Knife Collecting Archives

Variations On A Theme

Knife Collecting

-

September 13, 2022

Knife Collecting Is Different For Everyone. Some Folks Like To Stick With A Theme And Collect Everything They Can.

It’s all about perspective.

Everyone agrees that knife collecting is one of the greatest enterprises around. However, there are variations on a theme—if the collection even has one. Probably the biggest variation on the common thread of knife collecting is the existence or absence of a theme, a focus on the collection that revolves around a specific aspect such as an individual custom knifemaker, group of makers, handle material, style of knife, period of time—well, you get the idea.

Theme collecting has its followers and its detractors, and gaining insight into these points of view enriches the collecting experience. First, however, there is a single universally accepted piece of advice regarding the knife collecting adventure: collect the knives that you admire, enjoy, and make you feel good!

“When it comes to collecting, and I mean collecting anything, I think the first rule is to collect what you like,” related long-time knife enthusiast and collector Chris Schluter. “At the end of the day, whatever it is you’ve been collecting might not be worth anything except to you. The collection may go down in value, be obsolete, your kids may not care about it, etc., etc. Collect what you like and can afford. Having fun while doing it is a plus, too!”

Collector J.T. Oldham agrees. “My short answer is to collect what you like,” he said. “I’ve been to enough knife shows and have spoken with many collectors, purveyors, and dealers over the years, and that has been a prevailing sentiment. Collect what you like, with a focus on an element that is interesting or unique.”

Embracing Theme Collecting

If Chris Schluter’s collection of Bob Terzuola tactical folders isn’t comprehensive, it’s the next best thing.

Beyond the “like,” there are those collectors who find a theme and enjoy it for decades, buying, selling, trading, and thoroughly embracing a style or feature. Then it’s always possible to change course, switch ideas around, and find another path.

“I started out collecting hunting knives,” recalled collector Chris Nolen. “This was due to my love of hunting. Later, I learned at gun shows as well as from informative magazines like BLADE® that there were many styles, as well as usages of the knife. I was drawn to bowie knives. I had been introduced to a professional maker, Jerry Berry of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and he was making my hunters because I had switched from commercially made to custom. I drew out a large bowie and sent the plan to Jerry. He built the knife and my theme changed from hunters to bowies. So, I must say, I recommend theme collecting.”

Nolen’s experience is compelling because his investment in that course-changing bowie began with the basics: a drawing. Therefore, the full experience of owning the knife involved an added depth. Nonetheless, other collectors are drawn to aspects of theme collecting that center on different attributes.

“While I do not necessarily collect thematically, upon reflection I realized that my wife, Marlene, does,” advised longtime collector Larry Marton. “Just to clarify the state of affairs in our home with regard to knife collecting, we have two collections—‘ours’ and ‘hers.’ Her collection consists of small knives, predominantly folders, that are about 3.5 inches open. This collection has been accumulated over the past 35-plus years. The knives were crafted by some of the finest knifemakers of our time, both living and unfortunately passed. Marlene convinced each one of them to make her a unique knife, even though most had never made a knife that size before and most would never make one of that size again.”

Oldham takes a long look at trends and depends on the assessments of those close to the industry. “Typically, I have always learned of what is trending in the knife community by reading BLADE Magazine. I’m certain most others do as well. Joe Kertzman has been instrumental in keeping collectors tuned into knife trends for years by editing the annual KNIVES publication. I mostly rely on my network of trusted purveyors. They attend most, if not all, knife shows, do the legwork, speak with makers, and have substantially greater buying power than I do. They tend to focus on particular makers, but due to the large volume of knives they come in contact with, might be able to identify a theme before it exists.”

While Oldham doesn’t consider himself positioned to recommend a theme, he readily admits that he enjoys damascus steel and knives that incorporate embellishments in the shapes/look of human skulls.

His acknowledgment of the variety of theme options presents the general collector population’s point of view well. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to collecting with or without a theme, but an eye for certain aspects or commonalities among knives can enhance the effort to grow a collection.

Meeting Other Knife Collectors

This reproduction of a Daniel Searles bowie by Mark Banfield is representative of the period bowie repros in Chris Nolen’s collection. (image courtesy of Chris Nolen)

Among the best features of theme collecting is the opportunity to build relationships as collectors and custom knifemakers interact with one another.

“Within custom knives, I’ve always gravitated toward tactical folders, so I would say that’s my overall theme,” Schluter explained. “Within that theme, most are from Bob Terzuola, then there are a lot of custom Emersons and at least a dozen knives each from Kirby Lambert and Peter Rassenti, and then numerous knives from Sal Manaro, Mark Roe, Shane Sibert, Chad Nell, and others.

“In any business, if a producer and customer have enough interaction they often become friends, and that may be even more so in the knife hobby. It’s often said that you buy the maker not the knife, and this is absolutely true if you really know the maker. Having the theme I do collecting-wise has certainly produced some lifelong friendships.”

For Larry and Marlene, that premise has held true. “Not only is it exciting to craft a special collection,” Larry commented, “but it is a way to get to know the knifemakers very well and to share the ups and downs of technical and artistic challenges with them. Firm friendships have been molded by this endeavor. Accumulating the collection requires patience, as every knife is made to order. Collecting unique knives that are not today’s momentary trend as an investment is risky, although with patience it can turn into reality.”

According to Nolen, the theme approach applies to whatever the collector’s motivation may be: pure enjoyment, investment, or both. Finding the right balance is a part of the journey, and building a collection that leads to personal satisfaction and lasting value is a powerful combination.

“There are some collectors that look at knife collecting as an investment,” he said, “and I would still recommend choosing a theme and devoting your collection to that theme. Just remember to get the best possible price. One day you may want to sell, and what you thought may have been a good deal may not have been so swell.”

Stick With The Knives You Like

Another example of one of Oldham’s knives with a skull theme is this Brian Tighe folder. “This was a very popular knife and was published in one of Dr. David Darom’s books,” Oldham wrote.

At the same time, beware of the trend that may glow white-hot and then fade quickly. Experience and a good sense of direction help prevent a misstep.

Concentrating on a specific theme will help insulate a collection from a haphazard mishmash of “stuff.” However, a collector may choose to purchase on more of a freestyle basis.

“If one were to follow hot themes exclusively,” Oldham said, “then one’s collection would be all over the place. I feel that it’s best to acknowledge the arrival of the hot themes, and then follow them to see if they become trends. A good example of this is the tactical theme or style. We can all safely attribute that style to Bob Terzuola and Ernest Emerson. As soon as that was considered a thing, makers like Brian Tighe, [the late] Darrell Ralph, and Allen Elishewitz were all over it, and at that point, I enthusiastically embraced it and they have become a major focus of my collection. They have all taken that theme to the next level, again and again, to the point that they’re now what I consider ‘rock star makers’ and have created their own genre, which I call ‘tacti-cool.’”

