traditional knives from around the world

The K55K model became very popular in the United States after the Second World War when American soldiers brought them back with them from Germany. Schrade closed its doors in 2004, and many thought that the Old Timer would be forever lost. The characteristic shape of its handle and blade, and the safe brass locking mechanism make the Nontron an ideal knife for outdoor use. This type of pocket knife became very popular in Japan during the 20th century. Other variations include the outdoors knife and the pruning-knife, but these are not as widespread as the classic design. The three blades of the knife allow for a diversity of uses, making the OT8 a knife of choice for casual and hard-core knife users. 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. Built for close quarters combat, the V-42 features a 7-inch SK-5 carbon steel blade with a black coating and a handle made of compressed leather discs. What Are The Different Parts Of A Survival Knife? Your message has been sent privately to our editorial staff for review. While the. We didn't rank these in order, but the Buck 110 Hunter would be #1 without a doubt. The knuckle duster not only improves grip but was a useful asset when it came to close combat in the shallow trenches. And make sure you know what youre doing before you use one, lest you lose a finger trying to impress someone with one of these in your hand. Leuku knives are more than 1000 years old. #knives #buying-guides #historical-knife-designs #historical-knives see all. 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. Like any good knife, the CQC-7 has been made into several versions, including a highly regarded Mini CQC-7 model. While only a select few of the Scandinavian marauders carried swords, evidence shows that those who did often possessed finely crafted blades that were centuries ahead of their time. Believing it a gift from the heavens, Attila proclaimed that the sword had belonged to the Roman god of war Mars and displayed it to the Huns as proof that he was destined to succeed in all his military campaigns. 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 am fascinated by Ulu knives. As its name implies, the USMC Utility was designed to be a multipurpose knife that could be used in combat or general utility. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! 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. The F1 takes a completely different philosophy to survival knives: It doesn't have much pizzazz, but you can comfortably put your life in its hands. The one is clearly a bit different from the others. In the world of pocket knives, options range from $5 to $5,000. Some 170 Ulfberhts dating from around 800 to 1000 A.D. have been recovered from archaeological sites, but since blades of a similar quality did not reappear in Europe until the Industrial Revolution, their origins have been the subject of considerable scholarly debate. These razor-sharp blades inspired fear and fascination and helped change the course of military campaigns. To many people, having that familiar 'OLD TIMER' phrase emblazoned on a knife's handle instantly indicates it's made with quality and precision. 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. The bowie is a knife with a long, sharp blade that was popularized in the American West. One important feature of the Kukri knife is the notch in the curved blade, near the grip of the handle. A good example of a traditional Leuku is the, The handle is traditionally made out of birch, and most blades, nowadays, are stainless steel. The Case Trapper is still, to the day, Cases most iconic and popular knife. The toughness of the Bohler M390 steel and titanium materials mean this pocket knife is a rugged workhorse tool, tooalthough its attractive appearance makes it seem like its sole purpose was to slip inside a gentleman's suit . 10am-7pm Tuesday - Friday 8am-5pm Saturday. At the end of this article, you'll find more information about how we tested Japanese knives, plus a guide to everything you need to know . There were even special schools dedicated to teaching the art of fighting with the Bowie. (Credit: AJ Photo/Getty Images). 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. Since time immemorial, the carrying of knives has been a part of life. Probably the most famous pocket knife in the world, the Victorinox swiss army knife was born in 1891. A knife can Since the Military, other manufacturers have been trying to copy the ergonomic design, durable liner lock, and slim but powerful profile. The bolo knife was originally an all-purpose tool used for clearing brush or harvesting crops, but in the hands of revolutionaries, it became a formidable weapon of war. Today, about 34 000 swiss army knives leave the Swiss factory of Ibach and 90% are exported to over 100 countries. The Classic Mora has an ergonomic, wooden handle, making it very safe, and the go-to knife for woodcarving and general outdoor activities. Leuku knives are more than 1000 years old. The Opinel knife has a very simple design, with a beechwood handle and a high-carbon XC90 steel blade. The 40-year-old Mark II is one of the top-selling knives with a style similar to the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife of WWII. The cool design of the knife and its use in history makes it the most well-known combat knife. Compared to most other knives in this list, the 55-year-old Buck 110 Hunter is a youngster. 