Watch out for that Bear Ops Rancor II. When sent in for independent testing the steel was discovered to be 8cr13mov. A second one was sent in a few months later, just in case it was a fluke, and the results were the same.
I like the old fashioned Trapper in 1095 carbon steel. I tend to polish up the blade with some 1200 grit sandpaper and then cold blue the blades and oil. I make knives too, but not folders. My favorite steels are O1 tool steel, 440C, AEB-L and D2. Mostly O1 and D2, both at HRC 60-61 and for wood carvers 62-63. But those extra hard blades get a shallow cryo in dry ice. I made an ice chest with 4" thick walls, floor and top and 20 lbs, of dry ice will last over a week in there with knife blades in-between two 10 lb blocks. I made it initially for AEB-L that needs a cryo to -95 F and dry ice is -109 F. I do not mix the dry ice in kerosene or acetone (Egads!). I just put the blades between the blocks of dry ice. The shallow cryo, while not as good as Liquid Nitrogen still after a few days toughens up the O1 and D2.
My current favorite EDC knife is the Code 4 Tanto. It is a very streamlined knife for the size and comes in at a nice weight. My wife even commented on how light it was for such a big knife when she was emptying my jeans pockets before we did laundry. lol
I love SOG's cross style locks. I've owned the Vulcan Mini with it's Arc Lock system for ~15 years. Never failed, always swings open and closed smoothly with the slightest flick of the wrist.
I am likely way late to say this but the bear ops rancor is most likely not s30v. Multiple people tested multiple blades that bear ops claim to be s30v. The tests showed it to be 8cr13mov steel.
What is an American made best survival knife folder under $100 I want to put this in both my cars and my traveling backpack . I am truck driver so it has to meet all state rules and regulations. Missouri, Kansas , Nebraska, Iowa , Illinois, Indiana. Preferably a 3 1/2 inch blade.
@@xleeb0y13x sorry I'm late to the party, but I'm curious as to your experience handling the terminus. Have you noticed any hot spots during extended use?
I bought a 420hc 840 buck knife, and I'm pretty happy with it; I bought it for $50 to get my feet wet in the knife world, and to help me learn how to sharpen, but definitely the next knife I buy will have s35vn or s30v (preferably s35vn) in it.
Whoever chose that list of knives deserves a trophy. Maybe it's just me, but I've been hunting for a hollow grind, upgraded steel, Clip/Drop point. Christmas baby. Thanks Dave!
I've got the sog terminus in the cryo d2 and I love it. Hated it when I first opened it but it grew on me quickly . I'll probably pick up the higher end soon
I just got a terminus xr and love it. The only thing is that the edges on the g10 are kind of pointy and dig in to your hands if you fidget with it. I will probably end up sanding the edges so it's comfortable.
Thank you so much. I was wondering about how to clean the knife properly if I am going to use it for cooking after utility. Is there a specific method or product? Thanks again.
KnifeCenter Still available to order on popular online shopping sites. Do you always exclude anything that Knifecenter isn’t stocking? Not mad, just for info thanks
Balefire Outdoors kershaw is stepping way out there. Profucing multiple knives with cheap steel. Lame O. They partnered up sumhow wit ZT!!! R you kidding?? Lnock it off kershaw. Now Gerber is knocking it out of the park. Flatiron~polished D2, blue micarta scale. Sweet. Prodigy~Sweet, bought 3 in 2 dsys
Thanks for this perfect video. I will never be able to afford one of these, so forget about something nice with Damascus blades. But one day I'm getting one of these, (hell, in this order, that sog terminus xr, the buck vantage pro, or the last one is exactly the type of edc I want.)
David Anderson is the best in the business. I have to hand my wife my wallet and credit cards when i get the notification that he has a video out, or he would sell me a new blade every week.
I prefer the more tactical/rugged style knives; I walk around with a LMF II strapped to my leg, so I'm partial to the Bear Ops Rancor 2, Code 4, and the Gerber Fast Ball. I own the Cryo 2 which looks very similar. I think Gerber is under rated!
