David, I “met” Micarta long before I saw it used as a knife handle material. I’m recently retired from 45+ years operating hydro generators. In the electrical industry, linen Micarta is very common. It is valued for its dielectric qualities, stability and workability. I’ve seen (and even shared with a knifemaker) pale green high dielectric Micarta that appeared to be made with fine glass cloth. I believe Micarta was born in the electrical industry, has been around for a LONG time, and was discovered by knifemakers because of its great qualities. BTW it stinks when you work it, use ventilation.
@@MountainFisher interesting. The “real stuff,” in the trade is definitely smelly when you cut, drill or grind it. I thought the phenolic resin was an essential part of being Micarta. Sounds to me like we are using the name loosely.
@@lanedexter6303 I worked in aerospace from the 1970s until the late 1990s and you'd be surprised at how many electrical panels were put onto real .090 to .125 micarta sheet. Its natural color is a light brown color.
@@MountainFisher interesting. We used it mostly for mountings, spacers where we needed electrical isolation, and sometimes barriers over buswork. I’ve seen 1/2” brown linen Micarta sheet char badly but take a heck of a blast when a current transformer on an 11kv generator lead faulted. I have a lot of respect for the material.
Just to set the record straight, the bottom rim of a mug is often not glazed because when the mug is fired the glaze liquifies. if the part touching the shelf in the kiln was glazed, it would get stuck.
Hey DCA. Love the content! Keep it coming. Q: My anniversary (+20) is coming up. What would you suggest for a great His n Hers set of EDC knives ($250 together) to celebrate with? Thanks again for all the great content.
Serious question, what knife fits your personality. Not the one you like the most but simply what suits your demeanor. Are you a CRKT CEO or a Cold Steel Espada XL. A SAK SwissChamp or a Chris Reeve Sebenza.(or any other knife) That goes for David, Seth and Thomas I asked about 5 times already. Make 5 times the charme. Love you guys
My friend that question is really hard to answer since there’s ga zillions knives 🔪 out there,,Mora,Buck,SAK, OKC and whatever you can and get your hands on..My personality fits Mora and SAK knives…
Regarding man-made items for emergency sharpening: I've seen people use denim blue jeans or Carhart's like a strop, especially the really thick, tough brands. Also, according to several sources I've read, the original Bowie is more similar in shape to a modern chef knife than to what we generally think of as a Bowie today.
Yep, pretty much anything rough or abrasive will work in a pinch. Concrete, rock, sand slurry, sandpaper, metalworking files etc. Re: bowie shape, I'd imagine it'd be closer to a Old Hickory or French trading knife pattern since those were extremely common at the time.
Many shaving blades/cartridges can be given a quick strop by going opposite direction on some, preferably old, denim jeans. Depends on the specific style of razor but it knocks off some of the microscopic burrs that have developed.
The Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM) in Little Rock has a Knife Gallery that contains an example of an early Bowie and an Arkansas Toothpick, among many other knives.
Good morning Mr. Anderson! Could you show me a great selection of stag knives? I have an affinity for deer stag, especially on fixed blades. I'd love to see a few available at Knifecenter
Hey Knife Centre Crew, I have just received my CRKT Ritual (and love it) and I was wondering if I should leave it open when in storage to relieve the spring?
I tried to do the "one hand close" with my Buck 110 Hunter LT and no, that backlock is just too strong, this knife is fairly new, and I haven´t used too much, but the knife is just too big. Also, I know is no fun, but it breaks my #1 rule dealing with knives, don´t do dumb things with them.
I bought two Buck 112 Ranger Sport Knives (from another seller) with the micarta handle and the blade wobbled both in and out of the handle and the blade could not be centered and returned both of them (the second was a replacement knife). I loved that I could deploy the blade easily with the thumb stud (I am a female), the micarta handles, the pocket clip, but wasn't happy that it was $130 was so shoddily put together, even after I tightened the pivot screw.
@@happykt Yes, I know what you mean, I have some $30 dollars knifes, and you look past some details because you know that at that price range, a knife can´t be perfect, but if you are spending over $100, you better get some upgrade quality
I can close Spyderco mid-backlocks with the method you showcased. Those I have and sucessfully can do so on are : Native 5 (basic and LW), Delica, Endela, Endura, Stretch 1 & 2, Centofante III and certainly more, I just need to buy them first ;-)
Sorry if I posted twice but what DCA said almost match what Rezin Bowie stated about knife makers interpretation… except the original format wasn’t a guarded clip point. That came later. The Bark River Forest Bowie is closer to what Rezin stated he gave his brother. From “A Knife like Bowie’s” by John Bryant, Staff Writer for Alamo de Parras, March 2000. Outnumbered, shot and bludgeoned, James Bowie held four assailants, killing one and wounding another with what witnesses called a "big butcher knife"(or just a large knife). After an earlier assault in Alexandria, Louisiana, James's older brother Rezin [pronouncedReason] gave him the knife so that he would never again be caught unarmed. Rezin Bowie said, "The length of the blade was nine and one-quarters inches, its width one and one-half inches, single edged and not curved" …quite different from the Bowie knife as it came to be recognized. It is unlikely we will ever know the actual appearance of the original Bowie knife. Its metamorphosis from a big butcher knife to the huge clip point knife in just a few short years prompted Rezin Bowie to say: "The improvements in its fabrication and state of perfection it has acquired from experienced cutlers, was not brought about through my agency." This comment from Rezin seems to hint that the "original Bowie knife" was only a simple hunting knife. It had no clip point, nor massive cross guard, like the knives Rezin was so fond of giving as gifts.
I’ve used cardboard and a boot to strop my knife on. It works. It’s pronounced Boo-ee if you’re talking about the knife or it’s creator. It’s pronounced Boe-ee if you’re talking about the musician. I was raised in Texas, so I know.