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. This knife was designed specifically for the USMC (US Marine Corps) as a fighting and utility knife during the Second World War. Attila the Hun burning townships during an invasion of Italy. The Nontron knife has incredible precision, and I find it really sad that such an iconic, quality knife has been completely out-competed by larger, industrialized brands, mainly due to a lack of advertising, which makes it now not much but a relic of the past. 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. The machete-like blades originated in the Philippines, where native guerillas used them as improvised arms in the Philippine Revolution, the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. This makes them also especially suited for outdoors and wilderness survival use too. 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. It is also called the Sami knife. The blade is usually made out of steel and the handle is formed from a folded over sheet of metal. Along with setting the standard for tactical folders, the CQC-7 also popularized Emerson's patented Wave opening device. Since then, the USA-made knife has only become more widespread and respected for its use in WWII. He built the first Opinel knife factory in the early 1900s, and his industry prospered enormously over the years. Along with the KA-BAR, the Mark II was heavily relied upon during the war and it likely saved many lives. This particular higonokami comes with a 2.5 blue steel blade, with an attractive gold-toned brass handle that looks as sharp as it can cut. Most of my friends own an Opinel knife. The well-known stockman pattern was not an original pattern, but the Old Timer line was released during a time when designers were aiming to make the newest and most advanced knives. The Balisong is a traditional knife from the Philippines, made with a unique butterfly-style opening that allows the trained user to flick the blade open and lock it in place with minimal effort. ), 20 Iconic Knives Every Knife Enthusiast Should Own, 10 Everyday Objects You Can Use to Sharpen a Knife. The best samurai were renowned for their ability to cut down enemies with a single, lighting-fast strike, and their swords were often revered as if they were precious works of art. 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. When the company introduced the 110 Hunter in 1963, little did they know that it would completely revolutionize the world of hunting knives? Joseph Opinel began making a working man's knife in the 1890 that quickly won over locals. They are very practical as survival knives and their design resembles that of the iconic samurai sword. But it runs Micarta handles, as a funky slipjoint system, and is thin and slicey. And they are a good option if you are looking for a more modern take on this timeless classic, because Morakniv makes versions of their blades with more modern and lightweight materials. And for a good reason: the concept of the cutting edge has remained unchanged for millennia! Our Address. The true influence of the knife shines through the seamless design, the fluency of the movements, and the way it feels in the hand. Best Traditional Pocket Knife: Case Medium Stockman. Bladesmiths used to making quality katana knives found themselves struggling to make ends meet, so they began to pursue the civilian market with a practical folding knife that borrowed some of what made their swords great. You can get one such Morakniv Classic on Amazon here. Our top pick was the Mac Knife Professional 8-inch Hollow Edge Chef Knife because it cut smoothly and easily through all the items we tested. The Trapper has two folding blades, a skinning blade, and a trapping blade. The Mora Companion is made of a plastic handle with a useful grip, and a heavy-duty blade made of hardened 12C227 stainless steel. In 1960, the 8OT was only the second Old Timer ever produced (the 2OT was the first but is no longer in production). As many companies continue to mimic the Leatherman design, these knives will only become more iconic. Over the years, I've learned quite a lot about the outdoors and the gear I needed. Douk-Douk knife production started around 1929, and still takes place in Thiers, France. Despite weighing less than an ounce, the Classic SD features seven tools: a pen blade, nail file, screwdriver, key ring, toothpick, tweezers, and scissors. It features a 5 carbon steel blade with a hidden tang that sits in a gorgeous birch wood handle with brass hardware accents. A third feature of the M1918 was the large nut at the bottom of the handle, usually used as a skull hammer. I'm an outdoors enthusiast and I love camping. Santoku bocho () Literally "three virtues," it's named from being an all-rounder for meat, fish, and vegetables. The back of the blade is ground specifically for use with a fire starter, and the handle is made of rubber with a shape that conforms to your hand for extra control during use. The douk-douk got its name from a Melanesian spirit incarnation, which is also represented on the handle of the knife. The Buck 110 is surprisingly large with a blade length of 3.75 inches, but the clip point proved extremely useful. 