This one is next on my list. I have the Super Cub and Stonewall Skinner in 52100, as well as the Jackstone and Speedgoat in MagnaCut. All are excellent and backed by their Generations warranty. In fact you could have just sent it back to MKC after you broke the tip and they would have repaired or replaced it for free.
Carve a pointy stick to dig, a wedge to baton, cook with it, fillet fish, clear vegitation and small trees, keep for personal protection (verry stabby) and super lightweight. Sold orange G10 looks sweet and you can see it if you set it down in the woods. Also have super cub and speed goat 2.0 in same color. Trump 24' 🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲
I prefer the reground shape you did anyway. I believe it will be slightly stronger per thickness AND the point is more inline with the handle center. Likely more penetration at many angles. Sometimes the higher points penetrate less because the blade tends to follow the longer edge when thrusted [a point off center will "tend" to turn slightly in the hand]. Based on past "tests" with various blades. Potentially larger wound cavity with the higher tip... at the cost of noticeable [when I was younger] loss of speed, second thrust. But, this blade profile was pretty stinking' good to start with.
Nice review. Reference the question, I love a deep front of the handle and a larger guard area like this knife has. I personally don't find a problem with them, as you say, floating. That's just me though. Nice looking knife.
52100 is a low alloy tool steel, it's not a plain carbon steel. I love it, better edge stability than 1095, better edge retention than 5160, still tough, much tougher than say O1. Easy to sharpen as well. As low alloy steels go I'd rate maybe 80Crv2 and L6 higher, but only just.
Thanks for the MKC reviews, Aaron! Been anxiously awaiting them... Appreciate your reviews, opinions, and recommendations. Love the GT channel! Happy New Year, brother... 🇺🇸🔪👊🏼💯
I've had several of the cold steel drop forged series of knives, which are also 52100 steel. I've always had extremely good experience with them so I have no complaints on the steel choice.
Love the design but a little pricey for Me , I'd go with my Becker BK7 for all the reasons that you pointed out, especially the thicker tip ... Thanks for Another Great Review..... 👍🖖
Doesnt really fit in either bushcraft (bit too large) or survival (not robust enough) categories due to size and intended use not to memtion the price is astronomical and having a tip snap that easily on an outdoors knife is a serious issue. The price for this steel and materials should be at least under $200. For me id go with Esee, Kabar, Or Tops better performance at a lower cost. I understand the whole USA thing but your getting into custom knife prices at this point. Still baffles me a bit with all the modern steels that are available why 52100 at this price point except to make a fast buck at the expense of someone's hard earned money. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable.
Thanks Aaron for the video. Looks like it would be fast and nimble in the hand. Great for back cuts and stabbing a bear. Maybe not, but also good for bushcrafting. I think I will stick with my Tops Prather War Bowie. At 0.25 inches thick, maybe a bit slower, but also tougher. At $350....probably a better deal on the War Bowie.
I really like 52100. I designed one of my knives specifically for 52100. Bear Forest Knives and Primitive Bear Knives does awesome work with 52100. That said I don’t trust Montana Knife Company. They are extremely shady. Lots of ex Al-CIAda guys there with millions in funding with little knife production all the while getting state run media promotions and tens of millions in shop, CNC machining etc all the while the production doesn’t seem to match the level of costs. Seems kind of like a slush fund to me. They also are shady where and how their knives are actually produced
I like the idea, but I don't mind carrying my o1 steel Natchez bowie. There are just certain things that are worth the weight to me outdoors. But I love this for a general battle utility knife as well.
Fantastic review as usual Aaron. Thanks you saved me money 😂. I was looking at a Montana knife as great all around knife because many of my woods blades don’t do food prep well. I’ll stick with my white river ursus 45 dlt exclusive in 3v because food prep is doable with it at the camp site. Thanks for the ursus review too! You are my favorite fixed blade knife reviewer for sure
@@gideonstactical just fyi it’s currently still available on DLTs website and looks good in the FDE cerakote! It’s a little more money than the standard but I think it’s worth it.
Theres no denying it that Montana Knife Company deserves the hype. The lightweight with the thin slicey blade style on most of their models is nice. Very desirable features for hunters in the know. They are out of my price range for sure. Cheers from NZ, you have the best reviews
@@gideonstacticalyeah i have xxl hands too so if it wont fit your hand its not fitting mine. Handle ergos are so important to me now, i hate hot spots
From what I hear from people they make good knives. But--------350.00 for that knife. Is it any better then a 200.00 knife or less from other good knife makers.
When it comes to survival knives, I will argue you definitely need a little extra at the tip. Can’t have your tool breaking when you might need it the most. Btw I really like the look of the blade after you reground the tip
I bought one last night $381 shipped. I decided to get one after I watched Clay Hayes make a beautiful bow out of a tree with this knife alone. I don't understand why anyone would ever dig with a knife, that seems ridiculous. I like how it can be used like a draw knife and will use it as a survival woodworking tool. I've been looking for a larger knife for awhile and figured I'll try something besides a Battle Horse Knife for once.
