Seeking Insight on TBS Boar Locking Knife

[caldwelr]

Hello,

I was contemplating selling one of my knives to obtain a TBS Boar locking knife in O2, and I was hoping someone here had some experience with this knife? Please let me know if you do, I'd appreciate the insight.

Thanks!

 

[g.macdonnell]

Unfortunately, i don't have experience with the folding version, but i've handled the fixed blade. I also was looking for info on the folder, as it'd make a great woods folder, and it's nearly the same size as a Woodlore.

While it's not as good a deal for us in the USA as it is for those in Europe, it's still a very good price on an excellent knife. The handle is quite thick, which i love, but if you have small hands you might have to reprofile. Because of the thick handle, it doesn't have as much of a palm swell as some Bushcraft knives, but i really liked the profile. I've owned 2 Condor Bushlores and handled many more, and there is NO comparison in quality; the TBS Boar was that superior.

I don't know that steel very well, but it held an edge like O1 basically, and was exceptionally sharp, though the owner had been stropping it. During a Lesson with local Scouts, I made a dozen feathersticks and carved a spoon without stropping in relatively hard wood, (oak and resinous pine.) the blade was still very sharp, maybe not shaving, but hair scraping. i consider that very good edge retention.

I also really liked the leathereork, which was a great vertical/horizontal design. The quality of the leather and stitching was very good, not exceptional, but certainly good or better than most production sheaths. I'd dip it in hot beeswax if it were mine.

I have ordered from the Bushcraft Store and they provide great customer service; i'd buy the knife sight unseen if i really wanted it, in confidence of their reputation.

I DO wish they'd specify which Europen manufactuer makes them, i'm guessing it's not UK or they'd say it, right?

Lastly, i'd say that there are very few comparable knives out there, and the ones that are cost significantly more. I just got a fantastic Enzo Birk 75, which is Scandi ground, but it's a pocket knife with thinner scales, not truly a folding Bushcraft knife.

Here is a positive review of a TBS Boar fixed blade:
http://embersurvival.com/blog/boar-bushcraft-knife-review/

Sorry i didn't see this post earlier!

 

[caldwelr]

Hey, thanks! I wasn't expecting to get this answered. Good info!

 

[g.macdonnell]

Hey, thanks! I wasn't expecting to get this answered. Good info!

No problem! I was looking around myself at the folders, just because some places i dayhike are belt knife friendly, and to be honest, i just like bushcraft knives

After i posted here, i foundthis page, which is mostly about the slipjoint EDC Boar: http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?169974-TBS-Boar/page3

Impressively, the folder seems to have the same handle shape as the fixed blade. It does remind me of Bernie Garland's Woodlore style folder, and a poster on that forum thought so as well.

I'd recommend thr Enzo for EDC, it really is a perfectly made knife, (i need to write up a review after a few more moths of use,) but clearly the TBS would be superior for heavier duty work or long jobs.

Why can't more makers do carbon steel, Scandi ground folders?!

 

[g.macdonnell]

Double post!

 

[g.macdonnell]

I should also mention that since i used that TBS Boar, i've recommend it to quite a few students in the Bushcraft basic woodsmanship course i help instruct. While to knife guys it seems there are tons of Bushcraft knives and Woodlore clones around, it's not so easy for the average advanced student to find a knife that is a significant step up from a Mora, ( in strength,) especially readily available, and under $200.

I wonder if they'd switch scales so i could get a micarta/carbon steel knife? Hmm....
I love wood scales but the humidity here hates them!

 

[caldwelr]

Why can't more makers do carbon steel, Scandi ground folders?!

I agree! That and a one handed opening opinel!

 

[caldwelr]

I should also mention that since i used that TBS Boar, i've recommend it to quite a few students in the Bushcraft basic woodsmanship course i help instruct. While to knife guys it seems there are tons of Bushcraft knives and Woodlore clones around, it's not so easy for the average advanced student to find a knife that is a significant step up from a Mora, ( in strength,) especially readily available, and under $200.

I wonder if they'd switch scales so i could get a micarta/carbon steel knife? Hmm....
I love wood scales but the humidity here hates them!

Are they as bad as opinels when they get wet? Do they get harder to open when moisture gets in?

 

[g.macdonnell]

Are they as bad as opinels when they get wet? Do they get harder to open when moisture gets in?

No, thankfully... I love Opinels, but i had them get stuck shut in August when it was wet and very hot. Like you said, a one handed opening Opinel might help, since you could get leverage on the thumbstud. I tried putting a cheater thumbstud on a No. 10, the kind you see on Buck 110s, but i couldn't get it in a spot that was secure and that let the knife close properly.

Knives like the TBS Boar i've had that had full steel liners and wood scales didn't have any functional issues when wet; its just that sometimes the wood swelled up a bit and was no longer even with the steel liner. It shrinks again when dry.
Keep in mind, i'm talking about after a few days hiking in 90%+ humidity in the hot months...


As long as its properly dried wood, it shouldn't be much of an issue, especially if you give it an extra linseed oil coating.

FWIW, i've heard Birch is a very stable wood, and despite my preference for Micarta, i wouldn`t hesitate to buy the Birch model Boar.

