Making the Switch: Boker Any Good?

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Frostyfingers

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Aug 27, 2008
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I typically carry a folder with a 3 1/2 inch blade for EDC, but I am seriously considering switching to a slipjoint. I'm in school now, but I'm about to enter the workforce in a position that will not allow me to carry a "tactical" style knife.

So my question is this: What's the quality level of the Boker slipjoints such as the one found here: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BO280JRBI

This line of knives really appeals to me, but I've never held one, so I don't know the quality of the knives.

If these aren't decent knives, what else can you recommend with carbon steel, natural handle materials, flat grinds, and a decent (but affordable) level of quality?

Thanks for the help, and wish me luck as I make the switch!
 
The quality is generally pretty decent with the German made Bokers.... I just picked up a nice stockman for my father-in-law for Christmas...... it is definately a nice knife!

Keep in mind that Boker has several different lines that they sell, and not all are made in Germany....ie. Arbolito is made in Argentina, Magnum is made in China, etc. Also watch for Boker Plus, or Boker +..... not made in germany....

I may be wrong on Magnum being made in China....not positive on this one!

That whittler you posted would be a good place to start for a first traditional slippy...... my tastes run to stockman and barlow knives, with a peanut to use around the very sheeples!

For other choices at around the same price point, maybe a little higher.... try Case knives with CV steel, Queen City with 1095 steel, Queen with D-2 steel.

A little more expensive but quality wise usually superior... Great Eastern Cutlery made Tideoutte in 1095, and Northfield also in 1095...... heads up, some of these knives can be nail breakers to open.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

Jason
 
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The Bokers aren't bad. However, if you're used to a larger blade, maybe you might want to check out GEC, particularly their Pioneer, a lg. Trapper or even the Scout. I have not handled the Pioneer, but had a Scout & it's 2, 3" or so 1095 high carbon steel blades would definitely handle whatever you threw at them for work.

Of course, there're Cases in CV & others, but the GEC is what 1st comes to mind for a solid work knife.

Good luck & welcome.
 
The Boker slipjoints that are made in Solingen, Germany are very good knives.

They are classic slipjoints in size, feel, and function.
 
Frostyfingers said:
I typically carry a folder with a 3 1/2 inch blade for EDC, but I am seriously considering switching to a slipjoint. ...

What's the quality level of the Boker slipjoints such as the one found here: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BO280JRBI

... If these aren't decent knives, what else can you recommend with carbon steel, natural handle materials, flat grinds, and a decent (but affordable) level of quality?
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I had a German-made Boker trapper from that same line. Pretty good knife, though I felt the edge profile needed a fair amount of thinning down to maximize its cutting potential. But a good knife for the money? You bet. But as JJ RONIN pointed out, be sure any Boker slipjoint you consider buying was made in Germany. They're head and shoulders above the other Bokers.

Another option that would fit your criteria would be one of Case's CV steel knives. If you haven't held a Case made in the past few years, you're in for a treat. Their QC has really improved, IMO.
 
I was about to buy böker for christmas, but I noticed that the model I was about to buy costs 70€ less in US.. sigh. I guess I have to wait over christmas and maybe buy an special edition buck 110 or something.
 
If it is a light use knife, the Boker smaller knives are very nice. But anything under 3 1/2" is lighter weight than a lot of manufacturers. The whittlers and small stockman are pocket friendly but feel a little "dainty". Just going up to 3 3/4" - 4" moves you more into their heavier duty style slipjoints; now that is overall length, not blade length.

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Overall, Boker compares very closely to Case in fit / finish and overall feel.

Mike Latham
CollectorKnives.Net
 
I've been carrying an older Boker USA stockman for the better part of the last year. Have really enjoyed the knife. Has held an edge well, been a great working knife, and has fit well in the pocket. I would give them a thumbs up referal!
 
I've been very pleased with the half dozen Bökers I've bought.
Certainly good value and very fair finish.You might like to try their Copperhead in Grand Canyon bone/carbon nice mid sized to larger knife or a Stockman at 4" with rounded bolster but not too bulky.
Good luck and welcome.
 
Boker and Case seem fairly comperable to me. I think Case has a small edge in finish, especially with the Bose-designed knives like the Swayback Jack.

I like Boker Carbon alright--no complaints. Does anyone know the composition of Boker carbon? I suspect it's not 1095 because it seems a bit softer to me than Case's CV. Maybe Boker has a softer heat treat, or uses 1075 or similar, because for me Case CV seems to perform a little bit better better, and 1095 like Eye Brand and GEC (Northfield) seem even a bit better yet at edge holding.

If you want a tool steel like D2, you can still get that in traditional patterns. Queen Cutlery makes good knives with good D2 and 1095.
 
I actually own one of the whittlers you are thinking of, albeit in candy-stripe celluloid rather than jigged bone. It is very well put together and the main blade has begun to patina after a few lunchtime apples:).

I like it a lot and I've had no complaints in the urban environment that I work in.
 
rifon2 said:
The Boker slipjoints that are made in Solingen, Germany are very good knives.

They are classic slipjoints in size, feel, and function.
Click to expand...

My same feeling; and with carbon steel blades they are better yet.
 
RobbW said:
Boker and Case seem fairly comperable to me. I think Case has a small edge in finish, especially with the Bose-designed knives like the Swayback Jack.

I like Boker Carbon alright--no complaints. Does anyone know the composition of Boker carbon? I suspect it's not 1095 because it seems a bit softer to me than Case's CV. Maybe Boker has a softer heat treat, or uses 1075 or similar, because for me Case CV seems to perform a little bit better better, and 1095 like Eye Brand and GEC (Northfield) seem even a bit better yet at edge holding.

If you want a tool steel like D2, you can still get that in traditional patterns. Queen Cutlery makes good knives with good D2 and 1095.
Click to expand...

You'd have to sweat to put a good edge on a Queen, though. Bokers come pretty sharp.
 
Thanks everyone! Now I'm going to try to get my hands on a few of the different suggestions before I buy...I always like to see it in person. Thanks for the help, and the welcome.
 
ditto to j.j.ronin. as your 1st jump in this direction, perhaps a case or ger. boker might be a good choice. i love the queens & g.e.c. but if price is a factor you may want to try the 1st. brand till fiscal position is better.
 
RobbW said:
I like Boker Carbon alright--no complaints. Does anyone know the composition of Boker carbon? I suspect it's not 1095 because it seems a bit softer to me than Case's CV. Maybe Boker has a softer heat treat, or uses 1075 \
Click to expand...

I have also heard that it's 1075 or a variation of it. XC75 is a variation of 1075 that is commonly used in European knives.

God Bless
 
I have a Boker stockman with washboard bone handles. It's a beautiful knife, but I would call the fit and finish average. Not bad, but not that good either. It also has pretty wimpy springs.
 
I don't like Bokers at all- so much so that I don't own any. Ever Boker I've ever handled has had fit & finish problems, plus their aesthetic does nothing for me. I'd much rather have a Case, a Queen or a GEC. For similarly-priced/ featured knives, Case crushes Boker, IMHO.
 
I recommend the German Bokers
They are well made and have a good carbon steel
I find the F&F to be equal to an average Case knife, but no where as good as a Queen.
The springs are softer than American knives, but the Walk and Talk is fine.
For the price range (35 to 40) they cannot be beat

I have that specific pattern by Henkels in SS (made in the same factory)
It is a good pocket knife and sharpens very well.

Size depends on the manufacturer.
The 4" Boker Stockman is much lighter weight knife than a Queen 4" Stockman in D2

This is the range you are looking at.
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