It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
The Kalashnikov series of automatic folding knives from Boker Plus remains one of the EDC community’s favorite autos because anyone can get their quality and reliability for a relatively affordable price. Whether a Desert Warrior or a Dessert Warrior Kalashnikov, the design has relied on a traditional push-button spring-open design. Breaking from that mold, Boker Plus released its new OTF automatic Mini Kalashnikov blade this year. The new OTF opening option gives users the lightning-quick deployment they desire without needing to have enough room for the blade to swing into place.
OTF stands for “out-the-front,” and on the Mini Kalashnikov, you actuate a switch on the side, and a 2.68” D2 tool steel blade pops out of the front of the knife, locking into place once it finishes traveling forward. Flick the switch again, and the knife pops back into its textured aluminum handle. This quick and easy opening makes for an easy one-handed operation. It’s also fun to actuate the mechanism over and over in a lightswitch-style fidget, even if you intend to use something other than the knife to accomplish any tasks of material importance.
What we like: Adding OTF automatic mechanisms to the Boker Plus Kalashnikov line is welcome because of their widespread popularity in the EDC knife community. The Mini version of this knife, in particular, lets you carry an OTF folder without too much hassle in places where blade lengths are restricted.
What to watch out for: OTF or not, the Mini Kalashnikov is still considered an automatic-opening knife. That means you need to check your local laws and rules to see whether carrying this knife is something you’re allowed to do first.
Final verdict: If you’ve been waiting for Boker Plus to add an OTF auto to their Kalashnikov lineup, your wait is over. The Mini Kalashnikov OTF is a solid option if you’re looking for a fun and efficient automatic knife for everyday carry.
