Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2004
- Messages
- 471
(With sincerest apologies to Terry Trahan for the delays...)
BOKER PLUS ESCRIMA FIGHTING KNIFE (EFK) FIXED BLADE DAGGER
For some time now Boker has been producing the EFD, the Escrima Folding Dagger, and by all accounts it rates very highly as an effective and concealable tactical knife. Recently I discovered that a fixed blade version of this knife was in the works and jumped at the chance to lay my hands on one. This new knife, the Boker Plus Escrima Fighting Knife (EFK) is the collective brainchild of designers Newman, Pohl, Metzner and Friedrich.
AN OVERVIEW
The blade length on this knife is approximately 5 7/8 inches, width is 1 1/8 inches, thickness is 3/16 inches, and the blade steel is 440C. Overall length is 11 ½ inches. The blade has a nice matte gray bead-blasted finish.
CONSTRUCTION: THE BLADE
The steel snobs in the crowd will be the first ones to decry the choice of steel as being outdated and somehow lesser than the newer super-steel-of-the-month. I will mention, however, in the interest of complete honesty that it should be pointed out that 440C is more than adequate for 99%+ of self-defense usage of a knife (as this knife is intended). An adage I recently heard bears repeating anyone requiring phenomenal edge retention on a self-defense knife is probably living a very hard life. It has been my experience that 440C used by Boker has comparatively favorable edge retention and is more than up to any MBC/SD usage I would have for it.
The blade features a central fuller (or blood groove if you prefer) with four holes through it towards the grip, presumably for prevention of difficulty in removing the blade from an assailant due to suction action due to blood, other fluids, etc.
Boker Plus is emblazoned on one side of the blade, while the other side features the name of the knife (EFK) and the steel type (440C).
The blade came very sharp from the factory; the edge is not highly-refined, but instead slightly toothy (as I prefer on a defensive blade). Edge length is about 5 ½ inches on one side, and about 1 inch less on the other (Ill explain my guess as to the rationale of this feature later).
One very positive feature to this full-tang monster of a knife is the guard there is sufficient length to the guard on both sides of the blade to allow use in trapping techniques (similar to how one would use one of Bram Franks designs). Both sides of the guard feature a lanyard or cord attachment point, presumably in the event this knife would need to be considered for usage for survival purposes. The back of the guard has jimping to prevent slippage in the event you use it in saber grip.
Additionally, at the pommel end of the blade tang is a protrusion designed as an impact tool; using this as a blunt trauma tool or a tool for pain compliance would be quite simple and very effective if your training is up to the task.
CONSTRUCTION: THE GRIP
The grip is constructed of aluminum, and is held in place by three screws on each side of the knife. The grip scales feature grooves to improve traction by allowing for blood and other liquids to channel away from the tops of the grip. This knife is highly comfortable in both forward and reverse grips. The end of the grip features a lanyard hole, and the grip also has jimping strategically placed to prevent the knife slipping in your hand.
CONSTRUCTION: THE SHEATH
This is the one (and only) aspect of this knife I am not 100% happy with. Certainly the sheath is adequate, as it has multiple attachment points for straps (which are not included). There is no provision for attachment of a Tec-Lok other than the existing rivet holes, and no belt or boot clip. The best way I have found to carry this knife thus far is tucked into your waistband with the sheath tied off via a piece of paracord; when the knife is rapidly drawn the paracord strips the sheath off. If you are in less of a hurry on the draw you may use your thumb to push the sheath off of the knife, releasing it for the draw. On a positive note, there is absolutely no way this knife will fall out of the sheath accidentally, even inverted.
I have been made aware that this knife is already in the hands of several excellent custom sheath makers, so finding an top-quality aftermarket sheath should not be a problem if you require something different than what is provided by the factory.
HANDLING
I was initially concerned upon receiving this knife that its weight would be a detrimental issue; after carrying and working out with it for some time now I am glad to report that this is not the case. Certainly it is no lightweight; it feels like a hefty piece of steel in your hand (which tends to inspire confidence, at least for me). The aspect of this knife that strikes me most is its balance the balance point is perfectly placed immediately behind the guard; it is neither blade-heavy nor grip-heavy, but instead feels alive and readily maneuverable in your hand.
