So much to love about this knife I dont even know where to begin…the price? Its 25 Euros! For a VOX design & premium steel (in my opinion).
I just cant get over how accessible this knife is going to be, pretty much everyone can afford to sport 1 or 2 as an EDC, backup etc. the blade profile is discreet which is great for defensive purposes but its belly and ergonomics makes it an attractive EDC solution.
A truly great package introduced at a mind numbingly good price point, I cant wait to receive one- I dare say it will feature prominently in my EDC rotation.
Kudos Boker, Kudos.
Boker Plus Rhino
Specifications
Designed by Jesper Voxnaes ()
7.6 cm blade length
15.5 cm overall length
G-10 (I think) Scales
Sandvik 12C27 Steel
Leather sheath
Approx 40 Euros
My thoughts
My feelings are truly mixed regarding this knife, its price point makes it a must have for me but realistically if it was priced in the 100 Euro range I probably would not get it.
The blade pattern has plenty of belly and just screams “use me” in a utilitarian fashion, I view this offering as an outdoors fixed blade for the discerning traveler. Its profile is not pointy and as such should come across pretty well with the sheeple. My biggest issue with this knife is the black G-10 (basing this purely on the one photograph we have, correct me if I am wrong) I just dont understand why Boker did not go with the green canvas micarta which is far more attractive in my opinion.
The G-10 utilized is definitely a good functional choice but the aesthetics part of me just doesn’t feel it. I also dont understand why they went with a leather sheath- for a hard use outdoors blade I would prefer a more weather resistant kydex sheath.
Somewhat dissapointing but not a deal breaker- specially at that price point. For the cost of a Vox custom I can have 5 of these knives + custom kydex sheaths so who am I to complain?
Overall I am really loving the direction Boker is taking! Less of the boring traditional clip point slipjoints with stag scales and more daring, micarta clad designs by truly talented and industry noted designers.
This is my last post on Boker’s new collection and I am just bowled over by the choice. Boker really does offer something for everyone and if they continue in this vein, I see them being on par with Spyderco.
If you knew the sort of knives I liked then you would not think the Boker Clip is my sort of knife, it does not have a choil, uses the backlock locking system (which I don’t like) and its not a (my company of choice for folders).
But I will be damned if I can hate it! For some reason it just appeals to me on an aesthetic particularity! it has a 3.4mm thick blade which I think is kinda neat even though I generally tend to avoid thicker/tank/heavy duty knives.
This folder is my contradiction, I know for a fact I will buy it even though it doesn’t have the sort of features that traditionally appeal to me, the steel is unremarkable- AUS-8 is a good steel but not a super steel by any stretch of the imagination but I just cant seem to bring myself to give a damn.
Even the thumb stud deployment method doesn’t manage to piss me off.
(Also it has a weird clip, which I guess gives it its namesake).
I like.
Boker Anti-MC
Specifications
Ceramic blade
Frame lock
19,5 cm overall length
8,2 cm blade length
2mm thick blade
71g weight
70 Euros roughly
My thoughts
I don’t know what to feel about this folder, it has alot of cool features which initially appeal to me but the more I think about it the more I firmly believe they would annoy me.
The ceramic blade is very cool on the surface- looks great, keeps and edge and anti-magnetic (dont know why I like this but I just do) however I know I would get frustrated sharpening it, I would be scared of it breaking if I did anything strenuous due to the impossibly thin grind and the more I think about it the less I like it.
I find the thumb stud extremely ugly too, and kinda tacky unlike the one on the Boker clip.
It has an weird/annoying pivot that looks like it would require special tools to disassemble unlike the de facto standard of torx screws utilized on Boker’s more sensible offering and pretty much all Spyderco’s.
The reason why I am writing about it is because its so different from the rest of the Bokers and I am sorta torn over it, it appeals to my geeky side but its lack of real world flexibility makes me shy about throwing down the Euros for it.
Then again I completely adore the blade shape/pattern.
Dont like the scales.
Arg.
I wont get it but I might if I see it. <– I am not a simple person!
What do you think about it? Anyone have any experience with ceramic blades?
Since both of these knives are pretty much identical besides the 3cm difference in length, 2mm blade thickness and the scallops taken out of the g-10 grips in the PryMate, I will simply give my thoughts on both of these models at the same time.
First of all, they are perfect examples of beautiful collusion of form and function.
Really awesome utility knives with great great great looks!
The fit and finish appears to be perfect by Boker & with that red spacer between the scales I just cant help but be attracted to them. I might get the Boker PryMini as a fixed blade EDC but the one thing that does hold me back is the price tag, 180 & 150 euros. Ouch.
With regards to the high cost, one has to factor in both the design elements, premium materials and collectors appeal, this is a Vox design that is in production by a major manufacturer with awesome fit and finish so of course the price IS going to be higher than one would expect, not forgetting that they are made in Europe using European steel- a rare thing now days.
