Pens vs. Jacks

D

dogstar

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Jan 23, 2011
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In contemplating the design of my Buck 309 and other pen knives like the Conductor and the Case #109, versus a jack knife design like the Peanut, the difference, I think, has to be the feel of the handle with one blade deployed. The second blade is either rising up from the pinkie finger or reaching down from the index finger.

For those of you that own both styles of knife, can you comment on the difference, if any, in ergonomics? What is your preference? Thanks.
 
Interesting question.
As a general rule, I prefer the jack configuration.
Usually, the jack version allows a better blade/handle ratio, although is (on average) thicker (since every blade needs a spring). But, I don't like crinked blades, so I'd prefer the "one spring for each blade" pens...so back to the start.
Also, as a pure aesthetic fact, jacks look much better, but that's very personal.

Fausto
:cool:
 
dogstar said:
In contemplating the design of my Buck 309 and other pen knives like the Conductor and the Case #109, versus a jack knife design like the Peanut, the difference, I think, has to be the feel of the handle with one blade deployed. The second blade is either rising up from the pinkie finger or reaching down from the index finger.

For those of you that own both styles of knife, can you comment on the difference, if any, in ergonomics? What is your preference? Thanks.
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I have both, and to me it does not really make much difference to me. I can happily get by with either one. My only concern is the overall length. If it's over 3 inches, like a Buck companion, I find there is just enough length there to get a decent hold with the slim one spring design. But under 3 inches, like a peanut, I like the two spring design for the thicker boxy feel that lets me get a good hold on the small package.
 
Thanks for your replies. I wondered what a crinkled blade was, I think I understand now. Yes, the number of blades per spring is a big factor that I had not considered, because the 309 has one spring per blade.
 
Having both (crinked) blades on the same springs usually allows to reduce the thickness of a knife, and that's why many people prefer the pen configuration.
Carl's thought on the length/thickness factor is a pretty common thing. I guess the hold on the knife can change alot, and both factors on their own (length alone, or thickness alone) guarantee some "feel" when you hold a knife.

Fausto
:cool:
 
I like both single spring and multi spring knives. It really depends on the knife but generally speaking, if I had to choose between a Pen and a Jack I would choose a Jack simply for the two backspring design.

I have never been bothered by closed blades when using a multi-blade knife. I read a lot of posts from those who are annoyed by it but it has never been a problem for me. Let that blade stick out there. I don't care.

Having said that, I have seen photos of some two bladed knives that have blades that protrude beyond a reasonable limit. Some of them have master blades that are wider than the handle when closed. I might find some discomfort in those.
 
In my opinion, the "impact" of the closed blade is also determined by the handle shape. I agree that some blades sit very high, but the handle shape can "hide" the protrusion or make it more uncomfortable.

Fausto
:cool:
 
Well, I also own both. A Jack knife and a pen knife.

I personally prefer the Jack knife. The handle is thicker, so the ergonomics are better for bigger hands (like mine). A penknife a little different from the feeling. The handle is thinner, better for smaller hands. I´m talking about working with it. For regular pocket carrying a penknife is more pocket friendly. There´s only one layer instead of two at a Jack knife.

Do I carry a jackknife as well as a penknife?! Yes, for sure. Both have their good sides.

You should try out, what you like more.

Kind regards
Andi
 
I like a split spring whittler because the main blade sits in the frame just like a single blade. I haven't noticed crinking that would be any kind of hinderance in any way. For a two blade design I have very little experience with a pen, but I want a nice one down the road. I think Carl's logic makes sense, but I just fumbled around like a moron when I handled a peanut, so I would be thinking of 3 1/4 - 4 1/4 sizes.
 
I like a jack configuration better as I like the center liner but I carry a pen everyday because its thinner in the pocket. The feel of the knife with one blade deployed really depends on the blades themselves. Most of the time I don't notice the pen blade at all at either end. A wider master blade can be a different story when using the secondary blade though.
 
I have a Case Pen knife on the way. I currently carry a Case Medium Jack. The handles look to be the same pattern so it will be interesting to see which one I prefer after alternating between them for a while.
 
Paradiggum said:
I have a Case Pen knife on the way. I currently carry a Case Medium Jack. The handles look to be the same pattern so it will be interesting to see which one I prefer after alternating between them for a while.
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Agreed. Would that I had an extra camera to send you.

(I'm not trying to rub it in; you have consistently mentioned very interesting knives or combinations thereof, and I know better than to ask for pictures under Current Conditions.)

I look forward to your comparative report once you have the pen knife in hand, and which you gravitate towards over time.

~ P.
 
I prefer pen type blades. It is mostly an ascetic thing for me-- I like how they look.

img1038s.jpg
 
My favorite pocket carry is the mini copperhead. It is almost a pen knife. Indeed I consider it such. Especially the clip blade versions (I've got to get me one of thoses.) I prefer it to the peanuts I have for reasons that defy explanation. I also enjoy the jack configuration knives including peanuts. I don't yet have a Case pen knife, but I really should own one in the course of time.

Ed J
 
pertinux said:
Agreed. Would that I had an extra camera to send you.

(I'm not trying to rub it in; you have consistently mentioned very interesting knives or combinations thereof, and I know better than to ask for pictures under Current Conditions.)

I look forward to your comparative report once you have the pen knife in hand, and which you gravitate towards over time.

~ P.
Click to expand...

I also have a Case pen with a medium jack on the way, as well. If you would like pics, I will gladly post some when the jack arrives.
 
bwperdue said:
I also have a Case pen with a medium jack on the way, as well. If you would like pics, I will gladly post some when the jack arrives.
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Sure, that would be great! I keep a ruler near my computer and often measure, gauge, and attempt to accurately envision, but there's nothing like pictures-- especially those that compare at least one known quantity to others.

Also, there's nothing like pictures. :)

~ P.
 
I have examples of both that I carry and use regularly. I don't know that I have a preference. My Peanut is in my pocket most days, and the Mini Copperhead is also a favorite. Due to the unexpected generosity of a forum member I have a 32087 CV Pen knife heading my way shortly, so it will be fun to compare the three Case knives.

With slightly longer knives I probably have more pen than jack style. However, I just picked up a Camillus jack that is just under 3.5", and my old 3.5" Colonial barlow is being rescaled as a shadow style jack, so they will get some pocket time I know.

I guess for me it is similar to the various fountain pens I have and use. Different styles and sizes for different uses.
 
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