R.Bennett. Why doesn't Ontario come out with a RAT 1 with a higher end steel like SV35N or better. It would become a major seller. I would order 2 or 3 at the very least. RAT 1 is the favorite design for so many people. Ontario is asleep at the switch.
RAT 1 was originally intended as a folding bushcraft and survival knife. AUS-8 may have relatively poor edge retention compared to D2 or S35VN, but it can be brought back to a good working edge with a smooth river rock. Much harder to do that with D2, and even more so with higher-end steels like S35VN. But, if you want a RAT 1 or RAT 2 with upgraded blade steel, Way of Knife does offer an M390 re-blade option in their custom RAT builder for like $50. Edit: not affiliated with Way of Knife. Just found myself ALMOST clicking the go button on an M390 RAT 2 on more than one occasion 👍
Nice to see a good selection of usable and good quality knives that won't break the bank. I've been using a couple of my Ka-Bars, one that I carried while in the service, and a second with synthetic grip that I bought for a camp knife, for the better part of 45 years combined. I'd love to have a high dollar Randall, or some other super elite knife, but I'd never take it out of the house. I guess I've just always been an "old fashioned" knife user. I still have, and use, my Old Timer that my father gave me on my 6th Birthday in 1976. I just supplement it with a couple of SAK's for the tools on them for daily carry. I've never been in need of more knife or felt unable to do what needed being done because I didn't have a $200, $400, or $800 knife at my side that has some special blade style and was made from the metal of the same meteor that killed the dinosaurs and had a handle made from the cross of Christ.
My Gerber Strongarm has been through Hell and back. Very impressed. And bought mine on Black Friday a couple of years ago and was $49.99 so lucked up there also. Win-Win.
I have the Prodigy, brother to the strong arm, and I agree whole heartedly. It is my Bush craft, batoning, tactical, feather sticking go to. I'm honestly shocked how well the edge holds for all I do with it. I also carry a Gerber Ghoststrike in a horizontal pattern on my belt. It's the perfect CC fixed blade in my opinion. Good things from Gerber, they are more than just baby food. (Jk on the last bit).
Good to see some fixed blade focus again. I'm currently looking for a new field/camp knife and was considering the BK-18. We'll you've convinced me! My previous Beckers have been excellent and never let me down so here I go again. Thanks for the vid (and the advice).
I really appreciate the quality of your videos, knife reviews, and your opinions. I really like your time stamps and links. I learn a lot about knives and video production from you. Thank you.
●Becker BK 18. It looks like a truly functional hard-use knife. I would use it with confidence for many camping and hunting tasks. ●Buck Vanguard. Beautiful, beautiful. It's worth getting on looks, alone. Honestly, after years (read: decades) of scratches I think it'd look even better. It's something you'd love to get from your father, grandfather or uncle after they stopped going outside for work and deer. ●Esee Azula 2. I have the original Azula. It's a great little all-purpose unit. I'm sure the 2 is great, and even a little more capable. ●Tops Fieldcraft 3.5. An excellent all-purpose field knife, I'm sure. I have other models (that I happened to discover first) that perform well. ●White River Backpacker. I love mine. The S35VN steel is one of the reasons I bought it. It's a great small, lightweight general-purpose knife.
Glad you mentioned the White River Backpacker, it was the first knife I was looking for when the video started. For me the Backpacker (pro) is the perfect EDC fixed blade and a great option to pair with a large outdoor fixed blade like the Esee 6.
I really like my BK-18. Was the first fixed blade that I purchased. It has turned out to be my go-to knife when camping or out on a motorcycle adventure trip
Look into old hickory. I just bought 2 of their bird and trout knives. I was looking for American made with a leather sheath. Not going to baton wood but seems ok for its intended purpose.
@@Dustyutah I would like to hear the opinion of all the guys on here. Thanks for the input. I currently use a Buck 113 Ranger. Ebony handle, leather sheath, US made. The handles are a cool thing. They are offcuts from Taylor guitars, with whom Buck partners for the wood. I like the Old Hickory.
I haven't had it long enough to use it much. I'm sure the buck is a better knife. The old hickory looks like it's going to be great for birds and trout probably would work good for campfire cooking. Looks like it would be great for any small game.
