I feel your pain ! I buy too many knives as well. Soon I won’t be able to watch these videos because do I really need to pay the WiFi bill or buy another knife ?
Back when I was on M1A1 Heavy tanks in the early 90s all the way through to the mid-00s, *everyone* in every tank platoon I was in carried a Leatherman. Some tankers tried the then-new Gerbers out but it turned out they were made of weaker steel back then and the pliers were always breaking so eventually we all just settled on the original Leatherman. Gerbers developed such a bad rep back then that to this day tankers tend to stay away from Gerber and stick to Leatherman multi-tools. Sorry, Gerber, but you really screwed up back then and the Army has a long memory when it comes to tools breaking during normal use. I swear, the U.S. Army should just issue a Leatherman to every 19K and 19D MOS soldier. Very useful for unscrewing the light domes to replace burnt-out bulbs, tightening down various small nuts and bolts in all stations, cutting rope and commo wire, extracting a jammed casing in the M16 or M240 & M2 machine guns, installing safety wires on various bolts, etc. Since it took time to open the loader's sponson box and pull out the tool bag then rummage around in said tool bag for a pair of wire cutters or the right screwdriver, it was just faster to whip out a Leatherman in-place and immediately take care of the problem. You could always tell who the high-speed tankers were depending on whether or not they were sporting a well-used Leatherman in a well-worn leather belt case. The hinges on them would quickly wear-in to the point where we could open and close them one-handed like a butterfly knife, which is also very handy when climbing around on top of an M1-series tank since you're required to have 3 points of contact at all times for safety (two feet planted and one hand grabbing on to a hard point on the turret).
I spent 6 years in the Army as a 19D, and in every single unit I was ever in I was always my platoons knife/tool guy. And yeah, I still have the Leatherman Wave that travelled the world with me. I tried other brands like Gerber and SOG but always came back to my Leatherman.
I can offer another endorsement of Leatherman - they stand by their warranties. I work in IT and managed to distort my original Wave using the hard wire cutters. I fully expected tham to say it was abuse/misuse, but they sent me a brand new Wave, no questions asked and the same when a snapped the screwdriver on a P4 - they sent me a brand new PS4. I don't know many people who've managed to break one (never mind 2 like me!) but anyone who has done has never had a problem getting a new one under the 25 year warranty.
Another good Idea. He wanted inexpensive so I thought Vic PE Sentinel, $30, easy open, light single blade and you can probably get "road cone color" scales. Easy to keep honed razor sharp
The Leatherman Wave+ is by far my favorite multitool of all time. Pliers, bottle opener, regular blade, and a saw blade are a given, but scissors is probably my most important part of a true multitool. I also use the magnetic Phillips/flathead all the time, and the small precision Phillips/flathead is vital for repairing/manipulating eyeglasses and electronics (maybe not used all the time, but when you need them, they are MVPs). The Wave+ is the best $100 I ever spent on any tool ever. It is the perfect combo of all the tools I use regularly and need at any time. (Edit: you would also be surprised at how useful having an 8" ruler on hand is)
Hey DCA and Thomas, since today's International Lefthanders Day, can you guys show us some left-handed knives? Not just ambidextrous but dedicated left-handed ones.. Thanks from Philippines 🇵🇭
In the same line of thinking as the Böker tech-tools there is the larger and more beefy Ruike LD series. They actually use a locking blade, an actually competent blade steel, G10 handle scales and just as modifiable as normal SAK style multitools and will work with most accessories.
I’m not too proud to say that I was in my mid 30’s when I finally admitted to myself that I didn’t know how to use pliers properly, so I looked up “what are pliers used for” here on TH-cam and taught myself what I should have known since I was a kid. Now that I EDC a multi tool, I’m shocked at just how often I use the needle nose pliers. The regular pliers, not so much, but they come in handy at random times. Needle nose pliers are good for: pulling out things that are tightly stuck into a surface; getting good leverage to press something into a surface (a key into a gummed up lock, a needle through leather); adding leverage to something you need to bend, twist, fold; holding onto something that could hurt your fingers (especially thorny branches and vines). I refer to my needle nose pliers as my “super fingers”. And while they aren’t suited for the task, wire cutters can be used as tiny pruning shears if you’re in a bind and need some right away.
I forgot to mention. 🤦♂️ Needle nose pliers work wonders when it comes to knot tying. I make paracord bracelets as a hobby, and using pliers is basically cheat mode for making or undoing tight knots without exhausting my hands.
I have recently discovered how comfortable the mora eldris is. I bought the light duty version and use it as my edc knife. I have limited exposure to scandi grinds and the 12c27 stainless used on this knife. So far no issues what so ever. Is this a good combo for edc and should I expect any issues with daily use?
I use my eldris as a compact hunting knife. Havent had any corrosion issues yet, super easy to clean it up and easy to maintain the edge. Id say you cant go wrong for edc as long as the carry option works for you.
