The Old Timer family by Schrade is a series of knives that one cannot ignore. For centuries, these curved, single-edged blades were the preferred weapons of the samurai, the noble warriors who served Japans feudal lords and followed a strict code known as Bushido. The Kershaw Leek is one of the newest knives to make the list, but its inclusion is no accident. Another reason why the Buck 110 is one of the best-known knives in the world is that it was one of the most copied ever made. In this video I look at 9 budget blades and picks my top three pocket folders. Kukri knives are still handmade in Nepal. And for a good reason: the concept of the cutting edge has remained unchanged for millennia! . The wood handled, brass-finished design is also old enough to be called vintage, but its design language makes it not really an antique either. Such Old Timers can be bought on Amazon here. Today, there are also over 100 different Victorinox pocket knife models, to satisfy the needs of all pocket knife enthusiasts. Since its release, the F1 has become a sort of benchmark for all other survival knives and started a trend in which functionality and simplicity beat out flashiness and gimmicks. It is generally a very versatile knife for those who love camping and bushcraft. Today, the myth states that one Opinel is sold every 10 seconds. It was also used as a weapon if necessary. Primarily a stabbing weapon, the gladius was at its most effective when used within a disciplined formation where troops could protect themselves with shields while making vicious thrusting attacks against the enemy. The Douk-Douk was a popular item of carry in French-owned parts of Oceania and Algeria. The venerable Swiss Army Knife is one of those EDC essential tools that are so ubiquitous it can be easy to forget just how long theyve served us. In design and construction, the Mercator knife is very similar to the douk-douk, since it consists of a black-painted folded-sheet metal handle engraved with a leaping cat and the label K55K (with the second K written backward), and a blade that is either stainless steel or carbon steel. Gerber still sells the Mark II, but it's marketed more as a survival knife. Such Old Timers can be bought on Amazon. It comes in a variety of sizes, some being as small as pocket knives, ranging all the way to ones that. If you live in the United States, you might be a little surprised at the inclusion of the Opinel, but the knife is an unmistakable international knife icon. Its surprisingly large blade (3.75 in) proved very useful, and the recognizable handle, made out of a wood grain handle and brass bolsters gives it a true American style. There are currently five Sebenza models, including two classic versions, two regular versions, and the Sebenza 25. The knife has no locking mechanism, but similarly to the Swiss army knife, relied on a system of back springs that give security to the user. Theres a wide range of these knives, varying mostly on size. Benchmade makes some of the best production balisong knives outside of the Philippines, and their model 62 features a 4.25 D2 steel spear point blade that excels at slicing and piercing tasks. The OT8 was designed to be a new and advanced knife, and although its appearance is slightly old-fashioned, it was surely a revolution in the knife industry. You can only imagine how many more were sold over the next 75 years. These classic traditional knives have a rich heritage, but theyre not just curiosities made to be seen and not used. From symbolic doves to smashed dishes, here are 27 unique wedding traditions from around the world Rachel Askinasi Jan 11, 2019, 2:17 PM Not every bride will toss a bouquet over her shoulder. Issued to the famed Devil's Brigade, the V-42 is a stiletto and fighting knife based on the Fairbairn-Sykes design. A carbon-steel blade, a folded-sheet metal handle, a strong back spring, to compensate for the absence of a locking mechanism, two rivets to hold the handle and blade together, and a lanyard loop. In the late 1850s, the Gurkha were allied to the British army in an attempt to maintain control of India during the 1857 Indian Rebellion. They make many boasts of their prowess and skill in taking human life, and one of their proudest feats is to sever the head from the body with a single blow.The fearsome blades later saw action during World War II, and they remain a common weapon in Filipino martial arts. Theres no lock on this knife, but its slipjoint mechanism should hold it in place for light duty work. This was designed to make. Personally, I own two classic Opinels: one No.7 with an inox blade, and one No.8 with a carbon blade. 