There is a run at the place I ski called Bowie and everyone pronounces it bough-ee makes me nuts, I always tell them there are two ways to say it but thats not one of them
Actually, Bowie is a name that comes from Old English and Gaelic ( Scottish ). It is pronounced either as Bow - as in long bow - ie, or, dependent on the region as Bo-wee. It means a large promontory ( which is a bit strange when you think about it lol ) A little bit of history you might find of interest. :)
Hi David, do you have any suggestions on a “thank you” knife? I recently moved on from my long-time cycling coach, and he was incredibly supportive of my decision to seek out a more specialized coach. It was a very classy act. I love him like a brother. I want to give him a knife that reflects that sentiment. Budget can be up to $200, but I’m open to more affordable knife choices if they fit the bill. He is not a knife guy, to my knowledge.
I've always felt the Delica is a knife that works for pretty much every person out there. For a special version, check out our Pakkawood exclusives right here: kcoti.com/3iWmK2S -DCA
I don’t know about closing a spyderco but I open mine by pinching the circle cut out with my pointy finger and my thumb and flicking the handle open rather than the blade, it deploys really fast this way.
I don't have the info for all models, but these vids cover the bestselling new knives of 2020 and 2021 respectively... th-cam.com/video/Pwp-lyh55dI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/_kSc_AL2YV4/w-d-xo.html
In the micarta segment I was struck by how gorgeous that Greg Lightfoot was, so I followed the shop link and.... well. I validated the fact that I have expensive taste sometimes! What a beauty though.
Hi again DCA. I'll go a little bit more basic here. If you had to pick one steel and handle material for lifetime use and you couldn't use anything else, what would those be? Irregardless of cutting task/geometry etc.
I close my Buck 110 single hand by reversing my grip, (as if to stab) and I push down on the lock with my thumb. Once the lock releases the blade, it can be flicked closed or simply pushed closed with the back of the blade on your leg, a table, whatever is convenient. 👍🏻
On some lock back knives, if you hold it in a reverse grip and press the lock with your forefinger while pressing down with the heel of the hand, you can close the knife one handed.
@@knifecenter Thanks! It's not touched on in that video specifically, but I have heard on various knife forums that single action OTFs tend to have a bit less blade wiggle than their double action counterparts. Is that true? And if so, is it by design, or because single actions tend to be a little more rare and done by more "boutique" brands?
@@knifecenter Question David if you could only buy one folder and 1 fixed blade what would they be? And thay needs to cover daily carry and whatever life throws at you.
Hey D.C.A. and Knife Center. I'd like to know if it's possible or why doesn't any knife company utilize a material such as Dyneema for knife scale/handles? It's incredibly strong doesn't wear easily so it would seem as if it would make a great knife handle!
As we all know, the name "Bowie" is typically pronounced one of two ways: Boh-ie or Boo-ie. (David Bowie, the musician, pronounced his name BOH-ie). But pertinent to your question specifically, according to many sources I've read, Jim Bowie pronounced his name BOO-ie, therefore the knife which bears his moniker should be pronounced the same. So, it's BOO-ie knife.
Speaking of Micarta. I've just been introduced to Fireside Co. Scales and they use TeroTuf which is similar to micarta but a different resin. Can't wait for my scales to come I so I can experience the difference between regular maicarta ad TeroTuf
I make knives as a hobbyist, just made my first set of TeroTuf scales for a large'ish fixed blade. So far I can say that it doesn't stay as flat in sheet form as micarta and G10, it's definitely more flexible. Big bonus for makers is that it is apparently non-toxic, which is always a concern when sanding other materials. I can say that it feels very comfortable in hand. Maybe the most comfortable, as well as one of the most slip resistant in wet hands. Downside is that it's more expensive, and available colors seem pretty limited. But I'm really liking the stuff overall. 👍
The Browning Crowell Barker Competition knife, (now discontinued), is the knife which most resembles the original knife, which was given by Rezin, to his brother, and almost certainly used on the Sandbar,,, Imho,,,,,
Isn't there an argument that G-10 is "fiberglass micarta", pakkawood is "wood micarta" and carbon fiber is "carbon fiber micarta"? At a base level, they're some kind of layers of a woven thing impregnated with resin/plastic.
When I was in university in the nineties, I recall an attempt to revise the pronunciation of Don Quixote to something like "quick-sot" because, supposedly that's how it was pronounced at the time. Needless to say, that didn't catch on. I pronounce Bowie like David Bowie - most people in Europe would do. I believe many period Bowies were actually made in Sheffield and shipped out to America.
Hey DCA love these Q&A’s! I know you are a fixed blade guy and a Ethan Becker / Bk knife fan. I have a bk18 I’m looking to resheathe. Which do you prefer, leather or kydex? Also who are your go to’s for sheathes? Thanks!
"Keep your fingers out of the blade path on a lockback, one-handed?" Yeah, use your thigh, or any other part of your body (but your thigh is mighty convenient...)
Sorry but you're all wrong on the bowie history: David Bowie was a singer with a really bad haircut in the ziggy stardust era during which david cut his own hair with a knife ...hence the "Bowie" knife name.
Bowie Knife Definition: long enough to use as a sword, wide enough to use as a paddle and sharp enough to shave with. Cant remember where I heard that but it's stuck with me.
DCA Love your videos and FAQ's I thought of a idea can you find a history of different knives in USA if it isn't a big undertaking. I like big beefy knives like ZT 308, Medford and more but pricey. I have your Lapwing really great and I want a few others too. Keep up the great work your a big help in helping me find more knives!!
I think longer knives with a back lock can be closed one handed. Examples of longer knives are the Spyderco Native Chief, Endura, and Police 4. Doing it to your back lock knife is cool but highly impractical.
i once closed a Rajah II and wanted to stop the blade on the ricasso, which i missed. The blade instead was stopped by the bone of my indexfinger, leaving a visible permanent reminder not to try that again.
You've got your hand backwards when trying to close the back lock with your index finger. You have to put the knife in your hand with the knife going up your index finger from your palm. You didn't give yourself enough leverage trying to hold the knife with just your 2 fingers.
Thanks for the answer about scandi grind sharpening. It was as simple as I kinda feared it would be. The reason I say that, is that i fear over time that I would not be able to hold a consistent angle, and that it would either turn convex or get a bigger angle (and therefore less slicy) over time. I guess I'll just have to work on my sharpening skills.