@@Dustyutah I'm sure it's a great knife. I like the Buck a lot, but it is a luxury more than anything. I am at the stage in life where I like to have it on my hip when I fish. I actually gut my trout with an obsidian flake. It is like a razor.
I have two Buck Vanguards. One for carry and one for gutting and skinning game. My other two consist of knives not on this list. The old standby, the U.S. M.C. KaBar that I have owned for almost 50 yrs. now, and a knife given to me by my son. He hand made it when he worked for the now defunct Bowen Knife Company. He also gave me one of the Bowen belt buckle knives with belt about 15 yrs. ago.
Had to pop in because I saw the Becker in the thumbnail and recently had it in the store I work at, had some notes I wanted to compare. You hit basically everything I had in mind, would only not that the handles kinda suck BUT the construction of the knife lends itself very well to making your own replacement handles out of better materials. I haven't been able to find it less than 100$ (US) but if you can, by all means it should be well worth the money. Good video, not flashy, to the point.
I collect stiletto style knives and I like using them for daily carry as well. I was wondering what stiletto style knives for under 150 would be the best bang for your buck?
Fast forward to 2024, I spent more for the micarta scales than I did my BK-18. (Granted, I got a great deal...) It's an incredible tool, and you nailed it.
So not sure if you can help but I am a mechanic/outdoorsman and like to cook. My edc tends to be what I use most the time, I’m looking for a folder (not oppose to a fixed blade) that is able to perform at all three. Any suggestion?… Also anything under $300.
Buck 692 Vanguard, one of the best knives I have ever owned. That thing will break down deer like nobody’s business and keep going. 5 min touch up on a stone and strop and its shaving sharp again.
Man learned a ton about knives. What’s your recommendations for best all purpose 1 blade folding pocket knives under 100 bucks? What steel is best that keeps its sharpness the longest🤔 Thanks 🙏
Hi. I bought 2 of these BK18. Both the same tan color but they are different in powder coat texture. One has USA engraved. The other doesn't. Why is that?
I carry the SP 15. I love it. Love the handling. Love the dagger style. My only disappointment is that “hand guards” are rubber and not a solid piece of metal. I’d prefer a metal guard. But it’s really fun to have
Hey DCA i was wondering do you have any suggestions on boot knives preferably anything with a single edge due to a lot of places like Hawaii where i live having laws against double edge knives
I own two knives from this list, the SOCP and Izula II. Love both of them. When I don't have my CCW on me I always have my SOCP if I can, and the Izula seems like it will make for an excellent hiking/camping companion, I just haven't had the chance to test it out since I just got it a couple days ago.
New to the channel. Nice video. Great knives all around, but best looking knife of the bunch is that Buck 192. Something about a classic Buck Knife. Case us close, but not quite up to the buck standard.
I keep a Benchmade SOCP clipped into the left inside armpit of my undercover vest. It lays so flat & unobtrusive, I don't feel a thing. Easily accessible, completely invisible. (Just remember to remove it before doing laundry!)
Why do you tempt me so? It was just last month I purchased a Lionsteel B41. I have a couple of ESEEs, a KA-BAR combat/utility, DPx HEST, Morakniv... I don't *need* another fixed blade...yet here you are, parading them out in front of me. :-)
The absolute best American fixed blade I own cost $100 on the nose. Spyderco released their z-wear mule team and I was right on it for $50. Pair it with some micarta scales I got for $50 and blammo. For my taste/use it’s basically the best fixed blade imaginable.
liked the bk18 but sheath does not allow easy handle mods to fit (wider handles), like the 'standard' bk16 sheath does -> kept the 16, 'lost' the 18. c'est la vie.
I own a none serrated Gerber Prodigy and though not always my first choice for packing in the woods, it is certainly strong enough to handle it. If I didn't already pack a Condor kephart and esee 6 then I would probably carry it.
@Paul Smith yeah it might not interest everyone but I have always wanted a fillet knife with a blade steel that offers high edge retention because I'm lazy lol
Hello David. I have a huge problem. I literally sweat like a pig when I'm working or running, even my. Even my Cold Steel Bush Ranger lite got some rust spots while I was hiking and sweating. I am very interested in D2 knives, but I feel that I'm stuck with stainless steel knives. Should I consider a D2 knife since D2 is not stainless steel? My budget is not huge so for now I can`t afford anything better.
