hardwood Knives, Swords, Blades

SOG's Woodline knives put the company's tactical quality to work for the hunter and fisherman. Built for practical camp work and survival needs, the Woodline knives skip the military features civilians don't require.

There's no tactical black coating, and you won't find a dagger point built for stabbing. The ...

SOG's Woodline WD-50 Folder fits in a belt pouch, not in the pocket. For a compact survival knife large enough to make difference, that's a very sensible idea -- pocket clip styles get snagged on brush and disappear.

The Woodline WD-50 keeps the unusual styling of SOG's other Woodline civilian ...

The Chicago Cutlery Signature series uses full tang construction with blades ground from the same blank of stamped high carbon stainless steel. The handle shape and grip is completely formed from the slabs of American black walnut hardwood fixed to the tang with three solid brass rivets. Blades ...

The Sword of Galbatorix recreates the battle sword of the evil Dragon Rider King from the story Eragon. Beginning as the first literary effort of a fifteen-year-old author, the epic story of Eragon progressed from daydream to self-published book and eventually to a well-known mainstream fantasy novel and movie.

This reproduction ...

As part of the company's 125th Anniversary celebration, Victorinox reissued this classic version of its first Soldier knife. Manufactured for the Swiss Army beginning in 1891, the Soldier knife was the first multi-purpose pocket knife developed in Switzerland. Its assortment of practical blades outfitted the modern infantryman of the day with ...

The nine different sizes of this Competition Wushu Broadsword from Dragon Well Forge in Lungchuan, China, provide any student of smaller physical stature with a properly fitted and IWF-approved weapon. Constructed with women in mind, this series of swords differs from the men's version only in overall length and weight.

Anyone ...

The virtual assassins among us will appreciate this straightforward battle sword. Visually, this display-quality weapon is a good match for the best weapon in Assassin's Creed II.

Carried by the assassin hero Altair as the game begins, Altair soon loses the rights to this high-level weapon as a result of breaking ...

This basic Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Block Set includes four useful knives from the stamped steel and Fibrox line of Victorinox cutlery. Lightweight but high quality, these practical knives are one of the best cutlery bargains available.

Aside from the standard block set tools of kitchen shears and honing steel, ...

This solid hardwood mezzaluna chopping block encloses more than just a cutting board. In the built-in storage tray, you'll also find three different cheese knives as well as space for the stainless steel mezzaluna knife.

The mezzaluna is an old idea -- a curved blade with a high hand grip ...

An engraved hand-forged katana priced this low forces me to look for faults. Although I find some, the ITO Katana Samurai Sword 402 still seems like a bargain if you're looking for a katana good enough for light cutting practice.

At two pounds and ten ounces (without the scabbard), this ...

This replica sword -- a copy of the weapon wielded by Jet Li in his portrayal of the hero Nameless -- transforms a fanciful design into what appears to be the real thing. The Snowflake Sword of Wu Min is unusual even among fantasy weapons, beginning with ...

A faithful reproduction of one of the main weapons wielded by Gimli son of Gloin in the movie version of The Lord of the Rings, the Battle Axe of Gimli looks like it should actually work. With twin 11-1/2-inch-wide blades of 3/8-inch-thick tool steel, even though this ...

Built to exceed Russian Spetsnaz specifications, this tactical combat shovel from Cold Steel makes a great camp tool for the hunter, fisherman, and canoeist. With about a pound and a half of medium carbon tool steel and a durable hardwood handle, the Cold Steel tactical shovel is a ...

This cutlass-style sword from Bud K. shows the flair of a blade from Prince of Persia -- but buy it for its good looks, not historical accuracy.

The brass pommel, hardwood grip, and brass handguard place this 46-1/2-inch-long sword a level or two above the usual fantasy sword. Lack of plastic ...

Much of the work that produced this 8-piece Knife Block Forged set from Victorinox actually happened in Solingen, the cutlery capitol of Germany. Forged from German high carbon stainless steel, the knives undergo final shaping and polishing in Switzerland.

The fundamentals of these knives match the quality of ...

Wusthof's Classic Ikon 8-Piece Block Set combines five fundamental kitchen prep knives with a sharpening steel, a stout pair of kitchen shears, and a hardwood storage block containing several extra slots. Though it's certainly not budget-priced, you do get beautiful and reliable knives with features much improved ...

Hanzo Steel refers to this good cutting blade as the Ninja Survival Master Katana. Not as refined as more expensive versions, the fully functional Hanzo Steel Ninja Katana includes some interesting survival perks more costly swords do not.

