Spyderco First, Aitor Second.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

You are all free to your own opinions on this but I am convinced that while Spyderco is the number one best knife making company in the world, with the best selections and best quality knives, I am convinced that Aitor of Spain is the second best in the world, and the number one best in Europe, after Spyderco.

Aitor uses cutting-edge technology and steel and has great quality-control. The made in Spain Aitor knives are what I mean.

Those Spaniards never cease to amaze me. I heard and read that Spain makes some of if not the best ham and cheese in the world along with Italy.

GRACIAS! :)

[awa54]

I'm in 100% agreement! ...on the ham and cheese some really fantastic wines too!

Seriously though, the last time I looked at Aitor was in the CAS Iberia catalog that a friend had (he had a side business selling swords as stage props), that was 15 years ago and back then nothing struck me as being particularly above average, though they did look to be solid efforts as far as both details and execution.

[ThePeacent]

well, I won't argue on the ham and cheese :p

and even though I think Aitor is the most popular and classic Cutlery company from the 70, 80s and 90s in Spain and a good quality manufacturer, I am also sure they're far from the "latest and greatest" in manufacturing methods, materials, steels and technologies :o compared to many US an European brands today (FOX, Extrema Ratio, Maserin, Lionsteel, Manly, Viper, and others in the EU use much more up to date stuff)

And Aitor is lacking and stagnant, especially since 2003 when the owners sold the brand to China, outsourced production, reduced quality, changed factories and materials providers...
They've definitely lost their fame and damaged their image and reputation in the last 15 years :spyder:

[Mom3ntuM]

I had never heard of aitor and decided to check them out. looks like 50% or more is hollowhandled ramboknives, is that really a thing anymore. Fishingline and matchsticks in the handle? . I didnt find one that i personally would want to buy, but i'm weird and anti tactical. For People that like that kind of knives they are probably Great :)
I do love manchego, jamon and churros,i like my wine Italian (amarone), but if its hot i dont mind a bottle of cava :)
Lionsteel is more my cup of tea, so Italian knives and wine it is...

[awa54]

...nothing else is Amarone! Although the better ripasso Valpolicella Classicos are quite good as well.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

well, I won't argue on the ham and cheese :p

and even though I think Aitor is the most popular and classic Cutlery company from the 70, 80s and 90s in Spain and a good quality manufacturer, I am also sure they're far from the "latest and greatest" in manufacturing methods, materials, steels and technologies :o compared to many US an European brands today (FOX, Extrema Ratio, Maserin, Lionsteel, Manly, Viper, and others in the EU use much more up to date stuff)

And Aitor is lacking and stagnant, especially since 2003 when the owners sold the brand to China, outsourced production, reduced quality, changed factories and materials providers...
They've definitely lost their fame and damaged their image and reputation in the last 15 years :spyder:

But wait, while I know some of the newer models are made in China, the military models such as the Montanero and Gran Campero and numerous others are made in Spain, right?

[ThePeacent]

But wait, while I know some of the newer models are made in China, the military models such as the Montanero and Gran Campero and numerous others are made in Spain, right?

AFAIK they are still made here, yes :o

[SpyderEdgeForever]

But wait, while I know some of the newer models are made in China, the military models such as the Montanero and Gran Campero and numerous others are made in Spain, right?

AFAIK they are still made here, yes :o

This is very promising and good to know.

And here is the official website>

http://www.aitorknives.es/

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Peacent and anyone else interested: Click on the icon to the left for catalog and scroll down. Those are some cool knives. Check out their boot knife series, and that one called the Aitor Warrior. I like that saw back and clip point blade. Do those look hollow or saber or flat ground to you? How would you describe the grinds?

[TomAiello]

But wait, while I know some of the newer models are made in China, the military models such as the Montanero and Gran Campero and numerous others are made in Spain, right?

AFAIK they are still made here, yes :o

What spanish made knives would you recommend?

