One of the most common questions to pop up in the wake of the Bark River Knives fiasco that came to light last week is some variation of, “Where can I go for good quality outdoor knives? Who are some recommended knife makers?”
5 Knife Makers Worth a Look
As I put together this list, one of the criteria I kept in mind was that the brand or maker has to have a product that’s easy to find and purchase. If they do predominantly custom work and their knives are in constant high demand, that’s not helpful to the casual knife purchaser.
I also left off the list major brands that you might find in big box stores. The goal here is to highlight some knife makers that might not be as well-known but absolutely deserve some attention.
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Defiant7
I’m somewhat late to the game as far as Defiant7 goes, but I’m trying to make up for lost time. I’ve picked up three of their knives in the last few months, and each has been better than the last. Founders Les George and Chad Nichols are both well-known designers in the knife community. With Defiant7, they’re channeling their experience and knowledge into developing new knife makers, while cranking out some great blades in the process.
Favorite Defiant7 knife: BK. Photo credit: Defiant7.
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Night Watch Knives
By day, Alex Harrison is a detective with a law enforcement agency. In his free time, he’s an accomplished knife designer and maker. A true student of the craft, Alex has worked with several other makers over the years to develop and hone his own skills. One of the hallmarks of a Night Watch Knives blade is ergonomics. Each one is well-balanced and feels great in hand. Many of his knives feature a “War Wash” finish that adds a visual pop.
Favorite Night Watch Knives knife: Mule. Photo credit: Night Watch Knives.
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LT Wright Knives
A longtime pillar in the knife community, LT Wright has earned a reputation for reliability, great quality, and no-nonsense designs. All of their products are made to last and designed for actual use in the real world. These aren’t safe queens by any stretch. Every model has a comfortable, durable handle and a blade that takes and keeps a razor edge. As a bonus, the spine on an LT Wright knife is a perfect 90 degrees, making it perfect for scraping a ferrocerium rod.
Favorite LT Wright knife: GNS. Photo credit: LT Wright Knives.
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White River Knives
Based in western Michigan, White River Knives often flies under the radar and is criminally underrated. The knife makers in their shop consistently produce some of the best outdoor blades on the market today. And not all of them bear the White River logo, as they do a lot of OEM work for several other brands. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a White River knife.
Favorite White River Knives knife: Hunter. Photo credit: White River Knives.
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7Forge
A relative newcomer compared to the others on our list, the guys at 7Forge have quickly established themselves as a good quality knife shop. Founded by Jessie Wipperman, a Forged in Fire winner, and Tim Ogg, the company’s goal is to produce high-quality, affordable knives. They’re prolific makers and designers, with numerous models spanning a range of sizes.
Favorite 7Forge knife: Beartooth. Photo credit: 7Forge Knives.
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