Boker knives

[Drm50]

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.

 

[505Gibbs]

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.

 

[armorer951]

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"

 

[Skyhunter]

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

 

[RCL-09]

Been carrying a Boker Kalashnikov auto with a damascus blade for about 6 years now. Never had an issue, keeps a good edge, easy to sharpen and very durable.

 

[Drm50]

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.

 

[crazyphil]

Third from left is my Boker Kalishnikov automatic. I like it a lot.

 

[Puller]

I carry a Boker automatic every day and have been pleased with it. I prefer it over my Benchmade automatic because the Boker is smaller.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

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.

 

[Narragansett]

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

 

[bdGreen]

This little gem is definitely worthy.

enjoy,

bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.

 

[OLDSTER]

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.

 

[glenwolde]

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.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

Some are fun to look at!

 

[Narragansett]

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.

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.

 

[diyj98]

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!

 

[Peak53]

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?

 

[diyj98]

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.

 

[Goblin]

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]

Here are some Bokers t-b a china made auto,a USA barlow then a German made Solenger.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I like the Boker AK, also - I have a couple of them:

 

[woodsltc]

I don't own any Boker automatic knives but they make some fine knives in all configurations in my opinion. The hunting knife below was made by Boker for Cabela's in the early 1990's which is when I bought it. This used to be my go-to hunting knife for a long time and has been used to field-dress and skin a bunch of deer. The knife is made with 440C steel with a 3.5 inch blade and bone scales (Boker still makes a similar knife called the "Integral II" which has a slightly longer blade). The pouch sheath is a replacement that I had made.......I wrecked the original sheath when I slid down a rocky hillside :rolleyes:. This was/is a "using" knife and the pics show a lot of scratches on the blade as a result.

Don

 

[irish132]

I have had a Boker Mini Kalashnikov for a few years now and really like it. Initial edge is fair but some time on a couple Japanese wet stones and the edge gets very nice. Not the best choice for a high speed operator but works great as a general fartin' around knife.

 

[ZGrand]

When I carry another knife in addition to my Swiss Army knife on my keychain, I carry a Boker Plus Strike Bowie Automatic. It has a great snappy opening, aluminum handles, and the D2 steel blade has held it's edge nicely.

 

[oldbrownhat]

I only have a Böker Multi-Tool:

which I really like - except the quality of the blade, which I find doesn't take or keep an edge as well as my similar Swiss Army Knife. The Böker is made "you-know-where" although the knife blade is Sandvik steel (can't remember which one now, but when I looked it up a few years ago it was considered quite good.) Other than that, I like the G10 (epoxy) handle, plus it has a really sturdy belt clip (not shown in Amazon pic. above)

I also have my grandfather's Böker open razor, which is in an entirely different category. About 20 years ago I decided to sharpen it and actually learned to shave with it (and live to tell the tale.) Took forever, though, so I abandoned it for a traditional Gillette-style safety razon (made by Merkur in Germany) which should last me the rest of my life.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

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.

Me. I won't own a serrated blade. They have very limited use and usually tear before they cut. A well sharpened smooth edge will cut circles around a serrated blade.
BTW I use a sawzall to unzip and cut bones on a deer.

 

[JohnRippert]

I have a Kershaw Launch 4 that has been a excellent little knife. Factory sharp was superb and it holds a good edge. Easy to sharpen with my crock sticks.

 

[skeezix]

I have these two Boker autos. Bought 'em to play with - not to use or carry.