I think this may turn out to be a bit regional, what's iconic on one side of the pond may not be iconic on the other.
Knife-depot named the Vic. Classic, I don't know anyone who has a Classic. The Pioneer would have been my pick aka boy scout knife.
I had never heard of Opinel before visiting online forums and don't know of any one who has one. The same with Mora.
Knife-depot named the Leatherman Wave, that's a multi tool not a knife. Can't put that on the list.
Two that come to mind for me would be the Buck 110. That knife had a lot of influence on future knife designs.
The other would be the Barlow. It's a design that originated on the other side of the pond. Yet has been in continual production on one or both sides of the pond since the late 1600's.
Well, its a globe thing... Opinel/Mora (and Hultafors, you will find Mora/Hultafor knives on every construction site, at least here in Switzerland) are far more known in Europe than the Buck 110. Classic is the most sold SAK. The Pioneer is a MT too, so essentially, the Wave is just a multi-bladed knife.I think this may turn out to be a bit regional, what's iconic on one side of the pond may not be iconic on the other.
Knife-depot named the Vic. Classic, I don't know anyone who has a Classic. The Pioneer would have been my pick aka boy scout knife.
I had never heard of Opinel before visiting online forums and don't know of any one who has one. The same with Mora.
Knife-depot named the Leatherman Wave, that's a multi tool not a knife. Can't put that on the list.
Two that come to mind for me would be the Buck 110. That knife had a lot of influence on future knife designs.
The other would be the Barlow. It's a design that originated on the other side of the pond. Yet has been in continual production on one or both sides of the pond since the late 1600's.
:iagree: :cheers:
Ask a bunch of knife guys and yes we'll get some many thoughts, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I only used the knife depot as a guideline. Most important was I have borrowed the guidelines from knife depot however lets let the conversation flow freely and not be so stringent.. :salute:I agree just because I was not aware of Opinels, they are still a classic design.
Knife people can and do recognize knives outside their interest I believe. With enough time I'd imagine most knife people come across many iconic knives from all over the world either by internet or in person. Having one is not prerequisite to knowing it. I dont have a Kabar USMC knife but I sure do know what one looks like when I see one. Iconic btw IMO.
I too was unaware of the Opinel before the forums. I was also unaware of Mora. I know own a Mora Classic #1 and Opinel #8, both iconic blades.
My thought on this thread was to see what each who contributed viewed as an iconic knife. Oceans separate us but knives, knives bring us together.
Lastly, the list on knife depot is not one I particularly agree on either :tu:
Ask a bunch of knife guys and yes we'll get some many thoughts, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I only used the knife depot as a guideline. Most important was I have borrowed the guidelines from knife depot however lets let the conversation flow freely and not be so stringent.. :salute:I agree just because I was not aware of Opinels, they are still a classic design.
Knife people can and do recognize knives outside their interest I believe. With enough time I'd imagine most knife people come across many iconic knives from all over the world either by internet or in person. Having one is not prerequisite to knowing it. I dont have a Kabar USMC knife but I sure do know what one looks like when I see one. Iconic btw IMO.
I too was unaware of the Opinel before the forums. I was also unaware of Mora. I know own a Mora Classic #1 and Opinel #8, both iconic blades.
My thought on this thread was to see what each who contributed viewed as an iconic knife. Oceans separate us but knives, knives bring us together.
Lastly, the list on knife depot is not one I particularly agree on either :tu:
Region will have a bearing on what people call iconic. This will be interesting.
Another knife that has been around for a long time is the Sod Buster. A redesign of a German folding butcher knife. The German knife predates the name sod buster Case gave to it.
Like Opinel knives...
Mora Classic & Companion, Vic Spartan, Laguiolle, Ka-Bar USMC... and many others...
Ask a bunch of knife guys and yes we'll get some many thoughts, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I only used the knife depot as a guideline. Most important was I have borrowed the guidelines from knife depot however lets let the conversation flow freely and not be so stringent.. :salute:I agree just because I was not aware of Opinels, they are still a classic design.
Knife people can and do recognize knives outside their interest I believe. With enough time I'd imagine most knife people come across many iconic knives from all over the world either by internet or in person. Having one is not prerequisite to knowing it. I dont have a Kabar USMC knife but I sure do know what one looks like when I see one. Iconic btw IMO.
I too was unaware of the Opinel before the forums. I was also unaware of Mora. I know own a Mora Classic #1 and Opinel #8, both iconic blades.
My thought on this thread was to see what each who contributed viewed as an iconic knife. Oceans separate us but knives, knives bring us together.
Lastly, the list on knife depot is not one I particularly agree on either :tu:
Region will have a bearing on what people call iconic. This will be interesting.
Another knife that has been around for a long time is the Sod Buster. A redesign of a German folding butcher knife. The German knife predates the name sod buster Case gave to it.
:like: Sod Buster for sure. Man what a knife. Again, simple and honest.
@ Steve. That second knife, the fixed blade. Man I see that particular pattern a lot. Is there a "name" for it? Case made them too I think :think:. I've also seen some random makers who make a very similar one. Love the knife BTW. I'd say when others began to mass produce copies/clones/similar inspired designs the original becomes a icon/classic, at least thats my way of thinking.
I would say a few for me would be .
The Buck 112/110
The classic Hunting knife made by many companies. This one is my William Rodgers that I'got when I was but a lad.
