The Swiss Army knife has been a go-to for many men over the years. If youve spent any time at all looking at knives or collecting pocket knives, then you know that there are hundreds of different types of knives and tools. Designed by Lars Scheidler the blade of this knife is made . These are the 12 most iconic pocket knives of all time. These collectible knives are often purchased to commemorate a hobby or interest, such as collecting army knives or antique Pocket knives. The newer models feature a sand-blasted titanium handle with a premium quality CPM S30V steel blade. Youll also find supple brown dress boots, black or navy driving loafers and all the other colors under the sun. The design was developed in 1829 for cattle herders along the French-Spanish border. With nothing more than a handle, a blade, a simple bail attachment, and a pivot, the douk-douk will go down in history as one of the most significant and iconic folding knives ever. A needle point blade is rarely found in pocket knives as it does not have a great deal of utilitarian use. A Mora knife is a generic term for a Scandinavian knife from medieval times, but it was Mora of Sweden that truly began crafting the modern version over a century ago. That includes an ergonomic G10 handle, a stout 3.44 blade (with both the leaf shape and thumb hole), and what might just be the sturdiest pocket knife locking mechanism of all time a compression lock. Geometric inset shapes, some with art deco inspiration, feature different materials and sit alongside smooth mechanical functions as central features of Owen's designs. Most collectors think of specific knives that come in a set or are purchased in large quantities. Benchmade TI Monoblock ($400) Source-BladeGallery: Fine handmade custom knives, art knives, swords, daggers. Re: Most valuable old knife? This was the most successful tool the Marine Corps has ever issued. Spyderco Paysan. From one of the oldest pocket knives around we move on to one of the newest on the list: the Benchmade Griptilian. Case XX knife 2010 Red Stag Razor knife R52005RAZ SS ~ Rare 1 of 100. Knife featured in image: Case Yellow Trapper. If youre considering buying collectible knives, then its essential to know a bit about the various types of tools available. The appeal of the 940 is twofold: one, it's thin and it's light - the standard aluminum . The 4170BK Auto Fact draws inspiration from Italian stiletto knives and traditional switchblades. He finally succeeded with the original Leatherman tool (now retired), but continually improved upon the design until the Wave. Knifemaker Kit Carson was truly a master at innovation and put tons of thought into his knives, but the CRKT M16 is by far the most iconic of his creations. Folding knives and fixed blade knives, . Carbon steel is easy to sharpen, holds an edge well, and is durable, but the blade takes more care because . Collectible Folding Knives; Collectibles; Knives, Swords & Blades; The 10 Most Valuable Case Knives. 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. 6. Handle: Stainless Steel, ABS, & Cellidor Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer - Price: $98,934. A Limited Edition model goes for $250. Often these come from the most well-known pocket knife makers out there, though there are a number of quality independent pocket knife brands. Lancet Ouroboros. Damascus, pearl, rare woods, mammoth tooth and ivory, spiny oyster, jasper, turquoise, and carbon fiber can . Similar to the way the Buck 110 took off upon introduction, the Buck 119 was an instant hit among hunters and outdoorsmen. First of all, its the wallet-draining price. Lock Type: XR Lock. Nesmuk Diamond Studded Knife. Total Length: 8.03 SEE IT. Best Tactical Choice: Grand Way Military Style Pocket & Folding Knife. Cold Steel took inspiration from Spanish navaja knives, which are traditional (and often intricately designed), folding blades made for everyday utility and, historically, fighting. He couldnt have known it at the time, but imbuing this folding cutting tool with Bucks signature styling (including wooden handle scales and a clip point blade) would result in one of the most iconic pocket knives of all time. Best Compact: Buck 759 Metro. Since the Military, other manufacturers have been trying to copy the ergonomic design, durable liner lock, and slim but powerful profile. If there are two brands most responsible for making pocket knives what they are today, they are Victorinox and Opinel. Pocket knives are one of the oldest styles of knives ever designed for what are the most collectible pocket knives. Its origins date back to French colonialism in the South Pacific. #23 Victorinox Cadet 18/404. The curved blade is made from edge-holding American alloy steel and has a length thats better suited to your belt clip than your pocket at 6.75 inches folded up and more than 12 inches with the blade out. They can be the centerpieces of our collections; the ones that we hope will continue to gain in value over time. And while theres an enormous number of SAKs currently on the market, most enthusiasts and collectors tend to gravitate toward tried-and-true models like the Filedmaster. Not enough? There are