Let me start by saying that if you are interested in buying any of the CLB designed Bokers, get it from the man himself. Chad is a great guy and dealing with him is a real pleasure. I am sure I am preaching to the choir on this but who you buy a product from is just as important as the product itself sometimes.
To the knife...
Overview
Normally I would leave this for the end of the review but why wait. If you want details, you can read the stuff below. The bottom line is that this knife makes a fantastic EDC, especially for those who wear jeans on a daily basis as I do. The frame is thin but deep meaning it can house a substantial blade without showing much of an imprint. It also allows for great ergonomics, especially in such a thin knife. The blade is a bit under the 3 inch legal limit but is not lacking in any way. The depth of the blade means it can have a thin edge with very good strength in the spine. The clip can be mounted for tip up or tip down and allows the knife to ride low in the pocket in either configuration. It is very easy to deploy using the studs, waving it, or using the flipper with a flick of the wrist.
I have tried many other knives from various manufacturers without being anywhere near as pleased with them for EDC duty. Many were too wide, rode too high in the pocket, or weren't secure to grip. Although there are a few points I think could be improved, this knife fits my needs perfectly and that is what it is all about.
High points
1. It fits in the watch pocket in all of my jeans leaving an empty and easily accessed front pocket for other stuff.
2. A thin but deep blade which is one of my favorite types.
3. Good belly and no recurve (still not a fan of recurves yet).
4. It is thin but fits the hand well in most any grip.
5. Thumb stud design and tip up carry option means I can have it open just as it clears the pocket without tearing up my pants.
6. Clip keeps it riding low and low profile tip up or down without being too tight.
7. Texturing on the synthetic scale is good enough to allow good control in slippery conditions without being overly aggressive.
Low points
1. Nylon pivot washer partially exposed on the frame lock side leaving it open to lint and debris. This may worsen depending on the lubricant used. This could be improved by reducing the amount of material removed between the front edge of the frame lock and the frame ahead of it. This would leave more material around the pivot pin.
2. Flipper only partially opens the blade unless the wrist is "flicked". Suspect this could be fixed or atleast improved by moving the flipper closer to the blade pivot (rearward with the blade open).
3. The blade, although sharp enough to shave hair, had a bur which would cause it to snag on paper. This was easily remedied when I sharpened and stroped it. For the record, this would have been done no matter what the condition of the blade was out of the box since I prefer a convex edge. I would also like to add that I have not read any other complaints of this issue so mine was probably a fluke.
To the knife...
Overview
Normally I would leave this for the end of the review but why wait. If you want details, you can read the stuff below. The bottom line is that this knife makes a fantastic EDC, especially for those who wear jeans on a daily basis as I do. The frame is thin but deep meaning it can house a substantial blade without showing much of an imprint. It also allows for great ergonomics, especially in such a thin knife. The blade is a bit under the 3 inch legal limit but is not lacking in any way. The depth of the blade means it can have a thin edge with very good strength in the spine. The clip can be mounted for tip up or tip down and allows the knife to ride low in the pocket in either configuration. It is very easy to deploy using the studs, waving it, or using the flipper with a flick of the wrist.
I have tried many other knives from various manufacturers without being anywhere near as pleased with them for EDC duty. Many were too wide, rode too high in the pocket, or weren't secure to grip. Although there are a few points I think could be improved, this knife fits my needs perfectly and that is what it is all about.
High points
1. It fits in the watch pocket in all of my jeans leaving an empty and easily accessed front pocket for other stuff.
2. A thin but deep blade which is one of my favorite types.
3. Good belly and no recurve (still not a fan of recurves yet).
4. It is thin but fits the hand well in most any grip.
5. Thumb stud design and tip up carry option means I can have it open just as it clears the pocket without tearing up my pants.
6. Clip keeps it riding low and low profile tip up or down without being too tight.
7. Texturing on the synthetic scale is good enough to allow good control in slippery conditions without being overly aggressive.
Low points
1. Nylon pivot washer partially exposed on the frame lock side leaving it open to lint and debris. This may worsen depending on the lubricant used. This could be improved by reducing the amount of material removed between the front edge of the frame lock and the frame ahead of it. This would leave more material around the pivot pin.
2. Flipper only partially opens the blade unless the wrist is "flicked". Suspect this could be fixed or atleast improved by moving the flipper closer to the blade pivot (rearward with the blade open).
3. The blade, although sharp enough to shave hair, had a bur which would cause it to snag on paper. This was easily remedied when I sharpened and stroped it. For the record, this would have been done no matter what the condition of the blade was out of the box since I prefer a convex edge. I would also like to add that I have not read any other complaints of this issue so mine was probably a fluke.
