Pruner Debate: Which one and why?

DeadFall27

DeadFall27

Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
1,476
Ever since I have been sucked into the 'traditional' knife world, I have found myself coveting and actively pursuing the acquisition of numerous styles that catch my eye. (Perfect example: I am constantly checking my e-mail; waiting for a reply from a seller who has Schrade that has been beckoning me for some time now...TIME MUST GO BY MORE QUICKLY!!:mad:)

Anyway, I have been inquiring the purchase of a pruner to add to my collection. Though I really do not possess legitimate reasoning as to why I would ever need such a design, I am convincing myself that it would make a great addition to the family. (It is visually pleasing, I cut string and boxes on a semi-regular basis and I hope that it will be more useful as a tool than I am currently letting on.) The problem is, I cannot decide which pruner I should purchase (or possibly ask for since my birthday is approaching :rolleyes:).

My choices have been narrowed down to the Case Pruner in Amber Bone and the Boker Hawkbill in Jigged Brown Bone.

CasePruner.jpg


BokerPruner.jpg
[/IMG]

Why I like both:
-Same blade length of 3" (CO legal :D)
-Similar 'aggressive' curve
-Visually pleasing
-Both are stainless
-I assume they are easily opened due to the large amount of steel protruding from the handle when closed
-I cut/open boxes, string (for paracord/hemp bracelets and such), etc. on a somewhat-regular basis

Why I am torn between the two:
-The Boker is MUCH less expensive (~$30 difference in price)
-Different steels
-Fit and finish of both blades (am I getting what I pay for?)
-Not much info to go on for pruners (reviews, pics, comparisons,etc.)
-No experience with Boker and their quality but I am curious (do not wish to get a 'lemon' I suppose)


So, my fellow BF patrons, which of these two pruners reigns supreme in your opinion? Is there anybody whom can shed some light on my dilemma that owns or has handled either (or both) of these blades? Is it possible that I am simply over-thinking this? :confused:

Pictures, experience, opinions or any contributions would be much appreciated :thumbup:
Thank you for reading, I apologize for the length of my post.

Take care,

-Deadfall
 
The Boker is less expensive because it's made in China. That doesn't necessarily mean it's bad, as some of the knives coming from China these days are surprisingly nice. However, I don't know if these Bokers come from the same factories as the Rough Rider/Steel Warrior ones, so we can't be sure of the quality without someone biting the bullet.

Personally, I'd go with the Case just because it's American made.
 
I would definitely go with the Case, IF I could inspect it before I bought it, or if a dealer I trusted would do that for me.

Aside from lower labor costs associated with Chinese production the difference in quality of materials used is also obvious, and favors Case, if you were to have both in hand. Unfortunately, I would bet dollars to doughnuts that the Boker will be better finished (centered blades, flush springs, gaps, blade play etc..) on average if you are buying sight unseen.
 
As mentioned, the Boker is from their "Boker Plus" line, which is manufactured in China. This really means nothing, as some knives coming from there are looking pretty good these days.

So you just have to decide...Spend more to buy an American knife which may or may not be of better quality, or spend less on a knife from a foreign country that may not be perfect but will certainly get the job done and give you a feel for the pattern. For a "novelty" pattern like this (one you may not carry/use every day) I'm not so sure I wouldn't try the Boker. If you like the pattern but fit/finish aren't up to your standards, sell or give away the Boker and go for the Case.

Frosty
 
I think the CASE is a new introduction, so it is likely that the finish will be good as it will be made using new dies and tools. (this seems to hold true with their other recent introductions, the other knives are a good deal more variable)

Don't have experience of Böker China only their German knives, which are worthwhile. Rough Rider also does a Pruner so you might like to try that too, and they make a very reasonable knife. Personally, I prefer a Pruner to be Barehead (as in the CASE Amber Bone or the Böker) I think it's more accurate/authentic and it keeps down weight on an already bulky pattern. It also allows space for a lanyard hole which certainly is useful on this type of knife.
 
I like this pattern too. I've got two Rough Rider hawkbill pruners and they are very good for the price. I'd like a Case pruner but they are about 5 or 6 times the price of the RR's over here in the UK. That Boker looks nice. I might try one if I see one.
 
Case, Made in America is worth a few extra bucks. I have a pruner and they are easy to open :)
 
Agree with everyone. Go with the Case, although I have several Bokers and they are good knives
 
Deadfal.
In all honesty Sir, I wouldnt get either of them and I love Pruners as a knife, I personally would buy a Vintage or Antique Pruner, you are going to get one hell of a lot more of knife, I have many old....as in true Antiques..they have a snap that would remove fingers!!...and just fascinating knives to behold.
If you were going to pick just from the 3 that you have shown, I would choose the Ebony handled case, I have no experience from the more modern Boker, but the older Bokers are just hard to beat when you are talking quality of a Traditional knife.
 
Campbellclanman said:
Deadfal.
In all honesty Sir, I wouldnt get either of them and I love Pruners as a knife, I personally would buy a Vintage or Antique Pruner, you are going to get one hell of a lot more of knife, I have many old....as in true Antiques..they have a snap that would remove fingers!!...and just fascinating knives to behold.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly :cool:

Mike
 
Campbellclanman said:
Deadfal.
In all honesty Sir, I wouldnt get either of them and I love Pruners as a knife, I personally would buy a Vintage or Antique Pruner, you are going to get one hell of a lot more of knife, I have many old....as in true Antiques..they have a snap that would remove fingers!!...and just fascinating knives to behold.
If you were going to pick just from the 3 that you have shown, I would choose the Ebony handled case, I have no experience from the more modern Boker, but the older Bokers are just hard to beat when you are talking quality of a Traditional knife.
Click to expand...

^^I believe that I shall take those words to heart; those are true words of wisdom my friend :thumbup:

If I am unable to find myself an antique pruner that 'speaks to me', however, I will choose the Case.

Thank you for the responses, recommendations and opinions everyone! Though it sounds generic, I really want to say how glad I am that there is a place where people from all around the world can come together and share a common 'passion' to say the least. I love this community.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays Everyone!!
Take care of yourselves,

-Deadfall


oh, and p.s. - Campbellclanman, Would you happen to have some pics of your pruners? I feel as though you can make this youngin' appreciate what a real Pruner is! :D
 
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