It is very interesting to me how D2 has been perceived by the knife community over the years. I remember when it was first used (at least to my perception) in knives back in the day when it was considered super steel and ideal for knives. Then, mass producers started using it and getting the heat treat WRONG and the knives began failing. So, based on that people began saying that D2 was crap and all of a sudden NOT suitable for blades. And I would agree with them 100% IF the maker blows the heat treat (hello China?) However, if the heat treat is spot on, then D2 is an awesome choice for blade steel. The good thing is that today, with the return of D2, many manufacturers are getting the heat treat right and there is no longer a reason to fear D2 in knives. THANK GOODNESS! I love that knife and I really enjoy seeing it bash the crap out of wood.
The review video is great. I ordered but it takes long to get it. Meanwhile than 4 weeks. But I am very eager when it will arrive. Little tip during chopping, I always use a lanyard for safety. Excuse the bad english. Greetings from Germany Joe
I have a knife that is quite similar in design and size, that has actually been a huge surprise, in the function and strength of the steel. It’s the 5.11 GTI in SCM435, made in Taiwan. Bought it at the local 5.11 store, because of its heft (7” blade, 5/16 spine, with hollow grind) I think I paid $125 out the door. Initially had buyers remorse, because it was so heavy and didn’t bite into wood worth a damn,(thick behind the edge) and also had very uncomfortable plastic rocky mt. Tread scales. After completing reshaping the handle and adding grip tape, and filing the shoulder of the edge down and then sharpening to a keen edge, it has become my favorite all around fixed blade! Over my ESEE 4,6 and Junglas, Rat 7, CS srk, any of my Tops blades etc etc. Also came with a pretty decent injection molded sheath. Not much info on it, but I would recommend, so long as the modifications are made. Cheers
Excellent review and thoughts, Jacob. Impressive knife, indeed. I remember several years ago, I mentioned my Ontario Knife Co. Rat 1 was in D2 and I was happy with its performance, corrosion resistance, too. You said you weren't big on D2 and perhaps you'd take another look at that steel. And, here we are. 🙂
D2 is a good steel,the Ontario Rat 1 ,I think,the big fixed blade probed me wrong about D2 so yeah,I used that on a camping trip and man it blew me away,I'm taking about a 80 knife!
I'll call that a chefs shape or modified Speer or extreme drop point maybe. I think the chefs shape is over looked and is my favorite next to a spear point. D2 like this I am impressed. Another knife to add to the big blade decision.
Exceptional Blade! I've had it for a year and I'm in love White it! I've always used a paracord lace 😅. I am writing tò you end following you from Italy 😜👍🙏🙏 thanx
WT definitely need more flare on their handles imo. esp the URO. I thought the Smilodon was a better looking handle so it's interesting to hear that you think it should also have a bit more.
Knives are not sold in weight or material specs. If I buy a knife, I always consider the overall product when I think about the price: Material, Aesthetics, Production Process, Heat Treatment, my use of that thing and so on. So I think the price for Wander Tactical Knives is definitely ok.
I have always like the Smilodon, it is a really good looking knife! What diameter ferro rods is that notch for (1/4" and/ 1/2"?) I just bought a WTG Wolverine, so I will have to wait to buy a Smilodon.
I'll have to look. I THINK they are 5/16. It's whatever diameter all my ferro rods happen to be besides my chunkers. It's been so long since I have even looked that I don't remember, but that is a good point, it's a detail that I should have specified.
HOLY CRAP! I’ve been waiting for someone to do an honest review on one of his knives!! I used to talk to Alex via FB Messenger and he and I would talk about upcoming knives at that time (several years ago). At THAT particular time, he was telling me about a knife they were thinking about making using the same steel an scalpels. I have wanted a Smilodon and a Godfather. Unfortunately, they’re way out of my price range. I think they’re absolutely beautiful knives, however, being D2 steel, I find that hard to sharpen! Their knives are BEASTS! I LOVE a Beasty knife! That SMILODON is a Goliath killer and David would’ve done some damage! A bear would just look at it and run the other way! 😂
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors excellent. Then maybe it’ll cut your whole leg off next time, huh?? 😂😂😂😂That was a nasty cut. Looked like it needed a suture or two. What would you recommend for a sharpener for big knives like the SXB and Tom Brown Trackers? Right now I use a Lansky Extra fine stone by hand with no strop.
