Board: Lib Tech Box Knife
Size: 154
Camber Option: C3. Camber under foot with an ever so mellow reverse camber between the feet.
Bindings: K2 Indy
Stance: 21.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis size 10
My Weight: 188lbs
Resort: Arapahoe Basin
Conditions: Overcast skies with a little sun poking through, mild wind, warmer temps, snow that was like porridge or mashed potatoes.
Flex: Hovering around that middle of the road spectrum you get a board that has a little more play in the tips then stiffens up through the center. The torsional flex is there and has a mild amount of give to it. This helps aid the center of the boards flex.
Stability: This board has a shape and camber profile that lends itself to being a bit more stable. I found that in really rutted out chop it would get bucked around from time to time, but more often than not it would absorb what was going on and plow through.
Ollies: This board has snap. Which should be evident by the camber profile. What helps this board is the wider blunted shape of the deck. You can really load it up and snap.
Pop On Jumps: This board is designed to be a park/b.c. freestyle board and as such it is great on jumps. The harder you snap after you’ve loaded it up the more you’re going to boost.
Butterability: This board has a spatula-like effect with it when you’re buttering. You can press into the nose or tail with ease and the board locks in and just lets you slather your buttery goodness all over the slopes. Hands down this was one of the easiest boards to butter I’ve ever ridden.
Jibbing: The big blunt shape really locks into presses. There’s enough snap from the C3 profile to boost out of the feature but it’s not so over powering you’re fighting it the whole time. C3 really locks into sideways slides and lets you hug the feature.
Carving: If you want to rip a carve, go for it. This board won’t hold you back for being a more freestyle focused deck. It’s got the right blend of flex, camber, and sidecut to lay a trench when you need to or be mellow and just surf a turn here and there.
Rider in Mind: The freestyle focused guy that wants to do it all.
Personal Thoughts: I have seriously never ridden a better buttering board. There is something about the shape and camber profile that just locks into a press on the snow with ease. It will let you do whatever you want and not question it. Railing turns I found that you could just carve up the slopes and then still play around. It’s one of those boards that might be a little mis-marketed as it’s a far more versatile deck than they let on.
Comparable Boards: Capita Ultrafear, K2 Bottle Rocket, Dinosaurs Will Die Geno
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145 Comments
Hey Angry. First of all congrats on your content. Really the only trustworthy reviewer out there who keeps up with the content every year. Keep it up man!
In my particular case I am torn between the box knife and the jibsaw as a board to just mess around the whole mountain with butters, getting on those side hits and have fun with some carving, while occasionally hitting the park. Which one in your opinion fits best this description?
The box knife offers 151 in comparison to the jibsaw which the smallest is 153 which I think might be a bit worse considering I’m 135 lbs an 5’8 taking into account what I’m looking to do with this board.
Also considering the yes greats but since this will be my second board I thought I’d get a softer board.
What’s your boot size. You have to take into consideration that the Box Knife is a slight volume shifted board so you can downsize on it.
I have 8,5 Nike vapen. You would downsize even further than 151?
Nah you should be OK with that.
Then what would be your personal preference between the Jibsaw 153, Box Knife 151 and yes greats 152?
Thanks
Greats 52.
Looking at this in a 154 or 157.. 10 boot, and 200LBS. Do you think the 154 is enough?
Oh yeah.
Hey Angrysnowboarder…
I´m 5`7 (175cm) height an 178lbs. boot size 10.
Should i buy the box knife in 151 or 154? or i´m too heavy for 151?
I wanna combine it with the Burton Cartel bindings
You want the 151.
Hey i´m thinking about to get the 151…. but i have no idea if it is good for me because of my height and weight.
What do you think is better for me the 151 or 154?
I prefere a shorter board… better turns and maneuverable
Hey man, so this board is slightly volume shifted you say.. I was just about to buy the 160, I´m 5´11 and about 220lbs.. Should I look at the 157w instead? I ride the skunk ape 157 but the skunk is stiffer I belive?
Skunk is way stiffer. What’s your boot size? 57 seems like it would match up with your weight.
Got ion’s size 11
Are you looking to make this thing more of a fuck around board? If so then you could drop down to the next size below the 57, but I feel the 57w in this would compliment your Skunk Ape as you could have that for hard charging and this for more freestyle.