If you sharpen scandi's the true way, the edge gets crazy crazy brittle. Thats why alot of people do the Scandivex, add little convex on that edge goes a long way
I always flip backlocks around in my hand between my index and middle finger, use my index finger to push the lock and the palm of my hand to push the spine of the knife to close it. Give it a whirl DCA.
I can safely index finger close my Nemesis Knives MPR-1, MPR-3, and MPR-3T, as well as the CRKT Kith, all of which have the back lock positioned toward the blade. There is also the CRKT Offbeat and Offbeat II, as well as the AG Russell One- Hand series of knives, which feature modified lock backs that can be safely closed with the fingers out of way. No luck with my Buck 110 or Civivi Rustic Gent.
I've always said Bowie like bow and arrow when referring to the knife (and Idc if I'm right or wrong). However, being from Texas, where several things and places are named after the man, there are definitely regional differences in pronunciation, and you would do best to pronounce it how the locals do lol
That’s good advice indeed. but… imho: If the knife is named after a person, it should be pronounced the way the person pronounced his name. Jim Bowie’s descendants say the name was mis-pronounced even before Jim made it famous. They pronounce it “Boo-wee”. 👍🏼
That was my 1st thought, it was a nessmuk. Do a video on those! It's my next purchase I think for camp kitchen/chores...suggestions? 100-150 buck range?
David you will go into history books because you reviewed countless amount of knives 🔪, I will take any knife that’s in front of you 😂 I like Micarta and G10,Micarta more it doesn’t slip…Wood cracks, I don’t like it,stag is the best natural material for knife. I love knives but I have to refrain myself from buying more,but I like to watch your videos. I would like to know if you had to pick 3 blades,what would it be???
Speaking of Fallkniven their Modern Bowie would chew up a bushcraft job. But it’s hugely expensive. The Cold Steel Trailmaster would be awesome as well and significantly cheaper.
Hi David (and Seth), My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question: I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features: 1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard") 2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong) 3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it... 4) About 3" or more Blade Length 5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly. 6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip 7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each. Thanks so much!
Hey, DCA & Friends! Germany has crazy knife laws. A folding knife can be either one hand opening OR locking, if it is both, it is illegal to carry, regardless of the length of the blade. What are your suggestions for a non-locking one hand opening knife (your exclusive version of the small Archeo from Artisan Cutlery excluded) and a two hand opening locking knife, both for urban edc? And what is the largest knife you are aware of that meets one of those requirements, safe for the large Opinels?
Greetings DCA! I’m curious to know if there’s a knife out there that is purposely made to be (or with in mind) to be modified to make it your own? Like being a “base model”’and or (to the best of your knowledge), which knife is modified the most? Thanks!
@@safromnc8616, Yo! Thanks for the reply! I’m aware of blank blades, I’m doing one now. I should’ve been more specific. I’m referring to a folder with kinda blank scales and so forth.
@Mr. Quesada, Back a few years ago, Buck 110s and clones were very popular targets for reshaping of handles to include regrinding finger grooves, choiles and etcetra, jimping, checkering and all types of other creative mods. Today, one can find new blades, made of better steel, as well as a plethora of bits and pieces like spacers, pins and other "you name it" hardware! Let your fingers do the walking in the search bar of your favorite "engine." I hope this helps... RRC
I may be weak but on my Buck I can't even press in the back lock with my finger one handed without wrapping my hand around the handle. I can't imagine not using two hands. This video did make me play with it for a couple minutes.
I carried a Gerber Gator lock back folder for years and could run it open and closed one handed while keeping my important bits out of the blade path. Never had an issue with thousands of cycles. It depends on lock location as well as blade pivot drag, but most back locks are safely do-able one handed.
Hey DCA and Seth V! I have been trying to get into the fixed blade game lately and every one I have purchased has been disappointing. I'm looking for something around 3.5 to 4 inches and super thin and slicy. Any help would be absolutely awesome! Thanks guys!
I'm assuming in the production realm, those will be few and far between, especially at that size. A regrind on one of your existing models might be the way to go, or a custom. SPKs are super thin bte but expensive and don't think they meet your size criteria.
Try the Revo RJ1 (or RJI?). Pretty slicey for a purported "outdoors" knife. Old Hickory are pretty darn slicey, also check the EDC food prep video. I recently got a CJRB Silax (5 inches) and it is pretty slicey, but nowhere near the geometry of a kitchen knife, which might be too delicate for what you need. A carbon steel paring knife or hunting knife may be what you want.
Hey DCA and Thomas! I'm a big fan of the ergonomics and aesthetics of the Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake and I love using it! Only thing is I find it a bit big to EDC. I was wondering what you could recommend for a folding equivalent with a similar look and feel at roughly the same price point (a bit over is okay). Thank you very much!
How do you find a knife that was sold as a combo without buying the combo I'm looking for a knife sold with a 22lr rifle I have the rifle but can't find the knife sold separately
If you were on the show Alone, What primary tool would you take with you? A lot of people started bringing multi-tools in more recent seasons. Would you carry an MT or a knife? Which one would you choose?
I was recently watching some movies where people were eaten by sharks and it got me thinking, “What would be the best blade to frequently carry in salt or freshwater to give me a fighting chance in an underwater battle with a predator?” Can you advise?
A piece of denim with a metal polish or a toothpaste actually works wonders as well when it comes to stropping/honing the edge of your blade. You could actually put some toothpaste on your denim pants and strop your knife, call it a leg strop LOL, but it works.
