Blaklader 1680: Heavy Worker Pants

I am a new convert won over from the Skiller's line of products, and wanted to let you know that I appreciate the quality that you put into your products. They appear to be a more thoroughly thought out design than Skiller's, as well. I really like the divided pouches, quality of construction (triple stitched seams), and quality of material.My introduction to your line was to purchase a pair of heavy worker pants, which arrived Friday (2-25-11). The only thing I would change with this pair of pants is the color of the cordura reinforced areas to brown or another earth tone color that doesn't reveal dirt, cat hair, etc. as much as black does... a worse color for showing dirt cannot be found than black (It has never made sense to me why anyone working with their knees/calves in contact with the floor would want black or navy blue pants). Maybe you should include a lint roller with each pair you sell? :o) Also, lighter colors absorb considerably less solar heat for those working outdoors in the sunny, temperate climates.I think it would be WONDERFUL if Blaklader could offer a line of work pants made from hemp fabric, as it is 3.5 times more durable than cotton fabrics, and, being a natural fiber, keeps the wearer considerably cooler than the poly cotton fabric. Hemp is also a "greener" product as it requires no pesticides, which would be a drawing point in the ever-increasing consciousness of natural, eco-friendly alternatives to petro-fabrics. It would also be great if you could offer your (hemp) pants in some sort of patterned design that hides inevitable stains, perhaps like a digital camo, rather than solid colors (I don't think I'm ready for tie-dyed work pants, though... :o)The quality of your pants is high, I'd just like to encourage you think a little further outside of the box in the materials, colors and pattern departments.~~~~~~~~~~~~I called the U.S. customer service line for Blaklader just after sending the above note to them, to ask about some features I was unfamiliar with. When I introduced myself to the rep she recognized my name and said that she was just reading my email (so they actually do read emails!) She was friendly and knowledgeable enough about the pants to answer my questions (pertaining to a steel button and extra loop on the right leg, which is made for fastening and securing a special utility knife used in Sweden, which features have been phased out of the current U.S. versions of these pants... I just happened to get a pair of pants from an earlier lot). I was impressed with their customer service and demeanor.White cat hair from my first assignment in these pants is plastered all over the knees and cuffs of these pants... and is VERY noticeable. I'm sure sheetrock dust would contrast well with the black as well. Just something to be aware of, as everyone else will be, too.UPDATE: July 2013After over two years of use the knee pad pockets finally wore through and there is a minor bit of fabric wear above the knees. Otherwise these pants have held up superbly.

I like to wait awhile before I review items to see if they live up to my expectations. I bought a pair of these pants about a year ago and they do...so much so that I bought another pair about a month ago.My work is outside and requires a lot of kneeling on concrete, asphalt, or rocky ground while repairing equipment. These are the best pants I have ever owned in more than 25 years of this work.Some things I like about these pants: 1. A year later and the original pair I bought shows hardly any wear. 2. The extra wide/long belt loops don't tear off like thin ones do. 3. The knee pads are removeable so I can use one pair for both pairs of pants. 4. The knee pad pockets are built-in, so I don't have to mess with straps that are either so loose that they slip down or are so tight thay they chafe the back of my knee and/or cut off the circulation to my leg. 5. Each knee pad pocket has a pocket inside on the bottom so the knee pad will not fall out. 6. I can put items in the utility pockets and wear the pockets outside my seatbelt when I'm driving so I can easily reach in to get something. 7. The fabric is strong and durable (see #1), yet they are breathable enough to not get overheated in hot summer weather. 8. There are more than enough pockets for everything I usually carry.Some things I don't like about these pants:A year later and I still really can't think of anything. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but they are worth every penny. They last long enough to more than make up for the extra expense. I will be getting more in the future so I can throw away my "swiss cheese" pants.I have had many people see these pants and ask me where I got them. I tell them to go to Amazon.com and search for Blaklader (which I have to spell for them). OK, maybe an easier name would be nice!8/24/13One minor negative and one suggestion for improvement. The kneepads location is a little low for me, so I have to hike up my pants before I kneel down or else my knees will hit the ground above the pads. The suggestion is that they make these with shin pads as well! Ouch!The first pair of pants I bought a few years ago finally developed a hole in one knee and the zipper pull broke off. They are still very usable, though, and I will.UPDATE: 11/11/2022I still have this pair, they are still in good condition and I still use them.

I love Blaklader products. I own two pairs of these pants (from different sellers and colours). This pair from Amazon has the knee pads slightly lower. I have to tug slightly in order to get the pads to sit right as a kneel down. Also the inside leg seams at the ankle rubs and the threads start to fray. The pant legs seem a little wider too. I am comparing this to a black pair I bought locally. This work pants are awesome and the built in knee pads are a must for workers. Knee pads are nothing new, but these are KEVLAR and NEVER rip unless you cut with knife or glass or sharp sharp metal. I am on concrete often and the pants lasted over 2 years. I still keep my first pair but alot of stitching and it starts to look cooler =) I will try other products, but just want to let you know that my Amazon pair 34x34 is slightly different than another 34x34 I bought locally.

I accidentally got these (the 78% poly ones) instead of my usual 100% cotton ones. I am a part time metal sculptor and I use these for lots of hot-working metal. They last around 3-4 years of heavy use. For comparison, carhartts last about 9 months, dickies a little longer. The pockets are awesome.As poly, I can't suggest these for hot work. Notice that they are poly! Otherwise, they are awesome.

Great pants. Only suggestion is that the knee pad holders should have had the slot at the top instead of at the bottom. The pads tend to slip out.

I usually wear 34 lenght however these pants are slightly longer so I had to order 32. Other then that excellent product. I have been buying blaklader pants for past 4 years.