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Blue Box: Boker Plus Burnley Kwaiken Folding Knife
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Blue Box: Boker Plus Burnley Kwaiken Folding Knife
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Product Description
For this drop, we’ve partnered with Boker to offer an exclusive selection of the company's best-selling Kwaiken models, as well as a few extras. By joining, you’ll at least receive a Boker Kwaiken with a black G-10 handle and a VG-10 blade Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downGentlemanSin
197
Can You Handlebar
Dec 1, 2016
I've owned one of almost every model of Boker's Kwaiken. It's a great design, Burnley has crafted something truly timeless and we're already seeing other designers and knife companies riffing on the Kwaiken with their own takes. I suspect this trend will continue and that this style of knife will only become more pervasive as time goes on.
Here's a quick primer to distinguish the versions:
Both the micarta and the orange g10 are (clearly) thumb-stub deployed and run AUS-8 steel. They aren't bad deals at the lowest price point +shipping, though both can be found on Amazon for slightly less at the moment. Both the orange g10 and the micarta offer a solid grip, in some cases, these scales are better than what you'll find on the "upgraded" knives in terms of grip and retention. Deployment with the thumb stud takes a little getting used to, but the knife can be flicked open easily with a minimum of practice. AUS-8 isn't as high quality a steel as VG-10, but depending upon your intended use you may not notice a dramatic difference. These are good everyday use and carry knives.
The titanium and carbon fiber scaled versions run VG-10 and have a much smoother scale. As some have noted in comments, they can be downright slick, with little to no grip factor. But they are gorgeous knives and both look like a much higher-end knife than the money you are paying for them. These are more of a dress carry or gentleman's carry, not for any lack of utility of the blade itself but because you'll want to limit use to lighter cutting tasks due to the lack of grip on the scales. Of note: it's not specified here whether these models have the added jimping on the flipper, part of Boker's redesign for the Kwaiken as of last year. Some earlier models of the Ti and CF-scaled Kwaikens do not have the flipper jimping, and are a little more difficult to reliably deploy. At the roughly $95 price point here, you are saving $45-55 off the average lowest price seen on Amazon/Blade HQ.
The other two g10 flippers, the blackout as well as the black g10, I consider the best iterations of the Boker Kwaiken, with the blackout being the slightly better of the two. As both of these were launched last year, they have the jimping on the flipper and the scales offer better grip than either the titanium or carbon fiber, with the blackout's textured scales adding even slightly more grip than the black g10. They both also run VG-10 steel, on par with the Ti and cf versions. Yes, they aren't as flashy, but they are rock solid every day carry knives that will stay in your hand the way you need them to during cutting tasks. There's negligible difference in weight between the two g10 flippers and the Ti and cf flippers. The steel liners keep the weight fairly consistent across versions, with only minor fluctuations in weight due to the differing scale options. Again, at the $95 price point here these are great deals, saving you $25-35 off the average lowest price seen on Amazon/Blade HQ.
Here's a quick primer to distinguish the versions:
Both the micarta and the orange g10 are (clearly) thumb-stub deployed and run AUS-8 steel. They aren't bad deals at the lowest price point +shipping, though both can be found on Amazon for slightly less at the moment. Both the orange g10 and the micarta offer a solid grip, in some cases, these scales are better than what you'll find on the "upgraded" knives in terms of grip and retention. Deployment with the thumb stud takes a little getting used to, but the knife can be flicked open easily with a minimum of practice. AUS-8 isn't as high quality a steel as VG-10, but depending upon your intended use you may not notice a dramatic difference. These are good everyday use and carry knives.
The titanium and carbon fiber scaled versions run VG-10 and have a much smoother scale. As some have noted in comments, they can be downright slick, with little to no grip factor. But they are gorgeous knives and both look like a much higher-end knife than the money you are paying for them. These are more of a dress carry or gentleman's carry, not for any lack of utility of the blade itself but because you'll want to limit use to lighter cutting tasks due to the lack of grip on the scales. Of note: it's not specified here whether these models have the added jimping on the flipper, part of Boker's redesign for the Kwaiken as of last year. Some earlier models of the Ti and CF-scaled Kwaikens do not have the flipper jimping, and are a little more difficult to reliably deploy. At the roughly $95 price point here, you are saving $45-55 off the average lowest price seen on Amazon/Blade HQ.
