Burger Exkelibur EXK1 first impressions

Joined
Jul 18, 2000
Messages
1,289
I got this knife a week ago after I was impressed by its looks and specs from other threads like this one: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=546598

After a week of carrying, I'm very pleased with the knife. It's more sturdy then other knives I usually carry (William Henry CF Kestrel, Moki Jess Horn, Chris Reeve Mnandi), but it still is a compact and lightweight package.

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Some data:

Steel is Bohler N690 at 58-60 RC
Fittings are 303 stainless
Scales are black G-10
Liner is blue-ed titanium

The dimensions (measured personally)

Weight is 57 gr, so about 2 oz
Thickness of the handles is 10.7 mm
Handle length is 94.3 mm
Blade length is 70 mm
Edge length is 66 mm
Blade thickness is 2.8 mm
Blade height is 23 mm
Overall length is 165 mm

My knife came well packaged from South Africa in a nylon pouch with a certificate of origin with the matching serial number (engraved in the backspacer on the inside of the knife).

The lock is very solid, Burger makes sure that all his knives have at a minimum half the linerlock thickness on the tang, and at maximum the full liner thickness. I personally find 'half' a bit less, so Burger gave me the option of picking one of his five stock items after he send me a detailed picture of their lock coverage. I choose on that was about 80%.

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The construction is very simple. One pivot and two screws to hold everything in place. The pivot is not easily adjusted since it requires special tooling (something I'm normally not so happy with), but the pivot tension is set perfectly. The action is very smooth and there is absolutely no blade play, either horizontal or vertical.

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Fit and finish of the knife is very good. The blade is ground perfect and has a hand rubbed finish. It's a very shallow full hollow grind, almost a full flat grind. The spine near the tip is round a bit for easier penetration. The G-10 is medium rough, similair to most Spyderco G-10 knives. A small detail is a red liner between the scales and the backspacer. The jimping on the lip assisted opener is effective, but not as cleanly done as on a Chris Reeve Sebenza.

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The medium size format allows for a generous three finger grip, or a more tight fore finger grip. The blade is very versatile. The point is wide enough to be able to use it for spreading butter on a sandwich. The lip assisted opening works great once you get used to it. It easily flicks open as well. To be honest, I haven't missed my favorite Spyderco hole.

I've included two pictures to compare its size

From top to bottom: Spyderco Salt I, Burger EXK1, Fallkniven U2, Small Sebenza 21

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Overall I'm extremely happy with the knife. I haven't carried anything else this week and have seen no need to do so. Due to it's thinnes and low weight in can be carried in a suit but due to the sturdiness of the handles and materials and blade thickness, it's also suitable for carry and harder work during the weekend. And the best thing is that all of this can be had for $140. A custom made generic purpose knife with high quality materials at a bargain price of $140. So, highly recommended! :D

Ted
 
Nice review. That is a very nice looking knife. I am sure it will serve you well.
 
Ted,where did you get it ? Direct from Barry ?
-Vince
 
I got it directly from Trevor Burger - he answered my e-mails and finalized the deal. Who's Barry? ;)

Barry is one of them Burgers I bought like three from Barry & was supposed to be on a "list" & then,they kinda dropped off my radar.
I sold one like yours I had,here,& I kinda missed it I always wanted to "re-up" Its a great folder U have there,congrat's
-Vince
 
Hi VCM3

Barry deals mostly with the Sword Canes directly and Trevor does all the knives himself. I am glad you like the EXK TedV.

Here is a video I made to show how the lip works for those interested.

 
Exactly the kind of elegant yet capable everyday companion knife that I crave.
I will definitely buy the Boker Plus version !
 
Thank you for the link. I like the looks of the HP 1 as well.

The HP is a great model IMO. My father has the HP. He loves it. It is slim and sleek, It uses the same nested liner idea as on the military of Spyderco. The Hp is on my have to get list still.

Here are some pictures in hand.
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And one great custom HP that Trevor had at the Recent Blade Show:
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Just out of curiosity, did you call prior to submitting an order? I would also like a thicker liner lock, like what you have and I'm not sure if I could get one just through the standard order form.

Oh, and great review. I love the looks of these knives and the prices. I'm definitely going to pick me up a Burger! ;)
 
Just out of curiosity, did you call prior to submitting an order? I would also like a thicker liner lock, like what you have and I'm not sure if I could get one just through the standard order form.

Oh, and great review. I love the looks of these knives and the prices. I'm definitely going to pick me up a Burger! ;)

I would recommend that you send Trevor an email asking if it would be possible? I know he tries to accommodate his customers as far as he can. I have not phoned him yet regarding an order, just email.

Wow, I just checked out their site and I am in love with the LEXK, the bigger version of the EXK 1 :eek:

Gaahhh, I need monies ASAP, too many knives, too little money :D

http://www.swordcane.com/Knives/burger_knives_folding_lexk.php#LEXK

edit to add: do these things have pocket clips? I don't see any, but all of the pics are from the left side and don't show one :confused:

This should help you out a bit more J (just send him an email asking for a clip):

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I am going to pick up a LEXK as a Christmas present to myself when I go and visit Trevor in December. The LEXK can be had with rounded G10 handles (fits the hand better IMO).
 
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