You could give it a try but I would stick to a coated blade to test things out. KA-BAR Dozier in D2 would be a lightweight (good for running) and affordable (about $32) way to test the theory. Link: kcoti.com/3igsx3p -DCA
@@knifecenter I got myself a Steel Will CutJack Mini for around 45-ish $. I already have Dozier in AUS-8 and the price drop for Steel Will CutJack Mini was too hard to pass on, (I live in Europe so many knives are almost double the price than in US. I hope that it will handle well. Thank you for the info. :)
Funny because I own a few of these knives, and two others were on my list for my b-day knife. I was between the Ontario SP15 or the Ontario rat 7. I chose the SP15, because I just have a lot of camp/survival knives already.
My wife gave me a vanguard over 30 years ago. We were young and very broke. Took her a month to save the 40 bucks. Still on my side as is she.
Thanks for sharing. First knife was the folder, still miss it.
Wholesome moment
But is she as sharp as she was back in the day.....?
)
This is awesome! Many more years of happiness to you kids
DCA is by far my favorite person to listen to when talking about knives. Would love a follow up of more premium fixed blades as well. some TRC etc...
R.Bennett. Why doesn't Ontario come out with a RAT 1 with a higher end steel like SV35N or better. It would become a major seller. I would order 2 or 3 at the very least. RAT 1 is the favorite design for so many people. Ontario is asleep at the switch.
Same here Sir.
Listen to this man Ontario knife company
Because the name. Who will waste time on a knife called the rat. And Ontario knife is about dead. They been stuck in the past for 20 years.
They do make D2 rat 1s and 2s.
RAT 1 was originally intended as a folding bushcraft and survival knife. AUS-8 may have relatively poor edge retention compared to D2 or S35VN, but it can be brought back to a good working edge with a smooth river rock. Much harder to do that with D2, and even more so with higher-end steels like S35VN. But, if you want a RAT 1 or RAT 2 with upgraded blade steel, Way of Knife does offer an M390 re-blade option in their custom RAT builder for like $50.
Edit: not affiliated with Way of Knife. Just found myself ALMOST clicking the go button on an M390 RAT 2 on more than one occasion 👍
Nice to see a good selection of usable and good quality knives that won't break the bank. I've been using a couple of my Ka-Bars, one that I carried while in the service, and a second with synthetic grip that I bought for a camp knife, for the better part of 45 years combined. I'd love to have a high dollar Randall, or some other super elite knife, but I'd never take it out of the house. I guess I've just always been an "old fashioned" knife user. I still have, and use, my Old Timer that my father gave me on my 6th Birthday in 1976. I just supplement it with a couple of SAK's for the tools on them for daily carry. I've never been in need of more knife or felt unable to do what needed being done because I didn't have a $200, $400, or $800 knife at my side that has some special blade style and was made from the metal of the same meteor that killed the dinosaurs and had a handle made from the cross of Christ.
Ah,yes,the unobtainium special.Lol
I concur
We need more "DCA talks about fixed blades" content.
💯💯💯👍👍👍🔥🔪🔪
My Gerber Strongarm has been through Hell and back. Very impressed. And bought mine on Black Friday a couple of years ago and was $49.99 so lucked up there also. Win-Win.
I have the Prodigy, brother to the strong arm, and I agree whole heartedly. It is my Bush craft, batoning, tactical, feather sticking go to. I'm honestly shocked how well the edge holds for all I do with it. I also carry a Gerber Ghoststrike in a horizontal pattern on my belt. It's the perfect CC fixed blade in my opinion. Good things from Gerber, they are more than just baby food. (Jk on the last bit).
*Gerber* is coming up again along with *Kershaw*
Got the same deal and have had the same experience. The gerber line is starting to produce quality pieces again
Good to see some fixed blade focus again. I'm currently looking for a new field/camp knife and was considering the BK-18. We'll you've convinced me! My previous Beckers have been excellent and never let me down so here I go again. Thanks for the vid (and the advice).