Fuck around stick for sure, the skunk is awesome for charging and hitting the big jumps but buttering and such, not so much:) Want the c3 camber aswell. Was looking at the 160 because of my weight, but if the weight isnt to much I rather go for the 157..
thanks for the advice man, cheers and keep up th good work its appreciated for sure
big ups from Sweden
Go for that 57 and just know it’s going to be WAY more playful than the skunk and you’ll be able to throw it around.
Hello angry, been a big fan since 2011. I’m 5″9 and 130 lbs, boot size 9. would you recommend 151 or shorter? Thanks !
Shorter for sure.
I’m 6’2” 200 lbs… thinking this or a trice pro. More all mountain riding but something I can spend the day in the park with as well. What’s your thoughts? 157w for either.
T.Rice Pro for sure.
My fear are all the comments on how stiff and aggressive the pro is. Think I’d run into problems messing around jibbing on blues/blacks at low speed with the pro? I loved the review on the box knife as a do it all fun stick. At 200 lbs I expect to overpower the 157 pro to do just about whatever I want though. What’s your thoughts?
Initially it’s going to start out stiff and you’re going to be upset. It’s going to work you even though you will have some leverage on that 57, at about 15 days I think it will break in to where you want it and by 25 days on it you will be really happy.
How does this board ride Compared to yes jackpot? If same size. Being a fan of this site since 2011 btw
Jackpot is softer and more jibby.
This or Gnu Headspace for all mountain playful deck?
Headspace is a bit more versatile.
Hi, I wear a US 12 Burton boot which is supposedly 1 size smaller, I want to get the Lib tech box knife 157 which is 253mm wide, would it be too narrow or should I get the 157w which is 262mm wide? I will pretty much just use it just as a park board. The 157 253 is like $200 cheaper atm, hence my question.
Thanks
You’ll want that 57W
Hi!
First of all, thanks for a great review!
Im older (39) former semi-pro rider looking to use this board as an all mountain, butter, carving with family, hitting side hits and maybe doing the occasional park jump. What bindings would you suggest pairing this board up with? I was thinking, Genesis X or maybe Union superpro could be a good match?
Or would you recommend me getting a different board and binding altogether?
I would probably go with something a little more flexible so drop down to the Genesis or maybe the Force from Union.
I ride gnu riders choice 157.5. thinking about box knife 157 for all mtn. Camber profile might be a little better at speed. Riders choice gets a little wobbly at height speed. Rockered nose also seems like it would hold up in pow. Thoughts?
No.
hey angry
im trying to decide between the box knife and box scratcher. which is a better all rounder of the 2? also what size would you recommend in each. im 5ft10 and 165lbs
Box Knife and something in the low to mid 150’s.
cheers man appreciate it. Any reccomendation on bindings?
It’s designed to pair up with Bent Metal so check out our reviews of those.
Hey Angry. I bought the box knife in 151. I am 5’7-5’8 and fluctuate 140-160lbs size 10 shoe. I love the maneuverability when carving the edge sticks so hard that i need to kind of hop to switch edges. but I’ve noticed that coming up to a jump or ramp that i loose speed right before my pop. Is this cuz i got too small size of board?
No that’s because you’re probably speed checking and don’t even know it or you need to get the base stone ground so it has some structure in it.
Hi,
I am 5’13 and 180-185lbs with US10 ride boots, should I go with 157W, 157 or even 154.
I am asking as I am riding assassin in 155 and sometimes I feel I need a bit longer.
5’13 you say, damn you’ve defied the logic of human height! If you feel you need longer go with the 57.
Hello, I am interested in this board to add to my quiver. I am 5’8″ and weight 161 Lbs with Size 7,5 Boots. My main board is Danny Kass – Misfits 153, which feels a bit short and this rocker in the middle is driving me nuts. At the same time I feel it a bit stiff and have to work it more to perform. Looking to the Box Knife which is softer and is camber dominant, but at the moment I can’decide between 154 and 157. I will use the board to ride groomers and side hits, also small to medium jumps, and ocasional powder and tree runs. How will feel the 154 compared to the 153 Danny Kass Horror Business. And also if I buy 157 would it be too hard to throw arround and what will be the expirience with my measures. Thanks a lot in advance!
