Wondering if any tradganger's have any experience with Blackjack knives? I'm interested in the 125 but also like some of the other models.
I understand they are considered a copy/knock off of Randall knives, which I cannot afford regardless, but they do get good reviews.
I have owned a couple over the years and don't have any complaints. I ended up selling them off to purchase my first Randall. Blackjack in my opinion is a good blade.
I saved up and bought a real Randall knife and I'm glad I did. I feel a sense of pride of owning and using an heirloom. But that's just me. Most any knife will do the job.
(http://%20[url=http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/macdonaldarchitect/media/Randall%2011%20Alaskan%20Skinner%203_zpsolnktvzz.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w469/macdonaldarchitect/Randall%2011%20Alaskan%20Skinner%203_zpsolnktvzz.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
QuoteOriginally posted by LongbowArchitect:
I saved up and bought a real Randall knife and I'm glad I did. I feel a sense of pride of owning and using an heirloom. But that's just me. Most any knife will do the job.
(http://%20[url=http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/macdonaldarchitect/media/Randall%2011%20Alaskan%20Skinner%203_zpsolnktvzz.jpg.html%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w469/macdonaldarchitect/Randall%2011%20Alaskan%20Skinner%203_zpsolnktvzz.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Nice one!
This one belongs to my son. (http://%20[url=http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/macdonaldarchitect/media/Randall%2023%20Gamemaster%202_zpsobygqliy.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w469/macdonaldarchitect/Randall%2023%20Gamemaster%202_zpsobygqliy.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
a knife is only as good as it's heat treatment makes it. Heat treat is a multi step process that includes hardening, then multi stage tempering - using the right quench medium, and correct temp and time settings is what separates a " knife " from a knife-like object.
And I completely disagree with the notion that most any knife will 'do', at least from the sense that if you'd like to get through a skinning and quartering job without having to stop and re-sharpen a blade a couple times- and having something you'd be proud to hand down to the next generation....a well-made knife is like a finely made double barreled shotgun, a beautiful custom bow,or a bamboo fly rod....a tool that brings immense satisfaction like few other things can.
So true Ray !!!
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Hammond:
a knife is only as good as it's heat treatment makes it. Heat treat is a multi step process that includes hardening, then multi stage tempering - using the right quench medium, and correct temp and time settings is what separates a " knife " from a knife-like object.
And I completely disagree with the notion that most any knife will 'do', at least from the sense that if you'd like to get through a skinning and quartering job without having to stop and re-sharpen a blade a couple times- and having something you'd be proud to hand down to the next generation....a well-made knife is like a finely made double barreled shotgun, a beautiful custom bow,or a bamboo fly rod....a tool that brings immense satisfaction like few other things can.
Very true. I believe Bark River produces a great knife so there shouldn't be a problem with the Blackjack knife. I was just wondering if anyone had direct knowledge of the Blackjack knife. I may just contact on of the builders on TG and have something made.
This all came about when my daughter asked if she would get my knife one day. I hadn't really thought about it but just assumed it would go to my son, as I've used it on his first three deer. I thought I could buy and use something to give her; however, with 6 kids I'm not buying 6 Randall's! I'm not even buying one.
Thanks
I ended up with enough Randall knives for all my kids. It has taken several years to acquire the seven knives, but I'm glad I did.
Warden, one of those you got from me. I bought a Randall simply because I figured anyone who enjoys knives ought to own a piece of the tradition. Since I have two sons, I bought two with the idea of passing them on. Both my boys said they would rather have one that I made, so I put one up for sale. I do find them a bit overpriced compared to other quality knives I've bought, but there is no question they are quality and something to be proud to own.
I bought a Lin Rhea knife for much the same reason. It's a little tough for a knife maker to spend that much money on a knife made by someone else, but Lin is a Master Smith whom I greatly admire and I wanted a piece of his work to use as a bench mark to work toward.
If I could afford it, I'd own a knife from each of the knife makers on this site. Reality and retirement income being what they are, that's out of my reach.
I think Ray Hammond expressed it very well. When Ray makes a knife, I'm sure there is a bit of Ray in it - his technical ability, pride in craftsmanship and artistic ability. It's really not "just a tool".