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My recent review of the Microtech Stitch ignited my interest in automatic knives. I think it’s easy to see why. The Stitch is a beautiful and unique knife. It is also a $400 knife. That’s a significant chunk of change. I wanted to check out a more affordable segment of the market.
Buy the Boker Kalashnikov at BladeHQ
The Boker Kalashnikov is an easy knife to consider in the budget auto category. It has been a best seller for BladeHQ for years. But for whatever reason I’ve been ignoring it. Maybe it’s the Kalashnikov schtick. Not really my thing. That combined with it being an auto dropped it far down on the list of knives to review.
But lets check it out. For $40, its about 10% the cost of the Microtech Stitch, so it will be interesting to compare the two. Lets see how it holds up.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The Kalashnikov, which is sometimes referred to as the 74 or “AK-74″, has an overall length of 7.625″, a 3.25” blade, and it weighs 3.70 ounces. It’s a good size for EDC, provided that it’s legal for you to carry an automatic knife where you live. In many parts of the world it’s not legal to carry an automatic knife, so check your laws carefully before pocketing the Kalashnikov in public.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that this knife was designed by Dietmar Pohl of Pohl Force fame. I didn’t realize this until I sat down to write the review. Good to know.
Boker offers this knife in a variety of blade shapes and colors. I happened to get the spearpoint bladed version with the BladeHQ exclusive “Smokewash” finish. My knife has been evenly ground. The blade stock is right at 3mm thick. It gets reasonably thin behind the edge, and has a fine tip. The edge has been applied evenly, and the smokewash finish has an attractive distressed look. All in all, the blade has been well done.
If a spearpoint isn’t your thing Boker offers the knife with a drop point, tanto, or clip point blade. There are probably other versions. This has been a successful model for Boker and like the Kwaiken it has been released in a myriad of configurations over the years.
The Ak-74 comes in AUS-8 blade steel. This seems to be their standard offering for this model, although you may be able to find different steels in various limited releases. Those who have been around the budget knife market for a minute know that AUS-8 is a softer steel. Edge retention isn’t great, but it does take a nice edge and is easy to sharpen. For $40 I’m not complaining. I think AUS-8 is appropriate given the price point.
In practice the Kalashnikov held up to all the little EDC chores I put it through. This includes the usual stuff like opening mail, breaking down boxes, and cutting fruit. This sort of stuff is no problem for the Kalashnikov. When the edge eventually dulls a couple swipes on my Sharpmaker or DMT stones bring the edge back without issue. This is an easy steel to sharpen.
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip
The AK-74 features an anodized cast aluminum handle. The handle is contoured and heavily textured. It has 3 bands running down it, designed to mimic the magazine of an AK-74 rifle. The handle pieces are held together by torx hardware and 3 stand offs, providing a decent view into the guts of the knife. There’s not much to see. Just more black aluminum. The hardware is black, save for the pivot which has a little extra decoration on it.
All the parts line up. There are no sharp edges. When I shake the knife it doesn’t rattle. The handle appears to be dialed in.
The Kalashnikov has decent ergonomics. The first thing I noticed are the 3 finger grooves. Typically these can cause hot spots, but I had no issues with my size “XL” hands. There is a row of jimping on the spine of the blade and back of the handle. It works well. It’s on the aggressive side, but for basic EDC tasks it didn’t bother me.
The handle itself is loaded with texture. It has a faux stippled look to it. Kind of like a Pebble Tec swimming pool but even milder. All said the ergonomics on this knife aren’t bad. It’s not the world’s most comfortable knife, but it’s not offensive either.
The pocket clip is a large black deep carry pocket clip. It carries the same motif as the handle with 3 ridges. I’m not a huge fan of the styling, but beyond that this is a functional and discreet pocket clip. It buries the knife in your pocket, and the good spring retention keeps the knife tucked away.
In practice the Kalashnikov carried as I would expect it. At a little under 4 ounces the knife is relatively small and light. For the most part I didn’t notice it.
Deployment and Lockup
The Kalashnikov is a coil spring automatic. To release the blade you depress the button. Very simple and effective. The spring action is excellent and the blade slams open with a loud smack. No complaints in the deployment department.
