I've been around a while now and I still think this channel is the most consistent out there. This whole thing is nerdy AF and that's what's so brilliant about it. DCA and crew make it a pleasure to nerd out once or twice a week and indulge this hobby. Pure escapism, yes, but even better, the knife AQ vids are always genuinely useful. Long may it last. Thanks guys 👊
I carry my knives unbiased. That is, whether or not im allowed. Obviously it is concealed and don’t deploy it in public unless we’re camp cooking at a park or something. And don’t attempt to take it into a building or event that uses metal detectors.
@@landscapingspecialist that’s pretty much what I meant. The only places I remember not being able to carry my folder is at pro sports events and the courthouse
Me too. I usually choose the cjrb ria or one of my older case knives with a good story for cases where I don't want to scare anyone. Office events etc. For really dressed up events with employees or my superiors, I will take either the Spyderco amalgam, Chris reeve sebenza 21, or my venom wing 4. A strange choice by somestandards with an integral titanium handle and m390. The integral handle is impressive to talk about and it's always very smooth and impressive to play with. I need to save up for an american made integral knife, but for now, it works.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and I slipped that “sinistral citizen” comment in just for DCA lol. Love the videos and the channel and that’s a perfect suggestion, I was originally thinking the crooked river for a while but the north folk is definitely the winner! Really appreciate taking the time to read and tackle my weird question! Perfect recommendation as always! That’s perfect for his style and work, I think he will get a lot of use out of the North folk in both his edc and camping life too! Keep up the awesome videos and lucky the wedding has passed but luckily I still owe him a wedding present so it’s still perfect and ordered! Appreciate the recommendation again!
Funny that you went to the Buck 110 for the left hand knives question. It is actually the direction I went for the wedding question. Gave my groomsmen Customized Buck 110's with elk scales and Nickel bolsters
Another great show. Thanks. ●Collecting knives for a "business" is a GREAT idea. ●YES, YES! A pocket fixed-blade won't get coins stuck in it. ●Some PLASTIC sheaths are designed for easy cleaning and even have a drain hole. For field butchering this is practical. This is a major consideration when choosing SHEATH MATERIAL. When you're done you want to wipe or rinse the knife and re-sheath it and 100% clean when you're home.
@DCA & Thomas, I was a guest @the wedding of a friend's adult step-son, in S-AR! When the ring-bearer's ribbon refused to allow detachment from the pillow underneath, the groom quickly addressed the congregation: "has ANYBODY got a pocket-knife?" In seconds, every male in the 1st 3 rows produced a serviceable blade, and not even the preacher batted an eye! "With this ring, I thee wed" was pronounced, and these nice folks now live in Hot Springs w/their three children... For the record, having been a groom, a best man, and a guest, on more than one occasion EACH, I've never gone w/o a knife! NEVER!
Good choice, sir. My best friend recently got married, and I got him the standard 556 Mini Griptilian a few months back. I finally got the North Fork for myself last week and I absolutely love it, but every single photo I've ever seen of it is very inconsistent from one another, which kept me from buying it online. I got super lucky and saw this one with a perfect grain pattern in a display case at a hardware store and grabbed it immediately.
I carried a knife on my wedding day. It was a beautifully modded Emerson Mini A100. I didn’t need to cut anything. But as a person who has carried a knife daily since my mid to late teens, it was an important accessory for me.
I'm glad that you featured the left hand friendly Benchmade North Fork. I bought one a little over a year ago and am finding very little I don't like about it. I was looking for something with a bit shorter handle because my Gold Class 940 (the first Ti/carbon fiber issue) was trying to pump out of the shallow pocket on my summer shorts. Consequently, I've been carrying it since I bought it. I've used it for everything from food prep to camping. The blade shape has so many possibilities. I recently added a leather lanyard. So far it's ok, but the jury is still out. The North Fork is really winning my favor as an all around EDC. (Trivia bit, North Fork is the name of the town in the old Rifleman TV series.)
I felt very validated when DCA picked the Hogue Compound for his OTF. I have been EDC one for the last year. I thought my reasons where solid even when people thought it strange that I picked it over everything else.
I don’t like the slop OTFs have but the hogue is better than most. Deadlock and SOG have the most solid lockup. OTFs are fun though and I have a couple I carry from time to time.
@@jolness1 they are super handy and the most safe when it comes to deployment/retraction. Fingers remain the furthest distance from cutting edge. I have a Demko 20.5 I rotate in but am now partial to the compound
Concerning sheaths, Winkler Knives gives you the best of both worlds: kydex sheath sandwiched between two layers of leather. Leather on the outside, leather in the inside, kydex in between. Super cool.
In relation to the wedding carry question. I was best man at my buddies wedding last year. Made sure to be carrying what I could to solve any problems that came up. It was my job to be there to make sure his day went off without any hitches. So you better believe I had my stuff with me.
I carried a Civivi Hardros to my wedding, and a Civivi Relic (thanks again for the tip DCA) to my viking style handfasting (alongside a sword and shield.)
You often say liner/frame locks are righ-handed. I'm left handed and I find them very simple to use; moving the thumb towards the hand is not harder than away.
@@thatrealba I'm left handed also and for the most part agree. I tried a right handed Sebenza and it was really awkward to open left handed. Definitely would need the left handed version of that knife.
DCA & T - I know you've had a few "small but mighty" videos before, and I love watching them. Now, for the first time, I find myself in need (want?) of one of these suggestions. My job recently brought everyone back from remote working, and the federal code (18 U.S. Code § 930) limits the knives we can carry to "a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2½ inches in length." Currently, the shortest knives in my collection are the WE Banter (2.9") and the QSP Penguin (3.06"). I love exploring different brands, materials, and opening & locking mechanisms, so anything's fair game there. My two limitations, though, are the style and budget. Since it's an office setting, I don't want anything too aesthetically aggressive-- I wouldn't say no to a first "gentleman's knife," though I'm not sure any fit in the budget. And, I'd like to keep it in the $40-$60 range, though I ~could~ ~potentially~ (with the spousal forgiveness program) bump that up to as high as $80... maaaybe $85.
