Hey did you find that the handle loosened up after “chopping”(hacking) with yours. Mine did and its kinda annoying cause you can’t tighten it like regular scales but it’s not horrible
This knife, hits all the spots.. One of the best of the year. Specially if you consider that some Falkniven at 5 inch blade, have double or more the price
Thanks for the showcase for this knife . It’s quite an useful knife . Sorry I’m sold on the cold steel Srk . I’ve had many and gave them away in disaster area with no complaints . And I’ve used it in all situations with no failure of any kind .
Nice review, I like that you always compare with some alternatives. Just the sheath review I think you forgot to mention an important feature: the ability to unscrew and break it apart is to allow you to clean it inside, which is very unique and, for me, makes the square and a bit more bulky design a worth trade off to give you this ability. Again, nice work! 👊🏻
Demko needs to come out with a Pro version with micarta handles, real jimping and a spine you can strike a ferro rod off. Make it in 3V and Magnacut exclusively.
Great design/ bladeshape/grind by Demko. You talked me into similar blade in the ZT 0006, which I got on sale for $268, with CPM 3V...and I think new Victorinox Venture better value than AUS 10 version of Freereign. I mentioned before....the Knives of Alaska Bushcamp in D2....is another similar model. USA made.....on sale in one of your sponsors Sportsmans W H for $90!
It still is a poor cutter from what I see on your tests. It really needs a proper sharpening, to establish a good edge and remove the shoulders on the edge/main bevel transition. That, would improve it a lot.
Hi Aaron, That was a great comparison and pitched the knife pretty accurately. That CPM-3V version of the SRK is a formidable knife! As is the Master Hunter, for the work that it was intended for. In my opinion, Cold Steel have always had the knack of pitching their knife designs very precisely in exactly the right spots! [I have a Trail Master San Mai III, so you'll understand what I mean.] Keep up the good work. Cheers mate.
Nice knife review! I have the Master Hunter in San Mai for food prep and carving tasks and SRK in SK85 for beating on (among others) so I probably don't need one but if I had no similarly-sized fixed blade knives it would probably make sense to consider.
I have this same knife in Magnacut (green one). Made 2 mods to make it perfect: 1) I put a 90° grind on a portion of the spine & also on the steel of the butt so it can now strike a ferro rod; 2) Added a kydex ferro rod holder & ferro rod to the sheath.
You left out the reason that sheath is designed the way it is. From my understanding is that it's meant to able to be disassembled by the user for cleaning. Most every other sheath is almost impossible to do so.
Seems like it's filling the same niche that Bradford's Guardian 4.5 does, if a bit more robust. Similar grinds and blade shapes, but the handle on the guardian seems a lot more contoured. This latest Demko Doohickey looks like a pretty neat package, but unfortunately I don't need _two_ do-it-all knives. Especially for the price
Where's the Esee Laser Strike in this conversation. Same exact grind and profile. Not magnacut, but Esee can do some straight up wizard-type stuff with their 1095. Love that knife and it doesn't get nearly enough love, IMHO.
@@gideonstactical sometimes they will be on sale for 109 bucks. And then they will take off another 15-25% with a special code. They usually do that on a sunday night. So sometimes you can get an srk 3v for about 80 bucks. Or so mine was like 84 bucks 😁
It's a good review and comparising but I just can't understand why the jimping? It just weakens the blade. I also don't like these fingerchoils in the handle since they often give hotspots after prolonged use in the reverse (chest lever) grip. The sheath is interesting. Bulky and square but I like a square bottom on the sheath since that won't rub through fabric easily. I understand some people like these lashing options for scout carry and what not. I personally have no use for that so I prefer a slimmer sheath with square bottom like on the Fallkniven F1. I can't speak about magnacut since I've never used it.
@@jonathancupp3686I've heard that some blades have gone downhill. As far as I've seen it's just been the stuff that's made in china. Like the Bushman and the GI tanto. Prepared mind 101 has shown this on his knives. A couple other channels also.
@@4673962 if it’s only the Chinese made knives, I can live with it. I don’t buy anything from China when I can help it. It’s impossible to steer clear altogether though.
G'day Aaron, a very good design for an all rounder I'd say. Yeah a bit bulky, but I dont mind the sheath for something different, the main thing is it does it's job well. I reckon the AUS-10 version is stretching its asking price. As a stainless lover, I'd like to try Magnacut, though I expect it would be quite a challenge to sharpen in the field, ..... and an expensive experiment to find out ; ) Cheers Duke.
