If you already own a knife that will last a lifetime, the answer is not to stop buying knives. The answer is to buy more lifetime knives so you can live forever! ;)
That and my swiss army knife i received 38y ago from my mom I actually lost my buck knife the first summer in the woods and found it again the next year.
sheesh, thats awesome. Just got my first buck. its the 110 slim, pairing it with my sebenza as my beater knife. love how it feels so far tho and honestly performs better than my sebenza. Doesnt feel as premium but cannot deny the performance of the blade geometry and the comfortable handle
I was a Boatswain’s Mate in the Navy in the 80s. My 112 and my marlinspike hung off my belt at all times. Butterfingers me kept losing them over the side. But I kept buying them. Went through at least five of them. I still have one today, though. Always been a great knife.
you’re lucky because you got one of the bucks when they used 440c before they switched to 425m and now 420hc which are major downgrades imo, 420hc is stupidly tough (like the same toughness as 3v) and stainless but it’s edge retention is very lacking imo. 440c has much better edge retention
Just had the best video idea! “Safe queens” and their hard use counterparts. So you’d start with some beautiful, machine ground, damasteel knife that costs more than a truck and then pair it either with a like folding or fixed blade that either has similar shape characteristics or has a same sort of feel but is geared toward hard use. This is brilliant
As I mentioned recently the Buck 110 was my first "real knife", a gift from my late husband. It makes me so happy his thoughtful gift made your list! We once met Chuck Buck and had a delightful and very memorable experience with that generous now departed man. A story for another post. As always David thanks for this wonderful video. I think that RMJ Sparrow will be flying home to roost with me soon.
That’s awesome Nancy,the Buck 110 is a fine knife and an excellent gift.the Buck 110 was my first real knife as well,my dad gave it to me when I was a kid..regretfully,I was an irresponsible kid and I lost that Buck 110 long ago.I replaced it years ago and I still love the knife as much as I ever did though it definitely doesn’t have the same sentimental value as the one I got from my dad..I am glad to say that I still have the old 1963 model Puma Skinner my dad gave me though
If they were smart about marketing theyd have him come out with a fresh new t shirt every single episode like hes micheal jordan🤣 lets be honest hes the face of the company atleast here on youtube
Very nice selection. Like so many have mentioned, I've had my Buck 110 for 49 years now and still going strong. Buck seemed to have great marketing back in that day as well as positive word of mouth reviews.
For me, The Buck 110 or 112 is perfect for edc. Great warranty, made in America, and if I lose it I can get over losing a $50 knife a whole lot easier than if I lost a much pricier one.
It's the only one, I would pick out of this list, regardless of the price. It has a timeless design, never looking like a new fancy toy, never looking antiquated. Just a good old knife, like a good old friend. Trusted and proven. I don't like all the fancy named plastics, whether as a sheeth, nor a grip.
Back in the late 1970s, I was in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Maine, and number of the guys carried a Buck 110 - in the leather belt holster, of course. I would say that the ZT 0300//0350 would fit in the forever category.
back when they used 440c and their knives actually had decent edge retention without spending $100+ on one lol… now the options are 420hc for the base model or you pay $100-$150 depending on model and get s30v, or you can spend a ridiculous amount on one of the special editions and get s45vn
given the omega springs broken twice on my BM943, I definitely don't consider it can last me a life time. Albeit, it has one of the most beautiful form factor out of my collection
My wife’s grandpa bought a buck 110 70 years ago. He showed me it and it was basically a little scalpel nub blade with how many times it was sharpened. It was his deer hunting knife
Not to take anything away from the other knives, which may be able to say the same in the future, but there are a lot of Buck 110s that have been around longer than many knife companies. All these knives will become family heirlooms... if you part with it upon your demise.
Good point about the 'heirlooms'. But last year finally lost my ancient Buck 110 overboard, that was always just a little too big for my pocket anyway. So replaced it with a smaller and more 'disposable' all-stainless MTech pocket flipper offa Amazon, for a whopping 10 bucks (including shipping!). It's basically just a better designed and 'improved' knockoff of the Kershaw Shuffle, but also a surprisingly good cutter with snappy action, and in 440 steel that doesn't take hours to re-sharpen... and it even includes a built-in, and very sturdy bottle opener (for the occasional Corona)! But mostly it just does the job, feels good in the hand, and no Big Deal even if this one ends up going 'overboard'.
I have ESEE, Ka-Bar, and Lion Steel fixed blades. I know my grandkids will be using these. Of course I have my granddad's Marbles Gladstone and Case M3. Though these are not "daily drivers." My ESEE-5 is my go-to campsite knife.
