Similar to what happened with the Buck 110, the Sharpfinger essentially became a generic term used for knives in this style, but the Old Timer version was the original. This is one of the most expensive and sharpest Case Knives and has been made out of durable Honyaki Steel. The Case brand dates back to the four Case brothers who started handmaking knives in upstate New York in 1889. The base, however, is a premium CPM S35VN drop-point blade, a titanium handle that includes a pocket . 4 - The Best Tactical Pocket Knife: Ontario Knife Company Rat II. The rarer a vintage pocket knife is, the more valuable it generally is. In fact, this is the most widely customizable knife that Benchmade has to offer. . Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer. Case pocket knives, fixed blade knives, and other premium cutlery have . For a long time, Case has changed the markings on each knife every year; s. The newer models feature a sand-blasted titanium handle with a premium quality CPM S30V steel blade. Lock Type: Compression Lock. There are are some custom knives that have sold for much more. The CQC-7 is produced in large numbers by Emerson Knives, allowing people to get their hands on the knife without the long wait and exorbitant prices. SPONSORED. By the early 1900s, they were already a well-known name for their simple, utilitarian fixed blades whose style was reflexive of their no-nonsense purpose. Today, this knife comes with a wide variety of options in regards to blade steel, edge serration, handle materials, and more theres even an automatic deployment for those who live where such a knife is legal but the spirit of the knife and the silhouette are completely intact. 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. Blade Length: 3.61 What knives are worth money? 5 - The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife: Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight. This is due, in part, to their iconic styling cues namely, their oversized thumb hole and signature leaf-shaped blades, amongst others. William Henry's exclusive collection of folding knives elevates the archetype of all human instruments to a superb personality statement. In fact, take a gander at the various forums and knife sites across the internet and youll find discussions on most of them concerning this very fact. Cold Steel took inspiration from Spanish navaja knives, which are traditional (and often intricately designed), folding blades made for everyday utility and, historically, fighting. Originally known as the Case Brothers Cutlery Company, this brand got their start selling knives out of the back of a wagon in western New York way back in 1889. Designed by Lars Scheidler the blade of this knife is made . 2 - The Best Pocket Knife on a Budget: CIVIVI Elementum. Built around a diminutive yet durable aluminum handle with a double-action thumb slide, Microtech's Exocet is a compact auto OTF that packs a sub-2", California-legal blade that's available in a number of different blade shapes. From one of the oldest pocket knives around we move on to one of the newest on the list: the Benchmade Griptilian. And wed probably agree with that sentiment if it werent for the Griptilian. When it comes to footwear, Oliver Cabell has you covered for all your sneaker, loafer and boot needs. Check Price. The Trapper has a basic trapping and skinning blade (a clip and spey blade) that was directly inspired by the jack-knife. . Engineered from the ground up as a high-performance auto folder intended for hard, everyday use and self-defense applications, the SOG-TAC AU is crafted around a textured aluminum handle that incorporates the brands XR lock into its opening mechanism, allowing its stubby 3.43 tanto blade which is composed of a cryogenically heat-treated, tool-grade D2 steel to be deployed with one finger at the touch of a button. There is another ridiculous knife we will mention in the last. The hawkbill blade is also attractive to collectors who wish to keep their knives on display. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 2nd Markets has been buying collections of pocket knives, fixed blade knives, and custom knives for many, many years. Interestingly, the name of this blade (which shares a similar appearance and format to the Spanish Navaja) does not come from a person or company, but rather a small town of the same name the location from which the Laguiole style originated. From the tail-end of the 1100s through the conclusion of the Edo Period in the late 19th century, Japan saw an enormous rise in swordsmithing, with dozens of families meticulously crafting katanas for the islands Samurai warriors. So, were bending the rules a bit on this pick. 8. It is one of the most well-known items under the Bench-made brand. Debuting in 2010, the second-generation Paramilitary 2 also known simply as the PM2 features all of the main hallmarks associated with the Colorado-based company, from its signature compression locking mechanism to its uniquely-shaped clip point blade to its instantly-recognizable round thumbhole opening. First carried by farmers and used as a simple utility tool, this blade made its way from the fields into the factories following the Industrial Revolution. 6. 