A large amount of this knifes staying power must be credited to designer Rick Hinderer. These knives have stood the test of time (yes, even the more modern ones), theyre recognizable, theyre reliable, and people keep turning to them time and time again. Cold Steel took inspiration from Spanish navaja knives, which are traditional (and often intricately designed), folding blades made for everyday utility and, historically, fighting. 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. CRKT Bona Fide. 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. Handle: Aluminum But the Chris Reeve Sebenza is by far one of the best knives on our website. If you live in the United States, you might be a little surprised at the inclusion of the Opinel, but the knife is an unmistakable international knife icon. The Gem of the Orient was at one time the most expensive knife in the world, priced at an eye-watering $2.1 million, but was knocked off the top spot by the Shah Jahan dagger in 2019. 3 - The Best Traditional Pocket Knife: Buck The 55. 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. VintageBeltBuckle. Lock Type: Friction Folder. The true influence of the knife shines through the seamless design, the fluency of the movements, and the way it feels in the hand. 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. This French knife has a patented locking ring that's completely unique to the Opinel and is made even more famous by the fact that it's startlingly inexpensive. Blade: 420 Steel Continue with Recommended Cookies. Frankly, anything with Damascus steel stands out. To make our decisions more transparent, we are laying out the guidelines for why one knife made the list and another did not. Along with the KA-BAR, the Mark II was heavily relied upon during the war and it likely saved many lives. The Kershaw Leek is one of the newest knives to make the list, but its inclusion is no accident. Not only does the Sebenza cost a pretty penny, but you typically have to go on a waiting list to get one of these prized knives. ZT started making knives for the military and first responders in 2006 and branched out over the ensuing decade and a half to build a fan base of anyone who used their knives hard and regularly. Since those storied times, pocket knives of all flavors have undergone serious evolution; today's EDC-ready picks are constructed in innumerable variations of steel, titanium, aluminum . 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. 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. An investment pocket knife is one that you can trust in pretty much any situation. A Brief History Of Pocket Knives. 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. 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. It is one of the most well-known items under the Bench-made brand. Lock Type: Virobloc Safety Ring. Product List. A large and valuable collection of Case pocket knives has been assembled over many years by Tony Foster. Blade: VG-10 (or Damascus Steel) The knives on this list will undeniably show traits of an icon in the knife world. Lancet Ouroboros. 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. As previously demonstrated by the addition of the KA-BAR and the V-42, war knives are common candidates for iconic knives because of their notoriety and widespread use. Blade: CPM 20CV In some cases, they have even saved lives. 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. $19.50. These are the best investment pocket knives to keep on your radar for when the time is right for an upgrade. The Microtech Ultratech is its benchmark OTF knife, and it comes with an excellent build and beautiful appearance. Fast & Free Shipping(Standard) with Same Day Ship-Out for ALL U.S. Orders! Whether youre the type of guy who actually puts his EDC pocket knife to good use every day or youre more of a weekend warrior, its easy to appreciate the long edge life and low maintenance. 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. They can be the centerpieces of our collections; the ones that we hope will continue to gain in value over time. Savings For Collectible Pocket Knives[Today Deals], Best Elliptical Trainer For Small Spaces [Top 3 Review], Eureka Titan 8 Person Tent Review [Quick-start Guide]. Made in USA. If you're still not convinced of the Opinel's impact and popularity, 20 million of these knives were sold by 1939. Blade Length: 2.875 Blade Length: 3.43 Add to Cart. This is the most expensive knife on the list, yes. A needle point blade is rarely found in pocket knives as it does not have a great deal of utilitarian use. Spearpoint American Pride III. In 2018, Spyderco discontinued its then-most expensive knife the Nirvana with an MSRP of $739.55. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The Gem of the Orient. Blade: Cryo D2 Handle: Ebony & Brass Re: Most valuable old knife? Introduced by Case in the 1920s, the Trapper remains Case's most popular model. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The design was developed in 1829 for cattle herders along the French-Spanish border. Not enough? Introduced in 1935, the Classic SD is by no means the oldest Swiss Army knife, but it did help influence countless other knives. Visit KnifeNews tomorrow to find out which model is #15 on our list of the Top 25 Pocket Knives that are Indispensable. Adorned in Victorinoxs signature red ABS and Cellidor scales, the Fieldmaster manages to cram a whopping 15 different tools and functions including a 2.75 main blade, a smaller blade, multiple screwdrivers, can and bottle opener, tweezers, a toothpick, scissors, a wire stripper, and a mini saw into an ultra-compact and fully-pocketable 3.5oz, 4 x 0.8 package. Blade Length: 3.50 This is the type of knife that youll be able to put some wear on. These collectible knives are typically some form of exclusive knives, limited edition knives, limited run knives, scrimshawed knives, and knife series. However, many manufacturers to this day still take cues from the simple and easily adaptable Mora. 