I would also include the Barlow
I consider the stockman to be one of the two greatest American pocket knife patterns. --Chuck Hawks
The Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife is certainly 'Iconic' by any reasonable definition. And it's still being produced.
But....game-changer? I think not.
(http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/attachments/fairbairn-sykes-fighting-knife/373907d1342957450-fairbairn-sykes-original-000-8-.jpg)
The Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife is certainly 'Iconic' by any reasonable definition. And it's still being produced.It is basically an updated version of the medieval dagger, which in itself is a pretty iconic family. For me, of course it would have to be the Swiss Dagger. Böker still has one in production.
But....game-changer? I think not.
(http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/attachments/fairbairn-sykes-fighting-knife/373907d1342957450-fairbairn-sykes-original-000-8-.jpg)
In a time that pioneers head into the unknown landscape to build their lives, in a time that people rely on their knives to do all kinds tasks fifty times a day, in a time that people could not afford expensive cutlery but wanted something can last a life time, in a time that pocket knives were considered tools, not pocket jewelry, in a time people always kept a knife in pocket wherever they go and feel naked without it.
Yea, you remember or at least you read about that.
It was 1867 and Mercator was a product of that time.
That is right, 100 years before the birth of Buck 110.
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the Victorinox SwissChamp yet.
It's not the oldest nor the thickest and it wasnt the first to pack an incredible amount of features but for at least 30 years it's been considered the "everything" SAK (despite the new XL* variations) and it remains one of the most iconic and unique knives in the world.
What I find most interesting is how "peasant" knives will always make anyone list of iconic blades. I'm going to keep referring to certain knives as simple and honest.
What I find most interesting is how "peasant" knives will always make anyone list of iconic blades. I'm going to keep referring to certain knives as simple and honest.
Most of the gimmick knives have fallen by the way-side. The Victorinox Soldier is probably the exception.
Is the Leatherman PST considered a 'knife'?
While there were other multitools before the LM, I'd say the PST is the iconic version.
Great follow up Etherealicer and exactly what I had hoped for as well. Some knifes considered iconic oftentimes are updated or versions of iconic knives.
@VICMAN, :salute:. The Buck 110 is iconic plain and simple and while the Mercator came well before it there are others who came well before and so on. What I find most interesting is how "peasant" knives will always make anyone list of iconic blades. I'm going to keep referring to certain knives as simple and honest.
Most of the gimmick knives have fallen by the way-side. The Victorinox Soldier is probably the exception.Gimmicky is of course not a precise term, but there are at least 2 more members of the more fiddely family:
BarlowThere are many more iconic blades (but mostly I would not know an individual knife/company that made them iconic)
Opinel
Puuko
Ka bar USMC
Buck 110
Swiss army knives as a general category
Ulu
I mean, I THINK everything else is more or less based off of one of those, right?
Balisong (also an extremely iconic design)
and the Karambit (ok, you can call me a HEMA-elitist, but that is neither a knife nor a weapon, just a toy)
They call everything a weapon on that show, even a fiction folder.Balisong (also an extremely iconic design)
and the Karambit (ok, you can call me a HEMA-elitist, but that is neither a knife nor a weapon, just a toy)
I'd have to agree that the Balisong Butterfly knife is iconic. Although, again, not a game changer.
(And, word to the wise, don't tel Doug Marcaida that the karambit is not a weapon. ;))
(https://wealtholino.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Doug-Marcaida-Net-Worth-Bio-Wiki-Age-Height.jpg)
I would feel the need to distinguissh/differentiate between iconinc specific knives and iconic knife styles.
My picks would
Iconic knife styles which many people can picture or imagine/relate to their name, era or time period, location or uses:Show content- Bowie
- Stiletto
- Balisong
- Flipper Knife
- OTF/Automatic
- Dive knife
- Peasant Knife
- Combat/Military knife (ala SOG, KaBar, Ontario...)
- Machetes
- Kitchen knives of several types
- Hunting knives (ala Bucks)
- Puuko/Scandinavian Knives
- SAKs
- Traditional Knife (several patterns such as Stockman, Barlow, Sodbuster, Trapper)
- Karambit
- Dagger
· Fairbairn-Sykes
· Swiss/German dagger
· Rondell
· Bollock Dagger
· Fencing/Italian dagger
· Sai
· Kris
- Kukri
- Short Sword
· Cinquedea
· Xyphos
· Falcata
· Gladius
- Swords
· Two Handed Longsword
· Viking Sword
· Saber
· Katana and Wakizashi
· Basket Hilt Sword
· Scimitar
· Rapier
· Cutlass
- Throwing Knife (kunai style especially)
and then iconic specific production knives, some discontinued, some still produced, depending on your knife-nerdiness some are more expected to be known than others :DShow contentTraditionals:
- Opinel
- DoukDouk
- Mercator
- Okapi
- Svord
- Higonokami
- Barlow, Stockman, and others made by Case, Queen, GEC...
