Boker Kwaiken CF Flipper Arrived

[TechDoc]

My recently released Boker Kwaiken CF flipper finally arrived today. A while back I sold my regular Ti scaled version in anticipation of this one because I thought it was too heavy, the scales were too slick, and didn't really like that the blade was AUS-8. This knife improves on all of those faults and I am really pleased with it.

The CF scales are very nice and while not grippy, they are certainly better than having smooth Ti scales. The blade steel is upgraded to VG-10 and the knife is a full ounce lighter than its predecessor. And the icing on the cake is that this one flips better than my other one. I think it is because the detent is not as strong (but strong enough). I still think that the flipper tab on these knives are a bit small and would benefit from some jimping but my new one is much easier to get started. As far as appearances go, I love the stonewashed blackwash blade and how the dark CF scales contrast with the lighter titanium liners.

Since I haven't seen any owner pictures of this knife I thought I would post some.

Anyone else have one of these yet or planning on ordering one? I think this one's a keeper for sure!

 

[grownstar]

Nice looking knife. Very classy, indeed. I like how the "blackwash" complements the CF scales.

Congrats, man. Let us know how this one works out for ya.

 

[RamZar]

Congrats TechDoc. Mine is due in tomorrow.

The Boker Kwaiken Carbon Fiber Flipper Knife (3.5" Smokewash VG-10) is a BladeHQ exclusive.

It's a big upgrade from the AUS-8 to VG-10 and the CF not only adds to the aesthetics and better traction but shaves an ounce from the weight! The SmokeWashed blade is an added bonus to the looks!

Boker no longer makes the AUS-8 Ti and now they all have VG-10 on the flippers.

 

[grownstar]

Smokewash, eh? I could get into it!

 

[hodad66]

looks good!! I've got one on the way......

 

[Bigbluefish]

Yep, just saw this the other day. Like the CF scales, like the VG10, and can live with the blackwash (though think plain old stonewash would have been better.)

I sold my Ti Flipper for the very same reasons you mentioned. It was too heavy and would have been relegated to a safe queen. The flipper worked great though, I like the blade style, and the recessed clip was a nice touch. Also, the blade centering and overall F & F was very nice.

This one seems about the same weight as my ZT 556, so I don't think I'd mine carrying it in jeans.

But I'm not really happy about this sudden compulsion to spend $145...

BTW: What is the backspacer made out of? It doesn't look like Ti. Is it G10?

 

[Rasco]

I want one as soon as I have the funds

 

[rpn]

Wow! Great looking knife, congrats!

 

[RamZar]

This one seems about the same weight as my ZT 556, so I don't think I'd mine carrying it in jeans.

BTW: What is the backspacer made out of? It doesn't look like Ti. Is it G10?

The Ti flipper weighs 5.47 ounces and the ZT 0566 5.41 ounces.

The new CF/VG-10 weighs only 4.37 ounces!

Not sure about the backspacer but I believe it was/is Ti.

 

[RamZar]

Received my VG-10/CF Kwaiken Flipper (Serial# 0164). Weighs just 4.37 ounces compared to 5.47 ounces for the Ti flipper version. Same great fit and finish. CF feels much better in the hand with better traction as well.

 

[Spyder328]

If I had the $$$ I would pick one up. Looks like they finally got the Kwaiken right :foot:

 

[AntDog]

Yowza! That's a looker!

 

[WickedSharpBlades]

Looking good! I've read about people cutting their fingers when the knife is closed...can you see that happening?

 

[RamZar]

Looking good! I've read about people cutting their fingers when the knife is closed...can you see that happening?

They fixed that issue and neither of the three flipper models have that issue.

 

[TechDoc]

BTW: What is the backspacer made out of? It doesn't look like Ti. Is it G10?

The backspacer is definitely metallic, but I don't know if it is titanium or steel.

 

[WickedSharpBlades]

They fixed that issue and neither of the three flipper models have that issue.

Good to know, one of these is definitely on my buy list.

 

[KAEDC]

Received mine yesterday, SN:241. I'm loving it so far, really glad a waited to get one of these, I almost got one of the Ti ones when they 1st came out. Only minor issue for me is some light lock stick, should break in in a bit.

 

[RamZar]

BTW: What is the backspacer made out of? It doesn't look like Ti. Is it G10?

Just got word from Boker that the backspacer on all the Kwaiken flippers are indeed titanium.

 

[madcap_magician]

How do they flip, and what's the factory edge like? I really loved the design, but was put off by the AUS-8 of the early ones.

 

[RamZar]

How do they flip, and what's the factory edge like? I really loved the design, but was put off by the AUS-8 of the early ones.

Flips great. Uses IKBS. Sharp edge and even grind. Only issue I have is that the lockup of the CF one is at about 80% compared to about 40% on my Ti one.