Good european knife brands?

[effenoam]

I'll be traveling to France, Italy, and Switzerland. I'd like to get at least one knife from each. I know Opinel, Laguiole, and Victorinox.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks

 

[shane45-1911]

Lionsteel/Italy.

 

[Meridian]

TRC, Malanika, Dulo, and Lionsteel are some. TRC come to my mind for the best quality but it comes with a higher price. For a good cheaper knife look for a used Fallkniven, they are made in Japan and are abit overpriced if bought new but are great knives. I would look at their elmax and Lam Cos steel not vg10. Good luck with your search!

 

[Olumin]

Viper in Italy makes some good stuff, I especially like their slip joints. Very elegant.

 

[killgar]

Not yet mentioned- Fox, and Extrema Ratio. Both Italian.

I have knives from Viper, Lionsteel, and Fox, and they are all high-quality knives.

 

[Dav1]

French - Wildsteer make some cool blades including an SAS dagger that I'm eyeing!

 

[Olumin]

I second Fox. They make some nice blades.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Chambriard_compagnon1 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[Delgadonine]

Is the OEM a variable you care about?

'European Brand'=Made Elsewhere

 

[ferider]

Easier to get through customs and good for Mother’s Day:

 

[kobold]

Klotzli, Fallkniven, Roselli, Marttiini.
Hultafors, Morakniv

 

[calm]

I assume the OP is from the US.
I would try to get something that is not commonly available in the US. Most are pretty good. Spend over 50 Euro to get something nice. Over 100 will be even better.
France and Italy have a huge variety of traditional and modern knives.
Go in a regular knife shop, not a touristy one that will probably only sell the most common brands, and look around.

 

[coolbreezy37]

Terävä is a sub-brand of Varusteleka, their knives are hard working and affordable. I believe Laurin Metalli out of Finland in the actual maker. I have a LionSteel SR2 Titanium folder and it’s amazing!

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Boker. There is a custom maker Vincenzo Balistreri who lives in Italy. He is on Insta under that name. Beautiful work.

 

[L.A. Saiga]

Viper in Italy makes some good stuff, I especially like their slip joints. Very elegant.

+1 for Viper knives. VERY nice
Also Perceval makes very nice knives. Le Liadou Du Vallon is a nice one, too

 

[L.A. Saiga]

Chambriard_compagnon1 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

Wow! @ G2
that's a pretty one

 

[effenoam]

Is the OEM a variable you care about?

'European Brand'=Made Elsewhere

Doesn't matter too much, either made in Europe or a classic from the country. But I'm open to all suggestions.

 

[effenoam]

Easier to get through customs and good for Mother’s Day:

View attachment 2169244

I've gotten knives and axes through in checked luggage.

 

[effenoam]

I assume the OP is from the US.
I would try to get something that is not commonly available in the US. Most are pretty good. Spend over 50 Euro to get something nice. Over 100 will be even better.
France and Italy have a huge variety of traditional and modern knives.
Go in a regular knife shop, not a touristy one that will probably only sell the most common brands, and look around.

Any tips on avoiding the tourist trap knife shops?

 

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