- Buck 110 and 112
Modern sheath knives:
- Buck 119, 120 and maybe others
- Schrade Sharpfinger
- Randall (several models)
- KaBar COmbat Utility
- Ontario Pilot Knife and others
- Mora/Hultafors
- ESEE Junglas and Izula
- Gerber Trident, Mark I and II, LMF, Prodigy
- KaBar Becker BK9 and BK2
- Bradford Guardian series
- Marttiini knives
- Puukos (of several makers)
Modern folding knives:
- Spyderco Military, Police, Paramilitary, Delica and Endura, Worker, Harpy
- Benchmade 710, 940, Griprillian, Infidel, Adamas, Presidio
- Cold Steel Tantos, Recon, Espada,
- Gerber Paraframe, EZ Out, Gator
- Kershaw Leek, Shallot, Scallion, Blur, Skyline
- ZT 0652, and others
- Emerson CQC7, Horseman
- Microtech Scarab, and others
- CRK Sebenza, Insingo and others
and I left out a lot, I am sure
I would feel the need to distinguissh/differentiate between iconinc specific knives and iconic knife styles.
My picks would be:
Iconic knife styles which many people can picture or imagine/relate to their name, era or time period, location or uses:
- Traditional Knife (several patterns such as Stockman, Barlow, Sodbuster, Trapper)
and then iconic specific production knives, some discontinued, some still produced, depending on your knife-nerdiness some are more expected to be known than others :D
Traditionals:
Modern sheath knives:
Modern folding knives:
I think it is going great, Aloha :salute: Great topic :like: Not much I can think to add to the list :tu: so many great knives and patterns have been mentioned :like: It is great to see so many different styles and how different cultures have all gotten way different results in designing their own cutting tools :tu: Environment has played a major factor in a lot of these design and also when they were designed and created had a big impact on what and how they were designed :cheers: As I said this is a great thread :like: :like:
Great topic Aloha :tu:
I was thinking of the leather washer handle and how it has been used across a wide range of fixed blades for such a long time.
Originally thought F/S and Kabar as others have noted so here is mine with an Applegate updated version by Boker.
The “Kabar”is actually a late WW2 Camillus (guard marked).
The F/S is a Wilkinson made 3rd pattern with the thicker hand ground blade.
Great set of blades there, sak60! :like:
I don't think they have a knife that could be considered iconic out side of the Spyderco fans. I'm willing to bet Spyderco fans couldn't pick just one.
I don't think they have a knife that could be considered iconic out side of the Spyderco fans. I'm willing to bet Spyderco fans couldn't pick just one.
I agree with you, Dean.
For the sake of argument, I'd like to put forth the Spyderco Endura as an iconic knife. When I think of "Spyderco", it's the Endura that springs to mind. And it's one of their older designs.
For me, the Endura was the first knife that combined FRN handles, the Spydie hole, and a clip. Before the Endura....I never gave a plastic-handled knife a second glance. And the Endura brought in an unusual blade shape, as well. Unusual for the time. Even the strengthened tip seemed to speak of purpose and intention.
I don't currently have an Endura, but for me, the Endura was THE Spydie....and maybe a game-changer. :tu:
I was trying to think of a modern knife that might be considered iconic and I can't think of a one.
I don't know, maybe my mind set is preventing me from seeing it. Correct me if I'm missing something.
I see an icon as that long produced knife that has survived the test of time, with or with out some minor changes.
In modern knives I see ideas that became game changers, more than I see knives that are iconic. Ideas and innovations alone do not make a knife iconic.
The walker liner lock was a major innovation that all liner locks and frame locks are based on.
Kershaw, ZT, Emerson, Microtech, might be well known but I'm not seeing any single knife model that has survived to become an icon.
Spyderco wasn't the first to use a pocket clip but they popularized the pocket clip and their bird head shaped blade. I don't think they have a knife that could be considered iconic out side of the Spyderco fans. I'm willing to bet Spyderco fans couldn't pick just one.
The same with Benchmade they are famous for their ambidextrous axis lock, more so than any single knife.
Cold steel had the idea of putting the end of a sword on a folder and made the tanto more main stream.
Mostly they are known for a fat man hacking chickens, dangling on a rope.
Thanks Guys :salute: :salute:Great set of blades there, sak60! :like:
:iagree:
Does a more well known version/iteration to the "original" design take precedence?
The first incarnation sets the mold for subsequent incarnations, incorporating several recognizable and characteristic design features of the first. When we hear Bowie knife, we picture a certain blade shape and style. The Kabar USMC knife is bases on the Bowie knife. Both iconic yes? The Air Force Pilots Survival Knife also purportedly based on the Bowie seems to not be iconic :think: or is it?
Does a more well known version/iteration to the "original" design take precedence?
The first incarnation sets the mold for subsequent incarnations, incorporating several recognizable and characteristic design features of the first. When we hear Bowie knife, we picture a certain blade shape and style. The Kabar USMC knife is bases on the Bowie knife. Both iconic yes? The Air Force Pilots Survival Knife also purportedly based on the Bowie seems to not be iconic :think: or is it?
The USAF Pilots knife will always have a special place in my heart: I carried one! But, iconic? Not the way the "KaBar" is.
Spydercos Delica could certainly be iconic. As mentioned there were a lot of firsts with that knife. I have 2 Delicas. I do have a question tho..... Does firsts ( game changers ) move a knife to iconic? I have thought about "game changer" since making this thread. Would game changer need to include other copying this feature? It would seem game changing meant there'd be hoards of makers jumping on the game change element? With patents and such it might not be an easy thing to do?