“I believe collecting bowies is very popular right now due to the Forged in Fire series on the History Channel,” Nolen observed. “This is not always the best path to take due to costs. A custom forged bowie can be very expensive. Collectors must first make sure they can afford the elected theme they choose. Small custom hunters and even fighters will most likely be less expensive. I made sure that I could cover the expense, but I suggest that any theme collector set a ceiling on the funds devoted to their collection.”

While expense is always a consideration and at times a downright barrier to entry in collecting higher-end or theme-related knives, the collectors are forever in charge. They may scale their collection toward the right value range and gradually, perhaps, increase funds devoted to the theme. A word of caution does address a fear factor—the fear of missing out.

“One thing I will say is that if you focus too much on one maker or type of knife you may miss out on others,” Schluter cautioned. “However, if you keep an open mind, go to shows, are active on social media, read BLADE, etc., you will still be exposed to plenty of other work. That said, the big plus, at least for me, of having a significant focus on a few particular makers is that you can really get to know their work and can also get to know them personally.”

Knife collectors, whether or not they are theme enthusiasts, are continually looking for enjoyment and satisfaction. Choosing the collecting path is part of the fun, so remembering the basics of trust, quality craftsmanship, and collecting what you like will always make the love of custom knives worthwhile.

Read More

Last-Ditch Survival Kits
Feeling Good: 4 New Handle Materials
My Five Favorite Makers

Unzip ‘Em: Best Gut Hook Hunting Knives

James Ayres

-

August 26, 2022

2

The Gut Hook Is One Of The Most Important Hunting Knives. Finding One That Works For You Can Save Hours On A Hunt

What Is a Gut Hook?

A gut hook on a knife blade is a highly specialized feature designed to open the belly of a downed deer, elk, or other critters; the notion being the gut hook will make the single purpose easier. After opening the belly the hunter would then use the primary edge to dress out the animal.

Best gut hook knives for hunting — The Gerber Myth’s 3.75-inch flat-ground blade of 7Cr17MoV stainless zips through a plastic sheet.

During more than a half-century of hunting on three continents, I have taken more deer, elk, and other large game than I can count—often with a bow or other primitive weapon. I have dressed my game with whatever knife I had at the time, folder or fixed blade, and sometimes with flint or obsidian blades. I have never used a gut hook. When I was assigned to review four knives with gut hooks I thought of it as a learning experience.

4 Best Gut Hook Knives

The four knives are the Camillus Prym1 Veil, Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Gut Hook, the Fremont Knives Hide Glider, and the Outdoor Edge Wild Skin.

The Camillus, Gerber and Outdoor Edge are familiar hunting knives with the gut hook on the spine. The Fremont is a wild card, the blade having no point and a semicircular edge similar to the ulu, an all-purpose knife traditionally used by Inuit and Aleut women to skin and clean animals, cut food, and trim blocks of snow and ice to build an igloo.

Nothing was in season at the time of the assignment. Taking suggestions from my editor and others I assembled a group of materials that would more or less replicate the hide of a freshly killed deer: an old pair of boots with leather about as thick as elk hide, floor mats, plastic sheeting (a bit of a stretch), and scraps of tanned deerskin I obtained from my brother-in-law who uses two or three deerskins a month to make bags and pouches in the Native American style. As an aside, one of his pouches can be seen in the accompanying photos.

None of the gut hooks made the slightest cut into the boot leather. All of the primary edges easily cut into the boot. After having a slit to start with, I inserted each of the gut hooks in turn and attempted to cut the leather—without much success.

Only by exerting considerable effort was I able to get any of the gut hooks to cut the boot leather. I reverted to the primary edges of the four knives to do most of the cutting and found that they sliced boot leather like it was sushi.

Gut hooks for deer hunting — The Fremont Knives Hide Glider primary
edge slices boot leather. Blade length and
steel: 3.375 inches and 4Cr15 stainless.

Next, I tried cutting the floor mats with each gut hook in turn. None would cut the floor mat. All the primary edges cut the floor mats with ease. Then I went at the plastic sheeting, which I had included because it was quite thin but resistant. All four gut hooks sliced the plastic with little effort.

Thinking about the geometry of the gut hooks and wondering if they would perform better on actual deerskin, which is thinner than elk hide or boot leather, I attempted to cut the deerskin scraps my brother-in-law had given me. With much difficulty, I was able to cut deerskin with each of the gut hooks. Again, the primary edges easily cut the material.

History of Gut Hooks

Gut hook knife — The boot leather succumbs to the primary edge of the Camillus Prym1 Veil. Blade length and steel: 4 inches and 420 stainless. Blade finish: Titanium Bonded.

Many hunters use gut hooks. They must be efficient at their designated job or no one would buy them. What was I doing wrong?

Merle Seguine, a custom knifemaker who popularized the gut hook back in the 1960s, reportedly designed it to pick up a coffee pot or small pot by the ladle from the cook fire, and in fact designed some blades for that exact purpose. He later refined the hook and sharpened it for removing animal hides.

I didn’t have a campfire handy or a pot with a bail, but it’s easy to see the Outdoor Edge, Gerber, or Camillus would serve that function. As for the Fremont Knives Hide Glider, being all one piece of steel with no handle, not so much.

And here’s the MSRP for all the blades that were reviewed from least expensive to most:

Outdoor Edge Wild Skin – $18.95
Camillus Prym1 Veil – $30.64
Fremont Knives Hide Glider – $34.99
Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Gut Hook – $54

Hunting Knife Review: The Gut Hook Results, Ranked

The flat-ground Gerber was the best all-around cutter, the flat-ground Outdoor Edge a close second and the hollow-ground Camillus third. The edge of the Fremont was quite sharp and though it placed last in all-around cutting, I suspect that with more experience on my part it would make a good slicer. The Fremont is also an intriguing design and being flat should easily fit into any kit bag.

Sharpening the gut hook would be an exercise in patience. A small, round sharpening tool should serve to get into the tight space.

Are Gut Hooks Necessary?

Gut hooks for skinning game — The Outdoor Edge Wild Skin deconstructs leather boot with the primary edge. Handle material: Rubber TPR. Overall length: 8.5 inches.

I have never found opening the belly of a critter to be especially difficult, though there is some technique required.

