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Post by bebut on Jun 18, 2019 21:58:08 GMT
Reason to buy I bought it as a representative of one type of historical combat knife. This is one of the more elegant designs of the Baselard daggers of the 14th to 16th centuries. The design was adapted by the German government in the 1930s and 40s for its paramilitary groups. The German ones are sometimes known as the Holbein design. Historical It seems to be a good representation of knives documented in museums. Factory stats and history can be found on Boker's webpage: www.boker.de/en/swiss-dagger-121550#bf746911380fb48019be9f7bb16eaf98 Disclosure Bought with my own money from a private seller on Ebay in the usd 200 range. Initial impression Excellent workmanship on both the knife and sheath, although I did not find the wood to be particularly attractive. It has a wide grain and resembles Douglas Fir to me, but the Boker catalog says it is cheery and will change to a red color with time. Stats It is a dagger with an 8 5/8 inch blade and weighs about 9 ounces. Blade, etc. It came factory sharp in a rather fancy cardboard box. It is aimed at the collector market. They also offer a pattern welded model at a considerable higher price. Handling Very impressive and light in the hand. The handle design locks ones hand in, although one rear edge rubs uncomfortably on my hand. If I were going to use this knife I would probably sand down this edge or wear gloves. Test cutting While I like to think all of my knives are of sufficiently quality to use as weapons, this one is pricey enough that I just consider it a collector piece best left in its original state. I am sure it would work if the need arose. Conclusions-- pro This is a good replica with a nice feel and should serve well as a dagger. Conclusions –con Other than the comments above I see no problems with this knife. Bottom line A very handsome replica of a classic design. I will eventually pick up one of the WW2 replicas and test as a working knife.
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 18, 2019 22:08:58 GMT
I've thought about picking up one of these before, but the price has always kept me back. At least it seems well-made.
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Post by Jordan Williams on Jun 19, 2019 2:07:21 GMT
Great to have a review on these. Same as above.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2019 20:02:10 GMT
Linder has a smaller bladed model and A&A an "Alpine" dagger with a smaller grip and fittings. The Boker and Linder are leaning to the 20th century design but both look like ok daggers. Similarly and also with the Arms&Armor dagger, perhaps priced out of the realm for many. The iconic baselard look though, way cool.
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Post by bebut on Jun 19, 2019 21:12:40 GMT
I've thought about picking up one of these before, but the price has always kept me back. At least it seems well-made. Me, too! I have a small collection of short swords and big bowies. Based on my past collection hobbies, I decided that I did not want a collection of only common budget items so I have pushed up in the $200-300 price range and I generally like the quality difference. Not so with long swords, but with short swords and knives 300 bucks puts you way up in quality. It is always a trade off--should I buy 1 higher quality knife or 2, maybe 3, budget items? This year is it a $300 barong or an 1880 bowie AND a KOA single edge qama AND change to spare? And the Germans seem to be really pricing themselves out of the market, or at least my market. I picked up a new Puma stag bowie a few years ago for under 100 bucks and I am glad I did. They now retail for 250 ish.
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Post by bebut on Jun 19, 2019 21:45:40 GMT
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 20, 2019 0:37:46 GMT
Gotta say, I like the Boker a lot more than those. Sadly, my priorities shifted away from knives several years ago, so I've not had the budget for even a cheap one since. Sucks, because I want to replace my all-time favorite EDC, which I retired several years ago after sharpening it too much, but even at less than 50€ I can't justify the cost. If I had $300 to spend on a knife, it would probably be this one: www.knifecenter.com/item/HU22110HH19/Hubertus-Classic-Saufaenger-Folder-Stag-HandlesI have a trio of cheaper variants (most expensive was still less than $50) and I actually carry one, as the design is both amusing and efficient for my (lack of) needs. For a desk ornament, though...I have different tastes these days.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Jun 20, 2019 2:03:20 GMT
I've liked these Swiss daggers since Lukas made on a little bit back. His was on another level of course, but it made me really appreciate the design.
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