Not necessarily, I don’t have the S1X, the ZT 0006 has a similar grind and profile, but the 3V is obviously tougher, and will be even more tactically focused, even though the blade is very similar in capability.
hey man! i’m new to your channel but i have a question. i heard that kabar knives are notorious for snapping where the handle and the blade meet because the full tang gets way skinnier at that point. it seems as if this blade has the same design feature, and i was wondering if that same problem would be a concern here. i know that the steels are way different, would that factor in to different performance under the same conditions in terms of toughness? thanks.
That’s a good in-depth question. Welcome to the channel, I am Glad you’re apart. Most fully enclosed handled Knives do you have a tapering where they go into the handle. Now the Kabar fighting Knife has been known to break in that area but that is one of the few blades I’ve seen snap in that area. I would not be concerned about this Knife, and it has similar durability to the Cold Steel SRK, Strongarm, any mora and the like. Hope that helps.
It's a very attractive knife. I heard early on that some users had had issues with the overmolded handle becoming kinda loose, like having a gap grow where the handle ends right by the ricasso. I haven't heard much about it since, so maybe that issue got solved. I'd definitely be down for a Magnacut one. I don't think the AUS-10 model competes very well with other knives in its price range; I could see people buying it just because it says Demko on it, but otherwise I'd probably look at other options for the $150 price tag. (I know it's currently on sale at BladeHQ for $130 but at most places it's still $150 and will continue to be.) Also I think it's crazy that we have to point out and congratulate Demko for using a sheath material that doesn't dull the blade. I'm tired of people using that glass reinforced junk, dulling the blade that it's supposed to be protecting should have been the #1 disqualifier for that material decades ago, yet here we are now with these crap sheaths still in abundant supply on new knives...
Interesting video. You break down the details of this knife very well Sir. I have the Freereign in Aus10A with the tanto blade profile. I just got it from knifecenter. It is a very awesome knife in my opinion but I have yet to put it into use. I like the overall size and the handle quality is very nice. I also acquired a Spartan knives Kabar made out of magnacut so I am happy with the more affordable Aus10A Demko knife. Have you tested a Spartan Kabar yet?
Nice design but I have to agree with another commenter. At $140-150, the AUS-10 version is overpriced by $70-80. At $140-150 I'd expect the MagnaCut version would be fairly priced, but not seeing what the MSRP is, so I expect it too is overpriced. But then, so are the AD-20s.
All of the links provided below will lead to this knife in AUS10 steel not CPM Magnacut as it seems that the Magnacut has been discontinued so for you folks who were lucky enough to get one of the Magnacut versions you better hang onto it.
Ill pass even with the money; I like a longer handle and convex more to be honest. I prefer neutral handles and more along the lines of the svord kiwi or a mora knives for a profile of blade and handle.
That looks so much like the voyager drop point, which is demko's lock but I don't think he designed the blade for CS, maybe he still does I'm clueless. Anyway it looks like a voyager drop point blade smacked into an SRK frame
So big guy.....smaller knife, with a harder blade to sharpen, with a sheath that holds together with screws, with a price that's real silly, all for better food prep. Imagine......Seals, today's mission.... drop behind enemy lines, rescue the target, and peel and slice every vegetable you contact especially those Taliban tomatoes......mmmmmm😖 sorry SRK all the way.
Blade shape, length and grind exactly what I prefer but the shortcoming here is the handle. Very rectangular and I think it may not be comfortable for long tasks. Shame, I would like to get this but not with a handle like that.
Yup. Knives like this, GEC, McNees, Dark Timber, etc. require you to be friends with the maker or a big TH-camr to be able to get your hands on their stuff without having to pay triple the original price on the secondary market
@@dualsportoutdoorsagain, bought this one when it was released. Bought my last dark timber from bladehq, and this weeks MKC knife review I bought last month for $331 before it sold out on 5 min. Just have to be fast on the draw.
@@dualsportoutdoors Its more i think you know when they come available, and are ready to buy them immediately. Its more just been fast, and ahead of other customers.
Another batch of MagnaCut will be available near the end of the year or early next year.
Hey did you find that the handle loosened up after “chopping”(hacking) with yours. Mine did and its kinda annoying cause you can’t tighten it like regular scales but it’s not horrible
@@josephbrennan7637mine is tight after all that batoning and chopping, but they have a good warranty. I would message them and see what they can do.
They're currently in stock at DLT for 199!
Just ordered one myself today as I already have the Aus10 version and love it so for $199 to get a USA made magnacut version is just bananas imo
I got one based on your recommendation. Thanks dude
Everything Demco touches is gold.
