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Boker AK74 (KAL74B)

A Product Review by Phil Elmore

German knife manufacturer Boker
produces an entire line of knives named for and stylistically evocative of the
famed Kalashnikov assault rifle. The KAL models have aggressive
clip-point blades styled after the AK47/AKM bayonet so familiar to some knife
collectors. What I did not know until recently, however, is that Boker
also produces a line of knives styled after the bayonet of the AK74. For
those who don’t know, the AK74 is a later variant of the Kalashnikov chambered
for a smaller round similar to NATO’s .223 (5.56 mm) caliber.

The Boker KAL74B, one of the companies AK74 line of
folders.

Naming and styling knives after famous firearms is nothing
new. I’m sure some buyers choose specific knives based on their
affection for the corresponding weapons. The AK74 series from Boker is
worth considering, however, simply because they are handy, nicely designed
folders. Available in two handle colors with and without black Teflon
blade coatings, these are comfortable liner locks with a sense of style.

The author with his own prized Kalashnikov rifle
variant, the MAK90.

My knife is the KAL74B variant, which has a
partially serrated and black Teflon-coated blade of AUS8 stainless steel.
It is ground on both sides (the serrations are ground on one side only) and
measures three and a half inches. Overall length is eight inches and the
knife weighs under five ounces.

Sample sent to The Martialist is the KAL74B
variant.

The knife feels good in the hand and provides
excellent traction.

The KAL74B opens smoothly using the
ambidextrous, graduated thumb studs. It locks open securely without
play. Out of the Kalashnikov magazine-shaped box, the liner engages the
tang fully and at the left, leaving room for wear.

Thumb grooves on the spine mate with grooves in the
blade tang.

The liner lock engages fully at the left of the tang,
without blade play.

The textured aluminum handle incorporates thick
“structured grooves” that provide a very secure grip. My knife’s handle
is supposed to be olive drab in color, though to my eyes it looks a little
more gray than green. Thumb grooves and grooves cut around the butt area
of the handle are nicely done (though the thumb grooves are rounder than I
prefer). There is a lanyard hole in the handle, but no pocket clip.
I carry my KAL74B in an aftermarket horizontal Nylon belt sheath, though you
could just as easily drop it into a pocket.

Handle color is listed as OD Green but looks more
gray to me.

Texturing on the handle is very pleasing to the
touch.

My knife shipped to me in a presentation box
shaped like a Kalashnikov magazine. This is a nice touch and makes the
AK74 line a good choice for gifts.

The KAL74B in its Kalashnikov magazine presentation
box.

Some knives just have a good “feel.”
Their shape and their weight make you want to pick them up and use them.
That’s how the KAL74B feels to me; it is a great daily cutter that I’ve
used for all kinds of utility chores in testing. The deeply curved blade
cuts very well and would make a great slasher, while the serrations bite
deeply in rope, cloth, and other “loose work.” The blade tapers to a
sharp point and penetrates well in stacked cardboard and plastic.

The blade has good belly and the serrations bite
deeply.

The AK74 line is quite affordable because it is
part of Boker’s “Magnum” brand. The Magnum folders are Taiwanese imports
that show good quality for the asking price. My KAL74B could, however,
pass for a Solingen-made Boker if not for the blade stamp. Its fit and
finish are very good.

This is a well-made, affordable, and very handy
tactical folder.

If you, like me, hold the venerable Kalashnikov
in high regard, this knife is worth procuring for nostalgia value alone.
The benefit of this particular knife is that its substance matches its
style.

This is a well-made and
cost-effective utility folder that would serve many people well.

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