I personally prefer the PryMini due to the smooth scales & the fact that I dont see a use for a 7mm blade in my life.
My bad for being AWOL for so long, life takes priority over my hobbies unfortunately!
Hope you all had a great Easter and as promised my thoughts on ‘s new line up!
Boker Savannah
Specifications
Designed by Armin Stütz
Micarta scales with dimples
Full tang N690B0 blade
9.5mm blade thickness (3/8″)
23.8 cm overall length (9 3/8″)]
12.7 cm blade length (5″)
Leather sheath
Made in Germany
Really really hot
Approx 260 Euros
My thoughts
YES PLEASE was the first thing that came to mind, I am really loving that dimple Micarta and that blade with the 2 tone polish is just stunning, very impressive.
On the flip side I would have loved to see it with a good sheath because the leather one that is issued is just terribad looking, I don’t approve at all.
Should you acquire that beautiful example of functional art I would heavily suggest that you invest in some kydex clothes for that blade!
With regards to the price I was a bit stunned but you gotta remember this is not a made in Taiwan/China Boker Plus model, its a high end fixed blade made in Europe with premium European materials so after some thought I am relatively comfortable with the price point this model is being introduced at.
Boker Eurofighter II
Specifications
Aluminum scales
154CM blade steel
9cm blade length (3½)
21cm overall length deployed (8 3/16)
Twin-Pin Lock
Approx 180 Euro’s
My thoughts
Full disclosure, I will most likely never ever purchase this knife; not because its not a good knife but simply because its not a liner or framelock, doesn’t have a Spyderhole deployment system and it not cheap enough for me to buy just for the hell of it.
So why is it here? Because its damn cool.
When I wrote my “Boker knives to babble on about” list I went through the catalog and decided on picking only the models I was interested in, hence the distinct lack of “Boker Magnum” knives on my blog.
Its not that Boker Magnum knives are badly made or that they are not cool designs, its just that I don’t go for the cheap stuff and thus don’t write about it.
With regards to the Eurofighter, I feel its interesting enough to be worthy to grace my blog if I have no intention of getting it.
I am trying to think of a way to convey how I feel about this folder without coming across as a child. Regrettably I will fail in this endeavor with my next sentence;
I like the Boker Eurofighter II because it looks cool.
Thats all their is to it, take it or leave it!
Sure, I could talk about how funky the scales are and while I tend to avoid aluminum I can clearly see that Boker really did a good job but to be honest its not even the point so lets have a pro’s & con’s shall we!
Con’s
Mega expensive
Blade not a supersteel (Would have prefered S30V, ZDP-189, SGPS etc. in that price point)
Aluminum scales instead of titanium
Mega expensive
Pro’s
Cool as fuck (only way I can possibly put it)
So here you have it, 11 more knives to write about and all will be posted very very very shortly.
Go to his website and check out the pretty pictures, out of respect for his work I will not repost them here individually because he really does deserve full credit!
Sorry about the time it took to get this updated, this will be a mega post following Wouter’s format so if you have not read it already please check outpart 1!
And now on with the show!
Part 2
Matriarch Sprint Run
To be honest the hawkbill blades have never been my style, while I am all for edc blades that can also be used defensively I have to admit that I am not really comfortable with a blade shape like that for just regular use.
I am sure fans of the Matriarch and Civilian are currently dying of happiness! Glad to see Sal is listening to the community even if the model in question is not for me!
Grasshopper
We all knew this was coming, the slightly larger addition to the chinese made slip it line, I dislike the like of a choil but beyond that for the price it will be introduced how can you complain? Looks like a keen slicer & with decent blade steel that edge should last a while.
Not on my to buy list but if I see one I will no doubt pick one up.
Native 4
I love the leaf blade, like the choil and like the style.
Dont like the lock and for me that is a deal breaker, the only lock back/mid lock I like is the Caly 3 Carbon fiber model and for me that is my dress knife. Not for heavy use.
As a side note, my dislike for this style of lock is not out of any concerns over its solidity but rather a purely personal preference in terms of comfort so please refrain from lashing out at me!
Delica Damascus Sprint Run
I dont like the Delica (or the Endura for that matter, I know! Blasphemy!) in terms of styling & lack of a choil but this elegant (if slightly gaudy) number will no doubt please a great many aficionados of this venerable lightweight folder.
Part 3
Caly 3.5
I truly want to love the model, the blade is my kinda blade- long and pointy!
Iit also features great ergoes and a very nice aggressive styling however I just don’t see myself utilizing this knife and I am firmly against safe queens (with the exceptions of duplicates for user knives that I have grown to love) so with that it is unlikely I will get it unless the price is really really low or if I happen to stumble across one here in beautiful (and very cold) Europe.