Ill be the first to admit that I know very little about Escrima my Martial Art of choice is Chang Wu Chi Lin Kempo Kung Fu. However, as my style does quite a bit with knives I felt the compulsion to work out with this blade extensively and see how it stacked up against other blades in my arsenal. The Boker Plus EFK was equal or superior to any other fixed blade I have yet used in practice; the balance was right where it needed to be and it handled beautifully in kata (Boker needs to consider a trainer for this knife).
Here is where I begin wild speculation; please bear with me. I noticed immediately upon initial inspection of this knife that it actually has two different edge lengths, one being about one inch shorter than the other. I initially wondered what possible reason Boker could have for designing it this way. After a bit of research on Escrima and similar Arts, I have come across one possibility. Instead of the saber grip popular in the USA, FMA practitioners apparently tend to utilize a different grip that places the thumb alongside the blade while holding the grip with the four fingers and the heel of the hand. My understanding is that saber grip can tend cause considerable pain to your index finger and thumb when a hard target is encountered during a thrust; as an alternative, this Filipino Grip espoused by Michael Janich prevents that scenario, while providing a more secure grip in the event the hand wielding the knife is kicked, struck with a baton, etc. (making it less likely that you will lose your grip and consequently your weapon). According to Janich, Filipino grip makes slashing cuts more effective, as well as thrusts (being that wherever your thumb points is where the blade point will go).
This being said, using this grip on a double-edged knife like the Boker Plus EFK could prove messy should you lose your presence of mind while fighting and allow your thumb to slip onto the top of the blade; hence, if the knife is oriented with the shorter edge up it minimizes or eliminates the possibility of inflicting a cut to your own thumb in the heat of combat.
Again, I have nothing to substantiate this other than, It makes sense to me.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, I LOVE this knife; it functions perfectly for its intended purpose. I would anticipate that Martial Artists needing a good quality fixed blade knife will find obtaining this one a no-brainer. With real-world prices hovering around $56.00USD I cant imagine anyone not being able to add one (or two) to their collection of defensive knives. As my style utilizes two daggers during some kata, I will definitely be purchasing another one of these in the immediate future.
(These opinions are my own and are based on my experiences and usage of knives. Your mileage may vary. Questions, comments, flames and derision may be directed to doctor.hannibal.lecter.md@gmail.com)
BOKER PLUS ESCRIMA FIGHTING KNIFE (EFK) FIXED BLADE DAGGER
For some time now Boker has been producing the EFD, the Escrima Folding Dagger, and by all accounts it rates very highly as an effective and concealable tactical knife. Recently I discovered that a fixed blade version of this knife was in the works and jumped at the chance to lay my hands on one. This new knife, the Boker Plus Escrima Fighting Knife (EFK) is the collective brainchild of designers Newman, Pohl, Metzner and Friedrich.
AN OVERVIEW
The blade length on this knife is approximately 5 7/8 inches, width is 1 1/8 inches, thickness is 3/16 inches, and the blade steel is 440C. Overall length is 11 ½ inches. The blade has a nice matte gray bead-blasted finish.
CONSTRUCTION: THE BLADE
The steel snobs in the crowd will be the first ones to decry the choice of steel as being outdated and somehow lesser than the newer super-steel-of-the-month. I will mention, however, in the interest of complete honesty that it should be pointed out that 440C is more than adequate for 99%+ of self-defense usage of a knife (as this knife is intended). An adage I recently heard bears repeating anyone requiring phenomenal edge retention on a self-defense knife is probably living a very hard life. It has been my experience that 440C used by Boker has comparatively favorable edge retention and is more than up to any MBC/SD usage I would have for it.
The blade features a central fuller (or blood groove if you prefer) with four holes through it towards the grip, presumably for prevention of difficulty in removing the blade from an assailant due to suction action due to blood, other fluids, etc.
Boker Plus is emblazoned on one side of the blade, while the other side features the name of the knife (EFK) and the steel type (440C).
The blade came very sharp from the factory; the edge is not highly-refined, but instead slightly toothy (as I prefer on a defensive blade). Edge length is about 5 ½ inches on one side, and about 1 inch less on the other (Ill explain my guess as to the rationale of this feature later).
One very positive feature to this full-tang monster of a knife is the guard there is sufficient length to the guard on both sides of the blade to allow use in trapping techniques (similar to how one would use one of Bram Franks designs). Both sides of the guard feature a lanyard or cord attachment point, presumably in the event this knife would need to be considered for usage for survival purposes. The back of the guard has jimping to prevent slippage in the event you use it in saber grip.