The other two g10 flippers, the blackout as well as the black g10, I consider the best iterations of the Boker Kwaiken, with the blackout being the slightly better of the two. As both of these were launched last year, they have the jimping on the flipper and the scales offer better grip than either the titanium or carbon fiber, with the blackout's textured scales adding even slightly more grip than the black g10. They both also run VG-10 steel, on par with the Ti and cf versions. Yes, they aren't as flashy, but they are rock solid every day carry knives that will stay in your hand the way you need them to during cutting tasks. There's negligible difference in weight between the two g10 flippers and the Ti and cf flippers. The steel liners keep the weight fairly consistent across versions, with only minor fluctuations in weight due to the differing scale options. Again, at the $95 price point here these are great deals, saving you $25-35 off the average lowest price seen on Amazon/Blade HQ.
GentlemanSin
197
Can You Handlebar
Dec 3, 2016
I was pretty clear to place some caveats on my statement and I never claimed that AUS-8 and VG-10 are equivalents in any way. Your assessment of the steels is quite accurate.
My discussion of their value was in terms of relative lowest pricing of these particular models of knives with other sellers, not in terms of the value of an AUS-8 blade over VG-10.
And truly, this is still all relative to how the buyer uses their knife and how much they appreciate the design itself. AUS-8 or not, these don't feel like $50 knives in hand. That's a credit to Burnley's design and to Boker's ability to produce a factory version of that design.
I do feel that the price point on the AUS-8 blades is a bit high, but it wasn't 4 years ago when I bought my first.
As for maintaining an edge, a strop works wonders on AUS-8.
My discussion of their value was in terms of relative lowest pricing of these particular models of knives with other sellers, not in terms of the value of an AUS-8 blade over VG-10.
And truly, this is still all relative to how the buyer uses their knife and how much they appreciate the design itself. AUS-8 or not, these don't feel like $50 knives in hand. That's a credit to Burnley's design and to Boker's ability to produce a factory version of that design.
I do feel that the price point on the AUS-8 blades is a bit high, but it wasn't 4 years ago when I bought my first.
As for maintaining an edge, a strop works wonders on AUS-8.
JonasO
197
Dec 4, 2016
GentlemanSinWell, if you feel the design and quality of the blade in general warrants the extra cost, more power to you. Tomato/tomato I suppose.
jhopps
92
Dec 1, 2016
The way I see it is that there's a 65% chance of overpaying relative to everyday Amazon pricing with an additional 17% chance of getting a knife I don't want. An 82% chance of a bad outcome isn't worth it to me.
NeWaVdubs
218
Jun 14, 2017
Finally! After 4 Blue Box drops, I finally got an upgraded item.. Black G10/satin VG-10 model. Stoked.
JayN
11
Jun 26, 2017
Make that three. Mine is very nice, QC was very good. Wish the flipper tab was just a tad longer tho. Very pleased.
Crackattak
11
May 10, 2017
I think one thing people are missing here is that the "upgraded ones" are the new flipper design while you are most likely to get an outdated thumb opener design that was known to have issues. I was about to join the drop until I noticed this.
OlaOlsson
1
May 10, 2017
CrackattakThanx for the heads up! Had to cancel my participation since I missed that.
Ganson
47
Dec 1, 2016
Is it just me, or is ordering a blade but not knowing which variant you are going to receive stupid? I don't need freebies or surprise gifts, I want to buy a specific knife at a good price.
I'll end my rant with that, as there probably are lots of prospective buyers who like the little bit of mystery.
I'll end my rant with that, as there probably are lots of prospective buyers who like the little bit of mystery.
christopher.vazquez.562
13
Dec 2, 2016
If I get orange and you get, say a titanium I would be willing to trade & pay shipping. Scratch that. It's cheaper on Amazon WITH Prime shipping. I don't need any extras. Maybe I'll just cancel my order.
ShallotInS30V
19
Dec 4, 2016
I don't see any other drops with an orange Kwaiken.
...Now take a wild guess why I clicked on this drop for more info? An obvious orange-scale Kwaiken. Except it's not in VG-10, but the cheaper (but still overpriced) AUS-8. Add in the chances of me getting a G10/DLC Kwaiken (and why the hell a G10/DLC Kwaiken is valued as more than the Ti scale one is BEYOND ME) when I absolutely loathe coated blades and wanted the orange scales... Well... Terrible drop with terrible value is just terrible.