I had one and moved it to a new owner. Lovely knife for sure. I'm sure any pilot would could argue this knife deserves high stature and deservedly so. Which makes me really rethink iconic as a whole. Iconic may not be the best way to describe well known knives/edged tools/wepons.
I also agree with Dean. ;):o
I also agree with Dean. ;):o
I had one and moved it to a new owner. Lovely knife for sure. I'm sure any pilot would could argue this knife deserves high stature and deservedly so. Which makes me really rethink iconic as a whole. Iconic may not be the best way to describe well known knives/edged tools/wepons.
But, relatively speaking, there are few people who have used or carried or even seen one. Everyone has seen a Kabar....even if it's just been in a Hollywood film.
A few people, like you and me, liking a knife doesn't make it 'iconic', does it?
Take the Buck 110 there was nothing new about it, back locks had been around for generations.
But something about it clicked with people, as soon as the patents were off everyone and his uncle was making a copy of the 110. All the while the Buck 110 was in continuous production. Affordable classic and regardless of who makes the copy you always think of the original.
What if the real iconic knife is no longer made, but if there are plenty ripoffs or tribute knives based on that icon still available and for sale now? I am referring to the Jimmy Lile First Blood knife.
Which makes me really rethink iconic as a whole. Iconic may not be the best way to describe well known knives/edged tools/wepons.
Which makes me really rethink iconic as a whole. Iconic may not be the best way to describe well known knives/edged tools/wepons.
I would distinguish between "Iconic", "Relevant" and "Famous"
to me, a Gladius sword or a Kukri are relevant. They fought wars, they raised civilisations, slayed cultures, shaped history. They had a big effect in the development of empires, the evolution o populations, their sustainment and victory or disappearance. WIthout them we simply wouldn't be here, or the world would have shaped in a different way. They are mostly older types and designs.
then, a "Switch blade" a "Balisong" or a SAK are iconic. They didn't change history in a defined, specific era or event, but they became a sign or "icon" for a generation and those that followed (kids watching "Rebel without a cause" or other 50s/60s movies all over the world and remembering the knife) and are easily described, drawn or identified all over the planet (like SAKs, be it by MacGyver or because most kids have seen a few before they are adults)
finally, we have the famous knives, which are what comes to mind when someone put a generic name on them, and are usually specific models or production blades, but they are hardly ever identified as such by the people other than nerds, aficionados or connoisseurs. Those would for instance be the Buck 110 when one says "locking folding knife", the KaBar Combat-Utility when one says "Military combat knife" and the Lile Hollow Handle Bowie when someone says or hears "Rambo knife" or "Survival knife"
I hope I put that into words in an understandable way :dunno:
I actually really like the Moose pattern a lot.
Whats interesting about Buck 110 is how well they got it right the first time. Yes the knife has changed over time with respect to blade steel and wood choices the design overall has endured. From what I gather the choice to go from 440c to 425m was due to this higher end steel being to hard to sharpen at the time. They later moved to 420hc from 425m for the same reasons. Kinda weird since the blades today are harder and harder.
I'm going to have to disagree a little there, El P.
The Ghurka knife is most definitely Iconic.
This is an image that defines the Ghurka soldier. The soldiers made the knife famous and legendary, and the knife is now a symbol...an icon...of the soldiers. Much the way the USMC combat/utility was (and still is) for US Marines. Both of these knives are used as symbols of their respective units. To the same extent, I'd argue that the F-S fighting knife (or variants) became the symbol, icon, of the Commandos or Special Forces.
At least for Americans, the Bowie knife is an iconic knife: it represents the frontier, the Wild West, maybe the cowboy. But some Bowie knives are also 'Famous', for example the Bowie in the Movie "Iron Mistress". A knife that became famous and helped solidify the Bowie knife's iconic status.
absolutely, not disagreeing, :cheers:
I never meant to say that one knife or blade couldn't fall into more than one of those three groups, in fact most of them overlap and have a bit of each,
the Bowie is certainly iconic, and is famous too, because of films, tales, novels, and stories, but I wouldn't say it was really relevant, almost any other knife would've done what it did (a puukko, a nessmuk, a Khiber...) in the Sandbar battle, and the subsequent survival and fighting tales, fights, outdoors travels and exploration of the wild US
the Gladius is very relevant, it allowed for the Roman empire to fight in their formation techniques, gain terrain in the grounds and lands they invaded, conferred advantage over the weapon styles and designs of their enemies, proved superior to their adversaries defenses...but it's not really "famous" in that if you ask or question people about what a "Gladius" is or if they could draw the main Roman Empire Soldier's sword, they would fail to do so...or "iconic", in that the Roman Shield, Helmet, formation and peplum/armor are as well known and recognised as their Gladius, if not more
finally, a Buck 110 is iconic, because it's a symbol or drawing the shape of which embodies the "folding hunting knife" by itself, and its profile immediately brings to mind the idea and real knife to anybody's mind, it was relatively relevant in that it introduced the first reliable and successful folding knife with a lock back in the US; it sold millions, it was carried by everyone, but to me is hard to say it shaped history or became a necessary tool, as it is, to shape or develop the progress of its country of origin and inhabitants. A drop point liner lock, a trailing point frame lock or a spey blade compression lock of equal strength, at the time, would've been equally successful and also "the first" of all the things he 110 achieved and was
Mary gave him a bran-new "Barlow" knife worth twelve and a half cents; and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations. True, the knife would not cut anything, but it was a "sure-enough" Barlow, and there was inconceivable grandeur in that - though where the Western boys ever got the idea that such a weapon could possibly be counterfeited to its injury, is an imposing mystery and will always remain so, perhaps.
