Handcrafted Knives for Discerning Collectors
Take a look at our carefully handcrafted knives at Skol Knives. We’re dedicated to top-quality craftsmanship, with each piece being a true work of art. Get in touch with us today for more info on how we comply with UK Knife Law and to explore our stunning range of handmade knives.
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UK Knife Law: We are unable to sell knives or bladed instruments to any person under the age of 18, age verification must take place before your item is despatched and your item will not be delivered to any person under the age of 18, please email your ID (passport or driving licence) to sales@skolknives.co.uk after your purchase.
Our skilled craftsmen combine traditional and modern techniques to create durable, one-of-a-kind hunting knives for all sorts of uses. Focusing on precise craftsmanship and high-quality materials like 364-layer Damascus and 1095 carbon steel, we ensure every Skol knife offers exceptional performance and long-lasting durability. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an outdoor enthusiast, our versatile designs are perfect for everything from hunting to camping. Embrace the Skol experience and invest in a knife that’s more than just a tool—it’s a lifetime companion. Start your journey with our versatile designs and take your cutting skills to the next level.
A great knife is more than just a tool—it’s a trusted companion, especially when you’re out in the wild or deep into a project. Here’s what makes a knife truly great:
1. Blade Material
High-quality steel is a must. For a balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, D2 tool steel, VG-10, or S35VN are top picks. Simpler steels like 1095 are also loved for their ease of sharpening and toughness, especially in bushcraft.
2. Blade Design
A drop point or clip point blade is versatile—great for slicing, piercing, and detail work. A Scandi grind is perfect for woodwork, making it a favourite for survival and bushcraft.
3. Handle
Comfort is king. A great knife handle fits your hand like it was made for it—no hot spots, just solid control. Micarta, G10, or contoured wood scales offer grip even when wet. A full tang adds strength.
4. Size & Balance
Typically, a 3.5″–5″ blade hits the sweet spot for all-around use. It’s long enough to be useful but compact enough to carry easily. The balance point should be where the blade meets the handle, giving you precise control.
5. Sheath & Carry
A solid kydex or leather sheath with multiple carry options (belt, scout, MOLLE) keeps your knife secure and accessible. A ferro rod loop is a bonus in outdoor knives
Knife steel is basically an alloy made generally from a mix of Carbon and Iron which is usually combined with other elements to enhance the metals usability
There are basically 5 important factors to take into consideration when choosing a knife steel
Hardness, measured on the Rockwell Scale (HRC
Toughness, how tough is the blade against chipping or cracking
Wear Resistance, this is heavily dependent on the steels make up, how well can the blade resist abrasive wear Corrosion Resistant, this is simply the steels ability to resist corrosion or rust Edge Retention, this is an important quality for most outdoor knife steels quite simply how long will the knife stay sharp during periods of use .
Choosing the right steel is a compromise, for example a high carbon steel such as 1095 will produce a very sharp edge if fact razor sharp but take more effort to maintain as the blade will rust if exposed to wet or damp environments, however a stainless steel such as 12crv27 has a lower carbon content so the edge wont be as sharp as the 1095 carbon but it will not rust so is more suitable for wet or damp conditions. A true stainless steel must have a Chromium content of at least 13%.
Carbon Steels
1095: Is a 1% carbon steel that takes a great edge and is easy to sharpen and has average edge retention, it also is a tough steel that resists chipping
1085: Is very similar to 1095 but has a lower edge retention but is a tougher steel
80crV2: Is an excellent carbon steel for all kinds of outdoor knives, know for its rugged qualities and toughness it has excellent edge retention and has good anti corrosion qualities to due its chromium content, 80crV2 is used by many Scandinavian knife makers simply because it is so tough and its ability to cope with harsh environments.
Stainless Steels
12c27: Is made by Sandvik it is a stainless tool steel originally use for razor blades so makes a pretty decent knife blade and is very corrosion resistant. Around 0.6% Carbon and 14% Chromium
AEB-L: Is another steel designed for razor blades and scalpels classed as a high end stainless steel it has high hardness, good wear resistance and is very corrosion resistant Carbon 0.67 and 13% Chromium content
440c: Is a high carbon Stainless steel which has good edge retention and is a tough steel, use by some of the American knife makers and is an excellent choice for an all round outdoors knife with a carbon content of 0.95-1.20% and 17% Chromium
Damascus Steel: Is a laminated steel made from alternating layers of high carbon steel and a high nickel steel (1095 carbon and 15N20 Nickel) producing a patterned effect, this steel has good properties of hardness and produces a sharp edge and reasonable edge retention and looks amazing
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