Pleased until 2 days ago

[volshooter]

Two or more years ago I bought a Boker 4 blade knife at a gun show. Good price, good looking. Been carrying it for a while and it has performed 100%. A few weeks ago I got a Lansky pro sharpening kit. I have many whet stones and can sharpen a knife to shaving shape. I bought the Lansky system to get my knives back to even blade angles. It works great but when I was working with the Boker, a single unused blade was stamped china............arrgggghhh
It was not a tree brand boker I loved in my youth. I felt deceived or flimflammed. Yet the knife had given me years of great service. Perhaps the china folk got this one right, yet I fell disappointed, either because of my own ignorance, lack of attention or deception. I could not bring myself to sharpen the unused china stamped blade. It sits still on my bench. I don't know if I can put it back in the pocket it has occupied for years because of the horrible etched thing on one unused blade. Am I being to harsh? I try hard to buy USA products.
I feel kinda like my wife just told me she that she "faked it every time".

BTW I just got turned on to a line of knives made in the USA called "Knives of Alaska" as a gift. Nice!

 

[m657]

"Am I being to harsh?"

can't say....but I recognize that sudden sense of one hand smacking my forehead....

 

[737tdi]

I am familiar with the feelings you are having. Mine did not come from a knife but from something much more surprising. I needed new windshield wipers for my truck and cars and set out with my measurements to purchase them. I started at the local Auto Zone/O'reilys, to my astonishment there was not one wiper made in the USA. Off to Walmart, same result. Maybe some privately owned shops, nope. Researched on Amazon, nope. After a week I gave up and bought the imports, had no choice that I could find. Very sad IMO.

BTW, I love my Lansky sharpeners.

Karl

 

[Fountain E. Conner]

My father used to carry (exclusively) the Tree Brand Boker pocket knife. He got them from the wholesale hardware store in Lynchburg, Va. On my first "real" job, summer 1958, I used part of my first paycheck to go by the hardware store and bought a Boker for myself.

It had the tree, but would never hold an edge -- I always suspected it was a knock-off. I was actually relieved when it was lost or stolen.

I'm looking at a pocket knife I inherited from my father-in-law. He carried and used it for years. The blades bear the name, George Wostenholn and Sheffield. It's a real knife. If I have a real knife, made with real steel, I am grateful, no matter where it's made.

If you have a real knife, made with real steel, shouldn't you use it? After all, it's a tool.

I know people who have guns made in Germany and Italy and they are "right proud" of them.

 

[exavid]

I had a similar experience. I've carried a medium Shrader Old Timer Stockman pocket knife for a bit over sixty years now. My dad gave me the first one and I'm on my fourth now. Accidents happen. I'd pretty well worn down the blade of my third one and decided I'd better get a spare. About the same time I found out Shrade Walden had gone out of business and the name was being carried on by a Chinese company. Sure enough when I looked at one it was stamped 'Made in China'. Looked okay, and about the same as my old one but it just didn't seem right to me. Lucky there's always eBay. I managed to get three more original Old Timers of the same model and size. All USA made. makes me feel better somehow though I have no knowledge that the Chinese ones weren't just as good. Some things shouldn't change. I think I'll have one or two left over for my grandson.

 

[redhawker]

How did you find out what your wife said?

 

[Xsales]

Too harsh?

I would say yes, too harsh

It's a knife = sharpen it, use it, and when it is junk throw it away

 

[Number9]

Got a Buck folding knife a few years ago as a present...
first time used the blade broke!
The blade had "China" stamped on the blade! :(

 

[Rick Courtright]

Two or more years ago I bought a Boker 4 blade knife at a gun show.
...
It was not a tree brand boker I loved in my youth. I felt deceived or flimflammed. Yet the knife had given me years of great service. Perhaps the china

Hi,

As far as I know, Boker makes knives in several parts of the world that bear their name, but doesn't use their brand on the Chinese knives. They label the box "Magnum, a Division of Boker" as I recall. I have one, a small trapper, that cost me $10 on eBay brand new. It's labeled "Magnum Bansai" on the main blade. Boker's name is not on the knife itself. I knew going in it was NOT a Tree Brand, German made or anything like that. Bought out of curiosity, it's the ONLY folder I've bought in years that was sharp enough out of the box to cut myself on. It bit me a couple of times before I remembered all the knife safety rules I'd become lax about obeying.

Anyway, it was also the best finished knife I've bought in years (folders, at least) and I have absolutely no complaints except it's got that same dreaded "China" stamp on one blade. But it appears to me Boker knows how to get good products out of the Chinese. At least they did on this one. And when I wear it out, I'll get a real Tree Brand to replace it! That could be a while, though...

