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- Oct 5, 2006
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Boker Plus Chad Los Banos Karambit
I recently picked up a Boker Plus Chad Los Banos Karambit. The MSRP is $44.95 and it retails at our favorite online stores for about $27. The blade is made of 440C stainless and coated in a bronze-colored titanium paint. The tanto-styled, plain-edge blade is 2 7/8" long. The knife is 7 3/4" long overall. The CLB Karambit weighs 5 oz. Boker's "Plus" line features budget-priced blades made in China with lower grade steels. Within Boker Plus, the CLB series designed by Chad Los Banos offers small, thin, knives with innovative designs. Boker Plus's CLB Subcom is a popular low-budget folder here on BladeForums.
Like other Karambits, the Boker Plus version has a ring at the distal end through which you insert your pinkie finger when gripping. The ring end on the Boker, however, also has a built in carabiner for clipping on to a rucksack, etc. Before receiving it, I thought that the carabiner might get in the way of a good grip or be uncomfortable, but that wasn't the case. It works just fine.
Most Karambits, like the Spyderco above, have hook-shaped blades. The blade shape on the Boker Plus version is less conventional, with a modified tanto point and arcing curve behind it. It is probably more useful for utility work, but less effective at slashing and pull cuts.
For $30 or so, the Boker CLB Karambit is a value if you don't mind a Chinese made knife and 440c steel. The steel frame lock is secure and the G10 scale is thick and rigid. The blade opens smoothly and locks up tight, although mine came off-centered enough that it drags along one scale. The knife also comes with a clip that can be repositioned tip-up, tip-down, or for left- or right-hand carry.
Edit: I accidentally discovered that the thumb studs are long enough to wave the knife out of your pocket. Your mileage may vary.
I recently picked up a Boker Plus Chad Los Banos Karambit. The MSRP is $44.95 and it retails at our favorite online stores for about $27. The blade is made of 440C stainless and coated in a bronze-colored titanium paint. The tanto-styled, plain-edge blade is 2 7/8" long. The knife is 7 3/4" long overall. The CLB Karambit weighs 5 oz. Boker's "Plus" line features budget-priced blades made in China with lower grade steels. Within Boker Plus, the CLB series designed by Chad Los Banos offers small, thin, knives with innovative designs. Boker Plus's CLB Subcom is a popular low-budget folder here on BladeForums.
Like other Karambits, the Boker Plus version has a ring at the distal end through which you insert your pinkie finger when gripping. The ring end on the Boker, however, also has a built in carabiner for clipping on to a rucksack, etc. Before receiving it, I thought that the carabiner might get in the way of a good grip or be uncomfortable, but that wasn't the case. It works just fine.
Most Karambits, like the Spyderco above, have hook-shaped blades. The blade shape on the Boker Plus version is less conventional, with a modified tanto point and arcing curve behind it. It is probably more useful for utility work, but less effective at slashing and pull cuts.
For $30 or so, the Boker CLB Karambit is a value if you don't mind a Chinese made knife and 440c steel. The steel frame lock is secure and the G10 scale is thick and rigid. The blade opens smoothly and locks up tight, although mine came off-centered enough that it drags along one scale. The knife also comes with a clip that can be repositioned tip-up, tip-down, or for left- or right-hand carry.
Edit: I accidentally discovered that the thumb studs are long enough to wave the knife out of your pocket. Your mileage may vary.
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