In the fixed blades, you should give the Buck 119 an honorable mention. Aside from their lifetime warranty, I know of quite a few of them which have been used for hunting & EDC for over 30 years. Yep, they last and last and last.
Yes! Would love a flashlight/headlamp video or two. Exclusives or not. Also swords/machetes and ax/Hatchet videos. I know they talk about axe's and hatchets here and there but dedicated videos would be awesome. Poor DCA is gonna need a co-host so he doesn't get worked to death. I volunteer! Will work for knives.
The Sebenza 21 is beautiful David. Love the way they wear over time. First Sebenza I held was a well loved regular owned by a family friend. I think the bead blasted finish looks best after some scratches and wear.
@@nuteronix5799 indeed, mine all get used, I never feel bad using them, it’s clear that’s what they were built for. I like the newer hinderers but my sebenzas are my favorite harder use folder.
I am a Lion Steel guy. Have a dozen of their folders. Dollar for dollar, the best production knives on the market. Beautiful Italian aesthetics, too. Also make superb fixed blades…..
David, I enjoy your videos. You combine personal knowledge with a gift of a natural teaching skill. I always learn something from you, even with knives I am very familiar with. Thank you.
@@Xander_Park you think so? Having owned both for some time, I'd trust my life to the Buck over the RAT. Not by much of a discernable margin, but there is something a little more reassuring carrying the Buck over the OKC.
Probably the other thing that will determine how long a knife lasts is how well someone knows how to sharpen there knives. Minimal material removal is key.
Totally agree. The more experience you have on sharpening, the less material you remove. Also Sharpening is 70% experience and 30% knowledge, however, you never stop to learn something new, which means that you will still get better on sharpening knives, no matter how many years you do it. For example, not many people know how to strop properly,neither that you can strop on newspaper, to finish an edge, to a scary sharp edge.
I think it's fairly simple: A) phosphor bronze washers (no multiples, nylon/Teflon or ball bearing) - better yet a fixed blade. Less or no moving parts the better. B) Decent steel, at least VG-10/154CM or equivalent. particle metallurgy a plus. I like S30V or S35VN. A nice carbon steel would also work. C) Chemical, water, and impact-resistant handle materials like G-10, Aluminum, Titanium or Stainless steels. D) Versatile blade and handle design. No hot spots or minimized. E) Simple, robust lock design. Good backlocks, framelocks/linerlocks over the more complex cross-bar locks. The Spyderco compression lock probably fits the criteria.
Good list but I would also add another qualification which is a more robust blade design. Not saying its for prying but sometimes you drop your knife on concrete. Its life, it always happens. If I drop my PM2 and it happens to open up on the tip, itll break clean off. wheras a sebenza tanto, or a clip point buck will likely hold up a lot better from accidents.
I like most of the USA made Kershaw knives..the Bareknuckle,Link,Leek,Dividend,Knockout and Launch series are all great knives..plus you can get all these knives in premium blade steels from $80-$120.Kershaw knives are what I started my collection with because they made it possible for me to try out S30V,M390,20CV,S35VN and CPM-154 for a fraction of the price of what most other companies were charging for knives in these steels
It's not been a lifetime yet, but my standard USMC Ka-bar has lasted over 20 years of use including hunting, camping, and three deployments. I also thought a Randall would have made it on the list too--though not budget friendly at all.
My grandfather has been carrying various Schrade knives for over 30 years and theyre all still holding up great, sadly you cant get them made in the usa anymore. Luckily I grew up near a town where Schrade knives used to be made in New York at a small factory. Those knives that were made here were indestructible and always made with pride by hand. It's sad to see what Schrade has become but atleast I got to experience a cool part of knife history.
Hello DCA, my all time favorite EDC is the Ontario Rat 1. Is there something very similar to the Rat 1 with combo blade in the higher end category? ( $100-$175 range?) I prefer thumb studs, no autos or assisted knives and I'm not a fan of spyderco. Thanks!
I would love to see OKC release premium versions of the RAT 1 and RAT 2..if they made a RAT 1 with marbled carbon fiber or titanium scales and M390 blade steel,it would be a must have
Lifetime knives are built like tanks, My Sebenzas and himderers are so well built. Custom Pena and Chavez knives are great and zero tolerance knives can literally be run over by tanks (the full size ones are more tank like) but all are hard to beat for the price and materials used.
One inherent problem with a folding knife is getting nasty stuff in the mechanism. The Sebenza and all CRK folders are easy to disassemble and clean. That feature is under appreciated.
