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3 Knives That Won’t Die When You Do

February 23, 2018

Photo of One-Eyed Jack by SpyderCollector

Somebody raised on CDs and MP3s won’t know the value of a record collection, and the same may apply to relatives and our blades. We may know the singular qualities of each piece, but to a novice, our carefully selected cutlery might come across as merely a drawer full of too many knives.

When you pass away, it’s up to those left behind to sift through your possessions. Going through a lifetime’s worth of stuff is a major undertaking and inevitably, a lot of it will end up in the trash. Chances are some quality blades will get lost in the post-mortem shuffle, and brand names, super steels, premium materials, or effortless flipping action aren’t going to save them from the culling.

But one thing might, and that’s the X Factor: an inherent appeal that crosses boundaries. You don’t need to be a car nut to appreciate a fine vintage automobile, and there are knives with character and quality that speak to the hearts of non-knife people just as loudly as they do to enthusiasts. These are the knives most likely to become actual heirlooms. So, here are three production knives that won’t die when you do:

Benchmade Crooked River
The Crooked River’s clean, handsome look evokes traditional outdoor tools and resonates with a broad crowd. The bolster, bold clip point blade, and stabilized wood scales form an iconic look. The Crooked River looks familiar from the moment you first see it, and it just feels right in hand. It’s a true modern classic that’s ready to last another 100 years of adventures.

Benchmade Crooked River

Spyderco One-Eyed Jack
People love to inherit objects with a history, and the One-Eyed Jack feels like a knife with a story to tell, even brand new out of the box. The thick, solid handle exudes quality, and the ivory Micarta with spade and heart inlays imbue character without looking corny. Of course, the filework on the backspacer steals the show; if you didn’t know better, you might think the One-Eyed Jack was a one-of-a-kind custom.

Spyderco One-Eyed Jack

Chris Reeve Knives Mnandi
Traditional knives are the quintessential heirloom folder. Many people have old Schrades or Cases that their father or grandfather gave them. The CRK Mnandi takes the traditional look and refines it to the Nth degree. Like those slipjoint of yore, it’s as pleasing to hold as it is to look at. But it comes with modern steel, a strong frame lock, and a simple-to-maintain build that smooths out and gets better with age.

Chris Reeve Knives Mnandi

Knife featured in image: Spyderco One-Eyed Jack

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