Boker Mini Kalashnikov Auto Knife, AUS-8 Bead Blast Blade

• Blade Length: 2.5"
• Overall Length: 5.75"
• Blade Material: AUS-8 Stainless Steel
• Blade Finish: Bead Blast
• Handle Length: 3.25"
• Handle Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 2 oz.

REPLACEMENT SPRINGS FOR THIS KNIFE CAN BE FOUND HERE

The Kalashnikov

The Boker Kalashnikov Knife Line is named after the famous Russian Lieutenant General Mikhail Kalashnikov, inventor of the AK-47. The Mini Kalashnikov, a smaller version of the popular Kalashnikov, is no exception to the quality that goes into both the assault rifle and the regular version of the knife. The AK-47 is manufactured in such a way that the parts fit more tight together which results in less play and space between the moving parts for a more accurate and effective weapon. In a similar fashion, the Mini Kalashnikov is put together in a way that makes the firing of the blade smooth and free of blade-play. The Kalashnikov is also modeled after the AK-47 aesthetically with its handle grooves, finger grips, and textured surface. And to top it all off, the Kalashnikov Knife Line comes packaged in a box in the shape of an AK-47 magazine. This knife is a perfect addition to any collection of knives or for everyday carry. You will not be disappointed with the Mini Kalashnikov.

Personal Experience

It isn’t too often that I come out in a more personal way in writing some of these reviews, but this article about this knife is an exception. For the past year or so, I have carried every day the Boker Mini Kalashnikov 73, and it has been a wonderful knife to me. Any chance there is to show it off, I jump on that opportunity. The knife is a perfect size for me (see I am not too big of a guy). Plus it was easy to carry around with me in my front pocket, along with my phone and chapstick. While I didn’t typically use it every day, it came in handy when I was in a pickle. The Kalashnikov comes right out of the box sharp and ready to use. I loved not having to worry about keeping it sharp or clean. It is very low maintenance and I occasionally cleaned it. The knife is also very discrete and nobody even acknowledges that I carry it, unless they have a keen eye for a good knife. Whenever someone asks me for a good knife, I always recommend anything Boker, especially the Mini Kalashnikov because of how much I have enjoyed having it. It’s reliable, and I feel you get more bang for your buck with this knife.

Specs

For being a smaller auto knife, this thing really packs a punch. It may not look impressive on paper, but when in action this thing takes off.

• Product Type: Automatic Knife
• Overall Length: 5.75"
• Weight: 1.95 oz.
• Handle Length: 3.25”
• Blade Length: 2.5"
• Blade Thickness: 0.12"
• Blade Material: AUS-8 Stainless
• Blade Edge: Plain
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Finish: Bead Blast
• Handle Material: Aluminum
• Handle Color: Black
• Sheath Included: No
• Pocket Clip: Tip-Up
• Made in Taiwan
• Engineered in Germany

To give it more perspective, below is a comparison to another popular knife made by Schrade that shares similar specifications to it:

The Kalashnikov is a little bit smaller than the Schrade 60, but this helps in a number of ways. First, it helps those with smaller hands have a better grip on it. But probably the most important reason for it being smaller is its pocket real-estate.

Real Estate

When I shared about my personal experience with the Kalashnikov, I mentioned how it felt to carry around in my pocket. When closed, the knife sits at about 3 and a quarter inches long. That is about the same size as a regular debit/credit card or drivers license. Most people carry those cards every day in their pocket. The Mini Kalashnikov can fit in those pockets too. Another point to mention about the knife is how it sits in the pocket when attached with the clip. The pocket clip on the Kalashnikov runs more than half the length of the knife. This knife has little chance of going anywhere with how long the clip is. Additionally, the clip makes it so the knife rests discretely in the pocket. The butt of the knife sits flush with the edge of the pocket, unlike many other knives where they extend past the edge of the pocket.

