A quality knife is a must for almost everyone. Whether you are a crafter, hunter, fisherman, camper, hiker, outdoorsman or just plain old handy all around a knife is a tool that you will not be able to function without. A knife is such a valuable tool that any new young man or women in our family acquires one at the same time that they receive their drivers license. Whether for cutting a box, opening a can, cutting your way out of a tangle or as a security blanket walking to your car in a dark parking lot a knife is an essential tool.
The old adage that you get what you pay for is true when it comes to the purchase of a knife. Don’t waste money on a cheap gas station pocket knife. You will literally be throwing money away. Invest in a decent knife as a gift for someone or for yourself, it will pay you back tenfold in years served. A quality knife will last long enough to be a family heirloom so look at the purchase as such. A terrific knife to start with is a folding knife with a locking blade. There are many companies supplying knives that fit this description narrowing the selection down is the hard part. Below I will share a few personal favorites.
One brand that stands the test of time is W.R. Case & Son Cutlery. Started in 1889, each knife and blade that is made is different form the next. Case blades are stamped from steel and hardened using their special heat method. After this is completed the handles are carved from a multitude of materials. Case handles come from hardwoods, mother-of-pearl, exotic animal bone as well as unique stones. All the parts used in making a Case knife are superior metals such as silver, nickel and brass. If you purchase a Case knife you are not only buying a quality tool you are also purchasing a collectable heirloom that will be passed on from one member of your family to another for years.
Another quality knife company that is known for their quality, heirloom pieces is Fallkniven knives. A Swedish, family business that began around 1980 has grown into one of the most popular brands for fishing and hunting enthusiasts all over the world. With a knife designed and manufactured by Fallkniven you are guaranteed a knife that is second to none. The knives have it all; good looks unbeatable craftsmanship and unrivaled performance. You can choose from many styles of knives including folding, fixed blade, military, collectors and chef knives.
These are just two of the many knife brands I would suggest to purchase as a knife that will ultimately become a family heirloom. It is priceless to see how a child lights up when they are given great grandpa’s pocket knife from when he was a young man. With either of the brands listed above and plenty of other you are purchasing an essential tool that will carry a multitude of stories with it throughout the years.