Great list the Buck 110 was my first EDC years before anybody even said EDC, and now I carry a Hinderer XM18 or Eklipse almost every day. Today is a Harpoon Spanto Eklipse day. 👊👊
You would be the only one who prefers a full flat grind. My CRK’s are my favorite because the hollow grind. You have less material binding up with a hollow grind.
No Case knives or SAK on the table? Over 40yrs. And still going strong for me. My Buck 112 45yrs and still sharp. You shouldn't have to take a 2nd mortgage to buy a knife. Love your new shirt DCA.
Can you still even get a stainless one anywhere? I got 2 of them in 1095 the izula and the izula 2 but I want a stainless one. I wish they would make one in s35vn like they did with the esee 3 and the zancudo. I might get a zancudo if I cant find a stainless izula.
@@tasty23riffs I don’t think so man. I got mine last year off of KnifeCenter. Right now it’s showing discontinued. If I find a spot after some research, I will update you on here. 👍🏼
I expect all of my folding knives to last a minimum of 10 years of daily use. I carried a CRKT back in my newly divorced days and it served me well for quite a few years. I tend towards Boker, ZT, and Benchmade. I don't see any problem with any of these being an EDC for over 10 years. I just got my first Real Steel knife, the build quality and attention to detail are excellent.
AXIS Lock Omega springs give me pause over the course of a lifetime. The warranty backs them up at least, but everything after the Buck was under the premise "Awesome warranty, but built in a way that you'll likely never need to use the warranty" - I couldn't say that about any AXIS-Lock knife. Doesn't stop it from being my favorite lock of all time though! -DCA
Hey David new subscriber here just wanted to say I really appreciate the way you break these knives down for us your doing a great job keep up the good work
Good T-shirt and color too. Looking smart Dave 😎👍 Knife for Lifetime! Interesting topic, So one knife choice has to be Bowie knife. Be it Condor Dandee Bowie, TOPS Prather War Bowie or Cold Steel 1917 Frontier Bowie. CS Espada Folder 3in and 5 in along with Warcraft Tanto. TOPS Outpost Command, Apache Dawn or Operator 7. Condor Wayfinder or Heavy duty Kukri by Joe Flowers. All these brands produce knives to last long time if used properly since knife can used to excessive abuse which will destroy any brand's knife. Your Choice was Good throughout but Spyderco should never will be on list. Lionsteel is superb and so is ESSE. Good Vid Dave ☝️😎
Good video idea and execution. I personally just buy several cold steels. If they break, I'm not too sad. That being said, they're really -really- hard to break.
Loving how many people commented on D.C.A.'s new shirt. The knife community is pretty awesome!!! P.S. pretty cool how our host shows love for LionSteel and MKM. An influencer in me buying my first Italian knife. My MKM could have been a pinch sharper our of the box...but it is an absolute beautiful piece and great value i.m.o.
So I noticed the spyderco serrated edge wasnt hollow ground on the back side as it was on the front. Ive gotten a knockoff version that is flat on the back as well. Is this common or they just getting slack? Or is that what you meant when u said Flat grind?
First lifetime knife I got was my K-Bar that I took to Afghanistan… when I got home I got a Randall knife… I will pass those down (along with my grandfather’s K-Bar that was passed down to me)
Guys, don't you know what a "lifetime warranty" is? It's not your lifetime they are talking about. It's the lifetime of the product. The moment it's discontinued you don't have the warranty anymore (technically it's when they run out of spare parts, but still). Nothing is forever. Sometimes 1-year warranty can last longer than a "lifetime warranty", if it ends soon after you buy it. Some manufacturers even specify the expected EOL (end of life) year of a product that comes with a "lifetime warranty". So that regardless of the date you've purchased it, the EOL ends your warranty as planned. Maybe it's a bit different with knives. Maybe I'm wrong. But it doesn't sound right to me. Plus, it doesn't seem like serious knives can only be repaired and serviced by the OEM-approved specialists using original parts only. People are making copies of knives they like or their own designs, which, of course, takes time and requires skills and equipment. In the end it will cost more than the original costs, but then you can improve your "copy" in every way you want and make your perfect knife. In other words, I doubt that there will ever be a problem with knife servicing. It's a question of durability of the blade. And they are all quite durable now. But if you expect your grandkids using it, then you better get something really special :). Those "Machete" type blades may not be very popular in the future :). Just saying ...