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. Spyderco Tenacious SMKW Custom Folding Knife . Total Length: 5.625. And the variety of the tech built into them in regards to their materials, design, and construction has increased tenfold. 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. It is made by German's cutlery company Nesmuk. Handle: Anodized Aluminum (or Carbon Fiber or G-10) rugmar Posts: 218 Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2019 9:45 pm Handle: Titanium & Carbon Fiber The higonokami also often features an extended blade tang with a rounded lever at the end which would allow both for quick deployment and serve as a safety feature keeping the blade extended, so long as the user kept a sturdy grip on the handle. 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. Price: $12,500. 2nd Markets has been buying collections of pocket knives, fixed blade knives, and custom knives for many, many years. $650.00. Boker Magnum Rangebuster. HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: Made from quality materials. (see below! Some are not just antiques but actual artifacts. Check out: Buck Bantam One-Handed Opening, Lightweight Folder with Drop-Point Blade. Best Outdoor Pocket Knife: Cold Steel Finn Wolf. Having been produced for nearly 100 years, it's no surprise the Trapper is not only among Case's most collected pattern but also one of the most iconic. The term "pocket knife" is a fairly ubiquitous one around the world. And, a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee with EVERY knife! Best Pocket Knife For Camping: Spyderco Tenacious Lightweight. . There are convenient pocket knives, and then there are over the top pocket knives. And it certainly doesnt hurt that their offerings are recognizable with even the briefest of glances. Fuji with a full moon. As the best-selling fixed blade at Buck, the 119 showcases the excellent craftsmanship at the company with a powerful and versatile knife. 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. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99* & 60-DAY RETURNS, In some form or another, knives have been around for millions of years. The Sebenza is the pinnacle of production knife folders and boasts a design that every other manufacturer has borrowed from. There are currently five Sebenza models, including two classic versions, two regular versions, and the Sebenza 25. Rare Vintage "Berlin Boker" 7" Overall Open Italian Style Switchblade w/ Genuine Stag Handles Italian Design by Boker-Solingen, Germany; this vintage classic Features Genuine Stag Handles accented with a Nickel Silver Top Bolsters. We rank the Benchmade TI Monoblock Family as the 10th most costly pocket knife on our list. Today, the Trapper is available in a wide variety of materials, but the silhouette is still as classic and iconic as ever. The last thing you want to do is buy an antique knife that is unsafe to use, so be sure to ask questions before purchasing one of these items. Best Minimalist Choice: Columbia River Knife & Tool Compact Pocket & Folding Knife. Starting around the time that brands like Victorinox and Opinel were first launched, the modern period of pocket knives has evolved exponentially into the vast landscape we know today. No one "needs" a $500 pocket knife. HICONSUMPTION is reader-supported. Its capable of 31 functions, whether you need to saw some wood, cut wire, or open a bottle of wine, among any number of other things. As simple as it is, however, the douk-douk still has a flourish all its own in the form of stylistic engravings on the blade, handle, or both. Owen's knives feature an integrated balance between the materials of the blade, handle, and integral symbiotic designs. Today, the knives are made in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where theyve been made for more than a century. (See a knife you like from our list or anywhere in store, just enter the code below for 10% off. The knife pioneered the modern tactical folder and introduced the thumb hole, making one-handed opening on an everyday carry a must. WANTED: Shapleigh Diamond Edge branded schrades and Schrade Cut Co cattle and stockman knives, in good condition. At the end of the day these are luxury goods, and it's all relative. 1. SEE IT. As the name implies, these knives are typically longer than a pocket knife around five inches or so and are great for slicing, chopping, and opening cans, bottles, and other foods that dont have blades. 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. Their first folding knife, however, wouldnt be developed and offered until much later, in 1897. Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer. 7" Overall Length - Very Sharp, Dragon Pocket Folding Knife. Zero Tolerance is relatively new compared to some of the historic brands on this list. Founded by Joseph Opinel in Savoie, France, Opinel is a renowned knifemaker with operations that date back more than 130 years to 1890. Lock Type: Slipjoint. White on white on white sneakers? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Gerbers 7-Tool Armbar Scout Is the Perfect Everyday Multi-Tool, adidas TERREXs Free Nature 2.0 Gives Your Next Adventure an Extra Boost, 10 Best Minimalist EDC Essentials [VIDEO], Uncharteds Wolf Pack is the Ultimate First Aid Pouch for Your Dog, Monclers Trailgrip Lite Hiking Shoe Is Over 20% Lighter Than Its Predecessor, Gerbers Armbar Scout Multi-Tool Handles Just Like a Knife Should, The 10 Best Survival Watches For Off-Grid Adventure, Sea to Summit Adds a New Tent to Its Lineup with Innovative Eco-Friendly Poles, adidas TERREX Keeps It Green with the Free Nature 2.0 Made with Nature, Independently published in Los Angeles, CA, 2023 HICONSUMPTION LLC. The Kiku XR LTE can take up to 1,500 pounds of force and reliably locks when needed. Zero Tolerance Hinderer Pocket Knife 0562TI. Like the Swiss Army knife, pretty much any Case knife could have made it onto this list, but we went with the Trapper. If youre considering buying collectible knives, then its essential to know a bit about the various types of tools available. The creators of the Old Timer line wanted to make knives that harkened back to the days of their granddad. While there are a wide variety of special editions, including variations in size, handle inlays, and blade materials, each and everyone is recognizable as Chris Reeves which only lends credence to how iconic it is. 