The hardest part of opening an elk’s belly is getting the huge critter—elk often weigh 500 to 600 pounds—on its back. Deer, of course, even “mulies,” which can reach 300 pounds, are much easier to manage.

I’m very much old school, as my sons remind me, and have a great deal of experience, so I’ll continue to dress game with whatever knife I have at hand. But if you’re new to dressing game the gut hook can likely do a better job for you.

If you dress out a great deal of game, say as a hunting guide, the gut hook will make your job easier and faster.

Three More Gut Hook Knives Worth A Look

This trio of gut hooks may not have gotten a hands-on review, but they are more than capable of serving you well when dressing a deer.

SharpWorld Beautiful Damascus Gut Hook

This knife lives up to the name and then some. The full-tang blade is made from a spectacular damascus alloy that looks even better with the ram horn handle. At eight inches in length it’s long enough to get under the hide without being too big to become cumbersome.

MSRP: $49.99

Buck Zipper

When it comes to outdoors knives there are few companies better than Buck. And their gut hook, the Zipper, is named based on what it’s designed to do: open animals like a zipper. The drop point is made from 420HC stainless with a Heritage Walnut DymaLux handle and comes with an included leather sheath.

The current CEO and President, CJ Buck, personally helped design the knife after seeing a glut of subpar gut hooks on the market in the early 1990s.

MSRP: $122.99

Case Lightweight Hunter Gut Hook

Case has made an incredibly light and strong gut hook that’s just over four ounces in weight as part of the brand’s Lightweight Hunter line of knives.

The gut hook has a sabre concave grind on the Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel blade. The steel itself is a high-carbon variety designed to hold an edge longer than more conventional steels. The handle is a ballistic nylon material that increases strength without adding unnecessary weight.

MSRP: $78.99

Editor’s Note: Michael Abelson contributed to this piece.

Read More

Best Skinning Knives: When You Dress The Kill
Best Hunting Knife Kits

Warenski King Tut Dagger For Sale

Steve Shackleford

-

August 3, 2022

2

Perhaps the most iconic handmade knife ever can be yours for the right price

It may be the most iconic custom knife ever and it was made by perhaps the best knifemaker ever. The King Tut Dagger reproduction by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Buster Warenski is available for sale through Exquisite Knives.

Buster Warenski’s reproduction of the King Tut Dagger took over five years to complete and, including the sheath, contains over 32 ounces of gold. (SharpByCoop image)

Commissioned by Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Phil Lobred in 1982, the knife took Warenski over five years to complete. A pioneering collector of custom knives and 19^th-century dress bowies and founder/creator/coordinator of the Art Knife Invitational, Phil had kept the dagger in a safe ever since, displaying it on rare occasions at select knife shows or for private viewings. He passed away in 2016. On Aug. 1, his widow, Judy, contacted Dave Ellis of Exquisite Knives and asked him to handle the sale of the famous piece.

Buster Warenski is widely recognized as one of the best knifemakers if not the best ever. He passed away in 2005.

Once valued at over $1 million, “the most famous contemporary handmade knife ever,” according to Ellis, has an asking price of $500,000.

LEGACY IN STEEL

The first of Warenski’s three “Legacy Knives”—the other two being the Gem of the Orient and Fire and Ice—the King Tut Dagger is a reproduction of the knife from the tomb of the Egyptian boy king, Tutankhamun, uncovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. It contains over 32 ounces of gold and took Warenski, widely recognized as one of the best knifemakers if not the best ever, over half a decade to build.

During that span he suffered through the trial and challenges of recreating the iconic dagger. Among them was the cold forging and fullering of the knife’s gold blade, learning such ancient techniques as cloisonné—a highly technical enameling process—and the granulation of the handle. The solid gold scabbard rivals the knife in terms of beauty and the many hours it took to make. A special handmade display stand comes with the dagger, both of which are in mint condition.

The King Tut Dagger repro was the cover for the February 1988 BLADE®. — The King Tut Dagger repro was the cover for the February 1988 *BLADE®*.

PRICED TO SELL

The current sale will be the second time Ellis has had a go at moving the Tut dagger repro.

“A few years before he passed, Phil Lobred asked if I would find a buyer for the Tut. His asking price at the time was $1 million. I had a number of interested parties but Phil was set on his price and I could not swing the sale,” Dave wrote. “Now, over six years since Phil passed, Judy contacted me about selling the King Tut Dagger. After deciding on a more realistic price—not that a million was unreasonable but few if any contemporary knives have attained that lofty status—I am marketing the piece on my Instagram and Facebook pages and on my website.”

An ABS master smith now retired from bladesmithing, Dave is a top collector and dealer of fine custom knives. He stated that to be able to offer his clientele such a special piece is indeed an honor.

Phil Lobred commissioned Buster Warenski to make the King Tut dagger repro in 1982 and Buster completed it in 1987. Phil, here on a dock in San Diego, created/founded the Art Knife Invitational in 1983. He passed away in 2016.

Perhaps the only things better would be to a) sell it and b) own it.

For more information on the sale of the King Tut Dagger repro, visit exquisiteknives.com and click on ‘art knives’ on the home page.

Best Knife Case Options To Protect Your Investment [2022]

Knife Collecting

Mike Ableson

-

July 6, 2022

2

Hard cases, rolls, soft sides and more … here are some of the Best Knife Cases around.

Safely stowing away one knife is easy. Doing the same for a cornucopia of knives is a challenge.

Given you’ve laid down cold, hard cash on your dream blades, you need a better place than your junk draw to keep them safe. This is where a solid knife case enters the picture … kind of.

It could be a time-tested knife roll or a display case you show off your treasures when not in use. However you cut it, you need somewhere to keep your knives in pristine order.

We’re is here to help. We’ve gathered 9 of the best knife cases and other knife storage solutions to make your hunt easier. By no means is this exhaustive, but gives you a solid start on what you need to stow away your blades.

But before we get to that, you may be asking ….

Why Do I Need A Knife Case?

Good question.

Many casual owners might not need to make the investment. The top of the chest of drawers is a good enough place for a knife when the day is done.

In all likelihood, these are one or two knife owners who pick up whatever works down at the bait shop, hardware store or mega-mart. When you have $20 or $30 wrapped up in a work knife there’s not much call for kid gloves.

Things change when you drop three, four or even five figures on a top-end factory or custom blade. Heck, you might even have a burgeoning knifemaking business and want to take care of your wares. So here are some reasons why you might want to invest in a knife case, roll or other storage/transport system.

Protection: A good knife case needs to protect your knives. They’re investments. They’re tools. They’re a part of you. Making sure they are protected whether you’re traveling or just in the shop is paramount. A case that doesn’t adequately protect your blades isn’t worth the money or the time.