I have the Boker knife - bought it when i was ~15 years old. I‘m now 35. Never thought I‘m gonna see it in a youtube video 😅 sadly i droped it once and the tip got damaged (few weeks after I bought it)
Some nice choices for lifetime knives but my choice wasn’t in your selection. I’ve carried a Microtech Socom Elite for several years, everyday. I use this knife, not just carry it for show and I’m very pleased with its build so far. I’ll keep carrying it and see how my choice holds up for my lifetime and then I’ve got a grandson that’s planning on taking it over when I’m gone.
I love my little BUCK 425X. Have carried it a long time, and really panicked when it came up missing for a few days! Somehow you really get attached to your knife!😂
If you already own a knife that will last a lifetime, the answer is not to stop buying knives. The answer is to buy more lifetime knives so you can live forever! ;)
Hs tuu u.75 61
I already own one of those knives, but if I could get a right-handed Inkosa 21 I'd be satisfied for life.
@@robertparker6654 8a8
That’s what I’m doing with Microtechs!
@@robertparker6654 ⁷
I have had my Buck 110 for 44 years, still going strong.
That and my swiss army knife i received 38y ago from my mom
I actually lost my buck knife the first summer in the woods and found it again the next year.
now thats dedication
sheesh, thats awesome. Just got my first buck. its the 110 slim, pairing it with my sebenza as my beater knife. love how it feels so far tho and honestly performs better than my sebenza. Doesnt feel as premium but cannot deny the performance of the blade geometry and the comfortable handle
Two dot club represent!
Hmm, I don’t know I can trust this guy. Oh, wait a minute... it’s David with a different shirt!!! 🤗
There’s something about this dude that calms me down.
Purchased a Buck 112 in 1979. Carried it through the Army. Still a good knife
Thank you sir for your service to our country and great choice of knife!
I was a Boatswain’s Mate in the Navy in the 80s. My 112 and my marlinspike hung off my belt at all times. Butterfingers me kept losing them over the side. But I kept buying them. Went through at least five of them. I still have one today, though. Always been a great knife.
@@gunhedd5375 never thought about knives in the Navy. Thanks for posting this.
you’re lucky because you got one of the bucks when they used 440c before they switched to 425m and now 420hc which are major downgrades imo, 420hc is stupidly tough (like the same toughness as 3v) and stainless but it’s edge retention is very lacking imo. 440c has much better edge retention
Just had the best video idea! “Safe queens” and their hard use counterparts. So you’d start with some beautiful, machine ground, damasteel knife that costs more than a truck and then pair it either with a like folding or fixed blade that either has similar shape characteristics or has a same sort of feel but is geared toward hard use. This is brilliant
As I mentioned recently the Buck 110 was my first "real knife", a gift from my late husband. It makes me so happy his thoughtful gift made your list! We once met Chuck Buck and had a delightful and very memorable experience with that generous now departed man. A story for another post. As always David thanks for this wonderful video. I think that RMJ Sparrow will be flying home to roost with me soon.
That’s awesome Nancy,the Buck 110 is a fine knife and an excellent gift.the Buck 110 was my first real knife as well,my dad gave it to me when I was a kid..regretfully,I was an irresponsible kid and I lost that Buck 110 long ago.I replaced it years ago and I still love the knife as much as I ever did though it definitely doesn’t have the same sentimental value as the one I got from my dad..I am glad to say that I still have the old 1963 model Puma Skinner my dad gave me though
They gave Mr. DCA his much deserved raise. He can finally afford a new shirt!
The shirt was the raise
That’s a nice shirt. He prolly wore it out to the club after he recorded this.
Viewer donated... Knifecenter can't afford to give raises with there discounts and overall low prices.
If they were smart about marketing theyd have him come out with a fresh new t shirt every single episode like hes micheal jordan🤣 lets be honest hes the face of the company atleast here on youtube
It’s a slightly larger than average shirt
The self adjust and strength on the cold steel triad lock is very very well tested, brilliant design by Andrew Demko.
Any knife collection has just got to have a Buck 110 in the wood and brass.
I have the fingergrove version.
I got one decades ago, but how do you sharpen it. That is some HARD steel!
Invest in some diamond stones. They'll get it sharp fast
I didn't know "Buy once, cry once" . Love this expression !!!
that is what dca says about his shirt. lol
I try to keep this in mind in all big purchases. Makes me feel a little bit better about spending $200+ on this kinda stuff.
I was given a Puma Game Warden for my 21st birthday in 1978. 8 use it every day and it has a permanent place on my belt.
Knife enthusiasts like to pick a knife that will last your lifetime about every week or so. We are just made like that...
Very nice selection. Like so many have mentioned, I've had my Buck 110 for 49 years now and still going strong. Buck seemed to have great marketing back in that day as well as positive word of mouth reviews.