166 Adwolfe Rd Marion, VA 24354. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! It was issued to the troops by 1942, so it is about 75 years old. Yoshihiro Gyuto Japanese Chef's Knife. The original Swiss Army Knife dates to the late 1800s, and theyve been made, in various forms and configurations ever since then. According to some historians, the swords effectiveness in close combat may have played a role in Hannibals crushing victory over the Romans at 216 B.C.s Battle of Cannae. From one of the oldest pocket knives around we move on to one of the newest on the list: the Benchmade Griptilian. The famous camp knife is still made of authentic alpine wood and features a nice blade in various sizes, including an Opinel with a 3.5-inch blade. Khopesh One of the most influential of the early swords that arose during the Bronze Age, the khopesh was an ancient Egyptian weapon that featured a hooked blade sharpened on its outside edge.. Defining what it means to be 'iconic' is no easy task because the word has several definitions. The bowie is a knife with a long, sharp blade that was popularized in the American West. Although the 8OT featured earlier on the list is one of Old Timer's most distinct models, the Old Timer Sharpfinger has had one of the biggest impacts on the knife world by introducing a unique style that has since been mimicked by many other manufacturers. Since time immemorial, the carrying of knives has been a part of life. The difference between the Mercator K55K and the douk-douk, however, is that while the douk-douk is a slip joint knife (no locking mechanism), the K55K is a Lockback knife, and the blade locks when in the upright position. RoseCraft Blades sources the best materials and manufacturers from around the world to produce its knives and plans to build a . They are very practical as survival knives and their design resembles that of the iconic samurai sword. To be clear, the Leek was not the first assisted opening knife, but through a perfect storm of design choices, the Leek set the standard of what the perfect EDC should strive to be. What are some of the best traditional folding knives from around the world? Introduced by Case in the 1920s, the Trapper remains Case's most popular model. Mezzaluna Knife. Utility Knife. The blade is usually made out of steel and the handle is formed from a folded over sheet of metal. Aside from the cutting power, the higonokami is also very easy to use, with an extended edge on the tang of the blade that allows for a swivel opening. I think that it is the right size for a utility, multi-tool pocket knife, and has enough tools to perform a variety of tasks, but not so many that it becomes too big and too heavy. Trench knives were very widespread during both world wars, and mainly the First one. The satin-finished 3.75 420HC clip-point blade on the standard model is easy to maintain after repeated use, but if you want something better, Buck also makes a Pro version of this knife with upgraded premium S30V stainless steel. . Higonokami knives are relatively safe, cheap, and easy to use. By no means did Case invent the pocket knife, but it can be argued that Case (along with the Trapper) helped make pocket knives a thing. The Classic Mora has an ergonomic, wooden handle, making it very safe, and the go-to knife for woodcarving and general outdoor activities. and are also used in many traditional ceremonies and rituals. The decrease of the Samurai caused a lowering demand for swords, and smiths were struggling to profit from their work. Hondeba (above) and Kodeba (bottom) knives. While the chef's knife works for cutting hard vegetables, paring knives are great for peeling apples and potatoes, mincing small amounts of garlic and onions, and coring tomatoes. The Kukri knife is symbolic of the Nepalese nation and its Gurkha army. Just make sure to check your local knife laws before purchasing one of these knives, as they are very frequently restricted by law. reputation as fearsome soldiers, and their skill with the Kukri knife became so well known that the British later used the symbol of the Kukri as propaganda in the Falklands conflict. Crafted from high-quality iron or steel, its distinctive blade was single-edged near the hilt and double-edged near the point and was designed to combine the chopping power of an axe with the slashing ability of a sword. For instance, the lockback mechanism on the folding hunter represented a step up from the slipjoint designs that came before it, letting the end user carry a reliable