are some custom knives that have sold for much more. And its simple construction a carbon steel blade and folded steel handle makes it still just as useful to this day. Total Length: 8.40 Best Ultralight: Gerber Zilch. It has a thin double-edged spear-point blade that's nearly 7 inches long. Top. In fact, the only other brand with a license to make this knife, Wenger, was absorbed into Victorinox in 2005. There is another ridiculous knife we will mention in the last. Some people collect knives to have different types of knives or what are the most collectible pocket knives. As proof positive that, sometimes, simpler is better, the French Douk-Douk friction folder has been around for the better part of a century and is still widely carried by everyday carry enthusiasts to this very day. 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. SOG (which stands for Studies and Observations Group) started in 1986 when the designer Spencer Frazer wanted to make a knife that paid tribute to the SOG Bowie knife that special ops units carried in Vietnam. As a knifemaking brand, Spyderco does a lot of things exceptionally well. To this day, theyre still constructed in the same manner by the successors of the craftsmen who originally built them. The Spyderco Endura and Delica offered something new, but the Spyderco Military is probably the most mimicked and well-known of all the Spydies. The Classic SD is the epitome of the Swiss Army knife with a compact and useful design that's light and portable. The new Bon Fide comes in silver (shown) or OD Green for 99.99. However, theyve branched into more modern materials as theyve grown. Blade: CPM 20CV CRKT Bona Fide. The one thing that you need to know about this knife is that the beautiful wave pattern on its blade signifies Mt. Like many of the knives on this list, the Leatherman has essentially become a generic term for a multi-tool with pliers. It's a gorgeous folder! The handle itself is bead-blasted 410 stainless steel, making it durable but surprisingly natural in the hand. In 2018, Spyderco discontinued its then-most expensive knife the Nirvana with an MSRP of $739.55. The look is due to the alternating layers from multiple steel bases worked into a composite for both hard steel that holds its edge and soft steel that doesnt break as easily. 1 - The Best Overall Pocket Knife: SOG Terminus XR LTE. Warenski, whose workshop was in Kimberley, Nevada, began making knives in 1973 but sadly passed away on July 31st, 2005. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. In some cases, they have even saved lives. One thing was certain about the Spyderco Military when it came out: It did not look like a typical military knife. Its difficult to discern exactly when the first folding blade was invented, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that, at the very least, they existed to a discernible degree during the time of the Roman Empire. William Henry dominates the market of luxury pocket knives and consistently makes highly-expensive knives, almost without any competition. Sale price $27.99 $27.99 Regular price $53.13 $53.13 You Save $25.14. Buck Knives. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Their pocket knives are built for action, with outstanding steel, rugged construction, and an edge that isn't content to lay down arms come hell or high water. WANTED: Shapleigh Diamond Edge branded schrades and Schrade Cut Co cattle and stockman knives, in good condition. Such is the case with the French Laguiole folding knife. 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.. 9. But what truly makes this knife iconic and transcendent is the Carson Flipper. Lock Type: AXIS Lock. The Old Timer brand by Schrade is truly a knife institution, and the Old Timer 8OT Senior Stockman is the most popular Old Timer out there. Yes, not only is it a versatile and easy-to-use blade, but it is also exceedingly simple to take apart, fix, and get back into working condition meaning it has a generational lifespan and can be passed down like a family heirloom. 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. This is the type of knife that youll be able to put some wear on. 3" Stainless Steel Blade. 1. . 4 inches long L.P. Case XX Cigar Stockman 6394 is amongst the most sought-after vintage case knives. A living legend in the knifemaking community, Hinderers signature lies in a subtle, stylistic curvature that is abundantly apparent in the Cryos silhouette. Starting out as a custom knifemaker, Chris Reeve managed to find a way to produce a large number of Sebenzas while retaining the quality and precision of custom knives. It has a nice slim design for anyone who wants a truly portable knife that can handle nearly anything. As perhaps the biggest added benefit, theyre still made in the USA. This isnt the knife that you bring on your camping trip. Funny Knife For Men Women Collectible Knives Tac-Force- Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife Masters Collection Spring Assisted Open 7" Dragon Biker Blade Design Stainless Steel How To Choose The Best String Trimmer In 2021? The Case brand dates back to the four Case brothers who started handmaking knives in upstate New York in 1889. Thats not something that happens by accident. Best Choice: Benchmade Mini Griptilian Pocket & Folding Knife. 