Böker’s Beloved Japanese Martial Arts-Inspired EDC Knife Levels Up Into a Collector’s Dream

A renowned custom knife maker’s arguably finest design now boasts a sensational blade and handle to match.

Close-up of a silver metal clip attached to a textured dark surface, likely part of a folding knife.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published May 21, 2026

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Updated May 21, 2026

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When I met acclaimed knife designer Lucas Burnley in Portland, Oregon last summer, I was already a big fan, with his subsequent work only enhancing that estimation.

One thing he said really stuck with me, too, which is that partnering with major knife brands enables him to transcend the inevitable gatekeeping of painstaking customs that sell out in seconds.

Hand holding a folding knife with a patterned Damascus steel blade and a black marbled handle. — Böker’s Damast Annual knives are unfailingly excellent; thanks to a proven, streamlined design and premium materials, the 2026 edition is no exception.

While that statement has a business-minded underpinning, I’ve come to believe it with silhouettes like the Kihon, which is such a winner, Böker continues to drop compelling, affordable variants.

The new collector-class edition is far more aspirational than accessible, but given the jaw-dropping nature of the Kihon-derived Böker Damast Annual Knife 2026, maybe it’s still some sort of bargain.

Upgrades aplenty

Like its predecessors, this special release lives up to its namesake, which references basic techniques of Japanese martial arts.

Mastering the associated stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts, performed with the correct spirit and attitude, helps one reach the next level of training.

Folding knife with a patterned blade and black marbled handle standing open on dark rocks. — While the backlock mechanism is less convenient than others in that it requires two hands to retract the blade, it is also quite low maintenance and lean, helping the overall weight dip under two ounces.

Along similar lines, the Kihon leans into the fundamentals through a silhouette that is simultaneously minimalist, functional and refined.

However, the newest iteration departs from its predecessors with streamlined mechanics, homegrown manufacturing and premium materials.

Folding knife with patterned blade and marbled handle resting on charcoal pieces. — As you can see here, the swirling patterns on the blade and handle are different, yet quite complementary.

Whereas all previous Kihons employ a crossbar lock, the new folder relies upon a classic backlock, with an ambidextrous thumb stud enabling swift, smooth, one-handed deployment.

This particular knife is also notably made not in one of Böker’s Asian facilities but at the HQ in Solingen, Germany.

Close-up of a Damascus steel knife blade with "BURNLEY" engraved, held between fingers. — The offside of the blade proudly bears the name of the knife’s highly regarded designer.

The blade itself is a 3.19-inch drop point made of seriously elevated Damascus steel; 160 layers in a classic ladder pattern, delivering an eye-popping appearance and excellent edge retention to boot.

Opposite that beautiful blade is a handle made from carbon fiber with a dark, marble-like finish, which nicely complements the rippling steel.

Folded black and gray marbled pocket knife with metal clip on a dark textured surface. — Even the slim pocket clip and lanyard slot adhere to the minimalist approach.

While the aesthetics may feel paramount, I would be remiss not to mention that the minimal design and fine materials make this knife significantly lighter than its siblings

At just 1.94 ounces, it’s sure to ride light in your pocket, assuming you dare to remove this coveted collector’s item from the included display case, of course.

Availability and pricing

Limited to 999 units, the Böker Damast Annual Knife 2026 is available now for (gulp) $529.

Folding knife with a black textured handle and a patterned Damascus steel blade.

Böker Damast Annual Knife 2026

$529 at Böker

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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