People who misuse knives as hachets and axes, think a knife is a prybar, are becoming a majority in this market. Making rediculously thick, heavy knives that are nearly impossible to sharpen. Our ancestors would be laughing their asses off.
great video--glad to see an honest review with realistic use, including instances of failure. As for 52100, check out Lon Humphrey's blades in 52100--he does great work.
I would realy like to see you Testing an "UG-Tool" knife. It's a German Knive company who makes 3D-Printet Titanium handels. The handel by its self is pretty robust and can even used to Splitt Wood If the Blade isn't Long enough. Plus they are pretty light beause the handle ist also hollow. I would be very interested to hear your personal opinion about the knives or the Company after Testing one. Thx for all your fantastic Videos and honest opinion! :D
I have the MKC Stonewall in Magnacut, love it. I saw this "Bushcraft" knife and was baffled. It's more of a bowie and mountain men didn't use bowie's for survival tasks (I mention that since they advertise most of their products towards midwest up to Canada hunting). I really don't get the purpose of this model other than to sell to collectors who just like the look of it. I know a lot of people collect bowies (which also baffles me, as I consider them near useless). This is one of their knives I'd never consider buying, not worth the money at all.
And you got the oddest knife from MKC whose blades are famous for light weight, high agility, and getting most from the least. It’s like buying a two onces gentleman folder from Work Tuff Gear :D Anyway, great video as always 🔪
This would be a great knife to keep in the kitchen to slice Prime Rib or Tenderloin. All of my carnivore buddies would have to have one to keep up. However, it is too light to be a survival or bushcraft knife. Blade failure in the wild is not an option.
$350 U.S. and the tip still broke? I would pay less for a Work Tuff and get more performance and a bit more, about $200-$249 Canadian. I just don't see the justification in spending that kind of money when it's getting harder & harder to make these days. I don't even want to know the price on that knife after the exchange rate, not to mention the shipping! Good video though.
It’s a nice looking knife. Snapping the tip has no effect on my thoughts, although that was unfortunate at best. I like a full flat grind, but it needs to start with thicker stock (imho). I agree about the handle shape. I have extra large hands and need more handle purchase at the guard. For the money, I would prefer the TOPS War Bowie or even a BK7. And as for a “survival” knife, imho it should not weigh less than 16 ounces. I want something overbuilt if it’s my one tool option.
That tip should never have snapped off. Not impressed with that whatsoever. Rat 7 or an Esee 6 wouldn't snap doing that minimal amount of side to side. With that being said. The price is insane and definitely wound not come outta my pocket.
Living in Montana I’d prefer Montana made products. But, MKC is too high priced. I can buy a Cold Steel “Survivalist” 8” blade for $72.95 in the same steel.
I'd rather buy the tops longhorn and get a new sheath for it (which is what i have done). If you are making a 7-8" knife. Make it thick. I think if they made it 0.2" thick and made the tip more reinforced, I'd want one real bad. Their knives are beautiful, and I can tell they really care about their knives.
MKC banking because you see their merch on JRE and now new knife owners are dropping big bucks on their knives as if there aren't better alternatives like Bark River, White River, etc.
As soon as I saw the thin upswept clip point I knew that was the Achilles heel. Especially when you market a knife as a “bushcraft” knife. The first thing people will do is baton it right out of the box and snap… They should’ve made the point like the BK7 with a straight clip and more meat at the tip.
I wouldnt call it a saber grind I would call it a high flat grind, a saber grind only goes around halfway up the width of the blade. If you look at a civil war saber youll see the difference, a saber grind is still a flat grind but its reffering to the height. That knife looks alright but personally im not in into thin stock, ill carry a pocket knife if I want a thin sclicer lol but the handle does look relatively comfortable. Not a knife I would buy however I would use it if it was given to me 🤣.
Cool looking blade but for bushcraft I'll stick to my Primitive Bear Knives Hunter's EDC. This is a combat knife and even there, I'm taking other knives
With a tip that thin, I wouldn’t call it a bushcraft knife - it needs to be more durable for that kind of work. Also the handle seems a bit thin for lots of carving and long session use? Maybe it’s more of a fighter utility knife, but not survival or bushcraft in my book.
Still hard to justify price of the blades. My white river backpacker performs just as well as the speed goat and the srk 3v at around 100 bucks outperforms this knife in every aspect.
That Joker Puuko you showed is s great knife for under $100. The MKC is $300. Enlighten me the value of the MKC other than the DNA is Montana born? I stopped buying America n in 1984 when I bought a Chrysler for $15000 and it never left the car dealers repair shop more than a week. I only buy quality Japanese cars now. If they still made knives I would buy Japanese knives. I won't patronize American workers who make crap at Union scale. Tesla is not union at the moment. I would consider a Tesla unless the unionize.
This is more a tactical or survival type kinfe. Without the finger choil the knife would be more compact (and reinforced the tip!) and it would be more a bushcraft type knife.
For a 325-350 dollar knife it shouldn’t suck at chopping and snap at the tip. This knife might not be a reflection of the company but it’s definitely a fail.