I was so glad to see you mentioned the scuffing of the blade from Kydex. I recently purchased a Cold Steel SRK5 (San Mai) with a plastic sheath. Within the first couple of days of drawing and sheathing the knife I noticed scuff marks on the blade which shocked me. Also, the retention points at the handle were wearing the rubber-like handle material. Irritated by this combo of issues I quickly ordered a simple (and surprisingly cheap) leather sheath. With a little trimming it fits the SRK and will prevent any future wear. Of course, as you mentioned, leather sheaths come with the need of a little extra care and other minor issues, these being of little concern for me, less to be sure than the scarring of the blade and wearing of the handle. I have also recently purchased a Condor K-tac Kukri and a Gerber Strongarm, both sporting with plastic sheaths. The Condor's sheath wears on the blade a bit, but being a fairly heavy, kinda crude beater I think the wear gives the kukri a bit of character. By far the best plastic sheath so far has to be the one for the Gerber Strongarm. It fits extremely well, has almost now rubbing/scarring points. The retention points are extremely well thought out, with a hard piece added to the handle scales to prevent wear. Overall, I probably prefer leather, if for no other reason simply the feel of it. So far, every plastic sheath I have purchased, including the Gerber, has required cleaning up. Most of them on all have sharp edges, some poor fits, and even mold tags left on them (extra plastic from the forming). It's been a real disappointment to see how little finish is done to these sheaths overall, although they are all relatively easy to sand in and finish to a nice fit and feel. But the same could be said for many of the leather sheaths. About the only knife I've purchased recently whose sheath was exceedingly well finished was a Joker Nomad's leather sheath. (The Joker's walnut scales and brass studs needed work, but the sheath and blade were exquisite). All just my 2 cents.
For the wedding knife question, another good option could be a bird and trout size/style fixed blade. I came across the Boker Bark Beetle the other day. Something like that could work
Hogue X5 for me. My previous office was a government agency in California. The 2.5 inch rule was very much in effect, as well as a facility-wide "No Knife" policy in effect 24/7. When I attended an office party about a dozen people including the CIO and Board office were gathered around a conference table as the admin brought out a cake and there was a literal "Wait, did anyone bring a knife?" moment.. after an awkward pause, and after the attention shifted to the organizer, I said; "Sure.. just be careful?" And handed the wharncliffe over. There was one muted "whoah.." and then we cut the cake, had some coffee, and carried on. The only comments I got were from the deputy CEO, which amounted to "Hey.. does HR know about that?" accompanied by a wink.. to which I replied "They dont need to know" along with my best Han Solo wink. I guess it worked, because he laughed, I laughed, and nobody cared. My colleagues have only ever been impressed by the knife, but not by the length.. by the fit & finish.. which is weird for me. But there you have it. First person experience from the "No Weapons" land.... be professional, carry professional knives.. use them well. Everyone respects that. Period.
Initial thought for a gentlemanly knife that can be used in camp: the Brisa (formerly EnZo) Birk 75. Dual thumb studs, liner lock, available in D2 and S30V, full flat or scandi(!) grind, pretty good handles and within the price range.
I had my Boker Bonfire with wood handles in my pocket while watching this video, which I feel makes a pretty good gentleman’s outdoors knife. Has that old school feel which we all know is “less threatening” for those gentlemanly situations.
I performed a wedding about a month ago for a lifelong friend. I carried my knife and used it to cut the rings off of a small wreath used in the ceremony.
Agree with DCA on kydex vs. leather . I prefer kydex on my field knives but my hunting knives are carried in leather. Leather is much quieter when moving through brush and thickets stalking game .
Hey, DCA. My wife and I are expecting our first child! Aaaaah! What’s a good dad knife? One for opening presents, packaging, cutting food into small pieces, and eventually passing down to our child on a special occasion like graduation or a wedding? I think I would be willing to part with $350 at the high end. But as you know, fatherhood is expensive, so if we can check all the boxes at a lower price, bring it on! I’m partial to finger-safe locking mechanisms and horizontal carry fixed blades.
I carry a Mel Pardue series Benchmade. Have had it since 2014. Fantastic knife. It weighs hardly anything. Very thin. Great knife. I'd be lost without it.
So EDC is a folder one in the rotation is the Bradford guardian 3 which is perfect. Even though I should have gotten the 3.5. They have the best sheath I've seen, it's leather with a plastic insert which I think is a great idea, however they are designed only for Scout carry which i find awkward so I've opted for the Delta sheath company which is awesome!
My new trick is telling the wife its been on back order and I ordered it months ago. This helps when you get multiple packages in a week, you can say one of them was backordered to ease the tension.
The lionsteel bestman would be a good gentleman's edc wedding gift. I also believe it's lefty friendly with it's slipjoint construction. Is it outdoorsy? Well I'd take it over having nothing. Def a contender for a backup pocket knife
Hi DCA & Thomas. A great start to the show. It's about time we give the Sheath their 15 minutes of fame. There's two parts to knives, one being the cutting edge & the other is the sheath or the handles for a flipper which is under rated. Continuity - Taking the Past into the Future. Well done gentlemen! Got the Becker BK2 a very long time ago & it's still rocking & rolling. Love it. Wow..that 10% ? a great call Thomas.At times horizon gets wider & further being within the Weeds. Great show guys, a Step Up for sure. Double Cowabunga.! Victronox has a pen thier knives aka multitool.
I was at my buddys wedding yesterday, had my we snick on me, and it actually saved the day ! Someone used double stuck tape wrong so I had to cut some paper to cover up the double stick so pages of their photo guest book didn't stick together
Re pen knives: definitely check the legality where you live. Even though the blades on them are super short, "hidden" blades are illegal where I live - no pen, lipstick, umbrella etc knives.
I don't recall what I carried for my wedding, but I have bought knives for anniversary gifts for my wife and I. A pair of ProTech knives for our 10th anniversary and a pair Case calendar knives for our 18th anniversary.
DCA, you have corrupted me. I love watching and I've thrown a lot of money your way. One thing I'd love for you to do is a video on these things you call "tech locks". My ignorance is showing but I'm not too proud to say that I know nothing about them. How they work, how to fasten them to a sheath, ways to fasten them, sizes.. you get the picture I'm sure. Thanks in advance. It will allow me to look at other knives in a new way. And say hey to the man behind the camera. You two are a good watch. Well done....
I always carry my Spyderco ladybug or manbug because it’s inconspicuous and wouldn’t care of it ever got confiscated for whatever reason. But I still enjoy watching every video you guys put out!