Then they put a rubber handle on it and the Gold turns into dust...
Put a different handle on it
This knife, hits all the spots.. One of the best of the year. Specially if you consider that some Falkniven at 5 inch blade, have double or more the price
I love that you can take apart the sheath and clean it. The sheath was the major selling point for me.
Thanks for the showcase for this knife . It’s quite an useful knife . Sorry I’m sold on the cold steel Srk . I’ve had many and gave them away in disaster area with no complaints . And I’ve used it in all situations with no failure of any kind .
Nice review, I like that you always compare with some alternatives. Just the sheath review I think you forgot to mention an important feature: the ability to unscrew and break it apart is to allow you to clean it inside, which is very unique and, for me, makes the square and a bit more bulky design a worth trade off to give you this ability. Again, nice work! 👊🏻
Good call!
The demco needs a Srk blade size and profile with the full convex grind of a fallkniven and you would have the perfect field knife.
Yes way better option, in price, design, and materials.
I can't believe you dropped this today, I literally just got mine in the mail today!
No way! Awesome
I've had mine for almost a year and the only thing that worried me before purchase was the rubber handle. But it still looks brand new.
Sweet!
I bought this knife. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!
Demko needs to come out with a Pro version with micarta handles, real jimping and a spine you can strike a ferro rod off. Make it in 3V and Magnacut exclusively.
I'm definitely picking this up in Magnacut the second I can, that hidden full tang means it'll be good in cold weather too
Excellent video Aaron. Thanks for your continued hard work.
My pleasure!
Absolutely GREAT review, AS USUAL, Aaron. 👌
Much appreciated!
Great design/ bladeshape/grind by Demko. You talked me into similar blade in the ZT 0006, which I got on sale for $268, with CPM 3V...and I think new Victorinox Venture better value than AUS 10 version of Freereign. I mentioned before....the Knives of Alaska Bushcamp in D2....is another similar model. USA made.....on sale in one of your sponsors Sportsmans W H for $90!
It still is a poor cutter from what I see on your tests. It really needs a proper sharpening, to establish a good edge and remove the shoulders on the edge/main bevel transition. That, would improve it a lot.
Oooooo, I’ve been waiting for this!
Man, i tossed it around about getting one, but i just cant justify it already owning a gerber strongarm and coldateel 3v srk made in italy
Mine is made in Italy as well. Great tool.
Man I have been waiting for this review! I love my Free Reign that I picked up from DLT Trading the Magnacut blade has worked fantastic for me!
Right on!!
Hi Aaron,
That was a great comparison and pitched the knife pretty accurately. That CPM-3V version of the SRK is a formidable knife! As is the Master Hunter, for the work that it was intended for. In my opinion, Cold Steel have always had the knack of pitching their knife designs very precisely in exactly the right spots! [I have a Trail Master San Mai III, so you'll understand what I mean.]
Keep up the good work.
Cheers mate.
Nice knife review! I have the Master Hunter in San Mai for food prep and carving tasks and SRK in SK85 for beating on (among others) so I probably don't need one but if I had no similarly-sized fixed blade knives it would probably make sense to consider.
I have this same knife in Magnacut (green one). Made 2 mods to make it perfect: 1) I put a 90° grind on a portion of the spine & also on the steel of the butt so it can now strike a ferro rod; 2) Added a kydex ferro rod holder & ferro rod to the sheath.
You left out the reason that sheath is designed the way it is. From my understanding is that it's meant to able to be disassembled by the user for cleaning. Most every other sheath is almost impossible to do so.
Midway usa has the srk in 3v for $109.... definitely good value for the $$$ and they have it on multiple handle/sheeth colors
Thanks man. I just bought one. $109 for 3v is an amazing value.
This knife reminds me of the Lionsteel T5.
Been giving this knife some serious thought. MORE so after watching this video... Great video too...
Thank so much!
I feel you should have also compared this knife to one of Fallkniven’s F1 or S1 variants. Thank you for your review!
JaktKit Knives made this style blade with a better sheath years ago.
Really nice blade profile.
Excellent video. Will be looking out for the new batch in magnacut.
hope they make some more freereign in magnacut as they are sold out 😭
Seems like it's filling the same niche that Bradford's Guardian 4.5 does, if a bit more robust. Similar grinds and blade shapes, but the handle on the guardian seems a lot more contoured. This latest Demko Doohickey looks like a pretty neat package, but unfortunately I don't need _two_ do-it-all knives. Especially for the price
An esee 3/4 in s35 is $130. What do I need all this other shit?