 

[caldwelr]

Thanks for all the help! I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on one!

 

[g.macdonnell]

You're welcome, but watch out- i might be looking for those same deals! (TBS sells on eBay...)

TBS Boar Folding Bushcraft Knife- $110 to $120 depending on steel and handle choice.
http://www.tbsoutdoor.com/tbs-boar-folding-lock-knives/4579191002


Just for kicks, here are the only comparable knives i know of, without going full custom:

Bernie Garland, Bushcraft Folder- $400
http://berniegarlandknives.com/index.php/bushcraft-folder

Koster, Bushcraft Folder-$365
http://kosterknives.com/knives/bushcraft-folder/

Not so comparable in handle ergos, but the beautiful modern, thin pocketknife with the Scandi Pukko Blade,

Enzo, Birk 75-$100 to $120, depending on steel choice. $160 with TI bolsters.
http://www.thompsonsknives.com/birk.html

Lastly, the somewhat comparable Spyderco Nilakka. Mixed reports on handle ergos, and a very thin, flat, zero-ground blade.

Spyderco, Nilakka-$200
http://m.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=780

Not too many choices... Maybe this might stir up some interest with other companies and makers!

Good luck in your quest, brother.

 

[caldwelr]

That really opened up my eyes! Thanks man! If only that Koster Bushcraft folder was less expensive... seems pretty nice!

Thanks again!

 

[g.macdonnell]

That really opened up my eyes! Thanks man! If only that Koster Bushcraft folder was less expensive... seems pretty nice!

Thanks again!

Koster certainly knows how to make an incredible knife. Expensive, but i bet worth every cent. He considers it a frame lock with added scales, so it might be a bit stronger than the others on the lust.

At the same time, in comparison to those others, you can see the Boar is quite reasonably priced, especially considering exchange rate and E.U. Labor and material costs.

 

[Thomas Linton]

Lastly, the somewhat comparable Spyderco Nilakka. Mixed reports on handle ergos, and a very thin, flat, zero-ground blade.

Spyderco, Nilakka-$200
http://m.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=780


Good luck in your quest, brother.

Do a search for reviews of the Nilakka. Reports of edge failure in very light work appear.. e.g.: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1000644-WARNING-Pekko-Nilakka-Folder!!!!

Dome of the reviews conclude that the edge and tip failures were most probably due to overheating in final grinding combined with sudden cooling.

It seems there is a "second generation" version with a secondary bevel, which would be more practical and more typical of Scandinavian and Finnish knives.

 

[caldwelr]

I would definitely agree. I have a feeling I'm going to get one one day... but I'd really like to add a pocket clip.

Koster certainly knows how to make an incredible knife. Expensive, but i bet worth every cent. He considers it a frame lock with added scales, so it might be a bit stronger than the others on the lust.

At the same time, in comparison to those others, you can see the Boar is quite reasonably priced, especially considering exchange rate and E.U. Labor and material costs.

 

[caldwelr]

Yeah, that's what I've heard. I also heard they eliminated some of this problem by adding a microbevel??

Do a search for reviews of the Nilakka. Reports of edge failure in very light work appear.. e.g.: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1000644-WARNING-Pekko-Nilakka-Folder!!!!

 

[Thomas Linton]

Yeah, that's what I've heard. I also heard they eliminated some of this problem by adding a microbevel??

It originally had a microbevel. "Zero bevel" is largely a myth. The secondary bevel has been made larger to make the edge stronger - or so it is said. I would assume that Spyderco worked with it's Taiwan maker to eliminate overheated edges.

 

[g.macdonnell]

I did read about the Nilakka's unfortunate problems, but since it seems they're sorted out i included in on the list. I love the idea of a folding puukko, and it's a great looking blade i'd be proud to own, but i doubt i'll purchase one.

For the woodwork i do, i prefer the more traditional Scandi grind, (to be specific, Swedish-style blades are my favorite, though Finnish generally are tougher for bushcrafting.) I grew up using Sloyd knives, so that's very much my home base.

I haven't used the Nilakka, but as much as i respect Spyderco, i'm afraid the diamond cross-section of the handle looks slightly uncomfortable to me, whereas the TBS, Koster and Garland look very ergonomic.

 

[g.macdonnell]

I would definitely agree. I have a feeling I'm going to get one one day... but I'd really like to add a pocket clip.

It's definitely a knife worth saving for! I'm torn on the pocket clip- they're so handy when you're not using the knife, but for longer tasks, they can be a real pain. Spyderco's foldover wire clip is probably the most ergonomic I've used. I like that the Enzo's is easily removable and that the scales weren't routed out, so it makes for a smooth, comfortable surface if you prefer not to have it mounted.

 

[caldwelr]

It's definitely a knife worth saving for! I'm torn o the pocket clip- they're so handy when your not using the knife, but for longer tasks, they can be a real pain. Spyderco's foldover wire clip is probably the most ergonomic I've used. I like that the Enzo's is easily removable and that the scales weren't routed out, so it makes for a smooth, comfortable surface if you prefer not to have it mounted.

Definitely true! Still, they are very convenient for carrying, and they don't bother me too much even during several hours of cutting. However, I have to agree with you nonetheless.