Hey DCA, I love watching your videos and have a quick follow-up from this video. I have a few fixed-blade knives that came with leather sheaths and I wonder if you have any suggestions on ways to store them? The knife storage options that I find are for folders and not for fixed blades.
I just keep them in the sheath in a tool chest I have for my collection. Keep them clean and oiled if not rust resistant. If you live in a salt water environment I'd probably recommend keeping them oiled, even the stainless, and storing them loose outside the sheath in a drawer.
Hey DCA, not a question, just a thought: If you decide to design another EDC knife, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to call it DCA EDC, or EDCA. Thank you (&Thomas&Seth) for great content, informative and entertaining - you got me back into knives.
I work in the car business as a wholesale car buyer and car salesman. I need to travel light and use a sling bag to carry a scan tool, lithium jump pack, and flashlight. Can you please recommend a multitool that would work best for emergency road side repairs, attaching/removing licence plates, and other automotive related tasks. Thanks!
I'd like a segment on great hand axes, from budget to high end. As for the last comment, how can you stop buying knives? I'm asking myself this same question. I just went spending over $8K this month on my knife purchases, which I mostly blame on watching David's videos starting in March 2020, right after the pandemic began, which I also blame on not being able to travel or go on vacation. I now own over 180 knives. I have to stop because my spending is out of control on something that is mostly about collecting and not using them, kind of like expensive jewelry.
Hey DCA and crew! Do you have any recommendations for backup knives you can hand to people that: -Don’t look “scary” (to non-knife people) -Anyone seems to know how to open and close the knife -On the more budget end (in case they break it or something) Thanks a million
Commonly known,us swedes have to fight PolarBears on a regular basis (especially during summer,they are more grumpy then) what would you suggest other then the carcass splitter,it is a tad on the heavy side,thanks for a great show!
Just got the titanium button lock my third of the button lock iteration. Love the substantial feel, and the deployment is the smoothest and cleanest of the 3 Button lock elementums I have. I think that button lock only deployment is the smoothest action in the button lock niche ( at least from civivi). and generally Civivi fits my less special special occasion gift budget, and this is the outer edge of my SPECIAL special occasion budget (family is family) but I always like the idea of this is classy enough to carry to events but simple and effective enough to carry every day. Lord help me if the do a praxis in something other than 9cr... the new carbon fiber scales are cuter but I just can't see myself needing to own 7 or 8 praxis in 9cr...
A heavy duty gentleman's knife has come up a few times and I feel like you're overlooking the QSP worker. It's really robust and has a traditional class, it is a two hand opener but that just makes it more acceptable in a formal environment.
Hey DCA! Please do a bit on replacemetnts/alternatives for the discontinued Benchmade 710. My preferences: sub $200, axis/crossbar lock or similar. The 710 was perfect to me, and I've been failing to pick up another one for years. Thanks!
Love the channel. Lots of access to premium and budget knives. Always learn something. I have a lot of budget folders. Interested in a sub $100 fixed blade with a sheath that could be scout carried. Probably in the 4-6” blade length.
There are small pens inegrated into certain Victorinox knives, if you wanted it the other way around (mainly knife with small pen, instead of mainly pen with small knife).
Hey DCA, I am looking for a suggestion on a folder that is fast to deploy the blade and includes scissors. This is specifically for around the house carry as I find small scissors extremely useful for many tasks. Closest I have found thus far is the James Brand Ellis... would like some ideas on alternatives or maybe some sort of combo carry. Under $200 would be preferable. Thanks!
I think you would like one of the Free series from Leatherman. Either the T4 or the K4. One is smaller than the other, but both are one-hand-opening knives with other accessories that include scissors.
@@Ericstraordinary Thanks for the idea- I will take a look at the smaller version as I want something I can throw in basketball shorts for around the house that won't weigh me down too much.
Both the button lock Elementum and the Spyderco Endela are badass!! However, the Elementum is much more robust and hand filling. It has a super tough blade as well. I have yet to chip it and I swear I chip everything!!
**Most serious question** Hey DCA, I am planning on a fishing trip with the guys to Scotland, hoping to catch us a monster. Any thoughts on what knives we should bring? Bonus points for budget knives as air fair will take up most of our budget.
Hey I’m the Molly Dooker guy, aka President of lefty knives worldwide. The mini crooked river is a great choice, spyderco also makes a lefty PM2 that is sub $200 and you can get some aftermarket scales on the gram for it if you so desire.
Hey DCA- I have a slightly larger than average knife collection and have come to love the combo of thumb-stud opener with crossbar lock (currently own Benchmade Mini Presidio 2 CF). Can you provide any other knives with these particular components? Big knives, small knives, any blade shape/profile- very broad interest. Thanks for the great content!!
By the way, it's worth mentioning that kydex sheath isn't something that you are likely to choose for a hunting knife because kydex can basically melt. What I mean is that if you leave your knife (stored in kydex obviously) nearby campfire they will probably melt. It happened to me once. That was a really nasty situation & made me waste about 30 minutes.
At the temperature Kydex melts, you are also probably going to start experiencing damage to most materials handle scales are made of, and depending on the steel getting close to possibly messing with the temper. Best bet for the entire knife is not leave it by a heat source.
@@arrowheadguys7637 absolutely. But in my case knife was lying nearby fire for a night and scales were made out of micarta (or g10, I don't really remember) It was a really dumb mistake cuz I was very tired back then. And do really hope that no one else faced this situation
so I received my new victorinox knife center exclusive bantam and I love it. I carry it with my civivi elementum (also new from knife center) but it got me thinking if mcgyver carried a modern non swiss army knife what would he carry
David C Anderson and coworkers, you guys always do a great job and thanks so much! Just one question that's regarding fixed blade survival knives for gentlemen, if there is such a thing, for $50 or under. What do you have there? Thanks and take care.
Hmm...for my wedding knife, it was my Gerber Harsey AirFrame with the aluminium scales (which makes it nice and light for clipping to lingerie), and of course, I always carry my Victorinox Rambler in my evening bag. For one of her wedding presents, I gave my wife a Tiffany & Co./Victorinox Sterling silver Classic in the Bamboo pattern, along with a couple of other matching Tiffany Sterling silver accessories from the same Bamboo collection. I would not hestitate to recommend either a Victorinox Alox knife as a dressy knife on a reasonable budget, or a Spartan Harsey Folder for a higher budget. The SHF knives are elegant in their simplicity. Bill Harsey knows what he is doing.
