Boker knives

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
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1,139
I don't read much here about Boker. Anyone have any knives from them? Any comments on quality? I had seen some of their knives listed for $50 and some near $200.


Thanks.



steve
 
Okay, I'll bite.
1. Boker's "tacticals"(read liner-lock folders) suck:barf:. The liners are too thin and the overall quality is up to about Pakistani quality, at least on the Boker/Brend I have. The Gemini Angler model I have is almost a decent knife, but based on the experiences I've had with this knife I will not be buying another or recommending them to others. IMHO, Boker has no business making Liner-Lock type folders.

2. Boker's lock-back folders are great. I've handled a number of them and own a 2000 model. It's a brass bolstered, Rosewood handled drop point 440-C bladed belt pouch folder. It is very stout and the way it sits in the grip is Heavenly. Worth the money they ask for it IMO.

I have no experience with their slip joint folders so cannot comment on them.

I have not owned any of their fixed blades, but judging from the ones I've handled they look and feel like quality pieces. I plan on getting one of their plain edge Orcas one day.
You'll really have to handle, use and judge Boker's fixed blades for yourself.

I hope this helps.
 
I picked up a Boker Integral fixed blade (European spec) with a forged 440C blade and Thuya wood handle on E-Bay. Apart from the great big honkin BOKER logo on 1/2 the blade, it is a gorgeous knife. I'll probably polish the blade...:D ...it'll look better, and no logo.

I had a Boker lockback that I gave to one of my ushers (he was also MC) at my wedding. It was a stag handled knife, and beautifully made. Again, it had a big tree brand etching on the blade, but it sure looked nice. I'll have to ask him how it's holding up...

:confused:
 

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Bobby, that knife is bee-yoo-tee-full! Even with the big ol' honkin' BOKER logo. Isn't that one already mirror polished?
 
Their Top locks are pretty cool, if you get them for less than $50. The steel is rather soft (420J2), but they look classy. Always have good lock-up. I've owned a couple of lock-backs and they are always up to par. Stay away from their "tactical" folders, though. Their Nealy designs are very well executed, and compare nicely to the customs, as far as fit and finish, though materials are a little cheaper. Overall, they are a good company, but as said before, they're not too good at liner-locks. I've returned all of the liner-lock knives I've gotten to the factory, and end up trading the replacements they send.

I intend to eventually get an Optima exchange blade knife, with a few of the different blades, including a ceramic one. The ones I've seen are excellent quality, and look great as well.

DD
 
Steve,

I own both a SpeedLock and a Bud Nealy fixed blade.

The SpeedLock is a nice knife. It think it might be illegal where you live, but the non-automatic TopLock is just as good. I especially like the sheath that comes with it; you can wear this both vertical and horizontal.

The Bud Nealy I bought for the looks of it (it's the cocobolo version), but it's actually one of the sharpest blades I own. You can carry this one in several ways too.

So far my experience with Boker is good; it's good quality for a reasonable price.
 
My father admired Boker knives and always carried a red bone handled pen knife made by them. I also admire the company and the quality of knife they produce, it is rare to get any of their quality knives with any sort of defect.

Normally, I only purchase their damascus special edition knives and damascus bladed pocket knives. Sachse and Solingen produce some of the best stainless steel damascus in the world and, to me, it is a treasure indeed to have a knife made of it. I did though buy one of their Brend Tactical Fighters in the titanium bolster/liner edition (1000 produced) in 440C and cocobollo handles.

I noticed that another owner of this knife was unhappy with it for quality but I can't see that. The knife blade design is outstanding and well balanced in the liner (can be opened with just a flick on balance without using thumb stud) and stays shut unless purposefully opened. The wood handles add a feel of quality to this liner lock not usually available except for VERY high priced knives like BM 690s, or the like. The action is smooth and has a feel and sound which speaks of fine machining and fitting. The titanium liner and lock is thin but certainly strong since the lock fits along the entire back surface of the blade (there is no chance of accidental closure that I can see). The bolsters are also titanium (the only aspect I don't like) and have a tendency to stain and scratch. All in all, one of the smoothest folders I own (the only knife with a smoother action that I have is the Cuda Maxx).

Boker knives usually go at a premium over other knives like Case's because they are the tops in quality and workmanship. With their introduction of specialty steels; e.g., x15tn and 440v; they should become even more popular (their new Orca series of dive knives are outstanding.) Also, they are making lower priced knives through cooperative effort with China in their Magnum line--caveat emptor.
 
I own the Nealy Escort, which I find to be pretty good, particularly the kydex sheath which has so many carry options.

I couldn't tell you if the Escort is 420J, 420HC or 440C since it depends on which retailer's catalog you see it in. It really doesn't matter anyway -- it's a backup knife for me and since I only use it as such, the edge stays pretty sharp.
 
Bobby,

I've got an INTEGRAL I, its one of my favorites, real handy around the camp kitchen, and pretty enough for formal wear.
 
Boker, is not "quite" what it use to be. They use to make some high quality folders (15+ years ago), but these days the qaulity control is awful.

Its really "hit or miss" anymore with many of their knifves. Its best to "visually" check them over before buying if you can.
 
The knives made years ago, at least 15, or more, were high qaulity.

They have the same problem that others have now. cheap junk overseas sold here, its hard competition. What ends up happening is cutting costs to compete with the others.
 
I purchased a small Boker CeraTitan folder and the tip broke off almost immediately. I found it impossible to resharpen it using a Cardboard Coarse sharpening wheel....sparks flying but no edge created. Sharpmaker was no help either. Maybe titanium blades can't be sharpened.

Finally threw the damn thing away. $ 60 down the drain and I would never buy anymore of their products based on this sorry little knife. :mad:
 
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