During my 5 years as a truck driver in the early to mid nineties, for about 6 months, I ran auto parts between the Detroit area to the GM plant in St Louis. Use to stop into the Blackjack factory in Effingham every couple of weeks. Located right of the expressway. Was able to your the factory once, very friendly employees. Only bought the Ek branded knives they made. Still have 2 of them, one boot knife,one full size , both double edged, and paracord wrapped handles. When I ordered my first Randall knife, while looking thru the catalog, I saw something that jogged my memory of Effingham. It was the picture of how Randall knives are made. The Blackjack factory had the same thing hanging on one of the walls.Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Ditto!