@kenmccrady1228 lord willing we don't lose a leg haha The hand required stitches and occupational therapy. It's still jacked up. I just slapped a bandaid on the leg and called it g2g. For the field imho you can't beat a diamond rod and a sharpie if you need it- And strop always. Strop us ALWAYS my go to. It's an absolute game changer.
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors wow! The hand didn’t look as bad as the leg! I know too well about hand cuts having 130 stitches in my right hand due to falling onto a band of Tin. Sliced almost to the bone. I still don’t have 100% use of it and it happened when I was 9. 😝 You must’ve cut a tendon or two?! It’ll heal. Throw it in the cooler and grab a beer 🍺! 😂😂😂 Thank you for your help. What about sharpening at the house; what would you recommend for sharpening those big knives? (I gotta get a strop 😳)
@kenmccrady1228 for big knives I do the same thing at home + a stone. On my smaller knives I use a worksharp precision angle adjust. I want to get the newer bigger one for bigger knives as well.
The only thing about D2 and K110 that I don't like is sharpening it. It's just not a fun steel to sharpen. D2 or any steel is all about how good the heat treat is. Try sharpening it and let us know how that goes.
I have repaired damage and sharpened my HalfBreed Blades LBK in K110 and it was super easy just using a diamond rod, a stone, and a strop. I don't expect this to be any different.
the choice of steel is overhyped because of TH-cam. Its more important to find the sweetspot between heat thretment and geometrie. As Wander said, better to optimize the heat threatment on a known steel than using fancy and hyped steels and not being in this sweet spot. Exept one RWL34 knife, all my other knifes, also large ones,are made of N690 especially my 7 inch survival knife, and i would take any challenge to compete with this 7 Inch N690 knife in therms of strenght (toughness) in combination with edge retention and being stainless at the same time. Of course, cpm steels are superior, if heat thretment is also in this sweet spot. But you dont get certain cpm steels in all thicknesses and especially in 7,5mm (i mention the thickness, because in my opinion a survival knife must be able to chop efficient but not being to long to still be versatile and not changing the center of weight to much away from the handle). Even JoeX would have problems to break my knife despite being N690 and still having a good edge retention becaause od carbides(compared to carbon steel) in combination with a strong convex. Thats why, dont be surprised what you can do with old steels if correctly threated.
D2 is far from a "wonder steel" but also far from the "the weakest knife steel" you have claimed. It can be pretty good when used correctly. Im glad to hear you were willing to reconsider. I look forward to your upcoming video. Reference: th-cam.com/video/sxatXSjp3kY/w-d-xo.html
I never claimed D2 was the weakest knife steel- What I did claim was what you admitted in your own comment, and it was based on opinions from from knife makers and metalurgists. So although I have already said quite a few I'll be doing a video on EXACTLY this subject it seems that you are more intent on trying to irritate me than to make an actual point.
Liking that knife..put a notch in my very modded BK7 and not only does it throw sparks..great for lifting pots with a bail off a fire..really like the design of that blade!
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZbsSDRrmXA/mqdefault.jpg)
I own the wander tactical God Father and it’s a beast of a knife. Love it!
That blade is an absolute legend!!!
It is very interesting to me how D2 has been perceived by the knife community over the years. I remember when it was first used (at least to my perception) in knives back in the day when it was considered super steel and ideal for knives. Then, mass producers started using it and getting the heat treat WRONG and the knives began failing. So, based on that people began saying that D2 was crap and all of a sudden NOT suitable for blades. And I would agree with them 100% IF the maker blows the heat treat (hello China?) However, if the heat treat is spot on, then D2 is an awesome choice for blade steel. The good thing is that today, with the return of D2, many manufacturers are getting the heat treat right and there is no longer a reason to fear D2 in knives. THANK GOODNESS! I love that knife and I really enjoy seeing it bash the crap out of wood.