Thanks a lot for this great video. I am start collecting for 1 year so I don't know a lot of knifes about you explaine it so well and my English is not the best but I can understand you so well. Thanks bro
A DMT (fine grit) diamond stone is a good diamond stone for not too much. You def. need a diamond stone to sharpen harder steels or you will use a lot of time
David, you're a great showman. Here's a tip for the smaller knives: girl pockets suck, AMIRIGHTLADIES?? The smaller, as in 2" or less blades, are usually a great option for "smaller pockets". My wife has a hell of a time finding knives that can fit even her largest pockets. It's a selling point, push it!
I like that little knife. Great to carry when dressed up. The Spyderco Manix 2 XL has SV35, or mine does and cost under $100. Not my favorite carry so it stays in the 4 Runner.
It seems like even cheap knives are using ball bearings in the pivots. Not that long ago you were going to pay a premium for that. And now you even get a good blade steel too. I wonder what blade steels they will come out with next that make s30v and s35vn seem like cheaper materials for low priced knives only.
Based on your recommendation I picked up the Boker F3. I love it and and even if I paid full price I would not be disappointed. $99 bucks is an outstanding value but if I could add one thing to an already great knife it would be some jimping along the spine of the blade. Thx again for all your fine work.
Just ordered the F3 II as my first s35vn blade, frame lock and 3 inch CAli legal knife. Hit 3 points I wanted in a knife and I'm really looking forward to owning this knife.
I used to have trouble with S30V chipping and was always told it was my fault, I was too rough, so I haven't bought a knife with it in 3 years. Last year a friend of mine bought a Spyderco Smock, I handled it for about 5 minutes, I was sizing it up with another knife in my other hand, they barely tapped one another, well, you know what happened? I will never buy S30V again, period! I do love S35VN, and never had a problem. Compliments to SOG for coming out with some nice blades recently in S35VN. They are back on my radar.
Disappointed in Buck. First let me say I am a Buck fan boy I own a ton of buck knives, I started my knife journey as a kid with a 110 in the 70's, So when I saw that Buck had a S30V flipper for about a $100 I had to have it. I got the knife and was pretty disappointed with the finish on the knife. One place where the Buck is definitely sub par is the finish on the bolster edges, they are pitted and just look/feel like something that you would get from a bargain bin, come on Buck. I have to admit the knife came close to very sharp from the factory, as has every buck I have owned. Overall just not happy with the knife. So the Vantage pro mini sits in my knife box to this day. on the other hand I have the SOG Terminus XR and I am as happy with that knife as any knife I have EDC'd, Another nice feature on the Terminus is the locking mechanism (similar to the benchmade axis lock) I now prefer that locking style to a liner lock.
@jeff S I like glock. And a glock guy. But they are over priced. I used to hate taurus but past couple years the g2c changed my mind. It's like the glock 19 and runs just as good and could buy 2 to 3 of them to 1 glock.
@jeff S Because they just overpriced their military contract by over 90,000,000 and lost to SIG which will have a first time entry to the military contract zone. They KILLED IT with the new M17 and the civilian with the 20 round version. Glock missed the mark, over charged the military like they do with the $600-700 dollar plastic guns that should cost what a Taurus does at $400 MAX. Kimber is also overpriced junk though IMO.
Agreed. I LOVE spyderco and they are my favorite brand, BUT they are pricing me right out of the market. A new Para 3 going for $150 and up is just too much. I want to buy their stuff, but they need to compete with the price or we're all going to be buying WE knives instead.
Putting a knife hanging around your neck isn’t a good idea I won’t recommend even in your pocket while driving because if you get into an accident guess where that knife goes. I know a guy that had keys in his pocket and they went through his plavic in a crash
I really enjoy how informative these videos are and how they show some less popular knives. However I have one MAJOR gripe. Can whoever is the hand model for the closeups please CUT YOUR FINGERNAILS. I hate having to look at those fingers. I'm just glad this time they were clean under the nail compared to several other videos I've seen.
Don’t be fooled… the Buck vantage pros usually have quality control issues, at least that was my experience anyway and that was what I was told prior to getting one as well. Impossible to center, screws strip way too easily, awful action out of the box, impossible to adjust that even with great lubricants, and blade came with terrible factory finish. Don’t get me wrong though, I do love Buck as a manufacturer of awesome American knifes. Their vantage design is just by far not one of the best in terms of quality control, which I found quite disappointing. You can take a chance on one if you buy it from Buck though, because you can always send it back to them for a full refund if the one you receive in an unacceptable example for the dollar amount (you could buy something better for the same amount of dough). But if you love the design give it a go and see what you can get. :) I would get a spitfire from Buck instead though if I were you.