I really appreciate the quality of your videos, knife reviews, and your opinions. I really like your time stamps and links. I learn a lot about knives and video production from you. Thank you.
Love it! My favorite category...USA made under a Hundo! I've got a few of those.
●Becker BK 18. It looks like a truly functional hard-use knife. I would use it with confidence for many camping and hunting tasks.
●Buck Vanguard. Beautiful, beautiful. It's worth getting on looks, alone. Honestly, after years (read: decades) of scratches I think it'd look even better. It's something you'd love to get from your father, grandfather or uncle after they stopped going outside for work and deer.
●Esee Azula 2. I have the original Azula. It's a great little all-purpose unit. I'm sure the 2 is great, and even a little more capable.
●Tops Fieldcraft 3.5. An excellent all-purpose field knife, I'm sure. I have other models (that I happened to discover first) that perform well.
●White River Backpacker. I love mine. The S35VN steel is one of the reasons I bought it. It's a great small, lightweight general-purpose knife.
Thank you so much David, another “Cozy” video. Be safe.
Always look forward to these videos. Especially fixed blades!
Glad you mentioned the White River Backpacker, it was the first knife I was looking for when the video started.
For me the Backpacker (pro) is the perfect EDC fixed blade and a great option to pair with a large outdoor fixed blade like the Esee 6.
I really like my BK-18. Was the first fixed blade that I purchased. It has turned out to be my go-to knife when camping or out on a motorcycle adventure trip
101percent LOVE this video, keep those fixed blade coming Sir.
"I could do with a little more girth"
Me too bud, me too.
Thank you DCA, its the first time in years I LOVED every single Knife displayed.
Hey DCA, what would you recommend for a sub $100 gentlemans knife for someone with XL hands
I would love an episode on trout and bird knives.
Made in USA!
Look into old hickory. I just bought 2 of their bird and trout knives. I was looking for American made with a leather sheath. Not going to baton wood but seems ok for its intended purpose.
@@Dustyutah I would like to hear the opinion of all the guys on here. Thanks for the input. I currently use a Buck 113 Ranger. Ebony handle, leather sheath, US made. The handles are a cool thing. They are offcuts from Taylor guitars, with whom Buck partners for the wood. I like the Old Hickory.
I haven't had it long enough to use it much. I'm sure the buck is a better knife. The old hickory looks like it's going to be great for birds and trout probably would work good for campfire cooking. Looks like it would be great for any small game.
@@Dustyutah I'm sure it's a great knife. I like the Buck a lot, but it is a luxury more than anything. I am at the stage in life where I like to have it on my hip when I fish. I actually gut my trout with an obsidian flake. It is like a razor.
I own the SOCP Mini (no Dagger) and I realy appreciate the leather-pad it comes with for inside waistband carry. Especialy the Mini just disappears.
I have two Buck Vanguards. One for carry and one for gutting and skinning game. My other two consist of knives not on this list. The old standby, the U.S. M.C. KaBar that I have owned for almost 50 yrs. now, and a knife given to me by my son. He hand made it when he worked for the now defunct Bowen Knife Company. He also gave me one of the Bowen belt buckle knives with belt about 15 yrs. ago.
Fantastic David I love listening to you talk knives !!
Love love LOVE my Buck Vanguard! Wisely choosen 👏🏻
Had to pop in because I saw the Becker in the thumbnail and recently had it in the store I work at, had some notes I wanted to compare. You hit basically everything I had in mind, would only not that the handles kinda suck BUT the construction of the knife lends itself very well to making your own replacement handles out of better materials. I haven't been able to find it less than 100$ (US) but if you can, by all means it should be well worth the money.
Good video, not flashy, to the point.
Need more fixed blade video guys! Thank you 🙏
I collect stiletto style knives and I like using them for daily carry as well. I was wondering what stiletto style knives for under 150 would be the best bang for your buck?
I wanted a buck 119 ever since i was a little kid. got it for under 50 bucks on sale. best knife i have right now.
Wow! Definitely a Randall influence in the Buck Vanguard, for under $100!