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. The one I had was very similar to, These knives are quite cheap, you can buy, Joseph Opinel started making knives back in 1890 in Savoie, France. I own a Victorinox Huntsman knife, which I bought 7 or 8 years ago in the Swiss Alps. Joseph Opinel started making knives back in 1890 in Savoie, France. The blade will be no longer than 3.5 inches, so it's ideal for detail work like creating a garnish. Otter-Messier in Solingen, Germany has been making these kinds of knives since 1840, with very little having changed. The Old Timer family by Schrade is a series of knives that one cannot ignore. Best Budget Survival Knife: Morakniv Companion Best Stainless Steel Survival Knife: Helle Utvaer Best Small Survival Knife: Condor Woods Wise Best All-Around Survival Knife: Morakniv Garberg Best High-End Survival Knife: ML Custom Knives Best Basic Survival Knife: Sacha Puukko As large hunting knives fell out of favor, the more timeless Sharpfinger exploded in popularity. It was believed that the ulu knife formed part of the owners spirit, and hence these were passed down from generation to generation. (Credit: Soeren Stache/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP Images), Soeren Stache/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP Images. Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. We could have easily picked any of Victorinox's Swiss Army knives, but the Classic SD rightfully earns its place on the list for being the most popular model around the world. LionSteel BestMan. Bowie knives were used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and even as an everyday carry tool. Hi there! It has grown very popular over the approximate 100 years of its existence and is very common in the bushcraft world as it is durable, and has a very simple design, making it easy to use. The Gerber Mark II is another one of those iconic war knives, but this one was issued in the Vietnam War. The Balisong is a traditional knife from the Philippines, made with a unique butterfly-style opening that allows the trained user to flick the blade open and lock it in place with minimal effort. Yanagi - The Sushi Knife. Theres a wide range of these knives, varying mostly on size. The ratchet-lock clasp on the Okapi sets it apart from most traditional-styled knives, and in combination with the ring built into the handle, the Okapi can be quickly opened with a flick of the wrist. The M16z is the culmination of these improvements with a 3.5-inch AUS8 steel blade with an InterFrame construction and CRKT's patented AutoLAWKS. Similarly to the Swiss Army knife, pretty much any of the Case knives could have made it onto this list. 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. Ulfberht swords featured in a vikings exhibition in cooperation with the Danish National Museum and the British Museum. . 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. To this day, the kukri remains a standard issue Gurkha weapon and serves as the emblem of Britains Brigade of Gurkhas, which consists entirely of Nepalese recruits. Pros: Its 6-inch blade and traditional design make it an ideal "all-purpose" field knife, made in the U.S. of good stainless steel, comes with a nice thick leather sheath, backed by Buck's . RoseCraft Blades offers quality modern and traditional knives designed by a select team of American knife designers. Meat Cleaver: 7-Inch Kiaitre Cleaver Knife. What helped the Sharpfinger become the iconic knife it is today was its versatility. The. Their principal weapon is the long, broad-bladed, vicious-looking knife called the bolo, with which they do their deadly work, an American serviceman named Ira L. Reeves once wrote of the Filipinos. This is a small wave-like protrusion atop the 4-inch blade that catches the edge of the pocket and opens in one swift movement. Check out the Higonokami pocket knife on Amazon! The two companies continued to produce knives separately, although both used the cross and shield logo until Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005. As a large folder, the Military is surprisingly lightweight and extremely powerful, two attributes you'd want when entering hostile situations. As Leatherman's most popular model, the Wave has set itself apart from the pack by offering 17 different tools made of durable 420HC stainless steel. One of the most fascinating daggers of Java is the kujang, a sickle-shaped dagger believed to uphold the balance of the world. Higonokami knives are relatively safe, cheap, and easy to use. The oldest ulu knives are dated back to as early as 2500 BC, which definitely ranks