KNIFE COLLECTOR FROM THE NORTHWOODS

  SOG Knives have been around for a while.  1986 to be exact.  They are known initially for a reproduction of a Vietnam era knife made especially for the Studies and Observations Group (S.O.G., or MAC-SOG: Military Assistance Command - Studies and Observation Group).  They now produce a wide variety of knives, many that would fall into the category of EDC and Tactical, along with other specialty tools.  On the spectrum of well-known knife manufacturers, competing with brands like Kershaw, Benchmade, BUCK, and such, they seem to fall a bit to the lower end with a lot of budget-friendly products, much like the one featured in this post.  That said, they have produced (and continue to produce) some high-end products, such as the SEAL 2000 , manufactured from 1995 to 2007 for SOG by knife designer Kinryu of Seki Japan.  They also offer many other military style knives including a tactical switchblade, available only to military/law enforcement personnel....

 I had decided to jump in and invest a bit more in an EDC, and set a budget for an Amazon purchase for $60.  Okay, that's still pretty low when serious investors easily pay $100 and up.  However, there are some established brands like CIVIVI and Kershaw and others where I could have secured a decent knife for my price range.  But, I'll admit, they all end up looking the same.  If I am going to collect knives I wanted variety. I wanted knives that looked unique.  And this one, as the pictures below will demonstrate, fits that need.  If you want Amazon's detailed description, including specs like steel type (Japanese VG10 Damascus steel), here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTG4CGTG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title .

 Admittedly, since I 'officially' started my hobby of knife collecting I have been scouring local stores, the gun show, and Amazon for the next great find. And I've collected some really iconic blades. I have especially been on the outlook lately for the ideal or best EDC for me to carry.  Right now, if I'm not sporting a 'gentleman's knife' in my dress wear, like the CKRT CEO or the BUCK Nobleman (see previous posts reviewing those), I simply pack in my pocket the Ozark Trail folder I also reviewed that took the internet by storm a year or so ago.  I have read scads of reviews on it, and while diehard knife aficionados will ultimately trash its value against the more trusted mainstays (and probably in some cases for valid reasons), others have settled on the conclusion that it will do what most people need it to do.   Which brings me to my question above: What knife do most people need?  The variety of knives, especially folders, is legion.  If you are lik...

 The fist multi-tool was one I found simply sorting through old things in a box.  It is a mini multi-tool marked with Vermont American .  I found one for sale on ebay for $8.95, so it's clearly not a collector's item.  However, it looks well made for an 'off brand'.  It appears to offer 11 or 12 tools, and I'm thinking of putting it in my turnout gear given its size.  Vermont American is a tool company that was acquired by Bosch (Automotive) in 2000.  You can still buy tools and parts from Vermont American at a number of outlets.  Lee B. Thomas, Sr. originally founded American Saw & Tool Co. in November of 1947. Over the years they acquired other companies and eventually is 'rebranded' as Vermont American in 1961. They specialized in a number of tools such as saw blades and screwdriver bits among other items.  By 1973 they were topping $50 million in sales.  It continued to acquire other companies.  In 2014 it notes that "hand t...

Okay, I'll be honest: I bought this because I had just a little left on a VISA debit gift card and the price was right.  But so were the reviews.  FLISSA is not what would be considered a top-shelf folder in the world of pocket knife collecting.  At just under $11 I figured I couldn't go wrong.  One reviewer wrote: " For years my EDC knife was a Kershaw Shuffle. That changed when I purchased the Flissa. In my opinion the Flissa is better than Shuffle in fit, finish, function, quality and value."  That's saying a lot considering the reputation of Kershaw.  It has a small blade of 8Cr13MoV steel with a pocket clip (only one option), bottle opener, flat head screwdriver and a liner lock. The handle is a G10. The basic Kershaw Shuffle (which at present is discounted at 40% on Amazon!!), has a slightly longer blade than the FLISSA, but the same steel composition.  The clip is reversible, and the handle is glass-filled nylon with K-Texture.  I'm sure...

 In my ongoing search for foreign-made knives, as well as knives used by the military, the next in my collection is this classic utility knife from Sweden , the MORAKNIV Companion MG (Military Green).  At an amazing price point ($15.80 on Amazon - discounted from the usual $19.99), it combines affordability with simplistic functionality and durability.  With a 4.1 inch blade made of hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel , I am sure that I will not be afraid to put this bush craft knife to good use.  It also comes with a polymer sheath with a drainage hole at the bottom, so it's good in all weather conditions.  The knife snaps securely into the sheath, but admittedly, it takes a couple of hands to get it out, despite the thumb hold built into the sheath.  That said, at least I know it won't pop out unexpectedly. it also has a patterned high-friction grip handle, that gives it a secure feeling in the hand. 

 My collecting style is eclectic.  I don't favor one brand, or one type or style of knife.  I like the unique, the different, even the specialized.  The CRKT CEO is just one of those knives.  I also wanted to keep adding some of the major manufacturers to my collection, such as CRKT, and this model is truly different than the typical tactical knife one might associate with this brand.  And it was on clearance at my favorite store - Fleet Farm - so I saved at least $10 off the list price ($44).  The blister pack that it came in notes that it was designed by Richard Rogers * and that it has a IKBS ball bearing pivot system along with a glass reinforced nylon blade.  The packaging also notes: "A knife that’s dressed for success. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a pen tucked into a shirt pocket, that’s exactly the way the CEO folding knife was designed.

