Böker Just Dropped the Best-Looking $42 EDC Knife I’ve Ever Seen

The avian-inspired Blackjay complements its good looks with multiple deployment methods and a user-friendly button lock.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published April 17, 2025

·

Updated April 17, 2025

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

As the budget-friendly division of a renowned German knife brand, Böker Magnum consistently catches my eye with gorgeous, well-machined blades that go super easy on the wallet.

Last fall, one highlight was the $40 Empery, a two-toned beauty that looks like it should be standard issue for storm troopers.

boker blackjay hero — At a glance and even upon closer examination, you’d never guess the Blackjay goes for just $42.

This spring, for just a couple bucks more, you can score an equally stunning knife with significantly more mechanical bona fides.

Rather than an intergalactic conflict, however, the muse for the Böker Blackjay is a somewhat rare and captivating Tasmanian bird.

Currawong-inspired cutlery

Reminiscent of a large crow, the black currawong (aka blackjay) is a regal-looking bird with yellow irises, a pronounced black bill, black plumage and white wing patches.

Beholding the knife itself, I’d say the designers did just enough to channel the bird’s spirit without going over the top in the way of, say, the Koi Knives Cassowary.

boker blackjay deployed in hand — The Blackjay’s formidable blade can be deployed three ways, including via the button lock located next to the pivot.

Among its most notable features are a 3.54-inch drop-point blade with a pronounced ricasso reflecting the bird’s beak.

Playing a key role in the knife’s low cost, the steel is 440A, an entry-level material valued for its wear and corrosion resistance.

Equally significant, if not more so, are the mechanics of the blade’s deployment. Unlike many knives in this price range, the Blackjay offers three distinct, fidget-friendly options.

boker blackjay flipper tab detail — The Blackjay’s flipper tab and thumb studs offer two other deployment options.

These comprise ambidextrous thumb studs and a back flipper, as well as a super trendy button lock, which (the brand says) recalls the bird’s button-like eyes.

From a functional standpoint, all you need to know is that a press of the button and a flick of the wrist will produce the blade, while a second press and another flick (or simply gravity) will return it safely to the handle, all with one hand.

Adding to this knife’s user-friendly nature are jimping on the spine of the blade as well as ergonomic handle scales made of textured G10.

boker blackjay off side in hand — Grippy G-10 handle scales and a deep-carry clip keep the Blackjay secure in both your hand and in your pocket.

These two qualities ensure a reliable grip, whether you are slicing an apple, opening a package or perhaps tackling some detail-oriented whittling or carving.

Last but not least, the Blackjay stays secure in your pocket thanks to a deep-carry pocket clip.

Böker says nothing about this feature reflecting the bird’s tail, and I believe we are all better for it.