I would offer a quote from Patrick McManus to the guy asking how to explain knife purchases to the wife,,, "Guns (knives) are like the national forest, we may not always use them, but it's nice to know they are there."
I carry a kiradashi neck knife as initial knife edc, plus a multitool in my pouch, a conceled carry, put horizontal above my belt on my back side and thats it
Nylon can absolutely mildew into grossness. UV can break it down also. Wash nylon sheathes when they get moist for any length of time. Mildew won't harm the material but boy howdy it can get wickedly gross and can hold moisture against the blade until it rusts away.
Hey DCA. Love the show. What knife am I looking for? We Banter in blade length, handle height, thinness and neutrality for good grip... but more “classic” styling. Less “modern pocket knife”. And maybe with a more fidgety lock (cross bar, plunge, compression?)... thanks a ton.
As a very general statement for both sheaths & knives, it's often less about the materials and more about the build quality. There are good & bad sheaths out there regardless of materials. As DCA implies, sometimes it also comes down to personal preference and usage. I personally use mostly leather & kydex but also have a couple with plastic & nylon (cost & value are realistic factors). Again, I recommend focusing on quality. More great info from DCA!!
Valid point, but I would say that often poor quality materials are accompanied by poor build quality, and high quality materials come with higher build quality, as manufacturers are choosing those materials to reach a price point that often dictates similar build quality. Not always, there are some brands who use cheaper materials to keep prices down but maintain quality, but thats the exception, not the rule, in my experience.
Hi DCA, can you talk about your opinions on how law of diminishing returns applies in knife collecting. I.e, at what point (or dollar amount, if you want to pin it down) do you start paying for “name” and designer, over the actual improvements in the construction quality, durability, materials. Thanks!
The AD20.5 in the thumbnail is at a weird angle and had me thinking. That would look good as a slim model. Not like a mini, but a skinny would be really cool
Hi David! I’m looking into buying my first fixed blade, preferably 4-5.5 inches, Kydex or Polymer sheath (can’t have leather, it’s too humid here in the Philippines), and a handle that allows you to get close to the blade, all under $150. Could also do with a coated blade if the steel is not stainless, but this isn’t required. That’s a lot to unpack, but I hope you have the time to answer! Thanks :)
I lost my closets friend in the whole world who was going to be my best man right before the wedding. I was able to carry his glock 43, microtech, esee 4 and diresta ice pick at my wedding and have been able to retain the microtech. One of the greatest honors I could have short of marrying my wife.
@DCA & Thomas, apologies for double dipping! QUESTION: How about promoting the installation of a swatch of cut-proof glove fabric on the inside of knife-sheath retaining straps? It seems to me to be an in-expensive, and readily applied fix for an age-old problem that's caused untold misery and hassle to countless individuals who've become distracted @just the wrong time...?! Thanks for the BEST vendor channel on YT! Regards, RRC
A well taken concern, tho my experience with the gloves shows no dulling with intermittent, non deliberate contact. I wear them whenever I'm doing more than opening an envelope or package, due to neurology issues related to being 77! They keep me safe, cutting wood or processing boxes, my knives stay sharp...! That said, mileage may vary and testing should be done! Thanks & regards!
@@roycolglazier1061 Yeah, I imagine it would take a lot of passes over the material to dull the blade, that said I've had some leather sheaths 25 years and have yet to have a snap band cut off.
My interest in knives is new as well as my subscription to your channel. Thanks for sharing all the knowledge. The more I learn about knives, the more I realize there is still to know. 🙂 Are there blade shapes that work better for a certain size of knife? For instance, I've found that I like a sheeps foot blade on a smaller knife. It might be due to my shorter stature and smaller hands to use the point more effectively. This made me wonder if it's completely a personal preference or if there is some general rules of thumb regarding blade shape and size.
I've been around a while now and I still think this channel is the most consistent out there. This whole thing is nerdy AF and that's what's so brilliant about it. DCA and crew make it a pleasure to nerd out once or twice a week and indulge this hobby. Pure escapism, yes, but even better, the knife AQ vids are always genuinely useful. Long may it last. Thanks guys 👊
I love the occasionally Thomas's commentary, dude rarely talk but always hit us with some hilarious lines
Well said, in full agreement 🤝
I carry a knife everywhere I’m allowed to. I’m excited whenever I get to carry my formal folders
I carry my knives unbiased. That is, whether or not im allowed. Obviously it is concealed and don’t deploy it in public unless we’re camp cooking at a park or something. And don’t attempt to take it into a building or event that uses metal detectors.
I carry any where just about. Don’t read signs. They rarely say anything I want to read.
I drive fast. Don’t look behind. Steel everywhere on me.
@@landscapingspecialist that’s pretty much what I meant. The only places I remember not being able to carry my folder is at pro sports events and the courthouse
Me too. I usually choose the cjrb ria or one of my older case knives with a good story for cases where I don't want to scare anyone. Office events etc. For really dressed up events with employees or my superiors, I will take either the Spyderco amalgam, Chris reeve sebenza 21, or my venom wing 4. A strange choice by somestandards with an integral titanium handle and m390. The integral handle is impressive to talk about and it's always very smooth and impressive to play with. I need to save up for an american made integral knife, but for now, it works.
I carried two knives and a 1911 at my wedding, we cut the cake a custom Bowie, my wife is awesome the Bowie was her idea.
Hell yeah
Another advantage of leather sheaths is you can use them as a strop for field maintenance.
Very true.
What's that old adage for weddings? "Something borrowed, something blue, something sharp and pointy too".
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and I slipped that “sinistral citizen” comment in just for DCA lol. Love the videos and the channel and that’s a perfect suggestion, I was originally thinking the crooked river for a while but the north folk is definitely the winner! Really appreciate taking the time to read and tackle my weird question! Perfect recommendation as always! That’s perfect for his style and work, I think he will get a lot of use out of the North folk in both his edc and camping life too! Keep up the awesome videos and lucky the wedding has passed but luckily I still owe him a wedding present so it’s still perfect and ordered! Appreciate the recommendation again!
Funny that you went to the Buck 110 for the left hand knives question. It is actually the direction I went for the wedding question. Gave my groomsmen Customized Buck 110's with elk scales and Nickel bolsters
Another great show. Thanks.
●Collecting knives for a "business" is a GREAT idea.