More bashing to come!
I've owned a few Wander Tactical knives and they are great!!
The review video is great.
I ordered but it takes long to get it. Meanwhile than 4 weeks. But I am very eager when it will arrive.
Little tip during chopping, I always use a lanyard for safety. Excuse the bad english.
Greetings from Germany
Joe
I have a knife that is quite similar in design and size, that has actually been a huge surprise, in the function and strength of the steel. It’s the 5.11 GTI in SCM435, made in Taiwan. Bought it at the local 5.11 store, because of its heft (7” blade, 5/16 spine, with hollow grind) I think I paid $125 out the door. Initially had buyers remorse, because it was so heavy and didn’t bite into wood worth a damn,(thick behind the edge) and also had very uncomfortable plastic rocky mt. Tread scales. After completing reshaping the handle and adding grip tape, and filing the shoulder of the edge down and then sharpening to a keen edge, it has become my favorite all around fixed blade! Over my ESEE 4,6 and Junglas, Rat 7, CS srk, any of my Tops blades etc etc. Also came with a pretty decent injection molded sheath. Not much info on it, but I would recommend, so long as the modifications are made. Cheers
Oh thats pretty cool!
Excellent review and thoughts, Jacob. Impressive knife, indeed.
I remember several years ago, I mentioned my Ontario Knife Co. Rat 1 was in D2 and I was happy with its performance, corrosion resistance, too. You said you weren't big on D2 and perhaps you'd take another look at that steel. And, here we are. 🙂
I remember that!
👊@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors
D2 is a good steel,the Ontario Rat 1 ,I think,the big fixed blade probed me wrong about D2 so yeah,I used that on a camping trip and man it blew me away,I'm taking about a 80 knife!
Looks like a well designed knife and i think D2 is a good steel.
I'll call that a chefs shape or modified Speer or extreme drop point maybe. I think the chefs shape is over looked and is my favorite next to a spear point. D2 like this I am impressed. Another knife to add to the big blade decision.
it loooks very beefy and I love those ergos, those ergos are exactly what I like. perfect.
Hell yea! Awesome knife! Great overview and explanations.
Thanks!
Exceptional Blade! I've had it for a year and I'm in love White it! I've always used a paracord lace 😅. I am writing tò you end following you from Italy 😜👍🙏🙏 thanx
Welcome to the channel!!
It seems well thought out like my Habilis Bush tool only beefier.
Started watching from the Joe X saga, love your realistic no bullshit approach.
Thanks!!!
WT definitely need more flare on their handles imo. esp the URO. I thought the Smilodon was a better looking handle so it's interesting to hear that you think it should also have a bit more.
Knives are not sold in weight or material specs. If I buy a knife, I always consider the overall product when I think about the price: Material, Aesthetics, Production Process, Heat Treatment, my use of that thing and so on. So I think the price for Wander Tactical Knives is definitely ok.
I have always like the Smilodon, it is a really good looking knife!
What diameter ferro rods is that notch for (1/4" and/ 1/2"?)
I just bought a WTG Wolverine, so I will have to wait to buy a Smilodon.
I'll have to look. I THINK they are 5/16. It's whatever diameter all my ferro rods happen to be besides my chunkers. It's been so long since I have even looked that I don't remember, but that is a good point, it's a detail that I should have specified.
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors
I have a couple of the smaller diameter ferro rods, but most of mine are 1/2".
@Stoney_AKA_James so this notch is for 5/16 rods. I'll do a video about ferro rod notches I think.
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors
To be honest, I didn't think that the notch looked very big, at least it has a 90-degree spine(?).
Their shop isn't working at the moment. Anybody knows, are they still with us? Thanks.