FAQ: Hi David, David here. :) I need a small fixed blade. For edc and hiking also, ( so food prep, wood prep, and all edc stuff ) that i can wear in my jeans pocket. For years i use when hiking my lovely cold steel mini pendleton hunter. But i have to wear it on a belt. From your last shot show videos i really like new MKM Makro and Boker BFF... Please, which one would you recommend? Please feel free to recommend some another and maybe better knives :) Thank you very much for your answer. Keep up the good work, you are the best... Stay safe. Greetings from Central Europe, Slovakia
Based on memory alone, the Makro might have a fuller handle so I would likely choose that for me personally, but both have pretty short blades. Also check out the White River Backpacker (kcoti.com/3sJK2Nh) - a little bulkier but by adding an Ulti-Clip it could still be pocketed. Boker AK1 also makes a good option, albeit pricey (kcoti.com/3uDyRaF) -DCA
Hey DCA and gang, this series' opening theme always tickled me, and after your Monty Python explanation I now know why. Eternal thanks. Pivoting to the most serious question, what companion knife would Arthur, king of the Britons, carry as a backup for the sword an onry moistened tart lobbed at him from a lake, designating him as the wielder of supreme executive power?
Hey DCA (and Thomas). Sharpening knives can be tricky for me depending on size and grind. I'm decent with a stone to sharpen, but was wondering about your opinion on a sharpening system such as a work sharp adjustable system. Do you think a stone or a system is better and why??
I've never had a back lock spyderco I couldn't adjust into being a great index finger closer. People need to be less afraid of adjusting their knife pivots. And if you never touch that pivot, you can never disassemble and clean your knife. Watch some Nick Shabazz disassembly videos, get some torx bits, tape up the edge of your knife so it can't cut you, dive in, and get over your fears.
@@coprolite_steve good question. No, the lock spring strength and blade tang to lockbar interface are what control the lockup strength. As long as you're not thinning out the lockspring or grinding away at the tang/lockbar, the lockup will be fine. 🙂
@@ZPositive Exactly. The problem illustrated isn’t the pivot but rather the force needed to fully press the lock bar down in order to release the blade. It is very challenging to put a lot of force on something without resorting to a pinching action which causes the user to lose the aforementioned challenge of keeping their hand completely clear from the blade path.
Hey David, why does Knife Center still sell the Bear OPS Rancor II Flipper Knife in CPM-S30V for $50 when their S30V when sent out for independent tests show that it absolutely IS NOT S30V? The YT channel Luv Them Knives in their Batch #30 program had outside labs scan 3 of their blades using XRF Technology that showed the chemical analysis to be most likely 8Cr13 or similar steel. X-Ray Fluoroscopy cannot measure lighter elements like carbon so the carbon content can be .6%, but it is obvious they have subbed American CPM steel with cheap Chinese steel. Knife Center (along with other dealers) has been informed that Bear Ops is not what they seem yet still sells their junk without qualifiers. Why?
Original Bowie ..given to Jim by his Brother Resin Bowie manufactured by a local blacksmith...(pronounced REASON Bowie ) .. the first original knife looked more like a large butcher knife..not a clip point .. but later on. Later versions may have had a clip point to them...
In the old tv show deadliest warrior when teddy Rosevelt and rough riders were matched up with Lawrence of Arabia and men the Lawrence proponent stated how the bowie was great for camping etc but the Arabian curved knife was a far better fighter than a bowie. The Rosevelt defender said maybe but the bowie was a far better general use blade.
David, I “met” Micarta long before I saw it used as a knife handle material. I’m recently retired from 45+ years operating hydro generators. In the electrical industry, linen Micarta is very common. It is valued for its dielectric qualities, stability and workability. I’ve seen (and even shared with a knifemaker) pale green high dielectric Micarta that appeared to be made with fine glass cloth. I believe Micarta was born in the electrical industry, has been around for a LONG time, and was discovered by knifemakers because of its great qualities. BTW it stinks when you work it, use ventilation.
Original Micarta was smelly because it is made with 'phenolic' resin. If it is a different resin it's faux Micarta.
@@MountainFisher interesting. The “real stuff,” in the trade is definitely smelly when you cut, drill or grind it. I thought the phenolic resin was an essential part of being Micarta. Sounds to me like we are using the name loosely.
@@lanedexter6303 I worked in aerospace from the 1970s until the late 1990s and you'd be surprised at how many electrical panels were put onto real .090 to .125 micarta sheet. Its natural color is a light brown color.
Interesting
@@MountainFisher interesting. We used it mostly for mountings, spacers where we needed electrical isolation, and sometimes barriers over buswork. I’ve seen 1/2” brown linen Micarta sheet char badly but take a heck of a blast when a current transformer on an 11kv generator lead faulted. I have a lot of respect for the material.
Just to set the record straight, the bottom rim of a mug is often not glazed because when the mug is fired the glaze liquifies. if the part touching the shelf in the kiln was glazed, it would get stuck.
Hey DCA. Love the content! Keep it coming. Q: My anniversary (+20) is coming up. What would you suggest for a great His n Hers set of EDC knives ($250 together) to celebrate with? Thanks again for all the great content.
Serious question, what knife fits your personality. Not the one you like the most but simply what suits your demeanor. Are you a CRKT CEO or a Cold Steel Espada XL. A SAK SwissChamp or a Chris Reeve Sebenza.(or any other knife)
That goes for David, Seth and Thomas I asked about 5 times already. Make 5 times the charme. Love you guys
Awesome question!!!
That is the best question ever 🗡
My friend that question is really hard to answer since there’s ga zillions knives 🔪 out there,,Mora,Buck,SAK, OKC and whatever you can and get your hands on..My personality fits Mora and SAK knives…
@@ilijabosnjak76 I would say SAK SwissChamp and a Cold Steel Wild West Bowie for me. I am quite handy and a bit obnoxious🗡 Have a good one mate!
My personality must change then every day, since I generally rotate a variety of pocket knives from day to day.
Regarding man-made items for emergency sharpening: I've seen people use denim blue jeans or Carhart's like a strop, especially the really thick, tough brands.
Also, according to several sources I've read, the original Bowie is more similar in shape to a modern chef knife than to what we generally think of as a Bowie today.
And even cheaper strop would be a newspaper (on a flat surface).
Many reports describe it similar to an Argentinean Facon.
Yep, pretty much anything rough or abrasive will work in a pinch. Concrete, rock, sand slurry, sandpaper, metalworking files etc. Re: bowie shape, I'd imagine it'd be closer to a Old Hickory or French trading knife pattern since those were extremely common at the time.
