Blaklader Pants

[BBuild]

I'm going to throw out my 2 cents on the Blaklader versus bjornklader debate and say the Bjornkladers are far superior in every way. The fit, knee pad placement, durability, and utility pockets are far better than Blaklader's.

I had 3 pairs of Blaklader's that I wore regularly until I bumped into the one and only Kreg at the Bjornklader booth at JLC a few years back. It was right after the button popped of on my two pairs of bantams so I was happy to jump ship. I also wore a belt with them every day so I found that unacceptable for work pants. My blaklader brawny have held up fine but even after multiple washes they still feel like cardboard and the knee pads are far too low.

 

[GreenGA]

In case anyone visits JLC Providence, both Blaklader and Bjornklader are represented and discounted a few percent. If you wait until Saturday near the end of the show, you can get some pretty good deals.

 

[bigjonh]

Just saw that Duluth Trading has a new entry, the Ultimate Apron Front Fire Hose Pants. With detachable pouches, knee pad pockets and the great crotch gusset.

 

[wow]

Just saw that Duluth Trading has a new entry, the Ultimate Apron Front Fire Hose Pants. With detachable pouches, knee pad pockets and the great crotch gusset.

They have a retail location about a half hour from where I live. I will have to go check them out as soon as I am walking again.

 

[PMA]

I really want to like these pants but sizing options are no bueno.  I have a pair of the heavy worker two tone kind. Anyone else feel like they are tight in the thighs and long in the cuff. 

 

[carlb40]

I just ordered a pair of jobmanusa  pants. The new floor layers $122.00. They look just like the Bjornklader ace carpenters. But lighter fabric. Will have them in 10 days and will do a review of them.

The ace carpenters are nice pants. Little heavy in summer but ok  but love um better then Bjornklader  so I will update

Kreg,
How did the jobmanusa pants work for you? I'm looking to replace my blakladers because the knee pads keep sliding to the side on me when I kneel. I'm probably going to get a pair of bjornkladers and a pair of duluth fire house but I wanted to examine all options.
Thanks!

I would be interested too. I currently use snickers as they are light and quick drying, but like most the knee pads are in the wrong place for me.

The carpenter ace trousers look great, but not sure 100% cotton will be that good in wet weather over here. So the jobmans might be a better option, i like the look of the 2181 ultra work pants just not sure if they are available in the uk yet. 

 

[honeydoman]

I bought a pair of the floor layers. They are okay. But not worth the money. I still prefer ace carpenters from Bjornklader love them. Have 6 pair. I tend to get paint on them and more paint and that's not good !  So I buy a clean new pair saying I'll keep these paint free.  Last for awhile then it starts all over again. But the paints are tough and last long time

 

[Scott B.]

I bought a pair of the floor layers. They are okay. But not worth the money. I still prefer ace carpenters from Bjornklader love them. Have 6 pair. I tend to get paint on them and more paint and that's not good !  So I buy a clean new pair saying I'll keep these paint free.  Last for awhile then it starts all over again. But the paints are tough and last long time

Kreg

Did your video cam break or what? No new videos in a couple of years!

 

[oneeyesquare]

I have the 2181 Jobman pants. They are a heavy material. Thinking winter only for them; then I'll switch back to my Snickers and Mascot 3/4 pants. They do have the best hammer loops!

 

[GhostFist]

Wear blaklader if you need to expose your buttcrack to the elements and your workmates

 

[Jason Kehl]

I like the Bjornklader, but they have a couple small things to be aware of. I find that the knee pads are positioned up a bit too high. I just ordered another couple pairs of pants with a longer leg length and I'm hoping that the extra length is above the knee so the pads end up being positioned better. I keep my tape measure in the front right pocket and it causes the pocket to wear a hole in the pant leg wear it rubs. A black cordura patch on the leg solves the problem and doesn't look out of place. I'll never go back to wearing a tool pouch.

 

[GreenGA]

Not to hijack this thread, but Bjornklader will be at JLC again this year. They will be on the 2nd floor, where Festool Connect was held last year. Blaklader will also be there.

I like the Bjornklader, but they have a couple small things to be aware of. I find that the knee pads are positioned up a bit too high. I just ordered another couple pairs of pants with a longer leg length and I'm hoping that the extra length is above the knee so the pads end up being positioned better. I keep my tape measure in the front right pocket and it causes the pocket to wear a hole in the pant leg wear it rubs. A black cordura patch on the leg solves the problem and doesn't look out of place. I'll never go back to wearing a tool pouch.

 

[Ohc917]

Has anybody tried bjornklader? I consider them a step up from blaklader both in quality and fit.

http://www.jr-distributors.us/index.asp#5

 

[GreenGA]

I too prefer them over Blaklader. They just feel better and of higher quality.  Of course, that's a subjective assessment, so take it as that. While at JLC this week, I'll probably get another pair.

Has anybody tried bjornklader? I consider them a step up from blaklader both in quality and fit.

http://www.jr-distributors.us/index.asp#5

 

[erock]

I too prefer them over Blaklader. They just feel better and of higher quality.  Of course, that's a subjective assessment, so take it as that. While at JLC this week, I'll probably get another pair.

Has anybody tried bjornklader? I consider them a step up from blaklader both in quality and fit.

http://www.jr-distributors.us/index.asp#5

I agree.  I like the Bjornklader over Blaklader.  At least the pants that I have.  Blaklader pants are nice, but the material is too thick and stiff, especially for warmer days.  The only thing I don't like about my Bjornklader pants is the double buttons. 
A long night filled with whiskey followed by the last minute trip to Taco Bell.  Then try working the next morning......having to fumble around with two buttons is not fun !    [scared]  If you know what I mean.    [embarassed]    [tongue]

Eric

 

[GreenGA]

Last year at JLC, JR had a one-off coat they wanted to sell just to get rid of it.  It's not a coat I would wear to the office or out on the town, but that thing is the warmest coat I have ever owned.  And to top it off, people can spot me a mile away. [big grin]

 

[rizzoa13]

I'll put in a vote for blaklader (are we voting lol?). I've got a pair of both and the Bjorns run small so they want to squeeze me like a sausage after a big meal. I like the thickness of the blakladers also they feel like they will never tear.

 

[peter halle]

I bought a couple of Bjorn... pants at JlC a few years ago.  They have held up great.  But they shrunk a huge amount.  Sorry, they did.  I am not into the 3/4 pant style.  If I were these pants would be working their way towards that goal.

That are incredibly functional and do eliminate for the most part the need for a tool belt.  My advice would be to buy them longer.

Peter

 

[ajcoholic]

Ive been wearing the heavier Blaklader work pants daily (get worn two days then washed) for two winters now.  I also have three pair of the lighter weight ones I wear in the spring and summer months that have seen one season.

So far they are the best work pants I have bought and worn in my career.  My only complaint is that the left side pockets (on the leg) keep getting caught on protruding things from the machinery etc and I have added another snap to the top to keep the pocket tight to the pant when not using it. (easy since I have the punch and anvil to put snaps on).

The heavier weight pants are heavy, but great in the colder months.  They will wear for years, working indoors.  I dont do carpentry, just cabinetry and furniture.

 

[jar944]

Can anyone who owns both Blaklader and Bjornklader pants comment on the sizing between the two.

I have a pair of Blaklader Bantams and would like to order a pair of Bjornklader ace carpenters but don't want to have to re-ship/exchange them if the sizing not what I expect.