Northwoods Indian River Jack

dc50

dc50

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Aug 14, 2006
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I am very interested in purchasing the Northwoods Indian River Jack, do any of you fellas own one? If so, hows it working out for you?
 
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Just a friendly side note, vendor links are frowned upon here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=754956

As for the Northwoods Indian River Jack, There have been many high marks given in this forum for fit and finish. I just sold one on the forums here, not for any quality issues, but just because I did'nt care for how slim it was. I like a little meat on the bones. Other than that it was very well built, pocket-friendly and sharp out of the box. And its 1095 steel. :thumbup:
 
I've been on the fence trying to pick a nicer-than-my-sodbuster single blade knife and the Indian River Jack is in the running along with a GEC Toothpick and CSC Half Moon Trapper. Just can't seem to make the move though. I generally prefer stainless but the IRJ seems more pinch-openable than the others.
adam
 
comoha said:
Just a friendly side note, vendor links are frowned upon here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=754956

As for the Northwoods Indian River Jack, There have been many high marks given in this forum for fit and finish. I just sold one on the forums here, not for any quality issues, but just because I did'nt care for how slim it was. I like a little meat on the bones. Other than that it was very well built, pocket-friendly and sharp out of the box. And its 1095 steel. :thumbup:
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Yikes! I knew that, about the links, the ole bugger forgot himself :o

So... you felt it was too slim, that's something for me to consider.
Other than that you, felt it was good quality. Thanks comoha, for your input, good stuff.
 
SAKsRCool said:
I've been on the fence trying to pick a nicer-than-my-sodbuster single blade knife and the Indian River Jack is in the running along with a GEC Toothpick and CSC Half Moon Trapper. Just can't seem to make the move though. I generally prefer stainless but the IRJ seems more pinch-openable than the others.
adam
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You'd think we were cut from the same cloth, :D those are exactly the same ones, that I'm mulling over. I was thinking the IRJ might be a bit more pocket friendly, as I plan on carrying it daily.
 
It's well made and opens more easily, IMO, than a blade with a nick. Out of the box, the action required some cleaning and lubing. After that, the blade snapped open and closed very nicely. I personally don't carry it too much as I have a relationship with an old Vic at the moment. It certainly would make a fine EDC, it's light and slim.
 
I recently got one and I love it. The knife is thin but in no way flimsy. I typically prefer multi blade folders but the spearpoint on the IRJ is perfectly sized and unbelievably useful. It is my constant companion now.
 
dc50 said:
You'd think we were cut from the same cloth, :D those are exactly the same ones, that I'm mulling over. I was thinking the IRJ might be a bit more pocket friendly, as I plan on carrying it daily.
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Until the GEC toothpick came out I always thought the style was too big. 4" closed is just about perfect and I like the bolster shapes. The CSC Half Moon has that nice long bolster that most trappers don't have and it's $20 less than the others. The IRJ has my favorite blade pattern (spear) but maybe it's a little too similar to my Vic Soldier that I usually edc. Oh man, the choices!
adam
 
JohnnyR said:
It's well made and opens more easily, IMO, than a blade with a nick. Out of the box, the action required some cleaning and lubing. After that, the blade snapped open and closed very nicely. I personally don't carry it too much as I have a relationship with an old Vic at the moment. It certainly would make a fine EDC, it's light and slim.
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I have a Alox Pioner Settler single blade model, which is a pretty thin knife.
Would you think that the IR is as thin?
 
dc50 said:
I have a Alox Pioner Settler single blade model, which is a pretty thin knife.
Would you think that the IR is as thin?
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I know that this one wasn't directed at me so my apologies. In lieu of that though I believe the Irj and the single blade alox are similar in size.
 
zrfunited said:
I know that this one wasn't directed at me so my apologies. In lieu of that though I believe the Irj and the single blade alox are similar in size.
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no apologies needed, the question was out for whomever has the answer.:D
 
The IRJ is listed as 3 3/4" closed length. It is not 3 3/4" - it's 3 5/8" - same as an alox Soldier, or Farmer, or Pioneer. The blade on the IRJ is 3/16" shorter than the blade on those alox Saks, and a little bit more pointed.

I don't have a single layer alox Sak with which to compare, but it's thinner than the Soldier ..... if you took off one alox scale on the Soldier, that would come close to the width of the IRJ.

If you're considering a Vic alox Solo, or other single layer alox Sak, and want something a little more "traditional" or classy, I think you'd be very happy with an IRJ. I just got mine today and I will say it is a beautiful, well built knife ..... I'm just not sure yet if it's my "cup of tea".
 
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Thanks Kieth! Darn I'm not sure, if I should spend the money our not.
As I do have a new single blade Alox Pioneer Settler.also a Falkniven TK4
all about the same size it seems. Hey let me know in a couple of days or so, if your IRJ is going to be a keeper, or just another to the collection so to speak.
 
dc50 said:
I have a Alox Pioner Settler single blade model, which is a pretty thin knife.
Would you think that the IR is as thin?
Click to expand...

I don't have a single blade alox to compare. Compared to the standard 4 blade Pioneer, the IRJ is about 1/16" or so thinner in width and just a tad shorter. It's about 1/16" wider than the Cadet.
 
I have the Indian River (and a bunch of other Northwoods) it is OK. And of the three you mention possibly the best.

What is tempting me away from it is the Northfield/GEC single blade trapper - but I am a total sucker for that pattern

also the scagel hole doesn't hold all he appeals that it once did for me :) though I expect that to return anytime soon
 
Thanks Noddy! lol, the Scagel hole, is what attracts me to the IRJ, :p
My GEC trappers are really tough to open, if the nail nick was a bit larger it might help with the opening.
PS the Indian River Jack, is in the mail as we speak.
 
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Gah! Not cool!

There had better be know left for me, when I can afford it! :-P

But yeah post your opinions when it comes. I'm curious.
 
I have one waiting for me at home. I just arrived at the house today..... can't wait to open it up.I also recieved a Vic soldier today which is really nice. It will be interesting to compair the two considering how similar they are.
 
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