8 Pricey Pocket Knives Worth the Investment Boker Mother of Pearl. Pair that with reliable, yet inexpensive materials, a sturdy integrated frame lock, Kershaws signature SpeedSafe assisted opening, and an easily-pocketable size and its no wonder this is one of Kershaws best-selling and most-lauded knives. Interested in further sharpening up your knowledge on the world of blades? CRKT Snap Lock Folding Pocket Knife. Similar to the way the Buck 110 took off upon introduction, the Buck 119 was an instant hit among hunters and outdoorsmen. Compared to some of the older brands on this list, Benchmade hasnt been around for very long. 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. But what truly makes this knife iconic and transcendent is the Carson Flipper. VintageBeltBuckle. The Work Champ XL wont let you down unless youre the type of guy who thinks maybe your pricey pocket knife has too much utility. The older a folding pocket knife is, the rarer it will be. Carried by gear enthusiasts and outdoorsmen for generations, there are certain pocket knives that are so trusted and widely used, that no collection is considered complete without them. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Making a list like this is difficult, typically controversial, and completely subjective. BARRY WOODS COLT BROWN MICARTA FOLDER. An investment pocket knife can be an everyday pocket knife, but its definitely an EDC you also want to show off. The Rolling Stones, for instance, have recorded nearly 400 songs, yet people keep returning to a handful of classics like Satisfaction and Paint It Black because theyre just that good. 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. This was the most successful tool the Marine Corps has ever issued. 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. Each of our folding knives is a timeless piece of functional jewelry destined to enrich their owner's living legacy; a unique heirloom created to be carried and used for a lifetime . Case Tested XX 6394 Cigar Stockman Greenbone Handles - $1,200. Devoid of the aforementioned pocket knife's bells and whistles, the Buck 110 is a modest yet effective folding knife. The spey blade can trace its design to when farmers and ranchers would use it to castrate animals and skin game, but dont let that stop you from finding your own tasks if youre more prone to the indoors. Free shipping for many products! However, there are a few things to consider when determining the most collectible pocket knives. Knife Search: Welcome to The Collector's Edge. 9. The design was developed in 1829 for cattle herders along the French-Spanish border. We are located in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Buck Knives is credited with inventing the folding lockback knife. $199.99 $255.90. The true influence of the knife shines through the seamless design, the fluency of the movements, and the way it feels in the hand. In fact, they still make most of their knives in their Bradford, PA headquarters. Total Length: 8.25 This is the most expensive knife on the list, yes. If you have one of todays popular automatic openers, you probably already own one or several pocket knives. Zero Tolerance 0452CF. eBay. TJB also offers The Carter in a wide range of different variants, including a larger XL version, options for straight or partially-serrated blades, a slew of different Micarta and G-10 handle color choices, and even a top-shelf Damascus steel version. The dagger-like knife was specifically designed for the First Special Service Force for use in combat. In fact, most of the knives they presently manufacture have a similar makeup, as well a simple, natural wood handle and a stainless steel blade. Nows about the time when we all start thinking about refreshing our wardrobe for the year. Fast & Free Shipping(Standard) with Same Day Ship-Out for ALL U.S. Orders! (See a knife you like from our list or anywhere in store, just enter the code below for 10% off. Other people collect knives because they need a specific type of knife for particular purposes, such as an auto knife for a specific job or a pocket knife to carry in a particular situation. Today, the Trapper is available in a wide variety of materials, but the silhouette is still as classic and iconic as ever. Needle point knives are best for collectors who . A brilliant example of dont fix what isnt broken, the 110 features a decidedly old-school design thats gone unchanged for the better part of a century, with an ebony wood and brass handle mated to a nail nick-opened 3.75 clip point blade. This led to the creation of the first Buck Knife in 1902. These rare pieces of artwork are usually one-of-a-kind creations from some of the best makers in the world. 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. Check Latest Price. Pocket knives have been around for decades and they have helped with things like cutting rope and opening a package to whittling or removing a splinter. Lock Type: XR Lock. 