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Böker’s New Tactically Inspired, Multi-Deploying EDC Knife Offers a Mighty Big Blade for Less than $50

With a name derived from the desert, this formidable folder is equipped to tackle all manner of everyday tasks and outdoor adventures.

A close-up of a hand holding a small folding knife with a beige handle and a partially visible blade. The knife has a black screw near the top of the handle. The background is blurred.Böker

By Steve Mazzucchi

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Perhaps more than any other brand, Böker consistently puts out sub-$50 pocket knives that far exceed their price tag in terms of both performance and personality.

From the Blackjay and Empery to the Fire Ant and Atlas Mini, their track record in this realm has been painstakingly proven over time.

A folding knife with a stonewashed blade and a beige textured handle, resting on the edge of a metal container. The blade has a drop point shape and a small logo near the base. The handle features three black screws and ergonomic grooves for grip.
From its beefy blade to its dune-inspired handle, the Barchan ranks high among budget beauties.
Böker

So I can’t exactly say that I’m surprised that the latest entry brings its own saucy superlatives to the table. 

Meet the Böker Plus Barchan, which packs a lot more than a cool-sounding name.

Desert fox

According to Merriam-Webster, a barchan is “a moving crescent-shaped sand dune.” 

A fitting moniker here, reflected in the color and shape of its handle but in the blade’s dynamism too. 

Close-up of a hand holding a folding knife with a beige textured handle and a partially visible stonewashed blade. The knife features a black screw near the pivot point.
Two ridged flippers give you multiple deployment options — one just requires a bit more finesse.
Böker

Because yes, this thing can move. Front and rear flippers give you multiple deployment options, while a smooth ball bearing pivot and a liner lock ensures a snappy, secure release every time. 

What emerges is equally impressive — a robust and rugged 3.94-inch drop point blade made of 440B stainless steel. 

A folding knife with a beige textured handle and a black blade resting on a black glove. Surrounding items include a black pen, a black flashlight, and a black pouch with a white bandage or cloth inside.
With a blade measuring nearly 4 inches long, the Barchan is burly enough for backcountry missions.
Böker

While this material is somewhat rare for a blade steel these days, it nonetheless offers good corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, while of course sparing your wallet.

Adding to the style of the blade is a no-nonsense black stonewash finish and a streamlining fuller or blood groove that narrows neatly near the tip of the blade.

Daily driver

Of course the nomenclature really applies to the Barchan’s unique handle. 

Made of G10 hued in sandy brown, it features an ergonomic shape, slanted grooves and a grippy texture that not only recalls wind rippling across the dunes but also lends itself to a sturdy grasp.

Close-up of a Boker knife blade with a stonewashed finish, featuring the Boker logo near the handle. The handle is light-colored with a textured surface and a black screw. The background is blurred.
The blood groove and black stonewash finish lend this blade a tactical edge with practical apps.
Böker

A tip-up right-side clip makes for easy carrying, just one more feature that suits the knife to all kinds of jobs.

The size of its blade and its generally hefty construction obviously qualifies this 4.48-ouncer for field working, ready to slash everything from paracord to zipties and whittle a stick too.

Folding knife with a black blade and a textured beige handle, resting on a closed black notebook with an elastic band.
Inspired by windswept dunes, shaping of the handle should nonetheless be finger-friendly.
Böker

That being said, there’s no reason you can’t keep this beater around for everyday jobs, as it should be just as capable opening packages and slicing fruit. 

Of course with a name like Barchan, I’m sure it’s perfect for slicing through a delicious sandwich too, amiright??

The Böker Plus Barchan is available now for $47.

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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