Many shaving blades/cartridges can be given a quick strop by going opposite direction on some, preferably old, denim jeans. Depends on the specific style of razor but it knocks off some of the microscopic burrs that have developed.
I use my Duluth pants sometimes
The Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM) in Little Rock has a Knife Gallery that contains an example of an early Bowie and an Arkansas Toothpick, among many other knives.
Good morning Mr. Anderson! Could you show me a great selection of stag knives? I have an affinity for deer stag, especially on fixed blades. I'd love to see a few available at Knifecenter
Sir I am with you, I like stag…
I love my Buck 120 General Pro since last year.
Hey Knife Centre Crew, I have just received my CRKT Ritual (and love it) and I was wondering if I should leave it open when in storage to relieve the spring?
No, leave it closed. It is repetition of motion that will wear out the spring, but storing it compressed should not have any real effect. -DCA
I tried to do the "one hand close" with my Buck 110 Hunter LT and no, that backlock is just too strong, this knife is fairly new, and I haven´t used too much, but the knife is just too big. Also, I know is no fun, but it breaks my #1 rule dealing with knives, don´t do dumb things with them.
I bought two Buck 112 Ranger Sport Knives (from another seller) with the micarta handle and the blade wobbled both in and out of the handle and the blade could not be centered and returned both of them (the second was a replacement knife). I loved that I could deploy the blade easily with the thumb stud (I am a female), the micarta handles, the pocket clip, but wasn't happy that it was $130 was so shoddily put together, even after I tightened the pivot screw.
@@happykt Yes, I know what you mean, I have some $30 dollars knifes, and you look past some details because you know that at that price range, a knife can´t be perfect, but if you are spending over $100, you better get some upgrade quality
I can close Spyderco mid-backlocks with the method you showcased. Those I have and sucessfully can do so on are : Native 5 (basic and LW), Delica, Endela, Endura, Stretch 1 & 2, Centofante III and certainly more, I just need to buy them first ;-)
Sorry if I posted twice but what DCA said almost match what Rezin Bowie stated about knife makers interpretation… except the original format wasn’t a guarded clip point. That came later. The Bark River Forest Bowie is closer to what Rezin stated he gave his brother.
From “A Knife like Bowie’s” by John Bryant, Staff Writer for Alamo de Parras, March 2000.
Outnumbered, shot and bludgeoned, James Bowie held four assailants, killing one and wounding another with what witnesses called a "big butcher knife"(or just a large knife). After an earlier assault in Alexandria, Louisiana, James's older brother Rezin [pronouncedReason] gave him the knife so that he would never again be caught unarmed.
Rezin Bowie said, "The length of the blade was nine and one-quarters inches, its width one and one-half inches, single edged and not curved" …quite different from the Bowie knife as it came to be recognized.
It is unlikely we will ever know the actual appearance of the original Bowie knife. Its metamorphosis from a big butcher knife to the huge clip point knife in just a few short years prompted Rezin Bowie to say: "The improvements in its fabrication and state of perfection it has acquired from experienced cutlers, was not brought about through my agency."
This comment from Rezin seems to hint that the "original Bowie knife" was only a simple hunting knife. It had no clip point, nor massive cross guard, like the knives Rezin was so fond of giving as gifts.
I’ve used cardboard and a boot to strop my knife on. It works.
It’s pronounced Boo-ee if you’re talking about the knife or it’s creator. It’s pronounced Boe-ee if you’re talking about the musician. I was raised in Texas, so I know.
There is a run at the place I ski called Bowie and everyone pronounces it bough-ee makes me nuts, I always tell them there are two ways to say it but thats not one of them
I have stropped using the back of my belt and my works boots when I had a suede leather pair.
Actually, Bowie is a name that comes from Old English and Gaelic ( Scottish ). It is pronounced either as Bow - as in long bow - ie, or, dependent on the region as Bo-wee. It means a large promontory ( which is a bit strange when you think about it lol ) A little bit of history you might find of interest. :)
@@zednotzee7 We are talking about the American pronunciation. Americans don’t say “Aluminium” either.
@@FriedPi-mc5yt Oh, right. So Americans milk their Coos then, and Roo their boats along the river. And use crossboos. I never knew that...🤣
Hi David, do you have any suggestions on a “thank you” knife? I recently moved on from my long-time cycling coach, and he was incredibly supportive of my decision to seek out a more specialized coach. It was a very classy act. I love him like a brother. I want to give him a knife that reflects that sentiment. Budget can be up to $200, but I’m open to more affordable knife choices if they fit the bill. He is not a knife guy, to my knowledge.
I've always felt the Delica is a knife that works for pretty much every person out there. For a special version, check out our Pakkawood exclusives right here: kcoti.com/3iWmK2S -DCA
I don’t know about closing a spyderco but I open mine by pinching the circle cut out with my pointy finger and my thumb and flicking the handle open rather than the blade, it deploys really fast this way.
I have opened my PM2 like that.
DCA I don't know if your allowed to give this info, but I'd love to know what is the most sold models during the pandemics. Thanks man.
I don't have the info for all models, but these vids cover the bestselling new knives of 2020 and 2021 respectively...
th-cam.com/video/Pwp-lyh55dI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/_kSc_AL2YV4/w-d-xo.html
In the micarta segment I was struck by how gorgeous that Greg Lightfoot was, so I followed the shop link and.... well. I validated the fact that I have expensive taste sometimes! What a beauty though.
Hi again DCA. I'll go a little bit more basic here.
If you had to pick one steel and handle material for lifetime use and you couldn't use anything else, what would those be? Irregardless of cutting task/geometry etc.
Great video. Just tried my hand at making micarta a couple days ago and it went better than expected.
The guy in the back sounds like a modified reverse tanto guy...
I close my Buck 110 single hand by reversing my grip, (as if to stab) and I push down on the lock with my thumb. Once the lock releases the blade, it can be flicked closed or simply pushed closed with the back of the blade on your leg, a table, whatever is convenient. 👍🏻
100% !
That's how I close most of my Tri-Ads.
