Knife Review: Boker Plus OD Green Strike Automatic Knife

The Boker Plus OD Green Strike Automatic Knife

The Boker name and logo can be dated back until the 17^th century where it seems like the Boker tools were very successful on the markets; the tools were ranked among the leading manufactured goods in Germany and neighboring countries for hundreds of years.

Due to the rising demand in a politically restless era Hermann and Robert Boker decided to start with the production of sabers in 1829. Inventories of September 1830 had already proven a weekly production of 200 pieces made by 64 smiths, 47 grinders, and a large number of workers and trainees. With a permanently growing product line of tools and cutlery and the great opportunities of global sales, the family saw the need to distribute the tasks to make the best use of their interests. So, Hermann Boker emigrated to found Boker & Co. in New York, whereas the younger Robert established his company in Canada and in 1865 a branch in Mexico, being the market leaders under the name of Casa Boker until today.

Heinrich only crossed the river Wupper to go to Solingen, where the German cutlery industry was booming. Together with the well-known cutlery exert Hermann Heuser he founded Heinr. Boker & Co. in 1869.

The Bokers in Remscheid and their cousins overseas were very interested and in demand of razors, scissors, and pocketknives from Heinrich’s new enterprise. They had to label their products in a simple manner for overseas markets, as many customers had problems spelling the German name Boker—apart from the widespread analphabetism. Heinrich considered the chestnut tree as an ideal, memorable logo which belonged to the Remscheid company with an arrow as well. One of the rare and precious documents which survived the total destruction of WW II is an ad of Boker Remscheid from 1874, showing both logos.

The US market quickly became Boker’s most important sales territory. Because of the tree-brand being well established by then and the good understanding within the international Boker family, there wasn’t any problem to get permission from Solingen to use the tree-brand for American made products as well.

Today, there are four lines of Bokers. Boker Manufaktur Solingen, which is the premium collection. Boker Arbolito, which is the tradition collection. Magnum by Boker, which is the line that gives you the best price with the best performance. The Boker Strike Automatic is a member of the fourth group: The Boker Plus collection which focuses on innovation. This line is in close cooperation with international acknowledged experts form military, police, and security as they develop and test tactical knives for the professional user. Boker Plus Knives are innovative in terms of function and design, as well as guaranteed for everyday use. Conception, design, and construction are carried out in Solingen, and production takes place in Europe, the USA, and Asia.

Today we will be discussing the Boker Plus OD Green Strike Automatic Knife.

The Blade:

The blade on this knife is made out of AUS 8 stainless steel. This is a Japanese made steel that is very similar to 440B steel. This steel is also slightly more resistant to rust and corrosion than 440C, but it is going to be less hard. This steel is very tough, although it might not hold its edge as well as some of the more premium steels that do carry a greater degree of carbon. This is because more carbon means more hardness and edge holding. AUS 8 stainless steel is very easy to sharpen as well as it being able to take a razor-sharp edge.

The blade on this knife has been stonewash finished. A stonewashed finish refers to tumbling the blade in an abrasive material, which is generally small pebbles. After the blade has been tumbled with the pebbles, it is removed, and smoothed out. The resulting look is rugged and well-worn which also means that the finish will easily hide scratches, while also providing a less reflective nature than a brushed or satin finished blade. One of the biggest advantages to a stonewashed blade is that it is extremely low maintenance. The stonewashed finish also helps the blade preserve its original look overtime because the finish easily hides the scratches and smudges that occur overtime and with use.

The blade has been carved into a drop point blade shape. This is one of the most traditional blade shapes that you are going to come across in the cutlery industry. This is because it is tough, durable, and incredibly versatile. If you are equipped with a drop point blade, there really isn’t’ much that you cannot do.

The first defining feature of the drop point blade is that the spine slopes form the handle to the tip slowly. This does create a lowered tip, or a dropped tip, which is where the blade shape got its name from. Not only that, but the lowered tip is going to give you better control over your cuts. This does mean that you will be able to perform some detail work with the Boker Strike.

Not only is the tip lowered, it is broad. This is the biggest characteristic of the drop point, because it is where the blade gets all of its strength from. The tip is broad, with excess metal near the tip, which means that it is going to be able to withstand heavier tasks.

The drop point blade shape really only has one disadvantage. Funnily enough, the disadvantage is the broad tip. This is because you will not be able to pierce with the drop point. While this isn’t a huge drawback, it does turn some people away.

The last major benefit is that the drop point has a large belly. This means that there is more surface area, which will improve your capabilities of slicing.