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. However, theyve branched into more modern materials as theyve grown. Still, over 30 years of operation is definitely nothing at which to scoff. Top. Like Opinel, Victorinox was also founded back in 1897 making it one of the few knife-making companies to have existed for a century or more. Case Knives Bose Brown Bone Bullnose Trapper. The handle itself is bead-blasted 410 stainless steel, making it durable but surprisingly natural in the hand. Like any good knife, the CQC-7 has been made into several versions, including a highly regarded Mini CQC-7 model. Several companies have tried to sell exact copies of the Mora, but they weren't the same as the originals. However, when it became illegal for folks to carry swords in public, they had to apply their expertise elsewhere. It was a simple enough concept equipping a folding knife with two blades, a clip point for general-purpose cutting and a spey blade that was useful in gutting but it catapulted Case from a small local brand into a massive, well-respected manufacturer. Some of the most valuable old knives are the antique pre-Civil War and Civil War era Bowie knives. Blade length: 3.95 inches; Closed length: 4.80 inches; Weight: 3. . This USA-made option keeps ZTs classic tiger stripe pattern with exceptionally hard steel, but is the first knife from the company to have a BlackWash finish. There are a lot of everyday carry knives presently available. Furthermore, their specialty is in compact blades that most certainly can be carried in a pocket, despite the fact that they do not fold. Since then, the USA-made knife has only become more widespread and respected for its use in WWII. Collectible knives are generally manufactured from age or period of history that is now considered very rare. The knives on this list will undeniably show traits of an icon in the knife world. Manufacturer: William Henry. loading. Of course, most blades are not made from the age of history but instead are produced from a standard steel alloy commonly used in many knives today. While all of these pricey pocket knives are an investment and would be a shame to lose, the German-made Boker Leopard Damast III is on another level. And they apparently functioned well enough to hold up over time, as archaeologists from across the ancient world found other, similar examples of friction folders used later by farmers, Vikings, craftsmen, etc. In some cases, they have even saved lives. 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 recognizable knife has a 7-inch blade made of 1095 Cro-Van steel along with a comfortable leather handle. Editors Rating: 7.5/10; Metal Used: VG-10 Steel; This knife from Katsu has a uniquely shaped blade that is just under 4" in length. Made in USA. After all, ever since its introduction in the early sixties hundreds of different copies were introduced. Microtech - Ultratech OTF Automatic Knives. 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Majority of the antique knives integrated somewhat cheap wood for the handles. When it was released in 1990, the Endura was mocked for its weird and unconventional appearance, but it became highly regarded and frequently copied. Gerber still sells the Mark II, but it's marketed more as a survival knife. 9. And when it comes to quality OTF models, it really doesnt get much better than the spring-loaded blades from the experts at Microtech the makers of John Wicks knife of choice. Others, however, opted to begin crafting these small, concealable friction folding knives. Check out: Buck Bantam One-Handed Opening, Lightweight Folder with Drop-Point Blade. About 45 years ago Tony Bose was inspired by a large, two-bladed field knife. Spyderco Tenacious SMKW Custom Folding Knife . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. And, of course, it has the now ever-present flipper. Best Overall. Spyderco Paysan. Case XX Copperhead Smooth Turquoise Dream Corelon PRETTY Stainless Pocket Knife. What Is The Fastest Way To Recover From Bunion Surgery? And while the French firm now sells around 6,000,000 knives each year, Opinels bread and butter remains producing its decidedly old-school yet immensely capable peasant knives like the legendary No. He demonstrates and discusses the Case pocket knife. Credit: scharfkochen.de. Blade Length: 3.44 Lock Type: Slipjoint. Total Length: 8.06 We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Made by German cutlery-makers Nesmuk, the Jahrhundert Messer is claimed to be the most expensive kitchen knife in the world we found something even more ridiculously expensive. If you ask a layman for a list of the best knives of all time, the Sebenza probably wouldn't be on the list, but any knife enthusiast would put the Sebenza at the top. This isnt the knife that you bring on your camping trip. 2. Today, the knives are made in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where theyve been made for more than a century. Penned by legendary knife designer Rick Hinderer, Zero Tolerances 0562 is a high-end folding knife that has played a pivotal role in popularizing the use of flipper tabs on EDC blades. To this day, theyre still constructed in the same manner by the successors of the craftsmen who originally built them. 514.25. The Spyderco Endura and Delica offered something new, but the Spyderco Military is probably the most mimicked and well-known of all the Spydies. Total Length: 6.35 A Limited Edition model goes for $250. The description from KA-BAR's site sums up this knife the best: 'The most famous fixed blade knife in the World - the KA-BAR' - was designed to serve our troops during World War II and is still doing its job, with honors, 70 years later.'