There are a few legendary knives that have become iconic throughout history. These include the Leuku, Douk-douk, KA-BAR, and Opinel. These knives have been featured in movies, and some are even marketed as survival knives. These blades have become iconic in countries such as Switzerland, France, the U.S., and South Africa.
Douk-douk
Douk-Douk knives have a long history and are among the best-known hand knives. They were originally produced in Northern Africa and were used predominantly in French colonies. Their name comes from the Melanesian incarnation of the spirit god of death and destruction. While this may seem like an odd choice for a tool for everyday use, Douk-Douk knives found a place in the French empire, and were exported all over the world.
This simple folding knife consists of six parts: a carbon steel blade and handle, a steel back spring, and a lanyard loop. It was originally made for the workers of French colonies in Northern Africa and quickly gained fame as a deadly weapon during the Algerian uprising of 1954-1962.
Leuku
The Sami people are the original users of the leuku. They developed this knife out of necessity, after centuries of real-world use. Initially, this type of knife was expensive and difficult to obtain. This was why leuku makers were highly valued members of society. Traditionally, one reindeer could produce two leukus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUhIjp6Ukc0
The leuku has an unusual design, which features a wide, stiff belt loop that is not stitched. It is also characterized by a traditional back seam. Ilkka also offers custom work, but he makes his leukus from his own design.
Opinel
Opinel knives were first made in the early 1900s. Their folding blades were ideal for cutting brambles on grapevines. Their beechwood handles were rust-resistant and easy to maintain. A brass, copper, or écrimer coupling ring secured the blade to the handle. The company manufactured as many as 20,000 knives a day.
Opinel knives are renowned for their enduring design. They are the perfect balance of tradition and modernity. They are useful for all kinds of tasks. The classic design has not changed for over a century, and its simplicity has made it one of the most enduring examples of functional design. In fact, the Victoria and Albert Museum recognized Opinel knives as one of the 100 best-designed objects of all time.
KA-BAR
The KA-BAR is a unique knife that stands out from the crowd. It is not your ordinary hunting knife – the blade is seven inches long and can baton large pieces of wood. The short version is an extremely useful knife that is perfect for everyday tasks. It also features a black Kraton G handle and a stamped ‘USA’ on the blade.
The KA-BAR knife has become one of the world’s most recognizable knives. Its popularity has led to a number of successful collaborations with renowned custom knife makers. In 2011, the company introduced the KBD Master Series, which differentiates the traditional KA-BAR line from collaborations with outside designers.
Case Trapper
The Case Trapper knife is one of the most iconic designs ever created. It features two blades, a clip point blade for everyday cutting, and a spey blade for speying animals, which requires a very precise cut. Both of these blades are very precise and can be used for a variety of different purposes.
The Trapper features a brass lining and nickel silver handle bolsters in front and back. The handle scales are made of Zebu cattle bone. The scales are usually dyed or jigged.
Leatherman
When it comes to leatherman knives, history has many notable models. The first one, the Pocket Survival Tool, was introduced in 1983. Within a decade, the company was selling more than one million units per year. The next model, the Wave, was released in 1998. Within a year of its release, it had become a million-unit seller. Today, the company is worth over $100 million and Tim Leatherman’s name has become synonymous with the product.
Leatherman is the oldest company in the United States dedicated to the design and manufacture of quality knives. Its products have been hailed for their quality, reliability, and durability. Leatherman’s founder was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame, and the company continues to produce top-quality knives and tools to this day.