Reality based knife

[CCBill]

Is anybody familiar with the Boker "PLUS" , Jim Wagner reality based blade knife? I saw one of these in the latest magnum knife catalog and like the looks of it. Don't know anything about this type of knife but like the looks of it. Anybody got one to sell or trade at a reasonable price? let me know. Thanks.
...CCBill...

[TKC]

I do not own one. I have seen pictures of it. I do not care for tanto/ or tanto like blades, nor do I care for the blade steel. (Which is 440C) The only thing I like about it is the window breaker. It seems, for lack of a better description, "mall ninjaish". I do not mean to offend anyone by this comment. I just do not like the knife. And frankly, unless you have training in self-defense with a knife, you shouldn't carry one just for that reason. But this is just me.

[TKC]

I didn't mean to sound so harsh!! If you like it, get it!! It just isn't my thing. I also admit to being a steel snob. I don't like anything less (in my folders.) of 154 CM.

[Gr8Scout]

I'm as distressed as most of us are about the high tide of China made knives flooding our shores... but I went ahead and ordered one of these 'Realitys' yesterday. Recently I have been carrying the smallsized 'Armed forces' by Boker plus, looks like some sorta Strider clone. One thing I like about it is the adjustable pocket clip; It can be installed in any of four locations, so one can carry the knife tip up or tip down either left or right handed. Or it can be removed, as I have done, it being small enough to be dropped into a jacket pocket. My interest piqued, I also have on order the fixed blade model. One thing I like about what I call 'American style' tantos is the two sharp angles at the tip. Can be usefull.

Phil

PS.. CCBill, I'll post some pics and information when I get and try out the knife. If I dont care for it, perhaps we can do a trade or something.

[Gr8Scout]

Got some knives in the mail today, among them the Boker Jim Wagner reality based knife. Interesting. Just one look at this thing and you realize it is made for one purpose: doing the max amount of physical damage to a person that is possible. Shown here is half the the enclosure, including some 'fake blood' pics.

First impressions: Takes a long, long sweep of the thumb to open this up. And I don't have small hands. Easier with practice. But I find it awkward. Is made in Taiwan, not red china. Needle like point. Shaving sharp. Fairly comfortable in a fencing grip. Rides very low in the pocket due to the position of the pocket clip (reversable for left or right hand, tip up carry only). Glass breaker comes installed; a fake 'ball poiint pen in your pocket' clip holder included. This is a lockback, not a liner lock, which I like. Grippy to hold. Light weight.... 5.9 Oz (a buck 110 is 7 Oz).

If I were picked up by the law for carrying this, I would not want the local prosecutor show the enclosed paperwork, mentioned above, to the judge. This stuff makes the manufacturer of 'Dark Ops' knives look like pollyanna.

Would it work for self defense? I am sure it would. Many other everyday uses? I am not sure, but I don't think so.

CCBill... want me to forward it off to you for further testing and a report here?

Phil

[Gr8Scout]

Along with the Boker described above, I also received a couple of other knives. One was a new Buck/Strider fixed blade, the spear point model to replace one I just sold. And a Boker plus 'Armed forces' fixed blade tanto point, shown in an above post. I wish I had gotten the Buck/Stider tanto to compare the two. Very close in the looks department.

This big Boker fighter is made in China. Street price should be around $35. A serious hunk of steel. 440C. Paritially serrated. A sheath outfitted with an inner liner and all kinds of straps and such to make it MOLE compatible.

These Boker 'Armed Forces' are supposedly aimed at the military PX market. Just overall, I'd say a good knife for a Private first class on a budget. Remember when you were in the service? Could you afford a Randall or even a Buck General?

[CCBill]

Great review, Phil...
I think I am going to have to get one for myself. Looks like a dandy play purty.
I was a defensive tactic trainer, for many years. I learned from some of the best.
At several of my "refresher" courses, most of us required medical treatment. Those
guys play for keeps.
Now, I'm just a worn out old man that likes knives.
Thanks again for the review. I'd say that this knife was not made for some one
that needs a fingernail cleaner, but could, in the right hands, make a great weapon.
...CCBill...

[CCBill]