●YES, YES! A pocket fixed-blade won't get coins stuck in it.
●Some PLASTIC sheaths are designed for easy cleaning and even have a drain hole. For field butchering this is practical. This is a major consideration when choosing SHEATH MATERIAL. When you're done you want to wipe or rinse the knife and re-sheath it and 100% clean when you're home.
Surprised he didn't have that new Demko fixed blade demo model he has to show a different style of sheath for cleaning. Really great concept
@DCA & Thomas, I was a guest @the wedding of a friend's adult step-son, in S-AR! When the ring-bearer's ribbon refused to allow detachment from the pillow underneath, the groom quickly addressed the congregation: "has ANYBODY got a pocket-knife?" In seconds, every male in the 1st 3 rows produced a serviceable blade, and not even the preacher batted an eye! "With this ring, I thee wed" was pronounced, and these nice folks now live in Hot Springs w/their three children...
For the record, having been a groom, a best man, and a guest, on more than one occasion EACH, I've never gone w/o a knife! NEVER!
I agree with Thomas, if you carry it all the time, a wedding is just another time. I feel naked without my wallet, watch, and especially a knife
Love your choice for a wedding knife, I actually chose the North Fork as a gift to my two groomsmen
Good choice, sir. My best friend recently got married, and I got him the standard 556 Mini Griptilian a few months back. I finally got the North Fork for myself last week and I absolutely love it, but every single photo I've ever seen of it is very inconsistent from one another, which kept me from buying it online. I got super lucky and saw this one with a perfect grain pattern in a display case at a hardware store and grabbed it immediately.
I just carry a Swiss army knife myself They do become very handy for those little odd jobs!😉
I carried a knife on my wedding day. It was a beautifully modded Emerson Mini A100. I didn’t need to cut anything. But as a person who has carried a knife daily since my mid to late teens, it was an important accessory for me.
I'm glad that you featured the left hand friendly Benchmade North Fork. I bought one a little over a year ago and am finding very little I don't like about it. I was looking for something with a bit shorter handle because my Gold Class 940 (the first Ti/carbon fiber issue) was trying to pump out of the shallow pocket on my summer shorts. Consequently, I've been carrying it since I bought it. I've used it for everything from food prep to camping. The blade shape has so many possibilities. I recently added a leather lanyard. So far it's ok, but the jury is still out. The North Fork is really winning my favor as an all around EDC. (Trivia bit, North Fork is the name of the town in the old Rifleman TV series.)
I felt very validated when DCA picked the Hogue Compound for his OTF. I have been EDC one for the last year. I thought my reasons where solid even when people thought it strange that I picked it over everything else.
I don’t like the slop OTFs have but the hogue is better than most. Deadlock and SOG have the most solid lockup. OTFs are fun though and I have a couple I carry from time to time.
@@jolness1 they are super handy and the most safe when it comes to deployment/retraction. Fingers remain the furthest distance from cutting edge. I have a Demko 20.5 I rotate in but am now partial to the compound
i edc a Surge with alot of accessories and a 4MaxScout. at least i know that i wont be let down by the quality and robustness of it.
I open carried my pistol at my wedding. 😎 We were also atop a 14k foot mountain for the ceremony.
Concerning sheaths, Winkler Knives gives you the best of both worlds: kydex sheath sandwiched between two layers of leather. Leather on the outside, leather in the inside, kydex in between. Super cool.
In relation to the wedding carry question.
I was best man at my buddies wedding last year. Made sure to be carrying what I could to solve any problems that came up. It was my job to be there to make sure his day went off without any hitches. So you better believe I had my stuff with me.
I carried a Civivi Hardros to my wedding, and a Civivi Relic (thanks again for the tip DCA) to my viking style handfasting (alongside a sword and shield.)
You often say liner/frame locks are righ-handed. I'm left handed and I find them very simple to use; moving the thumb towards the hand is not harder than away.
Yeah, I'm left handed as well and have never had issue with "right handed" knives or firearms. 🤷
@@thatrealba I'm left handed also and for the most part agree. I tried a right handed Sebenza and it was really awkward to open left handed. Definitely would need the left handed version of that knife.
@@thatrealba Well, target pistols with sculpted grips are bit awkward. 🙂
DCA & T - I know you've had a few "small but mighty" videos before, and I love watching them. Now, for the first time, I find myself in need (want?) of one of these suggestions. My job recently brought everyone back from remote working, and the federal code (18 U.S. Code § 930) limits the knives we can carry to "a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2½ inches in length." Currently, the shortest knives in my collection are the WE Banter (2.9") and the QSP Penguin (3.06"). I love exploring different brands, materials, and opening & locking mechanisms, so anything's fair game there. My two limitations, though, are the style and budget. Since it's an office setting, I don't want anything too aesthetically aggressive-- I wouldn't say no to a first "gentleman's knife," though I'm not sure any fit in the budget. And, I'd like to keep it in the $40-$60 range, though I ~could~ ~potentially~ (with the spousal forgiveness program) bump that up to as high as $80... maaaybe $85.
I was so glad to see you mentioned the scuffing of the blade from Kydex. I recently purchased a Cold Steel SRK5 (San Mai) with a plastic sheath. Within the first couple of days of drawing and sheathing the knife I noticed scuff marks on the blade which shocked me. Also, the retention points at the handle were wearing the rubber-like handle material. Irritated by this combo of issues I quickly ordered a simple (and surprisingly cheap) leather sheath. With a little trimming it fits the SRK and will prevent any future wear. Of course, as you mentioned, leather sheaths come with the need of a little extra care and other minor issues, these being of little concern for me, less to be sure than the scarring of the blade and wearing of the handle.
I have also recently purchased a Condor K-tac Kukri and a Gerber Strongarm, both sporting with plastic sheaths. The Condor's sheath wears on the blade a bit, but being a fairly heavy, kinda crude beater I think the wear gives the kukri a bit of character.
By far the best plastic sheath so far has to be the one for the Gerber Strongarm. It fits extremely well, has almost now rubbing/scarring points. The retention points are extremely well thought out, with a hard piece added to the handle scales to prevent wear.
