Best national knives: 5 CIMO models to invest in

Amidst the many traditional markets around the world, Brazil stands out for developing a unique heritage in cutlery. This has made national knives much more than just tools; they are pieces that carry the best of artisanal craftsmanship — with a deep connection to local culture — alongside the main technological innovations in the production of top-tier models.

Considering such importance and weight, you are invited to the Mundo CIMO blog to learn more about what makes Brazilian knives so special. Discover why they are benchmarks in excellence, from the choice of the best steels to their designs, and at the end, get to know the 5 best high-end national knives for your collection or to complement your activities.

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What makes national knives different?

One of the main pillars of the success of national knives stems from the blend of tradition and modernity. Over time, Brazilian manufacturers have learned to combine classic forging methods, known for ensuring strength and longevity, with modern finishing techniques for the pieces.

Characteristic materials, such as Brazilian steel, are known for their quality and versatility, with 1070 carbon steel and 420 stainless steel being popular for offering wear resistance and ease of maintenance.

Furthermore, many knives are created with local materials for the handles, such as noble woods and guards in typically Brazilian colors and shapes, which provide an aesthetic touch while ensuring comfort and a firm grip.

National knives: synonymous with versatility

Whether you want a chef's knife, a BBQ knife, a hunting knife, or one for outdoor activities, there is always a Brazilian model that will meet your demand!

Versatility also stands out in the design, with improved ergonomics and control for each of the required functions. The handles, for example, are designed to fit comfortably in the hand, allowing for precise and safe cuts, while the various blades that can be produced allow you to cut, saw, and explore many other uses.

Support the Brazilian economy and culture with national knives

Buying national knives supports local work and strengthens the country's economy. Beyond that, Brazilian knives offer excellent value for money, considering there is no additional cost of import and other taxes, even on the highest-level models.

Another characteristic of the Brazilian market that rewards your preference for a Brazilian knife is the promotion of sustainable practices, as many manufacturers opt for recyclable or renewable materials to reduce the environmental impact of the production process.

Top 5 national knives

With all the concepts and benefits presented, nothing beats a top 5 from CIMO — a Brazilian brand with 60 years of history that has 100% of its production national — to complement your collections with the brand's most highly-rated models!

1. Cimo Ax Borba Carbon 5" Knife Black Wooden Handle With Sheath

We start the list with a model that combines the best features to be your best companion in both camping and bushcraft contexts.

This model is made of SAE 1075 carbon steel and receives a high-resistance black textured paint against corrosion. On the full tang blade — solid, made without repairs — with a Drop point profile and hollow grind sharpening, we added serrations to improve grip on the handles.

Complementing this, we highlight the Jatobá wooden handle, ensuring an elevated aesthetic and great durability. And there's also a glass breaker at the end of the handle to assist you in emergencies.

2. Cimo Braba I Stainless Steel Wooden Handle Knife With Sheath

In this great CIMO success, the idea was to leverage the concepts and functionalities of traditional "boiadeiras" knives — also called hide-stripping knives because they resemble the models used by cattlemen and cowboys in livestock raising and handling.

The Braba knife's more compact shape is complemented by a resistant and extremely efficient blade, combining the strength and precision needed for these contexts, and it is also accompanied by a genuine leather sheath that ensures its durability for even longer.

3. Cimo Cannes Chef 8" Stainless Steel Wooden Handle Knife

Moving on to culinary knives, the Cimo Cannes knife is ideal for those looking for a simple but extremely functional kitchen knife with the ultra-cut system.

The Jatobá wooden handle of this model is fixed by aluminum rivets, and the certified 420C stainless steel blade guarantees not only good edge retention but also a hollow grind and 2 mm steel thickness, in addition to oxidation resistance.

4. Cimo Oiti Santoku 8” Stainless Steel Wooden Handle Knife

Still in the realm of the kitchen, CIMO pays homage to Eastern cutlery and gastronomy with the Santoku knife and its characteristic sharp angles, ideal for delicate and extremely precise cuts. Thus, it can be used both in a BBQ context, especially for efficient meat cleaning, and in traditional cooking, handling delicate fish and vegetable fibers very well.

5. Costello Stainless Steel Wooden Handle Cleaver With Sheath

Closing CIMO's top 5 national knives, the Costello cleaver appears as an ideal alternative for firm, stable, and powerful cuts, capable of breaking even bones to portion proteins as desired.

The AISI 420 stainless steel combines characteristics of resistance and lightness in handling to offer you all the efficiency needed in these more demanding processes, while the hollow grind sharpening still allows precise cuts even on smaller items, making the Costello a complete knife!

Now that you know everything about national knives and have learned about the top 5 options that carry the CIMO signature! We invite you to explore our knife section further to see even more alternatives waiting for you on the website.

Until the next post!