This could easily be a series. There are so many lifetime build quality knives out there.
For me, The Buck 110 or 112 is perfect for edc. Great warranty, made in America, and if I lose it I can get over losing a $50 knife a whole lot easier than if I lost a much pricier one.
Naah. I cry after each one I've lost 😂
@@Nudel-nc1cp , oh me too, I just would cry a lot more if it was expensive lol
@@davewhaley6917 Yeah. Understandable. I wonder how losing a rockstead or shirogorov must feel like 🤔 Instant ptsd😄
@@Nudel-nc1cp 😆
It's the only one, I would pick out of this list, regardless of the price. It has a timeless design, never looking like a new fancy toy, never looking antiquated. Just a good old knife, like a good old friend. Trusted and proven. I don't like all the fancy named plastics, whether as a sheeth, nor a grip.
Back in the late 1970s, I was in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Maine, and number of the guys carried a Buck 110 - in the leather belt holster, of course. I would say that the ZT 0300//0350 would fit in the forever category.
Love the new Knife Centre shirt
DCA drippin' out of his mind
Yes, the knowledge just oozing
I have had my Buck 110 hunter since 1974.
Beat me by 3 yrs.! *NICE!*
back when they used 440c and their knives actually had decent edge retention without spending $100+ on one lol… now the options are 420hc for the base model or you pay $100-$150 depending on model and get s30v, or you can spend a ridiculous amount on one of the special editions and get s45vn
That's a title of a knife video to watch
🍿👀🤙
Like the green shirt! Thanks for sharing D. C. A and Crew!
Take care of ur stuff. Everything can last a lifetime if u take care
Not if it's shit quality.
@@CadillacDriver oh captain obvious right here
2 strong contenders that weren't mentioned ( probably because they are mentioned quite often) Spyderco Paramilitary 2, and the Benchmade 940.
As well as the Spyderco Shaman,Benchmade M4 “Super” Freek and nearly anything from Zero Tolerance
given the omega springs broken twice on my BM943, I definitely don't consider it can last me a life time. Albeit, it has one of the most beautiful form factor out of my collection
Benchmade griptilian is the best knife I've ever owned. I have a 110, second best. Spyderco is very nice as well.
My wife’s grandpa bought a buck 110 70 years ago. He showed me it and it was basically a little scalpel nub blade with how many times it was sharpened. It was his deer hunting knife
I bet they’ll replace the blade on it
Not to take anything away from the other knives, which may be able to say the same in the future, but there are a lot of Buck 110s that have been around longer than many knife companies.
All these knives will become family heirlooms... if you part with it upon your demise.
Good point about the 'heirlooms'. But last year finally lost my ancient Buck 110 overboard, that was always just a little too big for my pocket anyway.
So replaced it with a smaller and more 'disposable' all-stainless MTech pocket flipper offa Amazon, for a whopping 10 bucks (including shipping!). It's basically just a better designed and 'improved' knockoff of the Kershaw Shuffle, but also a surprisingly good cutter with snappy action, and in 440 steel that doesn't take hours to re-sharpen... and it even includes a built-in, and very sturdy bottle opener (for the occasional Corona)!
But mostly it just does the job, feels good in the hand, and no Big Deal even if this one ends up going 'overboard'.
I have ESEE, Ka-Bar, and Lion Steel fixed blades. I know my grandkids will be using these. Of course I have my granddad's Marbles Gladstone and Case M3. Though these are not "daily drivers." My ESEE-5 is my go-to campsite knife.
Thinking about grabbing an ESEE-5.
I swear to god this is the first time you’ve worn a shirt other than the red/maroon/burgundy one
DCA has a black one too.
I like the green.
It's a uniform for the company. Kinda makes sense it'd be the same one for some time, don't you think?
In the fixed blades, you should give the Buck 119 an honorable mention. Aside from their lifetime warranty, I know of quite a few of them which have been used for hunting & EDC for over 30 years. Yep, they last and last and last.
How about a video on Knifecenter exclusives? Doesn’t have to be just knives, could be shirts, flashlights, etc?
Yes! Would love a flashlight/headlamp video or two. Exclusives or not. Also swords/machetes and ax/Hatchet videos. I know they talk about axe's and hatchets here and there but dedicated videos would be awesome. Poor DCA is gonna need a co-host so he doesn't get worked to death. I volunteer! Will work for knives.
Got a recent one for you right here: ua-cam.com/video/13fJZKl_rm8/v-deo.html
@@knifecenter Thanks! I can’t wait for more of your Spyderco Pakkawoods to be back in stock!