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
@ Nix :tu: great knives to add to the conversation. The "cleaver" is very recognizable I'd say to any average knife person as is the "chefs" knife. They are both near and dear to me as I made my living using both for a good number of years. The "Chinese" cleaver to which many call it is actually as you call it and a very thin knife as opposed to cleavers which have always been meant to be hackers in the kitchen. I have two such knifes in my kitchen and one is certainly more robust and meant to impact bone while the Chinese chefs knife is clearly made to be a veggie slicing machine.
Admittedly I do call my Chinese chefs knife "cleaver" but I know not to use it as such, tho it would do the job no problem.
And the kukri (khukuri) is still relevant today. It's still in use. While there are 'historic' examples of Kukris, it is still a very contemporary knife.
ADD: So, I'd say the Kopis is a 'historic weapon', but kukri is not.
Cool! I would go and see that :like:And the kukri (khukuri) is still relevant today. It's still in use. While there are 'historic' examples of Kukris, it is still a very contemporary knife.
ADD: So, I'd say the Kopis is a 'historic weapon', but kukri is not.
All to which makes a list more involved :salute:. Heck even the Bowie on display at the Alamo looks nothing like the Bowie as we know it. Check that, there are iterations that become what we know as the Bowie knife. Once the tales took legs of their own makers made their "versions".Show contenthttps://youtu.be/cngZF1S-IKU
Take the Khukuri for example. The Greek Kopi is said to be and by all accounts ( by many ) is the father of the Khukuri. However the Khukuri stands on its own as a blade and symbol. Its recognized by most any average knife person and most people in general. This takes nothing away from the Kopi as a probable father of the Khukuri.
Iconic vs Historic is closer to that catchall tho even then I'm not certain. There may not be one word available when describing the vast blades we see as Iconic since some will tend to fall into another category or many.
The Khukuri is both Iconic and Historic. The Roman Gladius is said to be derived from the short sword of the Celtiberians. This Gadius is also both to many. While the Celtiberians sword may only be historical in nature and neither iconic nor historic.
let's not forget that many historians believe that the Kukri might have also had its roots in the Iberian Falcata, and also that the Kopis might have been an evolution of the Egyptian "Kopesh", adopting both the name and the curved, forward-weight blades with strongly contoured grip and hand protection
And, the Gladius might be "the" Roman weapon that comes to mind first, but what about the Pugio, the Pilum or the Spatha? They might not be as "iconic" but they sure were relevant and important to them, and as essential as the Gladius in the Roman Empire's success :rant:
Wonderful knives pfrsantos :like:
Wonderful knives pfrsantos :like:
And 'Stockman' perhaps?
One of those patterns that would be hard to nail down to originator or any other pertinent information however certainly a very well known pattern to most folks in the US. With tradionals I wonder if the average knife person could easily recognize this pattern and call it by name? I certainly dont represent the average knife person since with some knives I am to the left of average and others I am on the right.
One of those patterns that would be hard to nail down to originator or any other pertinent information however certainly a very well known pattern to most folks in the US. With tradionals I wonder if the average knife person could easily recognize this pattern and call it by name? I certainly dont represent the average knife person since with some knives I am to the left of average and others I am on the right.
The origins are surely lost to time. I'd love to know who first came up with this pattern and named it "Stockman".
Still, this is a pattern that has deep roots in the USA. It was a go-to pattern from coast-to-coast and more or less defined "jack knife" for many working people. I certainly grew up thinking of it as the ideal jack knife (obviously I was wrong-ish).
It has also been made and is still made by major manufacturers, e.g. Case or Buck, and smaller makers as well. So, old pattern (late 1800's?), widely used and idolized, still in production. Still a brilliant pattern of Jack Knife.
Forced to chose, I'd say the Barlow is more Iconic, but the Stockman seems like a close second. Trapper would be in the mix there, too.
Swiss Army Knife. *not model specific both Wenger and Victorinox
Buck 110
Opinel * not model specific
Mora * not model specific either classic or companion
Laguiole * style
Sodbuster *not brand specific
Bowie * style specific
Balisong/butterfly knife
USMC KaBar fighting knife
Stiletto/Switchblade
Rambo knife * style specific
Barlow
Puukko * while the Mora and this are similar I believe this knife stands alone as does the Mora
Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife
Khukuri
one knife I might have missed on the list but to me it seems pretty iconic is the Barlow knife. it goes back centuries and being a knife of British origin, wouldn't be that much of a surprise if people would be familiar with it in all corners the the once mighty empire
EDIT: checked the list again and saw it was on there
So Spyderco isn't in the list? Even if the spydie hole is copied high and low?
Or the Sebenza, which was the knife that introduced the framelock?
So Spyderco isn't in the list? Even if the spydie hole is copied high and low?
Or the Sebenza, which was the knife that introduced the framelock?
