A knife makes a lasting, personal Christmas gift, as long as you start from the recipient's habits: a pocket knife for nature lovers, a Laguiole or a set of table knives for the gourmet, a kitchen knife for someone who cooks every day. Here are our ideas sorted by budget, under CHF 50, CHF 50 to 150 and over CHF 150, all available in our Geneva shop and online, with the option of adding engraving.
How to choose a knife as a gift
Three questions are enough to get it right:
- What will it be used for? Hiking, picnics, the table, the kitchen or a collection.
- How will it be carried? In a pocket, on a key ring, in a bag, or not at all if it stays in the kitchen.
- What upkeep will the person accept? Stainless steel needs little care; carbon steel cuts very well but must be dried and oiled.
A knife is a gift for an adult: sales are restricted to customers aged 18 and over.
Under CHF 50: the safe bets
The Opinel, an affordable classic
Beech handle, safety ring, carbon or stainless blade: the Opinel n°8 carbon is the picnic knife par excellence. For a more graphic gift, the Opinel n°8 Cosmos edition, illustrated by Benjamin Jeanjean, stands out from the ordinary.
The Swiss Army knife, always useful
The Victorinox Spartan brings together the essentials in 91 mm: two blades, corkscrew, can opener and screwdriver. For anyone who dislikes bulky objects, the Swisscard Classic slips into a wallet.
A little extra for an enthusiast
A pocket sharpener such as the Lansky Blade Medic delights anyone who already owns fine knives.
CHF 50 to 150: the gift that makes an impression
An Aubrac Laguiole
Made in Laguiole, the Laguiole en Aubrac 12 cm in olive wood is a pocket knife that gets handed down. For cheese lovers, the Laguiole olive wood cheese knife naturally finds its place on the festive table.
A wooden Swiss Army knife
The Victorinox Evowood 14, with a walnut handle, offers a warmer take on the Swiss Army knife.
For the wine lover
The olive wood Victorinox Winemaster combines a blade and a sommelier's corkscrew in a single object.
Over CHF 150: exceptional pieces
The Laguiole with corkscrew
The Laguiole en Aubrac with corkscrew and vine root handle is an elegant nod to a wine lover.
The Damascus kitchen knife
For anyone who cooks every day, a chef's knife is a tool used for years. The Kasumi Damascus chef's knife combines a Damascus steel blade with everyday use.
The multi-tool
For the DIY enthusiast or demanding hiker, the Victorinox Swisstool Spirit brings pliers and tools together in a compact format.
The table set
A box of table knives, such as these six Laguiole Village juniper wood knives, is a gift that accompanies every family meal.
More ideas await in our Tableware and gifts collection.
Personalising your gift: engraving
A first name, initials or a date turn a knife into a keepsake. We offer engraving of a name or first name (CHF 15 per piece) and engraving of a name with a date (CHF 25 per piece), in plain letters, double letters or linked English script. Simply add the engraving to your order and send us the text via the contact page. Not every surface lends itself to engraving: if in doubt, ask us for advice. Before the festive season, remember to order early so there is time for the personalisation.
Presentation
A knife lends itself well to attractive presentation. For gift wrapping, ask the shop when you buy. According to a popular tradition, the person who receives a knife gives a coin in return, so as "not to cut the friendship": a lovely gesture to slip into the parcel.
Frequently asked questions
Which knife should I give to someone who has everything?
Go for personalisation (engraving) or a table item, such as a cheese knife or a set of knives, which people rarely own twice.
Can a knife bought online be engraved?
Yes. Add the engraving service to your order and send us the text you want via the contact page, stating the lettering style.
Should I choose stainless or carbon steel for a gift?
Stainless suits most people, as it needs little upkeep. Carbon will please an enthusiast who is ready to dry and oil the blade after use.
Can a knife received as a gift be exchanged?
Returns are free within 7 days of receipt for online orders.
What budget should I allow for a gift knife?
Between CHF 50 and 150 you already get knives from recognised makers, such as an Aubrac Laguiole or a wooden Swiss Army knife.
Knives are sold only to customers aged 18 and over. Carrying a knife is regulated by law: find out about the legislation in force wherever you take it.