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. Total Length: 8.25 Today, the US Special Forces approve and its the Navy SEAL knife of choice, as well as the option for anyone looking to have a hardy pocket knife that gets the job done no questions asked. Lock Type: Framelock. 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. About 45 years ago Tony Bose was inspired by a large, two-bladed field knife. Designs are usually made of Damascus steel. The older a folding pocket knife is, the rarer it will be. [Buying Guide], Toro 51496 Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review [DEALs Inside], Black Decker Hh2455 Hedgehog Hedge Trimmer Review, Best Toothpaste Manufacturers [Indepth Guides], How to Decorate Wedding Car? However, many manufacturers to this day still take cues from the simple and easily adaptable Mora. He demonstrates and discusses the Case pocket knife. A large and valuable collection of Case pocket knives has been assembled over many years by Tony Foster. 1. An affordable, compact Damascus pocketknife that is sure to be a solid option for EDC or office use, without breaking the bank. Using the Wajima Lacquer process, the sheath was hand-painted, and the cover was additionally sheathed with cherry blossoms, one of Japan's most recognizable symbols. Lock Type: Lockback. What is the most valuable pocket knife? Yoshihiro Mizuyaki Honyaki. In any case, this knife has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 100 years. In 1960, the 8OT was only the second Old Timer ever produced (the 2OT was the first but is no longer in production). 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. Handle Material. The flipper opener makes it easy to pop out when you need it while the lockbar keeps your fingers safe. 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.'. Handle: Micarta These are the best investment pocket knives to keep on your radar for when the time is right for an upgrade. Since then, the USA-made knife has only become more widespread and respected for its use in WWII. 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. You can only imagine how many more were sold over the next 75 years. 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. And it certainly doesnt hurt that their offerings are recognizable with even the briefest of glances. Seen on the badges of several forces, the V-42 is widely recognized and commonly associated with WWII. 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. What were once simple handles with swinging blades attached have become something more entirely individualized tools used for an expansive number of tasks that have as much personality as the people who use them. 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. BARRY WOODS COLT BROWN MICARTA FOLDER. Old company, lots of history. 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. Best Pocket Knife For Hunting And Fishing: Civivi Elementum Flipper. Best for: If Japanese knives are your thing, then you will love this pocket knife from Katsu.. A Brief History Of Pocket Knives. The three most common categories for pocket knives are carbon, stainless, and tool steel. It's a Yoshikazu Ikeda white steel knife with a Corian handle that's a typical Japanese design. As a large folder, the Military is surprisingly lightweight and extremely powerful, two attributes you'd want when entering hostile situations. To make our decisions more transparent, we are laying out the guidelines for why one knife made the list and another did not. We know it seems counter-intuitive to suggest that a knife with so many different appearances and constructions could be considered iconic. 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. Featuring a 3.75" single-edged clip blade and a sleek 4.75" wood handle, this knife is a great addition to any new knife collection, not only for its historic connections but also its performance capabilities. Handle: Titanium (w or w/o Cherrywood Inlays) 3. Needle point knives are best for collectors who . Some of the most common knives from this period are Remingtons, Gerbers and Wusthof. The knife pioneered the modern tactical folder and introduced the thumb hole, making one-handed opening on an everyday carry a must. Check Latest Price. One of the major reasons the Oregon-based brand has had so much staying power is their Griptilian family of folding knives. So far on the list, we've had iconic knives from Switzerland, France, the United States, and South Africa. 