Prestige knifemaking regions of the world?

[Pantisocrat]

Does anyone have a list of prestigious knife/cutlery/iron-work making centers of the world?

Like Solingen in Germany, Sheffield in England, and laguiole in France but what about USA, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Spain...etc.? Thanks.

 

[Hombre Secreto]

Nepal if you consider the Kukri a prestigious knife.

 

[Matt]

as lame as this may sound, apparently there is a pretty damn good knife maker in Cambodia. I know nothing about knives other than that about five people who have been travelling this region who are knife-types have mentioned wanting to visit him in Phnom Penh. Japan is the standout for me. I was travelling hand-carry only, so never bought anything, but as I wandered around that big ass Tokyo fish market, I was super impressed by the little stores there. Or maybe I am just easily impressed

edit - this is the guy in Cambodia - http://www.knives-citadel.com/

 

[SpallaCamiccia]

Toledo in Spain is famous by his " toledan steel " his knives, medieval swords etc.

They do offer one replica of Tizona, the sword of El Cid the reconqueror.

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by Matt

as lame as this may sound, apparently there is a pretty damn good knife maker in Cambodia. I know nothing about knives other than that about five people who have been travelling this region who are knife-types have mentioned wanting to visit him in Phnom Penh.

Japan is the standout for me. I was travelling hand-carry only, so never bought anything, but as I wandered around that big ass Tokyo fish market, I was super impressed by the little stores there. Or maybe I am just easily impressed

there's also this town in batangas here that is famous for the 'balisong' or fan knife.

 

[warmpi]

any trouble getting these things through customs/airport security?

 

[Matt]

I think you can check them. Hand carry - no way. I have a friend registered with Interpol over a reasonably large fishing knife that he didn't realise was in his bag until he got to Changi airport security. They do not view such things favorably. His situation was worsened as he was travelling with a Malay (therefore Muslim) gf...

 

[Cordwinder]

Sakai, south of Osaka is famous for its knives.

 

[Pantisocrat]

I'm going to google search "knife museusm" in various countries. It seems reasonable to assume a knife-making center to have a museum or two?

As for these various unrecognized makers, can you guys provide the name of the town/maker?

 

[Pantisocrat]

Originally Posted by Cordwinder

Sakai, south of Osaka is famous for its knives.

Good info.

 

[HgaleK]

Originally Posted by Pantisocrat

Does anyone have a list of prestigious knife/cutlery/iron-work making centers of the world?

Like Solingen in Germany, Sheffield in England, and laguiole in France but what about USA, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Spain...etc.? Thanks.

There aren't much in the way of centers in the US, but there are a few hundred incredibly talented makers spread out across it.

 

[HRoi]

Is there some place in Japan where they make knives the same way they made samurai swords back in the day?

 

[Trompe le Monde]

kyoto-osaka

http://openkyoto.com/stores/real-kyo...gu-knives.html

i have one of these.

 

[Big T]

For pocket knives, don't forget about northwest Penna., particularly the area between Tionesta and Bradford. There are also a few points due north in New York State. I would also add Solingen, Germany.

 

[Edsal17]

Are you just wanting to look at cool knives? I would suggest just going to the Blade Show. The next one is in Atlanta this June. It is a pretty big deal if you are into knives.