I honestly like the reground profile more than the original. Personally, I will NOT buy any knife for hard use that has a point that thin. The end results are too predictable.
I'm not buying a bushcraft or outdoor knife to use in my kitchen.I have kitchen knives for that. This sure looks like a glorified bowie knife. It looks like a decent outdoor knife but definitely not a bushcraft knife. It's good to see another US made blade on your channel though.👍
I’m surprised that a ball bearing steel like 52100 would snap, even with the thinness. Perhaps the Rockwell hardness is too high for that steel? However, your point about thickness would solve it but I would like a hardness that would allow bending rather than snapping.
Not impressed. The knife needs to be seriously redesigned. It reminds me of Esee. A company that has become too comfortable with their mediocre design, and continue to raise their prices without any real benefit to owning the competition. Sorry, but nothing about this blade says "Bushcraft" to me. It's a small Bowie style, if anything. Mainly due to the upsweep on the spine and narrow blade profile, not to mention the thin blade. I'd rather own two Beckers to one of these. Just my opinion.
Its a huge fail on its own merits, but I wouldn’t compare it to Esse in anyway, nor would I say Esse’s are a “mediocre” design. Stale designs? Yes, but Esse’s are truly proven *and* have a no questions asked lifetime warranty. Esse’s prices are climbing like everything else, but the current E6 is still only $143.. less than half of this Montana thing.
G'day Aaron, "bushcraft knife" ? ..... odd choice, but hey, everything I own outside of the kitchen .......... is ultimately a bushcraft knife ; ) By way of comparison; the CS Survivalist, (scaled), also in 52100 and full flat @ 8 in. Love it.!!!!! I dont usually do full flats, but CS has the done the flat angle up to a spine of over 5 mm, so its still a good wedge and batons Aussie redgum and other hardwoods extremely well and given it's weight, it does chop more than satisfactorily for it's size. The Survivalist is the primary I take on a day hike, (where there's low risk of unplanned camping). Together with a 4 incher secondary and a saw, one can still do a shelter, big fire and finer tasks at the other end of the scale. Deeper into the forest, my primary and secondaries proportionately increase to a parang/machete and a robust 6 inch stainless sabre, (that "can" still get one out of strife, should the primary tool be lost or fail). So, having said all that, yes the light weight is a nicety for some, but this one falls in between my "near and far" MO, in that it's a bit too flimsy/thin and slicey for either role, (i.e. a primary or secondary), even in 52100, and yep with ya mate, thicken up the forefinger area too. Could do with a dangler btw, ... especially at the asking price. Anyway, thanks for the look mate, it is quite a different take these days, and may well suit many folks needs. Cheers Duke. P.S. the "Nessmuk pairing" has always interested me. i.e. a hatchet and a very thin, flat, butchers style knife, (in lord knows what inferior steel to 52100), so with your re-profiled tip, ....get out the Estwing or X7 ................ and you've at least got a significant contemporary upgrade on those ; )
This $350 Bushcraft abomination is a very hard pass for me. That tip is really pathetic. How many knives has Aaron tested this way and how many have lost their tips? Zero that I can recall across 11 years. On the plus side, now that the flimsy tip is gone Aaron has a better knife.
First things first - that grind profile makes it a no-go for serious bushcraft and survival work. I'm not sure why so many modern knife makers like that style of grind, but I really dislike it whenever I try to use a knife with that style of grind (I'm not sure exactly what it's called - I've seen it called a saber grind and I've seen it called a "flat or semi-flat grind with a secondary bevel"). Anyway, it makes the tip weak, and the blade a little to thin. It makes chopping difficult because the blade sticks in the material. The only thing it might be good for is skinning, but I prefer a hollow grind for that, and a smaller blade. Also, the bias toward smaller blades for general work and survival is relatively modern, starting about 1900's. Prior to that, people that had to live off the land carried much larger knives. At least, those that had enough steel to do so. Take a look at the Kukri knives, and the fairly large knives carried by the reindeer herders, as well as machetes carried by so many indigenous peoples. Heck, even the original Bowie was quite large, as was the seax and the German hunting knives that the Bowie was patterned after. The modern "bushcraft/survival knives should be small" concept came from people who never actually have to really survive using their knife, and usually "come home" after a few nights in the woods. Indigenous and rural natives for whom home IS living off the land in the bush, well they use big knives, and often heavy knives. Edit: And I guess the tip on this knife did break. Like I said, the grind is a no-go for me.
$300+ 😮 Im sticking with Tops , thats just way to much above normal price range for that steel . The market has so many blades in that range also made in the USA that are $200 less. Becker BK7, KaBar Turok , Ontario Rat series and Esee blades. I don't see how they can stay relevant enough to compete , esp in this BIDENFLATION economy.
What they are doing is fine but……. Stick with making the 20 models you have until you actually are ABLE to meet demand. Trying to now compete with bushcraft legends which are hand finished with beautiful handles is outside the ability of your machine made computer program knives. Doing this makes me think its not about the end users its about ego.
