Air time with Thomas was hilarious! I vote for a Thomas Episode where he can answer all our questions, whether they are sharp or dull. Anniversary episode 69 (nice) would be perfect for it. 😄
Your Cold Steel choice for the 5 years away scenario, would also be my choice. It might be a bit bulky for EDC, but the slightly thicker than normal handle makes for a comfortable knife. Nothing in that knife will probably ever go wrong. Cold Steel rules!
@@hermespino9985 :- Again, too large for EDC especially in countries where such large knives might be illegal...remember this was a choice for an EDC in a foreign nation for trouble free 5 years of usage.
As a "deployment" knife to the middle east, my dad used the Benchmade Autostryker (serrated) for around 7 years. That was 16 years ago. Thing still fires pretty hard, little blade play, etc. So for the past 23ish years I'd highly recommend one
Tactical: 1. Fast deployment from on person or molle/ pack attachment. 2. Blade profile to stab, thrust and cutting ability. 3 Strength of knife eg Blade meteria,l construction and locking reliability. Eg like Cold Steel Tri Ad lock. These are main requirements for good real tactical knife. Tho you can still compromise anyone with Victorinox Tinker too depending on your experience and knowledge. ☝️😎
DCA - you're a brave man going down the tactical rabbit hole (just as dangerous as the survival rabbit hole)!! For me, the mission of a tactical knife if to help force entry, remove obstacles & self defence. Generally defined by: robust/overbuilt design - solid blade - proven reliable steel - larger handle with solid grip even with gloves & subdued colours. Folders: 3.5+" - ease of deployment & solid lockup. Fixed: 5+" - easy use kydex sheath with mounting options. Also loved seeing the Spyderco Caribbean on the table - doesn't come up often but is a very reliable & versatile knife. Thanks for the vid.
One thing that made a huge difference for me learning to sharpen a knife is a good sharpener. I went with work sharp precision adjust elite kit. Even the standard kit offers alot. No need to hold knife at consistent angle. The clamp holds the knife for you
every time that i listen your name it coming in my mind the MacGyver(richard dean anderson),any way,i was to the army for 1.5 year and my choice for a tactical knife was...the victorinox swiss champ!! definitely the weirdest approach for tacticals knives you've ever heard,but believe me it was my best military ''friend''.any other soldier whatever knife he carried at the end of the day: hey man,can i use the scissors of your sak??...hey man,this can opener works perfect...hey man,this wood saw saved our day...hey man,are you used the flat head screwdriver,as a mini pry bar to remove the pins from the ammunition box??hey man,i never thought that the phillips head screwdriver could works to remove the safety rifle pins...and more and more...
I really like , and know how to sharpen my WINKLER belt knife since 2013 it is my EDC and all time favorite knife! It is tacticool , and very sharp. It is a great all around knife. It is a tactical blade , and all purpose blade it just works really great for cheese, and sausage, and great for the kitty litter jugs to cardboard to all of my cutting tasks to cutting steak , and chicken at supper, and food prep. My TOOR FIELD 2.0 is my other 1st place knife . CPM154 walnut handles and dynamic fluting with copper liners! It is a real gentleman carry knife any a very capable blade!!!! Have a great nite , and happy trails!!!!
Also, a quick note on marlin spikes, since I make paracord bracelets and the like. Marlin spikes are used to tighten knots as well as loosen them. It’s just a matter of where you take the slack out of your cord. If you pull your strands from the top of your braid down toward your loose “working ends” it will cinch the knots up tighter. Marlin spikes can be used in that way to either make a knot more secure, or to even up the tension on all sides of a complex knot.
NEXT LEVEL EDC!! I know you’ve covered it before but it’s a new year with new sharpened steel out and I know you understand the need to bump it up to the next level 🤘
Hey DCA. Without getting to "weedy", could you touch on why so many frame lock folders only have scales on one side ? Maybe one other consideration on the "tactical" topic would be sheath type and carry options ( at least when it comes to fixed blades )
OG Recon 1 Clip Point is the ONLY knife that's followed me from early collecting days to the present. It's my go to when I know I'm getting dirty, thing is straight up BOMBPROOF!
Welcome back, Mr. Andersen (and Thomas). The Cold Steel Large Clip Point Voyager is a great choice for a hard-use EDC. The Drop Point is offering stiff competition though. If there's a need to go smaller, I would also suggest the Rajah III - super tough, very ergonomic in multiple holds, and it checks all the "tactical" boxes - excellent thrusting and slashing, prominent integral guard, secure grip, and rapid deployment with the thumb plate (waveable). Despite all that, it's also excellent at day-to-day tasks, and especially for food prep.
I've had the DEMO and I can't believe that flipper got out of the design phase. It's one of the few flippers I can consistently fail. It's located so low under the pivot you almost require a wrist flick. The handle texture however is fing amazing. Also I'd argue no frame Lock knife can be considered "tactical" in nature. The reason has to do with deployment: the way knife ppl deploy a flipper is ingrained not to rest your fingers on the lockbar...but in a panic, it's incredibly easy to do this unknowingly. The Emerson is a superior "tactical" knife because your chance of failing the opening goes down a lot between the wave/thumbs-up combo. Also, even with the texture on the demo, it's still quite slippery.
At the first question you could have chosen a fixed EDC blade. I also believe that Cold Steel Recon 1 or Mini Recon 1 are good options, depending on the size he desires.