Hi, Phil and everybody else...
Seems like I've been busier than a one-legged man in a butt kickin' contest lately and FINALLY got around to doing this.
Of course, the opinions expressed are mine alone. I hope that Bomber and some of you other guys will chime in.
First, let me say, that if you have any other options, DO NOT engage in a knife fight! There is nothing wrong with running, if doing so will help you avoid a confrontation.
Some of you may remember my "chocolate knife" theory. " In case they take it away from me and make me eat it at least it is something I like". There are some guys out there that you can't tell by looking at them, what they are capable of. No matter how tough you think you are they may carve you up like a Thanksgiving turkey. All of this is to tell you that you have to assess the situation and make a decision that will keep you alive.I DO NOT CONDONE pulling a knife on anyone, except as a last resort.
These are my opinions of the Wagner Reality-based Blade by Boker.
It is about 5&1/4" long, closed. It is a little over 9" open.
It is combat black so as not to be detectable in low light situations.
It was made in Taiwan from 440C.
The Point is called a Gladius tip. From the box the point is needle-sharp. The cutting edge was shaving sharp, before I put it on my crock sticks, just to clean it up.
I would say this knife was made more for stabbing than slicing, but will do both, equally well. Stabbing causes more trauma than slashing and unless you slash an artery or an equally vital spot, your opponent might not go down. A stab wound, on the other can, might possibly cause the opponent to go into shock, especially if the wound is at least 1&1/2" deep. The mark you can see on the back of the blade, close to the tip, gives you an idea of the depth.
The pocket clip can be used, Right or left, or can be removed(I prefer removed).
It has a lanyard hole that can be used in conjunction with the hole in the back of the blade, to lash it to a stick, to make a spear.
It was designed to be used(for fighting) in a fist grip, whether held point up, or down.
The rough texture on 3 fingers of the handle is designed to keep the knife from slipping out of your hand, when covered with blood or whatever.
The notches milled into the back of the handle are also there to keep the knife in your hand.
You have 2 options on the butt of the knife. I guess the phony ball point pen is a good thing, bur I like the glass-breaker tip. With the knife open or closed, if you hit somebody hard enough with it, it's gonna hurt. Tag them in the forehead and you COULD knock them out.
All in all I like it. (WHEW!) Sorry I am so long-winded but I was trying to cover several points. What do you think? Questions? Please feel free to ask. If you got this far, thanks...
...CCBill...

[Bomber]

Bill,I respect your time as a trainer and martial artist.But I gotta tell ya we are going separete ways here,I do not like small blades and that design is not to my liking either.I am of the school [ Jeet Kune Do,Escrima,Kali ] that it IS the cutting that does the damage in a 'confrontation'.The hands on stuff I have done in the past few years has proven to me that it will be cuts,not stabs that end a confrontation.But temper that with the advise to NOT be there and that solves that !.I have been lucky / blessed to train with a Sifu that is very adept at using a blade,he could take me out faster than I can sneeze.And thats if I knew he was about to !.So I am not a fan of a folder for 'social work' if I have a choice,and I prefer to NOT BE THERE,lol.But I EDC a Cold steel X-voyager as a 'social knife',along with a ASP baton,pistol,can of ASR,and thats when I do not expect trouble.Hope ya like your knife,hope ya dont NEED it,lol.Bomber

[Gr8Scout]

As I guessed, the knife is in better hands now that when it was mine. I'm taking my time cleaning up a nice old Schrade Display case that Bill sent me in return for the knife.

As a person with almost no knowledge of knife fighting, I did find it interesting to examine the knife, read the (fake) blood splattered insert that came with it, and to read the above impression by Bill. I do have to state again, as a general 'user', I found the knife almost useless for anything but as a weapon. But then again, that is what it was designed as.

On the other hand, I have been enjoying the Boker 'Plus' 'Armed Forces' American Tanto folders I purchased just prior to the Reality. In fact, I got another couple of them. I wrote briefly of the knifes in another forum here on the site, but the reaction from other members was very negative, as the knives are made in China. Once more, as Bill states, the 'reality' is made in Taiwan.

Phil

[Bomber]

I also STRONGLY object to anyone selling their knife as a killer weapon.As an LEO I know what would happen in court to the poor sob that used one and was totally correct,but then got tore anass#### by the prosocutor when it was pointed out to the judge / jury that the knife was intented to "MAIM AND KILL".And that would be in poster sized items for the judge / jury to see.Imagine that ad with the fake blood ,but picture it blown up to a 3' by 5' size !!.My two cents.

[CCBill]

Thanks Phil & Steven...
Bomber"Steven" has been trained in a very professional environment. I was trained by a bunch of Rednecks, that had learned their various styles by being Navy Seals, Special Forces, Special Ops, Green berets and a couple of just straight up Mercenaries.
Either way you learn, you have to be prepared to be accountable for your actions.
Bomber said he prefers a non-folder. Truth be told, so do I, but I was supposed to review a folder, so I did. I know it wasn't the greatest review, as I am un-accustomed to doing them.
As far as the slashing versus stabbing, there are a lots of arguements for both methods.
Bomber is right about the courts. They would have a field day with you, even in a self-defense situation. I don't know about any of the rest of you, but I have been in Federal Court, before and it "ain't no fun", to stand in front of Judge Mary Lou Robinson. At least when I was there, I was on the right side of the law. 'nuff said. Comments? Questions?
...CCBill...

[Bomber]

When,and if you ever hear the words " you have the right to remain silent" DO SO !!!.Shut up,tape up your mouth,call for an attorney [ first call for a mouthpiece FIRST ] then think about what you did to get there.If it was a selfdefense situation and a knife was involved,What would you prefer that the court be looking at when the WEAPON is held up for the judge / jury to see ???.The very best defense is to NOT BE THERE !,that may sound hokey but that is what you WILL be wishing when your handcuffed.Read the law in your state,and then ask an LEO for his definition of that section that governs your butt in a sling.Stay safe and be careful out there.