Boker Speed Lock II Questions

[knifeaholic]

I just got this Boker Solingen speed Lock II in a group of knives. From what I saw on line - seem these were made as auctomatic knives? Just wondering if that is true. This one does not spring open. Also, if it was made as an auto, why is there a nail nick? Any help appreciated.

[ScoutKnives]

I remember when these first came out , I bought several at gun shows and yes every one I owned were an automatic switchblade knife .
The laminate scales are horribly known for coming loose .
I don’t remember about the nail nick .

Mike

[knifeaholic]

I remember when these first came out , I bought several at gun shows and yes every one I owned were an automatic switchblade knife .
The laminate scales are horribly known for coming loose .
I don’t remember about the nail nick .

Mike

Thanks - yes the scales are pulling away.

[Madmarco]

I've wondered the same things about these knives. Not being able to acquire a copy I haven't even handled one, so I've had to guess. I had always thought these are automatics.
Regarding the button; it certainly looks like an automatic blade release button, but then again it could simply be a manual blade release button, a button-lock knife. As for the nail-nick, it could be for when the spring breaks so you can still open and use your knife, or, if the knife is made as a manual it's necessary to open the blade.
I realize I haven't answered any questions about the knife, just offering my 2 cents!
You might want to ask one of our resident auto mechanics if they know what these knives were meant to be, automatic or manual or both!

[Killgar]

My memory is a little fuzzy, but I seem to recall that there was a time when Boker made two versions of some of their knives, auto versions, and manual versions. Since it has been illegal to import switchblades into the US since 1958, Boker made automatic versions for sale outside the US, and the version they sent to the US had no springs installed, making them manual, and thus requiring the nail-nick.

Whether or not the manuals they sent to the US had cavities drilled out for the springs I can't recall. It's possible that the Boker autos with nail-nicks were converted (spring cavities drilled) after ariving in the US. This would not have been a difficult procedure for a skilled craftsman.

At some point however, Boker started making autos in Denver, USA. So that's how you can now buy Boker switchblades in the US.

[Madmarco]

There we go, didn't even need to ask, a top-notch maker answered and very likely correctly!
Thanks, K-G!

[Killgar]

There we go, didn't even need to ask, a top-notch maker answered and very likely correctly!
Thanks, K-G!

You're welcome MM, and thank you.

Like I said, my memory is a bit fuzzy, it's been awhile since I researched Boker autos. But I kinda think I'm sorta right .




FAQ from Boker USA-

[msteele6]

Here is one I own, I think its a slightly different size from the OP knife (maybe explaining the "Speed Lock II"), but all of the "Speed Lock" knives I've seen were auto's the "Top Lock" knives were manual open. This one is definitely an auto and there is no nail nick.

[Killgar]

I'm inclined to believe that msteele6 is correct, that the Top Locks are the manual version, and the Speed Locks are the auto version.

What's confusing though is that there are Top Locks with no nail nicks (pics below), and Speed Locks with nail nicks (I found several).

I could understand putting nail nicks on autos for the reason Madmarco gave (in case the spring broke), or, if someone wanted to simply remove the spring and make it a manual. But I don't understand why Boker would choose to not put nail nicks on some manual Top Lock knives. Oh well, it's a mystery to me.

[XBMX]

Speed Locks and Top Locks internally are for the most part, the same. Depending on how they were ordered converting to auto is possiable. A coil spring is used. Upon opening sometimes just dropping a spring into the pocket is all thats needed. Most often though enlargement of the spring cavity and or drilling the blade for the spring tab must be performed. See You Tube. Interior design is identical to the Kalashnikov design.

[prober996]

I’m very late to this thread, but wanted to post a photo of three Bokers that are indeed automatics.

[Kawasakicolin1]

Thought I’d ask this here, did the biker Apollo 17 edition ever come as an automatic? I found one that has no blade thumbnail nick. I thought autos have no nick , and manuals had a thumb nic? In the findings of the lack of a thumb nick does that mean the blade is drilled for a spring? Thank you very much

[XBMX]

I converted a few and had to drill one or two. Get a few Carbide bits go slow and lube, you'll likely bust a bit or two.

[Kawasakicolin1]

I converted a few and had to drill one or two. Get a few Carbide bits go slow and lube, you'll likely bust a bit or two.

Ok right on. Is it safe to say if the blade does not have a nail nick it’s already drilled from boker? Thank you for the insight. I appreciate it!