As for modern "tactical" standards, I'd say handle material plays a large factor today. Sturdy, grippy materials like micarta or textured g10 are two I'd consider key to granting a knife "tactical" status. Wood that swells in water or relatively chippable carbon fiber are examples I would not consider such Q: DCA, what are some of your favorite small folders? I've been hot on little-big-knives lately, my go to is a Fox Suru. A KC version, and a Wilson Combat version for when I'm feeling fancy
One thing about tactical knives is that they tend to be big enough that on a thrust, they can actually incapacitate a target. Smaller slashes, unless done by a professional to extremely specific areas like an artery or certain tendons, wont do much beyond piss off an attacker. Whereas a deep pierce to a lung or group of muscles can stop someone in their tracks, even if the stab doesnt kill them. Thats why most are 3.5+ inches. A lot of US jurisdictions ban folding knives over 4 inches, so that is why you see so many tactical knives that are closer to that size rather than being smaller than 3.5 inches. Also, this is exactly the reason why so many other US jurisdictions either ban knives over 3 inces, because they are too small to easily do fatal damage with a stab, or any sort of automatic or switchblade knife, because they are so fast to deploy even compared to an assisted knife. So, if you live in a place with few knife restrictions and want a tactical knife, something closer to 4 inches than to 3 inches seems to be the sweet spot for damage done vs ease of carry. But, as always, check your local laws. Some states or counties may have lax laws but your city might have pretty restrictive laws.
I would choose the Spyderco Delica for oversees deployments. Because that’s what I chose last time and it worked great. Also, there’s a dull trainer for it so I’ve been able to train with it in martial arts classes.
Id have to put my choice in the hat too. I own some higher priced knives...but i ALWAYS come back to the Cold Steel Spartan. I can attest to it being excellent for hard use because I've been using it every single day at work and off work. It's reversible clip and its deep carry design doesn't give away it's size. Most people complain that its too "big" or "heavy" but i don't find it to be bad. I carry in my front jeans pocket & i forget it's there. I've put that thing through stuff most people would squirm and that im ashamed to tell with people telling me "knives arent meant to do that!" I have complete confidence in Cold Steel's Tri-ad lock. I know it doesn't have a "super-steel"...but its easy to sharpen hair-poppin sharp on my Lansky diamond stone kit! ( they made it with AUS-8 steel in previous versions and now they're offering it with AUS-10).Barring the legalities of other countries or Kommie-fornia type restrictions, the Spartan has been proven by me and many other users time & time again. Aside from being a very highly reviewed knife..if i had to trust my life to a folder...the Spartan would be it. From protecting my hands from slipping due to it's handle design to it's Tri-ad lock preventing it closing on me. It's very affordable & it won't break me if i ever lose it. It's thumb plate allows it to be opened extremely easy one handed when it catches on your pocket edge if you so desire. It opens with a very reassuring "click" reminding me it's ready to go unlike some other knives where sometimes you wonder if mechanism is engaged properly. Its just my own personal humble opinion based on what I've live through and experiences with the Spartan. Please share thoughts & opinions as these comments are always helpful in discovering new knives one hasn't thought of with knife lovers everywhere.
For the first question, I would go with my S35VN Tenacious, on which I have a “wave mod”. The speed of deployment and versatile blade shape makes it practicool. I like a liner lock for ease of cleaning. It’s a shame there’s aren’t many wave knives with full flat grinds
I have the Victorinox skipper in navy Camo. It’s used by the Malaysian Komando Special Police task force. They do work that is a blend of anti terrorism and marine coast defence work. The Malaysians use the Vitorinox Outrider for the military and the skipper pro for the Royal Navy. The new one handed opening Swiss army soldier released in 2008 is used by the Swiss, German, and US army.
I personally learned to sharpen blades on the cheap utility knife blades. It taught me to maintain blade shape and not to grind in to the blade holder and they are cheap enough to be replaced easily
Dave in February 2004 I deployed to Iraq 🇮🇶 with a Gerber MP-600 and the original Gerber Applegate-Fairborn Rex large folder no asst a true flipper thumb stud. To this day I still carry both of them but in a better shelve. I used the Multi Tool for weapons cleaning working on my tank here weapons cleaning everything else that comes up. My folder I used in hand to hand on couple occasions. Today if someone tries something I just flip it out. All I do is clean oil and sharpen them. I was the biggest Leather Man fanatic until the MP-600. I now also have a Center Drive Plus the 1/4” drive is great the scissors are junk along with the file. Plus I have a lot of folders and fixed blades I have the Applegate-Fairborn Rex Boucher fixed blade.
2nd comment... My 2 cents for new sharpeners... I found steels weren't super important if you go with a diamond stone. There are really decent and affordable stones on Amazon by Sharpal (325/1200) where the "1200" side is perfect for maintaining a working edge along with a strop. I also found that learning to sharpen on a flat stone is easier if you start out with a wharncliffe where you're not needing to worry about anything but maintaining a consistent angle throughout your strokes. The spyderco delica wharncliffe is a fantastic knife and what I learned on. Then get yourself a strop, either with compound pre-applied, or get your own compound and apply it (avoid wax compounds, they don't work nearly as well in my experience). If you're worried about angles, you can get some cheap guides on Amazon as well to help you learn what different angles may look like, but eventually you'll just get a feel for it by looking at the edge contacting the stone. My 2 cents but certainly not claiming it's the best or only way to learn!
Hey DCA! I have been bitten.. by the integral bug! Picked up a lionsteel SR2 in bright green and absolutely love it! 🤤 can you recommend a couple more integral knives with cool colours and solid blade steel?
You literally took the words out of my mouth... Id say the cold steel voyager or the sr1 lite .... Cold steel tops the cake in it's durability hands down... The recon 1 or new code 4 with g10 scales would be a phenomenal choice too, just more money!