I’m sure the Alox SAK scales are sturdier than the plastic SAK scales, but I have never had the plastic scales break on me. I’ve seen some used SAKs with broken scales, but I don’t know how someone managed to break them. As long as you don’t run over your knife with a truck or something like that, either kind of scale should hold up well.
Hey, DCA. What would your picks be for someone who is getting into modern materials and locks, but still has a love for the classic Buck and Case knives?
@@wupwop agreed 100%. Would have mentioned them but he said he wanted modern locking mechanisms. Pena has some modern traditional bolster lock models, that's another one
When it comes to Victorinox for the outdoors, the Farmer X gets my pick. The utility of the scissors in the woods cannot be underestimated. I’m surprised DCA didn’t mention the Farmer X instead of the Farmer, as it is still under 100 USD. One thing about pliers in the woods is that although they can certainly be useful for picking up hot wire bails, I find that they are also extremely useful for pulling cordage taut when fingers just can’t grip well enough; however this is an infrequent enough need that I feel comfortable leaving the immense weight of my first-gen Leatherman Wave home, and relying only on my Swiss Army Knife. For the record, the reamer on the 93 mm Victorinox knives is not an awl, it is a reamer. It is for boring, not stabbing (especially not with a slip joint!) or sewing-better to carry a separate sewing kit. The can opener is the least useful thing, as really, unless you are a band of soldiers scavenging from shops in time of war, who is carrying metal tins into the backcountry?? I would not call myself an ultralighter, but the older I get, the less I am willing to carry unnecessary weight either into the woods, or in my daily handbag, and the more creative I become with the gear I can still carry comfortably.
Hey KnifeCenter and DCA, great work on your videos as always. One suggestion would be if it were possible to make the video background black (or a darker, warmer tone), makes the visual experience a lot easier for us nightwatchers :D Currently, because the background is white, it hurts my eyes and I tend to just listen to these videos like podcasts more so. Keep up the good content!
If we could darken the background, soften the focus and then tone down the music just a bit we would have some Knife Center ASMR videos. DCA could change his moniker to Silken D. Velvetsen.
Top 5 multitools for camping is very hard..but it depends a lot on if your using the multiool independently (aka no bits) or with a full complimentary kit.
for the guy who lost a few knifes Mora Basic is the answer cheap sharp and you will not cry when its lost. And when i bought anew knife i actally choose a Manix2 over the bugout becasue i wanted something that felt more beef in the hand then the bugout did, but now do i want a full metal bugout tho
Hi DCA, Long time listener, first time caller. I was wondering if you could do a metallurgy primer. I enjoy the sections where you get into the weeds of different metals, their benefits and shortcomings and their history in the knife world. Love the show. Thanks. Graham
My go to is a SAK Ranger and skeletool. I don’t know why the Ranger gets no love, I’m a mechanic, the only thing the Ranger lacks is made up from the skeletool.
This may be the most stupid question of the day, but if someone did something stupid with a knife and ruined the heat treatment (like dropping in a camp fire or sharpening on a high speed grinding wheel), can it be reset or is it just destined for the recycling bin?
Hi DCA,have you ever received feedback from customers who purchased knives that you recommended to them? I'm curious how many people follow thru with purchases. Keep up the great work
Hello David. Could knife center please consider allowing sezzle pay options. I can promise it would encourage more sales. I would most certainly buy something more expensive that I can't sacrifice all the money in one go for.
woodsaws on all multitools are decent only on dry dead wood. try to saw a wet living wood and the teeth will be unusuable after 2 moves. the wood will stick to the blade and the saw movement will be ineffective. the only solution: buy a Leatherman with a Tshank like the Surge, and attach a saw with bigger and more distanced teeth. the results will be awesome.
I can relate to Thomas about the Leatherman. I like the P4's, but my Wave+ still works just fine. Not only that, but its broken in enough that i can open it one handed with a similar motion as the "Free" series
Hey DCA! Your recent video on Benchmade Bugout alternatives got me thinking. How strong are button locks compared to crossbar locks or liner locks? I can only think of three knife companies that make button locks: Kizer, Civivi, and CKRT. Are there any more?
Something learned from Bushcraft Kelso, you can get some extra camping utility out of your Alox SAKs by putting a bow drill divot in one of the scales.
Hi, DCA ... have a challenging KniFAQ for you. Need your fixed blade knowledge. I have, uh, a friend ... who is looking for a production (maybe midtech) wharencliffe, fixed-blade, stainless knife with a BL range 4.5"-6" and a $350 budget. I searched ... but other than a Sea Snake, Spydie Ronin 2 (secondary only), and Reate/Skelton Tibia (extremely limited NOS) ... I struck out. Any thoughts and/or recommendations from a reputable source/OEM?
