I’ve been wanting a small automatic knife that has decent steel in blade. Boker has one under 2” blade for around $40. I’m not going to air drop with Seals and carve my way through a wall of human flesh. I’m only going to cut string and open packages and maybe a slice of cheese. Don’t need a $200 dagger, but I do want knife that can be sharpened. Has anyone had experience with these? I’ve decided it best to get conventional switch blade not the ones that fly out the end.
Boker knives
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You get what you pay for in a Boker - IMO.
I have two of their larger autos and the factory edge is nothing special at all!
I was able to get a pretty fair edge after more than a bit of time using a white stone rod, a diamond stone and a strop.
That's my experience and I'm sticking to it.
I have two of their larger autos and the factory edge is nothing special at all!
I was able to get a pretty fair edge after more than a bit of time using a white stone rod, a diamond stone and a strop.
That's my experience and I'm sticking to it.
I have one of their low grade "Kalishnikov" automatics. Nothing to write home about, belt clip is fragile, and consequently, pretty useless. (also removable)
Will probably work fine for the jobs you specified. And.....there will be no nervous breakdown if it is lost or goes AWOL.
I typically use a diamond stick to sharpen, not a stone, and it sharpens very easily.
Boker Desert Tan Kalashnikov 74 Auto Knife, Combo Blade "free shipping on every order"
Will probably work fine for the jobs you specified. And.....there will be no nervous breakdown if it is lost or goes AWOL.
I typically use a diamond stick to sharpen, not a stone, and it sharpens very easily.
Boker Desert Tan Kalashnikov 74 Auto Knife, Combo Blade "free shipping on every order"
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Skyhunter
Member
I bought several Boker "automatics" when I was working overseas. They have aluminum handles with wood inlays and hold an edge well.
I've been using both the full size and smaller Kalashnikov automatics for about 5 years and have been very pleased with them. I sharpen them on traditional Arkansas oil stones. They both take a keen edge and hold it very well.
I have no complaints with their durability or their edge holding qualities. Having said that, I don't abuse my knives by cutting on hard surfaces or using a knife like a screwdriver or chisel.
WYT-P
Skyhunter
I've been using both the full size and smaller Kalashnikov automatics for about 5 years and have been very pleased with them. I sharpen them on traditional Arkansas oil stones. They both take a keen edge and hold it very well.
I have no complaints with their durability or their edge holding qualities. Having said that, I don't abuse my knives by cutting on hard surfaces or using a knife like a screwdriver or chisel.
WYT-P
Skyhunter
OP
I usually carry the smallest Lock back or Liner lock I can find with decent blade. Case Mini Blackthorne, Buck mini lite, Gerber? forget name. I go through a few due to loss. These small knives don’t seem to be anything special as far as steel. I know you have to watch anymore the big manf are farming out some lines and around holidays come up with gift sets that are mostly Chinese. Boker Tree brand use to be a quality knife, Boker Is now just like the rest.
Puller
Member
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
2 or 3 years ago I acquired the Boker 'Magnum' model automatic. 3.5" blade, non-serrated, hollow grind, aluminum handle. Blade is AUS-8 stainless. Very well designed button for the blade release, nicely recessed into the handle while being easy to locate and use, makes a separate safety device unnecessary.
Purchased new in box. Workmanship is quite good. Initial function was sluggish, improved with a drop of oil on the pivot pin and a few uses for break-in. Factory sharpening was not great, improved considerably with careful use of the soft and hard Arkansas stones. Has since held the edge very well.
I consider it to be a good tool for daily use and I would not hesitate to purchase Boker again. For the price they are impossible to beat.
My 'Magnum' model is a fairly large pocket knife. For every day use I would prefer something with less bulk. On the other hand, if I have to field dress a deer I would rather have this one than a smaller model.
Purchased new in box. Workmanship is quite good. Initial function was sluggish, improved with a drop of oil on the pivot pin and a few uses for break-in. Factory sharpening was not great, improved considerably with careful use of the soft and hard Arkansas stones. Has since held the edge very well.
I consider it to be a good tool for daily use and I would not hesitate to purchase Boker again. For the price they are impossible to beat.
My 'Magnum' model is a fairly large pocket knife. For every day use I would prefer something with less bulk. On the other hand, if I have to field dress a deer I would rather have this one than a smaller model.
I have had several of the Boker mini Kals. They are worth the short money you pay for them. They sharpen well, but edge retention is not great, the action is pretty quick, I have had several. They fit a budget.
i like the small Piranha ( fingerling ), but they are more money. USA made, and you can get them serviced. The Microtech is nice, but they are a lot more money, and generally in short supply. Both of these have quick actions
i like the small Piranha ( fingerling ), but they are more money. USA made, and you can get them serviced. The Microtech is nice, but they are a lot more money, and generally in short supply. Both of these have quick actions
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This little gem is definitely worthy.
enjoy,
bdGreen
Tap on image to enlarge.
enjoy,
bdGreen
Tap on image to enlarge.
OLDSTER
Member
I carry an auto, and have every day for years. Second from left is the Boker Kalish. Nice knife for the money, but not in the same class as my Benchmade ( not pictured ), Protech, Piranha, Gerber, and Bushmaster. But less than 1/3 the price. So to the OP, for the use and budget you described, you'll be plenty happy with the Boker.
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I have two Boker automatics. A Kalashnikov and a Magnum. The Magnum is the way better knife and I don't recall it costing much more, if at all.
The AK74's blade is good, if not great. Stays sharp and I just use a pocket steel/ceramic sharpener. My only complaint is the finish has worn severally after a couple of years of pocket carry. No problems with the clip.
I've carried the Magnum much less.
The AK74's blade is good, if not great. Stays sharp and I just use a pocket steel/ceramic sharpener. My only complaint is the finish has worn severally after a couple of years of pocket carry. No problems with the clip.
I've carried the Magnum much less.
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Sakràn Dog
Member
As for lockbacks, I go to ebay and find USA made Schrade SP-2 knives. They are small, take a decent edge, and weigh nothing. There is a -1 and -3. Smaller and larger respectively.
Here’s a couple of my SP-3’s. Obviously the one has been used and sharpened a LOT!
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I like the looks of several of the knives in the thread above. At the risk of thread drift, what is the attraction of a serrated blade? I've tried a couple and just don't get it. I like the smooth slicing of a traditional blade. What am I missing?
I believe serrated blades cut some things like rope better, but I've had internet experts argue me that this isn't the case. I find a serrated knife cuts through the sternum on a deer better than a non serrated knife. That's primarily the reason I liked the old 1/2 serrated Gerber I used to carry. The plain edge did most of the work, but I could tear thorough the sternum with the serrated half. They also cut bread easier
But you'll find others that say they wouldn't own a serrated blade.
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Goblin
Member
I have one similar to post 8 above. Mine is D2 steel, which I’ve found I like as much as the more expensive steels. Sharpens easily and holds the edge well enough. For about $40, I have no complaints.
garddogg56
Member
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