Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 Review

What Makes Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 Stand Out?

The Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772, designed by Boris Manasherov and brought to us by Boker USA, immediately grabs your attention with its unique Karambit style and modern features. This isn’t your grandpa’s pocketknife; it’s a fusion of tactical design and practical functionality, boasting a D2 steel blade, ball bearing pivot, and G-10 handle scales. The flipper deployment and reversible clip promise a quick, ambidextrous draw, catering to a wide range of users.

For years, I’ve relied on various folding knives in my work, but none truly scratched the itch for a compact, easily deployable blade with the secure grip of a Karambit. I needed a knife that was as comfortable carving wood at a campsite as it was opening packages on the go.

Upon unboxing the Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772, the first thing I noticed was the weight and balance; it feels solid without being cumbersome. The stonewashed finish on the D2 steel blade is attractive and hints at its durability, and the G-10 handle provides a secure, textured grip. The overall build quality exudes confidence.

I was torn between this and the Fox Knives 479 G10 Black Karambit and the Cold Steel Steel Tiger, both reputable options. However, the Boker won me over with its D2 steel, flipper deployment, and what looked like a more pocket-friendly design. I hoped to gain the agility of a Karambit with the reliability of a Boker product.

My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a bit of apprehension. Could this knife live up to its promise?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The environment provided a range of conditions, from dry, sunny afternoons to damp, foggy mornings. I used it for various tasks, including preparing food, making feather sticks for fire starting, and cutting rope.

The Wildcat performed admirably in all conditions. Even with slightly wet hands, the G-10 handle provided a solid grip, and the blade deployed smoothly every time, thanks to the ball bearing pivot. I was impressed by the ease with which the blade sliced through wood, maintaining a sharp edge even after repeated use.

I did find that the Karambit ring took a little getting used to when performing finer tasks like whittling. It felt somewhat bulky at first, but after about an hour, it became a natural extension of my hand.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of regular use, the Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of blade play, and the liner lock remains solid and secure. The stonewashed finish on the blade hides minor scratches well, and the G-10 handle still looks brand new.

Durability-wise, this knife has exceeded my expectations. I’ve used it for everything from cutting cardboard boxes to prying open stubborn lids, and it hasn’t let me down. I’ve also experimented with various sharpening methods on the D2 steel and found it to hold an edge well and sharpen easily.

Maintaining the Wildcat is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is usually enough to keep it clean. I apply a drop of oil to the pivot point every few weeks to keep the action smooth.

Compared to my previous EDC (Every Day Carry) knife, a Benchmade Griptilian, the Boker offers a more secure grip and a faster deployment, thanks to the flipper. However, the Griptilian’s axis lock is still king when it comes to ease of closing with one hand. The Wildcat’s liner lock requires a bit more dexterity to disengage.

Breaking Down the Features of Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772

Specifications

The Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 boasts some impressive specifications:

• Blade Steel: D2 Stonewashed – Providing a good balance of hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. D2 is known for its edge retention, ideal for demanding tasks.
• Blade Length: 2 7/8″– Offering a compact size for easy carry while still providing ample cutting surface.
• Overall Length: 7 3/8″– Making it substantial enough for a secure grip but not overly large.
• Handle Material: G-10 Scales with stainless steel liners– G-10 is a durable, lightweight material that provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions. Stainless steel liners add strength and rigidity.
• Deployment Mechanism: Flipper deployed, Ball bearing supported blade– Offers fast and smooth blade deployment.
• Locking Mechanism: Sturdy liner lock mechanism– Provides a secure lockup for safe use.
• Clip: Reversible clip (l/r)– Allows for ambidextrous carry.
• Weight: 4.6 oz– A comfortable weight for everyday carry.
• Design: Boris Manasherov Design– Giving the knife its unique Karambit style and ergonomic feel.

These specifications combine to create a knife that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The D2 steel blade ensures long-lasting sharpness, while the G-10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip.

Performance & Functionality

The Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 excels at its primary function: cutting. The D2 steel blade holds an edge remarkably well, and the Karambit design allows for precise and controlled cuts. The flipper deployment is fast and reliable, making it easy to access the blade when needed.

One of the strengths of this knife is its secure grip. The G-10 handle provides excellent traction, even in wet conditions, and the Karambit ring adds an extra layer of security. However, the liner lock, while sturdy, can be a bit stiff at times, requiring a bit of practice to disengage smoothly.

Overall, the Boker meets and even exceeds my expectations in terms of performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 is excellent. The materials feel premium, and the construction is solid. The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the G-10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.

The Wildcat is reasonably user-friendly, although the Karambit ring may take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with this style of knife. The flipper deployment is intuitive, and the liner lock is relatively easy to operate, once you get the hang of it.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the quality of materials and construction, I expect the Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 to last for many years with proper care. The D2 steel blade is known for its durability, and the G-10 handle is resistant to wear and tear.

Maintaining the Wildcat is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication will keep it in good working order. The blade can be easily sharpened with a whetstone or sharpening system.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 comes with a reversible pocket clip, allowing for ambidextrous carry. While there are no official accessories specifically designed for this knife, the standard Karambit ring size allows for the use of various aftermarket lanyards and keychains.

While direct modification options are limited, you could swap out the pocket clip if desired with a generic compatible clip.

Pros and Cons of Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772

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Who Should Buy Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772?

The Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 is perfect for:

• Tactical knife enthusiasts who appreciate the Karambit design.
• Outdoor adventurers who need a reliable and durable cutting tool.
• Everyday carry (EDC) users who want a compact and easily deployable blade.
• Anyone looking for a unique and stylish folding knife.

This product might not be ideal for:

• Those who prefer traditional pocketknives.
• Users who require a one-handed closing mechanism (like an Axis lock).
• Individuals who find Karambit rings uncomfortable or unnecessary.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening system designed for D2 steel.

Conclusion on Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772

The Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 is a well-designed and well-executed folding knife that combines tactical style with practical functionality. The D2 steel blade, flipper deployment, and G-10 handle make it a reliable and versatile tool for a variety of tasks.

The price of $130.86 is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the unique design and features of this knife. The Wildcat offers excellent value for the money.

I would personally recommend the Boker USA PLUS WILDCAT Folding Knife, 01BO772 to anyone looking for a high-quality, Karambit-style folding knife. It’s a stylish, functional, and durable tool that will serve you well for years to come. Add this impressive piece to your collection today!