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.
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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.
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Nice one!

This one belongs to my son. [/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".