This
I'd like to throw in the Fällkniven Modern Bowie for a modern knive that can handle Bushcraft Tasks really good. @Ben Beattie
I actually use my leather strap from my Tops Camp Creek dandler , I put it flat on my sharpening stone and it works wonderfully.
I put dogwood customs glow scales on my 9 and 7. Went with orange.
On some lock back knives, if you hold it in a reverse grip and press the lock with your forefinger while pressing down with the heel of the hand, you can close the knife one handed.
Hey David! I'm wanting to get into automatic/OTF knives. Could you give a run down on the pros and cons of single action vs. double action OTFs?
This had been done somewhere. I can't recall by who. Double actions are more fidget friendly. And they close with one hand.
Cover that in this vid: th-cam.com/video/7FVfAqVx5Is/w-d-xo.html
Cheers!
@@knifecenter Thanks! It's not touched on in that video specifically, but I have heard on various knife forums that single action OTFs tend to have a bit less blade wiggle than their double action counterparts. Is that true? And if so, is it by design, or because single actions tend to be a little more rare and done by more "boutique" brands?
@@knifecenter Question David if you could only buy one folder and 1 fixed blade what would they be? And thay needs to cover daily carry and whatever life throws at you.
Hey D.C.A. and Knife Center. I'd like to know if it's possible or why doesn't any knife company utilize a material such as Dyneema for knife scale/handles? It's incredibly strong doesn't wear easily so it would seem as if it would make a great knife handle!
Yo yo DCA,
What exactly is G-10, I'm aware that it's a form of plastic but what makes it different than others and why is it used for scales?
Fiberglass and resin -DCA
As we all know, the name "Bowie" is typically pronounced one of two ways: Boh-ie or Boo-ie. (David Bowie, the musician, pronounced his name BOH-ie). But pertinent to your question specifically, according to many sources I've read, Jim Bowie pronounced his name BOO-ie, therefore the knife which bears his moniker should be pronounced the same. So, it's BOO-ie knife.
Totally agree with u
I was born in Bowie county Texas . pronounced BOO - ie .
@@thehairywoodsman5644 I would assume that this is because it's named after Jim Bowie, who pronounced his name BOO-ie, as I mentioned above. :)
yep its boo-ie
And David Bowie named himself after Jim Bowie (Bowie Knife). His original name was David Robert Jones. So there's that to ponder. ;)
Speaking of Micarta. I've just been introduced to Fireside Co. Scales and they use TeroTuf which is similar to micarta but a different resin. Can't wait for my scales to come I so I can experience the difference between regular maicarta ad TeroTuf
I make knives as a hobbyist, just made my first set of TeroTuf scales for a large'ish fixed blade.
So far I can say that it doesn't stay as flat in sheet form as micarta and G10, it's definitely more flexible.
Big bonus for makers is that it is apparently non-toxic, which is always a concern when sanding other materials.
I can say that it feels very comfortable in hand. Maybe the most comfortable, as well as one of the most slip resistant in wet hands.
Downside is that it's more expensive, and available colors seem pretty limited. But I'm really liking the stuff overall. 👍
The Browning Crowell Barker Competition knife, (now discontinued), is the knife which most resembles the original knife, which was given by Rezin, to his brother, and almost certainly used on the Sandbar,,,
Imho,,,,,
Layers of canvas and raisins ? Sounds good. 👌🏻
Isn't there an argument that G-10 is "fiberglass micarta", pakkawood is "wood micarta" and carbon fiber is "carbon fiber micarta"? At a base level, they're some kind of layers of a woven thing impregnated with resin/plastic.
When I was in university in the nineties, I recall an attempt to revise the pronunciation of Don Quixote to something like "quick-sot" because, supposedly that's how it was pronounced at the time. Needless to say, that didn't catch on. I pronounce Bowie like David Bowie - most people in Europe would do. I believe many period Bowies were actually made in Sheffield and shipped out to America.
Hey DCA love these Q&A’s! I know you are a fixed blade guy and a Ethan Becker / Bk knife fan. I have a bk18 I’m looking to resheathe. Which do you prefer, leather or kydex? Also who are your go to’s for sheathes? Thanks!
Best bushcraft/ bush Bowie knife is a Work Tuff Gear Puzon Wilderness Bowie. But good luck trying to get one.
"Keep your fingers out of the blade path on a lockback, one-handed?" Yeah, use your thigh, or any other part of your body (but your thigh is mighty convenient...)
Sorry but you're all wrong on the bowie history: David Bowie was a singer with a really bad haircut in the ziggy stardust era during which david cut his own hair with a knife ...hence the "Bowie" knife name.
Sometimes I see micarta being called green micarta and it looks brown brown. Come on guys, don’t call brown green! Get your colors straight.
Bowie Knife Definition: long enough to use as a sword, wide enough to use as a paddle and sharp enough to shave with.
Cant remember where I heard that but it's stuck with me.
I close my buck 110 with one hand all the time but I have a fancy sheeth for it
Would love to see that tramontina with remain micarta?
DCA Love your videos and FAQ's I thought of a idea can you find a history of different knives in USA if it isn't a big undertaking. I like big beefy knives like ZT 308, Medford and more but pricey. I have your Lapwing really great and I want a few others too. Keep up the great work your a big help in helping me find more knives!!
I think longer knives with a back lock can be closed one handed. Examples of longer knives are the Spyderco Native Chief, Endura, and Police 4. Doing it to your back lock knife is cool but highly impractical.
i once closed a Rajah II and wanted to stop the blade on the ricasso, which i missed. The blade instead was stopped by the bone of my indexfinger, leaving a visible permanent reminder not to try that again.
You've got your hand backwards when trying to close the back lock with your index finger. You have to put the knife in your hand with the knife going up your index finger from your palm. You didn't give yourself enough leverage trying to hold the knife with just your 2 fingers.
Yes that's the way , i agree.
Thanks for the answer about scandi grind sharpening. It was as simple as I kinda feared it would be. The reason I say that, is that i fear over time that I would not be able to hold a consistent angle, and that it would either turn convex or get a bigger angle (and therefore less slicy) over time. I guess I'll just have to work on my sharpening skills.
