Boker Black Widow 3.25" Strike Drop Point Automatic Knife (Black) EXPIRED

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Save your nickels and someday you can afford a quality, made in Germany Boker that will be stamped "Boker Manufaktur Solingen."

The fixed blades from Argentina (Boker Arbolito) are quality, but avoid the newer autos stamped same.... that besides the inlay, are manufactured in China. As well, a few like some FOX knives that are stamped "Boker USA Inc" with the tree stamp (made in Solingen) are good quality.

That leaves the seemingly hundreds of styles from China that are the lowest level of quality for the novice collector. Notice how none of the images show both sides of the blade? $50 here, $50 there and you could own a quality knife manufactured in Solingen where it all started and the reputation began.
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For everyday usage, many still carry/use made in USA Buck knives that have served well with a lifetime warranty. I broke a tip on a 110 and they sent a new one. With their Crucible steels, some autos, customizable [buckknives.com] with steel type, blade type, inlay, engraving, etc., they are some of the best knives available to the general public at a reasonable cost.

Quote from ToolDeals : . Save your nickels and someday you can afford a quality, made in Germany Boker that will be stamped "Boker Manufaktur Solingen." The fixed blades from Argentina (Boker Arbolito) are quality, but avoid the newer autos stamped same.... that besides the inlay, are manufactured in China. As well, a few like some FOX knives that are stamped "Boker USA Inc" with the tree stamp (made in Solingen) are good quality. That leaves the seemingly hundreds of styles from China that are the lowest level of quality for the novice collector. Notice how none of the images show both sides of the blade? $50 here, $50 there and you could own a quality knife manufactured in Solingen where it all started and the reputation began. ================ For everyday usage, many still carry/use made in USA Buck knives that have served well with a lifetime warranty. I broke a tip on a 110 and they sent a new one. With their Crucible steels, some autos, customizable [buckknives.com] with steel type, blade type, inlay, engraving, etc., they are some of the best knives available to the general public at a reasonable cost.

They show the other side clearly in the video. Blade is just plain with the exception of a"D2" stamp, and there's a deep carry clip. The "Strike" is similar to the Kalashnikov Auto with a couple tweaks. I think it's slightly larger by a hair, has an improved lock, and the scales have a different texture.

The Bokers you're referring to cost in the hundreds of dollars and aren't the same type of knives.

Quite sexy and D2, but the red finish will probably be gone in no time if you actually use it. That's true for finishes in general though.

Quote from JMBauer74 : They show the other side clearly in the video. Blade is just plain with the exception of a"D2" stamp, and there's a deep carry clip. The "Strike" is similar to the Kalashnikov Auto with a couple tweaks. I think it's slightly larger by a hair, has an improved lock, and the scales have a different texture. The Bokers you're referring to cost in the hundreds of dollars and aren't the same type of knives.

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I did not watch the video, but if not stamped for country they are proud of, it is almost always China. I know they are not the same type or quality, which was/is the point.

There are several quality knife manufactures still in business, but most had to outsource a cheaper line for sales that was based on the name's built reputation over sometimes a century or more. In the beginning of this practice, it felt really deceptive as the cost was the same or similar.

Even Buck outsourced a couple of knives like their Bowie version (that I returned) and they realized raising prices was the only option to keep their existing customer base buying the reputation that includes a no BS warranty like Zippo lighters. They added customization which is nice; especially the engraving, some in house autos, etc. that helped a lot with sales while still manufactured in the USA.

Personally, I would rather have one quality knife than two or three junk ones. After all, I only use one at a time.

Quote from ToolDeals : . I did not watch the video, but if not stamped for country they are proud of, it is almost always China. I know they are not the same type or quality, which was/is the point. There are several quality knife manufactures still in business, but most had to outsource a cheaper line for sales that was based on the name's built reputation over sometimes a century or more. In the beginning of this practice, it felt really deceptive as the cost was the same or similar. Even Buck outsourced a couple of knives like their Bowie version (that I returned) and they realized raising prices was the only option to keep their existing customer base buying the reputation that includes a no BS warranty like Zippo lighters. They added customization which is nice; especially the engraving, some in house autos, etc. that helped a lot with sales while still manufactured in the USA. Personally, I would rather have one quality knife than two or three junk ones. After all, I only use one at a time.

The Klashnikov has been around for many years. It's the "AK-47" knife and comes in a box that looks like a magazine. The "Strike" is a newer model, but very similar. They're obviously not the best, but they're considered solid for the price. I think you can find good knives at just about any price point as long as you maintain them properly. If you want a fun knife that looks cool when you pull it out, then I think these are a good pick up. If you want a shiny Buck knife, then that's great as well. I have a little bit of everything in my collection, but always ready to add something new if I can find a good deal.

