What modern knives do you think are destined to be classics?

Is the Fairbairn/Sykes still considered modern? Or do you mean items more recent than that?

A.G. Russell's original K-87, all SS, One Handed Knife. A more compact, strong, lightweight & useful general purpose, everyday folder, I cannot conceive. Not to mention a design that was/is a work of art & engineering achievement. The flat stainless side panels were perfect for engraving names and commemorative events, thus making them great gifts for important occasions. All wrapped up in a reasonable price. There was also a small pen knife sized variant. There are later versions in zytel frames and even SS models with scales and larger levers. But, IMO, they do not compare to the originals. For the life of me I do not understand why it was discontinued.

The Randall #1 and #14 have been copied, modified, perhaps hundreds of imitative models since WW2 and I believe will be around in some form, be it large or small, for a very long time.



The earliest I can determine, the Cold Steel Trailmaster was introduced in the 1980’s and is still going strong for those who want a big bowie knife to chop trees. I think the Carbon V versions were the best.




There are blatant copies, and slight variations, which make me think that the Trailmaster and variants will be around for a long time.

Benchmade 940.

ESEE Izula/Izula II.

I agree with Slamfire on Randall knives, and to a degree the Cold Steel Trailmaster. Randalls made by Bo Randall in many configurations will be worth a small fortune down the road. Ones that were made in the shop since still command a good price.

Too many make Loveless copies for them not to be around for a long time, plus the originals themselves.

I think the Spyderco Native is destined to be a modern classic. Of course, there are many similar Spyderco designs, but the Native has always stood out and they use slightly better steel on it versus the Endura and Delica. Many would say the Para Military model.

Considering the violence in Europe by Islamic extremists any large knife may become hard to own.

Well, obviously the BM 42. Glad I saw that coming and saved one

But I know you mean ones that have NOT already (expect a prediction). I would say the Kershaw Blur, except for the fact they'll probably still be making it in 25 years. I think the first knife ever to use the Axis lock will earn a spot - the 710 and probably the Rajah II if it ever becomes unavailable.

"While that's a bit of a stretch for the purposes of this thread"
I agree.
"I don't think that will be an issue in the U.S."
I disagree. Anything tactical is suspect, just like assault rifles. Recent events should support my concerns.

Kookla said:

What knife or knives do you think 25, 30 or more years down the road we'll be chewing the fat about?

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I think some of the classics will still be popular like Bowie knives. We might also see the Revival of the non locking folding blade pocket knives. I don't think either of these is the best knife for any particular purpose but they are classics and probably will never go away completely. Personally I don't think there's as much difference between different brands and models of knives as people make out. It's more of a marketing thing than anything real. A decent 3-inch locking folding blade knife with a Tanto blade realistically does not have all that much difference utilitywise than a 3 inch drop point knife. Most people use them to open letters boxes and cut string and either will do the job. Virtually no one uses them for self defense despite all the knives that are actually supposedly made for that purpose.