Well it won’t feel as loose that’s for sure because it’s camber 2.0. You’ll sacrifice some play going to the 57 vs the 54 especially because this board is slightly volume shifted and designed to be down sized on.
Hi Angry! My beloved proto type 2 is smashed up, I am in need for a new board for the park! My local shop have two boards that would suit my size. The Salomon villan vs lib tech box knife? I will be riding jumps, boxes and rails! Both I guess would be good but and pros cons? Thanks Angry
Well Kevin and I have agreed that the Villain is a bit of a turd and over marketed. I personally love the ride of the Box Knife and its camber profile plus the slight volume shift let you get away with a little bit of a downsizing with it.
Cheer’s angry!
Yo angry!
I see that you mention that the boxknife is slightly volumeshifted, but I can’t find anything about it on the mervin homepage. I’ve been looking at the 154 and it has a 25.2cm waist which seems pretty standard for that lenght?
Slight volume shift so about 2 to 4 cm’s shorter. The waist width isn’t where you notice this volume shift it’s actually the tips, sidecut, and flex pattern. It’s designed to be a freestyle board you can downsize on just a hair but not have it noodle out on you.
Gotcha. Would it fit 10.5 us boots or am I stretching it?
Nah you’re fucking golden.
Thanks big chief
Hey angry, I’m about 5’11 and 140 lbs with a size 10.5 boot. I’m interested in getting better at jibbing and buttering but I still want to be able to straightline down most of the mountain because that’s what me and my friends like to do. With all that in mind, would u suggest the 151 or 154?
Also, I currently ride a 155 huck knife and I find it kind of hard to maneuver in tight situations and sometimes find it hard to get out on the tips for pressing.
You’ll fit on the 51 and it should do just what you’re describing.
What size do i want? im 176 lbs 6’2 and wear a size 9,5 US size boot? Im thinking either the 154 og 157
54
hi mate, i want a new board, have ridden a stiff palmer pro board and now a noodle horrorscope 150, is this too stiff for me? i mostly want butter and ollies, switch and some 180s. i am 5.7 and 160lbs and i can only find the 151, is it too big for me? i don’t want a board that works me 🙂
thanks angry!
This is exactly what you want.
I’m thinking about the 157w box knife but the really short contact lengths make me think it will be to loose carving at speed . I like riding pretty fast ,ollieing stuff , laying out carves and buttering . Tossing in a few easy rails and boxes . I already have a riders choice and debating between box knife and head space . Any thoughts on the stability with that tiny contact length ?
I never had any issues, I find people get too caught up on effective edge and contact length when all you really need to know is how to center flex it and where to keep your weight over it to carve. If you’re that worried, get the Head Space.
Hi AngryS, love your reviews, i want to buy a new board, a short one to go all mountain, i am 5,6”, shoe size 7.5-8 and 140 lbs, what do you think box knife 148 or vapita doa 148?
Would capita 148 gove you toe heel drag?
Get the Box Knife.
Even if i go with 150 doa?
You said capita is a quiver of one, and you didn’t said that about the box knife, i do consider your reviews a lot 🙂
Box Knife.
between the blackjack and the box scratcher box knife whitch is easier to butter and softer yet stable? i am pretty lazy dude
Blackjack
I’m 5’8, 135 lbs, size 9 boots. I am currently riding a flow verve 154. I want something a little smaller to hit the park, small jumps and just riding groomers. Is the Box Knife a good upgrade? I’m stuck between the box knife 151 and the 148. Which would you recommend?
It is and I’d go down to the 151.
Hey Angry,
Thanks for the reviews it helps a lot cause i don’t have the opportunity to get different demoboards in my area (Germany)
My current board is a ride crush and want to buy a new one. I tried out the yes basic which is good but there is something that I miss when I ride it.
Now i think about Headspace or Box Knife. Looking for all mountain good carving and good to learn new stuff in the park. I would say I’m really good in carving and advanced in Park and want to learn more technical tricks on box, rail and jumps.
Boot 10.5 /165lbs /5’9
Headspace.