Overall, I probably prefer leather, if for no other reason simply the feel of it. So far, every plastic sheath I have purchased, including the Gerber, has required cleaning up. Most of them on all have sharp edges, some poor fits, and even mold tags left on them (extra plastic from the forming). It's been a real disappointment to see how little finish is done to these sheaths overall, although they are all relatively easy to sand in and finish to a nice fit and feel. But the same could be said for many of the leather sheaths. About the only knife I've purchased recently whose sheath was exceedingly well finished was a Joker Nomad's leather sheath. (The Joker's walnut scales and brass studs needed work, but the sheath and blade were exquisite).
All just my 2 cents.
The condor ktac kukri is proberbly my favourite chopper
If a Kydex sheath is left in the sun, like on the dashboard of a truck or car, it can get hot enough to deform and loose it’s shape
For the wedding knife question, another good option could be a bird and trout size/style fixed blade. I came across the Boker Bark Beetle the other day. Something like that could work
Hogue X5 for me. My previous office was a government agency in California. The 2.5 inch rule was very much in effect, as well as a facility-wide "No Knife" policy in effect 24/7. When I attended an office party about a dozen people including the CIO and Board office were gathered around a conference table as the admin brought out a cake and there was a literal "Wait, did anyone bring a knife?" moment.. after an awkward pause, and after the attention shifted to the organizer, I said; "Sure.. just be careful?" And handed the wharncliffe over. There was one muted "whoah.." and then we cut the cake, had some coffee, and carried on. The only comments I got were from the deputy CEO, which amounted to "Hey.. does HR know about that?" accompanied by a wink.. to which I replied "They dont need to know" along with my best Han Solo wink. I guess it worked, because he laughed, I laughed, and nobody cared.
My colleagues have only ever been impressed by the knife, but not by the length.. by the fit & finish.. which is weird for me. But there you have it.
First person experience from the "No Weapons" land.... be professional, carry professional knives.. use them well. Everyone respects that. Period.
Initial thought for a gentlemanly knife that can be used in camp: the Brisa (formerly EnZo) Birk 75. Dual thumb studs, liner lock, available in D2 and S30V, full flat or scandi(!) grind, pretty good handles and within the price range.
Re: coins in a knife. Pocket clip keeps the knife out of the bottom of your pocket(where the slip joint resides)
You are the man 👨 David C....keep up the good work my friend 👏🏼
I had my Boker Bonfire with wood handles in my pocket while watching this video, which I feel makes a pretty good gentleman’s outdoors knife. Has that old school feel which we all know is “less threatening” for those gentlemanly situations.
I performed a wedding about a month ago for a lifelong friend. I carried my knife and used it to cut the rings off of a small wreath used in the ceremony.
I had 2 knives on me at my wedding. Everyone should have a knife on them, always.
Boker kwaiken compact is my go-to suit knife. Weddings, business or whatever, it's in my inner jacket pocket
I think the Gayle Bradley 2 is an excellent gentlemans folding survival folder.
The stepped titanium chapparal and the fallkniven gentlemans pocket are the best I've come across. Lifetime knives.
Agree with DCA on kydex vs. leather . I prefer kydex on my field knives but my hunting knives are carried in leather. Leather is much quieter when moving through brush and thickets stalking game .
Hey, DCA. My wife and I are expecting our first child! Aaaaah! What’s a good dad knife? One for opening presents, packaging, cutting food into small pieces, and eventually passing down to our child on a special occasion like graduation or a wedding? I think I would be willing to part with $350 at the high end. But as you know, fatherhood is expensive, so if we can check all the boxes at a lower price, bring it on! I’m partial to finger-safe locking mechanisms and horizontal carry fixed blades.
I carry a Mel Pardue series Benchmade.
Have had it since 2014.
Fantastic knife.
It weighs hardly anything.
Very thin. Great knife.
I'd be lost without it.
Same. My 530 is my fancy schmancy, wedding knife.
So EDC is a folder one in the rotation is the Bradford guardian 3 which is perfect. Even though I should have gotten the 3.5. They have the best sheath I've seen, it's leather with a plastic insert which I think is a great idea, however they are designed only for Scout carry which i find awkward so I've opted for the Delta sheath company which is awesome!
If you buy a lot of knives, learn this phrase- "Oh, I've had this for a long time."
My new trick is telling the wife its been on back order and I ordered it months ago. This helps when you get multiple packages in a week, you can say one of them was backordered to ease the tension.
Thanks for the response DCA!
The lionsteel bestman would be a good gentleman's edc wedding gift. I also believe it's lefty friendly with it's slipjoint construction. Is it outdoorsy? Well I'd take it over having nothing. Def a contender for a backup pocket knife
Hi DCA & Thomas. A great start to the show. It's about time we give the Sheath their 15 minutes of fame. There's two parts to knives, one being the cutting edge & the other is the sheath or the handles for a flipper which is under rated. Continuity - Taking the Past into the Future. Well done gentlemen! Got the Becker BK2 a very long time ago & it's still rocking & rolling. Love it. Wow..that 10% ? a great call Thomas.At times horizon gets wider & further being within the Weeds. Great show guys, a Step Up for sure. Double Cowabunga.!
Victronox has a pen thier knives aka multitool.
North Fork of the Holston right over the hill. Daniel Boone started the/his Wilderness Trail there.
Davey Crockett lived down the road, too.
Great video! It is clear, informative and interesting! Thank you! 👍👍👍👍👍
I was at my buddys wedding yesterday, had my we snick on me, and it actually saved the day ! Someone used double stuck tape wrong so I had to cut some paper to cover up the double stick so pages of their photo guest book didn't stick together
Re pen knives: definitely check the legality where you live. Even though the blades on them are super short, "hidden" blades are illegal where I live - no pen, lipstick, umbrella etc knives.
I like when the sheaths are changeable from horizontal/ vertical carry
I don't recall what I carried for my wedding, but I have bought knives for anniversary gifts for my wife and I. A pair of ProTech knives for our 10th anniversary and a pair Case calendar knives for our 18th anniversary.
DCA, you have corrupted me. I love watching and I've thrown a lot of money your way. One thing I'd love for you to do is a video on these things you call "tech locks". My ignorance is showing but I'm not too proud to say that I know nothing about them. How they work, how to fasten them to a sheath, ways to fasten them, sizes.. you get the picture I'm sure. Thanks in advance. It will allow me to look at other knives in a new way. And say hey to the man behind the camera. You two are a good watch. Well done....
I always carry my Spyderco ladybug or manbug because it’s inconspicuous and wouldn’t care of it ever got confiscated for whatever reason. But I still enjoy watching every video you guys put out!