Haha and I was just about to hop off UA-cam
Always a huge fan of knife centers content thank you DCA
Reminded of mother’s bush tysvm
Fast forward to 2024, I spent more for the micarta scales than I did my BK-18. (Granted, I got a great deal...) It's an incredible tool, and you nailed it.
Great video. I like the fact you're supporting American manufacturers.
I own the Buck Vanguard and 119 and prefer the Vanguard. I have medium sized hands. I also own the Esee Izula 2!
So not sure if you can help but I am a mechanic/outdoorsman and like to cook. My edc tends to be what I use most the time, I’m looking for a folder (not oppose to a fixed blade) that is able to perform at all three. Any suggestion?… Also anything under $300.
Really interesting. Great depth of knowledge. That Case is an absolute steal.
I hate that the Kabar blade is not centered to the handle. It keeps me from buying one. Love the esee and gerber.
Buck 692 Vanguard, one of the best knives I have ever owned. That thing will break down deer like nobody’s business and keep going. 5 min touch up on a stone and strop and its shaving sharp again.
Running a Gerber Ghostrike, ~$50 fixed knife. It’s been pretty solid
The gerber lmf2 and strong arm are 2 of my favorite knives.... my fox lycosa is fantastic as well...
OKC Marine Raider SP-10. Almost indestructible beast.
It is interesting to note that the Kabar US C knife was also configured as a bayonet.
I’m a fluxed blade guy and about time you guys do a strictly fixed blade vid
Been looking for a channel like this!
I have a 90’s LMF. I was wondering if you can tell me the blade steel and if it’s worth today? Thanks
That KA-BAR FIGHTER PITCHES MY TENT.
Love the BK18!
Excellent video David. Thanx a million my friend.
Man learned a ton about knives.
What’s your recommendations for best all purpose 1 blade folding pocket knives under 100 bucks? What steel is best that keeps its sharpness the longest🤔
Thanks 🙏
I recommend the Boker Mariner for fixed blades. Double edge fix blade one side straight blade the other side serrated
Those Vanguards are gorgious.
Hi. I bought 2 of these BK18. Both the same tan color but they are different in powder coat texture. One has USA engraved. The other doesn't. Why is that?
The good news: great video, awesome topic. Bad news: gotta add a few more knives to the wishlist 🤦
I carry the SP 15. I love it. Love the handling. Love the dagger style. My only disappointment is that “hand guards” are rubber and not a solid piece of metal. I’d prefer a metal guard. But it’s really fun to have
Every knife video I go to research, youve already made it lol, thanks for the multiple info vids man
Happy 2022 David C !!!!
✨ 🔪 💫
Ok some of us likes high end knives to!!! Can you please show the new top high end knives please. And thank you DCA!
Those Buck Pursuit knives are top notch designs
Hey DCA i was wondering do you have any suggestions on boot knives preferably anything with a single edge due to a lot of places like Hawaii where i live having laws against double edge knives
You're hiking the Appalachian Trail, DCA. Which one fixed blade, USA made or otherwise, do you take with you?
You don't need a fixed blade on the AT (from a hiker/knife guy). Most people (that carry a knife on the AT) have a neck knife and/or a multi-tool,
Mora Companion stainless. Ideally with a convex regrind.
Spartan Blades Difensa.
Mora garberg.
@@dannykrise9721 that one was on my list
Buck vanguard , excellent choice .
Gerber is a good business. I lost my screw for my eab utility knife and they sent me a new one with a spare pocket clip. Fast too!
I own two knives from this list, the SOCP and Izula II. Love both of them. When I don't have my CCW on me I always have my SOCP if I can, and the Izula seems like it will make for an excellent hiking/camping companion, I just haven't had the chance to test it out since I just got it a couple days ago.
Thank god for fixed blades.
Should have had the rat 5 in that line up one of the best universal blades I've found
New to the channel. Nice video. Great knives all around, but best looking knife of the bunch is that Buck 192. Something about a classic Buck Knife. Case us close, but not quite up to the buck standard.
Just got the bk18 in the mail a few weeks ago. It's a joy to carry.
I keep a Benchmade SOCP clipped into the left inside armpit of my undercover vest.
It lays so flat & unobtrusive,
I don't feel a thing.
