Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley Review

Let’s Dive into Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley

The Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley is an evolution of a modern classic. This knife builds upon the already successful Kwaiken design, offering a lighter, more streamlined version without sacrificing its iconic look and reliable functionality. Boker Plus, known for collaborating with renowned knife designers, has once again delivered a blend of aesthetics and practicality.

I was looking for a lightweight EDC (Everyday Carry) knife that wouldn’t weigh down my pocket but still offered a substantial blade and reliable lockup. I wanted something discreet, stylish, and capable of handling various daily tasks. The Kwaiken Air seemed to fit that bill perfectly.

My first impression upon unboxing was how incredibly light it was. The slim profile and clean lines immediately caught my eye, and the satin-finished blade exuded quality. The knife felt well-built and the action was surprisingly smooth right out of the box.

Compared to other EDC knives I considered, such as the Benchmade Bugout or the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight, the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley stood out due to its unique design and the flipper deployment. I appreciated the minimalist aesthetic and the deep carry clip for discreet carry. I chose the Kwaiken Air over the others because I wanted something a bit more refined in its appearance, without sacrificing functionality.

I was excited to see if this knife could live up to the hype. My initial impressions were definitely positive, and I was eager to put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for a variety of tasks, including food preparation, cutting cordage for setting up my tent, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The knife performed admirably in each scenario.

The knife performed well even with slightly damp hands, though extended use in heavy rain would benefit from textured scales. The flipper deployment remained reliable, even with some dirt and debris accumulating in the pivot area. It took no time at all to get used to the flipper deployment and liner lock.

After the first use, I was impressed with the edge retention of the VG-10 steel and the overall ease of use. There were no unexpected issues, and the knife felt comfortable and secure in my hand.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley has proven to be a reliable companion. I carry it almost daily for tasks ranging from opening packages to more demanding cutting chores. It still deploys smoothly and locks up securely.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, mostly limited to minor scratches on the blade and clip from daily carry. The VG-10 steel has held its edge well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its sharpness. Cleaning is straightforward, typically just requiring a wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot.

Compared to other EDC knives I’ve owned, the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley has outperformed many in terms of its lightweight design and ease of carry. It strikes a nice balance between a gentleman’s folder and a practical tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.54 inches. This provides ample cutting edge for a variety of tasks without being overly large or intimidating.
• Blade Material: VG-10 steel. VG-10 is a Japanese stainless steel known for its good edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Designer: Lucas Burnley. Lucas Burnley is a well-known knife designer recognized for his clean, functional designs.
• Knife Application: Pocket Knife. This is designed as an everyday carry (EDC) folding knife.
• Overall Length: 8.39 inches. This represents the total length of the knife when the blade is fully extended and locked open.
• Blade Finish: Stainless. The stainless blade finish helps resist corrosion.
• Blade Thickness: 0.09 inches. A thinner blade stock contributes to the knife’s lightweight feel and slicing ability.
• Lock Type: Linerlock. The liner lock provides a secure and reliable blade lockup.
• Sheath Material: No Sheath. This knife does not come with a sheath, as it is designed for pocket carry.
• Opening Method: Manual. The knife opens manually using a flipper tab.
• Blade Type: Straight Back. This classic blade shape is versatile and well-suited for a variety of cutting tasks.

These specifications are important because they directly affect the knife’s performance, ease of carry, and overall user experience. The lightweight design and quality materials make it a comfortable and reliable tool for everyday use.

Performance & Functionality

The Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley excels at its intended purpose as a lightweight EDC knife. The blade is sharp and capable of handling a variety of cutting tasks with ease.

The knife’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, smooth action, and secure lockup. One potential weakness is the lack of aggressive texturing on the scales, which could be improved for enhanced grip in wet or slippery conditions. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a knife in its class.

Design & Ergonomics

The Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley features excellent build quality, with precise fit and finish. The materials used feel premium, and the knife is surprisingly light for its size, making it comfortable to carry in a pocket.

The design is user-friendly, with intuitive flipper deployment and a comfortable grip. There’s minimal learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley should last for years. The VG-10 steel is known for its durability and corrosion resistance, and the liner lock mechanism is robust and reliable.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Sharpening the VG-10 steel is relatively easy with the right tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley comes with a detachable deep carry clip and a high-quality nylon case for storage.

While there aren’t extensive customization options directly from Boker Plus, the knife is compatible with many aftermarket pocket clips and lanyard beads. The scales could potentially be replaced with custom versions, though this would require some modification.

Pros and Cons of Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley

Who Should Buy Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley?

The Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley is perfect for:

• Individuals seeking a lightweight and discreet EDC knife.
• Those who appreciate a minimalist and modern design.
• Knife enthusiasts looking for a reliable and well-built tool for everyday tasks.

This product might not be ideal for:

• Those who prefer knives with a more aggressive grip.
• Users who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks.

Must-have accessories or modifications:

• A quality sharpening stone or strop for maintaining the blade’s edge.
• A lanyard bead for added grip and personalization.

Conclusion on Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley

The Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley is an outstanding EDC knife that delivers on its promise of being lightweight, stylish, and functional. The use of quality materials like VG-10 steel and the smooth action of the flipper deployment make it a joy to use daily.

At a price of $116.41, the value proposition is excellent, considering the overall quality and design.

I would highly recommend the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley to anyone looking for a refined and reliable EDC knife. If you’re in the market for a lightweight, stylish, and capable everyday carry option, the Kwaiken Air is definitely worth considering. Experience the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Folding Knife by Lucas Burnley for yourself!