If you sharpen scandi's the true way, the edge gets crazy crazy brittle. Thats why alot of people do the Scandivex, add little convex on that edge goes a long way
My Dad told me once, that if a material can dull a knife, it can possibly be used to sharpen a knife
The compound is the finer material
didn’t you ever take ceramics in school dca? the bottom would stick to the kiln if the whole thing was glazed
I always flip backlocks around in my hand between my index and middle finger, use my index finger to push the lock and the palm of my hand to push the spine of the knife to close it. Give it a whirl DCA.
Yep, i know exactly what you mean.
I can safely index finger close my Nemesis Knives MPR-1, MPR-3, and MPR-3T, as well as the CRKT Kith, all of which have the back lock positioned toward the blade. There is also the CRKT Offbeat and Offbeat II, as well as the AG Russell One- Hand series of knives, which feature modified lock backs that can be safely closed with the fingers out of way. No luck with my Buck 110 or Civivi Rustic Gent.
It’s a David knife.
As in…David Bowie.
Or…
David C. Anderson
Can you show us the skill how to sharpen knive using river knive or other stone we can finds in the wild?
I've always said Bowie like bow and arrow when referring to the knife (and Idc if I'm right or wrong). However, being from Texas, where several things and places are named after the man, there are definitely regional differences in pronunciation, and you would do best to pronounce it how the locals do lol
That’s good advice indeed.
but… imho:
If the knife is named after a person, it should be pronounced the way the person pronounced his name. Jim Bowie’s descendants say the name was mis-pronounced even before Jim made it famous. They pronounce it “Boo-wee”.
👍🏼
What are some of your favorite big slicey folders? Civivi Mastodon is definitely one of mine.
bk9 is sweet, but I'll take my whiteriver Fc7.
Try turning the backlock knives around the other way.
That was my 1st thought, it was a nessmuk.
Do a video on those! It's my next purchase I think for camp kitchen/chores...suggestions? 100-150 buck range?
David you will go into history books because you reviewed countless amount of knives 🔪, I will take
any knife that’s in front of you 😂 I like Micarta and G10,Micarta more it doesn’t slip…Wood cracks, I don’t like it,stag is the best natural material for knife. I love knives but I have to refrain myself from buying more,but I like to watch your videos. I would like to know if you had to pick 3 blades,what would it be???
Speaking of Fallkniven their Modern Bowie would chew up a bushcraft job. But it’s hugely expensive. The Cold Steel Trailmaster would be awesome as well and significantly cheaper.
What is the difference between G10 and Mircarta? Like feel and use etc.
Hi David (and Seth),
My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question:
I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features:
1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard")
2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong)
3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it...
4) About 3" or more Blade Length
5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly.
6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip
7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each.
Thanks so much!
Spyderco manix
@@nachoisme Spyderco Manic doesn't have a flipper...
You don't glase that part of the cup, because then it would stick to the stoneplates in the oven
Would be nice to see my knife in that desk, its a Cudeman Boina Verde Cadete in N695 steel
Bowie, long “o” long “e”. And I consider lockbacks two handed knives!
The second knife was a real Bowie. I am a fourth generation Texan
I have used cardboard and Simichrome metal polish.
Hey, DCA & Friends! Germany has crazy knife laws. A folding knife can be either one hand opening OR locking, if it is both, it is illegal to carry, regardless of the length of the blade. What are your suggestions for a non-locking one hand opening knife (your exclusive version of the small Archeo from Artisan Cutlery excluded) and a two hand opening locking knife, both for urban edc? And what is the largest knife you are aware of that meets one of those requirements, safe for the large Opinels?
Spyderco UKPK (kcoti.com/31xigHE) or Urban Lightweight (kcoti.com/34QCnlQ) and the MKM Clap (kcoti.com/36TNe21) with flipper tab removed -DCA
Can you revers the 110 to the back lock is on top and swing the knife to close?
Ice pick grip the buck110 and use your thigh
Ahh Saturday morning. Coffee and knives in hand and a new KnifeCenter FAQ to start the day.
Greetings DCA! I’m curious to know if there’s a knife out there that is purposely made to be (or with in mind) to be modified to make it your own? Like being a “base model”’and or (to the best of your knowledge), which knife is modified the most? Thanks!
There are lots of companies that sell 'blade blanks' to get you started.
@@safromnc8616, Yo! Thanks for the reply! I’m aware of blank blades, I’m doing one now. I should’ve been more specific. I’m referring to a folder with kinda blank scales and so forth.
@Mr. Quesada, Back a few years ago, Buck 110s and clones were very popular targets for reshaping of handles to include regrinding finger grooves, choiles and etcetra, jimping, checkering and all types of other creative mods.
Today, one can find new blades, made of better steel, as well as a plethora of bits and pieces like spacers, pins and other "you name it" hardware! Let your fingers do the walking in the search bar of your favorite "engine." I hope this helps...
RRC
I may be weak but on my Buck I can't even press in the back lock with my finger one handed without wrapping my hand around the handle.
I can't imagine not using two hands. This video did make me play with it for a couple minutes.
The classic method of sharpening knives with a cup, which has been used for centuries in Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan.
I carried a Gerber Gator lock back folder for years and could run it open and closed one handed while keeping my important bits out of the blade path. Never had an issue with thousands of cycles. It depends on lock location as well as blade pivot drag, but most back locks are safely do-able one handed.
Hey DCA and Seth V! I have been trying to get into the fixed blade game lately and every one I have purchased has been disappointing. I'm looking for something around 3.5 to 4 inches and super thin and slicy. Any help would be absolutely awesome! Thanks guys!
I'm assuming in the production realm, those will be few and far between, especially at that size. A regrind on one of your existing models might be the way to go, or a custom.
SPKs are super thin bte but expensive and don't think they meet your size criteria.
