Boker Clip
Review by Phil Elmore
Boker‘s
“Boker Clip” model is an attempt to solve the problem of poor
ergonomics produced by the presence of a pocket clip. The knife
is a three-inch (and vaguely leaf-shaped) spear-point blade of 440C
(ground on both sides, with a slight recurve) mated to a matte anodized
aluminum handle. When the blade is opened, the clip retracts into
the handle, where it sits flush with the aluminum handle halves.
The Boker Clip was very nicely sharp out of the box, tapering to a
relatively thick point. It cut well and felt good in my hand,
thanks to the contoured aluminum. While the handle is a little
smooth (and therefore could get slippery if wet), this is not a
“tactical” knife. It is more of a “gent’s folder” or general
utility blade. Fit and finish are quite good, given that this is
a “tree brand” Boker made in Solingen.
There are graduated thumb studs on either side of the handle.
The design of the clip mechanism, however, almost guarantees that
you can’t really use these. I discovered that when I try to open
the knife using the thumb stud, my fingers find purchase against the
pocket clip in a manner that stops the clip mechanism from moving (and
thus stops the knife from opening). In the same manner, if your
fingers are pressing against the flush clip when you release the lock
and try to close the knife, the knife will not close. That clip
must be allowed to move for the knife to operate.
If handle ergonomics are very important to you and you like a clean,
unique gent’s folder for your daily pocket carry, the Boker Clip would
make a good choice. >>