Hi DCA, Every year tons of new models come out of the woodwork just to be quietly and unceremoniously retired a couple of years later. In your opinion, what current popular models do you think will stand the test of time 5 years later? Thanks in advance for your reply 👍
I may be speaking out of place here, but personally the only kind of knife I would consider tactical is one that can be effectively used in combat and also used in a survival/utility use.. ei: a sharp versatile spine, fixed blade or extremely hard use folder, with a long blade either clip point or drop point. something a big game hunter wouldn't leave the rack without.
@knifecenter hi, how r u guys... just wanna say great contents, simple to understand explanation.... warm regards for all knifecenter crews... stay safe...
Hey DCA, long time viewer, first time asker - I love a good fidgety knife, find myself flipping/flicking open and closed all day long. I love the audible click of the lock engaging and the blade closing up, but sometimes the people around me get a bit annoyed by my constant clicking open and closed. Do you know of any good fidgety knives that are on the quieter side so that I can flick open and closed without being so annoying to people around me? Side note since you had the question about marlin spikes in this video; I have to give a shout out the Meyerchin line of marlin spike knives! I’ve had one of their sailors tools for about 5 years now for working in and around boats on the Chicago river. Awesome tool and great option for a marlin spike multi tool.
DCA - for the 5 year knife, Cold Steel Code 4 for a folder. But I'm thinking more of a fixed blade; Bradford Guardian 3.5. For Marlin Spike knife - Spyderco Tusk if you can find one, for vintage I prefer the Remington or of Ka-bar.
Hey DCA. Love the content and info you and the KC crew provide. I watch yall almost everyday because im unortunately fortunate to be bit hard by the knife and sharpening bug at 25. I have a couple kershaw leeks, 2 elementum button locks, and some random Gerbers from sporting goods store and happy with them all, but my pocket is screaming for the best EDC double edged dagger flippers in each price range. Or the best dagger flipper with best fidget factor that isnt 300$. Thanks!
Love all the information you guys put out! You discussed edc for Middle East. There is the extreme spectrum of temperature in parts of the Middle East. Very cold winters and hot summers. Everything expands and contracts with temperatures. Can you share some information on the effects of metals, and other materials that make up knifes and the different ways they are put together in a environment where overnight it can be in the teens and midday it can be over 100?
A tactical knife is it’s own thing. Kitchen knife for kitchen. Bushcraft/camp/hunting knives favour a specific purpose. Fighting knife, dagger etc., for a specific purpose. Tactical knife for a number of purposes. Mostly relating to urban survival.
Hey David, looking to pick up a Böker Barlow BFF once they are available, but also looking at the Lionsteel M1. Which other small fixed blades can you recommend? Greetings from Germany!
Still have my OG Leatherman Wave that I bought in Kentucky on my way out to Fort Irwin CA while in the Army..I believe it was in '01 as it's been a long time now.. It was always a reliable tool worth having with me everywhere and even while deployed and all these years later and it's still in amazing shape with sharp blades. I find it a no brainier when someone asks what a good multi-tool would be for them that's reasonably priced and also made well to highly recommend the Wave. I would like a newer version with replaceable cutting jaws however and that is my only complaint about the original version when compared to the newest.
DCA, I'm not sure if this pliers based multitool is still in production but CRKT makes a multitool called the Bivy that has a marlin spike. It has a cool one handed opening plier head.
I would like a folding tactical knife with a tip-up carry option. I don't see many of your offerings that have a tip-up clip option. I think tip-up in the pocket is more readily accessible for defense and also safer in your pocket if it should open accidentally.
Another fun sharpening starter would be thrift shop kitchen knives. If you screw something up, no big loss, and if you don't you get a useful knife for peanuts.
At first I read your comment wrong and thought "What kind of special blade shape does anyone need for freaking peanuts?" lol! Great point though Jenny! -DCA
Hi DCA, learning a lot from the video's. When are we going to see Magnacut hit the market more broadly? I can't find much... But know Spyderco has something on the way, will Magnacut be able to compete in the mid/lower price ranges?
Hello DCA, I have a question, probably its a dull question. I have Ganzo folding knife model FH11s, it's a D2 steel with G10 handle. The question is, is this brand/knife good for EDC ? What is your thoughts on the Ganzo brand?? Thanks..
Hey DCA - Help! I'm looking for THE perfect fixed blade for extended outdoors use. Primarily for batonning and work with a ferro rod, must stand up against wet conditions (including snow & the occasional canoe capsize), preferably with a leather sheathe to be worn with a dangler. Something around $250-ish. Much obliged!
The best use I found for my knife in theater was prying open a stubborn can of .50 cal. AP while my 1st Sgt. is on the net screaming for someone to get that f'n M2 back online. Gerber Gator saved the day.🛡✝️⚔
Knives such as the jambiya are a big cultural item in the Middle East. If I were going to be in the Middle East for a number of years, I would focus on a nice jambiya or Crocodile Dundee sized bowie knife for instant respect.
Victorinox has two styles of marlin spikes that are very different from each other. The other is currently found on a model called the Skipper,, which has a marlin spike/shackle opener. There are some UA-cams showing how good that one can be working with paracord.
Question: What would be your recommendation for a good 2 knife combo for bushcraft purposes at different price points ($100, $200, $300). A smaller blade for fire making, carving and a larger one for chopping.