And while I have your attention, what's the knife carry law in Barcelona? I'm headed there with my family in two weeks, and want to behave appropriately.

[ThePeacent]

Peacent and anyone else interested: Click on the icon to the left for catalog and scroll down. Those are some cool knives. Check out their boot knife series, and that one called the Aitor Warrior. I like that saw back and clip point blade. Do those look hollow or saber or flat ground to you? How would you describe the grinds?

I think they are mostly hollow ground and saber ground
a few years ago I had the one below it, the Botero (Spanish for Boot knife), one of their most iconic blades :o

What spanish made knives would you recommend?

And while I have your attention, what's the knife carry law in Barcelona? I'm headed there with my family in two weeks, and want to behave appropriately.

Hi Tom
Firstly, on the law, it's quite complicated (long post):

► Show Spoiler

Briefly: As in many EU countries, there is a written law but the final word is on the Agent or LEO that arrests, searches or questions you. :o
A SAK on a football game, a music concert or a bar after a few drink will get you in deep trouble, as will an Opinel or any blade. The Agents won't see it with good eyes. :eek:

A folding knife on a camping hike, the mountains or a fixed blade in our rural Outdoors will get a pass almost every time, as will a SAK or Opinel used to peel an apple or cut a sandwich if you have a backpack or look like you're on your way as a hiker, tourist, etc.
For the most part, in cities, populated areas and among people, limit yourself to a small SAK or such at most. Preferably don't ever show or use your blade(s) in public

In detail:
Strictly speaking, the law limits folding knives to 10cm of blade length from end of scales to tip`(slightly under 4 inches). Fixed blades are limited to 12cm of blade length (4.75 inches), and only to be carried for work reason (farmer, hunter, etc.) or for instance on the outdoors, fishing, camping or working outside. All double edged blades (folder or fixed) under 10cm are totally forbidden (daggers, puñales, dirks, boot knives...), over that length (pig stickers, hunting double edged blades...) are allowed on the appropriate context. :o
All sheath knives are out of place on a city or crowded, densely populated area or village.

Automatics are totally forbidden to carry, own, buy, sell, trade, transport, possess, etc. Balisongs and assisted openers are not specifically listed on the law but are a grey area, more bad than good in the eyes of the law.
Conventional manual opening knives that lock (flippers, thumb studs) are only to be carried with a lawful, justifiable reason (self defense is not) and limited to 10cm blade length. Non locking blades (OHO openers or two handed) still abide by the 10cm rule, but are not as resstricted or badly looked upon.
None can be carried at sporting events, crowded public areas, metro, bus, museums, monuments, etc. :mad:

Finally, some specific areas (museums, government buildings and courthouses as well as some landmarks and monuments like Sagrada Familia) have metal detector arcs and will not allow any blade or sharp implement inside, not even scissors or nail clippers, you'll have to leave them outside to enter.
For more on that, PM me for details :spyder:

Secondly, regarding good Spanish blades,
the factory options nowadays are 20 years back in materials and technology, but our Muela fixed blades, Aitor heath knives and some of the Nieto and Cudeman options are solid pieces, Muela being more on the light use , sexy looks side (brass bolsters, wood handles, pinned tangs, etc.), hunting, fishing and kitchen use and the Cudeman/Nieto/Joker ones being solid performers for the outdoors, camping, hiking, woodwork, etc.

they also have folders, Muela has classic looking navajas and two handed folding knives with wood material, classy looks, that are quite overpriced for the materials but you won't find anything like them (they are modern versions of the original Spanish navaja knives) :rolleyes:
Aitor has their ATK (Aitor Tactical Knives) of rebranded Chinese made G10, cheap steel folders and flippers that can't compare to Kershaw, Real Steel, Kizer Tangram, Ontario RATs etc. for the price

[TomAiello]

Hi Tom
Firstly, on the law, it's quite complicated (long post):

Thank you! Much appreciated.