Where's the Esee Laser Strike in this conversation. Same exact grind and profile. Not magnacut, but Esee can do some straight up wizard-type stuff with their 1095. Love that knife and it doesn't get nearly enough love, IMHO.
Good example, I don’t have one to run in.
So cool. Sure want this.
Beautiful fixed blade. I didn't purchase one as I felt for a 5 inch blade the stock was to thick.
Normally, it would be if it was of the same grind angle as the SRK. But that much higher grind really helps.
Great job matching your hat to the knife handle.
Thank you!
i love mine it hones back to super sharp very easily
AD is a hell of a designer! His full customs are unreal!
So... It's a mora in magnacut.
And $80 less then the Ashwood series hahahah
Hey guys last i checked midway usa (ugh) has srk desert tan and black in 3v for 109 bucks i love mine
Wow!!
@@gideonstactical sometimes they will be on sale for 109 bucks. And then they will take off another 15-25% with a special code. They usually do that on a sunday night. So sometimes you can get an srk 3v for about 80 bucks. Or so mine was like 84 bucks 😁
It's a good review and comparising but I just can't understand why the jimping? It just weakens the blade. I also don't like these fingerchoils in the handle since they often give hotspots after prolonged use in the reverse (chest lever) grip. The sheath is interesting. Bulky and square but I like a square bottom on the sheath since that won't rub through fabric easily. I understand some people like these lashing options for scout carry and what not. I personally have no use for that so I prefer a slimmer sheath with square bottom like on the Fallkniven F1. I can't speak about magnacut since I've never used it.
Hey Aron, any plans on reviewing the new Cold Steel Mayhem? It looks awesome!
Already have it!!! Testing has begun
@@gideonstactical sweet! I really like the look of it, I just hope Lynn Thompson’s quality is still present after the change in ownership.
@@jonathancupp3686I've heard that some blades have gone downhill. As far as I've seen it's just been the stuff that's made in china. Like the Bushman and the GI tanto. Prepared mind 101 has shown this on his knives. A couple other channels also.
@@4673962 if it’s only the Chinese made knives, I can live with it. I don’t buy anything from China when I can help it. It’s impossible to steer clear altogether though.
Cool video as always 👍
So, the magnacut is back? Got pulled from knifecenter. Was bummed to have missed it.
Another batch of MagnaCut will be available near the end of the year or early next year.
G'day Aaron, a very good design for an all rounder I'd say. Yeah a bit bulky, but I dont mind the sheath for something different, the main thing is it does it's job well. I reckon the AUS-10 version is stretching its asking price. As a stainless lover, I'd like to try Magnacut, though I expect it would be quite a challenge to sharpen in the field, ..... and an expensive experiment to find out ; ) Cheers Duke.
This knife or Lionsteel T5 for outdoors/survival? Thanks.Happy New Year
A bit off-topic: If you're not already testing it - maybe you can review the new Cold Steel 5 Max
It’s on the way!
@@gideonstactical 😎
Isn’t the sheath designed to be taken apart to clean it if needed?
Yes, you can also change to left or right carry
That is able to be done.
Which shark lock pocket knife was that at first?
Flytanium arcade. Video coming soon.
Is magnacut going to be more chippy than 3v or 80cr? Also how does it resharpen compared to those two?
In most situations yes. But MagnaCut resharpens easier then you might think.
You are super knowledgeable and articulate! A go to for knife info. Thanks for your response!
So how does this compare to the ZT0006 or the fallk S1X? Bout the same I presume
Not necessarily, I don’t have the S1X, the ZT 0006 has a similar grind and profile, but the 3V is obviously tougher, and will be even more tactically focused, even though the blade is very similar in capability.
Thats a nice axe on the wall. What is it?
A condor Valhalla axe 🪓 😮
Damn I still want one of these so bad
hey man! i’m new to your channel but i have a question. i heard that kabar knives are notorious for snapping where the handle and the blade meet because the full tang gets way skinnier at that point. it seems as if this blade has the same design feature, and i was wondering if that same problem would be a concern here. i know that the steels are way different, would that factor in to different performance under the same conditions in terms of toughness? thanks.
That’s a good in-depth question. Welcome to the channel, I am Glad you’re apart. Most fully enclosed handled Knives do you have a tapering where they go into the handle. Now the Kabar fighting Knife has been known to break in that area but that is one of the few blades I’ve seen snap in that area. I would not be concerned about this Knife, and it has similar durability to the Cold Steel SRK, Strongarm, any mora and the like. Hope that helps.
still rockin the T5. i'm good.👍 ooh, vs?
