Intro
I somehow got into an in-depth discussion of pocket knives over at another forum (where we usually discuss lasers, not knives). One member posted a short YT video of his Microtech Scarab and boy, was I blown away... . This is not your father's pocket knife...lol. Then comes the next one, posting pics of his MT Lightfoot LCC D/A... omg! So I was thinking I had to get a closer look at this hobby and these "works of technical art". I ran down to a local knife (& cutlery) store and picked up my very first D/A, the Böker Plus V&D Express.
I somehow got into an in-depth discussion of pocket knives over at another forum (where we usually discuss lasers, not knives). One member posted a short YT video of his Microtech Scarab and boy, was I blown away... . This is not your father's pocket knife...lol. Then comes the next one, posting pics of his MT Lightfoot LCC D/A... omg! So I was thinking I had to get a closer look at this hobby and these "works of technical art". I ran down to a local knife (& cutlery) store and picked up my very first D/A, the Böker Plus V&D Express.
D/A
Double Action... Dual Action... WTH? The first time I come across "D/A", it's associated with the typical OTF; firing and retracting of an Out The Front automatic knife's blade. The second time around, D/A's a term given to a Folder that can be deployed by either using the thumb stud and a flick of the wrist, or by triggering a spring. And then there are folders where the "trigger" is more or less hidden, which is the case for the MT LCC, the Pro-Tech Defiance and the Böker Plus V&D Express, to name a few.
Double Action... Dual Action... WTH? The first time I come across "D/A", it's associated with the typical OTF; firing and retracting of an Out The Front automatic knife's blade. The second time around, D/A's a term given to a Folder that can be deployed by either using the thumb stud and a flick of the wrist, or by triggering a spring. And then there are folders where the "trigger" is more or less hidden, which is the case for the MT LCC, the Pro-Tech Defiance and the Böker Plus V&D Express, to name a few.
V&D
Before moving on, here's a key note in the V&D Express' official description: "Böker Plus Double Action folder. This design was made by Butch Valloton and Matt Diskin." This knife is a collaboration by Vallotton and Diskin, hence, the "V&D" in the name.
Next up, some numbers:
Before moving on, here's a key note in the V&D Express' official description: "Böker Plus Double Action folder. This design was made by Butch Valloton and Matt Diskin." This knife is a collaboration by Vallotton and Diskin, hence, the "V&D" in the name.
Next up, some numbers:
- Blade Length 7,7 cm (3")
- Closed Length 10,7 cm (4.2")
- Total Length 18,4 cm (7.2")
- Weight 103g (3.6oz)
- Steel AUS-8
- Handles Zytel
Function before Form
Material-wise, it's nothing to write home about, but then again, it's an $80 knife (List price). Functionality-wise, I have to say that the dual action w/hidden spring-assist is really very, very As this is my first D/A folder, I am hardly in the position to comment on the build quality or fluidity of the knife's action. What I can say is that with a little bit of practice (and maybe, some wear-in time...), you can open this knife in a heartbeat, regardless of method (manual / auto). In auto mode, the spring leaf used is very powerful. Auto mode does take getting used to though and holding the knife properly is key to rapid deployment. As for manual deployment, once you manage to free the blade with the thumb stud just a bit, you can flick-open the blade with authority.
Material-wise, it's nothing to write home about, but then again, it's an $80 knife (List price). Functionality-wise, I have to say that the dual action w/hidden spring-assist is really very, very As this is my first D/A folder, I am hardly in the position to comment on the build quality or fluidity of the knife's action. What I can say is that with a little bit of practice (and maybe, some wear-in time...), you can open this knife in a heartbeat, regardless of method (manual / auto). In auto mode, the spring leaf used is very powerful. Auto mode does take getting used to though and holding the knife properly is key to rapid deployment. As for manual deployment, once you manage to free the blade with the thumb stud just a bit, you can flick-open the blade with authority.
Auto: Leaf spring in ready state
Auto: Leaf spring released
Man: The blade can be "flicked" from this point on
Closing the blade can be done with one hand. when opened manually, there's no resistance when bringing the blade back. After auto-firing the knife, you will need to apply some force to "reset" the leaf spring. I believe the locking mechanism is standard fare, as seen in the image below.
Conclusion
Keeping its price class in mind, I really like this knife. Unlike a custom Marifone - Lightfoot, It won't take anyone's breath away in terms of looks or materials used, but its dual mechanical functionality is bound to impress none the less. Considering my lack of experience, I believe this knife in the proper hands is a very proficient tool and suggest you at least have a look at one if you are in need of an economical, daily-use knife.
Keeping its price class in mind, I really like this knife. Unlike a custom Marifone - Lightfoot, It won't take anyone's breath away in terms of looks or materials used, but its dual mechanical functionality is bound to impress none the less. Considering my lack of experience, I believe this knife in the proper hands is a very proficient tool and suggest you at least have a look at one if you are in need of an economical, daily-use knife.
Traveller - Geneve * Melbourne * Miami * Wien