I have broken a number of clip point knives, usually budget knives, and it's always the same,, I stick the clip point into something, maybe poking it into a 5 gallon bucket, and then I try to pry the hole larger and the tip snaps off. I like the narrow tip because it's much easier to poke into things, but the benefits of the shape are lost if it isn't durable enough to handle the first attempt at making use of it. Is there a steel that makes good knives that will be particularly durable for a poke and pry clip point?? I admit that these are budget knives with steels made for good edges, but I don't want to compromise sharpness. I still favorite your recommendation for the k-bar dozier2 (glass nylon handle, super lightweight, I carry it in my shirt pocket and my shirt doesn't droop!) , it's my work edc and I can't imagine ever replacing it. At home, however, I often want a clip point. Thanks!!
Hey David - Very long comment, sorry… I recently picked up a Garberg for a general purpose camp knife / survival knife / bushcraft knife and I really like it (it's crazy sharp). I got it because it seemed like a good value and it's the first kind of "premium" knife I've purchased. I'm new to bushcraft but so far on a couple trips the Garberg has worked very well in that role. You got into the Mora Garberg a little bit in FAQ 67 but I was curious about your thoughts on the Garberg as a sort of "one-tool" camp knife and/belt knife for general outdoors, hiking, survival, etc. I assumed in a survival situation wood working and bushcraft would be a very large part of what one is doing, so I thought the Garberg would be good. You have a couple videos discussing survival knives and you brought the Mora Bushcraft in, but it seems in general the preferred type of grind is quite different from scandi grinds (i.e. high flat grinds). Also, it's been mentioned that scandis aren't very good for food prep, which makes sense. So now I'm beginning to think I should have chosen a different knife as a "camp knife". I'm really starting to gravitate toward a hunting knife or Nessmuk-style for my general camp knife and/or belt knife, as a compliment to the Garberg. So QUESTION 1: what are your thoughts on the Garberg as a camp knife/belt knife, and what might you recommend as a replacement and/or compliment? I’ve been looking at the Benchmade hidden canyon and saddle mountain; Spyderco Bill Moran; White River Camp Cleaver, Caper, or Jerry Fisk Sendero; Norden Ascent; Maserin Hunter; Boker Nessmi or Spark; ESEE JG5 or Ashley; Smith & Sons Pioneer; Condor Nessmuk; QSP Workaholic; Revo Journey; Joker Nussmuk; a BUNCH of TOPS - VTAC Patriot, American Trail Maker, Idaho Hunter, Pasayten, Tahoma, Baghdad Bullet, Tex Creek, Wind Runner, Silent Hero, Camp Creek, Overlander 2. Shoot, even the Gerber Strongarm! As you can see I’m all over the place. QUESTION 2: I’m also interested in an EDC fixed blade. Maybe something less than 3” or at least unobtrusive, good all-around blade. I think there are a couple examples above that could work (Boker Nessmi, VTAC, Revo). Also looked at Boker AK1; TOPS CUB, BTK-02, 3 Pointer, Scandi Woodsman, or Bull Trout. Any suggestions in this range? THANKS!
Air time with Thomas was hilarious! I vote for a Thomas Episode where he can answer all our questions, whether they are sharp or dull.
Anniversary episode 69 (nice) would be perfect for it. 😄
Absolutely agree it would be very interesting to see a little role reversal. Allen
Thomas is awful. Unfunny jokes, pointless interventions. Knife centre needs to hire a cameraman who can keep his trap shut when he's working.
David and Seth, what are some discontinued knives you wish would come back?
From what I have heard... benchmade sequel
@@missiondiscover lots of people want that to come back, good response!
Slisz Bowie
Cold steel triple action
Spyderco tuff .. the one that got away
Your Cold Steel choice for the 5 years away scenario, would also be my choice. It might be a bit bulky for EDC, but the slightly thicker than normal handle makes for a comfortable knife. Nothing in that knife will probably ever go wrong.
Cold Steel rules!
I would get the xl tanto Voyager!
XL Drop point for the win
@@tunturikuningas5393 :- Good choices for survival, but too large and maybe illegal for EDC in most foreign countries.
@@hermespino9985 :- Again, too large for EDC especially in countries where such large knives might be illegal...remember this was a choice for an EDC in a foreign nation for trouble free 5 years of usage.
Dave and Seth, could you do a segment on knives used in movies? It would be nice to see it evenly divided between hero and villain knives.
I strongly second this idea!
3rd… great idea!
As a "deployment" knife to the middle east, my dad used the Benchmade Autostryker (serrated) for around 7 years. That was 16 years ago. Thing still fires pretty hard, little blade play, etc. So for the past 23ish years I'd highly recommend one
I used a Benchmade Nimravus and Ares..Been huge fan since bought both new in '97 after enlisting and bought several since.
Tactical: 1. Fast deployment from on person or molle/ pack attachment. 2. Blade profile to stab, thrust and cutting ability. 3 Strength of knife eg Blade meteria,l construction and locking reliability. Eg like Cold Steel Tri Ad lock. These are main requirements for good real tactical knife. Tho you can still compromise anyone with Victorinox Tinker too depending on your experience and knowledge. ☝️😎
Excellent choice on the Cold Steel Voyager. The reasoning was easy to agree with.
DCA - you're a brave man going down the tactical rabbit hole (just as dangerous as the survival rabbit hole)!! For me, the mission of a tactical knife if to help force entry, remove obstacles & self defence. Generally defined by: robust/overbuilt design - solid blade - proven reliable steel - larger handle with solid grip even with gloves & subdued colours. Folders: 3.5+" - ease of deployment & solid lockup. Fixed: 5+" - easy use kydex sheath with mounting options. Also loved seeing the Spyderco Caribbean on the table - doesn't come up often but is a very reliable & versatile knife. Thanks for the vid.
16:48 get a Mora, inexpensive, made with the steels mentioned, and the scandi grind gives a lot of feedback for maintaining your angle.