Hey dude, really appreciate your reviews I just scooped up the 19 box knife and 19 Rome Katanas with some older 32 boots. Do you think I made the right choice or would you recommend a better boot binding combo for this board? Also, I m 6’0 225lbs and picked up the 160 am I retarded? Or will that work
Should totally work. Boots are highly subjective and a lot of it comes down to personal preference.
Bought the box knife after having watched pretty much all your reviews on every board, and it feels like something isn’t quite right with my setup, or rather that it doesn’t really fit on my mountain and with my style. Im 5´10, 158lbs and I bought the 154 box knife and paired it with the Genesis bindings. It feels like that setup would be awesome in the alps or something, but with my 980ft resort I basically only have time to do butter on the cat tracks, spin on side hits, and do chill carving on groomers. Im also too old for the park.
Do you think that maybe the Blackjack paired with either Malavita or Hemlock would be better suited for my current surroundings? Basically Im looking for a board that’s super easy to casually do butters and side hits on in very low speed.
Sorry for the lengthy post
You should have gotten the 51 Box Knife, that’s your issue. Blackjack should remedy that.
Hey Angry,
Great Review! I‘m thinking of buying this Board, because my 159w Skate Banana broke. My weight is about 220, 6.2“ tall and ride a size 11 Boot. I would go for the 157w. Would you recommend that size?
No, not really seems a bit small for your weight.
Hi Angry,
I have been riding GNU danny kass (153 cm) for six years. I would like to get a more playful board.
I would like to be able to ride on powder as well. I am middle of between 151 and 154 Box knife.
I am 72kg and my boot size 9.5. Which one would you recommend me to buy?
Get the 54 if you’re serious about pow riding.
Thanks, mate, I was going to make my choice in that way too.
My case is a mostly %30 powder (not too deep), %70 freestyle on the slopes and I have only one board credibility to carry with me. That’s why I was undecided.
Cheers,
Hey angry, love the reviews, I’m 6’2” 185 and rock a size 12 boot, I’m trying to decide between a 161 skunk ape or a 157 Trice pro.. any input?
They’re kind of two different boards.
Hey man, I’m 180lbs/6′-1″/size 11. I ride a 162w Flagship for freeriding, but a 157 normal Mt Twin as a daily driver. I’m looking at the 154 Box Knife to throw around, butter and have some fun on the mountain. Will the 154 be too narrow and small with a waist of 25.2? Should I get the 157W instead?
You should be fine unless you have some blocky ass size 11’s like Deeluxe or something like that.
Angry, I’m 5ft5, 135 lbs, size 8 boot. Just getting in to buttering, 180s/360s all around the piste. Right board to progress? Do I go 148 or 151?
Yes. 48 if you want to be aggressive with the buttering otherwise snag the 151.
My man!
Since you helped with my last purchase and killed it, looking for some more advice.
quiver is a 157w ProtoT2 & 154w DC Ply – Both great @ 200 pounds/11 boot
Which board would fit better into my quiver, the Box Knife or the Head Space? Not quite sure how much they really differ.
It really comes down to what you want it to do. Between your Proto and Ply there’s going to be a lot of overlap.
Big fan. I am 5’10 at 200 lbs and want to switch from a Lib Tech TRS to something smaller with more play that will also let me load jumps. Is the box knife too close to the TRS or will it do me right for my goals? I’d like the 154 but shop only has 151. Too small?
51 is too small, but you’re on the right track with going to this board. Check out the 54 Arbor Westmark MW instead might be what you’re looking for.
I was in the same boat couple months ago – been riding Gnu Danny Kass 153 XC2 three seasons and now have Box knife 154, I am 73 kilos, size 7 boots. 153 DK is more playful than 154 BK in my opinion, so if you want more loose choose 151 BK, and for powder 154 BK.
Hey angry big fan I ride a skate banana 154 now and I’m 5’7”-5’8” size 9.5 and like 190 looking into box knife 151 or 154 but not opposed to a 153 headspace considering they are both c3 I want a more camber dominant board I feel comfortable on them which would you recommend
51 box knife if you’re trying to jib more otherwise go for that 54, personally though would probably just go Headspace at your specs.
Why would you say headspace cause of weight ? Or just a more versatile board?
Size option, what you’re doing, and what you want.