Quote from JMBauer74 : The Klashnikov has been around for many years. It's the "AK-47" knife and comes in a box that looks like a magazine. The "Strike" is a newer model, but very similar. They're obviously not the best, but they're considered solid for the price. I think you can find good knives at just about any price point as long as you maintain them properly. If you want a fun knife that looks cool when you pull it out, then I think these are a good pick up. If you want a shiny Buck knife, then that's great as well. I have a little bit of everything in my collection, but always ready to add something new if I can find a good deal.

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Never thought about collecting 'novelties' and perhaps I am being too practical with usage, durability and longevity.

They did a pretty good impersonation with the OP, as even the push button has the 5 points of a red star for China (that is actually a gold star on red). And perhaps the Kalashnikov box is the Chinese copied version and not the original Russian version (Mikhail Kalashnikov was a Russian). You can visually tell the difference from a distance by the sight, muzzle, handle, etc. You could buy a Kalashnikov like new on the streets for $45, or just pick one up in the field... they were everywhere and mass produced by seemingly everyone. For awhile, China came out with a forged receiver that is somewhat collectable, but went back to stamped.

When you get into various steel grades, including the D2, they are not all equal. The tempering and annealing processes along with any additives are typically proprietary by the best manufacturers. Some will get within 1% of an additive that would change the type of steel name (if even listed), but certainly not the same steel someone else is using. Mostly, these proprietary variants are what eventually defined the common types, but still plenty of others yet to be copied.

Quote from ToolDeals : . Save your nickels and someday you can afford a quality, made in Germany Boker that will be stamped "Boker Manufaktur Solingen." The fixed blades from Argentina (Boker Arbolito) are quality, but avoid the newer autos stamped same.... that besides the inlay, are manufactured in China. As well, a few like some FOX knives that are stamped "Boker USA Inc" with the tree stamp (made in Solingen) are good quality. That leaves the seemingly hundreds of styles from China that are the lowest level of quality for the novice collector. Notice how none of the images show both sides of the blade? $50 here, $50 there and you could own a quality knife manufactured in Solingen where it all started and the reputation began. ================ For everyday usage, many still carry/use made in USA Buck knives that have served well with a lifetime warranty. I broke a tip on a 110 and they sent a new one. With their Crucible steels, some autos, customizable [buckknives.com] with steel type, blade type, inlay, engraving, etc., they are some of the best knives available to the general public at a reasonable cost.

You might want to reconsider your stance. Past 5 or so years, brands like Kizer, Civivi and others have brought high quality to the market despite being chinese brands. Brands like these, and there are more every day, source their steel from Japan, Germany, USA, Taiwan, even Korea. Then they use cnc for most, almost all of the manufacturing steps to get accurate consistent tolerances for blade, liner and handles. The quality as of late has shot up in the significantly in the market.
A quick explanation is this...... USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan etc, at first cranked out junk then they matured to realize quality matters. The same has happened in China, at least with the new brands that are quality focused not price focused. Look at the reviews on these new brands, check it out yourself. You might be surprised at the increase in quality of the new brands. I personally find the quality to match Japanese brands like spyderco. Times and markets change man, what you "know" might be rooted in yesterday, it might be worth checking out the current lay of the land to see of your old assumptions still hold true or not.

Quote from ToolDeals : . Never thought about collecting 'novelties' and perhaps I am being too practical with usage, durability and longevity. They did a pretty good impersonation with the OP, as even the push button has the 5 points of a red star for China (that is actually a gold star on red). And perhaps the Kalashnikov box is the Chinese copied version and not the original Russian version (Mikhail Kalashnikov was a Russian). You can visually tell the difference from a distance by the sight, muzzle, handle, etc. You could buy a Kalashnikov like new on the streets for $45, or just pick one up in the field... they were everywhere and mass produced by seemingly everyone. For awhile, China came out with a forged receiver that is somewhat collectable, but went back to stamped. When you get into various steel grades, including the D2, they are not all equal. The tempering and annealing processes along with any additives are typically proprietary by the best manufacturers. Some will get within 1% of an additive that would change the type of steel name (if even listed), but certainly not the same steel someone else is using. Mostly, these proprietary variants are what eventually defined the common types, but still plenty of others yet to be copied.

I think people should just get what they like. If this isn't your cup of tea, then it's certainly understood. Have a good day.

Just as an FYI to those that live in states/counties/cities with nazi knife laws.... this knife is push button automatic, otherwise known as a switchblade. Companies usually will refuse to ship to places where this is restricted but mistakes happen. I really suggest looking up to see if local laws allow this kind of thing. My state of course does not allow it....nazis........