For lockup we have a button lock. This setup is just like the Microtech Stich, although everything done has been on a much smaller scale. Lockup is tight, but I detect a slight amount of side to side play when I pull on the blade. Nothing crazy, but it’s there. The lock disengages easily, with no lock stick or binding.
Blade centering is close to perfect on my knife.
Boker Kalashnikov Review – Final Thoughts
I still find the entire premise of the knife to be slightly goofy, but I’m glad I picked up the Boker Kalashnikov. I think if you are looking for a sturdy automatic folder for $40 or so, then the Kalashnikov is well worth considering. It’s well made and fully functional. I don’t think there is anything else out there that touches it.
I see Smith and Wesson makes a series of “Extreme Ops” autos for $20-30, but I’d bet my bottom set of dentures that they won’t be as good as this AK-74. Kershaw makes a nice series of USA made automatic knives, but these are going to cost you at least twice as much money. Anything by Gerber or Benchmade is going to set you back at least $150. So for $40 I’d say this is a nice sweet spot if you are wanting to add an automatic folder to your collection but want to keep the cost below $50.
And the knife works well. It benefits from a simple design, decent materials, and sturdy construction. It cuts well, is reasonably comfortable to use, carries nicely, and has a snappy push button automatic action. There is really nothing wrong with it. I think it represents good value for money given its price. It is easy to see why this knife has sold well over the years and continues to stay in production with a wide variety of different configurations.
Does it impress me like the $400 Stitch? Not really. But it’s still a good knife for the money. Recommended for a sub $50 auto.
Boker Kalashnikov – From $39.95
From: BladeHQ
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Of note, in addition to the Boker being available in a variety of blade shapes and colors, it is available in other, “nicer” steels and two sizes as well. I have a mini version in S30V from bladeops. It is a great little ’round the house knife, though I find for whatever reason I like the AUS-8 version I have better.
For the money, it is really hard to beat. Better steel available than the 154CM on my Kershaw autos and, in my opinion, better feel. I like it just as well as my Microtechs. Same category as the Microtechs, no, but assessing it on its own merits, I feel it is fair to say it stands up well to knives costing twice as much.
Also of note, I do not believe the link to Amazon provided is for the same knife. The Amazon version is a manual liner lock, not automatic. If Amazon sells any autos, I am not aware of it.
Something that often jumps out for people is the wavy clip. At first glance I wasn’t sure what to think of it. With time, I have come to really like it.
It is a fun knife and an easy one to give as a gift to friends and family. Far better quality than a gas station novelty knife, without spending a large sum for the novelty it will be to many.
Hey WIC, Great points all around. Thank you. I am glad to hear you enjoy this one as well. Sounds like I need to check out the mini version too!
Dan
Sir can you please advise what the sharpening angle is on the Automat Kalashinkov 74?
My edc is a pair of. AKs one scarred and abused the other in good condition. Both of mine are the reverse tanto warnecliffe blades. I really like the sharp point and straight edge for those times when a utility knife is just too short. I almost always have a utility knife in a carpenter pocket as well, at least when working. The Boker is nothing intimidating and it shouldn’t be. It’s just a great little tool for my everyday life.
Hey Scott, Thanks for checking out the review and leaving some thoughts on your AKs. Very cool. Glad you like them. I agree, it’s a great no-nonsense tool.
Dan
Hello my Awesome AutoMat Kalashnikov 74 BOKER’s knife tip Broke out of knowhere, I’ve Never cut Anything Other then Paper, Or Plasic bag, I Love this Knife & I’m Extremely sad because it was a Gift From now my Late Mother & Dont know where she bought it from, It just came to my place
Hi Daniel, Sorry to hear about your AK 74. Never heard of a knife tip just breaking, but maybe if you contact Boker they will determine if it falls under their warranty?