I just spoke with Alex recently so I would say so
HOLY CRAP! I’ve been waiting for someone to do an honest review on one of his knives!! I used to talk to Alex via FB Messenger and he and I would talk about upcoming knives at that time (several years ago). At THAT particular time, he was telling me about a knife they were thinking about making using the same steel an scalpels. I have wanted a Smilodon and a Godfather. Unfortunately, they’re way out of my price range. I think they’re absolutely beautiful knives, however, being D2 steel, I find that hard to sharpen! Their knives are BEASTS! I LOVE a Beasty knife! That SMILODON is a Goliath killer and David would’ve done some damage! A bear would just look at it and run the other way! 😂
I'll strop this smilodon up and see what's what then sharpen but I'll say that with a diamond rod I don't expect it to be difficult at all.
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors excellent. Then maybe it’ll cut your whole leg off next time, huh?? 😂😂😂😂That was a nasty cut. Looked like it needed a suture or two.
What would you recommend for a sharpener for big knives like the SXB and Tom Brown Trackers? Right now I use a Lansky Extra fine stone by hand with no strop.
@kenmccrady1228 lord willing we don't lose a leg haha
The hand required stitches and occupational therapy. It's still jacked up.
I just slapped a bandaid on the leg and called it g2g.
For the field imho you can't beat a diamond rod and a sharpie if you need it-
And strop always. Strop us ALWAYS my go to. It's an absolute game changer.
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors wow! The hand didn’t look as bad as the leg! I know too well about hand cuts having 130 stitches in my right hand due to falling onto a band of Tin. Sliced almost to the bone. I still don’t have 100% use of it and it happened when I was 9. 😝
You must’ve cut a tendon or two?! It’ll heal. Throw it in the cooler and grab a beer 🍺! 😂😂😂
Thank you for your help. What about sharpening at the house; what would you recommend for sharpening those big knives? (I gotta get a strop 😳)
@kenmccrady1228 for big knives I do the same thing at home + a stone.
On my smaller knives I use a worksharp precision angle adjust.
I want to get the newer bigger one for bigger knives as well.
The only thing about D2 and K110 that I don't like is sharpening it. It's just not a fun steel to sharpen. D2 or any steel is all about how good the heat treat is. Try sharpening it and let us know how that goes.
I have repaired damage and sharpened my HalfBreed Blades LBK in K110 and it was super easy just using a diamond rod, a stone, and a strop. I don't expect this to be any different.
the choice of steel is overhyped because of TH-cam. Its more important to find the sweetspot between heat thretment and geometrie. As Wander said, better to optimize the heat threatment on a known steel than using fancy and hyped steels and not being in this sweet spot.
Exept one RWL34 knife, all my other knifes, also large ones,are made of N690 especially my 7 inch survival knife, and i would take any challenge to compete with this 7 Inch N690 knife in therms of strenght (toughness) in combination with edge retention and being stainless at the same time.
Of course, cpm steels are superior, if heat thretment is also in this sweet spot. But you dont get certain cpm steels in all thicknesses and especially in 7,5mm (i mention the thickness, because in my opinion a survival knife must be able to chop efficient but not being to long to still be versatile and not changing the center of weight to much away from the handle).
Even JoeX would have problems to break my knife despite being N690 and still having a good edge retention becaause od carbides(compared to carbon steel) in combination with a strong convex.
Thats why, dont be surprised what you can do with old steels if correctly threated.
Wharncliffe
🤘🤘
D2 is far from a "wonder steel" but also far from the "the weakest knife steel" you have claimed. It can be pretty good when used correctly. Im glad to hear you were willing to reconsider. I look forward to your upcoming video.
Reference: th-cam.com/video/sxatXSjp3kY/w-d-xo.html
I never claimed D2 was the weakest knife steel-
What I did claim was what you admitted in your own comment, and it was based on opinions from from knife makers and metalurgists.
So although I have already said quite a few I'll be doing a video on EXACTLY this subject it seems that you are more intent on trying to irritate me than to make an actual point.
D2 is fine if it’s not run too hard.
These are run harder than most comparable knives in 1095 and it's still impressive.
@@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors Nice!
Liking that knife..put a notch in my very modded BK7 and not only does it throw sparks..great for lifting pots with a bail off a fire..really like the design of that blade!
Can u end me with what your wearing to hide in lol im a Military civilian larper at home