Whether you use knives for hunting, camping, fending off zombies, or you’re just a collector, there’s a beautiful handcrafted knife out there for anything. While we’ve come a long way since the first knives ever made, 40 years ago is when the magic really started to happen. Quality knives have been in high demand for hunters and collectors alike which has created a boom within the industry.

At Exquisite Knives, we’re obviously big knife enthusiasts. With that being said, here’s a list of five of our favorite knives that we’ve come across in this buying and trading industry.

5 of the Best Handcrafted Knives

1. Russell Canadian Belt Knife

   These knives not only have a fascinating construction with their slightly offset elliptical blade and rosewood handle, but they’re perfect for skinning, gutting, or cape-ing. While there are plenty of replicas out there, none are quite like the original slender handled Dean Russell Canadian Belt Knife.

2. Marine Corps Fighting Knife

   It was in 1943 when the United States Marine Corps issued their members a fighting knife with a Ka-Bar trademark stamped on it. With a 7-inch Bowie blade and a leather washer handle, this was the most successful piece of equipment the Marine Corps ever issued. These knives were so popular and had such a good name surrounding them that other soldiers from different branches would try and steal them.

3. Loveless Drop Point

   R.W. Loveless was a king when it came to developing handcrafted knives. Since the 1950’s, Loveless knives have been some of the most collected and bought knives within the industry. One of his most popular creations was the Drop Point knife. Made from a 154CM steel (also used in jet engine exhausts), its rustproof if cared for properly.

4. Ron Lake Folding Knife

   It takes a skilled designer and machinist to create a proper folding knife that is efficient and safe to use. Ron Lake has been producing folding knives for over 30 years and each blade is guaranteed to be tremendously strong, look fancy, and have seamless workmanship.

5. Busse Battle Mistress

   While it doesn’t have a crazy and intricate design, the Busse Mattle Mistress blade is unique in the sense that it weighs nearly two pounds, has a 10-inch blade, and is as sharp as a razor. It’s the combination of the weight, its strength and overall keenness that land it on our list. Let’s just say that this blade could probably chop down a telephone pole.