The Spyderco is a tricky one for me. I'd personally say it should be on the list. While the average knife person may not know specifically what model they would almost always attribute the hole and Spyder logo and blade shape to the company. So for me the company is whats more recognizable to the average knife person and not a particular knife. Some have said the Delica tho would the Endura be mistaken by the average knife person? The PM2? Would the average knife person know the PM2 is an acronym for Paramilitary 2? Would they mistake the Military for the PM2?
This becomes an interesting situation to me.
I am not the gate keeper of the list so all are more than free to add subtract and we can discuss the merits as they come.
So Spyderco isn't in the list? Even if the spydie hole is copied high and low?
Or the Sebenza, which was the knife that introduced the framelock?
The Spyderco is a tricky one for me. I'd personally say it should be on the list. While the average knife person may not know specifically what model they would almost always attribute the hole and Spyder logo and blade shape to the company. So for me the company is whats more recognizable to the average knife person and not a particular knife. Some have said the Delica tho would the Endura be mistaken by the average knife person? The PM2? Would the average knife person know the PM2 is an acronym for Paramilitary 2? Would they mistake the Military for the PM2?
This becomes an interesting situation to me.
I am not the gate keeper of the list so all are more than free to add subtract and we can discuss the merits as they come.
Is the Americanized Tanto more iconic that the original one? :dunno: Does the Tanto blade shape overshadow the original curved point? ???
So, back to knives - unfortunately for designers (and sales departments) everywhere - innovation and design brilliance has not always equaled distribution and brand awareness, but that does not necessarily mean respect should not be given to those marques or models that brought key features into the limelight, even if they didn't necessary garner the most profit from it.
Is anyone unhappy with this working list? This is our list so please add to or take away and lets discuss why. The asterisks are to denote thoughts that I brought up. No asterisks are needed as this is just a working list. I am hoping one or all of these knives can be imagined by you. That you could pick them out from a vast array of knives. I'd hope the average knife person could as well.The so called Rambo knife is not something I would consider for the list. It gained it's fame in movie, it was was sold in discount stores every where. It never did get to the status of a serious knife, more novelty item.
Swiss Army Knife. *not model specific both Wenger and Victorinox
Buck 110
Opinel * not model specific
Mora * not model specific either classic or companion
Laguiole * style
Sodbuster *not brand specific
Bowie * style specific
Balisong/butterfly knife
USMC KaBar fighting knife
Stiletto/Switchblade
Rambo knife * style specific
Barlow
Question? Is Leatherman a knife? Would Leatherman make anyones list? Non specific of course. Like Swiss Army Knife I think Leatherman is used to describe the MT in many cases not a specific MT.
'No discontinued models' is a tough rule for me. I know this is going backwards, but... is the Barlow still in production? Case has plans for one. Maybe some custom makers make them still. Maybe GEC (I'm not sure). But what if nobody still made a Barlow?:rofl:
There is no way I can go along with a definition of 'Iconic' that excludes the Barlow. :td:
Swiss Army Knife. * Not model specific. Victorinox and for many Wenger both have become synonymous with the little red knife.
Buck 110
Opinel. * Not model specific. Even tho there are several sizes available The Opinel knife with over a hundred year history is simply Opinel, company, model, inverter/maker.
Mora. * Not model specific. Like many great knife companies this one is 125 young and counting. The Morakniv is recognized and known in its many iterations. Classic, Companion, and the newer models.
Laguiole. * Style. Sometimes a knife becomes its own thing. While the history suggests influences this style knife is its own thing.
Sodbuster. * Not brand specific. This one is tricky. The name is a trademark of Case. The pattern is much older than the trademark. To which wonderful country do we thank for this terrific pattern?
Bowie knife. * Style specific. What we know as the knife Jim Bowie carried.
Balisong/butterfly knife. * I'm not even going to touch on its origins. Most Americans know it as the "butterfly knife".
USMC KaBar fighting knife/1219C2 Combat Knife/USMC Mark 2/U.S. Navy utility knife, Mark 2. * This knife seems to be offically called a few things. The knife design being 70 plus years old probably best known as a USMC knife.
Stiletto/Switchblade. * Any knife that seems to be banned across a wide range of countries gets my vote. Is this the most banned knife? Italian Stiletto Switchblade is what some call it while others including myself just refer to it as Switchblade. Its the knife that many relate to 50s in the US as seen in movies and subsequently banned shortly thereabouts.
Barlow. * Style/Pattern. Good luck nailing down the origins. Obadiah Barlow of Sheffield, England, around 1670 seems to be widely regarded as its origins. Luke Furnace of Stannington is another name that'll pop up in most searches. The John Russell Company is an American company that is likely responsible for mass producing this terrific pattern en mass in the US.
Rambo knife. * I am no longer sure this makes the cut ( no pun intended ).
Khukuri. * Whatever the inspiration, whatever the origins, this knife is emblematic of the Gurkhas and Nepalese culture. Any blade that is so highly revered has got to make this list.
Does it really need to be currently produced to be iconic ?
PLEASE HELP WITH THE GUIDELINES.
1. Easily and readily recognizable Model/Style/Pattern/Brand.2. Knife must be currently produced.
3 Has stood the test of time. Has the knife played a great historical role or is part of a cultural identity? Is the knife a symbol of national pride?
4. A knife that is emblematic of a style/pattern/Brand. * While some knives evolve over time to become what they are today. Certain knives regardless of origin or inspiration become their own. Parallel development sometimes is the reason for knives of seemingly similar DNA.