Transportation: Do you really want to trust the luggage throwers at the airport? Or is skimping really worth banging around your beauties? Near or far, if you travel with more than one knife you should really consider a solution above and beyond chucking your knife in a checked bag.

Organization: The best knife cases have beauty in their organization. There’s something incredibly satisfying about opening a case and seeing all your knives cozily tucked exactly where you last left them.

Security: You wouldn’t toss your knives in a shopping bag and leave them outside your door, would you? A quality case provides the necessary security needed to keep your knives safe. Some even have a low-profile appearance so people don’t know what you have under your arm.

What’s The Best Case For You?

The cliche, but true answer, is it depends. If you’re a serious knife collector who crisscrosses the country going to shows, you’re going to want a case that not only locks but is also TSA-compliant so you can fly with as check luggage.

If you’re the type of person who wants something to show off your few prized knives, a display case would be your best bet. It keeps your knives safe while allowing you to be proud of them.

And if you’re someone who regularly stops by the local knife shop to see what new models are available and maybe buy one or two a year, a study roll might be all you’ll need.

What Makes A Good Case?

More than anything, a good knife case is one that’s well made. Kind of obvious, right? But it’s the truth. Here are some of the basic aspects you want your investment to include.

Durable: You want to spend your money on knives, not replacing a knife case. Buy something built for the long haul.

Protective: Hey, this is one of the main reasons you’re buying a knife case. One that doesn’t protect your investment isn’t worth your money.

Convenient: This depends on you, buy the case needs to match your needs. A large hardcase might not prove ideal if you have a small collection. A knife roll might come up short if you fly cross country to shows on a regular basis.

Best Knife Case Options

Spyderco Spyderpac Large

Large is an understatement. Spyderco‘s pocketknife case holds 30 folders, each secured in a pouch with a clear plastic window. This is a nice touch, allowing you to find a particular knife at a glance. Constructed of black polyester Cordura, the roll is definitely built to last. And the 24- by nearly 8-inch tri-fold is easy to get in and out of thanks to its Velcro fastener. An added bonus is a handy strap for carrying ease or hanging up your collection for easy access. MSRP: $66.

Pelican V100 Vault Knife Case

There’s nothing as durable and rugged as a Nalpak Pelican case. Used to keep fragile camera equipment safe on movie sets, it’s up to the task of knife transportation. A crushproof high-impact polymer exterior makes the knife case nearly bulletproof to all but the most extreme abuse. A full O-ring seal around the lid keeps the interior impervious to water and dust, while a purge value ensures the internal environment is ideal. Multiple layer foam dividers keep your knives in place–there’s room for 19 of them–and protects them from typical jostling damage. And twin stainless-steel lock hasps let’s you lock them away and stay TSA compliant. MSRP: $99.99

Hersent Pocket Knife Display Case

The budget model on our list of pocket knife cases, Hersent’s display case is no-frills done right. Less than eight inches long, the Display Case has slots for 14 folding knives. Each knife is kept in place by a fabric elastic band. The downside, it is a tight squeeze with seven on each hemisphere, and there aren’t individual pockets. Rougher environments these deficits could potentially could lead to damage. However, with this in mind, the knife case is more than adequate for short excursions where rough and tumble isn’t the norm or if case funds are tight. MSRP: $17.88

Vault Case Secure

Vault’s case is modular and TSA compliant if you need to travel with your knives. Boasting an ample 11- by 6.5-inch interior and utilizing removable foam pannels with a Velco loop system. You get six in all, including one buffer pannel perfect for squirlling away patches (if your into that sort of thing). The advantage of the knife case, it’s extremely flexible, giving you the power to configure it to your needs. And it’s secure, with a TSA-approved combo lock with resetable code on its zipper entry. The one negative, the carbon fiber exterior isn’t actually carbon fiber. Still it looks nice. MSRP: $64.96

Bradley Mountain Field Roll

A touch of outdoorsman class, the Field Roll from Bradley Mountain is stylish and functional. Room enough to transport up to seven knives and a sharpening stone the waterproof duck canvas is a classic. At 18 ounces, it’s also little trouble to tote along. Traditional knife roll function, the field roll is simple to access, secured by a stylish leather strap. As for storage, it’s 3.5-inch deep pockets are perfect for to keep your folders, whether a one-of-a-kind slipjoint or the latest tactical flipper. MSRP: $48

Messermeister Preservation Chef Backpack

The ultimate in portability, security, and style, this backpack from Messermeister might be the perfect solution for the mobile chef. It features three multipurpose compartments to orgainze everything from a full-sized chef’s knife to a meat thermometer. Plus, a small front pocket can fit your daily items such as a phone, wallet, and a notebook. It has 12 individual pockets for your cutlery and other tools along with a mesh pocket for anything too wide to fit into the main dozen pockets. The last pocket, closet to the back straps, is a standard backpack pocket, great to tote along whatever you need to bring with you. MSRP: $149.95

Castlecreek Collector’s Cabinet Display Case

Part knife case, part furniture, the Castlecreek Collector’s Cabinet Display Case is an elegant way to show off your knives. This case is a big boy, weighing it at almost 16 pounds, but that’s what you get with a wood and brass construction. Each of the seven draws has a green, felt-lined finish and is completely removable. The top shelf is under glass so your prized knife, or any other possession for that matter, can be seen by all. All of the draws are removable and gold-toned brass hardware. The draws are deep enough to store numerous folders or a good amount of fixed blade knives. At 20 inches long, it’s deep enough to store a large chef’s knife or a Bowie knife or sizable recurve. MSRP: $129.99

QCWN Knife Bag

Knife rolls are generally geared toward folders, but QCWN‘s Knife Bag gives fixed-blade fan someplace to look. Primaraly intended for on-the-go culinary types, the roll is versitile enough to handle a wild array of other knives–a long as they don’t exceed 17-inches in length. Made from a thick, waxed canvas, the bag is water resistant and nearly impervious to punctures and cuts. A canvas strap secures the bag into a tidy roll when in route and it’s classic look give the sachale timeless appeal. MSRP: $17.49

Shun 8-Slot Knife Roll

Shun makes great knives, and they also make great knife cases. The Knife Roll can hold eight knives in individual elasticized pockets, and there’s a zippered internal net pocket to hold other tools and accessories. The closures are fully zippered and feature Velcro as well, and the padded handle makes for easy travel. Made from 600D polyester, this option also holds up against rough use. As with many of Shun’s knives and other products, there are no fancy bells and whistles on this knife case. It’s just a high-quality utilitarian product that can be used for years. MSRP: $50

Read More

The Viking Seax And Where To Get One

Dexter Ewing

-

June 25, 2022

0

Deeply Rooted In Scandinavian History, The Seax, AKA “Scramasax” Or “Sax,” Was The Blade Shape Of Choice For The Much-Feared And Revered Vikings.

