Home / Knives / Böker and Pro-Tech Team Up for Auto Burnley Kwaiken

Böker and Pro-Tech Team Up for Auto Burnley Kwaiken

January 31, 2018

Böker, Pro-Tech, and Lucas Burnley surprised dealers at SHOT Show 2018 by teaming up to produce the new Kwaiken Auto. This co-branded release hits a premium price point and marks the first US-made production Kwaiken model to date.

Burnley’s Kwaiken design is his most popular custom knife, and it became a smash hit when Böker first picked up the model several years ago. They’ve released the Kwaiken in many different forms, including a compact model and a fixed blade, but never an auto until now. “That feels like a big milestone for me and the Kwaiken,” Burnley tells us.

Collaborations between a custom maker and a production company are nothing new, but it’s unusual to see two companies joining forces. Burnley tells us the partnership materialized because it made sense on multiple levels. By making the knife domestically, Böker avoids US customs restrictions on switchblade imports. Pro-Tech also has a well-earned reputation for quality and a deep expertise in this field. “I’m honored that two companies that I hold in high regard decided to collaborate for the first time on a product of my design,” Burnley says. “There were a lot of little details I was worried about. But Pro-Tech nailed it.”

Pro-Tech worked with Böker to make the Auto Kwaiken to many of the same specifications as previous production versions. Modeled after the standard size Kwaiken, the auto sports a 3.5-inch blade and streamlined, angular handle inspired by the traditional Japanese kwaiken fixed blade. In addition to the automatic upgrade, the Kwaiken Auto is sporting two other Pro-Tech standards: an aluminum chassis and 154CM blade steel.

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Pro-Tech itself has been a member of several collaborations with smaller knife companies. The Strider and Emerson automatics have been big sellers, and Burnley sees the potential for the Kwaiken to follow suit. “I try not to speculate, but I’m super excited about this one, and I think other people will be too.” He also notes that now the Kwaiken is in the lineup, there is the possibility that Pro-Tech may bring unique variations to the Kwaiken Auto. “I’m really looking forward to seeing them bring some of their high-end materials and custom builds to this project.” No further plans have been made at this point but personally, Burnley envisions a larger version some day. “I’d love to do an XL version at some point–big and fast!”

You won’t have to wait long for the  Böker Pro-Tech Kwaiken Auto. The new knife will soon be shipped out to dealers for an MSRP of $210.

Knife featured in image: Böker Pro-Tech Kwaiken Auto

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