Boker Plus Edit

Chad Los Banos, also known as the ‘Daywalker’ by knife website aficionados, is the designer of the Böker Plus ‘Subcom’ series of mini knives – some of which have been reviewed within these pages. The Edit is the latest knife of this series to come from Chad’s design studio based on the Isle of Hilo in Hawaii… it must be terrible toiling away in the baking sun, with only rolling waves, sandy beaches and tropical palm trees to take your mind off your work.

Anyway… this new knife is a fixed blade with skeletonised handle, and on first look appears similar to the Subcom FB (Fixed Blade), but the Edit differs in finish, and has a clip point shaped blade which is grooved along the complete length of the spine for close-up control when cutting.

The blade (edge) length is 2.05” with an overall length of 5.37”.  This may seem very compact, but when you pick it up your hand falls straight into the ergonomic shape of the handle, with your fingers taking a natural grip and your thumb resting straight onto the grooved spine. The blade steel 440C stainless, which in 0.125” thick stock is strong yet relatively lightweight at under 2.4 ounces (with the plaited lanyard supplied). The whole knife has a matt black titanium-based coating which is tough and non-reflective.

The knife comes with a black Zytel rigid scabbard which grips the knife, allowing virtually and carry angle – up, down, sideways… whatever you preference. The makers suggest that the aforementioned lanyard makes it easy to pull the knife clear of the scabbard, but although I can see what they mean, I prefer to just use the handle – it comes out easily enough when needed. They also suggest that the lanyard also acts as ‘a handle extension for the pinky’ but that didn’t quite work for me – nevertheless, the three porkers and the opposable digit that I did manage to clamp on to the handle proved more than enough grip.

A black neck chain is supplied for attaching to the scabbard for a ‘neck carry’ option, or you can buy a small optional Tek Lok for attaching the scabbard to a belt. Eight 0.25” holes around the edge of the scabbard will allow you to come up with all sorts of ways of attaching it to belt, webbing or rucksack.

This compact knife performs surprisingly well for its size and would make a cracking little back-up knife in camp or when out hunting. If you like the general spec. but would prefer a folder, take a look at the Subcom F models available in the same Böker Plus series.

PRICE: £33.95