Rick C

 

[Mike J]

I really dislike saying this because I always wanted tools that said, "made in USA" and considered anything Chinese or Japanese made junk but there is some decent stuff coming out of China today. For years I fought it & didn't want to buy or use anything made there but it has reached the point where I really don't have a choice. It still pains me when I buy a Vise Grip brand tool & see made in china on the box though.

 

[737tdi]

I really dislike saying this because I always wanted tools that said, "made in USA" and considered anything Chinese or Japanese made junk but there is some decent stuff coming out of China today. For years I fought it & didn't want to buy or use anything made there but it has reached the point where I really don't have a choice. It still pains me when I buy a Vise Grip brand tool & see made in china on the box though.

Hmmm: I will have to check, I swear all of the Vise Grips I own are made here in the US. They are Irwin actually but still US made. ???

Karl

 

[Mike J]

Hmmm: I will have to check, I swear all of the Vise Grips I own are made here in the US. They are Irwin actually but still US made. ???

Karl

That was what I thought until about a year ago. I lost my vise grip folding tongs like these at work. http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Locking-Original-23/dp/B0000TFGFU/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1424506596&sr=8-67&keywords=irwin+tools#productDetails So I went to the local Ace & bought some more & noticed either made in china or made in taiwan on the box. I can tell a difference between them & the old USA made ones I had but they do work. It just annoys me.

 

[737tdi]

Hmmm: I will have to check, I swear all of the Vise Grips I own are made here in the US. They are Irwin actually but still US made. ???

Karl

That was what I thought until about a year ago. I lost my vise grip folding tongs like these at work. http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Locking-Original-23/dp/B0000TFGFU/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1424506596&sr=8-67&keywords=irwin+tools#productDetails So I went to the local Ace & bought some more & noticed either made in china or made in taiwan on the box. I can tell a difference between them & the old USA made ones I had but they do work. It just annoys me.

HMMM: I bought a six pack of the little 4 inch snubs a few months ago. I'll have to check my tool box at work and see where they were made. Interesting, I swore that Irwin tools said they were all American made products, only reason I pay attention is that they sponsor a car in NASCAR. Even if they are made out of country there really is no replacement. I have tried Snap-On's version and Craftsman's version and they are horrible.

You might ask why someone would need that many little vise grips? We use them for control cable rigging, you hold the cable ends with them and turn the turnbuckle between. Much easier if you don't have to keep moving them back and forth. Just a FYI.

 

[GoBow]

Pocket knives are too personal to carry junk. You'll like your Knives of Alaska :). They do use a lot of D-2 steel in their knives; and, you should know that D-2 will rust if you don't maintain it. Excellent steel though. You might check out a brand called Benchmade... Good luck!

 

[volshooter]

She didn't really say that.

 

[Acorn]

I really dislike saying this because I always wanted tools that said, "made in USA" and considered anything Chinese or Japanese made junk but there is some decent stuff coming out of China today. For years I fought it & didn't want to buy or use anything made there but it has reached the point where I really don't have a choice. It still pains me when I buy a Vise Grip brand tool & see made in china on the box though.

Hmmm: I will have to check, I swear all of the Vise Grips I own are made here in the US. They are Irwin actually but still US made. ???

Karl

Maybe the ones you own. I manage a small auto parts store. I ordered a display of Vise Grips from a supplier being they were the "real deal" made in USA Vise Grips. Nope! Made in China. Apparently the moved production overseas. Had I known I wouldn't have ordered them.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

The knife I have with me any time I have my pants on is a little "Mini Buck". The cutting edge is like 1-1/2" long, and closed it measures 2-3/4" . . . fits nicely in the watch pocket of my jeans.

Blade is stainless and the rest is some kinda black plastic stuff. Marked "U.S.A."

I've gone thru two or three of these over the years, and given them to my wife, kids, and grandchildren. Sometimes you even see them in colors other than black.

I usually carry a Leatherman Super Tool marked "Portland, OR, USA".

:)

 

[contender]

I personally think you may be acting a little harsh, on yourself. You made a mistake in your original purchase, thinking it was American made. You can correct that with a new knife.
I personally own a bunch of the old, original Schrade-Waldens that I've squirreled away over the years. Made in the USA.

 

[graygun]

I really dislike saying this because I always wanted tools that said, "made in USA" and considered anything Chinese or Japanese made junk but there is some decent stuff coming out of China today. For years I fought it & didn't want to buy or use anything made there but it has reached the point where I really don't have a choice. It still pains me when I buy a Vise Grip brand tool & see made in china on the box though.

Hmmm: I will have to check, I swear all of the Vise Grips I own are made here in the US. They are Irwin actually but still US made. ???

Karl

I was looking at them just last night at Lowes...made in China to Irwin specs.

 

[Selena]

"Am I being to harsh?"

can't say....but I recognize that sudden sense of one hand smacking my forehead....