. The knife has a 7 inches long Bowie blade and a handle made with leather. And while the world around changed, these knives retained their usefulness and, as a result, remained largely unchanged through to the present. As many companies continue to mimic the Leatherman design, these knives will only become more iconic. Some examples include knives signed by sports stars, autographed golf balls or baseballs, etc. Benchmade Knives wanted to make Ernest Emerson's custom folder available to the masses, so Emerson created the CQC-7. CRKT Bona Fide. Folding knives and fixed blade knives, . 3 - The Best Traditional Pocket Knife: Buck The 55. Total Length: 8.03 Its not the priciest out there, nor does it have a premium material construction, but it will never let you down. Manage Settings ), most antique knives that are considered to be collectible were made between the 1600s and 1900s. Issued to the famed Devil's Brigade, the V-42 is a stiletto and fighting knife based on the Fairbairn-Sykes design. As just one of the many examples of what makes Opinel such a timeless and significant brand, that original folding blade featured the same silhouette that can still be found in each of their knives to this day. What are the Most Collectible Pocket Knives Overview: Are you an avid collector of pocket knives? The Gerber Mark II is another one of those iconic war knives, but this one was issued in the Vietnam War. Typically, people who collect knives also collect tools, like hammers, and this is where the term multitools come from. Blade: Blue Steel The oldest known folding knife that's been discovered dates between 600 and 500 BC, and is believed to be of Celtic origin, featuring an iron blade and a bone handle. 2. 1. 3. Always one to impress the hard-core knife enthusiasts, Benchmade really didn't connect with the masses until the Mel Pardue-designed Griptilian jumped onto the scene with its 154CM steel and grippy handle. A large amount of this knifes staying power must be credited to designer Rick Hinderer. The Classic SD is the epitome of the Swiss Army knife with a compact and useful design that's light and portable. As the best-selling fixed blade at Buck, the 119 showcases the excellent craftsmanship at the company with a powerful and versatile knife. Best Classic: Buck 110 Folder. It would be impossible to distill the significance of every pocket knife into a single article, but there are a few that stand out from the crowd for their staying power, iconic design, and overall impact on the knife industry. A large and valuable collection of Case pocket knives has been assembled over many years by Tony Foster. Similar to the traditional Finnish Pukko, Moraknivs blades still feature the same silhouette as they did when the brand was first formed. Then be sure to check out our guide to the 75 terms every knife owner should know for a robust explanation of the most commonly-used pieces of knife terminology. Lancet Ouroboros. A follow-up to the original Paramilitary knife, the second version does everything right and then some. HICONSUMPTION is reader-supported. Upgrade Your Entire Footwear Collection With Oliver Cabell, Everything You Need To Know Before Buying a Vintage Motorcycle, Classic 90s Airport Style To Have You Looking (and Feeling) Your Best While Flying, This Company Sells Remotely Fitted, Custom-Tailored Suits For as Low as $500, Waterfords Organic Irish Whiskey Shares More About How Its Made Than You Ever Thought To Know, The 7 Best Spring Jackets Perfect For Layering, The One Pair of Sunglasses That Work For Just About Every Guy, Video Games That Are as Fun to Watch as They Are to Play, If You Enjoy The Last of Us Then You Need To Play This Other Post-Apocalypse Game, Oversized Pants are In. One of the best-value EDC knives in existence, Opinels No. This pocketknife is from the 1920-1940 era and has bone handles. Yoshihiro Mizuyaki Honyaki. Age: The use of folding pocket knives can be traced all the way back to Syrian Damascus in the 1500s. Boker Magnum Rangebuster. Collectors are known to pay a considerable amount of money to obtain these types of items. Numerous versions of the Griptilian have been released, including a popular mini version of the knife. Such is the case with the French Laguiole folding knife. Here are the best knives of 2023 for for folks like you and me. All rights reserved. Perhaps the purest Spyderco design, however, comes in their most coveted knife the Paramilitary 2. It is considered the most expensive knife in the kitchen and pocket. Blade: Sandvik 12C27 In the Pocket Knife Trader's Price Guide, this model is valued at $5,500. Although pocket knives were initially intended to be carried in a pocket, they quickly changed to be used in any situation where a small, compact blade wouldnt fit into the lock or on the handle. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. A true modern-day EDC classic, The James Brands The Carter knife is a design-conscious take on a capable everyday carry folder. While a handful of the knifemaking brands on this list can trace their roots back a century, older companies do not have a monopoly on iconic pocket knives. 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. Amazingly, after more than 70 years, the KA-BAR continues to be one of the first choices for men and women in the military. #23 Victorinox Cadet 18/404. This model is perfect for on-the-go needs. The blade is forged in the United States from martensitic stainless steel (the kind used in turbines and surgical equipment), and has a notch for when you need to crack a beer or lift a hot pot.