Am I getting close?
Does it really need to be currently produced to be iconic ?If it's not currently being produced, wouldn't that make it historic rather than iconic?
Does it really need to be currently produced to be iconic ?If it's not currently being produced, wouldn't that make it historic rather than iconic?
Swiss Army Knife. * Not model specific. Victorinox and for many Wenger both have become synonymous with the little red knife.
Buck 110
Opinel. * Not model specific. Even tho there are several sizes available The Opinel knife with over a hundred year history is simply Opinel, company, model, inverter/maker.
Mora. * Not model specific. Like many great knife companies this one is 125 young and counting. The Morakniv is recognized and known in its many iterations. Classic, Companion, and the newer models.
Laguiole. * Style. Sometimes a knife becomes its own thing. While the history suggests influences this style knife is its own thing.
Sodbuster. * Not brand specific. This one is tricky. The name is a trademark of Case. The pattern is much older than the trademark. To which wonderful country do we thank for this terrific pattern?
Bowie knife. * Style specific. What we know as the knife Jim Bowie carried.
Balisong/butterfly knife. * I'm not even going to touch on its origins. Most Americans know it as the "butterfly knife".
USMC KaBar fighting knife/1219C2 Combat Knife/USMC Mark 2/U.S. Navy utility knife, Mark 2. * This knife seems to be offically called a few things. The knife design being 70 plus years old probably best known as a USMC knife.
Stiletto/Switchblade. * Any knife that seems to be banned across a wide range of countries gets my vote. Is this the most banned knife? Italian Stiletto Switchblade is what some call it while others including myself just refer to it as Switchblade. Its the knife that many relate to 50s in the US as seen in movies and subsequently banned shortly thereabouts.
Barlow. * Style/Pattern. Good luck nailing down the origins. Obadiah Barlow of Sheffield, England, around 1670 seems to be widely regarded as its origins. Luke Furnace of Stannington is another name that'll pop up in most searches. The John Russell Company is an American company that is likely responsible for mass producing this terrific pattern en mass in the US.
Rambo knife. * I am no longer sure this makes the cut ( no pun intended ).
Khukuri. * Whatever the inspiration, whatever the origins, this knife is emblematic of the Gurkhas and Nepalese culture. Any blade that is so highly revered has got to make this list.
Puukko. * While all Puukko are knives, not all knives are Puukkos. I really like this. I see this phrasing pop up often. There is a description of what a Puukko traditionally is however I would defer to our Finnish members on that. I will say there is a Puukko for almost every task, woodwork, hunting, fishing, chopping, vegetables. and more.
If it's not currently being produced, wouldn't that make it historic rather than iconic?
Opinel. * Not model specific. Even tho there are several sizes available The Opinel knife with over a hundred year history is simply Opinel, company, model, inverter/maker.
I understand Opiniel because it's basically different sizes of the same knife.
Mora. * Not model specific. Like many great knife companies this one is 125 young and counting. The Morakniv is recognized and known in its many iterations. Classic, Companion, and the newer models.
If Mora is not known for a specific knife, then you are saying it is known as a company. If that's the case you would have to include Spyderco, they're not known for a specific knife but a style. There are other companies that would have to be included as well.
:think:
Maybe when you narrow it down to a single knife there aren't that many icons out there.
The Kentucky Rifle" aka the "Pennsylvania Rifle are still in production for traditional shooters of muzzle loader. aka the Pedersoli Kentucky FlintlockIf it's not currently being produced, wouldn't that make it historic rather than iconic?
No reason a knife couldn't be both.
The "Kentucky Rifle" aka the "Pennsylvania Rifle" is iconic, but not in production. It's certainly a historic rifle, too.
The Kentucky Rifle" aka the "Pennsylvania Rifle are still in production for traditional shooters of muzzle loader. aka the Pedersoli Kentucky FlintlockIf it's not currently being produced, wouldn't that make it historic rather than iconic?
No reason a knife couldn't be both.
The "Kentucky Rifle" aka the "Pennsylvania Rifle" is iconic, but not in production. It's certainly a historic rifle, too.
well not for revolution but there are a very few who still hunt them.The Kentucky Rifle" aka the "Pennsylvania Rifle are still in production for traditional shooters of muzzle loader. aka the Pedersoli Kentucky FlintlockIf it's not currently being produced, wouldn't that make it historic rather than iconic?
No reason a knife couldn't be both.
The "Kentucky Rifle" aka the "Pennsylvania Rifle" is iconic, but not in production. It's certainly a historic rifle, too.
True...it can still be had. I've got one. But.....they aren't in production in the sense they are being actively made for purposes of hunting and revolution.
Iconic knives that have stood the test of time, mostly unchanged.
1. Easily and readily recognizable Model/Style/Pattern/Brand.
2. The knife played a great historical role.
3. The knife is part of a cultural identity.
4. The knife is a symbol of national pride.
5. A knife that is emblematic of a style/pattern/Brand. * While some knives evolve over time to become what they are today. Certain knives regardless of origin or inspiration become their own. Parallel development sometimes is the reason for knives of seemingly similar DNA.
For many, the Rambo knife started the(ir) whole survival knife craze/fashion.
The large blade, saw (irrespective of usefulness) the secret compartment, the idea that you could defeat anybody and survive with just that/a tool.
