Most expensive knives in the world

Why are some knives so expensive?
Several factors contribute to a knife’s high price, including craftsmanship, rarity, historical significance, the quality of materials used, and often the reputation of the maker or brand.

How much do custom knives cost?

A custom knife and a mass-produced industrial knife are two completely different objects, and it is best to consider a handcrafted blade as a work of art meant to be both an heirloom and a useful tool.

Pricing unique  custom knives  is a tricky thing. Individual features and characteristics of each order are taken into account. In each order, the main factors are taken into account, such as the type of material, pattern and size, type of finish, decorations and accessories (sheath, stand or display case). There are also nuances such as styles and number of knife parts, swage lengths and finishes, attachment methods, and shell liner type and size to consider.

Of course, in  handmade knives  there are such details that are never found in factory products without passing through the hands of the master. A blacksmith or knife maker is driven by a passion for his craft.

Most knife makers greatly underestimate the price of their work. This is the result of a misunderstanding of what handmade means: exclusivity, a long time to produce a specimen and an individual approach to each product.

The prices of custom knives in our online store range from $700 to $3,000. The cost of unique and collectible knives may be over $7,000. You can easily select a knife at the best price for you using the sorting by price on our website (“Low to High” or “High to Low”).

Most expensive knives

Have you already seen our most expensive knives? Maybe, you’ve wondered why they cost so much? Just a second, I’ve got a surprise for you! Here is the TOP-10 of the most expensive knives you can buy from US-based knife dealers. Each of these is undoubtedly worthy of adorning a most exclusive collection of custom knives.

What is a custom knife?

A custom knife is a high-quality knife hand-made, from butt to tip, by an experienced knifemaker in a unique copy, and often to customer’s order. Premium custom knives, apart from being extremely useful and reliable cutting tools, are also seen as stylish accessories highlighting owner’s status and fashion.

Custom handmade knives are quite popular as gifts, as a very special instrument thoroughly wrought in the form of a piece of art will definitely highlight the uniqueness of owner’s character. Exclusive handmade knives are created for true connoisseurs of art. The main value of handmade knives is that there are no and cannot be standards: each high-end custom knife is a one-of-a-kind collectible. Each knife is handcrafted from start to finish, from the forge to the grinder, to reach the highest quality and decoration l the customer can possibly have.

A handmade custom knife is deemed to be an excellent gift, because such a gift speaks of high status and character of its owner. Apart from being a serviceable cutting tool, a premium custom knife is a remarkable unique souvenir that will be appreciated for a long time.

Corrado Moro Tourbillon folding knife – $10,000

Price: $10,000.

Corrado Moro, “Tourbillon” – designed according to the concept of mechanics that can be seen through the window as the most prestigious watches in the world. Moro was able to achieve such complexity in the manufacture of this knife and the combination of the radii of the blade with the handle, thanks to his experience in precision mechanics. The main characteristics of this product is that it is made of Aisi 416 stainless steel, black pearl lip, carbon fiber and blade RWL-34 RSP (60 HRC). The overall length of the product is 200 mm (7.8 inches) and the length of the blade is 85 mm (3.3 inches). Corrado Moro was born in 1972 in Turin. At the age of 14, he attended a vocational school in the field of precision engineering, having received various specializations in the field of mechanical processing. After graduating from school, he began working as a toolmaker, specializing in construction, installation and EDM machining. For 23 years, he has been working in the same company.

Fraley, D.B. – Samurai Flipper – $24,000

Price: $24,000.

A knife from one of the most popular knife makers D.B. Fraley. The engraver of the Samurai scene is C.J. Cai. A few words about the knife: big tactical flipper with an overall length of 10.5″ and a blade length of 4.5″. Model is master splinter liner lock and Blade is CPMS35VN. Scales and back strap are made of 416 stainless steel; Liners and pocket clip are made of titanium.

Alexis Lecocq Folder Knife – $29,995

Price: $29,995.

Custom folding knife by Alexis Lecocq, Egyptian engraving by engraver C.J. Cai. Model with Egyptian engraving, back lock, overall length 8.5″. RWL34 blade and AISI416 handle with four 22K yellow gold inlays on each side. Mitchell Cohen Alexis Lecoq is a young French cutler who graduated from the armory school of St Etienne. Alexis originally made fine custom guns, but now he is a full-time knife maker. Engraver is C.J. Cai – who resides in Honolulu, Hawaii and does everything piece by hand.

Ron Lake / Wolfe Loerchner Tail Lock Art Folding Knife – $33,500

Price: $33,500.

Ron Lake’s blade is perfectly ground and finished as expected. The overall length of the knife is approximately 6.25” and 2.75” is the stainless steel blade. Loerchner stippled the frame and than went to work transforming a pretty folder with carved inlays of Gold, Damascus and blacklip pearl. There is a rose gold bale and no doubt, you will agree that it will be difficult to find a more beautiful or rarer folder.