Thomas had very quick wit on the fly , what a sharp guy .
Been watching you guys for 2 years now it’s great to see KC grow. Keep on going DCA!
One thing that made a huge difference for me learning to sharpen a knife is a good sharpener. I went with work sharp precision adjust elite kit. Even the standard kit offers alot. No need to hold knife at consistent angle. The clamp holds the knife for you
Thank you WINKLER knives, and TOOR blades!!!!
Just love the "WEEDS" garden that Thomas knows when to grow!!!
A tactical knife is one that can be used to tickle with tact.
every time that i listen your name it coming in my mind the MacGyver(richard dean anderson),any way,i was to the army for 1.5 year and my choice for a tactical knife was...the victorinox swiss champ!! definitely the weirdest approach for tacticals knives you've ever heard,but believe me it was my best military ''friend''.any other soldier whatever knife he carried at the end of the day: hey man,can i use the scissors of your sak??...hey man,this can opener works perfect...hey man,this wood saw saved our day...hey man,are you used the flat head screwdriver,as a mini pry bar to remove the pins from the ammunition box??hey man,i never thought that the phillips head screwdriver could works to remove the safety rifle pins...and more and more...
I really like , and know how to sharpen my WINKLER belt knife since 2013 it is my EDC and all time favorite knife! It is tacticool , and very sharp. It is a great all around knife. It is a tactical blade , and all purpose blade it just works really great for cheese, and sausage, and great for the kitty litter jugs to cardboard to all of my cutting tasks to cutting steak , and chicken at supper, and food prep. My TOOR FIELD 2.0 is my other 1st place knife . CPM154 walnut handles and dynamic fluting with copper liners! It is a real gentleman carry knife any a very capable blade!!!! Have a great nite , and happy trails!!!!
The weeds graphic is completely appropriate and hilarious
Hi DCA.
Leatherman Wave traveled with me for 10 years and 34 countries and still going strong.
Thomas has the best fixed blade and pry tool known to man!!
Also, a quick note on marlin spikes, since I make paracord bracelets and the like. Marlin spikes are used to tighten knots as well as loosen them. It’s just a matter of where you take the slack out of your cord. If you pull your strands from the top of your braid down toward your loose “working ends” it will cinch the knots up tighter. Marlin spikes can be used in that way to either make a knot more secure, or to even up the tension on all sides of a complex knot.
NEXT LEVEL EDC!! I know you’ve covered it before but it’s a new year with new sharpened steel out and I know you understand the need to bump it up to the next level 🤘
Hey DCA. Without getting to "weedy", could you touch on why so many frame lock folders only have scales on one side ?
Maybe one other consideration on the "tactical" topic would be sheath type and carry options ( at least when it comes to fixed blades )
Thanks David for explaining your general definition of tactical. Always has been sort of confusing, but you made it much more understandable. Allen
Haven’t used the Voyager, but I own two Recon 1s and can attest to their longevity.
OG Recon 1 Clip Point is the ONLY knife that's followed me from early collecting days to the present. It's my go to when I know I'm getting dirty, thing is straight up BOMBPROOF!
I spent 13 years in infantry divisions and since I've been out I've encountered more tactical people than I ever met in the military
Voyager is a superb knife, love mine, highly versatile.
Will be adding a Bar Blade to my EDC for sure. Thanks Thomas.!
I carried a Cold Steel Voyager when I was on active duty. I chose the tanto. However it held up just fine and is an amazing choice.
Welcome back, Mr. Andersen (and Thomas). The Cold Steel Large Clip Point Voyager is a great choice for a hard-use EDC. The Drop Point is offering stiff competition though. If there's a need to go smaller, I would also suggest the Rajah III - super tough, very ergonomic in multiple holds, and it checks all the "tactical" boxes - excellent thrusting and slashing, prominent integral guard, secure grip, and rapid deployment with the thumb plate (waveable). Despite all that, it's also excellent at day-to-day tasks, and especially for food prep.
Great video this week like always! Thanks for the mention!
OMG the Spyderco Caribbean made the show 🤯. One of my favorite knives!!
I've had the DEMO and I can't believe that flipper got out of the design phase. It's one of the few flippers I can consistently fail. It's located so low under the pivot you almost require a wrist flick. The handle texture however is fing amazing. Also I'd argue no frame Lock knife can be considered "tactical" in nature. The reason has to do with deployment: the way knife ppl deploy a flipper is ingrained not to rest your fingers on the lockbar...but in a panic, it's incredibly easy to do this unknowingly. The Emerson is a superior "tactical" knife because your chance of failing the opening goes down a lot between the wave/thumbs-up combo. Also, even with the texture on the demo, it's still quite slippery.
At the first question you could have chosen a fixed EDC blade. I also believe that Cold Steel Recon 1 or Mini Recon 1 are good options, depending on the size he desires.
He said folding knife in the question.
The simplicity of the RAT 1 I would take anywhere owned and carried for years
As for modern "tactical" standards, I'd say handle material plays a large factor today. Sturdy, grippy materials like micarta or textured g10 are two I'd consider key to granting a knife "tactical" status. Wood that swells in water or relatively chippable carbon fiber are examples I would not consider such
Q: DCA, what are some of your favorite small folders? I've been hot on little-big-knives lately, my go to is a Fox Suru. A KC version, and a Wilson Combat version for when I'm feeling fancy
Good point about handle material. I mentioned blade size and overall color as well.
For the 5yr middle east knife, that Carribbean is a good choice, how about an Endela or the new Native 5 in magnacut.
Great vid guys.