folding knife that wont close up during hard use. , capable of fulfilling a variety of tasks from chopping firewood to elk-hunting. (See a knife you like from our list or anywhere in store, just enter the code below for 10% off. , but these are not as widespread as the classic design. This knife was designed specifically for the USMC (US Marine Corps) as a fighting and utility knife during the Second World War. As the best-selling fixed blade at Buck, the 119 showcases the excellent craftsmanship at the company with a powerful and versatile knife. In fact, the Model 110 has led to other knives with a similar design to be simply referred to as a Buck knife. The Knife Hub is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Traditional ulu knives had a slate blade (copper was also used in some areas) and a handle made out of caribou antler, musk ox horn, or walrus ivory, sometimes out of carved bone. Check out the Higonokami pocket knife on Amazon! These razor-sharp blades inspired fear and fascination and helped change the course of military campaigns. This little two-blade jacknife is available in far too many colors and handle materials than you can shake a stick at. First designed in 1989, the CQC-6 was one of the first knives to truly establish a functional tactical folder and was hugely popular in knife circles. Which traditional knife design is your favorite? Designed by legendary knifemaker Ken Onion, the Leek transformed the factory knife market by sparking the assisted opening craze still present in folders. You can also purchase it from Amazon. Santoku bocho () Literally "three virtues," it's named from being an all-rounder for meat, fish, and vegetables. Santoku Knife: Shun 7-Inch, Hollow Ground Santoku. Workers and casual knife users adopted this knife as an everyday carry, despite the fact that it was originally made for hunters. I wouldnt necessarily recommend purchasing such a Trench Knife, since it is banned in some countries and looks really more like an ancient weapon than a tool However, you can get a collectors replica if you really want. but arguably the most iconic in the history of Schrade. Not the knife youd probably use to hunt or survive in the wild alone, but it does an amazing job for mushroom picking. The Douk Douk is another high-quality traditional French knife still made and carried to this day. The dagger-like knife was specifically designed for the First Special Service Force for use in combat. Outdoor Troop also participates in affiliate programs with ShareASale, AvantLink, and other sites. The best part is that the Leatherman Wave locks when closed, making it easy to fit right in the pocket. Choosing the perfect Survival Knife: 12 determining factors. Case Trapper Price Range: ~$45-250 The Case Trapper has an absolutely massive cult following. The next iconic knife came from Scandinavia, before becoming a highly respected knife around the world: the Fallkniven F1. Bowies reputation as a knife fighter had been forged nearly a decade earlier in 1827, when he killed a man during a brawl on a sandbar near Natchez, Mississippi. Buck was created in 1902, but the 110 model was what truly made it famous and acclaimed worldwide. So far on the list, we've had iconic knives from Switzerland, France, the United States, and South Africa. This is probably the most famous military utility knife ever produced. The Old Timer family by Schrade is a series of knives. It was believed that the ulu knife formed part of the owners spirit, and hence these were passed down from generation to generation. Over the years, I've learned quite a lot about the outdoors and the gear I needed. 5. Compared to most other knives in this list, the 55-year-old Buck 110 Hunter is a youngster. Blade steels range from barely better than a chunk of angle iron to . While the. I am fascinated by Ulu knives. The actual Kukri knife is usually about 16-18 inches long, so it is more of a machete than a knife. For centuries, this short, inwardly curved blade has been a traditional tool and weapon in Nepal. Related Gear: The 21 Best Pocket Knives for EDC in 2023The 14 Best Small Fixed Blades for EDC in 202320 Best Fixed Blades for EDC in 2023. Now in its fourth iteration, the Endura has a 3.75-inch VG-10 steel blade with a larger opening hole, an ergonomically designed FRN handle, and a new screw construction for easy maintenance. After some time, the Barlow design found its way to the United States, where it continued to be a popular and affordable pocketknife as well. The blade is treated with black tungsten DLC coating that makes the carbon