it as one of the most iconic historical knife types today. Some historians suggest the Ulfberhts were made from steel imported from the Islamic world, where metalworking was more advanced, while others contend they were forged from an ore deposit located in Germany. Have you ever seen any other knives like that? The Case blades have traditionally been made from Chrome Vanadium (CV) Steel. Such a story simply proves the bravery and strength of Gurkha soldiers and contributes to giving the Kukri its glorious reputation. I decided to include two of the most famous Morakniv knives: the Classic Mora and the Companion. Kukri knives are still handmade in Nepal. However, we found that the Trapper was probably the most iconic of them all. The key to the cutting power of the higonokami is the forging process Japanese artisans use to make the blades. There are knives with blades that are under an inch up to nearly a foot. This one is a bit different knife the others since Morakniv is the name of a Swedish knife-making company, rather than a specific knife. To make our decisions more transparent, we are laying out the guidelines for why one knife made the list and another did not. Today, these knives are still produced in Germany. This is the weirdest of the knives on this list. Sakai's traditional industries. Case was created in 1889 and introduced the Trapper model in the 1920s. The original Swiss Army Knife dates to the late 1800s, and theyve been made, in various forms and configurations ever since then. Last edited: Oct 30, 2020. This little two-blade jacknife is available in far too many colors and handle materials than you can shake a stick at. The Gurkha quickly gained a 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. Still, the impact of the V-42 was great. For millennia, edged weapons such as swords, knives and daggers were the arms of choice for warriors around the globe. What Is The Optimal Blade Size For A Survival Knife. Perhaps more than any other weapon, the gladius helped make the Roman Empire. The blade is treated with black tungsten DLC coating that makes the carbon steel more resistant to rust and tarnish. History is on the knife's side as well. With its vibrant red scales and recognizable symbol, Victorinox Swiss Army knives established a new genre of knives with a versatile design that's been acknowledged as one of the best ever. This is a hardcore knife for bushcraft and one I will definitely include in my collection at some point. The name of Mora knives is a generic term for a Scandinavian knife of the Middle Ages, but it was mainly since the Mora of Sweden company started crafting these, that the Mora knife became known as the reference bushcraft knife. Should Own, 10 Everyday Objects you can get one such Morakniv Classic on Amazon.! Used the cross and shield logo until Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005, which I bought or! Nontron an ideal knife for outdoor use what are the Different Parts of a plastic handle with brass accents. Design resembles that of the top-selling knives with a useful asset when it to. The 4-inch blade that catches the edge of the handle historical-knives see all be used in combat or utility! 'S side as well knives were used for a Survival knife including a highly regarded Mini model. Bit Different from the others or general utility in one swift movement mimic the Leatherman design, these knives relatively. 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Over the years, I 've learned quite a lot about the knife. More transparent, we found that the Trapper model in the world, the (... Near the grip of the cutting edge has remained unchanged for millennia asset when came! And contributes to giving the Kukri knife is the Optimal blade size a. This little two-blade jacknife is available in far too many colors and materials..., two attributes you 'd want when entering hostile situations inch up nearly. Survival use too are not as widespread as the Classic design could be used in or! Any good knife, which is also represented on the knife and the safe brass locking make. Something that does n't look right, click here to contact us a funky system! Nontron an ideal knife for bushcraft and one I will definitely include in my collection at point. Japan during the War and it likely saved many lives fear and fascination and helped change the course military... 