Last question my bad ….So would you say 52 or 55 headspace ? Thanks again really appreciate the input
52 if you want to be more jibby, 55 if you want to send it.
Hey Angry, I see you tested this with K2 Indy bindings. You suggest this or Flux XF bindings. Just ordered a 160x in part based on your kick ass review. Thanks.
My Indy’s are a little tweaked, they have the Formula heel strap on them. I’d say go with the XF though.
I’m 206, 5’11” size 11.5. What is your binding pick?
Alright so on the 160x with intent of being more All Mt Free Style than Park. Will be a groomer and tree run / boulder field board but rarely any powder over 18″. Would you suggest Arbor Cypress, Hemlock or Flux XF bindings?
Hey Angry, looking for a board to butter around with, pop over rollers and random shit, and hit the park a little bit. Would this be a good option for that or would you recommend something else? 5’10 about 145, size 11. Also could I get away with a 151 or do I have to go wide? Really enjoy the reviews!
You’ll want a wide, think the 51 is just a hair too thin. Have you looked at the Yes Jackpot?
Will look into it, thanks!
thanks for the review angry.
How can you compare this with Gnu Headspace?
i usually ride kicks and sometimes rails&boxes
It carves different and has a different pop to it.
Then which one do you recommend more to me?
mostly hit jumps(60%) some rails and ride hard packed groomers(each 20%)
Headspace.
It seems like you recommend headspace more than box knife.
For the park riders who love jumps on the kicks,
How do Headspace and Box knife differ?
It seems box knife will be poppier since it is more stiff,
Any comments?
Flex, sidecut, overall ride is where they differ. They both will do what you’re asking.
Bottom line do I go box knife or westmark camber? Looking for that slushy hot laps board…
Either.
Hey Angry,
I’m 5’7” and weigh 178 lbs.
I want to ride all mountain doing butters and being able to ride pow. Reason I’m skeptical is that I have 154 skate banana and it chatters and sucks outside of the park.
Box knife for more all mountain freestyle but
154 or 157?
Thanks Angry! Love the page
Well the big issue is that it’s full center reverse camber and soft. The Box Knife has a different camber profile and is stiffer it makes sense to bump up to it and if you’re really worried get the 57 as it’ll give you more surface area. Otherwise if you really want to butter and play around the 54 will work just fine.
What is the difference in flex between Box Knife and Headspace? Which one carves better and will better as an all rounder?
Box knife is a bit more playful in the tips. Headspace is better all around.
Hi Angry,
I’m 5’10” and 177 lbs. I’m trying to decide between 151/154 Twinpig and 151/154 BoxKnife. Thank you in advance!
51’s if you want it more jibby and playful, 54 if you’re hitting more jumps and shit.
I already have a powder board which is 157cm (wide), which I really love all around the mountain. It’s a Lib Tech TRice Pro (2017 version) and I’m 5’8 and weigh 160lbs.
However, I need one for park (still learning freestyle park) and also for all mountain. Should I get the 151 or 154? I’m an expert aggressive all-mountain free rider in Utah. Thanks!
I’d get the 54 if you’re going for all mountain use, 51 for straight park.
Hey, Angry. I’m 6′, 185lbs, size 11 K2 Darko boot. I currently ride a 2017 Huck Knife 155W. I really like that board and enjoy the wider model for carving. I’m looking for a new board that is slightly softer so it’s a little easier for pressing and that has better edge hold. In South Korea for this season and most of the snow is fake so it gets real shitty. Do you think the Box Knife 157W would be a good option? Thanks!
Definitely.
Is there much difference between the box knife and smokin Awesymmetrical if I’m looking to ride the entire mountain plus park in a playful way while being aggressive at times?
Yeah plenty.
Hey Angry, love your vids.
Can I please have some feedback on the following.
Never Summer FunSlinger?
GNU Headspace?
Lib Tech Box Knife?
I’m not set on only these but these are the ones I think may provide the freestyle fun I’m looking for.
Like many of us my age (36), riding yearly since I was 13, I’ve reached a bit of a stale point in my riding and looking for something maybe a bit more park/fun orientated.
Currently I don’t have the confidence in the park, but would like to learn more in there. I mainly spend my time riding around the mountain playing on natural features, through trees and a bit of backcountry if available.