Michael Walker, Bladelock Folder with 22k Yellow Gold – $38,000

Price: $38,000.

A “bladelock” US patent # 4,979,301 is the custom bladelock folder knife by Michael Walker. This knife is a third generation bladelock. This product was manufactured approximately in 2005-2010. The blade, handles and lock bar are made of heat treated Damascus steel. Walker’s machine engraving pattern is applied to the titanium pivot and screw. There are no repeating patterns. It has a large 22k gold inlay and other silver and gold inlays. Walker secured the Walker Linerlock trademark in 1980 and he is the inventor of over 30 different knife mechanisms. He is the inventor of the Linerlock folding knife style. In 2004 inducted into The Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.

Alex Gev – Engraved Automatic Knife – $38,000

Price: $ 38,000.

Automatic custom knife by Alex Gev. Maker – Aleksandr Gevgalov (Bulgaria), participant of the knife show – AKI 2022. This product is features incredibly sophisticated and dainty engravings made by the knifemaker himself.

Tom Overeynder – Automatic Folding Knife – $38,000

Price: $ 38,000.

Automatic folder in the form of a Double Pocket Locket from Tom Overeynder. Engraved by Alex Gev which shows the first Chinese emperor Yu in a mythological scene. The engraving shows the first Emperor Yu overcoming and taming the water element with the help of dragons.

Michael Walker, D-Lock Folder Knife – $39,550

Price: $ 39,550.

Michael Walker Custom Knife with D-Lock is the third generation from AKI. The product has inlays of 22K gold and shakudo/silver mokume (Shakudo is an alloy of copper with gold and black patina).

Damascus stainless blade with titanium handles has overall length 6-3/4″. Michael Walker has been making custom knives since 1980.

Walker secured the Walker Linerlock trademark in 1980 and he is the inventor of over 30 different knife mechanisms. He is the inventor of the Linerlock folding knife style. In 2004 inducted into The Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.

Wolfgang Loerchner Folding Dagger Knife – $42,000

Price: $ 42,000.

Folding Dagger with an overall length of 9-1/4 inches from Wolfe Loerchner. Dagger knife has golden 18k engravings. Folding Dagger with an engraving made by Alex Gev (Bulgaria) which has a satyrs motif.

Bob Loveless – Stag Lawndale Subhilt – $85,000

Price: $ 85,000.

Custom knife from Bob Loveless of unknown steel. Knife with a fixed blade with an overall length of 14 5/8″ and a blade length of 9 5/16″. It has brass hilts; Stag handle with fine red, white and black spacers, a checkered handle spine, an aluminum pommel and a thong lanyard hole. Includes leather sheath for belt.

Buster Warenski – King Tut Dagger – $500,000

If you want to buy King Tut Dagger you can contact with Dave Ellis (one of top knife collector and knifr dealer).

Exclusive Knives for Sale

If you’re looking for a unique gift knife priced between 4,000 and 9,000 US dollars, take a look at our collection of  exclusive handmade knives.  The quality, craftsmanship, artistic fineness and precious materials of each of these one-of-a-kind handicrafts will impress any true knife lover.

FAQ

Are these knives meant for regular use?

While many of these knives are fully functional, due to their value, they’re often kept as collectibles or display pieces rather than for regular use.

What materials make a knife more valuable?

Precious metals like gold and platinum, rare gemstones, historical artifacts, or unique materials can significantly increase a knife’s value.

How do I authenticate a high-value knife?

Authentication typically involves expert evaluation. Provenance documents, maker’s marks, and certificates of authenticity can also help establish a knife’s legitimacy and value.

Are these knives a good investment?

Like any collectible, the value can fluctuate based on demand, rarity, and market trends. However, well-maintained, rare knives from reputable origins tend to appreciate over time.

How do you maintain an expensive knife?

Careful storage in humidity-controlled environments, regular cleaning with appropriate materials, and ensuring minimal physical contact (to avoid oils and scratches) are common practices.

In Conclusion

The world of knives is as deep and multifaceted as any other collectible domain, from fine art to vintage cars. As we’ve journeyed through the list of the most expensive knives, it becomes clear that these are not just mere tools, but masterpieces of craftsmanship, history, and luxury. Their value doesn’t just lie in their functionality, but in their story, the rare materials, the artisan’s touch, and sometimes, centuries of heritage. To the uninitiated, it might seem excessive to invest so much in a knife, but to those who understand, these pieces are a blend of artistry, functionality, and investment. They remind us that the line between utility and luxury can sometimes blur, elevating everyday objects into extraordinary treasures. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply an admirer, the world’s most expensive knives offer a fascinating glimpse into the apex of craftsmanship and opulence in the world of edged tools.