Dan
Dan
I was recently in Japan for work and this stirred up the knife/blade metallurgy bug again… as a result I bought a Boker Magnum in Damascus, a Boker Kalashnikov AK-74 Automatic Knife in a drop point shape and CTS-XHP steel (and a custom knife I’ll mention later). I feel the same about the marketing naming (Kalashnikov AK-74), turns me off a bit, but I was really excited to find one in CTS-XHP. I have a semi-production Genesis by Patrick Roehrman (MT Knives) in that steel and I absolutely love it! It has been my EDC for about 5 years and I have only sharpened it once. Now I carry both the Genesis (as a neck knife) and the Boker Kalashnikov as EDCs. It is my first automatic as the laws have relaxed lately. I had many of the same observations as you regarding the fit, form, and function but without any side to side play. The workmanship on the blade is not to the same standard as Patrick’s on the Genesis but it is better than I expected given it was coming out of China/Taiwan. When it finally needs to be sharpened I will improve on the blade shape / workmanship a bit. Overall I am very pleased with the knife. So with regard to the custom knife I mentioned, I bought the Bokers in a failed attempt to assuage that desire. Still waiting my custom Ranger from Patrick! Nice review Dan.
Colin,
Thank you for taking the time out to leave such a detailed comment. An AK-74 in CTS-XHP sounds like a quality tool. Glad to hear yours does not have any blade play in it and you have been enjoying it. CTS-XHP is excellent stuff and I have always had good success sharpening blades in that steel. I hope it provides you many years of service like your Patrick Roehrman Genesis. That looks like a no-nonsense piece! Carry and enjoy them both in good health.
Cheers,
Dan
Dan
I’ve had a lot of time lately (thanks COVID-19) to watch TV and I saw a re-run of an old fav. While watching there was a scene that made me stop and say “wait, what was that!? DVR has me spoiled and I rewound the scene and then paused it at just the right spot… sure enough there it was; a Boker Plus Kalashnikov AK-74 in Black on the table. So in what 2006 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Vera Farmiga is there a scene in which the Boker Plus Kalashnikov AK-74 is clearly displayed? Enjoy ;p
Colin, Lol! I know the answer but don’t want to spoil it for anyone else who comes across this comment. Stay safe my friend!
Dan
I acquired one secondhand, and the coil spring was broken. A quick perusal of the BokerUS website states unequivocally that they won’t repair or replace any of the automatic knives they sell, and are “required” to destroy them. But they can sell them? Does this make any sense to anyone else? I guess they’d rather sell a new knife rather than repair their older knives.
John, There may be some legal reasons for that since it’s an automatic. You can likely find a new coil spring from an aftermarket vendor.
Dan
I recently purchased a standard size Kalash in CTS-XHP and an XL Kalash in Aus-8. I am very happy with both: these knives are a steal at their respective prices.
That said, I have a question regarding the Boker plunge lock. I cannot legally CCW my handgun at my workplace, however, knives are not an issue. Consequently, I carry pepper spray on a daily basis along with my Cold Steel Recon 1. However, I like the ergonomics of the XL Kalash over my Recon 1: it just fits my hand better. Now, I KNOW the lock on the Recon 1 is rock solid. So, for those who have used the Kalash on a daily basis, would you consider the plunge lock secure enough for defensive purposes or would you recommend against it?
Thank you and best wishes!
Why all of the objections to the name? Kalashnikov was a brilliant designer, who, by accident of birth, never made any money from his inventions. These knives are presumably providing his family with a nice reward, even following his passing.
Derek, Just my opinion on it, maybe I’m off base – certainly room for more than one opinion. I figured they were just using the name on an inexpensive overseas produced folder as a marketing schitck and it wasn’t something that was designed by the designer of the AK-47. Interesting that his family licensed their name for it – good for them!
Dan
It’s just cheesy marketing. Boker, and automatic are enough. The AK-47 magazine shaped box it ships in is just over the top. I own a really nice AK rifle (Bulgarian made), but naming a knife line after such a ubiquitous rifle is unoriginal and again…cheesy.
I agree, Colin. It was a little hokey to me. That said I didn’t know the name was officially licensed by the Kalashnikov family. That’s interesting, and I meant no offense to the family.
Dan
Bought my Broker Kalishnakov 74 at a gun show. I love it and have used it in daily carry until last week. The spring broke and I was bummed right out. Still am. I get attached to good knives that I buy. Sad to retire my Boker.