Buying guide: how do you choose a gentleman’s knife?

Japan is a country where the craftsmanship of forging and sharpening knives is deeply rooted in its culture. This is reflected in the high-quality types of steel that Japanese pocket knives are made from. Japanese pocket knives are known for their extremely sharp edges. Many of these knives are made from gorgeous damascus steel. This makes them extra special.

Laguiole knives are the ultimate example of the gentleman's knife, with their bon-vivant look and their ability to cut through steak without any problems. In some restaurants in Aubrac it is even the norm not to place any steak knives on the table, as the guests are expected to whip out their own Laguiole knife. Unfortunately, these knives are often copied, but you can trust us to provide knives from high-quality brands such as Forge de Laguiole, Fontenille Pataud and Laguiole en Aubrac.

Damast pocket knives, also known as damascus pocket knives, symbolise style, success and class. Whether it's gentleman's knives or EDC knives, damascus steel is a popular choice for blades. Using damascus steel gives a pocket knife that extra dash of luxury and style, and sets it apart from 'regular' pocket knives. In short: damascus pocket knives equate to luxury and style.

Traditionals are also a popular type of gentleman's knives. 'Traditionals' is an umbrella term for classic knives that have been produced in the same way for decades. These knives are sometimes also called 'grandpa knives', as they remind you of the type of knife grandpa used to carry. Traditionals come in many shapes and sizes, and are made by many manufacturers. We have a wonderful collection of Traditionals in stock.

Slipjoint pocket knives are amongst the oldest knife designs in the world. Knives without a full lock have been popular across the globe for over a century. A slipjoint lock means there is only some resistance to prevent a knife from closing. Not a complete lock. Slipjoint pocket knives often have a stylish design, so they make for perfect gentleman's knives!

Knife makers from Germany are famous for their premium-quality pocket knives, craftsmanship and traditional production methods. These pocket knives are made from high-quality materials and often have stunning designs, making them as collectable as they are practical. The production process in Solingen (the knife capital of Germany) is carefully controlled to ensure that knives from Solingen meet the highest quality and durability requirements.

Horn is an excellent material for handles because it is strong, durable and lightweight. It also has a natural and beautiful look. Every piece of horn is unique thanks to the natural-occurring patterns it can have. In addition, the material offers lots of grip. Finally, horn is a good insulator, keeping hands warm in cold conditions and preventing sweating in warm conditions.

A pocket knife with a wooden handle is elegant, comfortable, durable and affordable. That's why it is one of the most commonly-used handle materials for pocket knives. Perfect for a chic gentleman's knife! Wood is a natural product, so each knife will have unique markings. There are different types of wood, each with its own unique look. For example: oak, walnut wood, olive wood, dark wood, light wood, coloured wood, exotic wood and much more! There's something for everyone!

Two-handed pocket knives often have a chic and friendly appearance, more so than most one-handed pocket knives. It doesn't come as a surprise that these knives are featured in our buying guide. What's also great about these knives is that in some countries, knife laws are much more flexible when it comes to two-handed openers as opposed to knives you open with just one hand.