Anyone who has read any of my writing over the years, knows that I am a fan of Winkler Knives. As such, I have been fortunate to cover many of Dan’s knives and collaborations here and in print. With that said, I am also good friends with the fine folks over at KnifeCenter.com. So, when I heard that Boker Plus and Winkler did a KnifeCenter exclusive folder, the Ratz6, I had to share.
One look at the knife and it is clear that it is a Winkler knife. It has an overbuilt design that is very customary of his typical style—perfect for EDC or wilderness use. However, I’ll admit that at 6.52 ounces and a thick handle, it will have a large footprint in the pocket.
The N690 stainless steel blade features a trailing point with a flat grind. At 3.2 inches, it is just slightly over legal length in some jurisdictions but will be ok in others. Make sure to check your local laws and ordinances. If you intend to place it in your pack as a folding bushcraft knife, you are probably safe, regardless. But you still want to check, to be sure.
The thick handle consists of bead blasted titanium liners, with gray canvas Micarta handle scales. If you are familiar with Daniel’s work, you will notice that he utilizes Micarta a lot. This is because Micarta provides a solid, slip free grip, even when wet. The stainless-steel pocket clip is set up for right-hand, tip up carry only. It is set lower on the knife for a higher ride in the pocket, for easier retrieval.
As mentioned, the Boker Plus Winkler Ratz6 is a KnifeCenter exclusive and is limited to 300 pieces. So, if you want one, you better act fast. K&G
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Blade Material: N690 Stainless SteelBlade: 3.25 inchesOverall Length: 7.875 inchesClosed: 4.75 inchesBlade Thickness: .157 inchBlade Finish: StonewashHandle: Gray Canvas Micarta with black G10 spacerWeight: 6.42 ouncesLiners: Bead Blasted TitaniumMSRP: $199.95
KnifeCenter(800) 338-6799www.KnifeCenter.com
KnifeCenter Exclusive
Joshua Swanagon has studied survival in both urban and wilderness environments in Colorado and Michigan for most of his life, while also adding experience in harsher terrains abroad. He utilizes his experience and years of diverse martial arts and combatives training and real world application as a self-defense/combatives instructor, published freelance writer and Field Editor for various magazines in the fields of knives, survival, self-defense and tactical subject matters. Joshua also brings with him his years of experience as Editor of, and Subject Matter Expert for, Knives Illustrated Magazine.
I like this knife. I like the fat handle and the slightly upswept blade.
The Italian knife maker did a fine job with this on removing sharp edges on the handle, the jimping and other surfaces. In fact, the only sharp edge is on the blade, which is how it should be.
Because it has a fat handle, the knife sits comfortably in the hand. It’s easy to grip firmly with a bare or gloved hand.
I’m not convinced on the micarta scales. I would have liked to have seen wood, although micarta is the latest thing these days.
I’ve used this for various tasks, including trimming the branches of ivy from a house down the street. The branches hang over the sidewalk, and when it’s dark you walk into the thorns. It’s a college rental, and no one appears to care, so I’m doing it.
I’ve also used this to trim red meat, and the tip works very well for that purpose, although a boning knife is the better tool for that job.
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