Top 10 Knives for Collectors in 2025: From Boker to CRKT, the Must-Have Blades This Year
Posted by Heinnie Haynes on 28th Feb 2025
An increasing number of people are partaking in knife collecting. These tools are as beautiful as they are useful.
Heinnie Haynes is here to showcase ten of the best knives for collection in 2025, including folding pocket knives and fixed-blade knives.
Among the items, you’ll find sought-after brands such as Boker, Mora, and Spyderco, which enjoy popularity alongside fresh names shaking things up in the knife industry.
Whatever style you prefer, whether modern or traditional, you are likely to find something that interests you.
1. Victorinox Swiss Champ 91mm Red Folding Knife
Even in 2025, the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife remains one of the most sought-after designs. Its popularity comes from its versatile nature and the quality of its craftsmanship.
The Swiss Army knife's blades are made of rust-resistant stainless steel, and the handle is made from varying materials such as wood, tough Alox Aluminium or the instantly recognisable red Cellidor Thermoplastic.
Collectors value Swiss Army Knives for their history and usefulness. Over time, they've become a symbol of Swiss precision and design.
The Benchmade 940 Osbourne has always remained a favourite due to its unique design and quality material. The blade consists of top-grade S30V steel, which retains edges and resists corrosion.
With a length of 3.4 inches, the knife opens smoothly, and with the AXIS locking mechanism, it’s one of the safest on the market. Made of high-quality aluminium, the handle makes this knife weigh only 2.9 ounces.
Due to its slimness, it is also easy and comfortable to carry in a pocket without excessive bulging.
The 940 Osbourne is renowned among collectors for its viability and hardness. Its ability to perform in the outdoors and perform chores gives it an advantage over competing knives.
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is one of the best for collectors in 2025. Its G-10 handle is very durable, and the blade, made of CPM S30V stainless steel, is incredibly powerful.
The knife's compression lock feature allows blade retention while also enabling easy operation with one hand. It is made to fit ergonomically in the hand, reducing soreness during long hours of usage.
Its full-flat grind means it excels at precise cutting and slicing. This knife features Spyderco's signature thumb hole, enabling quick and smooth blade deployment.
An ambidextrous-friendly four-way clip which carries tip-up/tip-down, left/right-hand and rests deeper in a pocket is pretty handy. If you want an excellent knife for daily use or to admire in your collection, the Paramilitary 2 is it.
Dating back to 1889, Case knives, maybe more than any other, embody the very nature of the classic American penknife.
The Case Trapper Knife is a classic favourite among collectors. Its traditional design features two blades - a clip point and a spey point. This versatile knife is perfect for everyday tasks and outdoor activities.
The handle is an Amber jigged bone with nickel silver bolsters and a Case logo inlay.
The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel, these knives are durable and can easily be sharpened while retaining their edges for exceptionally long periods.
You will love the knife's narrow construction, which makes it easy to store in your pocket. The blades open smoothly and lock securely, and the bolsters and liners are polished to a mirror shine.
This knife is perfect for passing down through generations. If you are looking for a piece to add to your collection or just starting out, the Case Trapper is one of the best pieces to start with.
This is a great-value knife; you definitely wouldn’t expect it to be under £100. It's the perfect gift for a knife collector or a treat for yourself. First produced in 1963, it’s still a collector's item today, a testament to its quality and timelessness.
The knife's clip-point blade is made of 420HC stainless steel and measures 3.75 inches. Its wooden handle and brass bolsters make it extremely easy on the eye.
When folded, the knife measures 4.875 inches, which makes it convenient to store in a pocket or sheath. Its comfortable 7.2 oz weight also makes it easy to carry if you ever choose to take it off display.
The Buck 110 employs a backlock mechanism that allows the folding knife to be opened but prevents it from closing accidentally.
The Buck 110 is also collected because of its history and build quality. It is made in the USA and comes with Buck's 'Forever Warranty'.
6. SOG Seal Pup
The SOG Seal Pup is well-loved and would fit naturally into any collection. Evoking US military history in design and functionality, the SOG Seal Pup is a durable companion with a blade made from AUS8 Stainless Steel and a lightweight, glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle that features a raised diamond pattern for secure gripping in inclement weather.
The SOG Seal Pup also comes with a tactical nylon sheath that assures protection and portability. With this knife, you can explore the wilderness or enjoy marvelling at its greatness. This multi-use knife excels at cutting rope, making easy food prep, and creating kindling. Not to forget, its blackened blade assists in rust prevention, allowing you to use the knife without worry.