 This is a substantial fixed blade knife with some heft.  And in keeping with my goal of collecting knives from the US and outside the US, this knife is from Spain . Muela is considered a well-regarded Spanish knife maker with a history of producing high-quality, durable knives, particularly for hunting and outdoor activities.  The ALCE is a “tactical knife” or even a “survival knife”, but not specifically marketed or designed as a military knife. ALCE is  a specific line of knives within the Muela brand . My particular knife, appears to possibly be a "vintage" knife from the 1990s.  Eladio Muela León established the company in 1952.  They have annual production of around 350,000 pieces, produced in its factory in Ciudad Real, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. RUKO knives is the exclusive importer of these knives to the US.  

 This is the first "full auto" knife I have owned.  After I came home it occurred to me that the laws vary from state to state on the possession and carry of these kinds of knives.  Thankfully, Wisconsin, where I live, does not have laws restricting them.  Böker is a well-known knife manufacturer associated with Germany.  According to the flier in the box they have, since 1869, been "manufacturing innovative knives by hand in Solingen.  Today, as a traditional German manufacturer, we ahve to compete with international corporations who primarily manufacture using machine technology."   

 Again, this appears to be a 'vintage' model, possibly from the 1990s.  It has a partially serrated blade with the traditional Buck lock back system and synthetic handle in green.  Originally it seems that this knife may have come with multiple blades, such as an all serrated one or a saw blade, that could be swapped out according to the owner's needs, as well as a sheath.  I do not have the original sheath or additional blades, but I'm sure I could hunt these down on the internet if I wished.  The handles came in variety of colors: black, green, orange.  Obviously, if I had additional blades the value would increase, perhaps upwards of $60 or $70. I bought this one, along with the Nobleman I already wrote about, for $10 like the other one.  Considering its condition, I think I got a deal.

 There is probably a category in each brand that is what is commonly called a Gentleman's Knife .  This is a smaller, lightweight knife intended as an EDC, but in a more 'dressy' way.  They may have higher value materials in the blade and handle and may sport a higher price - but not necessarily.  Yesterday I picked up a beautiful all-stainless steel knife by the major US knife maker BUCK called the Nobleman , or model #327.  I think that mine may be a bit 'vintage' since the current models appear different, especially in the blade construction (the hole in the blade for opening). [ * Not e: One source online dated this knife to 2015 .] The buyer asked only $10 and I knew it had to be worth more as a BUCK, especially if it was in any decent condition (which this one is - pristine!). Online sales have similar knives around $23 to almost $37. Labeled "Special Edition" I suspect this was also a slightly higher grade of the model. 

Japanese, French, and now English with "The Genuine British Army Knife" . And all carrying some storied history with them. I'm slowly working my way around the world! This also adds to that part of my collection of military knives in particular. The British Army Pocket Knife is a true classic which is still made using traditional methods in Sheffield, England from a high carbon stainless steel and includes a sheepfoot blade of 2.5/ 2.75 inches. I am not sure if they are issued anymore to British troops, which also goes under the title "British Army Clasp Knife". The older models had a plastic handle, it appears.  The note included with the knife reads:  You are now the owner of a knife manufactured by Joseph Rodgers & Sons Ltd., one of the companies in the 'Egginton' Group.  We are proud to continue the production of the world famous Joseph Rodgers pocket knives which have borne the Star and Cross trade marks for over 300 years.  

 I ordered the Higonokami knife and this knife about the same time.  Another highly recommended knife for those wishing to add to their collection an iconic and historic affordable folder. 'Most knives you should have' lists include this one. Like the Higonokami, this one also represents a quality knife from outside the US .  The Opinel pocket knife comes from France , and the name is now essentially synonymous with the French word for knife. Joseph Opinel began making knives in Savoie, France in 1890 , so its history somewhat parallels that of the Higonokami. The family run business is still located in that area. It became popular with local farmers, herdsmen, and peasant wine makers.  By 1897 a whole range of knives were being developed, numbered and named 1 to 12.  Mine is a #8, which is fairly popular.  #1 was discontinued in 1932, and #11 in 1935.

  Higonokami (肥後守) knives are a  type of traditional Japanese pocket knife that goes back to 1896 . The blade of these friction folding knives is secured in the 'open' position by applying thumb pressure to the Chikiri ('Tail' lever) that is built in to the blade.  The handle is brass.  The knife is hand-crafted and supposedly the only one allowed to call his knives 'Higonokami' now is 5th generation blacksmith Mr Nagao, based in Miki. It is a light duty knife and clearly not intended for any hard or heavy task.  Usually used for opening packages, sharpening pencils, or cutting fruit.  Would make a nice EDC.  It's light and thin and fits easily in any pants pocket.   As I noted in another post, I wanted to add some unique knives to my collection, and this Japanese knife truly fits the bill. I purchased mine from Amazon for around $30.  Higonokami knives are to the Japanese what the Swiss Army Knife is to the Swiss, in being the iconic...