Boker or Hartkopf?

[SurgeUk]

Evening all.

A quick question.

I've been considering buying a different (slightly more classy/high end) SAK 

I think I'd like either a Boker Sportmesser (oak or ebony) or possibly a Hartkopf Military folder. Any thoughts around quality ease of use etc...? 

I'm happy to consider other options but, they must be UK EDC friendly, i.e. non locking blade less than 7.62cm (or 3" in old money)

Your views are welcomed 

Cheers 

[Wessaen]

Are you looking at something along the lines of this?

https://www.boker.de/en/camp-knife-smoked-oak-110183?c=5305#852b0a9947daf929cec48ba9c860d5fb

If so, I don't see any benefit of spending 3-4x the amount of either of the two wood handle Vic SAKs below that have the same functionality:

https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Spartan-Wood/p/1.3601.63

https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Evolution-Wood-10/p/2.3801.63

All you seem to gain is a different emblem on the handle and a slightly more solid weight due to the nickle bolsters.

Maybe I'm mistaken but the few Bokers I have held, while being decently finished, still did not compare to even a normal Victorinox.

There are also other limited editions with other wood scale types; Olive, Walnut, etc.

https://www.heinnie.com/hartkopf-military-folder

That looks nice but the overall function of the tools is compromised with the old style can and bottle openers.

Have you looked at the custom scales offered by makers such as Daily Customs or into having a custom SAK made? They might do a better job of being more "classy" for your EDC while still being fully functional and you can specify what exact tools you want to include to suit your needs.

I fully admit to being very bias towards Vic/Wenger as their products are great. The only real improvement I would have them do is to update the blade steel. I'd pay extra for 20CV or S30V (or frankly, any newer, better steel).

-Wes

[SurgeUk]

Are you looking at something along the lines of this?

https://www.boker.de/en/camp-knife-smoked-oak-110183?c=5305#852b0a9947daf929cec48ba9c860d5fb

If so, I don't see any benefit of spending 3-4x the amount of either of the two wood handle Vic SAKs below that have the same functionality:

https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Spartan-Wood/p/1.3601.63

https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Evolution-Wood-10/p/2.3801.63

All you seem to gain is a different emblem on the handle and a slightly more solid weight due to the nickle bolsters.

Maybe I'm mistaken but the few Bokers I have held, while being decently finished, still did not compare to even a normal Victorinox.

There are also other limited editions with other wood scale types; Olive, Walnut, etc.

https://www.heinnie.com/hartkopf-military-folder

That looks nice but the overall function of the tools is compromised with the old style can and bottle openers.

Have you looked at the custom scales offered by makers such as Daily Customs or into having a custom SAK made? They might do a better job of being more "classy" for your EDC while still being fully functional and you can specify what exact tools you want to include to suit your needs.

I fully admit to being very bias towards Vic/Wenger as their products are great. The only real improvement I would have them do is to update the blade steel. I'd pay extra for 20CV or S30V (or frankly, any newer, better steel).

-Wes

Well, that was some response (thanks Wes  )

I was looking for something a bit more old school (like I had when I was given a similar knife by my grandfather) I'm more than happy to consider have a custom SAK made although I've only recently joined the site and I'm not sure what they go for, price-wise (except that the more tools, the more money I suppose  )

Do you (or anyone) have any recommendations for a Custom Maker. Ideally, they would be UK based as our Customs laws (surrounding importation of otherwise UK friendly EDC knives) are quite strict 

I had seen the Hartkopf one you linked to on Heinnie which is why I asked about a comparison between that and the Boker.

It's got me thinking about the tools as well now... Thanks 

Once again Wes, thanks for taking the time to reply and for your inciteful comments 

Darren.

[Wessaen]

For more info on custom modders I'd take a look at the Mod Squad subforum. We have several members that do custom work (or just general tinkering in the workshop that might as well be professional at their skill level) and might be willing to quote you something, there is also Robert Lessard aka SAKModder but I believe he mainly does business through instagram. There are several other modders that take orders via instagram. I'd just google #sakmod or #customsak and you can get a gist of what people are willing/able to do.

As for cost, I have seen custom mods for anywhere between sacrificial base knife +$40 for simple mods to base knife +$250 if you are going for high end scales or a mod that needs several sacrificial knives.

Not sure where most of the modders are based but I would assume that many are based in North America.

Sorry about the delay in responding.

-Wes.

[Shuya]

I have the Boker and reallydont carry it.

The blades (especially can opener) lacks snap and the awl has a round end, cant figure out any use of it except maybe as a scraper.

Try to buy one in a shop where you can test it, had several in hand, most with the same weak snap or worse.

The Hartkopf was on my list long ago, have some folders and they are all well made with good snap.

[Fortytwo]

To follow up on the comment by Wessaen. While Lessard (username: Syph007) is a very talented modder with some awesome work out there he mostly works in titanium/other metals. For the look you seem to be after you might want to look into user: Michel M. who works more in wood, horn and antler with some gorgeous filework. I don't know about contacting him though but I haven't exactly been looking around.

[CeHo]

I have some models from Hartkopf and some from böker

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,76389.0.html

The high end models of both brands are great. The quality control of böker seems a little bit better. Hartkopf has more style and personality (in my opinion). I tested more than 50 single blade knives to find my right EDC (it’s the Hartkopf in the thread). It’s perfect for me and everyone who has this knife in the hand is fascinated from this knife. No matter if he is a collector, hunter or a person who doesn’t care about knives.

[SurgeUk]

Hello people.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.

Sorry I've not responded sooner but I've been working abroad and then on holiday. So, I'm still undecided but leaning more towards the Boker Sportmesser. Mostly because, in the UK, its not too badly priced (albeit a lot more than a comparable SAK) and seems to offer a better package, with a chain and pocket slip (see below)

https://www.heinnie.com/boker-sportmesser-oak

https://www.heinnie.com/boker-sportmesser-anniversary-ebony

I wish I could go to a store and try them both but, unlike the US, we don't have many places that stock knives (even SAK types) and certainly not on local high streets  In fact, the only place I can think of is the Victorinox store in New Bond St (and obviously they only sell SAK's) hence why I was asking for comparisons and a personal perspective. On this matter you guys have not let me down. Thank you 

I'm still waiting to see if there are any deals for the New Year but I'm not overly hopeful 

Regardless; have a great and safe New Year and many thanks for your sage advice.

Cheers