From its inception, SOG has been noted for making some of the toughest knives around, and the Seal Pup is no different. It is built for extreme use, and that’s why it's the knife of choice for those who want knives that can be collected and put to practical use.
This folding knife features a rugged 4-inch S35VN blade, well-known for its sharp edge retention and excellent anti-corrosion properties.
The knife's G-10 handle, with its unique texture, allows for a secure grip. A Tri-Ad lock keeps your precious fingers safe from harm when using your knife in even the most taxing conditions.
The Recon 1 is easy to carry. Its pocket clip can be moved to different positions. The knife weighs around 5.3 ounces, striking a balance between strength and portability.
The Recon 1 Series is available with 2, 3, 4, and 5½ inch blades, and every facet of their construction has been over-engineered to make them as durable and effective as possible. Its mix of quality materials and smart design make it stand out in 2025.
8. JD Knives Custom Palladium Vintage Micarta Folding Knife
This masterfully crafted slip-joint knife seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern performance. Its high-quality stainless steel blade measures under three inches and is non-locking, making it compliant with UK legal carry regulations.
This knife is renowned for its edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. You’ll be pleased with the satisfyingly controlled opening and closing thanks to the smooth slip joint mechanism.
The sleek, minimalist design makes it an enchanting addition to your collection and the perfect EDC. Adding to its refined aesthetic, the handle is fitted with vintage “Butterscotch” Micarta scales, giving it a warm, classic appearance while ensuring a comfortable and durable grip.
The show-stopping bronze strike carbon fibre bolsters create a striking contrast people can’t help but admire. They don’t just offer visual appeal, though, they also provide structural reinforcement, making this knife as tough as it is stylish. Copper pivot collars further enhance its premium feel.
Whether for everyday carry or as part of a collection, this knife is a standout piece that perfectly balances practicality and artistry.
9. CRKT Squid Compact Heinnie Haynes® Edition
Heinnie Haynes has been producing its own versions of previously released designs in collaboration with some of the worlds best known manufacturers, such as Spyderco, CRKT and Real Steel. Always UK Friendly carry with a sub three inch, non-locking blade and a red handle, these knives have become a sort after element for any collection worth its salt. The CRKT Squid Compact is the latest example.
10. Rockstead HIGOIIX FCF ZDP (DMG) Folding Knife
The Rockstead HIGOIIX FCF ZDP features one of the hardest steels known to man.
Despite this, each blade is polished to a mirror finish by hand. It is a laborious yet almost zen-like process which results in an edge that will never need sharpening but, if it does, send it back to Rockstead and they will do it for you.
It is one of the few knife brands that will increase in value over time after purchase. A Rockstead knife is like a Rolex watch, its presence will elevate a collection to an entirely different level.
Understanding Knife Collecting
Collecting knives can be a very rewarding pastime that encompasses history, art, and daily practicality. It permits one to build a set of knives that truly reflects one's personality and interests.
Since the dawn of humankind, these tools have been involved in all aspects of civilisation, from survival to everyday activities.
Knives were first made of stone, bone, and flint. Once metallurgy was developed, bronze and iron knives became commonplace.
The Middle Ages saw the development of knives as eating utensils and survival tools. The advent of the Industrial Revolution saw machine-made knives, which increased in number.
Knives could be anything, ranging from simple tools to magnificent artworks. By collecting knives, you get a piece of ownership of all that history. Each blade is a tale of its time.
Factors to Consider When Collecting
When you start knife collecting, think about these key points:
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Purpose: Do you want working tools or display pieces?
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Material: Look at blade and handle material and overall build quality.
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Maker: Some collectors focus on specific brands or custom knifemakers.
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Age: Vintage knives can be valuable but need more care.
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Rarity: Limited editions or discontinued models may be worth more.
Your budget is also important. Knife prices can range from a few pounds to thousands. Start with a clear idea of what you can spend. This will help guide your choices.
Always research before buying. Learn about knife laws in your area. Some types may be restricted. Join online forums or local clubs to get advice from other collectors.
At Heinnie Haynes, we understand the importance of finding the right knife to add to your collection. We hope this curated list has given you some ideas and inspiration on what could be your next favourite knife. For more information, contact a member of the team on 033 0300 0400.
