I'm making a list, and I'd appreciate it if you checked it twice.

B

bakofried

Joined
Nov 12, 2012
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Okay, so the ethnic/regional/workhorse knife list I'm compiling contains the following:
Britain - British Army Clasp Knife
I chose this over the epic list of standard patterns produced in Britain simply because this has a bit more flair to it. As this pattern has been around for both World Wars, and saw duty throughout the naval empire managed by Britain, I thought it best. Here's a picture, happily stolen. (Though, as I plan to pick one of these up soon, I'll take some of my own).
http://imgur.com/27BaE
South Africa - Okapi
I hesitate here. It is, by my reckoning, certainly a knife that is associated with South Africa. However, as its origin lay in Germany, I question its inclusion. nevertheless, Here's the image:
http://imgur.com/o9gZ7
France - Opinel No. 8 (see also Laguiole, Douk Douk)
Germany - Mercatur K55K
Switzerland - Victorinox Pioneer
Japan - Higo Nokami (Does Mcusta apply here)
China - Shilin Cutter
Phillipines - Bali-Song (could someone tell me how to pronounce that properly)
South East Asia - Karambit
United States - Buck 110 (Considered the Leatherman Wave/PST here, as well as a Spyderco Worker)
Sweden/Norway/Finland/Denmark - Mora Classic No. 1 (Helle Knives if I'm feeling spendy)
Central/South America - Tramontina 18" (need more info here)
Canada - Canadian Belt Knife
Spain - Navaja
Yemen - Jambiya
Nepal - Khukuri
Any additions or complaints are welcome. I still need Russia (though I believe it will be similar to the Scandis - same goes for the Balkans), Greece, Italy, and a North African knife that isn't a Douk Douk. Please help a newbie?

Also, I realize that some of these may not fit the "traditional/slipjoint" category, but I figure out of anyone, this would be the best place to look.
 
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Hey bud, I think you have it mostly nailed. But for Germany I would try to get a good wood handled Herter sodbuster. Very common work knife among the working class.

As for North Africa, I did some TDY from our base in Germany (Army engineers) to the old Wheelus Air force base in Libya. In my time roaming around there while off duty, it seemed like every single swinging Richard over there had a well used Douk-Douk tucked in his clothing someplace. The only North African looking daggers and arab style knives I saw were for sale to the army, air force, and European tourists. This was the mid 1960's.

Carl.
 
I considered the Spyderco Worker because I see it as the advent of the modern folder - and I would like that to be represented. Granted, a stainless steel Delica might do as well, but...
And I've heard about sodbusters abroad. Is it just a commonly used pattern? Was it imported from anywhere in particular? Is it just an international work knife?

Also, I'm desperately looking for a Russian piece, as well as any news on a Gypsy knife.

And the Shilin Cutter shortage makes me very sad. Gorgeous things.

Also, I forgot about the Ulu.

The first I will probably pick up is the British Army Clasp Knife. Anyone have experience with that?
 
Italy,I think a "Pattada"
 
For Italy, I may suggest:
- Zuava (agricolturals knife)
- Gobbo (knife of sheperds)
- Anconetano (sailor's knife)
- Resolza (from the island of Sardinia)

there are many others, but these gave suddenly in my mind :-)
 
Nice list. Sodbusters have been used in many European countries. I'm sure Trevor will be happy to share pics of his collection of sodbusters from Europe. Russia is a huge country and there's at least one regional fixed knife pattern that has an interesting single-sided bevel to it. I've seen them on the british blade forums posted in the Scandinavian section. The name escapes me for the moment but if I find them again I'll post it. Thanks for posting this list, looks like I've got a few more patterns to collect!
 
Very much appreciated! I'll add them to the list when I have more time. Though it seems impossible, is there any one knife that everyone seems to carry? Almost like a Mora in Sweden, a Douk Douk around the Mediterranean, or the Buck 110 that everyone or their father has lying around stateside?
 
I think you have a good list, but I wish this thread had pictures associated with the knives/locations.
 
That is something I'm going to add tomorrow or possibly tonight; I'm currently finishing up my paper on Athenian hegemony prior to the Peloponnesian War.

In actuality, the project is something that I hope will become very interesting; I'll put pics up when I can afford the pieces! There's a Clasp knife that's calling my name at a surplus store in town, though....
 
I'm not sure if this one is completely representative, but it is a Russian made traditional knife,
with stainless blade and birch bark handle. 8 inches overall length.

zlatsheath3.jpg
 
I don't know - the quality seems fine, but what makes it culturally "Russian" (if there is such a thing, massive place)?
 
VCM3 said:
Italy,I think a "Pattada"
Click to expand...

martineden said:
For Italy, I may suggest:
- Zuava (agricolturals knife)
- Gobbo (knife of sheperds)
- Anconetano (sailor's knife)
- Resolza (from the island of Sardinia)

there are many others, but these gave suddenly in my mind :-)
Click to expand...

Obviously, if you just have to pick one pattern from Italy, I'm suggesting the Sardinian "resolza" (commonly known as a "Pattada") :rolleyes: but...there may be other patterns you want to consider. From my own island, an "Arburesa" could be worth looking at, especially if you like more curved (skinner-like) blades. For other patterns from continental Italy, and in addition to what Alfredo already recommended, I would also suggest these (to give you a wider range of options):
- "Maremmano a foglia"
- "Mozzetta" (or cork knife)
- a Stiletto.
There are others...but these pretty much cover the whole range of variety in Italian traditionals. Check them out, and see what you like.

Fausto
:cool:
 
More can certainly be added to the list! But I'd rather see cultural diversity on a far grander scale. And forgive me, but the swept handle and clip point blade seems to be iconic of several nations. There are only so many slight variations I can afford. The exception being the cork knife, of course.
 
Well - Germany... Hippekniep (aka Sodbuster) and for sure the mighty K55K Mercator knife are good examples for knives from Germany. As Carl already mentioned, Herder, Otter, Hubertus etc make very good pieces of them. I would also add a F. Hartkopf Lockback (available in different sizes), just take a look.
Not to forget the Ankermesser (anchorknife) - which is made by Otter and some older might swirr around from Lütters & Cie.

We forgot Austria - there we have the Trattenbacher Taschenfeitel (Trattenbacher Taschenzaunkerl).
And get a Mikov aluminium fishknife from Czech Republic.

I think there might be much more traditional knives in central europe ... :)
 
I definitely need more Central European influences! Throw them at me.

Also, does anyone know if there is any sort of traditional Romani knife?
 
I'm not happy with the army clasp knife for Britain. I think of a regular jack, or maybe an equal-ender, with a spear blade. Maybe that's just my grandpa though.
 
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