Lately in the knife community there is lots of talk about makers shipping knives out with "sub-optimal hardness". My question is if there really is such a thing. If magnacut is reported as having optimal performance between ~61 to 65, should we accept less than that? To clarify without naming names there is a knife maker out there who reports the magnacut hardness range on his knives between 59 and 61
Hello DCA! ...and Seth and Thomas Thanks for all your great videos! I am looking for a Cold Steel Secret edge but with a better steel than AUS8, does that exist? If not, can you recomend another knife with the same blade profile and same handle but with a better steel, like s35 or 45, elmax, m390, 20cv... By the way, what is your favourite swedish knife company and knife model (except for Morakniv)? Thanks to you I have got several american made knives but no swedish. (I don't like Morakniv any more. Due to them no one in Sweden remembers how to sharpen a knife - you just by a new one when it gets dull!) Once again Thanks! /"The only swedish guy who knows how to sharpen his knives"
I’ve carried a benchmade 940 osborne for years. Looking for something new but it’s hard with the sea of knives these days. Looking for something with aluminum handles, premium steel and under 200. Any direction would be great!
Hey DCA & crew! I have a video topic that could be really interesting. I would like to hear your thoughts on what have been the most successful folding knives of the past, say, 20-25 years. I'm thinking in terms of, if you had to create Mt. Rushmore of all of folding knife history in the past two decades, what would be carved into stone? Instead of four, you could round up to five or even ten. I'm thinking of knives like the Paramilitary 2, 940, Bugout, stuff like that which have been so influential to other designs & that have stood the test of time. The knives that, when someone thinks "best modern folding knives", immediately come to mind above all else * are household names. You could do a deep dive into their history & different versions that have been released, similar to the history of the Bugout you recently discussed in the Bugout video. You may have already done something like this, so sorry if I missed it. But I think it would be really cool to see a video exploring what the Hall of Fame or Mt. Rushmore of folding knives in this millennium so far. This would be based mostly on sales, influence on the market, & number of aftermarket options, I'm thinking. You could add other parameters as you see fit, of course! Thanks guys!
Hi DCA & Thomas good job fellas.Just a quick comment on the serrated edge for whittleing.I have not used signal combo edge for making fuzz sticks,I have used other serrated knives for it.They worked surprisingly wellThey do have there uses though , .give it a try.G.L.
Thomas is definitely no Long waiter on cheap Pickups 😈 For the gardening guy … lanyard / securing rope? … DCA got it covered. Expert 👍 I like the Elementum Buttonlock a lot. Great shape
Hey DCA I’m looking for a new EDC fixed blade. I need something with at least some corrosion resistance, and a decent bit of toughness. Around a 3.5 inch blade give or take a bit. I’m looking for pocket carry or something else concealable. Max budget is $250, but I would like to see some budget picks as well. Thanks!
Hi David, I'm looking for a French Lagiole style knife, I know they are very expensive, my question is if you have a Suggestion of Lagiole of maximum 150 dollars, or some alternative of that cheaper style, greetings from Mexico City. You are the best and nicest American to conduct reviews of your kind.
since it seems common code, here the opener: " hey DCA" 😁 I recently handed out my Laguiole to a friend, who was fighting with what the restaursnt calle a steak knive and a jucy piece of meat. Lucky for him, i had a table-suitable Knife on me. However, it made me wonder, what options are there for good folding steak knives to carry and/or give away. Every now and then, you mention, what could be used (I had to get the RMJ tacticle steak knive 😅) but as a topic, i think, it hasn't be handled... I would be very interested in your sugestions. Thanks for the shows! keep it up and coming
I have several Leathermans. Surge, Wave+ x2, Rebar, Skeletool x2, One has replaceable hard wire cutters, and a smaller one, not the Micro. I haven't talked myself into buying the Free series. Can you do this to me?
Leatherman P4, hands down. If you were unsure, watch Clay Hayes on Alone and watch what he does with just that. I don't know why you'd choose lesser Leatherman options. The video title doesn't say, "Best cheaper multi-tools".
I don't like bits for camping (or the outdoors at all). Bits easily get lost AND I never needed that many different screwdrivers (usually a large flat does it all for me). For me, it is either the Huntsman (with the parcel hook to get the pots) or the Farmer (IMO best awl in MT).
Hey guys, would like to see what David and Thomas would recommend as an upgrade for my Sogfari Kukri. Value per dollar is more important than price. Thanx
If a steel has not been heat-treated correctly, it could be annealed and then heat-treated again. I can’t imagine any knife manufacturer doing that, though. They would just start over with a new batch. Good steel is expensive, but it’s not THAT expensive.
Alright...I'm looking for some gentleman style knives. Just some classic slipjoint options that don't break the bank. Trying to get one of every style and this is the next one in line. I have a modern version in the cart of the Real Steel Solis and I'm about to pull the trigger. Thoughts?
I think the Rebar is the best Leatherman for EDC. It is really a sweet spot for function/cost for me. I have decided that many of us EDC geeks get a little to caught up in "bits". It just feels so "efficient" to be able to have one driver and then any sort of bit you want. However - I find that on average - 1 out of 4 times the leatherman bits just can't get to the screw. They are too short and wide. You also loose out on the pry function of the flatheads. Also - leatherman just doesn't know how to make scissors.
