Subcom Folder by Boker/Magnum
Designed by Chad Los Banos (aka/ DAYWALKER)
When I first saw pictures of the Subcom Folder (herein called SF), my initial impression was that it was about time that someone would design a small, one-handed opening folder that filled the hand like a larger knife, therefore providing better stability and security.
I took the following dimensions off of the Knife Center website.
· Blade Length: 1 7/8"
· Closed: 2 5/8"
· Weighs 2.5oz
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BO589
My personal results were:
- Blade Length: 1 7/8
- Closed: 2 ¾
- Weight: Just under 2.5 oz (however, this was with my inexpensive food scale)
- Width
(When closed): 1 ½
(At the choil when opened): 15/16
- Handle Thickness: ¼
- Blade Thickness: 2mm
These results werent found using precise equipment, so they could be slightly off.
Following is my review. Sorry about the bad pics.
MATERIALS:
The handle is two-sided. One side is composed of a Zytel, or FRN like material with a nested, steel liner, while the other side is a solid piece of stainless steel formed into the Chris Reeve style liner lock. The blade is 420J2.
BUILD:
This knife is a stout Lil Biscuit, of solid, open construction. Its closed shape is rectangular, and resembles a credit card that has been shrunk down to size. Jimping galore! A lot of people have been calling for jimping on knives lately, and this one delivers. About the only area besides the tang part of the handle that doesnt have it is the rearward spine of the handle, and the area around the lanyard hole. The opening mechanism isnt quite a stud per se, but more of a quarter moon shape with stepping. My understanding is that this is one of DAYWALKERs personal ideas. You have to try it out to fully appreciate it, as it works very well.
Fit n Finish:
The operation is very smooth, and I really like the solid lock-up. There is no blade play, which Ive seen on knives costing more that this. The closing of this knife is very positive also, which I like on my knives because I dont like the idea of them opening to easily in my pocket. It doesnt prevent ease of opening, just unwanted opening. At close inspection, it seems like a very well made, and very well put together knife. The only negative I could find is that one of the torx screws for one of the SS spacers didnt sit totally flush with the handle. I probably sticks up less than a quarter millimeter, so it really isnt that much to notice (this is being nitpicky). The Fit n Finish on this knife is very good for just about any knife. Knowing that this is from Bokers inexpensive Magnum line of knives, and doesnt cost an arm and a leg, it rates up there in the exceptional range. Again, Ive seen more expensive knives that arent as nice.
OPERATION:
Ive never been one to appreciate small handled knives in general. Granted, there are a few Ive handled that I would tolerate, but I prefer something I can hold onto. The SF accomplishes the best of both worlds. The knife is small enough to fit into the watch pocket on my jeans, yet offer a very secure feeling in the hand when closed or deployed. I attribute this to the wider design of the handle, which fills out the hand and gives me a feeling that Im actually holding onto something that wont fatigue my hand so much during heavy use, or slip out.
Another aspect of smaller, one-hand openers is that the one-handed operation can be difficult at best, and sometimes downright impossible. Again, the SF negates this with the wide handle, giving the user something to hold onto during one-hand opening and closing. Use of a fob will make these operations, as well as manipulation even easier. However, while the fob will make these things easier, that doesnt mean that the fob is necessary. Some may even prefer to go without the fob (my local dealer being one of them).
Opening and closing (as I mentioned in the Fit n Finish section) is very smooth with the blade riding on some sort of bushing.
The placement of the jimping on this knife allows for a variety of different uses. Pinches, and locks can be employed, and the jimping just over the tang sticks out just enough when closed that it should assist in these techniques. This is just my opinion. Ill leave the final judgment of this feature to the experts.
ERGONOMICS:
On many knives, the saying goes that one must handle the piece before passing judgment. That is a must with the SF. Ive shown it to people, whove just opened it and looked at it. When I tell them they have to actually grip it like they intend to use it, their eyes light up in understanding. They discover that this knife feels great in the hand. The deep choil, combined with the wide grip give the hand a feeling of being locked in place. This knife gives the user a feeling of confidence.
Hammer Grip:
Very secure. It did take a little getting used to for me, but I suspect that is due more to what I am used to than to the design. The wide handle allows for a positive grip, but if you intend to use it for any extended heavy-duty usage, Id recommend use of gloves. The jimping, while a strong point for some things, may wear on the hand after awhile. However, if you have a job that requires this, better to find a more appropriate tool.
Saber Grip:
Ive found two variations of this grip can be utilized on this knife. One is with the thumb resting on the thumb ramp; the other is with the thumb resting forward on the blade spine choking up (which just so happens to be where some miniature jimping is placed for added grip). Both grip styles work well however, I recommend a fob for the former, while it isnt necessary for the later.
Pikal:
This grip didnt work for me (I suspect due mainly to my hand size), although I am sure others will chime in and say they had different experiences. Neither did Edge In, because in both cases, I just couldnt seem to find the grip. This could also be attributed to my untrained hand.
BLADE STEEL:
Many people (including myself) would be skeptical about any modern day knife using 420J2 for the blade. I havent done anything more than cut para cord with mine (still hair popping sharp), but the reports so far are that this knife surprises in the arena of edge retention, holding one quite well.
All in all I highly recommend this knife. Any skepticism should be reserved until one actually holds the knife in hand and uses it. It looks different, and it is
but in a very good way.
Nothing "major" though. What is impressing me is how long the egde holds up. I mean, I am not a fan of 420J2. However, I attribute the "lasting edge" to the thinness of the SF blade.
