Naturensöhne MK II NXT Folder Packs a Wood Saw and Mini Pliers

Fewer things in the pack is the pitch here, and Boker's Naturensöhne MK II NXT leans on it hard. The idea is to replace a separate knife, saw and pair of pliers with one traditional two-handed folder. Whether that trade makes sense depends mostly on how you spend your time outdoors, and on whether you're willing to pay $128.95 for the convenience.

Price: $128.95
Where to buy: Boker

A 2.80-inch blade for the everyday jobs

Most of what a camp knife does is mundane: cutting cord, opening packaging, trimming small pieces of material. The MK II NXT's 2.80-inch drop-point blade is sized for that work. The pointed tip gives you control on detail cuts, and the curved edge handles longer, sweeping strokes without fuss.

Boker specifies 12C27 stainless steel with a gray stonewashed finish. The company says the steel offers corrosion resistance, durability and reliable edge retention. Those are manufacturer claims, not something I've been able to verify through long-term use, but they point the right way for a knife meant to live in a pocket and see regular outdoor use. Blade thickness is 0.09 inches and overall length is 6.57 inches, which keeps the folder reasonably compact even with the extra tools built in.

The opening method is worth knowing before you buy. You open it with two hands using the traditional nail nick, and the mechanism is a slipjoint. That means there's friction holding the blade open, but no lock. Push against the spine while cutting and the blade can fold on you, so the cutting technique needs more attention than it would on a locking knife. That's the trade-off of a slipjoint: a lighter, more traditional feel, paid for with a bit more care in use.

If you like the classic folder experience and mostly cut light material, the blade covers the basics well. If you need a locking blade or one-handed opening, look elsewhere.

Where the wood saw and pliers earn their place

A knife blade isn't always the right tool. Boker lists branches, bone, antler and plastic as intended uses for the wood saw, which is the feature that gives this model its character. Pushing a knife through a thick branch is slow and risks slipping, while a saw works the material more efficiently. The practical benefit is simple: you can keep your main blade for ordinary cutting and switch to the saw when the material calls for it.

The mini combination pliers are the second functional addition. Boker positions them for gripping and bending, which makes them useful for holding small objects, pulling a wire or adjusting a component. They're not a replacement for full-size pliers, and they won't handle heavy or demanding jobs. Think of them as a backup for small fiddly tasks, the sort of thing that otherwise sends you digging through a bag.

A reamer and awl round out the working tools. Boker says they can make or enlarge holes in wood, leather and plastic. That's a useful capability for small repairs, such as punching a hole in a strap or starting a pilot hole in a piece of wood, where a cut won't do the job. For real heavy-duty work, dedicated equipment still wins, but these attachments cover a surprising number of field tasks.

Tweezers, a toothpick and a glass breaker

The smaller accessories fit into the handle, which keeps them accessible without adding bulk to your pocket. Tweezers are the most practical of the group. They help with splinters or tiny objects that are awkward to grab with fingers, and they're easy to overlook until you need them. The toothpick is a minor personal-care extra, handy on a long day away from home.

Boker also fits an emergency-oriented glass breaker at the end of the handle. It's a niche feature, and most buyers won't rely on it, but it's a sensible inclusion on a knife that's likely to be carried in a vehicle or a pack. These accessories aren't why you'd buy this model, yet they round out the tool set so the knife works as a single kit rather than a blade with extras.

Forest-green G10 and a tip-down clip

The forest-green G10 scales give the knife a low-key outdoor look, and they pair neatly with the gray stonewashed blade. G10 is a composite widely used for handles because it holds up to moisture and wear. Boker describes the scales as providing a secure grip, which matters more on a folder that's going to be used with wet or cold hands.

Weight is 4.23 ounces. That's heavier than a basic single-blade folder, but the difference is the cost of carrying a saw, pliers and extra tools inside the handle. The tip-down pocket clip gives you a dedicated carry position, so the knife rides inside your pocket instead of loose among your other gear. If pocket weight is your main concern, a simpler folder will serve you better.

Who should buy it?

At $128.95, this is a premium-priced folder for people who want more than a blade. You get a 12C27 stainless cutting edge, a wood saw, mini pliers, a reamer and awl, tweezers, a toothpick and a glass breaker, all in a traditional two-handed design. Compared with buying those tools separately, the bundle makes sense if you'd otherwise carry several items for the same job.

Campers, hikers and bushcraft fans who handle small cutting jobs, work with branches or make minor repairs are the clearest fit. The combination cuts down on the number of separate tools you need, and the saw is the feature most likely to change how you work in the field. Anyone who wants a lockback, one-handed opening or full-size pliers for demanding work should skip it and buy the right tool for that job.

My read: if you already carry a knife and a multitool and rarely use the saw or pliers, this isn't an upgrade. If you find yourself reaching for a saw or pliers on every trip, the MK II NXT consolidates that gear into one pocket item. Watch for whether Boker or retailers reduce the price on a model like this, since that would make the traditional-folder-plus-tools case considerably easier to justify.

Price: $128.95
Where to buy: Boker