I'd love to see you do a video about the best "gentleman's" knives available right now.
Right here good sir. A couple months old but still fresh: ua-cam.com/video/YcpLLAbyMqI/v-deo.html -DCA
One thing about tactical knives is that they tend to be big enough that on a thrust, they can actually incapacitate a target.
Smaller slashes, unless done by a professional to extremely specific areas like an artery or certain tendons, wont do much beyond piss off an attacker.
Whereas a deep pierce to a lung or group of muscles can stop someone in their tracks, even if the stab doesnt kill them.
Thats why most are 3.5+ inches. A lot of US jurisdictions ban folding knives over 4 inches, so that is why you see so many tactical knives that are closer to that size rather than being smaller than 3.5 inches.
Also, this is exactly the reason why so many other US jurisdictions either ban knives over 3 inces, because they are too small to easily do fatal damage with a stab, or any sort of automatic or switchblade knife, because they are so fast to deploy even compared to an assisted knife.
So, if you live in a place with few knife restrictions and want a tactical knife, something closer to 4 inches than to 3 inches seems to be the sweet spot for damage done vs ease of carry.
But, as always, check your local laws. Some states or counties may have lax laws but your city might have pretty restrictive laws.
LMAO 🤣 suddenly everyone is a professional 🤣 😂
Even if the cross bar lock messes up you can always wedge a small wooden dowel behind it TEMPORARILY and remove it later. Works every time.
I would choose the Spyderco Delica for oversees deployments. Because that’s what I chose last time and it worked great. Also, there’s a dull trainer for it so I’ve been able to train with it in martial arts classes.
I've hard used a 580 Barrage for eight years. I recommend it as a tough, heavy use knife that will get the job done.
Id have to put my choice in the hat too. I own some higher priced knives...but i ALWAYS come back to the Cold Steel Spartan. I can attest to it being excellent for hard use because I've been using it every single day at work and off work. It's reversible clip and its deep carry design doesn't give away it's size. Most people complain that its too "big" or "heavy" but i don't find it to be bad. I carry in my front jeans pocket & i forget it's there. I've put that thing through stuff most people would squirm and that im ashamed to tell with people telling me "knives arent meant to do that!" I have complete confidence in Cold Steel's Tri-ad lock. I know it doesn't have a "super-steel"...but its easy to sharpen hair-poppin sharp on my Lansky diamond stone kit! ( they made it with AUS-8 steel in previous versions and now they're offering it with AUS-10).Barring the legalities of other countries or Kommie-fornia type restrictions, the Spartan has been proven by me and many other users time & time again. Aside from being a very highly reviewed knife..if i had to trust my life to a folder...the Spartan would be it. From protecting my hands from slipping due to it's handle design to it's Tri-ad lock preventing it closing on me. It's very affordable & it won't break me if i ever lose it. It's thumb plate allows it to be opened extremely easy one handed when it catches on your pocket edge if you so desire. It opens with a very reassuring "click" reminding me it's ready to go unlike some other knives where sometimes you wonder if mechanism is engaged properly. Its just my own personal humble opinion based on what I've live through and experiences with the Spartan. Please share thoughts & opinions as these comments are always helpful in discovering new knives one hasn't thought of with knife lovers everywhere.
Any time I'm trying out a new sharpener, I use an old AUS8 Shrade for the trial run. It works to a wicked edge in a hurry
For the first question, I would go with my S35VN Tenacious, on which I have a “wave mod”. The speed of deployment and versatile blade shape makes it practicool. I like a liner lock for ease of cleaning. It’s a shame there’s aren’t many wave knives with full flat grinds
Haha I love that weeds graphic
I have the Victorinox skipper in navy Camo. It’s used by the Malaysian Komando Special Police task force. They do work that is a blend of anti terrorism and marine coast defence work. The Malaysians use the Vitorinox Outrider for the military and the skipper pro for the Royal Navy.
The new one handed opening Swiss army soldier released in 2008 is used by the Swiss, German, and US army.
I assume the waterproof tactical playing cards are intended to keep me and the boys entertained in enemy captivity
I liked Thomas's jokes. They were on point.
I personally learned to sharpen blades on the cheap utility knife blades. It taught me to maintain blade shape and not to grind in to the blade holder and they are cheap enough to be replaced easily
Dave in February 2004 I deployed to Iraq 🇮🇶 with a Gerber MP-600 and the original Gerber Applegate-Fairborn Rex large folder no asst a true flipper thumb stud. To this day I still carry both of them but in a better shelve. I used the Multi Tool for weapons cleaning working on my tank here weapons cleaning everything else that comes up. My folder I used in hand to hand on couple occasions. Today if someone tries something I just flip it out. All I do is clean oil and sharpen them. I was the biggest Leather Man fanatic until the MP-600. I now also have a Center Drive Plus the 1/4” drive is great the scissors are junk along with the file. Plus I have a lot of folders and fixed blades I have the Applegate-Fairborn Rex Boucher fixed blade.
2nd comment... My 2 cents for new sharpeners... I found steels weren't super important if you go with a diamond stone. There are really decent and affordable stones on Amazon by Sharpal (325/1200) where the "1200" side is perfect for maintaining a working edge along with a strop.
I also found that learning to sharpen on a flat stone is easier if you start out with a wharncliffe where you're not needing to worry about anything but maintaining a consistent angle throughout your strokes. The spyderco delica wharncliffe is a fantastic knife and what I learned on.
Then get yourself a strop, either with compound pre-applied, or get your own compound and apply it (avoid wax compounds, they don't work nearly as well in my experience).
