Knives & multitools

Knives and multitools: how to choose steel and blade, and buy at a good price

Updated 21 October 2026

What you need the knife for

An everyday-carry (EDC) knife, a camping knife, a hunting knife and a gift knife are chosen differently. A folding knife is more compact and easier in a pocket than a fixed blade, but a fixed blade is stronger and simpler to look after. A multitool replaces a set of tools: pliers, scissors, screwdriver, saw. First decide the job, and only then look at the brand and price.

Steel and blade

The steel decides how long the edge lasts, how rust-resistant the knife is and how hard it is to sharpen. Well-known ones include D2, N690, S30V and 440C. Harder steel is usually more expensive and harder to sharpen. Blade length affects comfort and whether you can carry the knife around: for daily carry 7–9 cm is more common. Check the rules for carrying knives in different places separately.

Lock, handle, sheath

On a folding knife the lock must hold the blade without play: common types are the liner lock and the frame lock. The handle material (G10, micarta, aluminium, wood) affects grip and weight. A sheath is especially important for fixed knives: ask about the material and how it attaches. If it is a gift, you can agree on a box and a personal engraving.

What to put in your request

• what exactly — folding, fixed, hunting, machete, multitool;
• steel — D2, N690, S30V or “your choice”;
• specifications — blade length, lock, clip, handle material, multitool functions;
• purpose — EDC, camping, hunting, gift;
• brand and model, for example Leatherman Wave+;
• sheath and engraving;
• condition, budget, delivery city.

Example: “I need a new folding knife for camping in D2 steel, blade about 9 cm, with a clip and a sheath. Engraving as a gift would be good. Courier delivery to Christchurch, budget up to NZ$120.”

How to compare offers

On BlaBlaPrice you write one request and sellers reply in the chat with prices, availability and delivery time. The platform shows first the offer that is best value in substance, and reviews are visible next to the seller. Sellers can see where they stand among the others and can improve their terms. Your phone number stays hidden.

There are many fakes of famous knife brands, so ask for photos of the markings and the packaging and check that it is original. Compare by steel, blade length, lock and package. For a used knife, ask about play in the blade, the state of the edge and whether there are chips on it. In related sections see hunting and fishing and camping and hiking. For care you will need a sharpening stone or a sharpening system, and for a multitool some oil for the joints: ask whether the seller adds any of these. The way the service works is on the “How it works” page.