Easily accessible, completely invisible.
(Just remember to remove it before doing laundry!)
What vest you runnin ?
@@cwr8618
A Rothco undercover travel vest.
5 outer pockets.
7 inner.
About $35.00 through Amazon.
Why do you tempt me so? It was just last month I purchased a Lionsteel B41. I have a couple of ESEEs, a KA-BAR combat/utility, DPx HEST, Morakniv... I don't *need* another fixed blade...yet here you are, parading them out in front of me. :-)
Hollow grinds are not bad for food prep they if anything are the best or 2nd best after a full flat grind
I wish the Ka Bar short tanto would have been included. Great vid!
That Buck is Beautiful
Love my Rat 5! Solid knife, field tested many times. I did take my dremmel tool to that square handle and customized it for my fist. 5 stars
The first two are the best imo.
Yes, just sat down after work. Now to unwind with DCA and some sharp pointy things. \o/
Often on the can
Top 10 for boats like rope cutting and what not would be sick!!
That Case is looking mighty fine.
I just bought another OKC rat 3. They arent very big and I love them
I spend all my money on firearms & ammo, so for knives, I just buy Mora.
Can't believe how good they are for how cheap they are.
A Scandi grind is so useful
USA! Price premium for good reason. Real quality.
Really enjoyed this! Great idea!
I love the Buck Vanguard. Fantastic little knife.
I like the rat 5 and 3 . I have the 7 and the 3 attached to the moly on the back awesome together
The absolute best American fixed blade I own cost $100 on the nose. Spyderco released their z-wear mule team and I was right on it for $50. Pair it with some micarta scales I got for $50 and blammo. For my taste/use it’s basically the best fixed blade imaginable.
How can you tell what kind of steel a knife is and the ratings
Can't say it too often...I'm beating the Soul out of my LMF II for years. I just love that Knife.
liked the bk18 but sheath does not allow easy handle mods to fit (wider handles), like the 'standard' bk16 sheath does -> kept the 16, 'lost' the 18. c'est la vie.
Nice to see the two Gerber knives I am trying to decide which one to get.
I own a none serrated Gerber Prodigy and though not always my first choice for packing in the woods, it is certainly strong enough to handle it. If I didn't already pack a Condor kephart and esee 6 then I would probably carry it.
Hey DCA! How about a fillet knife/fishing knife episode? Thanks!
@Paul Smith yeah it might not interest everyone but I have always wanted a fillet knife with a blade steel that offers high edge retention because I'm lazy lol
Hello David. I have a huge problem. I literally sweat like a pig when I'm working or running, even my. Even my Cold Steel Bush Ranger lite got some rust spots while I was hiking and sweating. I am very interested in D2 knives, but I feel that I'm stuck with stainless steel knives. Should I consider a D2 knife since D2 is not stainless steel? My budget is not huge so for now I can`t afford anything better.
You could give it a try but I would stick to a coated blade to test things out. KA-BAR Dozier in D2 would be a lightweight (good for running) and affordable (about $32) way to test the theory. Link: kcoti.com/3igsx3p -DCA
@@knifecenter I got myself a Steel Will CutJack Mini for around 45-ish $. I already have Dozier in AUS-8 and the price drop for Steel Will CutJack Mini was too hard to pass on, (I live in Europe so many knives are almost double the price than in US. I hope that it will handle well. Thank you for the info. :)
Go with Honey Badger in D2
Loving your videos
Good knife roundup, I am now looking at the Fieldcraft 3.5 based on this video. Would be curious to see a 100-250 or 100-500 price point video.
Love this channel❤️👍🇺🇸
Too many choices! I cannot decide !
Got a Tops Bob 3.5 from knife center recently. What an awesome knife!
Great set of knives
I'd love to see a comparison of the Buck 620 and the Ontario Rat 7. Great videos! I've added many of these to my wish list.
Funny because I own a few of these knives, and two others were on my list for my b-day knife. I was between the Ontario SP15 or the Ontario rat 7. I chose the SP15, because I just have a lot of camp/survival knives already.
I been thinking about an esse blade.
Though a little larger.
Frontier woman steak knife is my jam
👍🏾 Yes! American made Knives!!!!