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Böker’s Handy, Super-Affordable New Heritage Knife Revives a Century-Old Military Essential

Dating back as far as World War I, this period-accurate folder still offers plenty of modern EDC functionality.

Close-up of a serrated knife blade with "HISTOR KNIFE & TOOL" engraved near a polished metal bolster and wooden handle.Böker
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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From the trench coat to duct tape to the jeep, lots of mainstream civilian products have military origins, and there’s no shortage of lesser-known ones, too.

During World War I, for example, the Bundeswehr cable knife proved indispensable for German engineers and signal units, plus motorized, naval (Kriegsmarine) and airborne (Luftwaffe) divisions.  

Folding knife with a wooden handle and a partially serrated stainless steel blade standing upright on a wooden surface.
The Böker Cable Knife is a pretty faithful reproduction of a folder toted by soldiers more than a century ago.
Böker

Designed primarily for cutting and stripping cables, it was so handy that it became popular with the likes of electricians, DIY enthusiasts and others in everyday life.

That’s why Böker’s latest release is so compelling: it combines that history and utility with good looks and a price that can’t be beat.

Cable ready

Emerging from the brand’s History Knife & Tool label (naturally), the Böker Cable Knife is a real tribute to how dialed in the design is. 

Close-up of a stainless steel knife blade with a wooden handle and "History Knife & Tool" engraved near the handle.
The 3.39-inch blade offers not only classic cutting capability but also function-driven cut-outs and notches.
Böker

According to the brand, it “matches the [German military-issue] TL 5110-0011 specifications and the historical original in all details and dimensions.”

Toward that end, it features a 3.39-inch drop-point blade with a small round notch, a deep concave edge and a V-notch.

Hand holding a folding knife with a wooden handle and a partially serrated stainless steel blade.
The 3.17-ounce knife measures 7.71 inches opened, with plenty of room for a four-fingered grip.
Böker

The last of these, specific to military versions, makes the process of stripping wires faster and more precise.

The concave edge, meanwhile, is ideal for striking sparks with Pyrophoric-Cer fire steel, adding functionality in backcountry scenarios.

Close-up of a folding knife blade with "HISTORY KNIFE & TOOL" engraved near the wooden handle with metal rivets.
The concave edge can be used to start fires, while the speedy V-notch is a trademark of mil-spec editions.
Böker

One notable difference from the OG? Böker has upgraded the blade material to 440A stainless steel to boost its everyday utility, rust resistance and overall durability.

Beyond the blade, the construction is quite simple, which makes sense for field use: when you can’t stroll down to the local hardware store for a replacement, minimizing failure points is paramount.

Folding pocket knife with polished wooden handle and metal bolsters on a wooden surface.
In its folded form, the Cable Knife could easily be mistaken for a Barlow, yet the blade offers so much more.
Böker

Toward that end, we are looking at a two-handed opening via a nail nick, pivoting on a classic non-locking slipjoint mechanism. 

That’s not to say aesthetics are sacrificed, however, as the robust rosewood handle scales mounted to stainless steel liners are timeless, and the grooved bolster adds a touch of class.

Availability and pricing

The Böker Cable Knife is available now for $50.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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