Randall Model 1 and Blackjack Model 7

T

Tracks

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Feb 7, 2010
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173
I'd love to see photos of any of these knives that have been used and aren't safe queens. Though the safe queens are beautiful and welcomed too. Anyone with experience in the field using either of these knives? Seems like most people buy these as collector knives so it's tough to find information or reviews from people that have used them much. Any info or pics would be awesome. Thanks
 
I have a basic Blackjack (BJ) Model 1-7. It has not been used. I generally use the BJ 125 as a general woods knife. Don't own a Randall Model 1, but have others.
 
I can't help with the model 7 since the double guard rules it out as a user for me, but I also have a BJ 125 for a woods knife and its been absolutely excellent.
 
Tracks said:
I'd love to see photos of any of these knives that have been used and aren't safe queens. Though the safe queens are beautiful and welcomed too. Anyone with experience in the field using either of these knives? Seems like most people buy these as collector knives so it's tough to find information or reviews from people that have used them much. Any info or pics would be awesome. Thanks
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Whole subforum here on the subject of Randalls....

Here's their picture thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/830956-Show-us-your-Randalls
 
EricV said:
I can't help with the model 7 since the double guard rules it out as a user for me, but I also have a BJ 125 for a woods knife and its been absolutely excellent.
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The double guard on the 1-7 makes it a fighting knife to me and I think it is an excellent one. Bark River does a real nice job on these knives. I have read posts that the 1-7 is a good woods knife. I suppose it would work just fine. I just choose the BJ 125 as one of my woods primary woods knives. (The others include the Kabar Becker BK-15 and Dozier Pro Guides knife.) The 1-7 is the kind of knife I would choose for a SHTF situation where the knife might be used defensively (hence the guard) and for general cutting. I think it is an absolutely beautiful knife by the way and for me a classic design that says KNIFE.

In general, I think the Blackjack knives are very under appreciated. Everyone seems to want an exposed full tang so they feel they can beat on it mercilessly in the woods. I don't do that with any knife unless I don't care about it.
 
The Camp and Trail Model #5 is basically the Model #1 with a few small changes, namely the removal of the top figure groove on the blade, and usually soldwith a single guard instead of a double. A #5-6 makes a fine outdoor knife. Shame Blackjack seldom offers the single guard option anymore, as their old single guard 1-5 and 1-7 were a decent substitute.
 
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In my experience, using a Model 5, the double guard fit perfectly against my palm below my thumb and did not get in the way when choking up and using the choil. If you don't like the double guard after actually giving it a try, you can send it to Bark River and they'll grind off as much as you want.
 
Thanks to all of you for the great information. I appreciate you posting about your experience with these knives. I use all of my knives so it helps to hear from others that they've had good luck with Blackjack. The wait on my Randall is painful.
 
I believe all the classic line are made in A-2 in recent years by Bark River. Yeah, that's a beauty! The neck knife (155) is made in 154cm. It is a nice knife too.
 
The blackjack has that nice convex grind. Plenty o steel behind the edge. A2 is good stuff. I have a leather handles one I got on the exchange here. It's ridden my hip on a couple of hunts in the short time I've owned it. It's gotten plenty of complements.


I have not used it as a field knife, but I've no doubt it would excel in that role. I've seen a cut away of the tang that Mike Stewart posted on another forum-the transition is nice, and rounded.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Here's my Blackjack. It hasn't gotten a lot of use, but I do bring it along when I get a chance to do outdoorsy sorts of things. It's well made and I love the feel of a stacked leather grip.

 
Thanks guys for the pics and info! I love the look of the Model 7. So classic. It's a great option if you don't wanna drop the money for a Randall 1. I dig the brass on the Randall's. Wish you could still get new Blackjacks with brass guards. I've seen them on effingham blackjacks. Of course if you pick up an effingham with the price seems like you may as well buy a Randall except for the wait I suppose.
 
Does anyone know what the tang is like in the saber grip model (without butt cap)? I'm wondering if the micarta would get loose around the tang after extended use.
 
There's a nut on the end of the tang of the Blackjack 1-7 and I suppose if it actually got loose, you could tighten it up. I really don't use my 1-7, but I like the 125 a good bit.

The old Effingham's aren't so expensive for the standard classics.
 
randall has a better guard. the blackjack will dig into your hand meat between your thumb and index finger unless you round it off
 
There is a model of the Blackjack model 7 that is a completely hidden tang. I'm wondering how that will hold up.
 
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