I have just about every Kalashnikov auto that Boker has released so far, with exception to the XL & Sub models and this knife is an excellent addition to the family.
What surprised me after unboxing (from the trademark “AK magazine”-shaped box, no less) was how HUGE the blade is. The edge is perfectly flat, but the profile still has something of a point for piercing. Not very sharp, but this is typical of so many knife makers.
Another unique quality of the cleaver blade is how slooowly the blade fires?! It’s slow, but in a strange way seems to fit the look of the knife nicely. Firing the blade is slow, but also silent. No loud SNAP! when the blade locks up. It’s so quiet I didn’t think it was locking open, but it does lock every time I fire open the blade. I’ve never seen an auto open so slowly, but once you get used to it it’s not an issue at all. The silent blade is definitely a plus, as you won’t attract a crowd when you deploy the blade.
The blade is also pretty wide, but mine is perfectly flat with a nice satin finish. I like the shine, what can I say?!
Wrapping up, I’m very pleased I snagged one of these. The Kalashnikov Cleaver is worthy of being my very first cleaver (and an auto!) I like it so much I’m considering a Boker Kalashnikov Sub Cleaver as well. This is a sizable knife. I have a Sub, just not all of them. They work well and I’m curious about the Sub.
Lastly, I wanted to comment on these being produced in China. I have dozens of Bokers. From some gorgeous fixed blade with mirror polish, all the way down to some silly, gold-plated pocket knives that are apparently popular in Asia. That said, as long as you’re aware that the Boker “Magnum” line is their budget knife line, you’ll know what you’re getting. I have some incredible knives from the Boker Plus line. I’ve never had an issue with an Boker, so I can’t comment on their support. Even so, having owned some of these knives for over 10 yrs, I think it’s worth commenting that I’ve never had to seek assistance for any Boker product. I have no affiliation with Boker or BladeOps, I simply enjoy using Boker knives and this new addition is a prime example of what I’m referring to. These are quality knives that can be enjoyed, quite literally, for decades.
Now, where is that Boker J-Bite?