- Joined
- Mar 12, 2012
- Messages
- 2,453
I don't know about you guys but when I first heard about a Boker/GTC collab I was psyched. I have loved his designs since I first saw a damascus Supersonic for sale on JD. IIRC the price was $3k+, which is more than I will ever be able to spend on a knife until I hit the lottery, so a production collab is a god-send. Right away, there are a couple things that will turn some people off of this knife: Made in China, 440C. I tell you right now, this is the nicest Chinese knife I've ever owned. Fit and finish is right on and I haven't noticed anything that bugs me other than the blade favoring the non-lock side. Not rubbing or anything, but definitely off center, which I usually expect from a frame lock or liner lock. As for 440C, Boker has been doing it a long time and they know what's up. I've been carrying this one and playing with it nonstop since it came in the mail and think I can give you some preliminary thoughts on it. So let's break it down.
Unboxing:
It comes in the standard Boker type box. Pivot tool is included. Mine is marked # 0424. Lock up is maybe 40%, no play in any direction, no lock rock. Flips like an absolute dream, 0 wrist movement needed. The jimping/design on the spine of the blade is very nice. Grippy but not sharp.
A closer look:
Knife specs:
-Construction: Flow through
-Lengths: 3.27" (blade), 7.95" (overall)
-Weight: 4.9 oz.
-Handles: Ti, with carbon fiber inserts
-Blade: Hollow ground 440C
-Bearing system: IKBS
-Manipulation: Flipper
-Lock: Frame lock
-Pocket clip: Integral RH tip up
-Country of Mfg: China
A closer look:
Ok, let's talk about the pocket clip. I don't like it. It is integrated into the knife and allows for RH tip up carry only. It is attached to a mini cut out on the frame on the front scale. The lock bar side is recessed so the pocket clip blends into the frame when not in use. This makes for a very sleek design and makes the knife very fun to play with but after carrying it for 3 days it kind of makes it a pain in pants with a thicker pocket lip. It can be a tight squeeze and I can't put it in my pocket one handed. I still need both hands to manipulate the clip and get it on the pocket. Now, that being said, it is the most discreet pocket clip I've ever seen, almost unnoticeable. And though it is a short stubby clip, it grips the pocket tight and there is 0 chance it will fall out of your pocket. Maybe I'll grow to like it with a little more use and practice, but as of now, not my favorite clip. A regular clip would ruin the design, so I'll live with it.
Overall thoughts:
Overall, I like this knife. Like I said, I love GTC's designs and this lives up to that love. The IKBS makes it a dream to flip and the fit and finish is on par with most production knives I've had, I have yet to notice any production flaws. It's a rather robust knife and I would have no qualms about using it hard. Even though is is on the larger- if not necessarily longer side it carries well in the pocket, it's nice and slim. In the future, I would like to see Boker do something like this with one of GTC's crazier blade designs, I'd buy one of those too. So, in conclusion, if you're looking for something out of the ordinary and you're thinking of this one I say go ahead. I was very excited to receive this one and it has not disappointed me.
And one more pic in parting, the Federal with my only other Boker, a pimped Kwaiken:
Unboxing:
It comes in the standard Boker type box. Pivot tool is included. Mine is marked # 0424. Lock up is maybe 40%, no play in any direction, no lock rock. Flips like an absolute dream, 0 wrist movement needed. The jimping/design on the spine of the blade is very nice. Grippy but not sharp.
A closer look:
Knife specs:
-Construction: Flow through
-Lengths: 3.27" (blade), 7.95" (overall)
-Weight: 4.9 oz.
-Handles: Ti, with carbon fiber inserts
-Blade: Hollow ground 440C
-Bearing system: IKBS
-Manipulation: Flipper
-Lock: Frame lock
-Pocket clip: Integral RH tip up
-Country of Mfg: China
A closer look:
Ok, let's talk about the pocket clip. I don't like it. It is integrated into the knife and allows for RH tip up carry only. It is attached to a mini cut out on the frame on the front scale. The lock bar side is recessed so the pocket clip blends into the frame when not in use. This makes for a very sleek design and makes the knife very fun to play with but after carrying it for 3 days it kind of makes it a pain in pants with a thicker pocket lip. It can be a tight squeeze and I can't put it in my pocket one handed. I still need both hands to manipulate the clip and get it on the pocket. Now, that being said, it is the most discreet pocket clip I've ever seen, almost unnoticeable. And though it is a short stubby clip, it grips the pocket tight and there is 0 chance it will fall out of your pocket. Maybe I'll grow to like it with a little more use and practice, but as of now, not my favorite clip. A regular clip would ruin the design, so I'll live with it.
Overall thoughts:
Overall, I like this knife. Like I said, I love GTC's designs and this lives up to that love. The IKBS makes it a dream to flip and the fit and finish is on par with most production knives I've had, I have yet to notice any production flaws. It's a rather robust knife and I would have no qualms about using it hard. Even though is is on the larger- if not necessarily longer side it carries well in the pocket, it's nice and slim. In the future, I would like to see Boker do something like this with one of GTC's crazier blade designs, I'd buy one of those too. So, in conclusion, if you're looking for something out of the ordinary and you're thinking of this one I say go ahead. I was very excited to receive this one and it has not disappointed me.
And one more pic in parting, the Federal with my only other Boker, a pimped Kwaiken:
. I have read on multiple accounts that the clip does take some getting use to, but I also had this knife in mind to carry with dress pants/slacks, since the design is so modern and sleek! I will be sure to post some pictures upon its arrival. And like you, the GTC and kwaiken will be my only Bokers (I'm more of a Spydie guy), but I have definitely been impressed with what I have seen from them with these two blades.