The Strike has a combination of quality steel, a low maintenance finish, and a versatile blade which will allow you to take on nearly anything.

The Handle:

The handle on this knife is made out of aluminum. There are a few characteristics about having an aluminum knife handle that really stand out. For starters, aluminum is a very low-density metal, so while it is going to be super tough, it is also going to be lightweight and not weigh your knife down. Plus, this handle is crazy durable especially when used for knife handles. Unfortunately, aluminum can be pretty slippery, so you have to make sure that your knife is properly texturized to have a secure grip on it. To guarantee that you have a solid grip on this knife, Boker has roughly texturized the face of the handle. This will provide enough texture to provide you with a sold grip, allowing you to use this knife in a variety of different environments.

One of the other disadvantages to an aluminum handle is that it does have high conductive properties, which means that if you are using this knife in the winter, it is going to bite into your hand. The last disadvantage is that aluminum is prone to scratches and dings.

The handle has been anodized, which is a process that chemically changes the makeup of the surface of the aluminum. The anodization process oxidizes the surface, which creates a small barrier while also giving the handle the OD green. The anodization process is going to increase a lot of the different aspects of this handle. It makes the surface of the handle harder, tougher, and more corrosion resistant. This means that it is going to be less likely to scratch than your plain aluminum. It also helps to make the Strike a less maintenance knife.

Boker has added a deep finger groove that will give your fingers a place to rest while also protecting your fingers because the groove creates a slight finger guard as well. Opposite the finger groove, there is a slight inward curve that has a row of jimping to give you added control when cutting with this knife. Across the face of the handle, Boker has carved in a series of diagonal grooves. In between the diagonal grooves the face of the handle has been intensely textured to provide you with the best grip around. You won’t have to worry about the environment that you use this knife in—because you are going to be able to use it in almost any environment.

The ergonomics of this handle give you a comfortable grip, which is perfect for using for long periods of time. The butt of the handle is slightly triangular and does have a lanyard hole carved into it. This lanyard hole is perfect for keeping your knife near you without it getting in the way. This is ideal for tactical and outdoor adventures, which is exactly what this knife is designed for.

The Pocket Clip:

The pocket clip on this Boker knife is deep carry, which means that not only is your knife going to stay more secure, but you can also discreetly carry. The clip is long and simple and has been stonewashed to match the handle. The clip is kept in place by two silver screws that match the rest of the hardware on this knife. The handle has been drilled so that you can carry this knife tip up or down, but it is only on the traditional side of the handle. This does mean that it isn’t ambidextrous friendly, but you can choose some parts of the comfort of carrying.

The Mechanism:

This knife is what is known as an auto conversion which means that it has been converted form a manual button lock to an aftermarket automatic knife. Because of this, you need to keep two things in mind. First, your box will be opened, because it has been converted. Second, because it is now an automatic knife, it falls under the automatic knife laws, which are very strict. Automatic knives are not legal in all states, cities, or areas and it is your responsibility to know your local knife laws. BladeOps is not responsible for any consequences.

While there are legality issues when it comes to an automatic knife, there are quite a few benefits. For starters, it is going to be smoother to open, because all you do is push the deployment button on the face of the handle. This also means that the Strike is going to be much quicker to deploy. Again, all you have t do is press the button. When it comes to a tight situation, such as self-defense, you won’t have to fumble with the blade, trying to get it open. It will be open and ready to go when you need it.

The Specs:

The blade on this Boker measures in at 3.25 inches long with a handle that measures in at 4.625 inches long. This means that when the blade is deployed, the overall length is going to come in at 7.875 inches long. This knife weighs in at 4.7 ounces, which is a great weight for a knife that you are planning to have with you at all times.

Conclusion:

The Boker Strike automatic knife is one of the most popular side open automatics on the market today considering the price point and joins the ranks next to the popular Kalashnikov army. This knife, as well as the rest of the Kalashnikov and Strike auto family, is referred to an auto-conversion knife which means the knife is produced as a folder knife and then converted via third party to offer the automatic function. The upgraded Strike features an aluminum handle scale with a generous finger groove for a comfortable ergonomic experience and the integrated slide safety provides peace of mind and presents accidental firing. This model features an olive drab green aluminum handle, stainless steel liners, a drop point style blade in a stonewash finish and the reversible deep carry pocket clip is designed for the traditional side of the handle only but is eligible for a tip up or tip down carry option.

This knife is currently in stock at BladeOps. To order your today, click here.