what happened to E K knives??

[Charles Lipscomb]

per my Q, what happened to E K knives?? they made a nice combat knife. use to be u s calvary and brigade had them, but have not seen any svcource for over 7 years or so...
saw a chinese copy in the latest shooters catalog. but want american e k.. they wwere marked ''WWII Korea Vietnam'' on the ricasso..
anyne??
thanks...

[reks2]

Charles:

I have a new-in-box EK double-edged para with black para cord wrapped around the handle. Bought this years ago and been in my safe since. It has been taken out of the box a couple of times, but is essentially NIB.

Rich

[Da Nerd]

I see some for sale by speciality sellers, but I think EK went out of retail business

[Charles Lipscomb]

reks 3 email sent to you.....

and thanks da nerd. i figured they were gone. but hoping otherwise... would like to know more about e k tho....

[Da Nerd]

I have one made by them, it has a wooden handle and the blade is engraved with Force Recon etc. in a wooden display box, I have had it for MANY years.

[gunseller]

I have two of their knives. They do seem to be good quality. They were sold to another company but I can not remember who. Now that I think about it I think S.O.G. bought E.K. Knives.
Gunseller

[MAINER]

John sold out to Blackjack Knife Co. They went belly up two years later.

It appears someone has fired EK up again.

www.ekknife.com

Tougher than crowbars, you couldn't pry their owners loose of em in Nam. Course I wouldn't let go of my Randall either.

My EK is the 6.75" bowie style with para cord. Had trouble with the sheath rusting the blade at the stiches and rivets on sheath rusting, so now keep em seperate.

I heard that during war time, John wouldn't sell to anyone who wasn't a GI.
and any dealer who didn't go along with that didn't get any more knives.

[Charles Lipscomb]

thanks guys.
did not know there was a ''john ek''. i always thought it was E K knives...

i like the knives, but no way can afford the new ones. tho i may not have to..
now randall knives are a whole 'nother story, i will never be able to afford an original randall.
may own an original ek tho...
again thanks, oh and this will be my 2oo th post!!!


later, Charles

[nvcdl]

What would be a fair price for one? I have one that is gathering dust.

[Charles Lipscomb]

check out the link to the new EK knives for prices.. the new ones cost about 5 times what the older ones went for new...

reks 2 has agreed to sell me his at a very nice price (for me) thanks reks 2....

[hso]

In January 1941, John Ek started producing knives in quantity in Hamden, Connecticut near Lake Whitney. In 1949 John Ek moved to Miami, Florida where he continued production. John Ek died on 21 October 1976, but the business was continued by his son, who had worked for his father as a knifemaker prior to John Ek's death. Due to the growing crime rate in Miami, it was decided to relocate the operation to St. Augustine until 1982. Here it get's a little fuzzy as to whether the son moved the business or sold it to a group in Richmond, Virginia – halfway between the earlier Connecticut and Florida locations. In 1993 Blackjack Knives, Ltd. became involved with manufacture of "production" knives (for three years), while Ek Knife Co. in Richmond continued primarily with custom and commemorative knife-making and sales. When Blackjack went out of business in the mid-1990's, the making of production knives returned to the Richmond operation.

[96Bravo]

My knowledge starts in Richmond. As far as I know, the "real" Ek knives was in production in Richmond until the early 90's. They were purchased by Blackjack but the Blackjack knives were made in Effingham (sp?), Ill. Blackjack went belly up some years later. Another company called Ek is making knives in Richmond now.

[GIshooter]

I have two Ek knives bought new. First was 1989. I've got the double edged blade with the micarta handle(bade looks like a Gerber MkII.) Carried that while in the 82nd during Panama/Desert Shield&Storm. Got the para cord wrapped bowie shortly after that when I graduated the Q-course. Both came with a little booklet titled "Your silent partner." Great little book that gave you a short history of the man, company, and the knives. Also explained how to care for the knife and why it had certain features. Very well made tools that don't feel like a club when in the hand. I'll never sell or trade mine.

[Gazz]

I met Gary Ek, John's son years ago in St. Augustine. At that time, Gary was still running the shop but it seemed like little was getting done. From what I understand, Gary sold off lots of his dad's stuff (can you say nice gun collection) and then eventually sold the business as well. Seems he really NEEDED to spend the money on something else. This was early 80's or so.

[Charles Lipscomb]

Well guys , reks 2, aka Rich, hooked me up with his EK knife. at a very fair price ( gave me a hellava deal, i could not rsist) .
i jumped on it pretty quick, thanks Rich...
As i told Rich in emails, it is so nice i am nearly tempted to use it. and i also pondered which of my brothers would call ''dibs'' when they see it... lol
just sorry i did not buy one years ago....

thanks to all for the info..
Charles