If you're worried about angles, you can get some cheap guides on Amazon as well to help you learn what different angles may look like, but eventually you'll just get a feel for it by looking at the edge contacting the stone.
My 2 cents but certainly not claiming it's the best or only way to learn!
I have a Spyderco Police 4 that I reprofiled to have a pointier tip. Excellent practicool knife.
The 940 makes a great gasket scraper I have one in my tool box just for that job only.
Voyager for the win
Hey DCA! I have been bitten.. by the integral bug! Picked up a lionsteel SR2 in bright green and absolutely love it! 🤤 can you recommend a couple more integral knives with cool colours and solid blade steel?
You literally took the words out of my mouth... Id say the cold steel voyager or the sr1 lite .... Cold steel tops the cake in it's durability hands down... The recon 1 or new code 4 with g10 scales would be a phenomenal choice too, just more money!
Hi DCA,
Every year tons of new models come out of the woodwork just to be quietly and unceremoniously retired a couple of years later. In your opinion, what current popular models do you think will stand the test of time 5 years later?
Thanks in advance for your reply 👍
I may be speaking out of place here, but personally the only kind of knife I would consider tactical is one that can be effectively used in combat and also used in a survival/utility use.. ei: a sharp versatile spine, fixed blade or extremely hard use folder, with a long blade either clip point or drop point. something a big game hunter wouldn't leave the rack without.
So Kabar? My Kabar Is my favorite fixed blade for that reason. I can do almost any outdoors chores with it and it's obviously great for CQB lol
@knifecenter hi, how r u guys... just wanna say great contents, simple to understand explanation.... warm regards for all knifecenter crews... stay safe...
The emerson kershaw cqc-7 is a great knife IMO. Stainless for easy maintenance and doesnt break the budget.
Hey DCA, long time viewer, first time asker - I love a good fidgety knife, find myself flipping/flicking open and closed all day long. I love the audible click of the lock engaging and the blade closing up, but sometimes the people around me get a bit annoyed by my constant clicking open and closed. Do you know of any good fidgety knives that are on the quieter side so that I can flick open and closed without being so annoying to people around me?
Side note since you had the question about marlin spikes in this video; I have to give a shout out the Meyerchin line of marlin spike knives! I’ve had one of their sailors tools for about 5 years now for working in and around boats on the Chicago river. Awesome tool and great option for a marlin spike multi tool.
The jokes were nice. Glad they didn't get cut!
If you bring that axis lock into the desert it'll be destroyed by sand I promise compression lock would work out lots better.
DCA - for the 5 year knife, Cold Steel Code 4 for a folder. But I'm thinking more of a fixed blade; Bradford Guardian 3.5.
For Marlin Spike knife - Spyderco Tusk if you can find one, for vintage I prefer the Remington or of Ka-bar.
Lol Thomas and his weeds 🤣 👌🏻
Hey DCA. Love the content and info you and the KC crew provide. I watch yall almost everyday because im unortunately fortunate to be bit hard by the knife and sharpening bug at 25.
I have a couple kershaw leeks, 2 elementum button locks, and some random Gerbers from sporting goods store and happy with them all, but my pocket is screaming for the best EDC double edged dagger flippers in each price range. Or the best dagger flipper with best fidget factor that isnt 300$.
Thanks!
Love all the information you guys put out! You discussed edc for Middle East. There is the extreme spectrum of temperature in parts of the Middle East. Very cold winters and hot summers. Everything expands and contracts with temperatures. Can you share some information on the effects of metals, and other materials that make up knifes and the different ways they are put together in a environment where overnight it can be in the teens and midday it can be over 100?
For a viking themed folding knife the ultimate is the pocket ulfberht.
A tactical knife is it’s own thing.
Kitchen knife for kitchen.
Bushcraft/camp/hunting knives favour a specific purpose.
Fighting knife, dagger etc., for a specific purpose.
Tactical knife for a number of purposes. Mostly relating to urban survival.
MYERCHIN makes some cool marlin spike knives too
Hey David,
looking to pick up a Böker Barlow BFF once they are available, but also looking at the Lionsteel M1. Which other small fixed blades can you recommend?
Greetings from Germany!
cold steel recon 1 all the way. best edc knife ive ever carried for a long time
Still have my OG Leatherman Wave that I bought in Kentucky on my way out to Fort Irwin CA while in the Army..I believe it was in '01 as it's been a long time now.. It was always a reliable tool worth having with me everywhere and even while deployed and all these years later and it's still in amazing shape with sharp blades. I find it a no brainier when someone asks what a good multi-tool would be for them that's reasonably priced and also made well to highly recommend the Wave. I would like a newer version with replaceable cutting jaws however and that is my only complaint about the original version when compared to the newest.
New to knives and I learn a ton from you great content, keep up the good work!!!
DCA, I'm not sure if this pliers based multitool is still in production but CRKT makes a multitool called the Bivy that has a marlin spike. It has a cool one handed opening plier head.
I would like a folding tactical knife with a tip-up carry option. I don't see many of your offerings that have a tip-up clip option. I think tip-up in the pocket is more readily accessible for defense and also safer in your pocket if it should open accidentally.
Another fun sharpening starter would be thrift shop kitchen knives. If you screw something up, no big loss, and if you don't you get a useful knife for peanuts.
At first I read your comment wrong and thought "What kind of special blade shape does anyone need for freaking peanuts?" lol! Great point though Jenny! -DCA
Also the Spyderco Tusk… not that they are available on your site but an option
Hi DCA, learning a lot from the video's.
When are we going to see Magnacut hit the market more broadly? I can't find much...
But know Spyderco has something on the way, will Magnacut be able to compete in the mid/lower price ranges?