The Gerber fast ball is a mega winner btw. You can shake it closed once you pass the detent. Awesome for a flipper with that size and shape and such a great opening action, at the price point.
Definitely have to beware of Chinese brands steel. One no name copy of a popular design advertising D2 steel was found to not be. Some different steel.
Watch out for that Bear Ops Rancor II. When sent in for independent testing the steel was discovered to be 8cr13mov. A second one was sent in a few months later, just in case it was a fluke, and the results were the same.
So Bear Ops is off the "for consideration" list. Too many reliable manufacturers to take a chance on the unscrupulous.
What?! Gross.
Your presentation style is fantastic.
Its like Knifecenter is the dad and blade HQ the kid of the community!
Thats what i said
He's a knife maker. He knows his sh*t.
I like the old fashioned Trapper in 1095 carbon steel. I tend to polish up the blade with some 1200 grit sandpaper and then cold blue the blades and oil. I make knives too, but not folders. My favorite steels are O1 tool steel, 440C, AEB-L and D2. Mostly O1 and D2, both at HRC 60-61 and for wood carvers 62-63. But those extra hard blades get a shallow cryo in dry ice. I made an ice chest with 4" thick walls, floor and top and 20 lbs, of dry ice will last over a week in there with knife blades in-between two 10 lb blocks. I made it initially for AEB-L that needs a cryo to -95 F and dry ice is -109 F. I do not mix the dry ice in kerosene or acetone (Egads!). I just put the blades between the blocks of dry ice. The shallow cryo, while not as good as Liquid Nitrogen still after a few days toughens up the O1 and D2.
Pretty sure the bear ops rancor 2 doesn’t actually have s30v
My current favorite EDC knife is the Code 4 Tanto. It is a very streamlined knife for the size and comes in at a nice weight. My wife even commented on how light it was for such a big knife when she was emptying my jeans pockets before we did laundry. lol
I enjoy your video's! Keep up the great work!
I love SOG's cross style locks. I've owned the Vulcan Mini with it's Arc Lock system for ~15 years. Never failed, always swings open and closed smoothly with the slightest flick of the wrist.
I really like that SOG. Also the Cold Steel Lucky is a bargain for a nice slipjoint and love the American Lawman. Great video David and Knife Center.
nate k a bargain ruined by the branding.
I am likely way late to say this but the bear ops rancor is most likely not s30v. Multiple people tested multiple blades that bear ops claim to be s30v. The tests showed it to be 8cr13mov steel.
Is there ANYONE who can use more words to describe a simple knife than David C. Anderson? Love your videos, David! NEVER miss them!!! Thank you!
Thank YOU sir! -DCA
That Cold Steel Code 4 is just gorgeous
The Boker F3 is one of my favourite folders!
What is an American made best survival knife folder under $100 I want to put this in both my cars and my traveling backpack . I am truck driver so it has to meet all state rules and regulations. Missouri, Kansas , Nebraska, Iowa , Illinois, Indiana. Preferably a 3 1/2 inch blade.
The SOG Terminus XR is a very interesting one.
John Grytbakk I have the cheaper model. Only sog I own and it’s actually pretty good. This upgrades just a plus.
Best of the bunch hands down
@@xleeb0y13x sorry I'm late to the party, but I'm curious as to your experience handling the terminus. Have you noticed any hot spots during extended use?
This fellow looks like Damian WIlson. Love your presentations my man!
As a fan of Ayreon & Star One, I appreciate this comment. Can't sing near as well as he can though lol :) -DCA
I bought a 420hc 840 buck knife, and I'm pretty happy with it; I bought it for $50 to get my feet wet in the knife world, and to help me learn how to sharpen, but definitely the next knife I buy will have s35vn or s30v (preferably s35vn) in it.
Look at LAPG they have some really good knives for the price. I own a few.
Whoever chose that list of knives deserves a trophy. Maybe it's just me, but I've been hunting for a hollow grind, upgraded steel, Clip/Drop point. Christmas baby.
Thanks Dave!
Thank YOU, and you are welcome! -DCA
I love the Vantage series, best ergonomics for a pocket folder. Very fond of my Vantage Force Select.
madblank I have four of them, very slicey.👊🇦🇺
Man I love that Cold Steel Lucky One. Perfect little slippy. I really like the dual bladed version with one serrated blade and one plain blade.
