Knives
Knives
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE KNIVES
Where were and are knives made?
There are places known for knife making all over the world. We would like to introduce you to some of the most famous ones, their history and the unique specialities of the knives:
Solingen (Germany):
Solingen is inextricably linked with renowned and traditional knife manufacturers. The city plays a pioneering role in the production of integral knives. An integral knife is a knife that is usually drop-forged and does not have a classic tang, but rather a support surface for handle scales that extends all the way to the handle. This type of knife is particularly robust. It is very popular and has been copied many times.
Thiers (France):
France is known for its immense variety of regional knives. Cities such as Nontron and Nogent as well as Corsica are home to outstanding blacksmiths. However, most knives come from Thiers, a town in the Massif Central. Well-known knives from France include the Laguiole knife and the Opinel pocket knife.
Victorinox (Switzerland):
Swiss Army Knives, known since the 1880s, are among the best-selling and best-known knives in the world today.
Sheffield (England):
Sheffield, centrally located in England, was once Solingen's most important competitor. The American market in particular played a decisive role for knife manufacturers in this city. Today, however, there are only a few producers left in this traditional region.
Maniago (Italy):
The small town of Maniago in north-east Italy is a well-known production location for knives with particularly high manufacturing quality. Many of the companies based there are strongly characterised by craftsmanship. Companies such as Coltellerie Bertie or Coltellerie Consigli produce numerous historical types of pocket knives that are typical of Italy.
Mora (Sweden):
Mora, Sweden, has a long tradition of knife manufacturing dating back to the 17th century. The Morakniv company originated from two historic forges - KJ Eriksson (founded in 1912) and Frost (founded in 1819). Since the merger in 2005, Morakniv has been producing high-quality utility knives that are characterised by their ease of use and ergonomic design. These knives are ideal for outdoor activities and hunters.
Brazil:
Knife manufacturing is also strongly represented in Brazil, and the name Tramontina has been synonymous with high-quality workmanship and quality since 1911. The globally active group of companies has its origins in Carlos Barbosa, in Brazil's southernmost state. Another well-known manufacturer is Condor, which produces high-quality machetes, outdoor knives and pocket knives in traditional and modern designs in El Salvador. Often equipped with wooden or Micarta handles, Condor knives from Latin America combine traditional knives with modern and high-tech manufacturing.
Palaçoulo (Portugal):
Portugal is characterised by a lively tradition of classic knife manufacturers who continue to cultivate and develop the craft to this day. One of the best-known representatives is MAM, which has been producing affordable, classic knives in Palaçoulo since 1870.
Oregon, Idaho, Colorado (USA):
Oregon, Idaho and Colorado are home to the best-known knife manufacturers based in the USA, such as Buck Knives, Leatherman, Benchmade and Kershaw.
Sakai, Takefu, Seki (Japan)
Japan has a long history of knife production. Swords have been made in Sakai since the 14th century. Today, the city is one of the most important locations for traditional Japanese chef's knives. Takefu is also craft-orientated and has a long tradition. Seki is known as the world's leading name for Japanese blades, producing both household knives and high-quality export knives.
China:
Many renowned manufacturers from Europe and the USA have their designs produced in China. Brands such as Boker and Spyderco utilise the numerous industrial sites. In recent years, Chinese manufacturers have started to produce high-quality knives under their own name. In addition to inexpensive models, there is an increasing number of products with the highest technical standards.
What are the most important knife classes?
Hunting knives:
Hunters need versatile tools, from sharpening a salt lick to gutting game. The traditional hunting knife, the nicker, is particularly suitable for precise cuts, such as severing the spinal cord of game. There are different types of construction, such as tang, flat tang and full tang knives.
Outdoor knife:
A reliable knife is indispensable in the great outdoors. It is suitable for preparing food, gutting fish, cutting ropes or working with wood. Skandi knives, with blade flanks at a constant angle, are easy to sharpen and are very popular in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Chef's knife/kitchen knife:
European chef's knives are characterised by stainless steel and a sturdy construction, with the blade, bolster and tang made from one piece (integral construction). The hardness of European chef's knives is lower than that of Japanese knives. Japanese blades are also ground thinner. This makes the European version not quite as sharp in comparison, but robust.
Pocket knives:
Folding knives are compact and safe to transport. Due to their mechanics, however, they require more care and are less resilient than fixed knives.
Straight razors:
Straight razors are making a comeback. Traditional hollow-ground models offer a flexible blade and precise feedback when shaving. The cutting edge must be very sharp to ensure a close shave.
Classic and popular knives for a variety of uses:
Of course, this list does not claim to be exhaustive and opinions on classic knives vary widely. Nevertheless, there are a few knives that have achieved exceptional fame:
Buck folding knife 110: Buck Knives USA has been manufacturing this knife for more than 50 years. It is particularly appreciated by hunters worldwide.
Victorinox folding knives: A few models should be listed here. Models that feature elegant walnut wood instead of the red plastic handle scales can be found under the Wood series.
Morakniv Heavy Duty MG (C): A robust knife for hunting and outdoor use that is easy to clean thanks to its plastic handle.
Higonokami Burasu: As a gentleman's knife, this type of knife is part of a man's basic Japanese equipment. It impresses with high-quality steel and a simple but robust folding function.
Laguiole folding knife: French design at its best. This knife shape was first produced in the village of Laguiole in 1829. Since then, there have been countless variations with the Laguiole guarantee of origin.
Opinel folding knife, beech, No. 8: Quick lock and easy-to-sharpen carbon steel. That's all you need for a classic.
