Shop sharp in Calgary: Where to buy the right knife for you
The first cut is the deepest, as the song goes, unless your blade is too dull. Whether you’re in the kitchen or on a backwoods hike, the right knife can make a huge difference in the quality of your experience – and possibly your odds of survival. From elite Japanese steel to a humble multi-tool, these stores have the products and selection to help you slice your way through any situation.
House of Knives
F012-3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0E2From cutlery to outdoor and sport knives, this chain offers one of the broadest selections of knives in Calgary. It carries top brands like Henckel, Kussi and Swiss Diamond kitchen cutlery. For outdoor enthusiasts, find fixed and folding blades by Leatherman, Benchmade, Katz and Gerber. The selection is matched by the shop’s sharp customer service.
Cutting Edge Cutlery
1632 14 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1M7The name says cutlery, but this Saskatoon-based company sells more than just kitchen knives. Cutting Edge carries pocket knives, scissors and martial arts gear, and feature a wonderful blade display for the keen-eyed collector. If a particular brand in not in stock they can probably order it for you. Look for top brands like Swiss Army, Spyderco, Henckel, Buck and others. Also find accessories like sheaths and sharpeners, and ask about the shop’s sharpening service.
Canadian Tire
3516 - 8th Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2A 6K5The old ad line “More than just tires…” is true. Canada’s iconic automotive supply store also carries knives. With 35 brands in stock, like Buck, Lansky, Mastercraft, Matzuo and Smith & Wesson, the quantity and quality can’t be beat. Ranging from $10 to $120, there is something for every task and budget. Whether it’s a kitchen knife or an all-purpose camping blade, you can find it at any one of nine Calgary locations.
911 Supply & Adventure Gear Inc
A 4327 Manhattan Rd Se, Calgary, AB T2G 4B1This outfitter in southeast Calgary provides rugged clothing, equipment and specialized tools to police, security personnel and hobbyists. A great source of expertise when it comes to knives, 911 Supply carries high-end, specialty blades for the outdoor sportsperson. The shop’s quality selection includes brand names like 5.11, CKRT, KA-BAR, Kershaw, Zero tolerance and Benchmade. Models range from affordable stainless steel to titanium and carbon-fibre blades that top out at more than $300.
Knifewear
1316 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 0T3If you’re a fan of Japanese steel, Knifewear is the place to shop. Its exclusive line of ultra-sharp, high- performance blades is made to exacting standards for true knife lovers and professional chefs. The sales associates know the history and background of blades from top sellers, Masakage and Konosuke. Japanese knives are known for their exquisite handles, razor-like sharpness and smooth, precise cuts that will change the way that you cook.
Target Knives & Survival
112-5211 Macleod Trail Sw, Calgary, AB T2H 0J3In business over 40 years, Target Knives knows its stuff. The shop carries blades for every purpose, from culinary use to outdoor survival. You’ll find unique items like swords and movie-replica blades that appeal to collectors. Also find high-quality multi-tools by Gerber, Leatherman and SOG, and tactical blades by Spyderco, Benchmade and many more high-end brands.
Kitchen Boutique
212 1st St W, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A9This quaint, locally owned shop is a great place to find unique kitchen gadgets, gift ideas and cookware. It carries a variety of knives and knife accessories from chef’s knives to specialty cheese and utility blades. Pick up a single Japanese Santoku cook’s knife by Global or get an attractive block of knives designed by Wusthof-Trident. Home chefs will find a great selection of reliable, everyday blades at affordable prices.
Hendrix Restaurant Equipment & Supplies
457 42 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1Y3When looking for specialty items such as knives, you can’t go wrong shopping where the pros shop. Hendrix supplies the food service industry but also sells to the general public and carries brands like Mac, Henckels, Victorinox and Wusthof. Because the shop caters to professionals, it offers top-end products that include high-calibre chef’s knives but also less-expensive, quality knives suitable for household use.
Hudson's Bay
200 8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B5Canada’s iconic department store has a well-earned reputation for its excellent kitchen department. Fine chefs’ knives by Victorinox, Bob Kramer and Cuisinart range in price from $29 to $529, and you can outfit your kitchen with every kind of specialty blade from the broad selection available at any of the Bay’s five Calgary locations. Choose from boning, carving, paring and slicing knives.
