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Fox Knives
Published: April 7th, 2025
Founded in 1977 by Oreste Frati in Maniago, Italy, Fox Knives has built a reputation as one of the premier knife manufacturers in the world. The company’s name, an acronym for "Frati Oreste eXport," reflects its global ambitions from the outset. With a commitment to blending traditional Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, Fox Knives has grown into a respected name among knife enthusiasts, military personnel, and outdoor professionals.
From the beginning, Fox Knives focused on producing high-quality cutting tools for military, law enforcement, and outdoor use. The company established itself by manufacturing knives that combined traditional Maniago knife-making techniques with modern materials and manufacturing processes. This balance between heritage and technology quickly gained Fox Knives recognition in both the European and international markets.
By the 1990s, Fox Knives had already established a strong presence in the global knife industry. The company continued to innovate, incorporating advanced materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and high-performance steels. They expanded their catalog to include tactical knives, survival tools, and elegant gentleman’s folders.
One of Fox Knives' biggest breakthroughs was the development of knives tailored for military and law enforcement applications. The company created FKMD (Fox Knives Military Division) to focus specifically on producing high-performance tactical knives for military, police, and special operations units. FKMD knives are designed with input from professionals and feature top-tier materials like Bohler M390 and N690Co steel. Additionally, Fox Group owns Defcon 5, a brand dedicated to tactical and military gear, further strengthening its presence in the defense sector.
- Fox Knives was founded in 1977 by Oreste Frati
- Fox Knives was established in Maniago, Italy
- Fox Knives Military Division (pictured above) primarily focuses on knives tailored for military and law enforcement
- Fox Group is the parent company to Defcon 5
A key aspect of Fox Knives’ success has been its collaborations with renowned designers and military professionals. Working with knife makers such as Jesper Voxnaes, Bob Terzuola, and Boris Manasherov has allowed Fox Knives to introduce groundbreaking designs that appeal to collectors and professionals alike.
- Fox Knives has been an integral part of the Maniago Knife Makers (MKM)
Fox Knives also has a strong presence in the kitchen cutlery segment, with its Coquus series receiving international design awards for its high-end approach to kitchen knives. This expansion into different knife markets further cements its reputation as a versatile and innovative brand.
Today, Fox Knives remains a leading force in the knife industry, continuously innovating with new materials, mechanisms, and designs. The company’s ability to fuse Italian heritage with modern advancements ensures that its knives are as relevant now as they were at their inception.
With ongoing collaborations and an ever-expanding product lineup, Fox Knives shows no signs of slowing down. Whether crafting elegant gentleman’s folders, rugged tactical blades, or award-winning kitchen knives, the company continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in Italian cutlery.
What to Buy
The Fox Knives Yaru is a sleek, high-performance folder designed by Jesper Voxnaes. It features a 2.76" Vanax steel reverse tanto blade with a black-coated finish. This manual knife offers smooth deployment with a blade flipper and thumb hole. The SMKW-exclusive White Storm FatCarbon front handle pairs with a black titanium rear handle for a striking contrast. A titanium pocket clip with a ceramic glider ball and a black anodized titanium backspacer with a lanyard slot adds to its premium feel. Handmade in Maniago, Italy, it measures 3.93" closed and weighs 3.35oz.
The Fox Knives Suru is a compact, high-end folder designed by Jesper Voxnaes. It features a 2.36" Vanax steel drop point blade with a black-coated finish for durability and corrosion resistance. This manual knife deploys smoothly with a blade flipper and thumb hole. The SMKW-exclusive Toxic Storm FatCarbon front handle contrasts with a black titanium rear handle. A titanium pocket clip with a ceramic glider ball and a yellow anodized titanium backspacer with a lanyard slot enhance its premium feel. Handmade in Maniago, Italy, it measures 3.47" closed and weighs just 2.05oz.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.