I like this knife, but I gotta be honest- I'm a "sheep's foot fan," sort of... So I'm pretty sure you actually *improved* the tip. Maybe MKs should re-think their knife's profile: If you're going to make a "light but tough" blade, you should make other "alterations" that complement the tool's "philosophy of use..."
WELL, I HAVE FINALLY GIVEN UP ON THIS CHANNEL... I love the content, so no complaints there, but stacking the "Sponsor" & the "like, share, subscribe" portions right in the middle is just plain irritating... some of us like to do other things whilst watching, so sticking it in the middle means I have to "down tools" each time to fast forward.... this is the only channel I have followed that does this, everyone else puts it either at the beginning or end of the video (It is just plain cheek to ask someone to "like" a video until the end anyway, as I don't know if I like it until then)... Sorry Aaron, I have followed you for a while now, but the irritation has overtaken the benefits of watching now, so farewell... Puccini (UK)
There is some truth to that. While I understand you’re motivations...there have been numerous channels I use to enjoy that just turned into marketing machines. Love your content but please don’t evolve into say a Dutch Bushcraft Knives...
@@dlrmon1 really appreciate the feedback. I hope my content speaks for itself. I painstakingly take time to truly test each item to unpack what works and what doesn’t. Pointing out its weaknesses and capabilities, just like I did with this Knifes tip and handle. You in the audience are my only concern. TH-cam has changed greatly from back in the day and affiliate links and sponsors are how I can continue to create this level of content.
TH-cam has made it almost impossible to survive as a Bushcraft channel. Unsubbing isn't helping matters and TH-cam knows this. They do not like you and I , they also do not like Aaron's content . ..They want you to leave . He has had to change with the times and YTs crazy rules and algorithms have pushed most creators off the platform. I'm actually very thankful for his hard work cause there is hardly anyone left doing full reviews of blades anymore. I'm willing to "suffer" the few seconds of adds to keep this channel alive and help this AMERICAN feed his family. I will do my part as a sub , and this ain't bootlicking...We are in a culture war and supporting channels like his has never been more important than now.
This one is next on my list. I have the Super Cub and Stonewall Skinner in 52100, as well as the Jackstone and Speedgoat in MagnaCut. All are excellent and backed by their Generations warranty. In fact you could have just sent it back to MKC after you broke the tip and they would have repaired or replaced it for free.
_Ohhh, this one looks really nice.. I wish it was in CPM 4V YES 4!_
*_This VS ZT 0006???_*
Haha, I was a very different Knives.
Carve a pointy stick to dig, a wedge to baton, cook with it, fillet fish, clear vegitation and small trees, keep for personal protection (verry stabby) and super lightweight. Sold orange G10 looks sweet and you can see it if you set it down in the woods. Also have super cub and speed goat 2.0 in same color. Trump 24' 🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲
I prefer the reground shape you did anyway. I believe it will be slightly stronger per thickness AND the point is more inline with the handle center. Likely more penetration at many angles. Sometimes the higher points penetrate less because the blade tends to follow the longer edge when thrusted [a point off center will "tend" to turn slightly in the hand]. Based on past "tests" with various blades. Potentially larger wound cavity with the higher tip... at the cost of noticeable [when I was younger] loss of speed, second thrust. But, this blade profile was pretty stinking' good to start with.
Nice review. Reference the question, I love a deep front of the handle and a larger guard area like this knife has. I personally don't find a problem with them, as you say, floating. That's just me though. Nice looking knife.
So happy to be getting alerts for videos again
Awesome!!
That's too fantastic to believe! I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that. ❤
Clay Hayes build a stick bow with that knife and never had to sharpen it. MKC is the best. They’ll sharpen the blade for you if you need too.
52100 is a low alloy tool steel, it's not a plain carbon steel. I love it, better edge stability than 1095, better edge retention than 5160, still tough, much tougher than say O1. Easy to sharpen as well. As low alloy steels go I'd rate maybe 80Crv2 and L6 higher, but only just.
Thanks for the MKC reviews, Aaron! Been anxiously awaiting them... Appreciate your reviews, opinions, and recommendations. Love the GT channel! Happy New Year, brother... 🇺🇸🔪👊🏼💯
My pleasure! Thanks so much being a valued member of the GT Crew, hope you have a happy new year!
This makes me giggle a little. So hyped up.
I've had several of the cold steel drop forged series of knives, which are also 52100 steel. I've always had extremely good experience with them so I have no complaints on the steel choice.
Those cold steel drop forged blades are sweet!
@@gideonstactical 100% agree
Love the design but a little pricey for Me , I'd go with my Becker BK7 for all the reasons that you pointed out, especially the thicker tip ... Thanks for Another Great Review..... 👍🖖
Better value and tougher knives are the Esee 6 or the BK7. JMHO
Less expensive, sure.
You get what you pay for JMHO
Doesnt really fit in either bushcraft (bit too large) or survival (not robust enough) categories due to size and intended use not to memtion the price is astronomical and having a tip snap that easily on an outdoors knife is a serious issue. The price for this steel and materials should be at least under $200. For me id go with Esee, Kabar, Or Tops better performance at a lower cost. I understand the whole USA thing but your getting into custom knife prices at this point. Still baffles me a bit with all the modern steels that are available why 52100 at this price point except to make a fast buck at the expense of someone's hard earned money. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable.
