Boker Magnum knives

H

H bar N Craftworks

Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Messages
8
Howdy,

I bought 2 Boker Magnum knives: a tactical/rescue folder and the Macro Stubby fixed blade. I was pleasantly surprised with the fit and finish of both, but suspect the steel is 440A.

Has anyone had much experience with the Boker Magnums and Plus?
 
For very inexpensive knives they have good designs and looks but I think from reading the reviews that the craftsmanship and factory edge is spotty, and the steel is either 420 or some version of 440 which I suspect is 440A; stainless but not real tough. With a good sharpening they are probably okay for occasional use. They imitate other knife styles but for a few extra dollars I would go with the popular basic Spyderco or Benchmade designs.
 
Thanks for the response GatorFlash1. Boker states that the steel is 440, I've noticed that if the steel was 440C they would have said so. Personally, I don't have any issues with 440C, as I think it is a pretty decent blade steel if tempered correctly. I don't know much about the other 440 series stainless. I will look into Spyderco and Benchmade.
 
The Boker Plus line is mostly 440C. Boker seems to get the most out of the 440C via thier HT process. I have yet to be disappointed, granted my experience is limited to the Five Boker Plus's I own.
 
Not to change the subject, but another knife with 440C steel that has good designs and various models is the Smith & Wesson 3500 and their Extreme Ops . They sell in the $20+ range.


 
Hello GatorFlash1. How difficult is it to sharpen the steel on those blades, and what kind of edge retention do they exhibit?
I have a couple of the Smith & Wesson Extreme ops blades, but have not put either of them to a stone as of yet. Bought them recently and have not worked them to date. Thanks
 
Acesn8s said:
Hello GatorFlash1. How difficult is it to sharpen the steel on those blades, and what kind of edge retention do they exhibit?
I have a couple of the Smith & Wesson Extreme ops blades, but have not put either of them to a stone as of yet. Bought them recently and have not worked them to date. Thanks
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I have sharpened them with a Spyderco Sharpmaker without any difficulty. They hold a decent edge and only require a couple of passes on the Sharpmaker to bring them back to a functional edge. I sharpen to 40 degrees total and am not worried about shaving arm hair or cutting paper. I'm looking for a good functional sharpness for everyday tasks. I have not have any corrosion issues with these either. That said, I'm still partial to Spyderco and Benchmades, but the cost is much greater. If you are on a tight budget these will work fine. 440c steel is a very good knife steel and these have very sturdy handles and locks (liner).
 
Thanks for all of the feedback. I was just looking at the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops and they look like decent knives. At least they are 440C. I'm disabled now, so yes, I am on a budget. So again, thanks for the info!
 
H bar N Craftworks said:
Thanks for all of the feedback. I was just looking at the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops and they look like decent knives. At least they are 440C. I'm disabled now, so yes, I am on a budget. So again, thanks for the info!
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Unless that s&w was made by someone besides taylor brands...I seriously doubt its 440c. Likely the chinese factory calls it 440c...but closer to 8cr13mov or the like. A common mislabeling issue with chinese factories. Often label their knives a steel close to their version....which typically is 8cr13mov or 9cr14mov or anynof the similar versions. Having said that....some of those steels afe done decently and heat treated right...and some arent.
 
jbmonkey said:
Unless that s&w was made by someone besides taylor brands...I seriously doubt its 440c. Likely the chinese factory calls it 440c...but closer to 8cr13mov or the like. A common mislabeling issue with chinese factories. Often label their knives a steel close to their version....which typically is 8cr13mov or 9cr14mov or anynof the similar versions. Having said that....some of those steels afe done decently and heat treated right...and some arent.
Click to expand...

Thanks for mentioning Chinese steel types. I have been seeing 9CR14Mov and the like and had no idea what type of steel they were besides a stainless. Did I understand it right that those steels compare favorable with 440C if heat treated correctly? I see many Schrades made out of these steels.
 
jbmonkey said:
Unless that s&w was made by someone besides taylor brands...I seriously doubt its 440c. Likely the chinese factory calls it 440c...but closer to 8cr13mov or the like. A common mislabeling issue with chinese factories. Often label their knives a steel close to their version....which typically is 8cr13mov or 9cr14mov or anynof the similar versions. Having said that....some of those steels afe done decently and heat treated right...and some arent.
Click to expand...

Thanks for mentioning Chinese steel types. I have been seeing 9CR14Mov and the like and had no idea what type of steel they were besides a stainless. Did I understand it right that those steels compare favorably with 440C if heat treated correctly? I see many Schrades made out of these steels.
 
^ im no chemist or steel expert. None of those chinese 440 like or aus8 like steels are close to quality made and done 440c....imho. having said that...some are not bad and hold a good edge for what they are. Others not so much. Its a risk unless ya like to spend money to find out. I used to do that and still do on occasion for fun....but if I want good steel I stick to the bigger brand name made stuff......kershaw....spyderco.....boker plus....etc. not taylor made...or gun brand names leased like colt and s&w for example. Ymmv
and I respect that.
 
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