Typically the Norsemen were associated with their famous axes, but, truth be known, they also carried a knife that saw more general use: the seax.

The Scandinavians usually lived in villages, farmed the land and raised animals. In such an agrarian society, they also needed tools to help them work the land and harvest the fruits of their labor. This is also where a knife came into play.

“Their personal knife was called the seax and it never left their side because it was their version of an EDC,” begins Ernest Emerson of Emerson Knives, Inc. “The knife was tasked with a myriad of chores, from skinning a freshly taken deer to cutting up the turnips they grubbed out of the ground with the same knife.”

Seax blade shapes — The folding Emerson Knives Seax puts a modern twist on this age-old blade design. (Image via Emerson Knives)

Emerson said the seax also could be employed as a self-defense weapon if needed. It was truly a blade for all seasons: Harvest produce in the morning, fend off the enemy after lunch, and then prepare supper in the evening—all with the same blade.

Seax Designs

All joking aside, the seax was a handy blade.

“It is a bowie-style blade, a spear-point type of blade, a Loveless drop-point hunter-style of blade, and, of course, the well-known ‘broken-back’ style featuring a severe clip close to the front, finishing in a point well below the center line,” Emerson said.

He said the broken-back seax style is the most common and appears in TV shows and movies depicting Vikings.

Blade lengths varied wildly from seven inches on the short end and topping out at 30 inches, the latter Emerson called a short sword, basically.

“The seax needed to be an all-around utility tool that could chop, cut, slice, and sometimes stab, all with equal ease of application,” he said. “A Viking’s livelihood depended on self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and the quality of his toolkit.”

What is a seax — The Cold Steel Damascus Long Sax features a 17.25-inch blade with an edge that curves up toward the tip. MSRP: $635.99. (Cold Steel image)

At first glance, the seax may not seem as exciting as a recurve blade, but looks are not always everything. The beauty of such a blade lies within its ability to tackle cutting chores.

The straight-line cutting edge tackles a variety of tasks easily, and the point of the blade is both precise and powerful, with the ability to score as well as penetrate.

5 Best Seax Knives

The long history of the seax is still going strong today as companies young and old are making new versions of the historic blade.

These five are some of the more unique and exciting seax knives available today.

Terävä Skrama 240

Direct from the Finnish brand Terävä, the Skrama is a rugged bush knife great for chopping, slicing, and building shelters in the outdoors. The 9.4-inch blade is made from 80CrV2 steel with a 59 HRC. It comes married to a textured rubber handle for easy grip in any weather conditions.

The blade has a full tang and a flat edge but with a twist. It’s sharpened to a 34-degree edge except for the two inches closest to the hilt. That small section is sharpened to a finer 25-degree edge for more meticulous, precise knifework.

The Skrama comes with either a leather sheath or a plastic cover and has an MSRP of $69.99-109.99.

SZCO Supplies Brass-Studded Seax

SZCO Supplies has made a fun, durable knife with its Brass-Studded Seax. The piece features a 10-inch blade married to a wooden handle. The knife is adorned with brass studs on the handle as well as a brass guard and pommel.

For a budge knife, it does have some weak points. The two main ones are that the leather sheath may need some working in to be at its best, and the knife may need a sharpen out of the box to have a pristine edge. Other than that, this is a good knife for the money.

Strong enough for a log, sharp enough for a piece of chicken, SZCO Supplies has made a seax that is well priced at an MSRP of just $27.63.

Medieval Collectibles Viking Seax Knife

This seax from Medieval Collectibles has the look and feel of a knife from the Viking era. It’s made from 5160 tempered carbon steel with a full tang, which is peened over the end of the handle’s metal end cap.

Just over 17 inches in length, and a blade length of 12.1 inches, the Viking Seax comes with a handle that has a wood grain finish and a hand-stitched leather scabbard with a belt hanger.

At just 14.4 ounces in weight this is a utility knife great for everything from chopping through wood and brush to defense and protection. The Viking Seax comes with an MSRP of $169.

Grimfrost Broken Back Seax, Type IV

From Grimfrost comes a full-tang seax made of 1045 carbon steel. A reproduction of a 1,000-year-old seax found in London, the Broken Back Seax is 16 inches in length with an 11-inch blade.

The handle is handmade ash and the included leather scabbard is hand-stitched. It also features “Grimfrost” stamped in runes on the side of the blade.

Lots of time and care went into making this knife as authentic as it could be and it shows. So whether you want to feel like Leif Eriksson exploring new lands or just want a strong knife while chopping, Grimfrost has you covered.

The Broken Back Seax has an MSRP of $132.

Lunar Light Forge Damascus Sanmai Seax

This amazing seax is from the husband & wife duo of Nathaniel and Megan Everett at Lunar Light Forge in Akron, Ohio.

The damascus blade is made from 42 layers of 1095 and 15n20 steel around a 5160 core. It is paired with a handle made of Buffalo horn and Cocobolo wood, and it comes with a hand-tooled & hand-stitched leather sheath.

It’s just as much an art piece as it is an excellent utility knife. The 7-inch blade can process an animal, hack off tree limbs, and chop in the kitchen. It does have an MSRP of $722.50, but for the amount of craftsmanship and care that went into the piece, you’ll know you’re getting a knife of the highest quality.

Editor’s Note: Mike Abelson contributed to this piece

Read More

8 Best Puukko Knife Options

Dexter Ewing

-

June 22, 2022

2

Puukko Knives Are A Traditional Knife Of The Nordic Countries. It Is Used For Everything From Hunting To Chopping Vegetables

Puukko is Finnish for “knife.” It is deeply rooted in Scandinavian countries where the knife is both tool and art form. In fact, the puukko plays an important part in Nordic culture. Often included as part of the traditional cultural dress, the puukko is a historical symbol, especially in Finland and Northern Scandinavia.

The Finns treat the knife with deep respect. Many men in the country take great pride in how they carve their knife’s handle. It’s so ingrained in the culture that the Finnish Defense Forces don’t issue a standard knife to its soldiers. Instead, most men simply bring their own puukko with them into service.

What Is A Puukko Knife?

Rich history aside, puukkos are first and foremost solid work knives. They are of basic construction, consisting of a high carbon steel blade mated with a handle that is usually of a natural material, though some modern versions are synthetic.