Hey D.C.A., love the green shirt.
The Sebenza 21 is beautiful David. Love the way they wear over time. First Sebenza I held was a well loved regular owned by a family friend. I think the bead blasted finish looks best after some scratches and wear.
the word "Sebenza" is an isiXhosa word meaning "WORK" when directly translated. So it means it's a no-nonsense hard working knife
@@nuteronix5799 indeed, mine all get used, I never feel bad using them, it’s clear that’s what they were built for. I like the newer hinderers but my sebenzas are my favorite harder use folder.
I am a Lion Steel guy. Have a dozen of their folders. Dollar for dollar, the best production knives on the market. Beautiful Italian aesthetics, too. Also make superb fixed blades…..
I'm raising a glass of Jim Beam wishing you to last a lifetime Mr. Anderson and to all the viewers out there...CHEERS! 🍻👍
@@oregonnative9694 over a half a century old and still kicking my friend.
@@oregonnative9694 not addicted or depressed, but thanks for your passionate concern.
@@oregonnative9694 I will take your advice into account my friend. In the meantime CHEERS!!
Can't go wrong with a Buck 110, Sadly enough they cost about 150 dollars over here in the Netherlands. Esee for a fixed blade is a great choice.
Get a Finn
Damn,in the USA you can get the micarta+S35VN 110 for around $150
My lifetime pick is my lionsteel m4. I love it!
Truly cutting-edge technology
That Sparrow is a pretty little knife
The Utsidihi is a great knife form them.
I still have my recon 1 from 2010 I bought from you guys. Still going strong!
I really liked this episode! Maybe a couple more. Looking to get that one lifetime knife. Just don't know what
David, I enjoy your videos. You combine personal knowledge with a gift of a natural teaching skill. I always learn something from you, even with knives I am very familiar with. Thank you.
Buck 110 all the way. Followed by RAT1.
Same but in reverse order lol 😆
@@Xander_Park you think so? Having owned both for some time, I'd trust my life to the Buck over the RAT. Not by much of a discernable margin, but there is something a little more reassuring carrying the Buck over the OKC.
Both are fine knives at a very reasonable price..there are knives I personally like better but nothing in that $50 price range
You just can't go wrong with the Buck or the RATs. Just can't.
Probably the other thing that will determine how long a knife lasts is how well someone knows how to sharpen there knives. Minimal material removal is key.
Totally agree. The more experience you have on sharpening, the less material you remove. Also Sharpening is 70% experience and 30% knowledge, however, you never stop to learn something new, which means that you will still get better on sharpening knives, no matter how many years you do it. For example, not many people know how to strop properly,neither that you can strop on newspaper, to finish an edge, to a scary sharp edge.
Great thought and experience combined 👍
I'v been EDCing the same Victorinox Swiss Champ for 36 years.
I think it's fairly simple:
A) phosphor bronze washers (no multiples, nylon/Teflon or ball bearing) - better yet a fixed blade. Less or no moving parts the better.
B) Decent steel, at least VG-10/154CM or equivalent. particle metallurgy a plus. I like S30V or S35VN. A nice carbon steel would also work.
C) Chemical, water, and impact-resistant handle materials like G-10, Aluminum, Titanium or Stainless steels.
D) Versatile blade and handle design. No hot spots or minimized.
E) Simple, robust lock design. Good backlocks, framelocks/linerlocks over the more complex cross-bar locks. The Spyderco compression lock probably fits the criteria.
Good list but I would also add another qualification which is a more robust blade design. Not saying its for prying but sometimes you drop your knife on concrete. Its life, it always happens. If I drop my PM2 and it happens to open up on the tip, itll break clean off. wheras a sebenza tanto, or a clip point buck will likely hold up a lot better from accidents.
Thanks David!
I've had 3 consecutive kershaw leeks I carried regularly for about 8 years in a row. Almost everyday hard use. Highly recommended
I like most of the USA made Kershaw knives..the Bareknuckle,Link,Leek,Dividend,Knockout and Launch series are all great knives..plus you can get all these knives in premium blade steels from $80-$120.Kershaw knives are what I started my collection with because they made it possible for me to try out S30V,M390,20CV,S35VN and CPM-154 for a fraction of the price of what most other companies were charging for knives in these steels
It's not been a lifetime yet, but my standard USMC Ka-bar has lasted over 20 years of use including hunting, camping, and three deployments.
I also thought a Randall would have made it on the list too--though not budget friendly at all.