Hello there. What's your take on knifes with a downsized blade as an outdoorsy EDC ? Knives like the Hornero from tops or the rat 3 caper knife ? Thanks !
I don’t care for multitools, but the fact that Leatherman makes that easy to open knife tool shows that they really put on their thinking caps when designing them and are listening to customer feedback. Impressive.
I will say have the new SAK 78 and love it👍and an older SAK that went to Iraq and afghan with me also now playing with my new leatherman quick one hand and so far so good 👍
As you know better than me the opinel is a good choice for a good cheap knife and nowadays with the colors it'll be more visible. And of course plenty of sizes
A combo blade and no scissors makes the Signal stupid for outdoor use. Big miss on their part imo. Replace the blade with a fine edge and replace the can opener with scissors and it would be great.
Nice comparison, personally I use the Victorinox Walker (formerly/sometimes known as the Lumberjack). Just 3 blades, knife, saw and combo tool so it's light and the tool set is perfect IMO for the outdoors.
I was going to suggest the Walker as well, it's a great model. If you are going ultralight camping, it's the lightest SAK with a saw (and the cheapest). It's missing an awl but not the biggest deal to me.
Something I've always wondered was why are almost all knives and multitools constructed with torx screws and not just simple philips or flathead screws?
hey david what would you suggest for a good miniature flipper. I have the spyderco lil native as my edc right now but i was wondering if there were any other better options out there
Here's a question for you DCA, I'm looking for traditional bushcraft folders for my day hiking bag. I'm a big fan of the TOPS fieldcraft but I wished they had wood scales to give it that nice natural feel.
I carry a p4 everyday and it’s the only folder I really use. The rest are bushcraft knives and I really love the leather man free is cause I use the pliers all the time
I use the awl on my multitool to dig new holes in my belt, as I spent all my money on knives, can't afford to eat, and have lost a ton of weight
And can't afford a new belt😐😄
🤣
I feel this completely 😂 I just refuse to eat and buy belts. So I can buy knives and gear
Will be handy when we start starving in the upcoming depression...buy good tools now while money is still a thing
I feel your pain ! I buy too many knives as well. Soon I won’t be able to watch these videos because do I really need to pay the WiFi bill or buy another knife ?
Back when I was on M1A1 Heavy tanks in the early 90s all the way through to the mid-00s, *everyone* in every tank platoon I was in carried a Leatherman.
Some tankers tried the then-new Gerbers out but it turned out they were made of weaker steel back then and the pliers were always breaking so eventually we all just settled on the original Leatherman. Gerbers developed such a bad rep back then that to this day tankers tend to stay away from Gerber and stick to Leatherman multi-tools.
Sorry, Gerber, but you really screwed up back then and the Army has a long memory when it comes to tools breaking during normal use.
I swear, the U.S. Army should just issue a Leatherman to every 19K and 19D MOS soldier. Very useful for unscrewing the light domes to replace burnt-out bulbs, tightening down various small nuts and bolts in all stations, cutting rope and commo wire, extracting a jammed casing in the M16 or M240 & M2 machine guns, installing safety wires on various bolts, etc.
Since it took time to open the loader's sponson box and pull out the tool bag then rummage around in said tool bag for a pair of wire cutters or the right screwdriver, it was just faster to whip out a Leatherman in-place and immediately take care of the problem.
You could always tell who the high-speed tankers were depending on whether or not they were sporting a well-used Leatherman in a well-worn leather belt case. The hinges on them would quickly wear-in to the point where we could open and close them one-handed like a butterfly knife, which is also very handy when climbing around on top of an M1-series tank since you're required to have 3 points of contact at all times for safety (two feet planted and one hand grabbing on to a hard point on the turret).
I spent 6 years in the Army as a 19D, and in every single unit I was ever in I was always my platoons knife/tool guy. And yeah, I still have the Leatherman Wave that travelled the world with me. I tried other brands like Gerber and SOG but always came back to my Leatherman.
I can offer another endorsement of Leatherman - they stand by their warranties. I work in IT and managed to distort my original Wave using the hard wire cutters. I fully expected tham to say it was abuse/misuse, but they sent me a brand new Wave, no questions asked and the same when a snapped the screwdriver on a P4 - they sent me a brand new PS4.
I don't know many people who've managed to break one (never mind 2 like me!) but anyone who has done has never had a problem getting a new one under the 25 year warranty.
I also experienced a Gerber failure back in the day, never owned any Gerber since.
Whenever I go bowling, I always wear a Gerber Versafix Machete under my robe.
I was considering a bugout but just got a hogue Deka in magnacut to replace my para 3 LW.
For the gardener I think a more premium option is the Spyderco salt 2 hawkbill. That knife shape is really handy for harvesting produce.