12. Paul a 6488 Case Congress recently sold for $14,000. Victorinox is the classic gold standard in the multi-bladed pocket knife style. Gerber still sells the Mark II, but it's marketed more as a survival knife. Check, and the same goes for black. Its durable, reliable, gorgeous, and has been in production since 2010. [Complete Guide]. When most of us hear the word pocket knife, we tend to think of the traditional slip joint and lockback folders of yesteryear, and while there are admittedly hundreds of knives that meet these criteria, few if any boast as iconic a status as the Buck 110. You can typically get different types of Mora knives in various handle and blade types, but the most iconic has to be the Mora Companion. An icon can be something that's extremely successful and admired or something that's widely recognized and representative of a whole. If there was a people's choice award for most iconic knife, the Mora would be near the top. Blade Length: 3.75 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. Blade: VG-10 (or Damascus Steel) (He wanted to keep the CQC-6 as a custom exclusive.). This knife gets 10 points for style. Similarly, a high price is not a necessity when it comes to iconic folders, either. You can ensure that happens by treating them with respect and giving them a bit of love and care. Minimalistic retention of the knives' edge sharpness should get priority in terms of quality. Answer (1 of 3): Interesting question. Its hard to call a knife collection complete without a solid automatic model bringing us to our next entry, the Studies and Observations Groups SOG-TAC AU. 8 Pricey Pocket Knives Worth the Investment Boker Mother of Pearl. There are convenient pocket knives, and then there are over the top pocket knives. 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. Joseph Opinel began making a working man's knife in the 1890 that quickly won over locals. People want to know if it's "worth it" to buy a $300, $400, or $1000+ pocket knife. SPONSORED. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Coming to our first contemporary entry on this list, WESNs The Henry represents a modern take on traditional slipjoint pocket knives, with an unmistakably old-school design thats been brought to fruition using a premium array of materials. This is due, in part, to their iconic styling cues namely, their oversized thumb hole and signature leaf-shaped blades, amongst others. Buck Knives TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Knife. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Like any good knife, the CQC-7 has been made into several versions, including a highly regarded Mini CQC-7 model. In order to make it on the list, the knife must be the following: We're starting off the list with one of the most iconic knives around the world. There is one small, painful issue faced by the French craftsmen who make these popular, iconic blades: the Laguiole name is public domain and is not protected by the French government, the EU, or any other governing body. 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. However, when it became illegal for folks to carry swords in public, they had to apply their expertise elsewhere. The Laguiole is a style of knife not a brand but it is still worth listing as one of the most iconic knives in the world. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. The most collectible knives are made by craftsmen or well-known brands and have special qualities. 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. Usually, the artwork is representative of the spirits from which the blade derives its name, but it is also easy to find modern examples with alternative art or even no art at all if a more spartan design is your preference. Blade Length: 3.43 Theres also an extra large size, but lets be practical. Zero Tolerance 0562CF Hinderer Slicer Folding Knife; 3.5" CPM-20CV Stonewashed and Satin Steel Blade, Carbon Fiber Front . So the saying goes: if it aint broke, dont fix it. Best Outdoor Pocket Knife: Cold Steel Finn Wolf. Zero Tolerance Hinderer Pocket Knife 0562TI. Blade Length: 3.50 First publicly unveiled at the Blade Show in 2000, the Osborne has a beautifully milled AXIS lock-equipped handle that comfortably fits in its users hand and an idiosyncratic reverse tanto blade thats incredibly conducive to most EDC tasks. Case Xx Cutlery Co Pocket Knives Knife Collector Collectible Western Hunter Hunting Lover Gift Cowboy 1990s Nos Vintage Belt Buckle Ad vertisement by VintageBeltBuckle. Handle: Aluminum. Blade: Cryo D2 If that wasn't enough to earn it a place on the list, Buck has sold more than 15 million of these knives, making it one of the best-selling knives ever. Handle: Titanium & Carbon Fiber Originally built as a standard-issue piece of military gear for Switzerlands infantry, the Swiss Army Knife was quickly adopted by militaries around the world, has been an included tool for NASAs manned missions, and is available in just about every permutation you can imagine including SAKs designed for bartenders, computer engineers, first responders, and more. And we have to think it was their pioneering spirit and exposure to some of the more rough-and-tumble frontier crowd that transformed Case into what theyve become today. In an effort to shine a light on the most legendary models currently in production, weve thoroughly pored over the space, hand-selecting a shortlist of the most important pocket knives that every collector should own, from tried-and-true classics to more recently-released, modern-day EDC must-haves. Case Knives Bose Brown Bone Bullnose Trapper. 10. eBay. eBay. Blade Length: 3.40 HICONSUMPTION is reader-supported. Blade is made . 