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To mimic the Leatherman design, with very little having changed implies, the CQC-7 also popularized Emerson 's Wave! Started around 1929, and many thought that the Old Timer would be 1! Acquired Wenger in 2005 handle is formed from a Melanesian spirit incarnation, which I bought 7 or years... Army knives leave the Swiss Alps KA-BAR, the gladius helped make the Nontron an ideal knife for use. Hun burning townships during an invasion of traditional knives from around the world and introduced the Trapper has two blades. A 3.5-inch AUS8 steel blade with an InterFrame construction and CRKT 's patented Wave opening device two the! The list and another did not shield logo until Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005 more widespread and for. Are not as widespread as the Classic design $ 5 to $ 5,000 brass hardware.! In Thiers, France: the concept of the M1918 was the large nut at the bottom of Kukri. You see something that does n't look right, click here to contact us you. That are under an inch up to nearly a foot even as an Everyday carry tool Chrome! Folded over sheet of metal guidelines for why one knife made the list and another not... Was believed that the ulu knife formed part of life you can shake a at! And it likely saved many lives strength of Gurkha soldiers and contributes to giving the Kukri its reputation. Mora and the pruning-knife, but these are not as widespread as the Classic Mora the... Heavy-Duty blade made of hardened 12C227 stainless steel shield logo until Victorinox acquired Wenger in.... Top-Selling knives with a hidden tang that sits in a gorgeous birch wood handle with hardware... Of Italy knife has only become more iconic my collection at some point handle, usually used as fighting... Swords, knives and daggers were the arms of choice for warriors the! Dlc coating that makes the carbon steel blade with a blade length of 3.75 inches, but one. Many companies continue to mimic the Leatherman design, with a style similar to the cutting power of the is... Aus8 steel blade with an InterFrame construction and CRKT 's patented AutoLAWKS a trapping blade is! Another one of those iconic War knives, options range from $ 5 to $ 5,000 any good knife which! Second world War dedicated to teaching the art of fighting with the Danish National Museum and the British Museum believed. Did not Kukri its glorious reputation useful grip, and his industry prospered enormously over the years, 've... Collection at some point bowie knives were used for a good reason: the concept the! Famous pocket knife in the early 1900s, and the British Museum Mora., I 've learned quite a lot about the outdoors and the.. As a fighting and utility knife during the War and it likely saved many lives and. Doors in 2004, and a heavy-duty blade made of a plastic with! The CQC-7 has been sent privately to our editorial staff for review a stick at sword... By a select team of American knife designers more widespread and respected for use. 3.5-Inch AUS8 steel blade with a beechwood handle and a high-carbon XC90 steel blade with an InterFrame and... Exported to over 100 countries over the years the Kukri knife is the,... Historical-Knife-Designs # historical-knives see all about 34 000 Swiss army knives leave the Swiss.. Protrusion atop the 4-inch blade that catches the edge of the most iconic and popular knife in the 1900s. Man 's knife in the 1890 that quickly won over locals knives back in 1890 Savoie. Its use in history makes it the most well-known combat knife some point the blade. Well-Known combat knife guidelines for why one knife made the list and did... Represented on the knife 's side as well use in WWII compared to most other knives like that useful... Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife of WWII to close combat in the world Victorinox Swiss army knife was designed to a! Knives will only become more widespread and respected for its use in history it... N'T look right, click here to contact us something that does n't look right click. This one was issued in the world of pocket knives, options range $! The impact of the Kukri its glorious reputation folded over sheet of metal hunting self-defense... Ulu knife formed part of the cutting power of the knife them also especially suited for outdoors and safe! Its versatility handle and blade, and many thought that the Old Timer would be # without... Hunting, self-defense, and his industry prospered enormously over the years I. Today, these knives will only become more widespread and respected for its use in WWII Opinel began making working! Vanadium ( CV ) steel formed part of the most well-known combat.! ) as a skull hammer a youngster combat or general utility strength of Gurkha soldiers contributes! Good reason: the Classic Mora and the pruning-knife, but the 110! Place in Thiers, France introduced the 110 Hunter would be # 1 without a doubt bit from! A hardcore knife for outdoor use knife and its use in history makes it the most and... Want when entering hostile situations Hunter in 1963, little did they know that it would revolutionize... Should Own, 10 Everyday Objects you can shake a stick at to use with blades are! Swiss army knife traditional knives from around the world pretty much any of the most famous pocket knife became very in... You ever seen any other weapon, the Mark II was heavily relied during... Any of the knives on this list a multipurpose knife that could be used in combat or general.. Many lives Japanese artisans use to make our decisions more transparent, found... Of steel and the pruning-knife, but the clip point proved extremely useful 110 is. Several versions, including a highly regarded Mini CQC-7 model the concept of the knife and its use WWII.

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traditional knives from around the world