Steel

Another reason why the Mini Kalashnikov 73 is a great choice for a great knife is the steel used in the blade. The steel that is used is AUS-8 Stainless Steel that is made in Japan. This steel is exceptionally hard and is quite capable of achieving and retaining a sharp edge. Plus, with the high amount of chromium, this knife is extremely rust-resistant. AUS-8 is said to be compared to steels like 440C, Cm-154, and D2. This well-rounded knife has high quality in its hardness, toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. While this metal is still far from being perfect, it is a quality steel for what it costs to produce. Most of the Kalashnikov Knife Line utilizes the AUS-8 stainless steel, but there are a limited amount of knives that employ a different, higher-quality steel than the rest do. Some knives are equipped with CPM S30V stainless steel. This steel is a martensitic (hardened) powder-made (sintered) wear and corrosion resistant stainless steel developed by Dick Barber of Crucible Industries in collaboration with knifemaker Chris Reeve. Its chemistry promotes the formation and even distribution of vanadium carbides which are harder and more effective at cutting than chromium carbides. These vanadium carbides give the steel a very refined grain, further improving the sharpness and toughness. Whichever steel route you choose, they are both high quality and effective stainless steels.

Finish

The Mini Kalashnikov 73 has a nice finish to its AUS-8 stainless steel. The blade is finished with a nice bead blast finish. A bead blast finish is done by altering the finish of a metal surface by “blasting” it with particles (usually glass beads, sand, or aluminum oxide) to achieve a dull, non-reflective matte finish. Bead blasting produces a smoother finish than angular abrasives. There is no dimensional change to the metal surface. Glass bead blasting leaves no embedded contaminants or residue. This process smooths away any surface defects. Glass bead blasting may improve corrosion resistance as well. This finish can help the corrosion resistance of the knife. Some other advantages to having a bead blast finish are that scratches are not as noticeable as other finishes. And along with that, they do not show fingerprints or other smudges as easily.

Feisty

Much has been said about the Mini Kalashnikov. Aside from being an excellent knife for its price and quality, it has a nice smooth action as it opens, a loud and satisfying snapping sound when it clicks into place. With no blade play, the knife is impressive to open. How quickly the knife opens is sure to beat your typical blinking. It is ready in a split second for immediate use. With the sharp confirming click, you know the knife is locked and ready for come cutting. And straight out of the AK-47 Magazine Box, this knife is ready for some serious action. It comes razor sharp to cut down anything that stands in its way.

Bang for your Buck

Within the price range that the Mini Kalashnikov sits in, other knives do not compare to the quality that the Kalashnikov has to offer. While the saying “you get what you pay for” is a true statement, it is an understatement for what this knife has to offer. Much precision and care has been put into designing and crafting the Mini Kalashnikov. From its steel quality to its state of the art design, and from its mechanics, to its durability, this knife has more to offer than what other knives in the same price range have to offer.

Reliable

From my experience in carrying the Mini Kalashnikov, it has been a reliable knife. I could always trust in my knife whenever the occasion came to use it. It always opened without fail, and in a quick manner. Even though it is a smaller knife, I always felt safer when carrying it around. It’s a knife that I can rely on all the time. There is just so many great characteristics to the knife that makes it too valuable not to have with me. Even if it was going to the gym or to the field, I carried it with me. I never knew when I would need to use it, but it would still go with me anywhere (even to the chapel).

Maintenance

Because of how simple the Mini Kalashnikov 73 is, it is favorable for everyday carry. There are not many parts to the knife, which make it easy to take apart, clean, repair, and sharpen, if needed. The steel used in the knife also makes it simple to take care of. An occasional cleaning and tightening of screws will help make the knife last a long time. Knife modifiers that are just starting out in that practice may take a liking to the Kalashnikov because its simple design. The knife also serves as a great beginner’s knife. It can take a beating and does not require much attention to take care of it.

Variations

One of the nice things about the Kalashnikov Knife Line, both the full sized and mini versions of the knives, is that there are various options for everyone. There is a blade style that fits every need that a user would want to have. There are a variety of finishes to match the desires of the consumer. And there is a steel that can be used in most circumstances. Below is a chart of the different variations that are available through BladeOps for your pleasure. Not shown on the table are the regular sized knifes. There are several additional variations that are available to choose from.