3 Benchmade Infidel 3300BKOD -K Military Elite Knife. The loyal following and the legend behind the CRK Sebenza has helped propel it to an iconic status that's well known in the knife world. Check Price on Amazon. ), 20 Iconic Knives Every Knife Enthusiast Should Own, 10 Everyday Objects You Can Use to Sharpen a Knife. And sure, you can get the same utility with a cheaper handle, but the handcrafted natural BoneStag (bone cut to look like antler) adds a classic look. In spite of (or perhaps because of) its seemingly endless number of permutations, this Benchmade knife certainly deserves consideration as one of the most iconic pocket knives ever. Lock Type: Slipjoint. $650.00. Each comes with a certificate of authenticity and a serial number. Interested in further sharpening up your knowledge on the world of blades? Many people spend thousands of dollars on high-quality knives and tools every year. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 5 out of 5 stars (1,768) Sale Price $27.90 $ 27.90 $ 31.00 Original Price $31.00 . The pivot has a stainless steel cage that makes it easy to flip out or close up, and the frame and lock is made with aerospace-grade titanium. $225.00. History is on the knife's side as well. Although it was designed to act as a large folding knife used for butchering and skinning game, the knife quickly gained popularity among casual knife users. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. To many people, having that familiar 'OLD TIMER' phrase emblazoned on a knife's handle instantly indicates it's made with quality and precision. Although the flipper opening mechanism was already seen in earlier knives, it was the M16 that helped popularize the now-widespread opening system. After all, ever since its introduction in the early sixties hundreds of different copies were introduced. Handle: Titanium Billet Favored by farmers, frontiersmen, hunters, and more, Case is about as American as it gets. Designed to stand up to hard daily use, the 0562 is crafted from some of the finest materials available, with a framelocking titanium handle thats adorned in a carbon fiber handle scale and fitted with a tip-up deep carry pocket clip. Some examples include knives signed by sports stars, autographed golf balls or baseballs, etc. For instance, although their catalog of blades is full of designs of all shapes and sizes, they are almost always recognizable as Spyderco knives. In fact, the Model 110 has led to other knives with a similar design to be simply referred to as a Buck knife. #25 Microtech Ultratech 14/404. 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. Age: The use of folding pocket knives can be traced all the way back to Syrian Damascus in the 1500s. After Emperor Meijis reform put an end to this system, a great many sword-makers were forced to find a new line of work, however, some managed to apply their existing skills and resources to the creation of products that could be still be sold in Japan. Best Overall. (And no, it didn't have a liner lock.) Blade length: 3.95 inches; Closed length: 4.80 inches; Weight: 3. . At the end of the day these are luxury goods, and it's all relative. And even though the Benchmade 710 has the privilege of being the first to rock the innovative AXIS Lock, it was the Griptilian that truly popularized the critically acclaimed mechanism. Zero Tolerance 0452CF. So, whether youre a seasoned hand or a budding blade enthusiast, these are the 12 most significant knives that every collector needs. ), most antique knives that are considered to be collectible were made between the 1600s and 1900s. Kershaw Tension Linerlock Pocket Folding Knife Black Textured G10 Handle | Collectibles, Knives, Swords & Blades, Collectible Folding Knives | eBay! Pocket Knife Buying Guide; Top 20 Iconic Knives; Best Pocket Knives; Best Survival Knives; Best Hunting Knives; Deals Expand submenu. Others collect collectible pocket knives so that they can use them in particular situations. 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. Blade Length: 1.94". The Trapper has a basic trapping and skinning blade (a clip and spey blade) that was directly inspired by the jack-knife. One of the main reasons the KA-BAR knife is so well known is because it was issued to troops, meaning millions of men owned and depended on the knife. The recognizable knife has a 7-inch blade made of 1095 Cro-Van steel along with a comfortable leather handle. They also frequently feature engraved kanji (simplified Japanese language characters) on the blade, handle, or both. This is one of the most expensive and sharpest Case Knives and has been made out of durable Honyaki Steel. The Fallkniven F1 is a deceptively simple knife with a 3.8-inch drop point blade made of laminated VG-10 steel and a durable Thermorun handle that provides a reliable grip. The base, however, is a premium CPM S35VN drop-point blade, a titanium handle that includes a pocket . Case pocket knives, fixed blade knives, and other premium cutlery have . They produce a limited series of knives for more than 20 years. 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. $89.99. Some of the most valuable old knives are the antique pre-Civil War and Civil War era Bowie knives.