I carried a Cold Steel 4Max on my wedding day and cut the cake with it. The people expect a show when I'm around..🤪
I used a 20-inch machete :D -DCA
@@knifecenter That'll keep the inlaws in check I suppose . 😅
Hey DCA, I love watching your videos and have a quick follow-up from this video. I have a few fixed-blade knives that came with leather sheaths and I wonder if you have any suggestions on ways to store them? The knife storage options that I find are for folders and not for fixed blades.
I just keep them in the sheath in a tool chest I have for my collection. Keep them clean and oiled if not rust resistant. If you live in a salt water environment I'd probably recommend keeping them oiled, even the stainless, and storing them loose outside the sheath in a drawer.
Hey DCA, not a question, just a thought: If you decide to design another EDC knife, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to call it DCA EDC, or EDCA.
Thank you (&Thomas&Seth) for great content, informative and entertaining - you got me back into knives.
Demko should be the knife to buy,ask dad for the 60 bucks,your brother will love it for a wedding gift.
I work in the car business as a wholesale car buyer and car salesman. I need to travel light and use a sling bag to carry a scan tool, lithium jump pack, and flashlight. Can you please recommend a multitool that would work best for emergency road side repairs, attaching/removing licence plates, and other automotive related tasks. Thanks!
DCA is the classiest knife reviewer.
For the man who goes bushcrafting in a three piece suit! Personally, I like a sheath in latex -- for supreme sensitivity.
I'd like a segment on great hand axes, from budget to high end. As for the last comment, how can you stop buying knives? I'm asking myself this same question. I just went spending over $8K this month on my knife purchases, which I mostly blame on watching David's videos starting in March 2020, right after the pandemic began, which I also blame on not being able to travel or go on vacation. I now own over 180 knives. I have to stop because my spending is out of control on something that is mostly about collecting and not using them, kind of like expensive jewelry.
Hey DCA and crew! Do you have any recommendations for backup knives you can hand to people that:
-Don’t look “scary” (to non-knife people)
-Anyone seems to know how to open and close the knife
-On the more budget end (in case they break it or something)
Thanks a million
Case slipjoint or Buck backlock
Swiss Army Knife.
Commonly known,us swedes have to fight PolarBears on a regular basis (especially during summer,they are more grumpy then) what would you suggest other then the carcass splitter,it is a tad on the heavy side,thanks for a great show!
Just got the titanium button lock my third of the button lock iteration. Love the substantial feel, and the deployment is the smoothest and cleanest of the 3 Button lock elementums I have. I think that button lock only deployment is the smoothest action in the button lock niche ( at least from civivi). and generally Civivi fits my less special special occasion gift budget, and this is the outer edge of my SPECIAL special occasion budget (family is family) but I always like the idea of this is classy enough to carry to events but simple and effective enough to carry every day.
Lord help me if the do a praxis in something other than 9cr... the new carbon fiber scales are cuter but I just can't see myself needing to own 7 or 8 praxis in 9cr...
The BK22 is a fantastic knife and the sheathe is actually a pretty big upgrade over the original BK2
I'm carrying my ACE Grand today. It's a great knife. I think it would be dependable outdoors.
A heavy duty gentleman's knife has come up a few times and I feel like you're overlooking the QSP worker. It's really robust and has a traditional class, it is a two hand opener but that just makes it more acceptable in a formal environment.
The SOG Baton Q1 is a Pen with a large pair of scissors (not a knife ) great designed multitool.
Hey DCA! Please do a bit on replacemetnts/alternatives for the discontinued Benchmade 710. My preferences: sub $200, axis/crossbar lock or similar. The 710 was perfect to me, and I've been failing to pick up another one for years. Thanks!
Presidio II?
Love the channel. Lots of access to premium and budget knives. Always learn something. I have a lot of budget folders. Interested in a sub $100 fixed blade with a sheath that could be scout carried. Probably in the 4-6” blade length.
There are small pens inegrated into certain Victorinox knives, if you wanted it the other way around (mainly knife with small pen, instead of mainly pen with small knife).
I’m a leftie and been eyeing the Left handed Paramilitary 2!
"Less risky than bitcoin" That's funny, love that remark Thomas! Lol.😁👍👍
Hey DCA,
I am looking for a suggestion on a folder that is fast to deploy the blade and includes scissors. This is specifically for around the house carry as I find small scissors extremely useful for many tasks. Closest I have found thus far is the James Brand Ellis... would like some ideas on alternatives or maybe some sort of combo carry. Under $200 would be preferable. Thanks!
I think you would like one of the Free series from Leatherman. Either the T4 or the K4. One is smaller than the other, but both are one-hand-opening knives with other accessories that include scissors.
@@Ericstraordinary
Thanks for the idea- I will take a look at the smaller version as I want something I can throw in basketball shorts for around the house that won't weigh me down too much.
The S&W pen gives a whole new meaning to the concept of a “penknife” .
A penknife is ironic given that the pen is mightier than the sword haha.
Wow Thomas with the profound enlightenment. Carrying something from the past into the future. 😂🙏🏼
Thats a good sentiment.
Both the button lock Elementum and the Spyderco Endela are badass!!
However, the Elementum is much more robust and hand filling. It has a super tough blade as well. I have yet to chip it and I swear I chip everything!!
**Most serious question**
Hey DCA, I am planning on a fishing trip with the guys to Scotland, hoping to catch us a monster. Any thoughts on what knives we should bring? Bonus points for budget knives as air fair will take up most of our budget.
Hey I’m the Molly Dooker guy, aka President of lefty knives worldwide. The mini crooked river is a great choice, spyderco also makes a lefty PM2 that is sub $200 and you can get some aftermarket scales on the gram for it if you so desire.
Hey DCA/Thomas, eventually you should do a short of watching Thomas' finger on his right hand healing over the weeks.
Ooooooh a Thomas Time Lapse!
@@arrowheadguys7637 Exactly!
Hey DCA- I have a slightly larger than average knife collection and have come to love the combo of thumb-stud opener with crossbar lock (currently own Benchmade Mini Presidio 2 CF). Can you provide any other knives with these particular components? Big knives, small knives, any blade shape/profile- very broad interest. Thanks for the great content!!
By the way, it's worth mentioning that kydex sheath isn't something that you are likely to choose for a hunting knife because kydex can basically melt.