Bob Lum Chinese Folder Carbon Fiber
Oh what a wonderful knife! A superb gentleman folder with really really stunning scales. That carbon fibre pattern is simply out of this world! I will most likely get it as long as the price is reasonable!
Bob Lum Large Chinese Folder
Hell yes! Poiny tip? Check! Open construction? Check! Liner or Framelock? Check! Oozing sex appeal? Double check!
I really cant wait for this knife- it is a MUST have! 12cm blade (4.5inches) is just a fantastic folding camp knife, to say that I am excited is the understatement of the year! Amazing design by an amazing knifemaker that left us too soon.
Rest in peace bro.
Super Leaf
Like with the Caly 3 this is a folder I WANT to love but I just cant. Its far far far too utilitarian and while that might seem weird to some of you its truly my main problem with this knife. Its just boring and looks very boring.
I like useful knives that are fun to use AND fun to look at. When dropping $$$ on sharpened steel I expect a little oomph too.
So I am afraid the Super Leaf will not be gracing my collection (unless its mega cheap and/or I stumble across it and fall in love!).
Sage 3 – Blackie Collins
The Bold Action lock looks…like an axis lock which I do not like so I am not sure about this knife, the reason why I am even considering it is based on the prototype photographs that show a really really stunning set of contoured G-10 scales that have been rounded off to perfection.
Just screams comfort to me & I cant say its aesthetically displeasing either! So for this model I will reserve judgement until I see one in the flesh!
These will be the knives I push to people who ask me for a good all rounder. We all knew about this model hitting the stores soon so its not surprising to see it which may explain my lack of anxious enthusiasm but I assure you that this model will not only be a best seller but will also be a defining model for 2010.
UKPK Slipit Titanium & Carbon Fibre
I love the titanium one and its definitely in my to buy list! I can only hope its not ridiculously expensive. I will probably keep it as a pure edc and not a collection piece, it just screams utility to me!
I am less enthused with the carbon fibre model although thats down to personal preference- I am sure both models will do just fine sells wise.
Part 4
Eduard Bradichansky Shabaria Sprint Run
Now this will make *alot* of knife collectors happy! The Shabaria and its unique blade/handle shape combination truly is a legend in the knife world.
A true style icon and while I would love to own one I am almost flinching at the price that I expect will most certainly be quite high and certainly too high for my “just to collect” category.
Because to me the Shabaria really is a collection knife, not a utility knife.
The handle just isn’t practical enough unfortunately!
Paramilitary 2
I don’t like the paramil because to me its just a smaller military with a different lock and I dig big folders so I never bought one or ever considered purchasing one.
The word on the forums is that the paramil 2 solves alot of the gripes levelled against the original paramilitary so I guess it can be considered a success.
Different bevels for different people I guess.
Fred Perrin Folder / PPT
Oh dear god.
Sometimes I get the feeling Sal is trying to bankrupt me, the PPT is by far and large the greatest high-end folder to be released this year, I cant stress this enough.
Amazing design with a great (and very interesting) lock, blade and handle.
When I first saw it my eyes glazed over in sheer lust, its just unimaginably beautiful.
. . .
Jens Anso Zulu
Its…different.
Not sure what to say about it besides; Wow.
I will need to hold it so I can write about it actually knowing what it feels like because I fear if I judge it on initial impressions only then I will be doing it a great disservice.
Jens Anso is an amazingly talented designer and I have faith that the Zulu will prove to be a very good utility knife even if I cant see it myself at this stage!
Laci Szabo Folder
Oversized MBC knife with a crazy blade, looks comfy and it features very very aggressive styling + a very strong lock so I am sure it will please many martial bladecraft folks.
I wont get it because it will be crazy expensive and I have no use for it but if I had the kind of disposable income to drop $$$ on a collection piece then I hazard to say that this would be near if not *at* the top.
Very cool.
And thats it for the Spyderco prototypes this year, my thanks to for amassing all those photographs and to Sal & Co. for giving him the opportunity to take those photographs and report to us mere fanboys!
From we get to catch a glimpse of the new 2010 Spyderco prototypes, this is part one and I will keep you updated on part two when it arrives!
Go to his website and check out the pretty pictures, out of respect I will not repost them here because he really does deserve full credit!
My thoughts on the new models;
Ed Schempp Balance
It is simply stunning, very much a throwback to the true vision- Function before form! It is in my opinion the best thing coming up besides the PPT.
I will no doubt get the RIL/Framelock plain stainless steel version since to me this is a great EDC folder, it looks like it will simply melt in your grip!
Jason Breeden Rescue
To be honest I always had a love hate with the captain and I sense this model will be no different. The handle and generally look is very comfortable and utilitarian however something about it just puts me off. Perhaps I need to hold it to fully appreciate it for what it is!