It encouraged people to get into knives, making them cool.
This is also valid for the Crocodile Dundee knife, I think.
After reading through, here are some thoughts on what I think are the boundaries of the "iconic knife" description.
Not getting into what makes it actually iconic (impactful, revolutionary, historic etc). Also, any specific brand/model combination can be argued to be an iconic knife... I'm just talking here about theoretical edge-cases and which conditions could allow one to be submitted in a "iconic knives" list.
An iconic knife cannot be a brand. Unless that knife is the only one made by this brand. (exception 1)
In terms of military knives, a specific instance or a succession of "XYZ official knife" instances could be "an iconic knife". (exception 2)
In terms of civilian knives, a specific widespread design could be "an iconic knife".(3)
The Opinel, for example, had for the longest time only one model in multiple sizes. That historical Opinel (forgetting the new models and variations) either in the specific most common size or as a design (regardless of its size) could fit exception 1 and/or 3. "Historical Opinel" or "Historical Opinel design", for example, seem like potentially valid list entries.
I don't feel like SAKs can be defined as "an iconic knife" as a group. Each model/design would need to be argued individually; I can see the Spartan, Classic, SwissChamp or maybe Huntsman as possibly making the cut but probably not a climber or farmer.
On the other hand, the true SAK (official knives of the Swiss Army) could fit exception 2 although a case could be made for individual instances either under 2 or under 3.
USMC knife(/knives) fits 2 and/or 3.
A "function" design (one concept/function, many makers, many shape/size variations) such as the chinese cleaver or the Chef's knife, fileting knife, oister knife or even steak knife (which household doesn't have one of those?), could fit in description 3 but the case for it being "iconic" would need to be very strong.
The "still in production" criterion seems like a pretext of the original article to advertise knives that can be sold. I'd argue that most iconic knives probably can't still be purchased in all their original materials (steel, scales, rivets etc..).
"iconic brands" should be another conversation unless it matches description 1.
Swords... I don't know... If we go down that path it may just turn out as a list of major swords and sabers designs that could be found on a historical replicas website. An exception could be a sword so iconic that some of its specific design features was later passed down to knives?
As for what constitutes an iconic knife, while not wanting to go encyclopedic I still think there should be some objective evidence; either documented reference or general/regional concensus.
Just my 2 cents disagree at will!
After reading through, here are some thoughts on what I think are the boundaries of the "iconic knife" description.
Not getting into what makes it actually iconic (impactful, revolutionary, historic etc). Also, any specific brand/model combination can be argued to be an iconic knife... I'm just talking here about theoretical edge-cases and which conditions could allow one to be submitted in a "iconic knives" list.
An iconic knife cannot be a brand. Unless that knife is the only one made by this brand. (exception 1)
In terms of military knives, a specific instance or a succession of "XYZ official knife" instances could be "an iconic knife". (exception 2)
In terms of civilian knives, a specific widespread design could be "an iconic knife".(3)
The Opinel, for example, had for the longest time only one model in multiple sizes. That historical Opinel (forgetting the new models and variations) either in the specific most common size or as a design (regardless of its size) could fit exception 1 and/or 3. "Historical Opinel" or "Historical Opinel design", for example, seem like potentially valid list entries.
I don't feel like SAKs can be defined as "an iconic knife" as a group. Each model/design would need to be argued individually; I can see the Spartan, Classic, SwissChamp or maybe Huntsman as possibly making the cut but probably not a climber or farmer.
On the other hand, the true SAK (official knives of the Swiss Army) could fit exception 2 although a case could be made for individual instances either under 2 or under 3.
USMC knife(/knives) fits 2 and/or 3.
A "function" design (one concept/function, many makers, many shape/size variations) such as the chinese cleaver or the Chef's knife, fileting knife, oister knife or even steak knife (which household doesn't have one of those?), could fit in description 3 but the case for it being "iconic" would need to be very strong.
The "still in production" criterion seems like a pretext of the original article to advertise knives that can be sold. I'd argue that most iconic knives probably can't still be purchased in all their original materials (steel, scales, rivets etc..).
"iconic brands" should be another conversation unless it matches description 1.
Swords... I don't know... If we go down that path it may just turn out as a list of major swords and sabers designs that could be found on a historical replicas website. An exception could be a sword so iconic that some of its specific design features was later passed down to knives?
As for what constitutes an iconic knife, while not wanting to go encyclopedic I still think there should be some objective evidence; either documented reference or general/regional concensus.
Just my 2 cents disagree at will!
I'm inclined to second Santos' Douk-Douk nomination, but I don't know how well known that knife is outside of the Mediterranean.
For me, the Douk-Douk is an iconic knife. It represents a lot of history and has cultural significance. But even many knife people may have a hard time describing a Douk-Douk or its origins.
The former Wikipedia article reminded me of the Okapi knife. Originally from South Africa, the ratchet-like lock is very unique and recognizable.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Okapiknifes.jpg/1280px-Okapiknifes.jpg)
The former Wikipedia article reminded me of the Okapi knife. Originally from South Africa, the ratchet-like lock is very unique and recognizable.
I haven't abandoned this thread :salute:. I've been pondering the knives and wonderful contributions made to this thread. I'm gonna have a go at a list and we'll see what happens. Thank you for all the comments and suggestions.
:like:+1