I'm waiting for magnacut to be more mainstream too. I'm looking to buy a lifer knife, and magnacut seems to be the new overall best steel to consider
Needs to be all black and have a tanto. Assisted opening and have the punisher logo on it 😂
My Benchmade AFO spent many years in Afghanistan. It’s on its way back from Benchmade now for a refresh.
Your camera crew should be proud. Wonderful work this year. ✊🏾 🎥 💯
Hello DCA, I have a question, probably its a dull question.
I have Ganzo folding knife model FH11s, it's a D2 steel with G10 handle. The question is, is this brand/knife good for EDC ? What is your thoughts on the Ganzo brand?? Thanks..
Hey DCA - Help!
I'm looking for THE perfect fixed blade for extended outdoors use. Primarily for batonning and work with a ferro rod, must stand up against wet conditions (including snow & the occasional canoe capsize), preferably with a leather sheathe to be worn with a dangler. Something around $250-ish. Much obliged!
After all these years, my Kershaw ken onion blur still is my EDC.
The best use I found for my knife in theater was prying open a stubborn can of .50 cal. AP while my 1st Sgt. is on the net screaming for someone to get that f'n M2 back online. Gerber Gator saved the day.🛡✝️⚔
Voyager FTW, Buck 110 LT with thick plastic handle as runner-up.
For a 5 year deployment knife I think my top choice would have to be a Hinderer x18 or Jurassic
Knives such as the jambiya are a big cultural item in the Middle East. If I were going to be in the Middle East for a number of years, I would focus on a nice jambiya or Crocodile Dundee sized bowie knife for instant respect.
My first knife is a Cold Steel 6" voyager tanto. I researched everything
The spyderco tusk was an awesome sailors knife with a marlinspike. A shame it was discontinued
I swear these videos are just asmr for knife videos
Right on with the Wave. It's a bit boring only because it's the best multitool.
Is it good to stab an attacker with? If the answer is yes then it's tactical! Good day gentlemen!
I think the Cold Steel American Lawman will be a better choice for a five year knife.
Victorinox has two styles of marlin spikes that are very different from each other. The other is currently found on a model called the Skipper,, which has a marlin spike/shackle opener. There are some UA-cams showing how good that one can be working with paracord.
Question: What would be your recommendation for a good 2 knife combo for bushcraft purposes at different price points ($100, $200, $300). A smaller blade for fire making, carving and a larger one for chopping.
I have broken a number of clip point knives, usually budget knives, and it's always the same,, I stick the clip point into something, maybe poking it into a 5 gallon bucket, and then I try to pry the hole larger and the tip snaps off. I like the narrow tip because it's much easier to poke into things, but the benefits of the shape are lost if it isn't durable enough to handle the first attempt at making use of it. Is there a steel that makes good knives that will be particularly durable for a poke and pry clip point?? I admit that these are budget knives with steels made for good edges, but I don't want to compromise sharpness. I still favorite your recommendation for the k-bar dozier2 (glass nylon handle, super lightweight, I carry it in my shirt pocket and my shirt doesn't droop!) , it's my work edc and I can't imagine ever replacing it. At home, however, I often want a clip point. Thanks!!
Hey David - Very long comment, sorry…
I recently picked up a Garberg for a general purpose camp knife / survival knife / bushcraft knife and I really like it (it's crazy sharp). I got it because it seemed like a good value and it's the first kind of "premium" knife I've purchased. I'm new to bushcraft but so far on a couple trips the Garberg has worked very well in that role. You got into the Mora Garberg a little bit in FAQ 67 but I was curious about your thoughts on the Garberg as a sort of "one-tool" camp knife and/belt knife for general outdoors, hiking, survival, etc. I assumed in a survival situation wood working and bushcraft would be a very large part of what one is doing, so I thought the Garberg would be good. You have a couple videos discussing survival knives and you brought the Mora Bushcraft in, but it seems in general the preferred type of grind is quite different from scandi grinds (i.e. high flat grinds). Also, it's been mentioned that scandis aren't very good for food prep, which makes sense. So now I'm beginning to think I should have chosen a different knife as a "camp knife". I'm really starting to gravitate toward a hunting knife or Nessmuk-style for my general camp knife and/or belt knife, as a compliment to the Garberg.
So QUESTION 1: what are your thoughts on the Garberg as a camp knife/belt knife, and what might you recommend as a replacement and/or compliment? I’ve been looking at the Benchmade hidden canyon and saddle mountain; Spyderco Bill Moran; White River Camp Cleaver, Caper, or Jerry Fisk Sendero; Norden Ascent; Maserin Hunter; Boker Nessmi or Spark; ESEE JG5 or Ashley; Smith & Sons Pioneer; Condor Nessmuk; QSP Workaholic; Revo Journey; Joker Nussmuk; a BUNCH of TOPS - VTAC Patriot, American Trail Maker, Idaho Hunter, Pasayten, Tahoma, Baghdad Bullet, Tex Creek, Wind Runner, Silent Hero, Camp Creek, Overlander 2. Shoot, even the Gerber Strongarm! As you can see I’m all over the place.
QUESTION 2: I’m also interested in an EDC fixed blade. Maybe something less than 3” or at least unobtrusive, good all-around blade. I think there are a couple examples above that could work (Boker Nessmi, VTAC, Revo). Also looked at Boker AK1; TOPS CUB, BTK-02, 3 Pointer, Scandi Woodsman, or Bull Trout. Any suggestions in this range?
THANKS!
Oh I forgot.. I'm also interested in the LT Wright camp knives but they all seem to be unavailable right now.