My grandfather has been carrying various Schrade knives for over 30 years and theyre all still holding up great, sadly you cant get them made in the usa anymore. Luckily I grew up near a town where Schrade knives used to be made in New York at a small factory. Those knives that were made here were indestructible and always made with pride by hand. It's sad to see what Schrade has become but atleast I got to experience a cool part of knife history.
I want the old David back that wears a shirt one size smaller than this new green one
Me too! This green shirt is too big for DCA!!
Hello DCA, my all time favorite EDC is the Ontario Rat 1. Is there something very similar to the Rat 1 with combo blade in the higher end category? ( $100-$175 range?) I prefer thumb studs, no autos or assisted knives and I'm not a fan of spyderco.
Thanks!
I would love to see OKC release premium versions of the RAT 1 and RAT 2..if they made a RAT 1 with marbled carbon fiber or titanium scales and M390 blade steel,it would be a must have
@@garrettferrell6821 Hell yes, totally agree!
Lifetime knives are built like tanks,
My Sebenzas and himderers are so well built. Custom Pena and Chavez knives are great and zero tolerance knives can literally be run over by tanks (the full size ones are more tank like) but all are hard to beat for the price and materials used.
I'm liking the wardrobe update.
Most noteworthy,
Is the green shirt upgrade.
Well done.
Very nicely done video sir. Just love the analysis. Lot of info for the starter. I am getting my Buck110 shortly, before i saw your video.
All great knives, but I’d have added the Spyderco Shaman. It’s a tank. I carry mine almost every day. Merry Christmas!
Lifetime picks of mine .
Cold steel SRK san mai lll
Nordic blades forester 100 m690 scandi
One inherent problem with a folding knife is getting nasty stuff in the mechanism. The Sebenza and all CRK folders are easy to disassemble and clean. That feature is under appreciated.
Great list the Buck 110 was my first EDC years before anybody even said EDC, and now I carry a Hinderer XM18 or Eklipse almost every day. Today is a Harpoon Spanto Eklipse day. 👊👊
You really know how to make a knife review video.
Excellent as usual!
You would be the only one who prefers a full flat grind. My CRK’s are my favorite because the hollow grind. You have less material binding up with a hollow grind.
Buck 110 Forever Warranty !
I have a number of Sebenzas, along with numerous fixed-blade knives. I have never had one let me down. Super knives! I hope to buy some more.
No Case knives or SAK on the table? Over 40yrs. And still going strong for me. My Buck 112 45yrs and still sharp. You shouldn't have to take a 2nd mortgage to buy a knife. Love your new shirt DCA.
Esee edc carry here. Stainless Izula, best knife I've owned in awhile.
Can you still even get a stainless one anywhere? I got 2 of them in 1095 the izula and the izula 2 but I want a stainless one. I wish they would make one in s35vn like they did with the esee 3 and the zancudo. I might get a zancudo if I cant find a stainless izula.
@@tasty23riffs I don’t think so man. I got mine last year off of KnifeCenter. Right now it’s showing discontinued. If I find a spot after some research, I will update you on here. 👍🏼
@@tasty23riffs hey man! Go to KnifeCenter now! Get the S35VN one. Its on sale!
I expect all of my folding knives to last a minimum of 10 years of daily use. I carried a CRKT back in my newly divorced days and it served me well for quite a few years.
I tend towards Boker, ZT, and Benchmade. I don't see any problem with any of these being an EDC for over 10 years. I just got my first Real Steel knife, the build quality and attention to detail are excellent.
Love the dagger. That one is too nice to turn into a bayonet.
Bayonet?
@@warrenstanford7240 Be prepared
My vote is for the original AFCK. I’ve had mine for just about 20 years now and couldn’t ask for a better knife!
The 1st knife and the last knife. The only ones with style, class, and functionality. For me personally .
So nice that LT Wright Gen 5. .......hope to carry that beauty one day.
No Benchmade knives in the lifetime category? Benchmade has the best lifetime warranty out there. You would think 1 could make the list.
AXIS Lock Omega springs give me pause over the course of a lifetime. The warranty backs them up at least, but everything after the Buck was under the premise "Awesome warranty, but built in a way that you'll likely never need to use the warranty" - I couldn't say that about any AXIS-Lock knife. Doesn't stop it from being my favorite lock of all time though! -DCA
I like that new Knife Center shirt color! Looks more like the green.
Hey David new subscriber here just wanted to say I really appreciate the way you break these knives down for us your doing a great job keep up the good work
Good T-shirt and color too. Looking smart Dave 😎👍
Knife for Lifetime! Interesting topic, So one knife choice has to be Bowie knife. Be it Condor Dandee Bowie, TOPS Prather War Bowie or Cold Steel 1917 Frontier Bowie.
