Thinking of buying a Boker Stockman

cgmblade

cgmblade

Joined
Jun 4, 2009
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Another BF member posted a picture of this knife in another thread. It got me thinking about traditional knives again and I'm thinking about purchasing this Boker Stockman. Before I spend the money (about $40) I thought I'd ask you experts what you think. The listing says it is 4" which I think is between the medium and large Case Stockman models and it has carbon steel blades but I don't know exactly what kind of steel it is. It is made in Solingen Germany.

So, should I go forward with the purchase or are there better alternatives I should consider.

Thanks for your advice.

Here's a picture of the Boker
Boker_stockman.jpg
 
That is a nice picture! Makes me want to buy one but I've already exceeded my knife budget
this month.

I have a Boker trapper and it is a quality knife.
 
I have a couple of Boker stockmen, one in rosewood and one Grand Canyon bone....

The grand canyon bone series all have carbon steel blades.

The bone is very nicely done.

I have not used these knives really hard, but they seem pretty good.

:)
 
Well worth the asking price in my view.
I have a Copperhead in Grand Canyon, really good jig&finish but the spring is a bit soft, OK for those who like a softer opener.

Also have a Large Stockman carbon,round bolsters Apaloosa Bone which I got in a trade from a forum member. Very well finished and good snap, large but much slimmer and pocket friendly than the CASE equivalent.
 
in todays trying economic times would it be possible for you to buy American ? please consider it. :) paul
 
sidecutter said:
in todays trying economic times would it be possible for you to buy American ? please consider it. :) paul
Click to expand...

With regard to this statement, I just got a Buck 301 stockman in Dymondwood about a week ago. It only cost about $30. I am really impressed with the edge it takes; push cuts through paper as if it weren't even there. And it comes with a nice leather sheath:).

Sorry, I haven't tried Boker yet.
 
cgmblade said:
I'm thinking about purchasing this Boker Stockman. Before I spend the money (about $40) I thought I'd ask you experts what you think. The listing says it is 4" which I think is between the medium and large Case Stockman models and it has carbon steel blades but I don't know exactly what kind of steel it is. It is made in Solingen Germany.
Click to expand...

Pretty good buy for the money. Will make a good, solid user with carbon steel that takes a keen edge. I had a Boker trapper from the same line and found the factory edge to be a little wide for good cutting efficiency, so maybe be prepared to thin them out a bit with a coarse stone.

There are also some great stockman options in Case's CV line.
 
sidecutter said:
in todays trying economic times would it be possible for you to buy American ? please consider it. :) paul
Click to expand...

He asked for input about a particular knife and for other suggestions.
By other suggestions, I don't think he meant U.S or foreign made...

There are quite a few members here who have become quite fond of Rough Rider knives. They are reasonably priced, made overseas and folks seem to be happy with them.

I don't know much about Bokers, but IIRC the Tree Brand versions are suppose to be perrty good quality
 
I have a trapper from that series and really like it alot. Mine has carbon steel blades and back springs. It holds a good edge but not as well as my Case trappers in cv. The Buck 301 would also be a great choice.
Jim
 
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I appreciate everyone's comments. I have a couple of Case Trappers. One in cv w/ yellow delrin handle and the other is ss. I also have a Buck 703 stockman, which is a little smaller.

I looked up a picture of the Buck 301 and it looks like a really nice knife. Eventually I'd like to add a Case stockman and the Buck 301 to my small collection, but for this purchase I was thinking of trying a different brand.

I've also seen pictures of some Queen knives that look good. Does anyone have any thoughts on knives made by Queen?

Thanks again for your input.
 
The question of Boker's carbon steel comes up occasionally and the answer has been that it's 1095.

Link to thread

I have one Boker right now w/ carbon steel blades, a 2-blade folding hunter. Takes a great edge. My impression is that it's feels just a bit on the soft side on the stone but I like it.

That 4" stockman looks great, I wouldn't mind having that one myself. I also like Boker's spey blades, they have more of a gradual curve to the tip. Some makers spey blades are unnecessarily blunt IMO.

If you've never had a stockman before, prepare to be amazed at just how handy and useful they are.
 
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I have a Queen trapper in D2 and a canoe in 1095. Both have great f/f. I also have ,or had a Mooremaker 5300 made by Queen,. I retuneded it to Mooremaker for another one because my fingernail kept slipping out of the nail nick, That too was an impressive knife. I'm expecting that one back today, according to ups tracking.The 5300 is smaller at 3 3/8.Mooremaker is another brand to look at if you like steel over stainless.
The Queens in birds eye maple I think are the best knife for the money, based on the 41 dollars I paid for the trapper in cocobola.
Just my opinion, but Case and it looks like Boker tumble their blades now, and I like crisp edges on the tangs. That doesn't stop me from buying Case or Boker, which I have owned a few of. F/f is great on both knives. I have been using the trapper in D2 to cut meat and it is hard to stain. I do clean it off shortly after I eat and it is still clean.The Canoe in 1095 came to me with a forced patina, which I took silver polish to, to clean it up. It has a real nice blue color to the steel and is one of my favorites.I say keep american workers working and go for a Case, Queen, Mooremaker, or a few others. I would prefer spending a little more for a Queen in wood thana boker in delrin. You may want the delrin for wear and tear. it is indestructable.
 
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While my stockman is an older Boker USA, not Solingen, I'm quite impressed with the knife. I like the carbon blades, it sharpens well and holds a good edge. I picked the knife up at a 2nd hand store for a buck! It needed some cleaning and tlc and has been in my pocket since. A good knife!
 
Gentlemen...let's keep this discussion on the knives themselves and not the country of origin. Let each make his own decision as to where and how he chooses to spend his own money.

As to Boker carbon steel, it is frequently a 1075 variant though they do use 1095 in some runs.
 
I have that same knife with washboard bone. It's a good looking knife. That said, the springs are pretty weak on the main and spey blades. And I have trouble getting it as sharp as I want because the edge was left pretty thick.
 
Personally, I would go with a Case instead. I hear bad things about the QC of Boker's traditional line all the time. I've never had a problem with a Case.
 
I've had only positive experiences with Boker's Solingen made traditionals. I have a 4" stockman with delrin scales in carbon. Nothing fancy but a solid, honest worker. I carried a carbon/delrin pen knife for over a year with a SAK Camper riding in the other pocket.

Frank
 
I think I may be leaning more toward a Queen now, though it is a little more expensive. I appreciate everyone's opinions.
 
I have these Bokers including the stockman
They are all good knives with an acceptable F&F.
The steel is softer than Case CV but the carbon sharpens well and holds well.
All these knives with red pick bone were less than $37.

picture.php


$40 for this stockman delrin scaled knife is high.
So I would agree with Navihawk and look at a Queen.

I do not know your budget but.....

The Queen 4" #9 Stockman in Amber bone with D2 is $55
The jump in quality, F&F, steel is well worth the extra
The knife has much more heft to it and is truely a working knife
 
I'm sold on Queen knives. I have always prefered Case knives and they were always my #1 choice and they still remain up there in my favorites. That humpback stockman is really nice and its on the list, however after having a couple of Queens in my grips, they jumped up a peg above Case on my favorites.Don't get me wrong. Solingen makes some great knives too.
 
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