Target Knives & Survival

My day started out by calling around to about 5 big shops to find a multi tool I have been reading about for months now, and after getting a «no sorry I don’t have that» from all 5 I called this place up.
I didn’t know if I would have any luck since it’s a knife shop, but let me tell you this place is a Mecca for knife and out door tool people.
There is tons of stock, he had three of the tool I wanted! Very eclectic little shop, and the owner is very helpful and knowledgable. Canada needs more of these home grown mom and pop shops. And literally everything I browsed while there was well below any discounted prices I saw online. Even Amazon!
One word of warning, come here fully prepared to stay a good amount of time, because this place is loaded with great stuff.

Rowland has been running this knife store for 40 years. He knows his stuff and is always willing to sharpen a new or old blade. He has so much variety it makes you dizzy. I always find a new treasure when I go in to visit. A must-​see if you are into knives, hatchets, swords &/​or survival gear!

Great place to visit if you like the flavor. And it definitely has loads of flavor. Expect an opinion on everything, especially if you talk to the owner. Not the kind of service you might expect at a chain store, where all you get is «yes» to everything, but the advice you get here is obviously hardened by lots of experience.

Right away, I’d have to say it’s an odd little place, one of those combination businesses that doesn’t seem to have any sort of connection, like the Futon and Birkenstock place on 14^th St NW or the Greek Resto and Gas Station on 17 Ave SW. This is no difference, being a knife, survival equipment and furniture upholstering store.
When you walk in, you can tell this place has been around for quite awhile on Macleod. There’s a bit of a feeling of nostalgia around, as you see the faded knife promotion posters, the dark lighting, and tons of hints here and there that scream of the great outdoors. The cabinets of knives to the right, the shelves of survival and camping equipment, and to the far left, a couple of easy chairs and sofas? As I said, it’s an odd little place.
Still, they have a good selection of knives and swords, and the people there know a bit about the art of sharpening. Prices are about in line with other places I’ve gone to, and not unreasonable. I wouldn’t go here if you’re looking for exceptional knives, such as Japanese steel or the best of the German brands, like Knifeware in Kensington or some of the specialty cooking knife places. The brands here are primaryly for survival and day to day utility use.
I’ve had my swords sharpened there (yes, I have swords, I train in German sword combat) and never been disappointed. As for the other services, well, if I ever need my sofa redone, I guess I’ll find out.
#52 of Unilocal’s 30-​Day Review Challenge