Orange Boker Anso 67 or Orange LionSteel SR-1A?

[EZ Bake]

I don't need either knife, but I'm looking at something out-of-the norm for me and I'm strangely attracted to both of these knives.

I know some of the Boker collabs have QC issues (as do some of the DPX Hest/Fs and some of the first reported LionSpys made by Lion Steel), but the SR1 and most of the Anso Bokers seem to be pretty consistent and are generally loved by those who own them.

I doubt either will replace anything in my normal EDC rotation, but I can't fight the urge to get something completely different than my usual style knives and these two seem to fit the bill (plus I love Orange).

I prefer D2 to N690BO, but I also prefer G10/Ti to anodized aluminum scales. I like the steel lockbar insert, but don't particularly care for the Roto-block. The Anso is a little smaller (which I prefer - 3.5" with no Spyderco-style choil in the blade is large for me), but I also don't like the G10 scale with no steel liner under it (especially on a framelock).

Which would you get and why?

 

[thomascrook]

Hi EZ Blake - I agree, a tough choice to make - I changed my mind three times while going over the specs.
Is it any help if I suggest you buy both?

I have some experience with Bokers, very happy with their little Plus Skellern ( not in the same class as your choices though ). For a different geometry-style blade, I´d probably go for for the Boker, even though a good bit more expensive.
I just seriously doubt that beautiful orange on the aluminium of the Lionsteel will hold up, long-term. With an olive colour finish, or black, you don´t tend to notice those little scratches from EDC use that crop up - orange will look "well used" very quickly.

My 2Cents. Enjoy the choosing process - let us know what you decide.
Regards
J

 

[monger4142]

I'd get the SR1. hard choice though. if it was Ti SR1 vs anso 67 it would be hands down SR1.

in your shoes I'd get the orange handle/satin blade SR1. larger, more ergonomic, and probably better F&F

 

[Stainz]

If you like D2... consider the HEST 2.0 - or my favorites - the Benchmade 275 Adamas or 15020-2 Bone Collector in walnut scales. I've fondled the LionSpy's - not for me. The allure of the SR1 is the milled block of Ti construction - the blade choice is uninspiring. You lose the Ti construction with the SR1A - no thanks. Besides, if you want to spend the $400 an SR1 runs, buy something US-made that will be perfect - a CRK large Sebbie or Umnumzaan.

I have some high dollar Bokers of Solingen heritage. They, too, don't always properly represent the value paid, particularly my Titan Defender Lightweight, definitely not the same fit/finish as other big buck Bokers, even if I got it for a song. My most recent acquisition, the Blackwood Pipsqueak, is quite a value, by comparison. In fairness, I've never used their Boker USA warranty service - which I hear is quite good. Most of the edge uneveness and dullness I've remedied myself. To be fair, N690 is quite good - certainly better than D2 - but that's my opinion - YMMV.

Stainz

PS I totally forgot - that Boker Blackwood Pipsqueak is a more carry-friendly version of the Sibert design BM 755 MPR I love as an EDC. And... it has a healthy amount of Ti framing both sides, the non-lockbar side topped with contoured green canvas Micarta. S35VN blade (The BM 755 MPRs have m390.).

I carry clipless, but you can see the difference in carry clipped.

 

[EZ Bake]

If you like D2... consider the HEST 2.0 - or my favorites - the Benchmade 275 Adamas or 15020-2 Bone Collector in walnut scales. I've fondled the LionSpy's - not for me. The allure of the SR1 is the milled block of Ti construction - the blade choice is uninspiring. You lose the Ti construction with the SR1A - no thanks. Besides, if you want to spend the $400 an SR1 runs, buy something US-made that will be perfect - a CRK large Sebbie or Umnumzaan.

I have some high dollar Bokers of Solingen heritage. They, too, don't always properly represent the value paid, particularly my Titan Defender Lightweight, definitely not the same fit/finish as other big buck Bokers, even if I got it for a song. My most recent acquisition, the Blackwood Pipsqueak, is quite a value, by comparison. In fairness, I've never used their Boker USA warranty service - which I hear is quite good. Most of the edge uneveness and dullness I've remedied myself. To be fair, N690 is quite good - certainly better than D2 - but that's my opinion - YMMV.

Stainz

PS I totally forgot - that Boker Blackwood Pipsqueak is a more carry-friendly version of the Sibert design BM 755 MPR I love as an EDC. And... it has a healthy amount of Ti framing both sides, the non-lockbar side topped with contoured green canvas Micarta. S35VN blade (The BM 755 MPRs have m390.).

I carry clipless, but you can see the difference in carry clipped.

Appreciate the advice man, but I'm sort of on an Orange kick right now and I've handled a Hest/F and a BM275 and didn't care for either (I was actually on the pre-order list for a Mr. DPX Hest/F for several months before I finally bailed when seeing some of the QC issues). I've got a Sebenza (and just got a Galyean Pro Series small JYD - that is truly perfection). I'm not necessarily looking specifically made in the US for my next purchase (though I've got more than a few knives made in Golden Colorado ).

