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Böker’s Glorious Japanese Martial Arts-Inspired EDC Knife Gets More Compact and Affordable

This pared-down take on the multi-deploying masterpiece hits all the right notes without breaking the bank.

Close-up of a textured black plastic and metal object with an orange translucent component.Böker
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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You know someone’s unique creation is truly legendary when even its spinoff is a bona fide hit. 

In the TV world, that’s Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, for example. 

Folding knife with black textured handle and silver blade on a black surface next to an orange notebook.
The new Böker Plus Kihon Compact measures 6.69 inches when open and less than four inches when closed.
Böker

In the knife world, arguably, it’s Lucas Burnley’s Böker Plus Kihon and the Böker Plus Kihon Compact.

Granted, this new knife is one of a dozen variants, but its size, price, looks and functionality make it quite possibly the best yet.

Small soldier

The knife that originally drew me into what might be Burnley’s coolest design is the Kihon DC Alu, largely due to its sleek silhouette and futuristic silver finish.

The new, 2.36-ounce little bro’s color palette diverges into black and silver and a shade surprisingly similar to Gear Patrol Orange, which is equally attractive in its own way. 

Close-up of a black and silver textured device with orange and white buttons on a patterned fabric background.
The Compact edition features a black handle, stonewashed blade and orange anodized rings on the blade pivot screw, the large handle screw and the thumb stud.
Böker

As with previous editions, this knife is true to its name, which comes from a Japanese term meaning “fundamentals,” in reference to basic martial arts techniques.

These moves — including stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts, performed with the correct spirit and attitude — are essential to advanced training.

Hand holding a black folding knife with a stonewashed blade labeled "BURNLEY" and orange accents.
The new knife only burnishes the résumé of Burnley, who has also designed such standouts as the Böker Plus Kwaiken, CRKT Squid and CRKT Tuna.
Böker

Along similar lines, this Kihon is a fundamental EDC object with which you can potentially do very advanced things. 

The business end is a 2.76-inch spearpoint blade made of D2 steel with a stonewash finish. 

This wallet-friendly tool steel is one of the best values around, thanks to its hardness, toughness and edge-holding ability.

Close-up of a folding knife blade with orange and silver thumb studs on a black handle, resting on a white and black patterned fabric.
With 2.76 inches of sharpened D2 steel on your side, opening boxes, cutting twine and slicing fruit are all a snap.
Böker

With thick jimping on the spine to aid with detail work, the blade is well qualified for a range of everyday cutting, chopping and slicing tasks.

Deployment is smooth thanks to an ambidextrous thumb stud and ball bearings, with the blade held securely in place by a coveted crossbar lock that makes one-handed retraction a snap and serves as a secondary deployment option too.

Hand holding a black and silver folding knife with orange screws and the word "BURNLEY" on the blade.
The slim, reversible wire clip makes it easy to stash the Kihon Compact in your pocket till its services are needed.
Böker

Made of light but tough GFN (glass-filled nylon), the handle scales are stylishly ergonomic, with large recessed squares helping boost your grip.

Rounding things out are a lanyard hole and reversible tip-up clip, because just as a samurai would never leave the house without his katana, you should never leave yours without your Kihon.

Availability and pricing

The Böker Plus Kihon Compact is available now for $70.

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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