Another good Idea. He wanted inexpensive so I thought Vic PE Sentinel, $30, easy open, light single blade and you can probably get "road cone color" scales. Easy to keep honed razor sharp
The Leatherman Wave+ is by far my favorite multitool of all time. Pliers, bottle opener, regular blade, and a saw blade are a given, but scissors is probably my most important part of a true multitool. I also use the magnetic Phillips/flathead all the time, and the small precision Phillips/flathead is vital for repairing/manipulating eyeglasses and electronics (maybe not used all the time, but when you need them, they are MVPs).
The Wave+ is the best $100 I ever spent on any tool ever. It is the perfect combo of all the tools I use regularly and need at any time.
(Edit: you would also be surprised at how useful having an 8" ruler on hand is)
Now I'm looking at all the orange knives cheaper than $25 DCA passed on🤣
Thomas didn't say reverse tanto once, this episode. The mistake was his missed opportunity.
Mix Tape. Darn auto correct
Hey DCA and Thomas, since today's International Lefthanders Day, can you guys show us some left-handed knives? Not just ambidextrous but dedicated left-handed ones.. Thanks
from Philippines 🇵🇭
I'm looking to get a big camping/survival knife that's under $150 and is made in the USA. Any recommendations?
ESEE 5 or 6
I don't like the combo blades, I like multi tools with a separate serrated blade and plain edge.
Serrated makes me think of Walmart Smith and Wesson knives.
Yuck
I wouldn’t buy the Signal cause of the 1/2 serrated blade.
The mixtape would be full of Creedance!
Love my Rebar. It’s the closest to the original
Leatherman you can get.
In the same line of thinking as the Böker tech-tools there is the larger and more beefy Ruike LD series. They actually use a locking blade, an actually competent blade steel, G10 handle scales and just as modifiable as normal SAK style multitools and will work with most accessories.
Love my ruike, better awl than SAK IMO. Locking blade, pocket clip and a dedicated serrated blade are some huge bonuses!
I’m not too proud to say that I was in my mid 30’s when I finally admitted to myself that I didn’t know how to use pliers properly, so I looked up “what are pliers used for” here on TH-cam and taught myself what I should have known since I was a kid.
Now that I EDC a multi tool, I’m shocked at just how often I use the needle nose pliers. The regular pliers, not so much, but they come in handy at random times. Needle nose pliers are good for: pulling out things that are tightly stuck into a surface; getting good leverage to press something into a surface (a key into a gummed up lock, a needle through leather); adding leverage to something you need to bend, twist, fold; holding onto something that could hurt your fingers (especially thorny branches and vines). I refer to my needle nose pliers as my “super fingers”. And while they aren’t suited for the task, wire cutters can be used as tiny pruning shears if you’re in a bind and need some right away.
I forgot to mention. 🤦♂️ Needle nose pliers work wonders when it comes to knot tying. I make paracord bracelets as a hobby, and using pliers is basically cheat mode for making or undoing tight knots without exhausting my hands.
The Signal is my least favorite Leatherman, I would recommend the OHT or WAVE+.
I just got the Hogue Deka in magnacut a few hours ago. It's a Bugout killer. GET THIS KNIFE!
I have recently discovered how comfortable the mora eldris is. I bought the light duty version and use it as my edc knife. I have limited exposure to scandi grinds and the 12c27 stainless used on this knife. So far no issues what so ever. Is this a good combo for edc and should I expect any issues with daily use?
I use my eldris as a compact hunting knife. Havent had any corrosion issues yet, super easy to clean it up and easy to maintain the edge. Id say you cant go wrong for edc as long as the carry option works for you.
I’m sure the Alox SAK scales are sturdier than the plastic SAK scales, but I have never had the plastic scales break on me. I’ve seen some used SAKs with broken scales, but I don’t know how someone managed to break them. As long as you don’t run over your knife with a truck or something like that, either kind of scale should hold up well.
DCA. The KC exclusive Olive-Drab Alox Victorinox Huntsman will be a great addition to this list when you finally MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! come on, guys!
Never thought to use corkscrew to untie knots!!!GENIUS!
Hey, DCA. What would your picks be for someone who is getting into modern materials and locks, but still has a love for the classic Buck and Case knives?
Benchmade Crooked River
Jack wolf knives are sick
@@wupwop agreed 100%. Would have mentioned them but he said he wanted modern locking mechanisms. Pena has some modern traditional bolster lock models, that's another one
This might be stretching it just a little bit, but Finch makes a few knives with a classically-inspired look.
@@Ericstraordinary I'd agree with that, Finch gives off classic vibes.
When it comes to Victorinox for the outdoors, the Farmer X gets my pick. The utility of the scissors in the woods cannot be underestimated. I’m surprised DCA didn’t mention the Farmer X instead of the Farmer, as it is still under 100 USD.
One thing about pliers in the woods is that although they can certainly be useful for picking up hot wire bails, I find that they are also extremely useful for pulling cordage taut when fingers just can’t grip well enough; however this is an infrequent enough need that I feel comfortable leaving the immense weight of my first-gen Leatherman Wave home, and relying only on my Swiss Army Knife.