The steel is traditionally crucible steel made from limonite iron, which was almost exclusively the type of steel made in Finland before more modern manufacturing methods were invented in the 19th century.

Primary uses are woodcarving and food prep as well as most anything requiring a cutting tool. Outside the Nordic culture, puukkos have earned a solid reputation as stout knives built for serious labor. It’s easy to see why these knives are favored among outdoor folks.

If you spend time camping or hiking or are simply in need of a good, solid fixed blade that withstands hard use and requires low maintenance, consider the sleek, slender puukko.

What Is A Puukko Handle Made Of?

One of the more common puukko handle materials is Masur (curly birch, though you’ll also find antler, bone, leather, and other hardwoods. Modern factory-made knives can come with a plastic handle instead of using traditional materials. The handle has no guard, and the blade boasts a gentle upsweep to the edge to facilitate easy cutting.

Puukko Sheaths

Puukko sheaths are usually leather and may or may not have fancy tooling. A belt loop is separate and affixed via a metal ring. Also known as a dangler, the sheath is free to move separately from the belt loop and you. This comes in handy if you’re seated, as the knife can move freely and adjust itself into position yet remain easy to withdraw.

Best Puukko Knives

Today, puukkos have become a popular knife beyond just Scandinavia. In places ranging from El Salvador to Russia and the USA, puukkos are prized for their durability and ruggedness. Below are five of the best puukkos that are available today.

TOPS Tanimboca Puukko

Puukko knives — The 90-degree blade spine on the TOPS Tanimboca Puukko is for use with a fire restarter. Scrape the corner of the blade spine down the ferro rod to create a shower of sparks. (Marty Stanfield Photography)

From TOPS Knives, there is the Tanimboca Puukko. Designed in conjunction with Serbian knifemaker Goran Mihajlovic, who has spent the last two decades living in Colombia, the Tanimboca combines the best of a puukko knife with the toughness of the Amazon.

The blade has a slight clip point at the end and a flat spine is great for fire starting and scraping tasks. The knife is made from 1095 steel with a 56-58 Rockwell hardness and a length of 3.63 inches and a tumbled finish. The Tan Canvas Micarta handle honors the traditional puukko and looks great.

The knife comes with a brown leather sheath and has a belt loop so it’s easy to take with you. A cool, contemporary take on a historic knife makes the Tanimboca work the $170 MSRP.

Benchmade 200 Puukko

You know Benchmade is going to put out a good product, and their 200 Puukko is no exception. The drop point is made of CPM-3V steel, the 200 is super hard and super durable even by puukko standards. The rubberized Santoprene handle provides excellent grip, and the lanyard hold in the handle makes the 200 easy to bring with you outdoors or on the job site.

Add in a leather sheath and you have a top-tier knife that can handle any situation you throw at it. With an MSRP of $160 it’s fairly priced and worth every penny.

Ahti Vaara Finnish Puukko Knife

Direct from Finland comes a budget puukko from Ahti. The Vaara is made from carbon-vanadium alloy steel with a traditional Masur birch handle and brass fittings. The is sharpened with a Scandi grind and is 3.74 inches in length. Overall, the knife is 8.31 inches long and well-weighted.

A neat design element is a black spine made of carbon steel. The flat edge, like with other puuukkos on this list, is great for starting fires and scraping away at material.

With a reasonable MSRP of just $51.45, the Vaara is a well-priced knife, and even with the shipping cost from Europe, it should still be under $100.

Marttini Tundra Kelo

Another puukko made in Finland, the Marttini Tundra Kelo is not just a beautiful knife but also a quality one. Unlike most puukkos, which have a narrow tang within a solid wood handle, the Tundra Kelo is a full-tang blade surrounded on either side by a wax-coated gnarl birch handle.

The 4.33-inch blade is longer than most other choices on this list and is made from stainless chromium steel with an HRC 58 in terms of hardness. The black leather sheather contrasts nicely with the look of the knife itself.

The MSRP is € 139, which converts to $146.87 before shipping. One of the pricier knives on our list but worth it if you’re looking for a high-quality authentic Finnish puukko.

Condor Indigenous Puukko Knife

The last knife on our list is from Condor and is one of the most visually striking. The Indigenous Puukko Knife has a 3.9-inch blade made of 1095 high carbon steel with a Scandi grind.

The walnut handle features an inlaid golden wire wrap to help with grip, and it looks great. the handle is meant to combine elements from Polynesian and Sami cultures to celebrate indigenous cultures from around the world. The Sami are an indigenous group that lives in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and a small portion of Northwest Russia.

The knife comes with a welted leather sheath and is incredibly light at just 4.6 ounces. At an MSRP of just $95.45 this is a well-priced, nimble, and beautiful knife.

GiantMouse Ace Nimbus V2

This folder is inspired by the puukko and other Nordic knives and is built to be a mix of EDC and tool for the jobsite. The 3-inch blade is made from satin-finished Elmax steel meted to a green micarta handle for a secure grip. The blade has a full flat grind and thin edge. This allows for longer, more precise slicing strokes, and since the blade comes to an extremely fine tip the knife is also great for puncturing as well.

The nuts and bolts of this knife are great. The liners are made from AISI 420 hardened steel, and the liner lock keeps everything rigid. At 3.8 ounces it’s both light yet heavy enough to feel good in the hand.

The blade is .138 inches thick. That’s more than fine for many standard tasks around a jobsite but you might not want to start using it as a pry bar if you don’t have to.

MSRP: $185

Kellam Knives Ranger Puukko

This knife is a puukko to its core. It’s designed and built to stand up to not only combat but also the ferocious winters of Northern Europe. The 6-inch blade is made from forged 80CrV2 carbon steel with a teflon coating for added wear resistance and a Scandi grind.

At two-tenths of an inch thick, the blade is a beast and can stand up to almost anything life can throw at it. Use is aided by a 5-inch tempered rubber handle that won’t crack or deform even in hostile conditions.

Th Ranger Puukko is standard issue for troops from both the Finnish and Estonian militaries, and it’s easy to see why.

MSRP: $186.45

Helle Temagami CA

Designed by Les Stroud, the Temagami is a full-tang puukko that was precisely built to be among the best of its type on the market. It starts with a half-full tang design. That means the blade can be seen along the spine of the handle except near the fingers; this is done to better weight the knife and to better withstand harsh conditions.

The curly birch handle looks great and is ergonomically designed for hard, intense work. At 4.34 inches long, the triple laminated carbon steel blade is long enough to be used for slicing, puncturing, and even chopping for food-related tasks. The leather sheath allows for easy transport and storage.

