Böker Gives Its Cult-Favorite Tactical Knife a Blacked-Out, Fast-Action Overhaul
Just when you thought the beloved Kalashnikov had gotten every possible treatment, the brand drops this stealthy option.
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Search for Kalashnikov on Böker's site, and you'll discover more than two dozen current and discontinued models.
That's not even counting funky collaborations with the likes of BladeHQ and Smoky Mountain Knife Works .
This blacked-out OTF treatment builds on a design with more than two decades of history. - Credit: Böker
Even so, that search result might lead you to believe the possibilities have been exhausted, to which the Solingen, Germany-based brand would respond with a definitive "nein!"
Clear evidence appears in the form of the brand's latest interpretation of a product born in 2003, the Kalashnikov OTF Compact All Black.
Unlike side-opening autos, this knife fires its blade straight out the front via a top-mounted thumb slider. - Credit: Böker
Released alongside a similarly styled Kwaiken , the stealthy new 4.94-ounce knife boasts a top-mounted thumb slider for automatically deploying and retracting the blade with swift, smooth precision.
That blade is a 3.46-inch clip-point made of edge-retaining, wear-resistant D2 steel with a black stonewash finish.
Its home is a blacked-out aluminum handle with machined grooves along its body to improve grip.
D2 steel with a black stonewash finish gives the 3.46-inch clip-point blade strong wear resistance and a stealthy look. - Credit: Böker
The one part of the name that's a bit confusing is "Compact," as other options are smaller.
For example, the recently released Kalashnikov All Black , with a more traditional out-the-side automatic deployment, has a shorter 3.35-inch blade, shorter open length (7.83 inches vs 8.54 inches) and a weight of 3.6 ounces.
The deep-carry pocket clip sits on the right side, keeping the knife secure and barely visible above the pocket line. - Credit: Böker
That said, the new knife does have a slightly shorter blade and overall length than, say, the discontinued Kalashnikov OTF Bowie (3.54 inches and 8.66 inches, respectively) and others , so it is arguably compact relative to previous OTF variants.
In any case, thanks to its right-side deep-carry clip, the latest version should slide easily into most pockets, ready when you need it.
Availability and pricing
The Böker Kalashnikov OTF Compact All Black is available now for $150.
Boker Plus Kalashnikov OTF Compact All Black
About the Author:
Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