Forged and tempered to survive cutting practice, this sword really is good enough ...

Enough knives to outfit the average modern kitchen combine with a quality oak storage block in this 18-piece assortment from Wusthof's moderately priced Gourmet series. Lighter in build than Wusthof's Classic forged knives, the Gourmet line offers modern computer-controlled construction. Laser-cut steel lowers the cost without dropping ...

Store up to eight knives plus a sharpening steel and a pair of kitchen shears in this compact 10-slot Hardwood Knife Storage Block from J.A. Henckels. Made to fit the Henckels brand, the block also accepts most other brands of forged or stamped steel knives.

This laminated hardwood block takes ...

This fine competition-quality straight sword from Dragon Well Forge of Lungchuan, China, shows the same refinements as the men's version but in a size range tailored to a woman's smaller frame. Nine sizes provide the right fit for most kung fu students, while the appearance of the sword makes it ...

The fine craftsmanship of this competition broadsword from Dragon Well Forge of Lungchuan, China, makes this wushu weapon an excellent collector's piece. One of the best broadsword choices for training, this sword comes in nine different men's sizes. Check with your teacher for guidelines on fit, since proper length varies with ...

Kershaw's Double Duty Knife offers the same advanced features and traditional design as the smaller Double Cross. This 4-1/8-inch pocket folder also gives buyers a different combination of AUS-8 stainless steel blades. The extra size makes this stouter model of Kershaw's unique one-handed opening pocket knife work even better.

If ...

Browning, the famous American rifle manufacturer, produced only 2,000 of these collector's knives as part of its Hunting Traditions series. Beginning in 2008, Browning produced these limited edition knives in two themes -- Whitetail and Mallard.

Produced as a collector's knife and presentation piece, the Browning Whitetail Model 321290 fits a hollowed ...

The Wusthof Mega Swivel knife storage block offers complete access to 25 knife slots and includes space for eight standard steak knives. Mount the block where you can take full advantage of the 360 degree swivel bearing, not against the wall.

This type of storage block is perfect for work ...

This 40-inch bokken -- a wooden training version of the Japanese katana -- has some of the same parts as the real thing but in much less lethal lightweight hardwood. Use it for practicing kata but remember that even a wooden sword can do damage. Some of the old masters ...

Said to be one of the most difficult martial arts weapons to master, the chain whip combines high velocity with powerful centrifugal force, putting a cutting edge and heavy weight at the end of the whip strike. This imaginative version of the chain whip, from Bud K., ...

If you skimp on quality where paring knives are concerned, loading up the kitchen drawer with bargain blades that don't hold an edge, think again. The Boker Yadama III paring knife could replace them all.

A Damascus steel blade, laminated hardwood handle, and stainless steel ferrule give the black Boker ...

Victorinox's Chinese Cleaver with walnut handle isn't the butcher's cleaver western chefs know. This lighter version of the butcher's blade is the Asian equivalent of the chef's knife, the workhorse blade that an expert uses to dance through nearly every common kitchen chore.

Smaller than you'd expect a cleaver to ...

This replica of Captain Leo's broad sword from the hit kung fu movie House of Flying Daggers looks better than most true combat broadswords of today. Antiqued cast steel fittings give the sword an authentic appearance with quality materials and workmanship throughout.

The 38-inch-long sword's 2-1/4-inch high carbon ...

This gift selection from J.A. Henckels offers three useful knives of excellent quality but with an old-fashioned build -- plus a practical sharpening steel and a handsome hardwood storage block with plenty of slots for expansion. As a starter ...

Designed by French chef Olivier Anquier and manufactured by Mundial of Brazil, this 12-piece block set looks good enough to display in the dining room. The hardwood handles and strong bolsters make the knives equally practical, built to use as well as admire.

Begun by an emigrant from Germany, Mundial's Brazilian ...

This small, nine-inch-long utility knife from Boker of Solingen, Germany, may appear ordinary, but its fine materials and workmanship could mark it as the best slicing knife in your kitchen.

Boker's Ceramic Ebony Utility knife combines a five-inch ceramic blade with a real ebony hardwood handle. That's real African ebony, ...

Although this modern version of the war hammer -- a weapon which brought down many armored knights on the battlefields of medieval Europe -- isn't pretty, this is still an impressive and combat-ready instrument of destruction. Cold Steel's practical defense weapons often look like farm tools, but they were ...