MSRP: $209

Editor’s Note: Mike Abelson contributed to this piece

Read More

8 Affordable, Cool, And Compact Keychain Knives [2022]

Knife Collecting

Mike Haskew

-

May 25, 2022

0

8 Affordable, Cool, And Compact Keychain Knives [2022]

Updated 5/25/2022

Keychain Knives Provide Utility And Protection In A Compact Package. There Are Many Quality Keychain Knives At An Affordable Price.

From a conversation piece to the handiest blade available, nothing adds to the everyday carry equation better than the right keychain knife. With little notice until needed, a keychain cutter is ready for action but doesn’t weigh down the pocket or take up too much space in a purse.

Coming in different sizes and blade types, keychain knives are as varied as any other type of everyday carry knife but is smaller and more nimble.

8 Best Affordable Keychain Knives

Outdoor Edge MiniGrip
The Bear Edge 71523
Al Mar Knives Stinger
Gerber Key Note
Kershaw Cinder
Spyderco Bug Micro-Size Folding Knife 1-5/16″ Blade
SOG Centi II Knife
Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife

Outdoor Edge MiniGrip

At Outdoor Edge, the MiniGrip, MiniBlaze, and MiniBabe are the same knife differentiated only by color in black, blaze—an orange shade—and pink, respectively. “They’re designed to meet the needs of anyone who needs a small lightweight blade that is always within reach,” Outdoor Edge marketing director William Morgan said. “We designed these knives in three colors to cater to all knife enthusiasts. When we developed this series of knives, we noticed a gap in the market for an affordable and mostly practical small knife that can be easily attached to a keychain or carried in one’s pocket.

“We opted to make three colors to accommodate a larger audience,” William continued. “Obviously, the orange is great for high visibility, reducing the chance of losing the knife, while the black is a little more inconspicuous, and the pink seems to be a hit with the female audience.”

Designed in Colorado and sporting a low MSRP, each knife in the Outdoor Edge series includes a 2.2-inch 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, rubber TPR handle, 1.4-ounce weight, and 2.9-inch closed length. Each model comes complete with a lanyard that makes attaching it to a keychain easy. Each has an ambidextrous thumb stud for easy one-hand opening as well.

“The razor-sharp blade is up to any task, from opening the latest round of Amazon Prime boxes to cutting rope or even performing field-dressing tasks,” Morgan said. “The rubberized TPR handle serves a few functions. First, this is a small knife, and we were concerned about creating a secure, non-slip grip to avoid accidents. Second, the handle does not jingle against the keys on your keychain, making it a perfect silent addition to anyone’s keys.”

MSRP: $23.95

The Bear Edge 71523

The Bear Edge 71523 from Bear & Son Cutlery complements a substantial line of knives, and company spokesperson Jacob Eaton says it’s a hit. “It’s affordable, compact and a functional tool,” he said. “Customers really like it because it’s lightweight, sharp and just the right size. Plus, you will always know where a knife is when it’s attached to your keys. We find both genders purchasing the Bear Edge 71523, and it fits everyone’s lifestyle.”

The imported 71523 is complete with a two-inch blade of 440 stainless steel, stainless handle, and closed length of 2.875 inches. It’s almost lighter than air at just 2.3 ounces. According to Eaton, the blade length is ideal for typical cutting tasks encountered on a daily basis. “Cutting boxes open, adjusting cordage length and other similar chores are easy with the sturdy framelock design,” he said. “And one can cut confidently.” Another utilitarian feature is the built-in bottle opener.

The company chose the stainless components for durability, and the knife is sized for maximum versatility. “Stainless steel is a timeless design element and proven to stand against wear and tear,” Eaton said. “The finish looks natural on a keychain and doesn’t call attention. The frame pattern was developed to fit comfortably into both large and small hands. The blade is a drop point shape, allowing it to complete most tasks, and the 71523 attaches with a standard split key ring.”

MSRP: $21.49

Al Mar Knives Stinger

The Al Mar Knives (AMK) approach to keychain knives involves easy access and long-term performance, and the Stinger was developed to deliver classic AMK design and function.

Above: The Stinger fixed-blade keychain knife from Al Mar Knives features a 1.3-inch D-2 tool steel blade in a flat grind, a synthetic PP+TPR rubber handle, and dual-injected sheath of the same material. It weighs just .7 of an ounce. Overall length: 3.1 inches.

“This knife is designed to be great at slicing and fast cuts.” — Justin Rabon

“Our Stinger keychain knife is designed for anyone looking for a durable blade they can keep concealed and on hand, with or without pockets,” AMK representative Justin Rabon said. “Our users find creative ways to incorporate these on their bags, gear and keys. We feel this versatility can help reach a wide range of users across many different lifestyles. We want our keychain knives to be practical for the majority of our users. We want to find the needs in the industry and have our knives be the solution to those needs.”

The fixed-blade Stinger comes complete with a snug-fitting sheath and deploys with a push of a button. It features a 1.3-inch D-2 tool steel blade in a flat grind, a PP+TPR rubber handle, and dual-injected sheath of the same material. It weighs just .7 of an ounce. Overall length: 3.1 inches.

“This knife is designed to be great at slicing and fast cuts,” Rabon said. “It can be used for anything where a short, sharp knife is needed. To accomplish these tasks easily and repeatedly, we gave the knife a D-2 blade. D-2 is known for retaining a sharp edge after repeated use. We also designed the Stinger to have Al Mar’s Wedge-style blade. This provides a superior dagger point where needed.”

The AMK Stinger comes complete with a snug-fitting sheath and deploys with an easy push of a button. It comes in red, blue, black and green—and the green really stands out in a crowd.

The Stinger’s finer points add flair and good looks as well. “The four colors that were chosen for the four Stinger knives—red, blue, black and green—were picked to provide variety while staying true to the traditional red and black of Al Mar Knives. The plastics in the handle were chosen to add extra grip and durability.”

Integral to the Stinger design is an eyelet built into the sheath, and sturdy construction prevents failures. “This makes sure the sheath doesn’t detach from the eyelet,” Rabon said, “and also allows you to replace the smaller key loop with a smaller diameter cord if desired. The Al Mar Wedge provides a superior point if needed, and the finger groove at the base of the blade allows the Stinger to sit comfortably in most hands. This improves the fit, feel, and functionality of the knife.”

MSRP: $12-23

Gerber Key Note

Gerber spokesperson Josh Headley said the focus on the company’s Key Note keychain knife is compactness. “We also wanted to add some chisel/scraping capabilities for additional functionality,” he said. “Gender wasn’t a big consideration. We just wanted to make a tool that was worthy of a place in your pocket or purse.”

