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.