Additionally, at the pommel end of the blade tang is a protrusion designed as an impact tool; using this as a blunt trauma tool or a tool for pain compliance would be quite simple and very effective if your training is up to the task.
CONSTRUCTION: THE GRIP
The grip is constructed of aluminum, and is held in place by three screws on each side of the knife. The grip scales feature grooves to improve traction by allowing for blood and other liquids to channel away from the tops of the grip. This knife is highly comfortable in both forward and reverse grips. The end of the grip features a lanyard hole, and the grip also has jimping strategically placed to prevent the knife slipping in your hand.
CONSTRUCTION: THE SHEATH
This is the one (and only) aspect of this knife I am not 100% happy with. Certainly the sheath is adequate, as it has multiple attachment points for straps (which are not included). There is no provision for attachment of a Tec-Lok other than the existing rivet holes, and no belt or boot clip. The best way I have found to carry this knife thus far is tucked into your waistband with the sheath tied off via a piece of paracord; when the knife is rapidly drawn the paracord strips the sheath off. If you are in less of a hurry on the draw you may use your thumb to push the sheath off of the knife, releasing it for the draw. On a positive note, there is absolutely no way this knife will fall out of the sheath accidentally, even inverted.
I have been made aware that this knife is already in the hands of several excellent custom sheath makers, so finding an top-quality aftermarket sheath should not be a problem if you require something different than what is provided by the factory.
HANDLING
I was initially concerned upon receiving this knife that its weight would be a detrimental issue; after carrying and working out with it for some time now I am glad to report that this is not the case. Certainly it is no lightweight; it feels like a hefty piece of steel in your hand (which tends to inspire confidence, at least for me). The aspect of this knife that strikes me most is its balance the balance point is perfectly placed immediately behind the guard; it is neither blade-heavy nor grip-heavy, but instead feels alive and readily maneuverable in your hand.
Ill be the first to admit that I know very little about Escrima my Martial Art of choice is Chang Wu Chi Lin Kempo Kung Fu. However, as my style does quite a bit with knives I felt the compulsion to work out with this blade extensively and see how it stacked up against other blades in my arsenal. The Boker Plus EFK was equal or superior to any other fixed blade I have yet used in practice; the balance was right where it needed to be and it handled beautifully in kata (Boker needs to consider a trainer for this knife).
Here is where I begin wild speculation; please bear with me. I noticed immediately upon initial inspection of this knife that it actually has two different edge lengths, one being about one inch shorter than the other. I initially wondered what possible reason Boker could have for designing it this way. After a bit of research on Escrima and similar Arts, I have come across one possibility. Instead of the saber grip popular in the USA, FMA practitioners apparently tend to utilize a different grip that places the thumb alongside the blade while holding the grip with the four fingers and the heel of the hand. My understanding is that saber grip can tend cause considerable pain to your index finger and thumb when a hard target is encountered during a thrust; as an alternative, this Filipino Grip espoused by Michael Janich prevents that scenario, while providing a more secure grip in the event the hand wielding the knife is kicked, struck with a baton, etc. (making it less likely that you will lose your grip and consequently your weapon). According to Janich, Filipino grip makes slashing cuts more effective, as well as thrusts (being that wherever your thumb points is where the blade point will go).
This being said, using this grip on a double-edged knife like the Boker Plus EFK could prove messy should you lose your presence of mind while fighting and allow your thumb to slip onto the top of the blade; hence, if the knife is oriented with the shorter edge up it minimizes or eliminates the possibility of inflicting a cut to your own thumb in the heat of combat.
Again, I have nothing to substantiate this other than, It makes sense to me.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, I LOVE this knife; it functions perfectly for its intended purpose. I would anticipate that Martial Artists needing a good quality fixed blade knife will find obtaining this one a no-brainer. With real-world prices hovering around $56.00USD I cant imagine anyone not being able to add one (or two) to their collection of defensive knives. As my style utilizes two daggers during some kata, I will definitely be purchasing another one of these in the immediate future.
(These opinions are my own and are based on my experiences and usage of knives. Your mileage may vary. Questions, comments, flames and derision may be directed to doctor.hannibal.lecter.md@gmail.com)
