Hidden gems of the knife world

[HappyDaddy]

BS - They're available all over the place. Amazon, Knifecenter, BHQ, Walmart... That's the 2.0 with a clip point blade. Perhaps you're looking for the original.

 

[brancron]

It's difficult to make a firm distinction between "hidden gem" and "underrated," so some of the below might cross into one or the other category:

TiNives (a long defunct company):

Filip De Coene:

Anza Knives:

Boye Knives:

Al Mar's older stuff (the fixed blade isn't an Al Mar):

To some degree, Boker's Solingen-made knives in general (the fit and finish on them is immaculate):

In light of its recent discontinuance, I'd say that the entire Caly 3 line was pretty underrated, despite being one of Spyderco's greatest knives:

 

[Comeuppance]

I've come to realize that my definition of "hidden gem" is most people's definition of "homely misshapen turd", which correlates uncomfortably with my relationship history.

 

[DPC]

This is pretty hidden I think:

Spyderco Perrin Street Bowie, old version (uncoated, with no hole)

Even though the model is known, I feel it's too good to be this unpopular. For around 70-80 $ second hand you get a vg10 full flat ground bowie that weights 3.7oz (!) and is absolutely perfect for any light or medium tasks, and a beast in the kitchen.

 

[fetzer85]

I've come to realize that my definition of "hidden gem" is most people's definition of "homely misshapen turd", which correlates uncomfortably with my relationship history.

[emoji23]

Honestly though, it would be pretty boring if we all loved the same style of knife. For example, that Lansky you mentioned, I would use the word 'interesting' not 'homely misshapen turd'.

 

[painkilleraz]

switch that out with a diamond and you'd have a real gem of a glass breaker.

Topaz is much harder then glass

 

[Eric@DLT]

Also the made in USA Blackjacks. Better than the Barkrivers at almost half the price

Bark River makes the USA Black Jack fixed blades knives. Most use A2 steel and have convex grinds, like many of the Bark River knives.

One of the brands that is often over looked is Hess. They make great knives by hand that are reasonably priced. We tend to sell them better out of our store since they are local but also because the customer can get something hand made without breaking the bank.

 

[DanH45]

I know the BJs are made by bark river, which is why I mentioned them. For some reason I almost always prefer the blackjack when side by side

 

[Comeuppance]

[emoji23]

Honestly though, it would be pretty boring if we all loved the same style of knife. For example, that Lansky you mentioned, I would use the word 'interesting' not 'homely misshapen turd'.

And I'd call it "utilitarian" - the forward-angled blade makes utility work a breeze, and the ergos are very nice. I tend to value function over form, with some exceptions (Large Espada...)

 

[ThePeacent]

Spyderco Salts all the way.

Best value folders in the market nowadays, IMO. Almost all CS folders (Voyager, Talwar, etc.) would be included here, for me.

And I'll say it even though most folks here will condemn me for that...many chinese folders (Enlan, SRM) are real gems waiting to be found and tried, in my humble opinion. They are a true "bang for the buck" treasure out there.

They are gems comparable to some budget Kershaw blades, and both are made overseas. I dig them, and don't care where are they manufactured if they can offer such performance at that price point!

 

[Dcaggie06]

Morris Friction Folders. Long wait period, but highly affordable, functional and holy god are they sharp. Great great knives that arent seen or mentioned often.

 

[painkilleraz]

Spyderco Salts all the way.


Best value folders in the market nowadays, IMO. Almost all CS folders (Voyager, Talwar, etc.) would be included here, for me.

And I'll say it even though most folks here will condemn me for that...many chinese folders (Enlan, SRM) are real gems waiting to be found and tried, in my humble opinion. They are a true "bang for the buck" treasure out there.


They are gems comparable to some budget Kershaw blades, and both are made overseas. I dig them, and don't care where are they manufactured if they can offer such

I agree

Morris Friction Folders. Long wait period, but highly affordable, functional and holy god are they sharp. Great great knives that arent seen or mentioned often.

Link? Interested for sure

 

[fetzer85]

OK, bringing this one back (a little) because I have to thank Comeuppance for shining a light on the Lansky Responder for me. I've had mine for a couple weeks now and it's a pretty fantastic knife! They could charge double pretty easily for what you get. It's a bit heavy for its size but it performs very well. It wouldn't flip very easily at first so I loosened the pivot ever so slightly and now it flips easily. There's a very tiny amount of side-to-side play but hardly noticeable. As it came new there was no play, it just took a little wrist snap to use the flipper. I'm considering trying the larger 4" model with Sandvik steel.