Try the Revo RJ1 (or RJI?). Pretty slicey for a purported "outdoors" knife. Old Hickory are pretty darn slicey, also check the EDC food prep video. I recently got a CJRB Silax (5 inches) and it is pretty slicey, but nowhere near the geometry of a kitchen knife, which might be too delicate for what you need. A carbon steel paring knife or hunting knife may be what you want.
What did you find disappointing? Might help with suggestions :) -DCA
Hey DCA and Thomas! I'm a big fan of the ergonomics and aesthetics of the Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake and I love using it! Only thing is I find it a bit big to EDC. I was wondering what you could recommend for a folding equivalent with a similar look and feel at roughly the same price point (a bit over is okay). Thank you very much!
How do you find a knife that was sold as a combo without buying the combo I'm looking for a knife sold with a 22lr rifle I have the rifle but can't find the knife sold separately
If you were on the show Alone, What primary tool would you take with you? A lot of people started bringing multi-tools in more recent seasons. Would you carry an MT or a knife? Which one would you choose?
I was recently watching some movies where people were eaten by sharks and it got me thinking, “What would be the best blade to frequently carry in salt or freshwater to give me a fighting chance in an underwater battle with a predator?” Can you advise?
A piece of denim with a metal polish or a toothpaste actually works wonders as well when it comes to stropping/honing the edge of your blade. You could actually put some toothpaste on your denim pants and strop your knife, call it a leg strop LOL, but it works.
Yes, you are pronouncing it historically correct...it is in fact BOO-EEE. Ask any southerner and they will tell you haha.
Are there full tang hunting knives with 8 to 10 mm thicknes?
Do you have any razor blades in your inventory? If yes, what type of steel best suits their purpose?
Tungsten
FAQ: Hi David, David here. :) I need a small fixed blade. For edc and hiking also, ( so food prep, wood prep, and all edc stuff ) that i can wear in my jeans pocket. For years i use when hiking my lovely cold steel mini pendleton hunter. But i have to wear it on a belt. From your last shot show videos i really like new MKM Makro and Boker BFF... Please, which one would you recommend? Please feel free to recommend some another and maybe better knives :) Thank you very much for your answer. Keep up the good work, you are the best... Stay safe. Greetings from Central Europe, Slovakia
Based on memory alone, the Makro might have a fuller handle so I would likely choose that for me personally, but both have pretty short blades. Also check out the White River Backpacker (kcoti.com/3sJK2Nh) - a little bulkier but by adding an Ulti-Clip it could still be pocketed. Boker AK1 also makes a good option, albeit pricey (kcoti.com/3uDyRaF) -DCA
@@knifecenter Thank you for your reply and recommendation David. I will wait for first reviews on MKM Makro and then go for it. Thanks again...
"STEEL WİLL⚡CHİEFTAİN BOWİE🔪KNİFE"
I dont know but I think QSP's denim micarta look a lot like real denim.
Hey DCA is there any good automatic knife for 100 bucks or less that are left handed please and thank you
Am l the only one that closes a back lock by pressing the spring and folding it against the thigh?
You're not alone.
I saw the thumbnail and did a double take because I thought it was Harvey Weinstein holding a huge knife.
That's last question was ignorant!
Hey DCA and gang, this series' opening theme always tickled me, and after your Monty Python explanation I now know why. Eternal thanks. Pivoting to the most serious question, what companion knife would Arthur, king of the Britons, carry as a backup for the sword an onry moistened tart lobbed at him from a lake, designating him as the wielder of supreme executive power?
I can lock a lock back that way but it's not the way it should be closed
Hey DCA (and Thomas). Sharpening knives can be tricky for me depending on size and grind. I'm decent with a stone to sharpen, but was wondering about your opinion on a sharpening system such as a work sharp adjustable system. Do you think a stone or a system is better and why??
system - less room for user error even with experienced hand sharpeners - you're going to get a more consistent edge under a laser goniometer
Cotton phenolic is the generic term for canvas micarta. Its all bakelite (a phenolic resin) impregnated into cotton sheets.
I've never had a back lock spyderco I couldn't adjust into being a great index finger closer. People need to be less afraid of adjusting their knife pivots. And if you never touch that pivot, you can never disassemble and clean your knife. Watch some Nick Shabazz disassembly videos, get some torx bits, tape up the edge of your knife so it can't cut you, dive in, and get over your fears.
Does the pivot adjustment impact the strength of the back lock release?
@@coprolite_steve good question. No, the lock spring strength and blade tang to lockbar interface are what control the lockup strength. As long as you're not thinning out the lockspring or grinding away at the tang/lockbar, the lockup will be fine. 🙂
@@ZPositive Exactly. The problem illustrated isn’t the pivot but rather the force needed to fully press the lock bar down in order to release the blade. It is very challenging to put a lot of force on something without resorting to a pinching action which causes the user to lose the aforementioned challenge of keeping their hand completely clear from the blade path.
@@coprolite_steve I'd say both are issues. But the one you mention is cured with practice. A tight pivot can't be cured with practice.
Hey David, why does Knife Center still sell the Bear OPS Rancor II Flipper Knife in CPM-S30V for $50 when their S30V when sent out for independent tests show that it absolutely IS NOT S30V?
The YT channel Luv Them Knives in their Batch #30 program had outside labs scan 3 of their blades using XRF Technology that showed the chemical analysis to be most likely 8Cr13 or similar steel.
X-Ray Fluoroscopy cannot measure lighter elements like carbon so the carbon content can be .6%, but it is obvious they have subbed American CPM steel with cheap Chinese steel. Knife Center (along with other dealers) has been informed that Bear Ops is not what they seem yet still sells their junk without qualifiers. Why?
Original Bowie ..given to Jim by his Brother Resin Bowie manufactured by a local blacksmith...(pronounced REASON Bowie ) .. the first original knife looked more like a large butcher knife..not a clip point .. but later on. Later versions may have had a clip point to them...
In the old tv show deadliest warrior when teddy Rosevelt and rough riders were matched up with Lawrence of Arabia and men the Lawrence proponent stated how the bowie was great for camping etc but the Arabian curved knife was a far better fighter than a bowie. The Rosevelt defender said maybe but the bowie was a far better general use blade.