Hopefully not with the knife in that hand. :shock:

 

[volshooter]

I am going to put this knife back in my pocket knowing where it was made but remembering the service it has provided. It truly is a fine knife.

 

[toysoldier]

The Chinese can turn out a good product, but anyone contracting with a Chinese company for production has to be careful to hold them to strict standards. Most of my tools are picked up at yard sales and flea markets, and I usually buy only Made in USA items. That said, I found that the bayonet on my SKS is made of some pretty tough steel, and the 4' wrecking bar I bought years ago hasn't bent yet.

 

[tookalisten]

When I was about 10, I used to ride my bike up to a local country store to buy BBs. They had packs for 10 cents. But, they also had a Boker Treebrand case of knives by the register. I used to stand there and stare into that case looking at all the folding knives.

Finally, the owner told me he would trade out one of those knives if I picked up enough bottles. Back then, you could get 5 cents for a cola bottle. So, I rode my bike up and down the road picking up bottles until I had enough to "cash in". I got a 2 blade.
I still have it sitting on my reloading bench. I honestly cannot believe I never lost that knife.

I am sorry to hear these are now made in China; but I do appreciate your post as it brought back a great memory from my childhood.

 

[volshooter]

Mine too. I also spent a lot of time looking into that same case at the tree brand knives. Papaw bought me my first knife, a Barlow.

 

[Rick Courtright]

I am sorry to hear these are now made in China; but I do appreciate your post as it brought back a great memory from my childhood.

Hi,

Remember, it's just ONE brand in Boker's company line up that's Chinese, and the Boker name isn't even found anywhere on the knife itself. Their Tree Brand knives are still made in Solingen according to the various knive vendors I've checked, and if one's not too cheap to spring for German prices, are widely available.

Unlike some mfrs, who fail to watch the Chinese like hawks to ensure the quality is there, and get the resultant junk from them, Boker seems to keep on top of things in that department. So their Chinese stuff is actually pretty decent stuff for the price. I wish it weren't true, but sadly, a lot of folks fall for price points before insisting on quality... so there's a market for the Chinese stuff.

Rick C

 

[427mach1]

Got a Buck folding knife a few years ago as a present...
first time used the blade broke!
The blade had "China" stamped on the blade! :(

Buck and Gerber both have lower, cheaper lines that are made in China. You have to look for and be willing to spend a little extra to get the "Made in USA" versions. If they don't have "USA" stamped on the blade, chances are they are imported.

 

[Number9]

Got a Buck folding knife a few years ago as a present...
first time used the blade broke!
The blade had "China" stamped on the blade! :(

Buck and Gerber both have lower, cheaper lines that are made in China. You have to look for and be willing to spend a little extra to get the "Made in USA" versions. If they don't have "USA" stamped on the blade, chances are they are imported.

Like I said, it was a present..
the Gerbers and Buck knives I have bought has "USA" on the blades...
even my 1969 Buck, #119 General.

 

[george preston]

I like the older USA made schrade pocket knives. My favorite is the old timer 50 T. It's a single bladed lock back. The USA made knives have a high carbon steel blade that holds a great edge. The New knives made on the same pattern have some kind of Stainless steel blade. I've picked up a few of the NOS knives at gun shows. Price is usually about $35 .

 

[volshooter]

I had to look at mine, it is stamped BOKER with the .. over the O, 440 stainless and PLUS stamped on the blade. Sure looked real at the time.
Another brand I have been accustomed to is CRKT. Not stamped china but has to be. Found a great sell out deal on old stock, 4 for $50. Now they are $25+ each. Good steel for the price. I keep them sharpened real fine and if I have to cut wire (braided/stranded copper), so what they are fairly easy to sharpen. When one gets to the point of not shaving sharp I throw it in the basket to be touched up and grab another.
I am not advocating buying cheep knives! I need a knife that I am willing to cut things that will dull/chip any knife in my pocket, along with one for defense in the other. I have regular tools Klein, Leatherman, Gerber ect. but my go to is a pocket knife.
My favorite is a BUCK 110. It will be a cold day on the sun before I attempt to put that blade into anything that might damage it. Same goes with the J. Marttiini fixed blade knives......meat only.
...............GREAT............. a CRKT "cruiser" that I just toughed up slid off my lap(I am sitting on the floor) and touched my thumb, nice 1/2 cut, lots of blood. The older I get the more dadgum bandaids I have to use. Please nobody tell me not to keep my knives so sharp, heard that 1000 times.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I bought two of those Chinese Bokers a couple of years ago, single-blade folders. I gave one to my son. The backspring failed on it while he was skinning a deer with it and folded up on him and cut him badly. Like should have had stitches but he didn't go get it sewed up. The one I kept did the same thing on me a week or so later but I managed to avoid getting cut. No more Chinese knives in my house or pocket. Ever.