Boker ORCA

Campusninja · Sep 10, 2003

Hello,
I am interested in buying this knife, however I do not have any experince with Boker knives. I am looking for your thoughts about the quality, blade material and overall craftsmanship of this knife. Oh and it model # i s590, which IIRC the GSG-9(German Special Forces) use it. Thank you in advance.

t1mpani · Sep 11, 2003

Yeah, this is about the level of response I've received when asking about these. From what I HAVE been able to garner, they hold an edge pretty well and are extremely corrosion resistant. It's been widely discussed that Boker's quality has fallen dramatically across the line in the last few years--due pretty much to laziness, but it seems they did put the effort in on the Orca.

Campusninja · Sep 12, 2003

Thank you for replying, you have summed what I have read thus far. Have yet to find a local store that has the ORCA in stock. This is getting a little frusrating, but I still am looking for one. Looking to hear from more members as well. Thanks and have a great weekend.

tadowe · Sep 12, 2003

Originally posted by t1mpani
...It's been widely discussed that Boker's quality has fallen dramatically across the line in the last few years--due pretty much to laziness, but it seems they did put the effort in on the Orca.

Boker quality depends on price, just as it does with other manufacturers. In the last few years, Boker has started several low-price knife lines in addition to producing inexpensive versions of popular knife designs; e.g., pen, peanut, canoe, trapper, etc.

A two-bladed whittler can cost from $12-15 or up to $60-70, even more if you shop for quality.

I admire Boker because they have produced damascus bladed knives in a yearly, limited production run and, also, special issues in damascus such as Walker, Brend and other designers popular styles. Their quality is always handmade with these knives.

t1mpani · Sep 12, 2003

Well, I admire the old Boker/Treebrand knives of my Uncle's that I inherited--but I haven't seen much resemblence in their kin lately.

Like I said, they have gotten lazy. They certainly have craftsman who are capable of putting out excellent work, but the fit and finish on the last few Bokers I've seen has been shoddy. I'm not talking about $15.00 models either. One was a White Hunter (no, not the new laser cut ones) a couple years back that had completely uneven grind lines, which is all the more noticeable on a knife with that many distinctive curves. The edge was also flat (bevels didn't meet) about 3/4 inch from the tip. I'm sure it's still more likely than not that you'll get a decent knife from them if you're willing to pay, but they used to take more pride in their whole line. Kershaw, Buck, and Camillus seem to be able to do it.

Edited to add: I'd like to point out again that from what I've heard/read, the QC on the Orca is a big step in the right direction.

richstag · Feb 22, 2007

t1mpani said:
Well, I admire the old Boker/Treebrand knives of my Uncle's that I inherited--but I haven't seen much resemblence in their kin lately.

Like I said, they have gotten lazy. They certainly have craftsman who are capable of putting out excellent work, but the fit and finish on the last few Bokers I've seen has been shoddy. I'm not talking about $15.00 models either. One was a White Hunter (no, not the new laser cut ones) a couple years back that had completely uneven grind lines, which is all the more noticeable on a knife with that many distinctive curves. The edge was also flat (bevels didn't meet) about 3/4 inch from the tip. I'm sure it's still more likely than not that you'll get a decent knife from them if you're willing to pay, but they used to take more pride in their whole line. Kershaw, Buck, and Camillus seem to be able to do it.

Edited to add: I'd like to point out again that from what I've heard/read, the QC on the Orca is a big step in the right direction.

Isnt the White Hunter made by Puma? Just curious. I know this is an old thread but I am looking to purchase an orca for my brother and came across this.

Tactical · Feb 22, 2007

Go for it. I have the Beluga skeleton dive knife (no place for rust to hide) and the plain edge Orca hunter. Both are very well made. The Belugas are on their last run according to the Magnum/Boker catalog. I like the micro serrations on the tip. Makes a great dive knife knowing you could free yourself easily.

richstag · Feb 22, 2007

Tactical said:
Go for it. I have the Beluga skeleton dive knife (no place for rust to hide) and the plain edge Orca hunter. Both are very well made. The Belugas are on their last run according to the Magnum/Boker catalog. I like the micro serrations on the tip. Makes a great dive knife knowing you could free yourself easily.

Thanks for the input. I have always liked my bokers. My brother dives and has a cheap titanium knife but has always wanted an orca 590. His birthday is in a month so I better start saving.

t1mpani · Feb 22, 2007

richstag said:
Isnt the White Hunter made by Puma? Just curious. I know this is an old thread but I am looking to purchase an orca for my brother and came across this.

Wow--hadn't seen this thread for awhile! And yes, you're fully correct. A Boker Folding Hunter I used to have is what I was referring to. Apparently, on the day this was written, I had Pumas on my mind.

Warren

richstag · Feb 22, 2007

t1mpani said:
Wow--hadn't seen this thread for awhile! And yes, you're fully correct. A Boker Folding Hunter I used to have is what I was referring to. Apparently, on the day this was written, I had Pumas on my mind.

Warren

Thanks!

Kevin