Quote from Hartage : You might want to reconsider your stance. Past 5 or so years, brands like Kizer, Civivi and others have brought high quality to the market despite being chinese brands. Brands like these, and there are more every day, source their steel from Japan, Germany, USA, Taiwan, even Korea. Then they use cnc for most, almost all of the manufacturing steps to get accurate consistent tolerances for blade, liner and handles. The quality as of late has shot up in the significantly in the market. A quick explanation is this...... USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan etc, at first cranked out junk then they matured to realize quality matters. The same has happened in China, at least with the new brands that are quality focused not price focused. Look at the reviews on these new brands, check it out yourself. You might be surprised at the increase in quality of the new brands. I personally find the quality to match Japanese brands like spyderco. Times and markets change man, what you "know" might be rooted in yesterday, it might be worth checking out the current lay of the land to see of your old assumptions still hold true or not.

So do you have a recommendation for a quality Chinese knife? Or is this one good?

Quote from Hartage : You might want to reconsider your stance. Past 5 or so years, brands like Kizer, Civivi and others have brought high quality to the market despite being chinese brands. Brands like these, and there are more every day, source their steel from Japan, Germany, USA, Taiwan, even Korea. Then they use cnc for most, almost all of the manufacturing steps to get accurate consistent tolerances for blade, liner and handles. The quality as of late has shot up in the significantly in the market. A quick explanation is this...... USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan etc, at first cranked out junk then they matured to realize quality matters. The same has happened in China, at least with the new brands that are quality focused not price focused. Look at the reviews on these new brands, check it out yourself. You might be surprised at the increase in quality of the new brands. I personally find the quality to match Japanese brands like spyderco. Times and markets change man, what you "know" might be rooted in yesterday, it might be worth checking out the current lay of the land to see of your old assumptions still hold true or not.

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Just having an adult discussion, everyone has an opinion and after all, it is their money to buy what they want.

In generalities, you can find some junk everywhere, but in China, you can find all junk most anywhere. I don't think you are old enough to realize any junk tools from the USA, Germany, or even Japan that did make some before Taiwan and now China. You find quality where the technology and expertise was developed and later to a lesser degree, where it was shared but not improved. Even in the USA, the old tool companies were most all started by Germanic immigrants. It is just something they do well. It seems that every culture has a dominant characteristic, but if that is somehow in a negative light, it is PC racism... otherwise simply fact in a negative light.

Since the beginning of trade, technology and variants have been transferred around the world. But, the proprietary best is not shared so easily unless one, that technology is outsourced and no longer a secret, or two, that company is bought and the technology transferred. Both happened for China in the past 40 years or so as a vacuum.... where many European countries refused to even sell an item to China, for it would be copied.

Personally, I think with the technology bought, shared or stolen, China can turn out quality if they wanted to, but they always try to cut corners to make a profit in what can be described as a dog eat dog environment... 1.4 billion people competing to own a piece of the dream by working 996 with millions waiting to take their place when they burn out. It is the reality of the pyramid scam called communism that only takes a back seat to the castes system like in India... if they stay there.

Meanwhile, it is not where one sources their steel, but rather their proprietary blending and tempering. When you speak of quality rising. that is just introducing the old technology where it would appear that it would be you that is 'rooted in yesterday.' The best is still the best and steadily improving.

Quote from JMBauer74 : I think people should just get what they like. If this isn't your cup of tea, then it's certainly understood. Have a good day. https://static.slickdealscdn.com/ima...lies/smile.gif

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I always endorse free will and free choice if not trespassing on others, or expecting others to pay for their poor choices... Almost bedtime here, thank you.

Quote from pwnkjoo : So do you have a recommendation for a quality Chinese knife? Or is this one good?

Boker is good, one of the larger players out there. There is also the new generation like Real Steel, Kizer, Civivi etc. But........ buying knives are like buying automotive or mechanic tools, you kinda have to know what your needs are and what qualities/features fit your needs. The more you know, the more experienced you are the better match you can pick for yourself. Lacking experience, learn from others doing what you would like to do, see what knives or features they are using and why. Look for reviews of the knives you are considering, see what people think of them AFTER they made the purchase. Having said that, there are brands that are pure junk and are focused on selling to mall ninjas like..... mtech. There are also brands like schrade, smith and wesson (knives) that are low price focused but still retain functionality and get generally good reviews. However if you are focused on quality but still low priced... real steel, civivi, kizer, kershaw, ckrt, even gerber they have model lines that perform well and still low priced like their gator line of knives.
Maybe if you told me a bit more about your needs I could suggest specific knives or model lines in different brands that might be a good fit.