Thanks Aaron for the video. Looks like it would be fast and nimble in the hand. Great for back cuts and stabbing a bear. Maybe not, but also good for bushcrafting. I think I will stick with my Tops Prather War Bowie. At 0.25 inches thick, maybe a bit slower, but also tougher. At $350....probably a better deal on the War Bowie.
I really like 52100. I designed one of my knives specifically for 52100. Bear Forest Knives and Primitive Bear Knives does awesome work with 52100.
That said I don’t trust Montana Knife Company. They are extremely shady. Lots of ex Al-CIAda guys there with millions in funding with little knife production all the while getting state run media promotions and tens of millions in shop, CNC machining etc all the while the production doesn’t seem to match the level of costs. Seems kind of like a slush fund to me. They also are shady where and how their knives are actually produced
I have the MKC jaskstone and skinner but want to add this one as well.
Amazing that it snapped. I wonder if a magnacut blade would do the same?
Definitely
52100 is definitely tougher than Magnacut.
I like the idea, but I don't mind carrying my o1 steel Natchez bowie. There are just certain things that are worth the weight to me outdoors. But I love this for a general battle utility knife as well.
Fantastic review as usual Aaron. Thanks you saved me money 😂. I was looking at a Montana knife as great all around knife because many of my woods blades don’t do food prep well. I’ll stick with my white river ursus 45 dlt exclusive in 3v because food prep is doable with it at the camp site. Thanks for the ursus review too! You are my favorite fixed blade knife reviewer for sure
Really appreciate my friend. Glad I was able to help. I want to get an Ursus in 3V as well.
@@gideonstactical just fyi it’s currently still available on DLTs website and looks good in the FDE cerakote! It’s a little more money than the standard but I think it’s worth it.
Beautiful knife although I'm not convinced, due to the blade steel, that the tip broke off because of its thickness.
I have a large Lon Humphrey camp knife in 52100. Has performed very well but no part of it is as thin as that tip.
Theres no denying it that Montana Knife Company deserves the hype. The lightweight with the thin slicey blade style on most of their models is nice. Very desirable features for hunters in the know. They are out of my price range for sure. Cheers from NZ, you have the best reviews
Yes, just wish the tip was stronger and the handle was bigger.
@@gideonstacticalyeah i have xxl hands too so if it wont fit your hand its not fitting mine. Handle ergos are so important to me now, i hate hot spots
Why do they deserve the hype? Super expensive for a primitive design and old school steel?
From what I hear from people they make good knives. But--------350.00 for that knife. Is it any better then a 200.00 knife or less from other good knife makers.
I know cost is definitely up there for the Blades.
For that price, it shouldn't have snapped. If it did, it should've been warranty covered. Other than that I liked it.
When it comes to survival knives, I will argue you definitely need a little extra at the tip. Can’t have your tool breaking when you might need it the most. Btw I really like the look of the blade after you reground the tip
Thanks it came out better than I thought.
Same. I prefer the reprofile 😅
@@WhispyWoods. yes, I liked it before also, but there is just something about the new tip that just seems to fit nicely with the rest of the blade
Montana brand is just so over priced, Get an LT Wright for a real Bushcraft USA Knife. Im my preference I rather an Esee 6 all day.
I bought one last night $381 shipped. I decided to get one after I watched Clay Hayes make a beautiful bow out of a tree with this knife alone. I don't understand why anyone would ever dig with a knife, that seems ridiculous. I like how it can be used like a draw knife and will use it as a survival woodworking tool. I've been looking for a larger knife for awhile and figured I'll try something besides a Battle Horse Knife for once.
People who misuse knives as hachets and axes, think a knife is a prybar, are becoming a majority in this market. Making rediculously thick, heavy knives that are nearly impossible to sharpen. Our ancestors would be laughing their asses off.
great video--glad to see an honest review with realistic use, including instances of failure. As for 52100, check out Lon Humphrey's blades in 52100--he does great work.
I can't have screws in my knife handles... When I carry a knife it's got to be a real knife!
I would realy like to see you Testing an "UG-Tool" knife.
It's a German Knive company who makes 3D-Printet Titanium handels.
The handel by its self is pretty robust and can even used to Splitt Wood If the Blade isn't Long enough.
Plus they are pretty light beause the handle ist also hollow.
I would be very interested to hear your personal opinion about the knives or the Company after Testing one.
Thx for all your fantastic Videos and honest opinion! :D
Really appreciate it!
That my my absolute dream hiking fixed blade! Full blade that weights only 80 grams or so.
I have the MKC Stonewall in Magnacut, love it. I saw this "Bushcraft" knife and was baffled. It's more of a bowie and mountain men didn't use bowie's for survival tasks (I mention that since they advertise most of their products towards midwest up to Canada hunting). I really don't get the purpose of this model other than to sell to collectors who just like the look of it. I know a lot of people collect bowies (which also baffles me, as I consider them near useless). This is one of their knives I'd never consider buying, not worth the money at all.