...Now take a wild guess why I clicked on this drop for more info? An obvious orange-scale Kwaiken. Except it's not in VG-10, but the cheaper (but still overpriced) AUS-8. Add in the chances of me getting a G10/DLC Kwaiken (and why the hell a G10/DLC Kwaiken is valued as more than the Ti scale one is BEYOND ME) when I absolutely loathe coated blades and wanted the orange scales... Well... Terrible drop with terrible value is just terrible.
lellobeetle
57
May 13, 2017
Maybe it's just me, but I greatly dislike the drops that involve only a chance at getting the one I want. Just do a straight forward purchase.
lellobeetle
57
May 18, 2017
So are you sitting out of this drop and try to locate the orange one you want elsewhere?
m0ro
132
May 18, 2017
lellobeetleProbably not, I don't need to spend my time and money that badly haha.
MintVision
4
Oct 18, 2018
Yes and no.
Primarily, I'm talking to potential buyers who are considering spending high-end prices for average steel. There is better value elsewhere.
I'm also putting on the internet which can be seen by anyone. If they truly care about sales and customer preferences (even CRKT just released a S35VN version of the Pilar) then pay someone to do an hour's worth of research online to find conversations like these, and report back.
Primarily, I'm talking to potential buyers who are considering spending high-end prices for average steel. There is better value elsewhere.
I'm also putting on the internet which can be seen by anyone. If they truly care about sales and customer preferences (even CRKT just released a S35VN version of the Pilar) then pay someone to do an hour's worth of research online to find conversations like these, and report back.
Hatuletoh
850
Oct 20, 2018
MintVisionHow about 154 CM? That's what's on the autos, although it's more like a lateral move than a upgrade.
I've long wished Pro-tech would go to CPM 154 (or better) as their standard blade steel, but they said that would raise their prices 10 to 33%, depending upon the knife. Would that be worth it? Depends on your perspective and individual needs.
That said, VG10 is good enough for a kwaiken, in my opinion because it's not a design that lends itself to hard use. The common knock on VG10 is for it's toughness, but that's just not going to be an issue for the vast majority of kwaiken use, so why charge more for attributes of some steel that would just be wasted anyway?
I'm not trying to change your mind because like I say, it all depends on individual use and and needs. Qnd in some ways I agree--it would be nice to see a truly premium blade steel on some kwaikens, at least, esp since some have carbon fiber or micarta scales, and all the flippers run on IKBS. In other words, premium options; why not a premium steel to complete the package? But there is an answer, which is that on a kwaiken, IKBS or premium scale material actually improve the knife, but very few people would notice the improvements S35VN provided over VG10 because VG10 provides high enough performance for what they need. They'd notice the higher price though.
That said, VG10 is good enough for a kwaiken, in my opinion because it's not a design that lends itself to hard use. The common knock on VG10 is for it's toughness, but that's just not going to be an issue for the vast majority of kwaiken use, so why charge more for attributes of some steel that would just be wasted anyway?
I'm not trying to change your mind because like I say, it all depends on individual use and and needs. Qnd in some ways I agree--it would be nice to see a truly premium blade steel on some kwaikens, at least, esp since some have carbon fiber or micarta scales, and all the flippers run on IKBS. In other words, premium options; why not a premium steel to complete the package? But there is an answer, which is that on a kwaiken, IKBS or premium scale material actually improve the knife, but very few people would notice the improvements S35VN provided over VG10 because VG10 provides high enough performance for what they need. They'd notice the higher price though.
GhostofLincoln
7
Jun 16, 2017
So happy to be a member of the lucky 2% and get the carbon fiber/satin VG-10 model! Could not be more pleased. Beautiful knife that feels great in my hand. Opens one-handed in a flash. Thanks, Massdrop!
GhostofLincoln
7
Jun 16, 2017
MassdrpprThat's a Boker Plus Burnley Kwaiken Folder Knife with the carbon fiber handle and VG-10 steel blade. Gotta say, in my hand it feels even sweeter than it looks!
Bogarte
109
May 10, 2017
For $30 you can get a Rat I with AUS 8. My coverman was shocked when he saw the quality of this knife for such a price. Why bother with this no deal knife!?
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