steel more resistant to rust and tarnish. While German soldiers relied mainly on their Nahkampfmesser for close-quarter combat in the trenches, the US developed their own tactical trench knife: the Mark 1 Trench knife. Being born and having lived in France for an important part of my life, I can clearly confirm the popularity of Opinel in France. These knives were designed to be all-purpose knives, capable of fulfilling a variety of tasks from chopping firewood to elk-hunting. I own a Victorinox Huntsman knife, which I bought 7 or 8 years ago in the Swiss Alps. The knife has a long, 7-inch blade made of 1095 Cro-Van Steel, which confers it extraordinary strength and durability. Since the knife's release, it's been produced in many different blade types and colors, from the Composite Leek to the 2005 Knife of the Year Rainbow Leek. American historys most iconic survival knife was named for Jim Bowie, the pugnacious frontiersman who became a leading figure in the Texas Revolution prior to his death at 1836s Battle of the Alamo. Joseph Opinel began making a working man's knife in the 1890 that quickly won over locals. The knifes blade might not be the best, and may not perform large tasks as well as fixed-blade knives, but the swiss army knife is definitely a great asset when it comes to everyday and outdoor activities. Utility Knife: Mercer 5-Inch Utility Knife . In the cold north of Scandinavia, the general purpose everyday knife was a small fixed blade knife carried on the belt. Key Features. Another traditional knife with a modern take and premium materials, the Lionsteel BestMan's slim design is a stylish addition to any wardrobe. But it rapidly turned into a lethal weapon, particularly during the 1954-1962 Algerian revolt. (Read More). Although the flipper opening mechanism was already seen in earlier knives, it was the M16 that helped popularize the now-widespread opening system. The Spruce Eats / Dera Burreson. Smith & Wesson SWTK8BCP Throwing Knives. Thanks for stopping in! The yanagi is the Japanese chef's knife used around the world for cutting precise slices of sushi and sashimi. Introduced in 1999, this relatively new knife has had a big impact on the knife world with a new take on what an affordable tactical knife for everyday carry could be. Having been produced for nearly 100 years, it's no surprise the Trapper is not only among Case's most collected pattern but also one of the most iconic. 10am-7pm Tuesday - Friday 8am-5pm Saturday. The Mercator K55K Black Cat model is a type of folding pocket knife which has been in production in Germany since 1867. of the pocket knife is one of the most popular. Pronounced Felk-nee-ven, Fallkniven is a Swedish-based manufacturer that's best known for supplying high-quality military and outdoor knives, and the F1 is the company's piece de resistance. All of these copies sold under the name of Buck knife, which also contributed to the original knifes popularity, The Kukri knife is symbolic of the Nepalese nation and its Gurkha army. In 1897 he launched a series of. Not only does the Sebenza cost a pretty penny, but you typically have to go on a waiting list to get one of these prized knives. To this day, after 75 years, KA-BAR Marine knives are still the first choice for both men and women in the military and are still made in Olean, New York City. This makes them easy to sharpen and durable. One of the most approachable throwing knife sets around, the Smith & Wesson SWTK8BCP kit comes with three handy, well-balanced 2Cr13 knives each crafted from 2Cr13 steel and weighing just 4.1 ounces in total. A fixed blade construction makes these designs much more durable than folding styles, and with one in hand you can take on much bigger tasks with confidence. Typically, these knives would feature a dagger-like blade, an ergonomic handle, and a wrap-around metal knuckle guard - often taking the form of brass knuckles. It was originally used as a utility tool by farmers in the Himalayas but rapidly turned into a powerful weapon. If there was a people's choice award for most iconic knife, the Mora would be near the top. The Swiss Army knife was the first iconic multi-tool, but Leatherman is quickly making an argument that it's on par with, if not better than, the Victorinox knives. Ulfberht swords featured in a vikings exhibition in cooperation with the Danish National Museum and the British Museum. The 6-inch 420HC stainless steel blade makes the knife a sort of smaller Bowie knife while the phenolic handle with guard gives it a classic feel. 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