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Boker Damascus Knives: A Hands-On Review of the Leopard

Boker Manufaktur Solingen, the legendary Saxon cutlery company, has been around for a long time. With traceable roots as far back as 17th century Remscheid, Germany to a small tool factory that bore its name, Boker, over the years, has learned a thing or two about making knives. When they decided to apply their experience and expertise to the production of their Collectors series of Boker Damascus Knives, they, understandably, nailed it. Boker has been really smart about capitalizing on the military history of Germany and the common perceptions many people in the world have about the German character. In keeping with this, one of the more unique cutters in the Collectors series of Boker Damascus knives is the Leopard I Damascus Linerlock Folder, model 110084DAM. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the steel used to forge the Damascus blade is reclaimed from the barrel of a German battle tank, the Leopard I. Not only does this special steel provide the mystique factor to this collectible cutter, but it’s also functionally superior to many other types of steel, as you might expect given its original application.

Here are the general specifications: the Leopard I Linerlock Folder is 8⅛” in length, fully opened. The closed length is 4¾” and the blade length is 3⅜” from point to ricasso. The weight of the knife is 4.3 oz. The blade material as mentioned earlier is military-grade steel, not available to the public, that has been strengthened with the addition of a chromium-manganese and vanadium tool steel alloy. The handle scales are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and feature Ziracote wood inserts. The pocket clip is stainless steel. Now for the hands-on part of the review: this is a handsome folder designed in an industrial style. With the exception of the dramatic hand-forged Damascus steel blade, the look of the knife is utilitarian compared to some other Boker Damascus knives. In the hand, it has a nice heft to it, but not heavy. The sculpted handle scales make for a very comfortable grip with jimping fore and aft. An ample finger groove with jimping and the leaf spring with same add to the comfort and secure grip. Continuing with the frame construction, the frame pillars are stainless steel and affixed with torx screws. The stainless steel pocket clip is affixed with same and positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry, with a small stainless plaque stamped with the “Boker” tree-brand insignia covering the idle position holes. The lockup on the knife is excellent and secures with a satisfying click. The blade is perfectly centered between the pillars when closed as it should be in a knife of this caliber in the Boker Damascus knives series. The handle scales are drilled for a lanyard hole.

Now, let’s talk about this gorgeous blade. Hand-forged, it is a beauty. The pattern is called “small pyramids” with a laser-engraved logo on both sides. The design is intricate, precise and composed of 300-layers of premium steel. The style of the blade is drop point with a hollow grind and with a thickness of .11”. Dual thumb studs of stainless steel are affixed for ease of opening. I can’t think of another more appropriate adjective to describe this dramatic blade than “Wow!”. In conclusion, let me just say I can’t find anything wrong with this folder. The fit and finish are excellent. There is no misalignment in the positioning of the handle scales. The blade is perfectly centered. The blade spine rests perfectly flush with the scales when closed. It’s what you would expect from a knife of this caliber in the Boker Damascus knives series. This is a high-end collectible folder. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny to the serious enthusiast of fine Damascus steel knives.

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