a regular jack becomes a slim jack, but I am not clear on when that occurs; how thin is a slim jack?

Nice examples, Charlie. :thumbup:

Afaik, most "slim" jacks have a very slight taper (compared to the regular jacks posted above). When you look at them, the butt of the knife appears barely wider than the blade when open.

 

[waynorth]

If anyone has slim jacks to show us, please post it/them here! The more the merrier!!

 

[waynorth]

O.K. here are some Teardrops. BRL equates them with "swell-end" jacks. Blues, what does Dick say?
It seems these can have a round or square top bolster. Sometimes the cap, or bottom bolster is pointed, more or less. I like calling that a "candle-end bolster" (even though it's a cap. stubborn I guess).
This is a favored old pattern, found more often in antique knives. It differs from a regular jack in that it has a curvy profile, and more rounded bottom (down boys!<g>), usually.

 

[stockman242]

beautiful knives, as always, waynorth.
Every time I see one of your pictures I wonder about the great jigging on your knives,
dont think Ive seen nicer bone scales than the ones you post.
I especially like the Schrade one in the middle.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Blues]

Charlie, Steve's book doesn't go into every pattern (mostly "working" and "field") and I don't recall his book bringing up the swell-end (teardrop).

Hard not to like that classy old pattern. I only have a recent incarnation of that style.

Charlie, imho, that Schrade just barely could be considered a swell-end.

 

[waynorth]

It's more pronounced in person Elliott. Scanners don't always tell the truth, the whole truth yada yada. It's very umm - sexy in person!!
One thing a scanner does do is show the best details of the jigging. It's just as nice in person, stockman! I feel lucky to have found that little uh - gal!

 

[waynorth]

Here's another shot of the knife in question, flanked by more straight-sided regular jacks. It's subtle, but I think the curvy sides are clearer here. Whudda ya think??

 

[Blues]

I'm witcha. :thumbup:

(Awesome detail in that scan, Charlie. Thanks!)

 

[Blues]

What I wouldn't give to see jigging of that quality on today's factory and custom knives!

 

[stockman242]

Thanks for reposting them. :thumbup:
Im getting a little jealous over here.

Thanks

 

[waynorth]

It would be nice to see, Blues! The last 2-3 years, Queen has been issuing their annual series with historical styles of bone handles. Their Greenbone, modeled after old Case knives was not bad, but their Redbone was dynamite!! With all the interest in that old Schrade peachseed bone, I wonder if they won't try it??

 

[waynorth]

Thanks for reposting them. :thumbup:
Im getting a little jealous over here.

Thanks

You are in Germany, stockman?? I'll see if I can't post some nice German jigging in my next examples. Well, I'm off to carve the Easter ham! Now if I can just find a sharp knife around here. . . . . . . . . .
Happy Easter everyone!

 

[KnifeHead]

Since we are still in jack territory, how about A NY Knife Co. Lock Back English Jack.

 

[VCM3]

That is sleek as a leopard,looks like one,too

 

[waynorth]

I love that old NYK bone! It looks particularly nice with some wear from respectful handling!
Great leopard. . .I mean knife!

 

[waynorth]

Blues asked me about the Queen/Schatt redbone I mentioned a few posts back. Here's an example, compared to the Case knives Queen used as models for it.
Which of these things is not like the others?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they were produced as 2007 models.