I've got the sog terminus in the cryo d2 and I love it. Hated it when I first opened it but it grew on me quickly . I'll probably pick up the higher end soon
The kershaw blur is my favorite edc.
No kershaw blur s30v?
They don't make it any more, otherwise it would absolutely be on this list!
THIS MAN IS THE MAN OF STEEL!!!!!
STAY UP PIMP!!!!!❤
Buck can heat treat a pop can and it will slice and hold an edge
no Kershaw Blur in s30v @ $72???????????????????????????????????????????
That bit flipper is my work week carry. Super nice at the price point and I don't need to worry about anyone getting nervous in the workplace.
I just got a terminus xr and love it. The only thing is that the edges on the g10 are kind of pointy and dig in to your hands if you fidget with it. I will probably end up sanding the edges so it's comfortable.
Where is CIVIVI Elementum S35VN
Thank you so much. I was wondering about how to clean the knife properly if I am going to use it for cooking after utility. Is there a specific method or product? Thanks again.
I just grabbed a Kershaw blur s30v for 65$
The sunburst is unbelievably good for the money.
Hello David, thank you for sharing another exemplary review on the latest knives. Keep up those great reviews. All the best of good things for you. 🤗
All the best to you as well Ronald! -DCA
@@knifecenter what happened to kershaw blur s30v?
@Duane Raymond, discontinued.
@@knifecenter What!? What is kershaw going to replace one of the most highly regarded knives with? Are they going to just upgrade the steel?
KnifeCenter Still available to order on popular online shopping sites. Do you always exclude anything that Knifecenter isn’t stocking? Not mad, just for info thanks
Someone tell me please how the hell is that spyderco friction folder 60$.
Because Spyderco. Benchmade suffers from the same brand name tax, but with far worse QC.
Balefire Outdoors kershaw is stepping way out there. Profucing multiple knives with cheap steel. Lame O. They partnered up sumhow wit ZT!!! R you kidding?? Lnock it off kershaw. Now Gerber is knocking it out of the park. Flatiron~polished D2, blue micarta scale. Sweet. Prodigy~Sweet, bought 3 in 2 dsys
Great explanation of the steels. Always wondered about that.
You definitely should make an update to this Video for 2021.
That cold steel lucky one would be so much better without that huge ass branding
Castle Bravo yeah. It’d etch it on the spine or clip
True for every CS knife
Thanks for this perfect video. I will never be able to afford one of these, so forget about something nice with Damascus blades. But one day I'm getting one of these, (hell, in this order, that sog terminus xr, the buck vantage pro, or the last one is exactly the type of edc I want.)
@Jesse Robinson no need for insults. Maybe some people don't like big tacky branding on their blades.
@@kevindavis4225 classic internet.
"Opinion"
"YOU ARE LESS OF A MAN BECAUSE YOU CARE ABOUT SOMETHING"
Enjoyed the video. A reminder that it’s not just men shopping for these knives, as you make it sound...
How’s the heat treat on the Bear and Son Rancor?
I would choose the Cold Steel American Lawman over the Code 4. The Code 4 is very slick in the hand with its aluminum scales.
I like how you explain knife terms. Very informative and makes me want to buy another knife. Lol
I just subscribed. BEST REVIEW I HAVE EVER SEEN !!!!
David Anderson is the best in the business. I have to hand my wife my wallet and credit cards when i get the notification that he has a video out, or he would sell me a new blade every week.
I prefer the more tactical/rugged style knives; I walk around with a LMF II strapped to my leg, so I'm partial to the Bear Ops Rancor 2, Code 4, and the Gerber Fast Ball. I own the Cryo 2 which looks very similar. I think Gerber is under rated!
Hi, Cold Steel Code 4 or SOG Terminus XR as an all around daily carry?
Kershaw Blur? MiA
What I dont like about the Buck is deep pocket clip go so deep in my pocket I cant get ahold of it to pull it out.
That SOG Terminus XR looks like the perfect edc.
nate k The SOG T is great. Picked one up last summer at my local Sportsmans Warehouse for $74.99.
