$160 is a lot for me to spend on any knife, especially on an unknown like this Boye Cobalt Folder. I really wasn't sure what to expect.
When I pulled it out of the package, I was immediately impressed with how solid it felt. Despite weighing only 2.5 oz. (according to the website), it was balanced well enough to feel very solid and secure in my hand. Being used to FRN Spyderco knives, I think I've gotten used to having a blade-heavy feel in a knife, but the Boye's balance point moves the heft a bit farther back in the hand. So even though this knife is actually very lightweight, it feels quite solid in use. I like it.
I had some misgivings about the "Zytel" handle because it seemed to me from past experiences to be a somewhat flimsy material. But here again I was favorably impressed. The texture looks nice, gives a good grip, and seems at least as strong as Spyderco's FRN.
This knife is one of Boye's factory seconds and I did notice a few blemishes, one on the blade, and another on the end of the handle:
Since I bought it at a discount, I have no complaints. Just thought I'd point it out. Of course the blemishes have no impact whatever on performance, and the knife is still under full warranty from Boye Knives.
One thing, you will not have to worry about this knife slipping out of your pocket - the titanium clip is VERY strong. It's fine for me but I could understand if it would be a bit too much for other people. Also, there is no flat, smooth spot under the end of the clip (as Spyderco's have) - so I'd beware clipping it to nice clothing.
I like the clip's low-profile design but I kind of wish they had used a torx screw instead of Phillips. Not a big deal but it would have been a bit nicer with the torx IMO.
The marlinspike is nicely done. It sits fairly flat against the handle when closed and actually lends some positive ergonomics to the grip.
(^one curious thing I noticed is that the blade stock is thinner at the handle, then seems to thicken slightly toward the tip. I'm not sure why this is.)
The marlinspike is very stiff opening and closing, which is necessary since it doesn't lock, and hence has neither closing nor opening bias. It does have a couple sturdy stop pins to keep it in place during use though.
Now for the blade.
This was of course the primary reason for buying this knife. Boye's website is full of glowing reports about the cutting power and aggressiveness of cast dendritic cobalt, and I wanted to experiment and experience this firsthand.
I was very disappointed with the blade out of the box. I don't know if it was an oversight on Boye's end or what, but the knife came almost butter knife dull. Seriously. Nylon string just slipped off the edge; I could run my thumb up and down the edge without cutting myself. It had no aggression or bite either and the angles looked to be about 40° inclusive. It was quite a let-down after reading all the great reviews. :rolleyes:
However...I broke out the sharpening equipment and reprofiled the edge freehand on my diamond stones, aiming for 30° inclusive, then made a few swipes on the Sharpmaker medium rods at 40°. Now it is hair whittling sharp. The sharpening didn't feel really any easier or harder than steel.
Fit and finish -
Overall, excellent. (Aside from the blemishes.) I would say it is fully on par with the best of Spyderco's Golden offerings. The blade opens easily with the oval hole, and the action is smooth and reminds me more of the Calypso Jr's action than the Native's. There is zero horizontal blade play, and zero vertical blade play. (Every Spyderco backlock I own has at least some vertical blade play, which makes this all the more impressive to me.) Lockup is not quite Native-5-solid (but then, what knife is?), but it is certainly very secure and tight. No worries at all there.
Overall, this knife seems very well made and is comfortable in a normal grip...
...as well as a choked up grip on the generous ricasso.
I haven't done much cutting with it yet but I hope to do some testing on it in the future. In the meantime I think I'll EDC it for awhile and see how it holds up to normal use.
So far I like it!