What I mean is that if you leave your knife (stored in kydex obviously) nearby campfire they will probably melt.
It happened to me once. That was a really nasty situation & made me waste about 30 minutes.
At the temperature Kydex melts, you are also probably going to start experiencing damage to most materials handle scales are made of, and depending on the steel getting close to possibly messing with the temper. Best bet for the entire knife is not leave it by a heat source.
@@arrowheadguys7637 absolutely. But in my case knife was lying nearby fire for a night and scales were made out of micarta (or g10, I don't really remember)
It was a really dumb mistake cuz I was very tired back then. And do really hope that no one else faced this situation
@@nerrofrontier6639 yeah it definitely sucks that happened, but on the bright side I bet you'll never do it again lol. Hope the blade was salvageable.
It would be cool if you addressed all the different lock styles like, which one are strongest etc.
so I received my new victorinox knife center exclusive bantam and I love it. I carry it with my civivi elementum (also new from knife center) but it got me thinking if mcgyver carried a modern non swiss army knife what would he carry
Bingo! Turn your hobby into a profession you love then buy all the things 🤘🤙❤️🔥
David C Anderson and coworkers, you guys always do a great job and thanks so much! Just one question that's regarding fixed blade survival knives for gentlemen, if there is such a thing, for $50 or under. What do you have there? Thanks and take care.
Hmm...for my wedding knife, it was my Gerber Harsey AirFrame with the aluminium scales (which makes it nice and light for clipping to lingerie), and of course, I always carry my Victorinox Rambler in my evening bag. For one of her wedding presents, I gave my wife a Tiffany & Co./Victorinox Sterling silver Classic in the Bamboo pattern, along with a couple of other matching Tiffany Sterling silver accessories from the same Bamboo collection. I would not hestitate to recommend either a Victorinox Alox knife as a dressy knife on a reasonable budget, or a Spartan Harsey Folder for a higher budget. The SHF knives are elegant in their simplicity. Bill Harsey knows what he is doing.
I would offer a quote from Patrick McManus to the guy asking how to explain knife purchases to the wife,,, "Guns (knives) are like the national forest, we may not always use them, but it's nice to know they are there."
I carry a kiradashi neck knife as initial knife edc, plus a multitool in my pouch, a conceled carry, put horizontal above my belt on my back side and thats it
Nylon can absolutely mildew into grossness. UV can break it down also. Wash nylon sheathes when they get moist for any length of time. Mildew won't harm the material but boy howdy it can get wickedly gross and can hold moisture against the blade until it rusts away.
Hey DCA. Love the show. What knife am I looking for? We Banter in blade length, handle height, thinness and neutrality for good grip... but more “classic” styling. Less “modern pocket knife”. And maybe with a more fidgety lock (cross bar, plunge, compression?)... thanks a ton.
As a very general statement for both sheaths & knives, it's often less about the materials and more about the build quality. There are good & bad sheaths out there regardless of materials. As DCA implies, sometimes it also comes down to personal preference and usage. I personally use mostly leather & kydex but also have a couple with plastic & nylon (cost & value are realistic factors). Again, I recommend focusing on quality. More great info from DCA!!
Valid point, but I would say that often poor quality materials are accompanied by poor build quality, and high quality materials come with higher build quality, as manufacturers are choosing those materials to reach a price point that often dictates similar build quality. Not always, there are some brands who use cheaper materials to keep prices down but maintain quality, but thats the exception, not the rule, in my experience.
@@arrowheadguys7637 100%. Manufacturers who care offer both top materials & quality (for the respective price point). May all your blades stay sharp!!
Hi DCA, can you talk about your opinions on how law of diminishing returns applies in knife collecting. I.e, at what point (or dollar amount, if you want to pin it down) do you start paying for “name” and designer, over the actual improvements in the construction quality, durability, materials. Thanks!
The AD20.5 in the thumbnail is at a weird angle and had me thinking. That would look good as a slim model. Not like a mini, but a skinny would be really cool
Boker Plus has a several of pen-knives my favorite is the OTF Pen, as it is an OTF :D
Hi David! I’m looking into buying my first fixed blade, preferably 4-5.5 inches, Kydex or Polymer sheath (can’t have leather, it’s too humid here in the Philippines), and a handle that allows you to get close to the blade, all under $150. Could also do with a coated blade if the steel is not stainless, but this isn’t required. That’s a lot to unpack, but I hope you have the time to answer! Thanks :)
I lost my closets friend in the whole world who was going to be my best man right before the wedding. I was able to carry his glock 43, microtech, esee 4 and diresta ice pick at my wedding and have been able to retain the microtech. One of the greatest honors I could have short of marrying my wife.
Sorry to hear that man, but very happy you were able to honor him that way.
@DCA & Thomas, apologies for double dipping!
QUESTION: How about promoting the installation of a swatch of cut-proof glove fabric on the inside of knife-sheath retaining straps? It seems to me to be an in-expensive, and readily applied fix for an age-old problem that's caused untold misery and hassle to countless individuals who've become distracted @just the wrong time...?! Thanks for the BEST vendor channel on YT!
Regards, RRC
My concern would be whether that material would dull the blade.
A well taken concern, tho my experience with the gloves shows no dulling with intermittent, non deliberate contact. I wear them whenever I'm doing more than opening an envelope or package, due to neurology issues related to being 77! They keep me safe, cutting wood or processing boxes, my knives stay sharp...!
That said, mileage may vary and testing should be done! Thanks & regards!
@@roycolglazier1061 Yeah, I imagine it would take a lot of passes over the material to dull the blade, that said I've had some leather sheaths 25 years and have yet to have a snap band cut off.
😁👍❗️
I carried my protech Malibu on my wedding day. 100% agree, carry your knife when you get married
I'm convinced that DCA's wardrobe consists of nothing but Green Knife Center shirts and many knives lol
I think he'd wear a shirt made if micarta if he could. --Thomas
As always a great review and advice, thanks.
My interest in knives is new as well as my subscription to your channel. Thanks for sharing all the knowledge. The more I learn about knives, the more I realize there is still to know. 🙂 Are there blade shapes that work better for a certain size of knife? For instance, I've found that I like a sheeps foot blade on a smaller knife. It might be due to my shorter stature and smaller hands to use the point more effectively. This made me wonder if it's completely a personal preference or if there is some general rules of thumb regarding blade shape and size.
I fu***** love this channel!