Thanks a lot for this great video. I am start collecting for 1 year so I don't know a lot of knifes about you explaine it so well and my English is not the best but I can understand you so well. Thanks bro
S30/35v knives are really great, but I have a hard time sharpening them.
I have a Benchmade griptilian with S30v and the only thing I've had luck with sharpening it on is a smith diamond stone. Hope this helps.
That's the very reason I don't buy knives with super/steels. Only carbon steel for me
A DMT (fine grit) diamond stone is a good diamond stone for not too much. You def. need a diamond stone to sharpen harder steels or you will use a lot of time
Adam Johnson I’m able to get those steels razor sharp with my Ken Onion work sharp. Then stay on top of it and edge will last looong time.
You get a Lansky Deluxe Diamond Sharpening System for around $60 and you will have a hair-popping edge EVERY time in around 15 min, mate... :)
David, you're a great showman. Here's a tip for the smaller knives: girl pockets suck, AMIRIGHTLADIES?? The smaller, as in 2" or less blades, are usually a great option for "smaller pockets". My wife has a hell of a time finding knives that can fit even her largest pockets. It's a selling point, push it!
Thanks for the feedback!
vantage or terminus can’t decide
I like that little knife. Great to carry when dressed up. The Spyderco Manix 2 XL has SV35, or mine does and cost under $100. Not my favorite carry so it stays in the 4 Runner.
What about the Kershaw Link? I have one in S35VN. Love that blade!
I don't think Kershaw offers any S35VN.
I paid a decent amount for my bug out with s30v 😂 I still love it though my favorite knife at the moment
Is it possible to remove the thumb studs?
Some can’t be but on a couple of my knives you just have to screw them against each other, with pliers or something else on hand.
It seems like even cheap knives are using ball bearings in the pivots. Not that long ago you were going to pay a premium for that. And now you even get a good blade steel too. I wonder what blade steels they will come out with next that make s30v and s35vn seem like cheaper materials for low priced knives only.
M390
I recently saw the kizer shoal and I relent want it! I can buy one for like $110 and it’s s35vn with titanium scales.
Where's the Blur?! How could you not mention the S30V Kershaw Blur?
Because they don't make it anymore :/ Great knife though!
@@knifecenter Say it isn't so?!.. What a travesty! Good thing I have one!
EXACTLY!
KnifeCenter it’s on amazon right now
I love my Blur s30v!
Always enjoy. Lol, the Bear Ops is bass ackwards. Scales should be G-10 and back liner stainless steel
Yeah, I'm confused about that too...
Should have thrown in the Kershaw Link in 20CV considering they are $83! Crazy awesome deal!
That it is!
Based on your recommendation I picked up the Boker F3. I love it and and even if I paid full price I would not be disappointed. $99 bucks is an outstanding value but if I could add one thing to an already great knife it would be some jimping along the spine of the blade. Thx again for all your fine work.
Glad you are enjoying the knife! It really is an unbelievable price for what you are getting.
I’ve loved my F3 for years, it’s a no frills knife. But I’d hate it if it had jumping on it? Each to their own.
Can you say Bestech Zen???
I really like the Terminus
Great video! SOG Terminus and Kizer Sliver are by for the best deals on the list, if you ask me...
I am really surprised the LAPG S35BY isn't on this list. I love this knife. Great selection of knives in this review.
Just ordered the F3 II as my first s35vn blade, frame lock and 3 inch CAli legal knife. Hit 3 points I wanted in a knife and I'm really looking forward to owning this knife.
I guess when this video was made, the Civivi Elementum was not made out of S35VN. :0(
After what China did to us in the last year, the Civivi knives are off my list.
Nice collection!
I want this guy to read me a bed time story.
Troy v me too! David is impossible to stop listening to.
This was good- thanks
Your state taxes kill your sales... wow $20.00. That’s crazy... sorry it’s just Business. Thanks for sharing your videos
That boker is a pretty sweet deal.
Cold Steel Code 4 Tanto on the way.
If and when I buy another knife for a $100 it's gonna be another Kershaw launch probably a # 7
Did Buck ever figure out the centering on the Vantage Pro line? I agree that the pocket clip design is great. SOG should have copied it.
I have the Lucky One. Great knife
Last one ftw
Videos were better without the music!!!
They've pretty much always had music.
We could use a 2021 video if there isn’t already one
Daviddddd my man
Cool steel
I want you guys to get sprint run benchmade afck!!! Plz plz plz!!!
