Knife Aid’s Top 10 most iconic practical and utility knives
Of course, to limit ourselves to just ten iconic practical and utility knives has been somewhat laborious, but here is our list of Knife Aid favorites. And before you ask - yes, we are sharpening all of them!
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Loved all over the world, this handy, bright red pocket knife is maybe the most iconic or at least most known among all of the below. Supplier to the Swiss army since 1891, Victorinox today is a registered trademark in over 120 countries. Its excellent grip and reliable locking blade make it the obvious choice as a first knife or as an easy allrounder for lovers of the great outdoors.
D.H. Russell Canadian Belt Knife #1
Established in the late 1950s, Grohmann Knives have produced this popular outdoor knife for well over 60 years. Field tested many times over by hunters and trappers across the far north of Canada, this knife is not only extremely durable, it is also a piece of true beauty.
Fällkniven F1
The Fällkniven F1 has been the official survival knife for Swedish Air Force pilots since 1995 and is one of the most famous survival knives in the world. It surpasses international standards for strength and personal security capabilities and is great value for money. It is well proportioned and extremely versatile. Designed with the harsh Scandinavian winters in mind, its grip is ideal for cold weather.
Ka-Bar Combat/Utility Knife
In 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps issued the Ka-Bar to its members to replace the World War I era combat knives and their bronze or alloy handles, large brass-knuckle fingerguards and relatively thin blades. The U.S. Marines followed suit in 1943, issuing the USMC Fighting Utility knife to its members ever since.
The name Ka-Bar has been used since 1923, when a fur trapper had used the knife to kill a wounded bear after his rifle got jammed. Apparently, Ka-Bar is an abbreviation for the phrase Kill A Bear.
Leatherman Wave+
The jury is out if the internationally best selling Leatherman Wave+ belongs to a list of knives, tools or gadgets. But once you have realised that it does, in fact, have a decent knife in its belly, you might forgive us for sneaking this utility wonder onto this list. Produced in Oregon and tested in the Pacific Northwest, it is the ideal companion for hikers, bikers, fishermen and everyone who likes to be prepared for all the big and small adventures in everyday life.
Spyderco Salt 1
Made of H1 steel, this versatile knife is especially made for the use in and around water. Virtually impossible to rust, the blade and its rounded tip are designed with the special requirements of boating and fishing in mind.
Leuku
The Leuku is a large knife that is traditionally used by the Sami people in the Northern parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland. It has a long, wide blade which is suited for light chopping and butchering tasks and a handle made from birchwood which makes it easier to grip in snowy conditions. Sami people typically carry two knives, the larger Leuku and the smaller Puukko.
Benchmade Mini Crooked River
A hunting knife that wouldn’t look out of place in an upmarket steak restaurant, this pocket knife connects with the aesthetics of the past while applying all the modern technology you’d expect from a knife in the 21st century. The clip point folding blade enables you to securely penetrate tip first, while its single handed opening mechanism runs smooth like butter.
Buck Knife 110
Originally introduced in the 1960s, the 110 is a classic and traditional favorite and is one of America’s best selling knives. It was born out of the need for a sturdy knife with a longer blade combined with the practicality of a folding knife and a view to design and feel. All handles are made from ethically sourced ebony and blades can be customized and engraved.
Marbles Ideal
Marbles Ideal has become known as the first knife designed for the sport hunter, made from excellent steel and relatively lightweight thanks to the wide groove in its blade. The Ideal Hunting Knife by Webster Marble was introduced in 1899 and originally sold for $1.25. Vintage Ideals in good condition with their original sheath can change hands for up to $10,000 today - a sure sign that those knives are made to last.