For the record, the reamer on the 93 mm Victorinox knives is not an awl, it is a reamer. It is for boring, not stabbing (especially not with a slip joint!) or sewing-better to carry a separate sewing kit. The can opener is the least useful thing, as really, unless you are a band of soldiers scavenging from shops in time of war, who is carrying metal tins into the backcountry?? I would not call myself an ultralighter, but the older I get, the less I am willing to carry unnecessary weight either into the woods, or in my daily handbag, and the more creative I become with the gear I can still carry comfortably.
Hey KnifeCenter and DCA, great work on your videos as always. One suggestion would be if it were possible to make the video background black (or a darker, warmer tone), makes the visual experience a lot easier for us nightwatchers :D Currently, because the background is white, it hurts my eyes and I tend to just listen to these videos like podcasts more so.
Keep up the good content!
If we could darken the background, soften the focus and then tone down the music just a bit we would have some Knife Center ASMR videos. DCA could change his moniker to Silken D. Velvetsen.
Top 5 multitools for camping is very hard..but it depends a lot on if your using the multiool independently (aka no bits) or with a full complimentary kit.
Big fan
I liked your signal video do you think the leather man signal or wave + is better for camping?
@@SimplyBrick I'd pick the P4 over both easily
@@maxlvledc dang, i already bought the wave+
for the guy who lost a few knifes Mora Basic is the answer cheap sharp and you will not cry when its lost. And when i bought anew knife i actally choose a Manix2 over the bugout becasue i wanted something that felt more beef in the hand then the bugout did, but now do i want a full metal bugout tho
Hi DCA,
Long time listener, first time caller. I was wondering if you could do a metallurgy primer. I enjoy the sections where you get into the weeds of different metals, their benefits and shortcomings and their history in the knife world. Love the show. Thanks.
Graham
My go to is a SAK Ranger and skeletool. I don’t know why the Ranger gets no love, I’m a mechanic, the only thing the Ranger lacks is made up from the skeletool.
This may be the most stupid question of the day, but if someone did something stupid with a knife and ruined the heat treatment (like dropping in a camp fire or sharpening on a high speed grinding wheel), can it be reset or is it just destined for the recycling bin?
Highly unlikely -DCA
Hi DCA,have you ever received feedback from customers who purchased knives that you recommended to them? I'm curious how many people follow thru with purchases. Keep up the great work
Hello David. Could knife center please consider allowing sezzle pay options. I can promise it would encourage more sales. I would most certainly buy something more expensive that I can't sacrifice all the money in one go for.
Aloha DCA and crew. Love the videos, keep up the good work. Can you show a few kitchen/chef knives made with powdered steel? Mahalo.
woodsaws on all multitools are decent only on dry dead wood. try to saw a wet living wood and the teeth will be unusuable after 2 moves. the wood will stick to the blade and the saw movement will be ineffective. the only solution: buy a Leatherman with a Tshank like the Surge, and attach a saw with bigger and more distanced teeth. the results will be awesome.
I can relate to Thomas about the Leatherman. I like the P4's, but my Wave+ still works just fine. Not only that, but its broken in enough that i can open it one handed with a similar motion as the "Free" series
Hey DCA! Your recent video on Benchmade Bugout alternatives got me thinking. How strong are button locks compared to crossbar locks or liner locks? I can only think of three knife companies that make button locks: Kizer, Civivi, and CKRT. Are there any more?
Pro-tech, Rockstead and CJRB off the top of my head. Spyderco smock is sort of a button lock
Hogue, WE, Boker, ADV, William Henry are a few others. And it all depends on the construction but they can be made quite strong indeed. -DCA
Something learned from Bushcraft Kelso, you can get some extra camping utility out of your Alox SAKs by putting a bow drill divot in one of the scales.
I dig it! -DCA
I’ve owned, used, and maintained the original Gerber Suspension for over 15 years. Reliable and budget friendly.
I think the answer to all multitool questions is the wave
Hi, DCA ... have a challenging KniFAQ for you. Need your fixed blade knowledge. I have, uh, a friend ... who is looking for a production (maybe midtech) wharencliffe, fixed-blade, stainless knife with a BL range 4.5"-6" and a $350 budget. I searched ... but other than a Sea Snake, Spydie Ronin 2 (secondary only), and Reate/Skelton Tibia (extremely limited NOS) ... I struck out. Any thoughts and/or recommendations from a reputable source/OEM?
Words I've learned from DCA:
Natcher
Embiggened
Highliest
Budgetiest
I actually think the dozier and cold steel air lite are good comparison with the bug out
I carry my Swiss Champ for everything. It hasn't failed me yet in almost 38 years.
Lately in the knife community there is lots of talk about makers shipping knives out with "sub-optimal hardness". My question is if there really is such a thing. If magnacut is reported as having optimal performance between ~61 to 65, should we accept less than that? To clarify without naming names there is a knife maker out there who reports the magnacut hardness range on his knives between 59 and 61
Might as well use lc200n in my opinion
Hello DCA! ...and Seth and Thomas
Thanks for all your great videos!