And you got the oddest knife from MKC whose blades are famous for light weight, high agility, and getting most from the least. It’s like buying a two onces gentleman folder from Work Tuff Gear :D
Anyway, great video as always 🔪
Haha! This is definitely the biggest in their line up.
This would be a great knife to keep in the kitchen to slice Prime Rib or Tenderloin. All of my carnivore buddies would have to have one to keep up. However, it is too light to be a survival or bushcraft knife. Blade failure in the wild is not an option.
I absolutely agree, a Camp Style Survival Knife needs to have a tougher tip. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
Yeah, hopefully we’ll see a thicker tip design in the future
$350 U.S. and the tip still broke? I would pay less for a Work Tuff and get more performance and a bit more, about $200-$249 Canadian. I just don't see the justification in spending that kind of money when it's getting harder & harder to make these days. I don't even want to know the price on that knife after the exchange rate, not to mention the shipping! Good video though.
Really like that knife 👌 perfect ♥️
It’s a nice looking knife.
Snapping the tip has no effect on my thoughts, although that was unfortunate at best.
I like a full flat grind, but it needs to start with thicker stock (imho).
I agree about the handle shape. I have extra large hands and need more handle purchase at the guard.
For the money, I would prefer the TOPS War Bowie or even a BK7.
And as for a “survival” knife, imho it should not weigh less than 16 ounces. I want something overbuilt if it’s my one tool option.
Over built but fine carver is my preferred mo 😉👍
I love the design of this knife, it's just a little too pricey for me.....
Totally hear that.
That tip should never have snapped off. Not impressed with that whatsoever. Rat 7 or an Esee 6 wouldn't snap doing that minimal amount of side to side. With that being said. The price is insane and definitely wound not come outta my pocket.
Living in Montana I’d prefer Montana made products. But, MKC is too high priced. I can buy a Cold Steel “Survivalist” 8” blade for $72.95 in the same steel.
Yeah, that seems to be the number one complaint and I totally get it. They are on the higher end of the price point.
I'd rather buy the tops longhorn and get a new sheath for it (which is what i have done). If you are making a 7-8" knife. Make it thick. I think if they made it 0.2" thick and made the tip more reinforced, I'd want one real bad. Their knives are beautiful, and I can tell they really care about their knives.
The Longhorn Bowie is an excellent blade!
MKC banking because you see their merch on JRE and now new knife owners are dropping big bucks on their knives as if there aren't better alternatives like Bark River, White River, etc.
They are doing excellent at marketing!!
Cool design. I'd think of it as a medium duty camp knife. Its nice in that role, but not at that price. Jmo
It is definitely top of the price range.
As soon as I saw the thin upswept clip point I knew that was the Achilles heel. Especially when you market a knife as a “bushcraft” knife. The first thing people will do is baton it right out of the box and snap…
They should’ve made the point like the BK7 with a straight clip and more meat at the tip.
I wouldnt call it a saber grind I would call it a high flat grind, a saber grind only goes around halfway up the width of the blade. If you look at a civil war saber youll see the difference, a saber grind is still a flat grind but its reffering to the height. That knife looks alright but personally im not in into thin stock, ill carry a pocket knife if I want a thin sclicer lol but the handle does look relatively comfortable. Not a knife I would buy however I would use it if it was given to me 🤣.
If I decide to go 52100, I'll buy Cold Steel.
Good luck getting one
I like the look of the regrind better than the original.
I like mkc but they never have anything in stock!
Yes, they do batch runs on many of their designs.
Cool looking blade but for bushcraft I'll stick to my Primitive Bear Knives Hunter's EDC. This is a combat knife and even there, I'm taking other knives
Yes it is humorous when companies put bushcraft on a tool that doesn’t fit the excepted criteria. This is a large camp knife.
@@gideonstactical I wouldn't even call it that with that weak tip. I'll take my BK-7 for camping
When ESEE 6 made love with SOG Seal results this knife
That’s a good combo!
With a tip that thin, I wouldn’t call it a bushcraft knife - it needs to be more durable for that kind of work. Also the handle seems a bit thin for lots of carving and long session use? Maybe it’s more of a fighter utility knife, but not survival or bushcraft in my book.
Ya I highlighted the thin handle neck too.
What happened to corbin pins?
I would prefer a stronger tip on a blade of that size and price.
1095 is Gods chosen steel
Hahah! It definitely has a good place.
For 350 there are many more options
Still hard to justify price of the blades. My white river backpacker performs just as well as the speed goat and the srk 3v at around 100 bucks outperforms this knife in every aspect.
Plus the backpacker has a great finger guard
And yet another American made knife I will never buy, because it is out of my price range. Plus for the price, that tip should be much stronger.
That Joker Puuko you showed is s great knife for under $100. The MKC is $300. Enlighten me the value of the MKC other than the DNA is Montana born? I stopped buying America n in 1984 when I bought a Chrysler for $15000 and it never left the car dealers repair shop more than a week. I only buy quality Japanese cars now. If they still made knives I would buy Japanese knives. I won't patronize American workers who make crap at Union scale. Tesla is not union at the moment. I would consider a Tesla unless the unionize.
