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If you’re a knife enthusiast, you know that there are some that are so iconic they should be in every knife collection. From old designs to modern classics, here are the most iconic knives that all enthusiasts should own. Although some of these knives may not be as popular or well-known as others, they’ve all left their mark on the knife world and deserve the highest recognition.

As a collector, you should consider adding these knives to your collection. Not only are they iconic, but they have a rich history that any enthusiast would appreciate. Plus, they’re sure to become future classics if they aren’t already and will be appreciated for years to come. So, if you’re looking for something iconic to add to your collection, look no further than these that every enthusiast should own.

What Makes a Knife Iconic

What makes it iconic is its design, materials, and history. Therefore, it has to be of high quality and rich history.

One of the most important factors is its design. It has to be aesthetically pleasing and unique in order to stand out from the rest. It also has to be functional and able to do its designed task. Another factor is the materials that are used to make it.

It also has to have a rich history. This means that it’s been around for a while, has an interesting story behind it, and has been used in different ways throughout those years.

Some of these include the pocket knife, hunting knives, the Swiss Army Knife, as well as other folding and fixed blade knives. Their blades include stainless as well as carbon steel, and they have many types of handle materials.

The National Knife Collectors Association

It wouldn’t seem right to talk about these knives without talking about the NKCA. The NKCA is an organization of collectors that was founded in 1972 by a group of gun enthusiasts who turned to knives following the gun control act of 1968.

The NKCA was intended to give enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about the hobby of collecting through their many resources. In the beginning, they featured a newsletter and were also very popular for the club knives that they offered. Some of them even became quite valuable. However, interest languished, and the organization has been succeeded by local clubs and associations, which are still an excellent way to learn more and meet other enthusiasts. Today the NKCA runs the National Knife Museum and its own website.

National Knife Museum

We also need to take a moment and talk about the National Knife Museum. Since 2006 it has been located at the Smokey Mountain Knifeworks in Sevierville, Tennessee. It was originally founded in 1981 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by Jim Parker and later run by the NKCA.

The museum is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to the education, promotion, and preservation of collecting.

The museum has over 12,000 knives in its rotating collection. It even has a working custom knife shop and offers the opportunity to learn more about the hobby. The museum is located in a beautiful area and well worth the trip!

What Knives Are Worth Collecting?

Now let’s get on to talking about the best knives. Here are the ones that made our best knives list.

The Most Iconic Hunting Knives

When it comes to hunting knives, there are a few that stand out among the rest.

Bowie Knife

The first on our list of most iconic is the Bowie knife. Although there are many stories and not much documented information, it is believed the first one was made for Jim Bowie, who became famous for using it in a well known knife fight known as Sandbar. It was designed by Rezin Bowie in the early 19th century.

Since then, the term Bowie has come to be a generic term representing any large knife between 8 and 12 inches in length with a crossguard and a clip point.

Early on, there were several revisions to the knife. Although it changed over the years, experts agree that the knife was most likely designed by Jesse Clift, who worked for Rezin Bowie. Experts also believe it was most likely designed in a similar fashion to a butcher knife.

Today, there are several large companies and manufacturers, as well as enthusiasts who continue to make custom versions based on the Bowie design. They are still used for tasks including hunting, fishing, camping, and self-defense.

Most Iconic Pocket Knives

Pocket knives are some of the most iconic in the knife world. They’re well-known for their durability and functionality. Hunters, outdoorsmen, and enthusiasts have used them for years. Here are some of the most iconic pocket knives that every enthusiast should know about.

The Swiss Army Knife

The Swiss Army Knife is a multi tool pocket knife and is very iconic. It was created in 1891 by Karl Elsener and was originally used by soldiers to perform everyday tasks.

What makes it so iconic is its functionality. It has many different tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, making it perfect for any situation. Along with the blade, models come with things like scissors, a screwdriver, a toothpick, and a nail file. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Buck Model 110 Folding Hunter

The Buck Model 110 Folding Hunter is a very iconic pocket knife. It was designed by Al Buck in 1963 and has been a favorite among enthusiasts ever since. It has a stainless steel blade and a beautiful hardwood handle.

It is also very versatile and used for a variety of tasks, from hunting to everyday use. It’s also one of the most popular folding knives on the market and has been featured in several magazines.

Spyderco Military

The Spyderco Military is another pocket knife, designed by Sal Glesser and first released in 1981. It has an S30V stainless steel blade and a G-10 handle. Like all Spyderco products, it has a thumb hole that allows for easy one handed opening.

The Spyderco Military is another pocket knife, designed by Sal Glesser and first released in 1981. It has an S30V stainless steel blade and a G-10 handle. Like all Spyderco products, it has a thumb hole that allows for easy one handed opening.

It is perfect for everyday use and has been praised for its durability, strength, and quality. It’s also been called the “ultimate combat knife” because of its ability to withstand the toughest conditions.

This Spyderco has been used by the military and law enforcement agencies around the world and has become a favorite among enthusiasts. So if you’re looking for something iconic as well as perfect for everyday use, the Spyderco Military is one you should consider adding to your collection.

Case Trapper

The Case Trapper is a classic pocket knife that has been around for over 100 years. It’s simple yet perfect for everyday use.

Its simple design and its long history make this one iconic. The Case Trapper was first created in 1912 and is considered very iconic.

It features a clip point and a spey blade. It’s also available with several different handle options. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Kershaw Leek

The Kershaw Leek pocket knife was first created in 1999 by Ken Onion. It’s an assisted flipper with a simple design that makes it perfect for everyday use.