I am looking for a Cold Steel Secret edge but with a better steel than AUS8, does that exist? If not, can you recomend another knife with the same blade profile and same handle but with a better steel, like s35 or 45, elmax, m390, 20cv...
By the way, what is your favourite swedish knife company and knife model (except for Morakniv)? Thanks to you I have got several american made knives but no swedish.
(I don't like Morakniv any more. Due to them no one in Sweden remembers how to sharpen a knife - you just by a new one when it gets dull!)
Once again Thanks!
/"The only swedish guy who knows how to sharpen his knives"
I’ve carried a benchmade 940 osborne for years. Looking for something new but it’s hard with the sea of knives these days. Looking for something with aluminum handles, premium steel and under 200. Any direction would be great!
Hey DCA & crew! I have a video topic that could be really interesting. I would like to hear your thoughts on what have been the most successful folding knives of the past, say, 20-25 years. I'm thinking in terms of, if you had to create Mt. Rushmore of all of folding knife history in the past two decades, what would be carved into stone? Instead of four, you could round up to five or even ten. I'm thinking of knives like the Paramilitary 2, 940, Bugout, stuff like that which have been so influential to other designs & that have stood the test of time. The knives that, when someone thinks "best modern folding knives", immediately come to mind above all else * are household names.
You could do a deep dive into their history & different versions that have been released, similar to the history of the Bugout you recently discussed in the Bugout video. You may have already done something like this, so sorry if I missed it. But I think it would be really cool to see a video exploring what the Hall of Fame or Mt. Rushmore of folding knives in this millennium so far. This would be based mostly on sales, influence on the market, & number of aftermarket options, I'm thinking. You could add other parameters as you see fit, of course! Thanks guys!
Hi DCA & Thomas good job fellas.Just a quick comment on the serrated edge for whittleing.I have not used signal combo edge for making fuzz sticks,I have used
other serrated knives for it.They worked surprisingly wellThey do have there uses though , .give it a try.G.L.
Thomas is definitely no Long waiter on cheap Pickups 😈
For the gardening guy … lanyard / securing rope? … DCA got it covered. Expert 👍
I like the Elementum Buttonlock a lot. Great shape
Hey DCA I’m looking for a new EDC fixed blade. I need something with at least some corrosion resistance, and a decent bit of toughness. Around a 3.5 inch blade give or take a bit. I’m looking for pocket carry or something else concealable. Max budget is $250, but I would like to see some budget picks as well. Thanks!
Hi David, I'm looking for a French Lagiole style knife, I know they are very expensive, my question is if you have a Suggestion of Lagiole of maximum 150 dollars, or some alternative of that cheaper style, greetings from Mexico City. You are the best and nicest American to conduct reviews of your kind.
since it seems common code, here the opener: " hey DCA"
😁
I recently handed out my Laguiole to a friend, who was fighting with what the restaursnt calle a steak knive and a jucy piece of meat.
Lucky for him, i had a table-suitable Knife on me.
However, it made me wonder, what options are there for good folding steak knives to carry and/or give away.
Every now and then, you mention, what could be used (I had to get the RMJ tacticle steak knive 😅) but as a topic, i think, it hasn't be handled...
I would be very interested in your sugestions.
Thanks for the shows! keep it up and coming
The Victorinox SwissChamp is the best camping knife I've ever used and I have many multitools and SAKs. It has saved me countless times.
I have several Leathermans. Surge, Wave+ x2, Rebar, Skeletool x2, One has replaceable hard wire cutters, and a smaller one, not the Micro. I haven't talked myself into buying the Free series. Can you do this to me?
Bugout is fully ambi, Elementum is right hand carry only. Molly dookers of the world disapprove
Leatherman P4, hands down. If you were unsure, watch Clay Hayes on Alone and watch what he does with just that. I don't know why you'd choose lesser Leatherman options. The video title doesn't say, "Best cheaper multi-tools".
I don't like bits for camping (or the outdoors at all). Bits easily get lost AND I never needed that many different screwdrivers (usually a large flat does it all for me). For me, it is either the Huntsman (with the parcel hook to get the pots) or the Farmer (IMO best awl in MT).
19:38 milwaukee makes a folding farming knife with a curved blade. I think it's about $25. Maybe that'd be good
Hey guys, would like to see what David and Thomas would recommend as an upgrade for my Sogfari Kukri. Value per dollar is more important than price. Thanx
If a steel has not been heat-treated correctly, it could be annealed and then heat-treated again. I can’t imagine any knife manufacturer doing that, though. They would just start over with a new batch. Good steel is expensive, but it’s not THAT expensive.
Alright...I'm looking for some gentleman style knives. Just some classic slipjoint options that don't break the bank. Trying to get one of every style and this is the next one in line. I have a modern version in the cart of the Real Steel Solis and I'm about to pull the trigger. Thoughts?