For sure it needs a thicker tip.
This is more a tactical or survival type kinfe. Without the finger choil the knife would be more compact (and reinforced the tip!) and it would be more a bushcraft type knife.
Interesting knife but not for me. Thanks for the in depth data points 👍
Make it 2.0 with your recommendations, and then add like 3 to 4 more inches and make it into a 10- or -12-inch blade knife, and now we're talking
That would be a monster!
Have you ever heard of Dawson Knives? You gotta check them out 70 year family owned business and makes some incredible knives
For a 325-350 dollar knife it shouldn’t suck at chopping and snap at the tip. This knife might not be a reflection of the company but it’s definitely a fail.
I honestly like the reground profile more than the original. Personally, I will NOT buy any knife for hard use that has a point that thin. The end results are too predictable.
This company continually disappoints me, plus it’s not in a great steel for bushcraft and it’s seriously overpriced
Over priced? $350 seems plenty reasonable. Benchmades newest bushcrafter a $400-500 depending on the model
@@americianthroughandthrough4438 this world is doomed
I'm not buying a bushcraft or outdoor knife to use in my kitchen.I have kitchen knives for that. This sure looks like a glorified bowie knife. It looks like a decent outdoor knife but definitely not a bushcraft knife. It's good to see another US made blade on your channel though.👍
Yep, try to do as many as I can!
Am I weird that I like the reprofiled tip better than the original design??
Haha, you are the second person to tell me that.
Why are we digging with a cutting tool?
Exactly 👍
I’m surprised that a ball bearing steel like 52100 would snap, even with the thinness. Perhaps the Rockwell hardness is too high for that steel? However, your point about thickness would solve it but I would like a hardness that would allow bending rather than snapping.
Yeah, I think it’s just how paper thin the tip was
Full flat 👍. Scandi 👎. I'll stay with my Ontario Black Bird SK-5.
MKC knives are overpriced! Worse than Benchmade.
Not impressed. The knife needs to be seriously redesigned. It reminds me of Esee. A company that has become too comfortable with their mediocre design, and continue to raise their prices without any real benefit to owning the competition. Sorry, but nothing about this blade says "Bushcraft" to me. It's a small Bowie style, if anything. Mainly due to the upsweep on the spine and narrow blade profile, not to mention the thin blade. I'd rather own two Beckers to one of these. Just my opinion.
Great feed back! And I agree I hope a 2.0 will be released at some point.
I totally agree as well
I’d have to disagree. The ESEE 3 at 1/8th” blade stock thickness would not have snapped. I’ve owned 5 of them at the point and have never broken one.
Its a huge fail on its own merits, but I wouldn’t compare it to Esse in anyway, nor would I say Esse’s are a “mediocre” design. Stale designs? Yes, but Esse’s are truly proven *and* have a no questions asked lifetime warranty. Esse’s prices are climbing like everything else, but the current E6 is still only $143.. less than half of this Montana thing.
Just get a Lionsteel and a Schwarz and ya set!
G'day Aaron, "bushcraft knife" ? ..... odd choice, but hey, everything I own outside of the kitchen .......... is ultimately a bushcraft knife ; )
By way of comparison; the CS Survivalist, (scaled), also in 52100 and full flat @ 8 in. Love it.!!!!! I dont usually do full flats, but CS has the done the flat angle up to a spine of over 5 mm, so its still a good wedge and batons Aussie redgum and other hardwoods extremely well and given it's weight, it does chop more than satisfactorily for it's size.
The Survivalist is the primary I take on a day hike, (where there's low risk of unplanned camping). Together with a 4 incher secondary and a saw, one can still do a shelter, big fire and finer tasks at the other end of the scale.
Deeper into the forest, my primary and secondaries proportionately increase to a parang/machete and a robust 6 inch stainless sabre, (that "can" still get one out of strife, should the primary tool be lost or fail).
So, having said all that, yes the light weight is a nicety for some, but this one falls in between my "near and far" MO, in that it's a bit too flimsy/thin and slicey for either role, (i.e. a primary or secondary), even in 52100, and yep with ya mate, thicken up the forefinger area too. Could do with a dangler btw, ... especially at the asking price.
Anyway, thanks for the look mate, it is quite a different take these days, and may well suit many folks needs.
Cheers Duke.
P.S. the "Nessmuk pairing" has always interested me. i.e. a hatchet and a very thin, flat, butchers style knife, (in lord knows what inferior steel to 52100), so with your re-profiled tip, ....get out the Estwing or X7 ................ and you've at least got a significant contemporary upgrade on those ; )
Hard pass on the overhyped and overpriced MKC mediocrity.
350 for a knife? Yeah someone is getting hella monetization on their videos these days.
This $350 Bushcraft abomination is a very hard pass for me. That tip is really pathetic. How many knives has Aaron tested this way and how many have lost their tips? Zero that I can recall across 11 years. On the plus side, now that the flimsy tip is gone Aaron has a better knife.
