Blade Linx

ceo51378 · Master Blader Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 2220 Location: MD

If you guys are getting sick of my review, just let me know. Wink

Yes. I have yet another ‘First Impressions’ review. This time, we will look at the Kalashnikov 74 by Magnum (Boker). Once again, I have put in some comparison shots of this beauty next to one of our favorites, the original Magnum (as we know it).
The Kalashnikov came in a presentation box shaped like…well… an AK-47 magazine. Let me specify that this is the Kalashnikov 74. The Kalashnikov 47 is another knife made directly under Boker and has a price tag reaching up to $500 for the auto version (depending on the materials you want for it).
This knife is a little over a half inch shorter that the Magnum. The blade stock and handle are also quite a bit thinner than the Magnum as well. The handle is held together by 3 torx screws and 1 torx pivot screw that has Kalashnikov printed on it in both English and Russian (very detailed). Being that the blade features a more premium AUS 8 steel (compared to 440 on the Magnum), I would assume that it would be just as durable as the Magnums and hold a better edge. The dimensions of this knife more closely resemble a Piranha P-1 or Amazon as it has a much lower profile than the magnum (though looks can be deceiving with my pics). Even with the rather noticeable size difference, the Kalashnikov weighs almost as much as the Magnum. The blade also has a Teflon coating that will assist in cutting chores. The activation button feels like it is parkerized [sp?] steel rather than aluminum so expect the coating to wear after awhile. The blade has been honed to a razors edge; it was actually much sharper than my Piranha!!! There is an ever-so-slight amount of blade play that was quickly remedied with a torx bit (I’m sure this was a fluke). The blade snap is right on par with the Magnum as well as the overall fit and finish. These guys are definitely brothers. Being that these are the prototypes, the blade has been numbered. As much as this knife screems ‘use me and abuse me!!’ , I’m gonna keep this one in my collection. Now to my favorite part….the handle. This knife will NEVER slip out of your hand… go ahead an try all you want… cover your hand in baby oil and stab away at something… you will not loose your grip. The olive drab anodized aluminum handle has three things going for it. First, it is very well textured. Second, it has finger grooves. I have large hands and this knife fits like a glove which is amazing considering it’s size. Third, the handle has ridges in two places on the spine; one set is right above the activation button for your thumb when holding the knife for regular cutting chores; the second set is placed right above the lanyard hole for the thumb when you are holding the knife in a stabbing position. A lot of thought went into this handle design.
Now for the ugly. The donwsides of this knife are shared with it's big brother and are very small issues at that. It has the same safety mechanism as it’s big brother, the Magnum. I personally have never had a problem with it but have heard a few stories from others about the safety getting loose. Second, the activation button sits exactly like the Magnum. One moderate whack on the spine of the blade (while the knife is open) will bend a small flat side into the pin and make lock up extremely unreliable. This happens because the pin only buts up against about 1/3 of the blade. It will probably never happen to you but this is just an FYI (because it has happened to me). Luckily there is also a quick fix. Unscrew the handle and rotate the pin so the flattened side is away from the blade. It will function and lock up just like new again. The only other problem I have with it is that it says... "Made in Taiwan". Very Happy

I did purchase the Boker sheath that Cam offers with this knife and it fits like a glove. Being that the Kalashnikov does not have a pocket clip, I strongly suggest that you get one if you are going to carry this one on you. The sheath enables you to carry the knife in both a standard or inverted position. It is an excellent quality sheath. As for me, I plan to buy another Kalashnikov in the near future as an EDC. It is an excellent quality knife and I feel it is well worth the extra $$ over the Magnum. I hope this was informative for you. As always, feel free to ask me any questions about it.

MegaDave · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 5:01 pm Post subject:

I got a question...how the hell do you keep getting these bad-arse knives? LOL nice review.......---------------Dave

Tripz · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 5:36 pm Post subject:

Nice review, a blade to consider! although it screams "removable belt clip!" that would be the perfect finishing touch Wink

jarvis · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 6:16 pm Post subject:

Great review, ceo. Sounds like a knife worthy of the Boker Magnum name, even if it is again via the isle of Formosa. Taiwan has really filled a niche with some excellent knives for reasonable money (Boker Magnums, the Cupid clones, etc.). As the Italians fade, the Taiwanese rise, maybe?

picker7769 · Darth Blader Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 3906 Location: MO

Another great review from our resident knife analyst! This is another very impressive piece of steel and one I will have to find a room for at my 'knife hotel' here sooner or later. I have to agree that it could only be improved with the addition of the removable pocket clip.

Like Jarvis I am beginning to wonder if maybe the word 'Taiwan' isn't foul language after all...

Picker 007 Cool

ceo51378 · Master Blader Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 2220 Location: MD

I hate to admit it but their knives have defanitlely improved over the years. Who'd of thought they'd be using aus 8 steel?!! Next thing you'll know, they'll be drving down prices that the custom knife makers charge!

treeshark · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 6:39 pm Post subject:

Ceo, treeshark thinks that you are the best knife reviewer in the world. Exclamation

please do NOT stop reviewing

I have THREE of these babies. and they are sweet.

the safety on the thing is a big problem. Embarassed

and this is the only auto that I have that has cut me. I hit the activation button when I was working on the safety. and treeshark had a wounded fin for a couple of weeks. this sucker has a very sharp blade.

the finger grooves on the anodized aluminum handle is the best feature to me.
this handle design makes up for all its faults.

The Kalashnikov 74 is my knife. when I need a knife to do something, this is the baby that i pick up. if I had to pick one knife to have , this is it.
I have even named my knife, Morgana.

And Morgana the knife is as special as Morgana the person.

ceo51378 · Master Blader Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 2220 Location: MD

Thanks Guys... I'm glad to hear you all enjoy my reviews! Now if only Cam would hire me to be his... freelance review guy... and maybe send me knives to review and post pics... and we could make a new forum called... Chris's Corner.... Cam, you hearing this? Cam? Buddy? Pal? You there??? Wink

-Chris

shari · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 6:59 pm Post subject:

"the safety on the thing is a B!^CH. big problem there."

...and what, pray tell, is the problem with being a b!^ch???? Twisted Evil

dainbramage · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 4:01 am Post subject: safety

on the subject of the safety problem i've had to do this on magnums, mini magnums and smith and wesson i'm sure the kalishnokov would work the same take the knife apart. remove the slide lock as it is plastic
just heat the four corners just a tad with a mini torch and reassemble
if you got it too tight take it back out and file the corners just a bit.
i've done this to several knives and it has eliminated my safety problems

Cool

treeshark · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 4:54 am Post subject:

shari · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 8:22 am Post subject:

"Si, mi amor "

be still my beating heart

picker7769 · Darth Blader Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 3906 Location: MO

Shari and the Shark are at it again... I wanna watch! I wanna watch! Embarassed

007

JCADE2003 · Master Blader Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 1431

Me too

Shark Fight

butch · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 6:26 pm Post subject:

Treeshark- you better run! Shocked