Mike Mann Idaho Knife Works, a Price Guide

Mike Mann made his first knife in 1965 during a high school shop class in Illinois, where he grew up hunting and fishing with his brothers on the family farm, homesteaded in 1869. What began as a hobby soon became a lifelong passion. In 1989, Mike and his wife Debbie founded Idaho Knife Works at their mountain home in North Idaho, where they began crafting beautiful handmade knives meant to become future family heirlooms.

Over the years, Mike Mann became a familiar face at gun shows, knife expos, craft fairs, mountain man rendezvous, cowboy shoots, and other outdoor recreation events. Through these venues—and later through the internet—Mike and Debbie built relationships with customers and collectors, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Mike’s work has been widely recognized in publications such as Blade Magazine, Knives Illustrated, Guns of the Old West, Tactical Knives (by Steven Dick), The Backwoodsman (by Dan Shechtman), Knife World (by Steve Garger), and Muzzle Blast Magazine, as well as several books by outdoor writer Cliff Jacobson. In fact, Mike collaborated with Jacobson in 1997 to design The Cliff Knife, which later evolved into other models like the Cliff Canoe Knife, Cliff Hunter Knife, Lady Cliff, and Baby Cliff.

In 2014, Mann's work made its way to the big screen. He crafted three Hudson Bay knives, a San Francisco Bowie, and a Nessmuk knife for the Oscar-winning film The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, which was released in early 2015.

Mike Mann’s lineup originally focused on modern hunting knives, including gut hook designs, but over time he expanded into axes, fishing and kitchen knives made from sawmill bandsaw steel, and a series of practical and historical reproductions. His catalog includes names like the Hunter Companion, Buck Skinner, Woodsman Knife, Large Survival Knife, and LFK (Light Field Knife). His reproduction work includes Mountain Man and Cowboy-era knives, such as a Bowie he called Doc Togden.

Mike has completed countless custom orders alongside his standard line, and his work is sought after by collectors who appreciate both function and traditional American craftsmanship.

Current Price Guide for Mike Mann / Idaho Knife Works Knives

Hudson Bay Camp Knife
7" forged 5160 carbon steel blade, full tang with walnut handle.
Featured in The Revenant.
Price: $495


Buffalo Hunter
Classic design, ideal for hunting applications.
Price: $275–$295

Cliff Canoe Knife
Developed in collaboration with Cliff Jacobson.
Price: $125–$195

Nessmuk Knife
Inspired by George Washington Sears' design.
Price: $165


French Folder
Elegant design, suitable for everyday carry.
Price: $470

Cowboy Pocket Folder
Satin-finished drop point blade with Mammoth Fossil covers.
Price: $680


Old San Francisco Bowie
6" forged 5160 carbon steel blade with elk antler handle.
Price: $400–$500

Light Field Knife (L.F.K.)
Compact and versatile for outdoor tasks.
Price: $125

Custom Hatchet
Hand-forged, ideal for camping and bushcraft.
Price: $445


Gentleman's Dress Bowie
5" blade with antler or wood handle.
Price: $400

What Makes Them Valuable?

The value of a Mike Mann knife depends heavily on rarity, condition, model, and provenance. Pieces linked to the early days of Idaho Knife Works or collaborative models like The Cliff Knife typically command higher prices. Custom knives with documentation or signed blades often bring a premium, and knives confirmed to have been used in film or media (like those made for The Revenant) are especially desirable. As with all collectibles, pristine condition, original sheaths, and provenance add substantial value.

Whether you're a collector of traditional outdoor knives or a fan of American-made craftsmanship, Mike Mann’s work is increasingly respected among knife enthusiasts—and prices are climbing accordingly.