What Defines an English Jack and an American Jack?

[Vaporstang]

I've seen some (and been drooling over some) English Jacks here and elsewhere and was wondering what actually is an English Jack? What defines it? I'm sure it is going to vary by manufacturer and time period. It seems to be similar to the GEC 98 over 4" long.

I've seen the term American Jack also and was wondering what defines them also.

Thanks!

 

[Lapedog]

Where it's made ?

Just kidding. I always thought "jack" or "jack knives" was a very generic term that referred to many slipjoints rather than a specific pattern.

 

[Jak3]

Well just looking at pictures it seems that English Jacks have a slighter sleeveboard shape and American Jacks have a more pronounced sleeveboard-swell end (but not exactly tear drop shape). The English Jacks seems to be sleeker in contrast to the American Jacks' more stocky look.

But I don't know really, haha, just guessing off of looks. I'd love for a more experienced collector to come in and set us straight.

 

[popedandy]

Years ago I read that an English Jack was over 4 inches long. I don't know about the rest of your question.

 

[Gevonovich]

Here are some examples and opinions

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/english-jack-extravaganza.1114861/#post-12715448

 

[Vaporstang]

Here are some examples and opinions

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/english-jack-extravaganza.1114861/#post-12715448

Well thank you for posting that! There are some sweet ones of the English jack in that thread. (Too bad photobucket did whatever they did.)

 

[Gevonovich]

Well thank you for posting that! There are some sweet ones of the English jack in that thread. (Too bad photobucket did whatever they did.)

Yes it's such a shame. Most of the time Clouds blow away

 

[Lapedog]

Yes it's such a shame. Most of the time Clouds blow away

Wouldn't that be nice. There was a post on the CRK picture thread. Someone figured out how to get around it and post photobucket pictures and have them show up.

 

[black mamba]

I think an English Jack is a large straight jack with premium features, like fancy bolsters, long pulls, etc.

American Jack is what GEC named their first #78 knife, but I've never heard it referred to as a generic pattern name like stockman, trapper or barlow.

 

[supratentorial]

I had never heard of "American Jack" in reference to knives until GEC started using it. I figured it was a play on "English Jack" and they invented the name like the names "Viper" or "Buckaroo". I'd be interested in seeing an old reference to the name if it exists.

The "English Jack" pattern is well described by others in this topic. It is also in most knife books.

 

[Rockon75]

Take a look at GEC's 2013 run of #64's. Not the swing guard run but the rounded bolster run. Very similar to QCC's self titled "English Jack" pattern number #28. The #65 GEC's all have a copperhead bolster, so they deviate a bit. The 64 run was not made with two blades, as the QCC's are, and the GEC's were lock backs.

 

[Jolipapa]

To distinguish an American Jack from an English, it's easy. Take a fish and chips. The one that rushes forward is the English. The one asking for ketchup is the American.

 

[smiling-knife]

This is my Taylor's Eyewitness Jack from the other thread. About 4.75 inches closed made circa 1880s.

 

[jc57]

The difference is that American Jacks come with handles of different colors, while the English Jacks come with handles of different colours.

 

[mrknife]

To distinguish an American Jack from an English, it's easy. Take a fish and chips. The one that rushes forward is the English. The one asking for ketchup is the American.

see who asks for a pint

 

[mnblade]

see who asks for a pint

The English Jack will get "bloody sharp," whereas the American Jack will "take a dern good edge."