Joker NK46 Lock-Back Folding Knife

By Dr. Jim and Mary Clary


Joker NK46 Lock-Back Folding Knife.
Illustration Courtesy of JOKER Knives.

There is nothing special or unique about the style of this knife. It is a classic lock-back. What makes this blade special is its superb blending of metal to bone. Like most folks, we have had lock back pocket knives since we were kids. Everything from Schrade Old Timers to multiple Case models. They were all good knives and served us well over the years.

However, we always wished we could find a handcrafted lock back with good steel and superior finishing. The Chinese tried a few years ago and failed. Oh, some of them were pretty, but pretty awful in quality. You could find them at every flea market. Cheap steel and plastic scales.

We had just about given up hope, until we saw this JOKER knife. It is made with 440C stainless steel and genuine bull horn scales. Unlike plastic scales, which can be molded to fit a handle, bull horn has to be individually cut for each knife and then hand finished and polished to mate it with the steel. It is a tedious and labor intensive job, which is why this knife is not cheap. Few handcrafted items are.

We used this knife around the ranch for several weeks, cutting the thick twine on bales of alfalfa, slicing off pieces of leather for harness repair and ripping open feed bags. We are happy to report that the blade and handle stood up well. Not a mark, scrape or gouge on the handle and the blade is still sharp. As with all 440C steel, it is easily touched-up with a fine whet stone and/or crock sticks.

Specifications

  • Type: Lock-back pocket knife
  • Blade type: drop point, high hollow ground
  • Blade length: 3.31 inches
  • Blade width: 0.78 inches
  • Blade thickness: 0.102 inches
  • Blade material: 440C stainless steel
  • Edge: Plain
  • Handle: Bull horn scales
  • Overall length (open): 7-7/8 inches
  • Weight: 4.41 ounces
  • Country of origin: Spain
  • 2015 MSRP: $122.95

With its $122.95 MSRP, the NK46 is not for everyone. However, if you want a quality handcrafted knife that will last you a lifetime and probably into the next, this is one to consider. We ordered a second one, so that there would be no argument over who gets to carry the JOKER.

The Joker NK46 is available from Amazon, multiple online knife retailers, and even several big box stores across the country. You can also buy it and all of the other JOKER models on their website at: www.jokerknives.com.




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Copyright 2016 by Jim and Mary Clary and/or chuckhawks.com. All rights reserved.


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