Six steak knives from Wusthof's Gourmet line -- their least expensive -- come with their own handsome oak storage block in this seven-piece block set. Convenient for out-of-the-way countertop storage, the dedicated steak knife block is a great idea. The knives themselves are good but definitely at the bottom ...

From one of Mundial's highest quality product lines, this four-piece steak knife set combines the design concepts of French chef Olivier Anquier with the Old World German craftsmanship of this famous Brazilian company. Add renewable Brazilian tropical hardwood to the good ideas in this steak set.

Chrome molybdenum stainfree high ...

This Musashi 1060 Shirakawa Katana combines hand forging and efficient machine processes to bring sword enthusiasts a functional cutter with classic features. At this level you'd expect an etched hamon -- this one is real, the mark of traditional clay edge tempering.

To many of us, a major factor in whether a ...

This 15-piece block set of seamless all-stainless steel prep and steak knives from Farberware's Pro series displays some very good qualities and some faults. If you're looking for a good selection of bargain knives, Farberware's Pro Block could interest you. Expect a couple of minor issues.

Many customers buying the new ...

With their own hardwood storage block these Henckels Twin Gourmet Steak Knives won't get in the way of your kitchen work. In the table setting, you'll get the best qualities of both plain and serrated edge styles in these combo-edged knives.

With stamped steel blades and triple-riveted composite handle slabs over ...

Although both sword and scabbard are more ornate than genuine Roman swords, this good quality and beautiful Roman Centurion Sword does closely follow the basic patterns of the Roman gladius, the short sword of the Roman legions. Over the centuries, the gladius evolved through many patterns, but this old design ...

Designed to never need sharpening, the knives in this block set from Chicago Cutlery feature thick stamped high carbon stainless steel blades with serrated edges. The set is a tempting mix of good values and troublesome ideas.

The Basics 25-piece Wood Block Set, made in China to Chicago Cutlery's specifications, includes ...

Few people with an interest in swords have no interest in how to use them. Most collectors will not become highly skilled, but those who do want to learn the basics should follow the wise training regimens and start with something that isn't deadly. In the Japanese style, that ...

This ten-piece block set in the Classic Chef pattern from Chicago Cutlery does not represent the best that China offers today. Out of this large assortment of imported standard kitchen knives, only the wooden knife block gets an honorable rating.

Serrated knives -- and all knives in this set are ...

First, out of respect to the height-challenged Hobbit race, I will have to point out that the Lord of the Rings Sting Dagger is actually a sword. The Sting may be a little short by human standards, but any true Tolkien fan should know that the Sting was the ...

The Petty Petit gyuko or chef's knife was created by the Kitasho Company of Seki City, Japan, a center of fine swordsmiths for 800 years. Kitasho began more recently in 1948 and manufactures a broad line of chef's cutlery and hunting knives built to Japanese specifications rather than toned ...

Though it's certainly not an authentic design, this 30-1/4 inch Celtic Sword is solidly built and has enough artistic quality to find a place on the collector's wall. The stainless steel blade shows a central blood groove and flared spear point more typical of video game swords than real ...

There are Bowie-style knives, and then there are real Bowie knives. The Coast 14-inch Bowie Knife is a real Bowie -- maybe a little small by frontier standards, but still big enough to perform the way the originals did. With nine inches of one-quarter-inch-thick 440C high carbon stainless ...

The collector's version of the Buck Gen-5 Skinner series designed by Josh Buck, great-grandson of the company founder, the Gen-5 Guitar Skinner with Cocobolo hardwood handle is a limited edition of 1,000 numbered knives. Each purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity verifying the knife's place in the series.

The basic ...

Three of the most often-used field dressing tools combine in the Mossy Oak hardwood handled 3-blade Folding Knife from Browning. The Mossy Oak Folding Knife offers hunters a compact field dressing knife set, small enough to carry in the pocket. It's an unusual knife with blades that could ...

The frontier look of the Buck Special dates back to the days when Buck Knives was a two-man shop. This striking bowie pattern evolved from one of the most popular knives made by Hoyt and Al Buck when they built every knife themselves by hand. The blade is a ...

This 12 by 9 by 5-inch beechwood knife block from Wusthof of Solingen, Germany, takes up little counter space and provides convenient storage for seven knives, a honing steel, and kitchen shears. With an assortment of slot sizes, the block holds a chef's knife or santoku, carving, and pastry knives ...