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. Total Length: 8.25 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. Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer - Price: $98,934. 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. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. It is considered the most expensive knife in the kitchen and pocket. 1. 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. Lock Type: Slipjoint. Blade is made . The attractive simulated bone handle includes an . Free shipping for many products! 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. Perhaps nowhere is that truer than in Kershaws Cryo. 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 first thing that stands out about the Infidel is the distinctive handle design. 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. 3. The Buck 110 is such an iconic knife that it essentially feels like it's been around since the beginning of time. Some examples include knives signed by sports stars, autographed golf balls or baseballs, etc. Its not often one of the mini pocket knives you can whip out in a pinch, but sometimes it is. SOG isn't so much a tool maker so much as a knife company that knows the value of being prepared. Back in the 1970s, Timothy Leatherman set out to design a scout knife with pliers when he found a typical multi-tool too limiting. This is the knife of choice for those looking for versatility. While their catalog has expanded in regards to materials (with more modern options than ever before), the spirit of the brand is still intact and their remarkably-useful and relatively inexpensive cutting tools continue to be some of the best ever constructed. Robert E. Lee Battle of Chancellorsville Pocket Knife:This high-quality collectible pocket knife includes a lifelike portrait of the leader of the Confederate Army meticulously etched into the stainless steel blade, along with the location and date of his most significant Civil War victory. 2. Zero Tolerance 0452CF. First of all, its the wallet-draining price. Despite weighing less than an ounce, the Classic SD features seven tools: a pen blade, nail file, screwdriver, key ring, toothpick, tweezers, and scissors. Second, the high-style sets a new standard that makes all other utility knives seem a bit pedestrian. One of the best-value EDC knives in existence, Opinels No. Check Price at Amazon: 4: Knife Case, Pocket Knife Display Case, Small Knife Case Storage with 40 Slots, Folding Knife. 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. $1,650.00. Total Length: 8.40 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. Although Case has had some stumbles near the end of the century, they are still the most collected knife brand in traditional pocket . 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. What are the most collectible pocket knives? 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. Mirror polished 3 3/8" blade is marked "ROSTFREI" in script on the tang. Whats more, Benchmade also produces a handful of different Osborne variants with different handle and blade steel constructions, as well as a smaller Mini-spec and a newly-released, top-of-the-line Gold Class version. The rarer a vintage pocket knife is, the more valuable it generally is. It has a nice slim design for anyone who wants a truly portable knife that can handle nearly anything. This particular pocket knife has a connection to that outdoorsman history: the jackknife style design is reflective of the ones used by traders and trappers that used to roam Hudson Bay. Benchmade 4170BK Auto Fact. Each comes with a certificate of authenticity and a serial number. In 1960, the 8OT was only the second Old Timer ever produced (the 2OT was the first but is no longer in production). Because of this, any folding lockback knife is called a "Buck knife" - including ones made by other brands. 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. Close but still not the most expensive. 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. 4 inches long L.P. Case XX Cigar Stockman 6394 is amongst the most sought-after vintage case knives. In the Pocket Knife Trader's Price Guide, this model is valued at $5,500. #25 Microtech Ultratech 14/404. The Emerson CQC-7 was actually based on the custom folder CQC-6. Yoshihiro Mizuyaki Honyaki. Most collectible knives are made with very fine, exacting detail and rare materials. 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. Total Length: 8.15 Workers and casual knife users adopted this knife as an everyday carry, despite the fact that it was originally made for hunters. Always American made. And that gives the 110 Folding Hunter a big leg up in our book. And while the world around changed, these knives retained their usefulness and, as a result, remained largely unchanged through to the present. And wed probably agree with that sentiment if it werent for the Griptilian. Case Tested XX 6394 Cigar Stockman Greenbone Handles - $1,200. These rare pieces of artwork are usually one-of-a-kind creations from some of the best makers in the world. 1 - The Best Overall Pocket Knife: SOG Terminus XR LTE. Microtech is arguably the most popular automatic knife manufacturer in the game right now, and it doesn't disappoint when it comes to OTFs. An investment pocket knife can be an everyday pocket knife, but its definitely an EDC you also want to show off. Blade: CPM S30CV In fact, they can trace their origins back to a small family-owned cutlery business in the early 1800s. Often these come from the most well-known pocket knife makers out there, though there are a number of quality independent pocket knife brands. Treefarmer. Check Price. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device.