I’m 5’10 – 80kg on a good day, and currently ride a 154 Lib Tech Banana Magic (all mountain) and a 156 Jones Hovercraft (Pow days)
Any thoughts/opinions on the above or if I should save my cash for tuition and just use what I have.
What board and what size?
Merry Christmas and thanks for your time.
Here’s what I would do honestly. Skip those 3, get yourself a Rome Blackjack in a 150 and treat it like a skateboard. Jib or run over everything in your path and throw it around. It’ll give you a new look at how to shred and just destroy this thing.
Thanks man.
Didn’t expect you to come back to me so soon.
Had a few beers last night and pulled the trigger on a 155w headspace. But now wondering if I should have gone smaller?
I’m 5,10” 80kg, UK10 Burton ION, Burton Genesis.
Have I dropped a clanger? Shall i send it back for a smaller deck?
Angry! This vs the Westmark rocker? I wear a size 10.5 boot is the box knife to narrow for me with a waist of 25.2? How does it compare to the Westmark rocker
Hey Angry…
Im 5.11, 182lb size 11/ 11.5 boot US.
54 or 57 box knife? Want to throw it around a bit…side hits, small / medium jumps and butter. Intermediate trying to push things further.
Rad reviews by the way.
Get the 54 but make sure your boots will fit on it.
Ah man sweet iv ordered the 54…as iv ridden a board with the same width in my boots so I know it they will fit. Just never ridden a board that short before.
Thanks for your reply, you sure must be busy replying to everyone….and its christmas/new year holidays!
Cheers Angry have a good one 🙂
Hey Angry. I’m a former skier who took a
long hiatus and now started snowboarding the other day. Still catching edge and falling a lot (only 4 cumalative hours under my belt) but having loads of fun doing it. Anyway I want a board that I can fuck around on here on the east (ice) coast buttering around and hitting small jumps but still take to CO or UT once a year and not feel completely out of my element (going to Arapahoe Basin and Keystone in a few weeks). I’m currently on my friend’s old setup which is a Rice28 (obscure Japan only brand) traditionally cambered 154 cm twin with what apparently is a bit over medium stiffness on Burton Mission bindings. I’m 5’5″, 140 lbs. Would I be good with a box knife in 151 cm? Should I be looking into something more forgiving/rockered since I’m still learning? Should I wait to get better before spending any money on a new board? Am I overthinking this? Should I go back to college? Help
Yes.
Hey Avran. I’m looking for a board to learn switch, buttering, side hits, and small to medium jumps. Also a little bit of jibbing, but not as much as the other skills. I’m looking at the 2020 Lib Tech Box Knife, Yes Jackpot, Never Summer Funslinger and Rossignol Jibsaw. Which one of these would be your recommendation for someone with these goals?
Jackpot hands down is the number one pick for park boards for this year, after that Box Knife and Jibsaw. Fuck the Never Summer.
Hahaaa. Thanks!
Wow. Thanks again for the recommendation. I bought the 2020 Jackpot and rode it for the first time and its fucking awesome. It will definitely make my progression in the park easier and I was surprised that it was able to handle black diamonds and uneven terrain so well. Now I have the Jackpot for park and the Arbor Annex for freeriding and powder. I don’t think I’ll need another board for awhile. Thanks again!!
Enjoy!
Hi,
I currently ride a 156 NS funslinger. Love the board but want something not as super flexy but still has flex, this looks like a good option. I am debating if I should go with the 154 or 157? I am 5’11”, 170lbs, ride most glades, some park, mess around with buttering a lot. Mostly east coast riding.
Thanks!
Get the 54.
thanks man, recommend pairing with union stratas, force, atlas?
Hey Angry snowboarder,
I’m fairly new to snowboarding. This next winter would be my second season snowboarding. I want a board that could do a bit of everything, probably won’t take it to the park but might want to go for a few jumps. I’m 5’7- 5’8 and weight about 150 lbs. Do you think the 151 or 154 would be good for me? Or do you think I should go for a different board all together.
Honestly I’d look at a different board as this is a bit more freestyle focused. You would probably be better off with a Yes Basic or Typo, Rossignol The One, Ride Wildlife, Lib Terrain Wrecker or a Gnu Money or Hyak.