Anybody have an opinion to share on the Boker Arbolito drop point with rubber handle?

440C one?

I have one. I'm quite mitigated about it.

Cons:
Bevels were hardly even. It's somewhat hard to sharpen, as if steel grain was quite thick or something. Blade geometry wasn't that great, with too large bevel that would stick in wood.

Pros:
Knife is sharp and has quite good edge retention. Blade is nicely mirror polished. Squared spine has sharp square angles, one of the best I've seen for firesteel. Rubber handle is comfortable. Leather shealth is nice.

I've started to convex the blade using sandpaper method and it is a lot better now.

I had the knife for about $30, for that price it is OK.
 
I owned both this one and the clip point - never used them.

Although it's billed as 3/16" - it's really 5/32".
It is ground to a thin and very usable edge.
Handle felt comfortable and reasonably secure although not as tacky as some kraton handles.
Sheath was built to accomodate both this model and the clip point which is slightly longer - this makes the sheath seem a little large for the drop point.
I like the overall size of these knives and I don't consider the slightly thinner stock to be a negative.
A good value.

The Kershaw Bear Hunter II is a less expensive alternative. The sheath is poor quality. Overall kind of neat for the $15 it cost. It is made in China.

The CS Master Hunter is somewhat more knife and is a slightly higher priced alternative. It is a true 3/16" thick. It is made in Japan. For me this knife continues to be the standard by which other production knives must be judged.

The Ontario TAK D2 is a "real" knife. And, commands a small premium over the CSMH. Comfortable, solid and secure in the hand. The micarta scales - and premium and coated steel - make this the best value of the lot. You really have to go custom to get a much nicer knife.
It is large and heavy for the amount of edge it presents.
 
I emailed the company about the handle. They said it would not hold up to being struck - not very strong.
 
Thanks guys for the information. I finally found one I could play with instead of just looking at a picture on a website. The handle doesn't fit my hand at all. Average guy, I mostly agree with your assessments of the knives you mentioned...I own all of them except of course the arbolito (well the tak is in 1095 I am waiting on my D2 that I have on backorder). I will not be purchasing an arbolito not because I think it's a bad knife, but because I use all my knives, and won't own one that doesn't feel right in my hands.
 
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