CS Espada Folder 3in and 5 in along with Warcraft Tanto. TOPS Outpost Command, Apache Dawn or Operator 7. Condor Wayfinder or Heavy duty Kukri by Joe Flowers. All these brands produce knives to last long time if used properly since knife can used to excessive abuse which will destroy any brand's knife.
Your Choice was Good throughout but Spyderco should never will be on list. Lionsteel is superb and so is ESSE. Good Vid Dave ☝️😎
What a job! Unbelievable! Thanks!
Here to represent for esee 👌
I like all these knives but that sparrow is looking like my next purchase.
Really good episode, thanks.
The Buck has my heart, but the Esee 5 series is like a good Mistress
This is weird but this is the 3rd time that I subscribe to your channel
Good video idea and execution.
I personally just buy several cold steels. If they break, I'm not too sad.
That being said, they're really -really- hard to break.
Cool new shirt David!
Just thinking of what I have spent during the last several years on nice but not amazing knives, I think "Buy once, cry once" makes a lot of sense.
Another fine job done David thanks
The Carribbean in my opinion is the most underrated Soyderco in my knowledge
Loving how many people commented on D.C.A.'s new shirt. The knife community is pretty awesome!!! P.S. pretty cool how our host shows love for LionSteel and MKM. An influencer in me buying my first Italian knife. My MKM could have been a pinch sharper our of the box...but it is an absolute beautiful piece and great value i.m.o.
Green shirt looks great
I carry a Buck 110 with me everywhere.
Plus a Ka Bar USMC when I’m wandering around in the scrub, I’m surprised that one wasn’t mentioned.
Love my Chris Reeves, would like to try the Code 4
So I noticed the spyderco serrated edge wasnt hollow ground on the back side as it was on the front. Ive gotten a knockoff version that is flat on the back as well. Is this common or they just getting slack? Or is that what you meant when u said Flat grind?
That Esee looks insanely good.
First lifetime knife I got was my K-Bar that I took to Afghanistan… when I got home I got a Randall knife… I will pass those down (along with my grandfather’s K-Bar that was passed down to me)
Guys, don't you know what a "lifetime warranty" is? It's not your lifetime they are talking about. It's the lifetime of the product. The moment it's discontinued you don't have the warranty anymore (technically it's when they run out of spare parts, but still). Nothing is forever. Sometimes 1-year warranty can last longer than a "lifetime warranty", if it ends soon after you buy it. Some manufacturers even specify the expected EOL (end of life) year of a product that comes with a "lifetime warranty". So that regardless of the date you've purchased it, the EOL ends your warranty as planned. Maybe it's a bit different with knives. Maybe I'm wrong. But it doesn't sound right to me. Plus, it doesn't seem like serious knives can only be repaired and serviced by the OEM-approved specialists using original parts only. People are making copies of knives they like or their own designs, which, of course, takes time and requires skills and equipment. In the end it will cost more than the original costs, but then you can improve your "copy" in every way you want and make your perfect knife. In other words, I doubt that there will ever be a problem with knife servicing. It's a question of durability of the blade. And they are all quite durable now. But if you expect your grandkids using it, then you better get something really special :). Those "Machete" type blades may not be very popular in the future :). Just saying ...
I bought a brand new smith and Wesson boot knife right? When I opened it, it worked really well.
The next day it was butter knife dull
I have the Boker knife - bought it when i was ~15 years old. I‘m now 35.
Never thought I‘m gonna see it in a youtube video 😅
sadly i droped it once and the tip got damaged (few weeks after I bought it)
Some nice choices for lifetime knives but my choice wasn’t in your selection. I’ve carried a Microtech Socom Elite for several years, everyday. I use this knife, not just carry it for show and I’m very pleased with its build so far. I’ll keep carrying it and see how my choice holds up for my lifetime and then I’ve got a grandson that’s planning on taking it over when I’m gone.
For truly last-forever, I’d add the Medford Praetorian. Lol 😉
That will last a lifetime or two, but in the same hand, so will a boat anchor.
No disrespect meant. They're both just as solid as can be.
No disrespect presumed or taken! I was half joking (though I’d also agree a Praetorian would see through at least one generation!).
I believe this goes for just about everything Medford makes...lol
I love my little BUCK 425X. Have carried it a long time, and really panicked when it came up missing for a few days! Somehow you really get attached to your knife!😂
Where is the Ontario rat 1? I have 6 years abusing that folder and I think it still has a lot more years to come 😎😎😎😄😄👍👍
In Aussie 8 or D2?
I like you man. You present really well.