I think the Rebar is the best Leatherman for EDC. It is really a sweet spot for function/cost for me. I have decided that many of us EDC geeks get a little to caught up in "bits". It just feels so "efficient" to be able to have one driver and then any sort of bit you want. However - I find that on average - 1 out of 4 times the leatherman bits just can't get to the screw. They are too short and wide. You also loose out on the pry function of the flatheads. Also - leatherman just doesn't know how to make scissors.
Hello there. What's your take on knifes with a downsized blade as an outdoorsy EDC ? Knives like the Hornero from tops or the rat 3 caper knife ? Thanks !
do you know of anyplace i can find a replacement for my c r Laurence c k 3n1 ultra thin knife ?
also sold as IDL CK3000 ?
Hey DCA and knifecenter crew: what is, and I quote “the best machete money can buy”? Asking for a friend.
The Dude would carry a Benchmade exclusive: the RugOut :)
I have a button lock Elementum in all black, G10 scales. It’s not a flashy or Gucci type knife, but it’s a great edc tool.
The Gerber stake-out multi-tool would of been a nice addition to this video
Is Knife Center hiring? I'd love to work there. I'll hop in my car and drive straight down. This is a dream job.
I’m looking for a good USA made keychain knife that’s under $50.
I have the Rebar in Coyote tan & run it in a tan Clip&carry kydex sheath. It's really good EDC.
I don’t care for multitools, but the fact that Leatherman makes that easy to open knife tool shows that they really put on their thinking caps when designing them and are listening to customer feedback. Impressive.
They are handy in a pinch.
I will say have the new SAK 78 and love it👍and an older SAK that went to Iraq and afghan with me also now playing with my new leatherman quick one hand and so far so good 👍
He forgot the vintage boy scout knife off of ebay. Pretty much a pioneer with better blade steel. Add a bacho laplander and you have a capable saw
As you know better than me the opinel is a good choice for a good cheap knife and nowadays with the colors it'll be more visible. And of course plenty of sizes
How about the SOG powerpint for a compact hiking multi-tool?
Wish it had a saw -DCA
@@knifecenter I usually carry a Silky Pocketboy 130mm folding saw, and use my Victorinox Outrider for smaller tasks 😁
A combo blade and no scissors makes the Signal stupid for outdoor use. Big miss on their part imo. Replace the blade with a fine edge and replace the can opener with scissors and it would be great.
You can get a ferrocerium rod to replace that useless toothpick on the Swiss Army knife Camper and tinder that will insert into the corkscrew.
Nice comparison, personally I use the Victorinox Walker (formerly/sometimes known as the Lumberjack). Just 3 blades, knife, saw and combo tool so it's light and the tool set is perfect IMO for the outdoors.
I was going to suggest the Walker as well, it's a great model. If you are going ultralight camping, it's the lightest SAK with a saw (and the cheapest). It's missing an awl but not the biggest deal to me.
Hello, do you ever show throwing knives?
Thank you.
I love these videos alot of great knives and tools
LOVE the Dozier Hunters, excellent suggestion/
Well that’s just, like, your opinion man.
Something I've always wondered was why are almost all knives and multitools constructed with torx screws and not just simple philips or flathead screws?
More contact area thus less likely to get stripped out
The “SOG powerPint” is a great option but harder to find for sell. Why didn’t you show that as a option?🤷♂️🤷♂️
I think the Power Pint is a fine little tool - I even have one in my collection - but it lacks a wood saw. -DCA
hey david what would you suggest for a good miniature flipper. I have the spyderco lil native as my edc right now but i was wondering if there were any other better options out there
So good to see Jim Hopper giving a knife review. Looking forward to seeing Jim in the next season of Stranger Things.
I have the sak ranger with the corkscrew and can vouch for it. Also consider the sak soldier.
Here's a question for you DCA, I'm looking for traditional bushcraft folders for my day hiking bag. I'm a big fan of the TOPS fieldcraft but I wished they had wood scales to give it that nice natural feel.
Victorinox hunter Pro in wood?
DCA, do you have any insight as to why Benchmade has discontinued so many options of the Griptilian?
Probably because sales were down on that model
I was wondering that too
I carry a p4 everyday and it’s the only folder I really use. The rest are bushcraft knives and I really love the leather man free is cause I use the pliers all the time
What is the best American made boot knife? Stainless steel preferred.
Oops I haven’t watched the whole video yet let’s see if you bring it up 😂
If the hotel manager doesn’t need pliers, the leatherman T series will meet his no nail nick requirements
CJRB Pyrite would be a budget alternative to the bugout
Should not need a serrated knife blade on a multi tool with a saw blade…..
I'd prefer sacrificing that tiny bit of edge length and get that finger choil
“It’s been a long day and I hate the f$&king eagles man!!”
About half my bean cans these days still come without pull tabs
Why don't you carry off grid knives?
I’d compare the Sedulo to the Benchmade Barage!