Haha, I am surprise so many of you really like the reprofiled tip!
@@gideonstactical better to pop it off in the yard and be able to fix it than to loose it on the trail with no way to repair.
First things first - that grind profile makes it a no-go for serious bushcraft and survival work. I'm not sure why so many modern knife makers like that style of grind, but I really dislike it whenever I try to use a knife with that style of grind (I'm not sure exactly what it's called - I've seen it called a saber grind and I've seen it called a "flat or semi-flat grind with a secondary bevel"). Anyway, it makes the tip weak, and the blade a little to thin. It makes chopping difficult because the blade sticks in the material.
The only thing it might be good for is skinning, but I prefer a hollow grind for that, and a smaller blade.
Also, the bias toward smaller blades for general work and survival is relatively modern, starting about 1900's. Prior to that, people that had to live off the land carried much larger knives. At least, those that had enough steel to do so. Take a look at the Kukri knives, and the fairly large knives carried by the reindeer herders, as well as machetes carried by so many indigenous peoples. Heck, even the original Bowie was quite large, as was the seax and the German hunting knives that the Bowie was patterned after.
The modern "bushcraft/survival knives should be small" concept came from people who never actually have to really survive using their knife, and usually "come home" after a few nights in the woods.
Indigenous and rural natives for whom home IS living off the land in the bush, well they use big knives, and often heavy knives.
Edit: And I guess the tip on this knife did break. Like I said, the grind is a no-go for me.
$350, yikes. #1 thing with knife companies is they cheap out on blade thickness.
$300+ 😮
Im sticking with Tops , thats just way to much above normal price range for that steel .
The market has so many blades in that range also made in the USA that are $200 less.
Becker BK7, KaBar Turok , Ontario Rat series and Esee blades.
I don't see how they can stay relevant enough to compete , esp in this BIDENFLATION economy.
Nice but not perfect for that it's designed for. Seems just too thin.
What they are doing is fine but……. Stick with making the 20 models you have until you actually are ABLE to meet demand. Trying to now compete with bushcraft legends which are hand finished with beautiful handles is outside the ability of your machine made computer program knives. Doing this makes me think its not about the end users its about ego.
Rather have a Laredo Bowie,, 🔪
No thanks, I'm allergic to choils.
MKC is the best of the best. Cheers from Australia.
I like this knife, but I gotta be honest- I'm a "sheep's foot fan," sort of... So I'm pretty sure you actually *improved* the tip.
Maybe MKs should re-think their knife's profile: If you're going to make a "light but tough" blade, you should make other "alterations" that complement the tool's "philosophy of use..."
Yes hopefully there will be an update design.
Really aesthetic profile. Shame about the tip, though. For the price, I think my BK-5 works just fine.
Too bad that’s been out of production for awhile! The bk5 was great.
@@gideonstactical Agreed! I wish I would have snagged the bk15 tweener too.
@@GhostManCutlery those were sweet, video on the BK19 coming this week 👍
WELL, I HAVE FINALLY GIVEN UP ON THIS CHANNEL... I love the content, so no complaints there, but stacking the "Sponsor" & the "like, share, subscribe" portions right in the middle is just plain irritating... some of us like to do other things whilst watching, so sticking it in the middle means I have to "down tools" each time to fast forward.... this is the only channel I have followed that does this, everyone else puts it either at the beginning or end of the video (It is just plain cheek to ask someone to "like" a video until the end anyway, as I don't know if I like it until then)... Sorry Aaron, I have followed you for a while now, but the irritation has overtaken the benefits of watching now, so farewell...
Puccini (UK)
I am sorry to hear that my friend thank you for the feedback and appreciate your time with the channel. I hope my content will win you back. 👍
There is some truth to that. While I understand you’re motivations...there have been numerous channels I use to enjoy that just turned into marketing machines. Love your content but please don’t evolve into say a Dutch Bushcraft Knives...
Or a Nutnfancy...
@@dlrmon1 really appreciate the feedback. I hope my content speaks for itself. I painstakingly take time to truly test each item to unpack what works and what doesn’t. Pointing out its weaknesses and capabilities, just like I did with this Knifes tip and handle. You in the audience are my only concern. TH-cam has changed greatly from back in the day and affiliate links and sponsors are how I can continue to create this level of content.
TH-cam has made it almost impossible to survive as a Bushcraft channel.
Unsubbing isn't helping matters and TH-cam knows this.
They do not like you and I , they also do not like Aaron's content . ..They want you to leave .
He has had to change with the times and YTs crazy rules and algorithms have pushed most creators off the platform.
I'm actually very thankful for his hard work cause there is hardly anyone left doing full reviews of blades anymore.
I'm willing to "suffer" the few seconds of adds to keep this channel alive and help this AMERICAN feed his family.
I will do my part as a sub , and this ain't bootlicking...We are in a culture war and supporting channels like his has never been more important than now.
I don’t want it to bend are break
Great review👍👍👍
Always appreciate your opinion!
Have you heard this idea-
P-pray
U- until
S- something (Good)
H- happens 👍 👍👍