It’s available with several blades and handle options

Chris Reeve Sebenza

The Sabenze pocket knife is perfect for enthusiasts who like quality and simplicity. The Sebenza is an iconic pocket knife and features the Reeve Integral Lock.

Designed by Chris Reeve, it has a stainless steel blade and a Titanium handle. It’s perfect for everyday use, camping, work, and even self-defense.

There are several variations of the Sebenza, but all offer the same benefits. Plus, they are very durable and will last a long time. They also come with a lifetime warranty.

Laguiole Pocket Knife

The Laguiole pocket knife is also iconic and features a long history. It’s used for many different tasks and has been around since the early 1800s.

It’s handcrafted in France, and each one comes with a certificate of authenticity. An optional corkscrew and leather sheath, as well as engraving, are available. It also comes in several beautiful handle options.

If you are looking for something classic and functional, you can’t go wrong with the Laguiole knife. It is perfect for camping, hiking, hunting, everyday use, and even self-defense.

Other Knives

Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife

This knife is one of the most popular in the world. It was designed by Eric Anthony Sykes and William Ewart Fairbairn in 1941 and has been used by the British SAS and Marines and the American OSS during World War II. Although there were several versions, all are made with a double-edged dagger blade that makes them perfect for close-quarter combat.

It is also considered one of the most effective fighting knives ever made and has been used in many different wars.

Leatherman Wave

The Leatherman Wave is a popular multi tool and very different than the other knives on this list. It was first created in 1994 and has been very popular with the knife world ever since.

It looks more like a pair of scissors than a knife. But what makes it so iconic is its functionality. It has 18 different tools that can be used for everyday tasks, making it perfect for any situation. It also comes with a 25 year warranty.

Ka-Bar USMC Fighting

Ka-Bar has been around since 1898. They make many fixed blades as well as folding knives. Their most famous survival knife was first created in 1942 for marines in WWII. However, it was so popular that it quickly spread to all branches of the service. What makes this Ka-Bar knife so iconic is the simple fixed blade design and leather handle. It’s also very popular in the knife world.

Opinel #8

The Opinel knife is another French knife that was first created in 1890 by Joseph Opinel. Opinels have a very simple design and are perfect for everyday use. They have also been mentioned in the 100 most beautiful product listings.

Other knives worth mentioning include the Benchmade Griptilian, which is an everyday carry pocket knife, the Buck 119 Special hunting knife, and the CRKT M16.

How to Find These Knives for Your Collection

If you’re looking for knives that you can add to your collection, you can find them at knife stores, online retailers, and even auction websites.

Enthusiasts are always looking for rare and unique pieces to add to their collections. And when they find one, they often sell others just to get it. This is why attending shows and conventions is another place to find knives.

What A Collector Should Look Out For When Buying Iconic Knives

When buying an iconic knife, it’s important to consider the knife’s quality. You want to make sure that it is made with high-quality materials and is durable enough to withstand everyday use. You should also consider the design and whether or not it’s what you want to collect.

If you are looking to add to your collection, it’s also important to consider how long a knife has been available in the marketplace. The more years it has been around, the more likely it will be to find and purchase.

But, no matter where you shop, make sure you do your research before buying. Make sure you know the knife’s history, the materials used to make it, and the knife’s functionality. This will help you make an informed purchase and ensure that you’re getting a knife that’s right for you.

The Best Ways to Care for Your Collection

Enthusiasts take great pride in their collections. Not only because of the knives themselves but because of the time and effort that goes into acquiring them. Many enthusiasts also use them for a variety of tasks. This can include hunting, fishing, camping, and even everyday tasks.

Because of this, every collector should know the best way to care for their knives. This includes how to clean them, as well as how to store them.

Tips On How to Care For Your Collection

– Keep knives clean and dry. This will help prevent rusting and corrosion.

– Avoid leaving your knives in direct sunlight or in humid areas. This can cause rust and damage.

– Keep the blade sharp to ensure its functionality and safety.

– Always have a professional sharpen your blade.

– Store in a safe place where children or pets can’t access them.

– Handle with care. Never use excessive force. This can damage the knife and cause it to break.

– For safe storage, use blocks or knife racks. These both protect the knife’s finish as well as provide easy access when needed.

By following these simple steps, you will help keep your knife collection in top quality condition for many years to come.

Conclusion: the Most Iconic Knives Every Knife Collector Should Own

Knife collecting is a fun hobby that enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy. Whether you want to collect knives from around the world or one specific brand, there are plenty of ways for enthusiasts to expand their collection.

From the classic Buck knife to the modern Kershaw Leek, every collector and enthusiast should consider these knives when looking for iconic knife designs to add to their collection.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you will expand your collection and build a solid foundation to cherish for years to come. We also hope that we were able to give you some background on these types of knives as well as where to find them and how to take care of them.

If you enjoyed reading this article, may we suggest reading our previous post:

The Best Pocket Knives For Everyday Carry, we think that you will enjoy it!

We would also like to remind you that as well as selling knives we also buy knives. So, if you have knives lying around that are too good to sell, but not good enough to keep, let us know. We guarantee we will find your knife a new home and give you a great price for it!

Finally, what do you think? Do you agree with our list of the most iconic knives that every enthusiast should own? Is there are a knife that you think is more iconic than the ones we mentioned here? Let us know, and thanks for reading!