Features inherent in the Key Note design brought that idea from the drawing board to reality. “We added the wide clip so that you can also hang keys on your belt,” Headley said. “The knife was designed to not draw too much attention when worn on the clip, but still have a pleasing and almost symmetrical shape. We took a lot of inspiration from the history of Gerber. The overall profile is inspired by the shield logo, as well as Gerber’s past logos and heraldic-naming conventions with a modern twist.”

The Key Note combines function with a tip of the cap to Gerber tradition. With a 1-inch blade of satin-finished 5Cr stainless steel, the knife weighs just 3.98 ounces, and its aluminum handle scales are built to last.

“The primary function of the Key Note is to open packages,” Headley said. “The thought was you get home, grab a package off your porch and open your door. You have the tool set to open your door and open your package in hand.”

The Key Note's tanto-style blade allows for scraping & chiseling along with cutting. — The Key Note’s tanto-style blade allows for scraping & chiseling along with cutting.

Available colors add to the Key Note’s appeal for those who look for discretion or want a bit of flash. “We set out to have a modern option and an old-school option for the EDC community,” Headley commented. “The matte-black anodize with the bright contrast from the orange is meant to look at home next to your key fob. The coyote and sage is designed to camouflage among a set of brass keys. We made the scales out of aluminum to increase the strength of the lockup, and so that the weight of the keys won’t knock the blade off balance. To improve longevity, the blade runs on brass washers and operates on a classic linerlock.”

The blade is in a compact tanto style to provide two flat edges that are easy to sharpen. A flat key ring gives an appropriate amount of flexibility between the ring and scales. Several different diameters of rings were tested to determine the best component. A kick-out tab is incorporated to assist in deploying the blade and allow easier opening rather than solely depending on the nail nick.

“The Key Note should be suited to light and medium opening and cutting tasks,” Josh said. “The flat edge on the front can be used to scrape everything from a label to that last bit of errant head gasket. In addition, the front of the scale can be leveraged so that the midpoint of the blade will puncture tape without damaging the contents of a box.”

MSRP: $21.60

Kershaw Cinder

If there was a knife out there that could be called adorable it’s the Kershaw Cinder, but don’t judge a book by its cover. This knife comes with a blade of 3Cr13 blade steel, and you know with the Kershaw name that it will be a quality knife from blade to handle. An excellent box cutter and utility knife or a protection piece for your keychain or purse, the Cinder plays far bigger than its size. Also, it has an integrated bottle opener and we could always use another of those.

MSRP: $13.99

Spyderco Bug Micro-Size Folding Knife 1-5/16″ Blade

Sypderco has made a nimble keychain knife that feels like it should cost more than it does. At less than three inches in total length, the Bug easily slides onto a keychain and works as an excellent low-profile EDC for protection and whatever else life throws at you.

A flat-ground blade made of 3Cr13MoV stainless steel, the Bug also features a flat, stainless steel handle great for engraving or personalizing for yourself or a friend as a gift. The smallest folding knife made by Spyderco, the Bug delivers in nearly every way.

MSRP: $24.50

SOG Centi II Knife

Featuring a lockback design, and a blade coming in at 2.1 inches, the Centi II is a versatile knife fit for your pocket, keychain, or even on a necklace. Strong yet thin, it’s even thinner than your car key, the Centi II is robust enough to tackle any day-to-day tasks you’d expect from any other EDC. The hardcased black finish is gorgeous and adds a sleek design touch to the knife.

Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife

When it comes to keychain knives it’s impossible to make a list without the famous Swiss Army Knife. With seven tools and functions built into a body just 2.3 inches in length, the Swiss Army Knife is famous for its versatility and is still one of the gold standards of keychain knives.

With tools made of stainless steel that include a small blade, scissors, and a nail file with a screwdriver, the Swiss Army Knife can handle pretty much any situation life can throw at you where you’d need a quick tool. The classics become classics for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with a Swiss Army Knife on your keychain or in your pocket.

MSRP: $19.99

Mike Abelson contributed to this piece.

Knife Collecting

Knife Collecting Is Different For Everyone. Some Folks Like To Stick With A Theme And Collect Everything They Can.

Embracing Theme Collecting

Meeting Other Knife Collectors

Stick With The Knives You Like

The Gut Hook Is One Of The Most Important Hunting Knives. Finding One That Works For You Can Save Hours On A Hunt

What Is a Gut Hook?

4 Best Gut Hook Knives

History of Gut Hooks

Hunting Knife Review: The Gut Hook Results, Ranked

Are Gut Hooks Necessary?

Three More Gut Hook Knives Worth A Look

SharpWorld Beautiful Damascus Gut Hook

Buck Zipper

Case Lightweight Hunter Gut Hook

Perhaps the most iconic handmade knife ever can be yours for the right price

Read More On Knife Collecting:

Hard cases, rolls, soft sides and more … here are some of the Best Knife Cases around.

Why Do I Need A Knife Case?

What’s The Best Case For You?

What Makes A Good Case?

Best Knife Case Options

Spyderco Spyderpac Large

Pelican V100 Vault Knife Case

Hersent Pocket Knife Display Case

Vault Case Secure

Bradley Mountain Field Roll

Messermeister Preservation Chef Backpack

Castlecreek Collector’s Cabinet Display Case

QCWN Knife Bag

Shun 8-Slot Knife Roll

Deeply Rooted In Scandinavian History, The Seax, AKA “Scramasax” Or “Sax,” Was The Blade Shape Of Choice For The Much-Feared And Revered Vikings.

Seax Designs

5 Best Seax Knives

These five are some of the more unique and exciting seax knives available today.

Terävä Skrama 240

SZCO Supplies Brass-Studded Seax

Medieval Collectibles Viking Seax Knife

Grimfrost Broken Back Seax, Type IV

Lunar Light Forge Damascus Sanmai Seax

Puukko Knives Are A Traditional Knife Of The Nordic Countries. It Is Used For Everything From Hunting To Chopping Vegetables

What Is A Puukko Knife?

What Is A Puukko Handle Made Of?

Puukko Sheaths

Best Puukko Knives

TOPS Tanimboca Puukko

Benchmade 200 Puukko

Ahti Vaara Finnish Puukko Knife

Marttini Tundra Kelo

Condor Indigenous Puukko Knife

GiantMouse Ace Nimbus V2

Kellam Knives Ranger Puukko

Helle Temagami CA

Updated 5/25/2022

Keychain Knives Provide Utility And Protection In A Compact Package. There Are Many Quality Keychain Knives At An Affordable Price.

8 Best Affordable Keychain Knives

Kershaw Cinder

Must Read Articles