Kiwi SS Slipit
Thank you Sal! What a great lil slipjoint! I love everything about this model and I cant wait to get it- I wonder how the new “rough” feel/opening resistance will be like although I am sure if you really wanted to you could smooth it out with some judicious use of sandpaper and polishing compound.
Manix 2 FRN
And finally the “lightweight” version of the Manix 2, not really sure of how I feel about it- on one hand I think its way more sheeple friendly compared to the original tactical g-10 version but its just so very different, once the shock has been fully absorbed perhaps it will grow on me but for the time being its just a bit too much like a toy for me to view it seriously!
Overall I am pretty excited with what is coming, I did not expect such designs in these economic times but once again I am taken by surprise!
I am getting behind on blog posts but in my defense I have been very busy!
The new 2010 models have launched (atleast the information on the new models) and I WILL do I write up on them, but the moment I saw the I just had to write about it RIGHT NOW!
It is quite simply drop dead gorgeous, reminds me very strongly of the Pry mini however its price is what makes me go completely crazy over it…guess how much it is? Remember the Prymate Boker version was 170 euros…
The Gnome is 30 euros. 30 EUROS!!!
When I saw the price I was convinced it was a typo but it IS legit, this gorgeous necker will be launching in April for the paltry sum of 30 Euros.
Great job Boker, I mean it.
Specifications!
12C27 steel (awesome steel, very clean & compares favorably with aus-8/VG-10).
10cm long with a blade length of 5.6cm.
4mm stock thickness.
Weighs 47grams.
Kydex sheath.
Canvas micarta scales.
Just 110% gorgeous.
ONLY 30 EUROS.
I will have my thoughts on the new boker knives this coming week (hopefully) sorry about the long absence!
I feel the need to write a conclusion to briefly express what the point of my list was and to answer a criticism that will no doubt be leveled against me.
I fully expect people to bitch about how much knives dominates the list, that being said I do not write for or or any other objective cutlery magazine.
I write for myself.
I have said it loud and clear that I am a Spyderco fanatic and as such not only should you not be surprised when you see a bias towards them but rather you shouldcome to my blog and expect it!
My brief series on the Best production knives of 2009 was essentially a collection of 10 quality production blades I feel affected the knife world positively in my (humble..’ish) opinion.
No more and no less, if I get a positive response I will no doubt do it again for 2010.
While I would love to be sponsored by Spyderco I regret to inform you that I don’t make any money from choosing one brand over the other, its just my opinion.
(Sorry about all the bold I just need to make this clear before I get e-mailed with bullshit).
Out of the 9 knives preceding it, this knife has had the largest effect on the cutlery world, its also the most expensive and the smallest folder on my list.
I present to you the Victorinox Heritage folding pocket knife! This is the knife that started all swiss army knives after it and this modern replica by Victorinox faithfully follows the original design.
Lets get the price out of the way first, its 500$. Yes. 500$.
But its beautiful and completely worth it and not owning it is killing me so lets move on to the specifics!
It features the now common stainless steel regular swiss made spearpoint blade, comes with ebony wood scales, pinned construction and 125 years of history!
The history is why one would covet this knife, and the reason you would purchase it.
Although if I owned one, I would use it as an everyday carry knife too. While the price and limited availability would entice you to treat it as a safe queen and not use it I feel this would be a huge disservice to its original intentions and existence.
This was the original tactical knife, long before double edge automatic daggers and G-10 scales actual soldiers used to depend on these small, non locking folders.
First of all, yes I know it was released in 2008, however *I* didnt get to play with it until 2009 so for me its still a 2009 knife.
My blog. My rules!
So, the ‘Zaan is first of all a pure utility hard use folder with great lineage and when you buy a CRK knife your buying a piece of knife making history (as always, in my opinion). Its truly a revolutionary folder!
List of revolutionary features
Glass break built into the pivot/tang side of the knife.
Ceramic ball on the tip of the frame lock mates with the tang to reduce wear and tear.
When the knife is closed it mates with the detent in the blade to keep it closed.
Perforations in the washers have wholes & lubrication to maximize the time between maintenance.
Oversized pivot adds strength and stability.
The thumb lugs double as the stopping pins.
The thumb lugs also feature o rings to minimise the wear and tear and absorb shock.
So yeah, its a pretty awesome folder for that reason alone but while I loved the blade in the flesh, specially that gorgeous gorgeous swedge on the top I just dont like the way it feels compared to a Sebenza.
Thats why I dont own one.
But you should, because its an awesome knife!
For me, if I had unlimited money I would definitely buy it but the problems I have with it are not logical, just emotional.
I miss the simplicity of the sebbie, I miss the THUNK when it opens and I dont like the grooves in the handles, its too industrial and I want my knife to have soul like the seb.
I am picky but I still think it should be in the list. So here it is at number 9.