I agree with the LionSpy - it was fairly disappointing to see some of the QC issues and the one I handled just felt off for a Spydie to me (I've got tons of Spydies) and I miss my small bone-collector (Green G10) more than any knife I've ever sold other than possibly my Perrin PPT.

It's not so much the steel or blade-shape, or construction or anything in particular, I'm really just looking for something that strikes me as different (and Orange) and I don't see much of anything out there that I get really excited about right now other than an XM-18 but I can't do it just yet. I toyed with the idea of getting a 0550/0551 and picking up one of Rick's Orange scales, but I've got the 0561 on order and I'd rather have the flipper version.

My main EDC is and will probably always be Spyderco, so this is more of a light-duty pretty knife that I'll carry on special occasions so I'm not as worried about the Aluminum finish wearing (but I do agree with you that it's much more a concern than G10).

 

[Stainz]

There seems to be a few ZT-0551's still around in the $200 range - that and the orange G10 scale from Rick would be a great way to satiate your orange good knife needs. I A-B-C-ed the 0560/0561 at a local store - along with the LionSpy and HEST/f 2.0. It was last Saturday - I had the poor form to have brought my user 0551 and StarTac 'zaan with me. The flipper looked as ungainly as the toe hole on the LionSpy - but that was me. The HEST was ho-hum. I went home happy - and only had what I left the house with, knife-wise. That's just me - I am not fond of ball bearings in knives - they can't be as smooth & slick as a decent bushing, or else my Sebbie & 'zaan would have them. I like thumb-deployed better than flipper deployed... or asssisted... or auto. Of course, I have a few of them, too! Just my $.02 worth... clearly worth what it cost to read it! Good luck!!

Stainz

 

[EZ Bake]

There seems to be a few ZT-0551's still around in the $200 range - that and the orange G10 scale from Rick would be a great way to satiate your orange good knife needs. I A-B-C-ed the 0560/0561 at a local store - along with the LionSpy and HEST/f 2.0. It was last Saturday - I had the poor form to have brought my user 0551 and StarTac 'zaan with me. The flipper looked as ungainly as the toe hole on the LionSpy - but that was me. The HEST was ho-hum. I went home happy - and only had what I left the house with, knife-wise. That's just me - I am not fond of ball bearings in knives - they can't be as smooth & slick as a decent bushing, or else my Sebbie & 'zaan would have them. I like thumb-deployed better than flipper deployed... or asssisted... or auto. Of course, I have a few of them, too! Just my $.02 worth... clearly worth what it cost to read it! Good luck!!

Stainz

You have to pick up a Galyean Pro Series if you want to feel what ball-bearings can really do. If I had to choose between my JYD and Sebbie, I'd go with the JYD hands down every time. That being said, the Sebenza is a very close second in fit/finish/overall-quality.

I'm partial to flippers and Spyder-holes (not so much assisted, but I don't mind them) and I'm a super Hinderer fan, so I'm excited about the 0561 and will own one as soon as my pre-order comes in from Kershawguy.

That being said, I've come to respect the thumb-stud more lately and I'm trying to expand my horizons a bit and look at things I hadn't previously looked at.

 

[Munkey69]

I got one of the Anso 67's in orange. It is solid as a tank. Beautiful smooth G10...no Anso pattern, and polished Ti lock side and blade. Blade centering is perfect. My other 67 is out right now for a pimp job. I like orange too, so it was hard to pass up, as I love my black G10 67. I am surprised the run hasn't sold out yet since there were only 200 made.

 

[BladeChick777]

I Have To Say I Would Personally Go With The SR-1.
I Just Like The Beefy Design Better I Guess, And I'm A Sucker For D2 Steel.
I Also Prefer G-10/Ti, But.. You Wanted Something Completely Different.
You'll Get That With The SR-1.

This Being Said....
I Think The Anso Would Probably Be More "Bang For Your Buck".
I Mean You Get Orange G-10, A Ti Frame Lock, Good Blade Steel, And A Great Design By A Great Custom Knife Maker.

If I Got An SR-1 It Would Probably Be A Ti Version, But Then You're Paying Much More Money For A Full Titanium Knife When You'll Probably Be Happier With Grippy G-10 And Ti Anyways.

So It's A Tough Choice.

But If You Want A Big Beefy Folder With Good Blade Steel That Will Definitely Hold Up To The Tasks You Put It Through... Go SR-1.
If You Want Something That Looks A Little More Fancy And Is Smaller... Go Anso.

Overall... I Think They Should Take The D2 Steel From The SR-1, Put It On The Anso, Make The Anso Just A Little Wider, And Add Those Awesome Anso Grooves For Better Grip, And You'd Have The Perfect Knife.
Also The Ti Should Be Flamed Lol.