From tactical pocket and folding knives to culinary knives and multi-tools, there is no shortage of outstanding American-made knives. We would know, we're located in the heart of the nation's capital, after all. Here are ten of the best (in no particular order) that you should consider for your next purchase.

Murray Carter Master Smith Gyuto Chef Knife #523

This 10-inch chef knife is made in Eugene, Oregon by master smith Murray Carter. Murray Carter is an ABS master bladesmith and the 17th generation Yoshimoto bladesmith. His knifes are forged with strict adherence to Japanese blacksmithing techniques, allowing him to manipulate steel to its highest potential. This knife features a traditional Japanese blade shape and an American walnut handle that's contoured for comfort. The stainless steel blade is hand-forged from reclaimed VG10 steel and has the perfect balance between strength and flexibility.

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Carter Cutlery International Pro Ebony

One might call this the Maybach of chef knives. From Murray Carter's custom shop in Eugene, Oregon, comes this 13-inch pro chef's knife with a full tang riveted ebony handle with natural Micarta liners and a nickel bolster. The blade is made from a Hitatchi Blue Super Steel (Aogami Supa) core, laminated with stainless. This knife is polished to a mirror finish and razor sharp. The full tang handle provides incredible balance, offering unmatched control and reliability with every cut.

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Alex Horn CruForgeV Gyuto Chef Knife - Micarta 9.1"

Alex Horn recently opened his own factory after years of apprenticeship under Murray Carter. His practice paid off when he won the 2019 season of Forged in Fire. His blades are thin and fast and his handles are beautiful and comfortable. This 9.1-inch chef knife is made from Crucible Steel, which is a high carbon stainless steel blend that's known for its superior edge retention. The handle is made of black Micarta and features a unique contour that makes it comfortable and ergonomic.

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Jamison Chopp Knives Chef Knife 215mm Koa

If you’re looking for something truly special, check out this 8.5-inch chef knife from Jamison Chopp Knives. Another apprentice of Murray Carter at Carter Cutlery, Jamison Chopp established his own factory in Oregon in 2020. This chef knife is made from 52100 steel and features a hand hammered finish for unparalleled toughness and durability. The handle is crafted with highly figured Koa wood that's been sanded to a smooth finish for maximum comfort when in use.

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Benchmade North Fork Folding Knife

Another Oregon-made knife, this 3.4-inch folding knife is designed with CPM S30V stainless steel. The North Fork is a slim, lightweight knife that features a drop-point blade shape for excellent slicing and piercing performance. It has an ambidextrous thumbstuds for easy opening and closing, as well as a reversible pocket clip for convenient carry.

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PRO-TECH Malibu Textured Bronze Aluminum

The PRO-TECH Malibu is a 3.35-inch manual folding knife that comes in a distinctive bronze aluminum handle with a textured finish for improved grip and control. The CPM-S30V blade has an upswept design for superior slicing performance. It also features a thumb stud opener that allows you to open the knife with one hand and close it with the other.

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PRO-TECH Malibu Black DLC Wharncliffe Flipper

Sharp doesn't even begin to describe the look (and edge) of this knife. The PRO-TECH Malibu Black DLC Wharncliffe Flipper is a 3.7-inch folding knife with an elegant, sleek design that will turn heads. It features the trusted CPM-S30V blade steel and a black DLC finish for superior corrosion resistance and durability. It also has a reversible pocket clip for easy carrying and a flipper opener for quick deployment.

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District Cutlery Chef Knife - AEBL & Ironwood

One of our own, this 8-inch chef knife is made in D.C. by our knifemaker Ryan Swanson with locally sourced AEBL and Ironwood. The blade is heat treated to create a strong, long lasting edge that can handle any culinary task. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and control while cutting, slicing, and dicing your favorite foods.

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Town Cutler eXo Blue Chef Knife 8.5"

Made in Reno, Nevada, this 8.5-inch chef knife is designed by master bladesmiths Dustin and Brian Brondello of Town Cutler. It features a core of CPM 154 steel for superior wear resistance, strength, and edge holding. The handle is made from G-10 composite with blue linen micarta; it's contoured for comfort and ergonomics while cutting.

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Jovian Forge DC Nakiri - W2 in Sapele

Located in Virgina, Jovian Forge blacksmith Andrew Flores was a local DC chef and started making knives in 2020. His knives are a combination of modern manufacturing processes and traditional blacksmithing techniques. This 6-inch Nakiri is made from W2 steel which offers superior performance when it comes to edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The handle is crafted with Sapele wood for supreme comfort and control while cutting.

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These are but a few of the high-quality, American-made knives that are available from District Cutlery. Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry knife, the perfect kitchen knife, or something more tactical, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our selection. And with Independence Day just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by picking up one of these amazing knives for yourself? Shop District Cutlery today and show your pride in American craftsmanship!