I used to have trouble with S30V chipping and was always told it was my fault, I was too rough, so I haven't bought a knife with it in 3 years. Last year a friend of mine bought a Spyderco Smock, I handled it for about 5 minutes, I was sizing it up with another knife in my other hand, they barely tapped one another, well, you know what happened? I will never buy S30V again, period! I do love S35VN, and never had a problem. Compliments to SOG for coming out with some nice blades recently in S35VN. They are back on my radar.
Funny I actually looked at these steels and sorted for low price on BladeHQ yesterday xD
Damn too far into the future to get the Boker for under a 100$
Disappointed in Buck. First let me say I am a Buck fan boy I own a ton of buck knives, I started my knife journey as a kid with a 110 in the 70's, So when I saw that Buck had a S30V flipper for about a $100 I had to have it. I got the knife and was pretty disappointed with the finish on the knife. One place where the Buck is definitely sub par is the finish on the bolster edges, they are pitted and just look/feel like something that you would get from a bargain bin, come on Buck. I have to admit the knife came close to very sharp from the factory, as has every buck I have owned. Overall just not happy with the knife. So the Vantage pro mini sits in my knife box to this day. on the other hand I have the SOG Terminus XR and I am as happy with that knife as any knife I have EDC'd, Another nice feature on the Terminus is the locking mechanism (similar to the benchmade axis lock) I now prefer that locking style to a liner lock.
Spyderco is pricing there's like Glock prices their pistols. Overpriced!
Same
@jeff S I like glock. And a glock guy. But they are over priced. I used to hate taurus but past couple years the g2c changed my mind. It's like the glock 19 and runs just as good and could buy 2 to 3 of them to 1 glock.
spyderco is glock and sig is benchmade
@jeff S Because they just overpriced their military contract by over 90,000,000 and lost to SIG which will have a first time entry to the military contract zone. They KILLED IT with the new M17 and the civilian with the 20 round version. Glock missed the mark, over charged the military like they do with the $600-700 dollar plastic guns that should cost what a Taurus does at $400 MAX. Kimber is also overpriced junk though IMO.
Agreed. I LOVE spyderco and they are my favorite brand, BUT they are pricing me right out of the market. A new Para 3 going for $150 and up is just too much. I want to buy their stuff, but they need to compete with the price or we're all going to be buying WE knives instead.
Putting a knife hanging around your neck isn’t a good idea I won’t recommend even in your pocket while driving because if you get into an accident guess where that knife goes. I know a guy that had keys in his pocket and they went through his plavic in a crash
Buck would be great, they are great but every knife they make is a hollow grind. I'm no fan of hollow grinds.
Wawo golden knife is beutyfull
Qsp hawk
The music is torture.
I really enjoy how informative these videos are and how they show some less popular knives. However I have one MAJOR gripe. Can whoever is the hand model for the closeups please CUT YOUR FINGERNAILS. I hate having to look at those fingers. I'm just glad this time they were clean under the nail compared to several other videos I've seen.
YES PLEASE
Gentlemans knife , socially acceptable knife . MERDE !!!!!!!!
awesome
Don’t excuse your puns .That is only a rule at bladeHQ.
how much for the dogtag? lol
Don’t be fooled… the Buck vantage pros usually have quality control issues, at least that was my experience anyway and that was what I was told prior to getting one as well. Impossible to center, screws strip way too easily, awful action out of the box, impossible to adjust that even with great lubricants, and blade came with terrible factory finish.
Don’t get me wrong though, I do love Buck as a manufacturer of awesome American knifes. Their vantage design is just by far not one of the best in terms of quality control, which I found quite disappointing.
You can take a chance on one if you buy it from Buck though, because you can always send it back to them for a full refund if the one you receive in an unacceptable example for the dollar amount (you could buy something better for the same amount of dough). But if you love the design give it a go and see what you can get. :)
I would get a spitfire from Buck instead though if I were you.
The Gerber fast ball is a mega winner btw. You can shake it closed once you pass the detent. Awesome for a flipper with that size and shape and such a great opening action, at the price point.
Definitely have to beware of Chinese brands steel. One no name copy of a popular design advertising D2 steel was found to not be. Some different steel.
😭 the bit flipper is out of stock
Come on stimulus check!