I've just got hold of a Ti Herbst so would like to offer an amateur comparison between the Boker and Spyderco versions.
Specs. of the Spydie Herbst are in the catalogue.
Specs. of the Boker - a 440c blade with a 2.8" hollow ground cutting edge, 3mm thick, 11mm spyderhole. Blade marked "SOLINGEN GERMANY" on the clip side, "DESIGN BY PETER HERBST SPYDERCO 440C" on the plain side. Double s/steel liners, and s/steel liner lock on clip side. S/steel spacer on back. Polished s/steel clip marked with the Spyderco emblem and Spyderco Patents. Titanium handles, , overall weight 105g.
Rest of the dimensions as the Spydie version.
Thoughts on the Boker. I know that a lot of these were never sold due to manufacturing problems, and alas it's all to evident in this one. The blade is unsharpened. No, not blunt, actually unsharpened, almost a drone. You can safely bang the edge down against your skin.
The grooved blade choil, that on the Spyderco version swings round to offer the forefinger some purchase, is completely hidden within the handle and serves no purpose, either the handle is too big or the choil too small.
The Spyderhole has no edge to speak of, the chamfered radius is so smooth that your thumb almost slips out when opening it.
The Ti handle has rough spots and seems unfinished, the blue colouring in the grooves is inconsistent, but it also was on a Sebbie I saw so perhaps that's the nature of Ti colouring.
But, it has a very smooth action, the lock is in perfect alignment with the blade, and the Ti handle feels, well, sort of warm.
A bit of a misfit, the runt of the pack, but still a Spydie at heart.
<a href="/forums/attachmentarchive/7557-7-Herbst01.jpg" target="_new">View Attachment...</a>
<a href="/forums/attachmentarchive/7557-7-Herbst02.jpg" target="_new">View Attachment...</a>
C53 Herbst comparisons
I don't think the German Herbst models are necessarily that bad. I have one not far in serial number from Zardoz'. Seems perfect in fit/finish. The action is superb, second only to the Viele, but while the Viele has to small a hole... the Herbst hole is just right, but too beveled on the edges for good, efficient opening.
Dave
Dave
zardoz, sorry to hear about the "defects" on your Ti Herbst. I see the serial number of your Herbst is relatively low--is this a knife that was distributed in Europe? (I also notice you're posting from the U.K.). Perhaps, the U.S. distributed Herbsts were from later runs that addressed some of the problems encountered in the manufacture of the earlier numbered pieces.
The blue anodizing on my Herbst is also inconsistent; however, it is only cosmetic and is the only "defect" on my Herbst. The blade opens and closes very smoothly and the lock engages securely. Isn't the handle much nicer on the Ti without the screws evident on the aluminum handle? Also, the demarcation line between the hollow ground portion of the blade and its back is a smoother transition on the 440C blade (I prefer this effect). Further, I personally like the chamfered opening hole. Everything on this knife--to me--is smooth. This knife has character. I'm happy with mine.
Edited by - toothed on 2/24/2003 1:22:04 PM
The blue anodizing on my Herbst is also inconsistent; however, it is only cosmetic and is the only "defect" on my Herbst. The blade opens and closes very smoothly and the lock engages securely. Isn't the handle much nicer on the Ti without the screws evident on the aluminum handle? Also, the demarcation line between the hollow ground portion of the blade and its back is a smoother transition on the 440C blade (I prefer this effect). Further, I personally like the chamfered opening hole. Everything on this knife--to me--is smooth. This knife has character. I'm happy with mine.
Edited by - toothed on 2/24/2003 1:22:04 PM