What are your thoughts on the new Demko Armiger? 4” blade in 80crv2 for 74.99.
Really a great design.
Went to all the sites I knew and it's been discontinued. Only the AUS versions avail.
Did you watch the whole video? I address that new batch, of MagnaCut coming out end of 2023, early 2024.
Just caught that part. Thanks brother. Keep em coming! Love the vids! @@gideonstactical
You know the lights are really bright if Aaron is having trouble keeping his eyes from squinting.
Haha! Still dialing in the studio lighting.
Another great video!
I love all your content but much prefer the long videos to the shorts.
Keep up the awesome work!
Glad you like them! Some like the shorts and some like the long. Got to provide both.
@@gideonstactical I understand. It's all good. Thanks for the reply!
Like the blade shape. I'd prefer it was longer.
How would you compare it to the ANV 311 ?
Oh man! I would say the m311 is more tactical because of the Handle! But great too and I love the Elmax
A head to head video would be interesting @@gideonstactical
I kinda like it. …!
Nice knife
Oh Gideons tactical how you vex me flipping that flytanium Arcade with no review out
Coming soon!!
Why does this remind me of the Blackbird? Hmmm
Oh ya!!!
Beautiful blade 👍👍👍
It's a very attractive knife. I heard early on that some users had had issues with the overmolded handle becoming kinda loose, like having a gap grow where the handle ends right by the ricasso. I haven't heard much about it since, so maybe that issue got solved. I'd definitely be down for a Magnacut one. I don't think the AUS-10 model competes very well with other knives in its price range; I could see people buying it just because it says Demko on it, but otherwise I'd probably look at other options for the $150 price tag. (I know it's currently on sale at BladeHQ for $130 but at most places it's still $150 and will continue to be.)
Also I think it's crazy that we have to point out and congratulate Demko for using a sheath material that doesn't dull the blade. I'm tired of people using that glass reinforced junk, dulling the blade that it's supposed to be protecting should have been the #1 disqualifier for that material decades ago, yet here we are now with these crap sheaths still in abundant supply on new knives...
I wish it had a triad lock
Hahahah
For me, I would appreciate more aggressive jimping
Yeah, I’ve just never really had a need for it on 90% of my blades.
@@gideonstactical You prefer a smooth spine ? It's still a nice blade. Hope to get one
Problem is that we can'tnbuybitnamywhere.
Interesting video. You break down the details of this knife very well Sir. I have the Freereign in Aus10A with the tanto blade profile. I just got it from knifecenter. It is a very awesome knife in my opinion but I have yet to put it into use. I like the overall size and the handle quality is very nice.
I also acquired a Spartan knives Kabar made out of magnacut so I am happy with the more affordable Aus10A Demko knife. Have you tested a Spartan Kabar yet?
It's UNFORTUNATE that it isn't capable of striking a feral rod. In my opinion it's not really a camp knife without this feature.
Nice design but I have to agree with another commenter. At $140-150, the AUS-10 version is overpriced by $70-80. At $140-150 I'd expect the MagnaCut version would be fairly priced, but not seeing what the MSRP is, so I expect it too is overpriced. But then, so are the AD-20s.
That newish Ontario Rat 6 seems to be a better all-around knife compared to this.
links are for the AUS-10A model
didn't know there was Magnacut version
I guess it will appear when it appears
and I won't be able to afford it
Yes only the AUS-10 are currently available, the MagnaCut are done in batches. Next one is supposed to be end of the year.
All of the links provided below will lead to this knife in AUS10 steel not CPM Magnacut as it seems that the Magnacut has been discontinued so for you folks who were lucky enough to get one of the Magnacut versions you better hang onto it.
Did you watch the whole video? Another batch of MagnaCut will be available near the end of the year or early next year.
Available now.
Ill pass even with the money; I like a longer handle and convex more to be honest. I prefer neutral handles and more along the lines of the svord kiwi or a mora knives for a profile of blade and handle.
I mean, wouldn't it be pretty easy to convex this one on some diamonds?
looks like a BK2
That looks so much like the voyager drop point, which is demko's lock but I don't think he designed the blade for CS, maybe he still does I'm clueless.
Anyway it looks like a voyager drop point blade smacked into an SRK frame
So big guy.....smaller knife, with a harder blade to sharpen, with a sheath that holds together with screws, with a price that's real silly, all for better food prep. Imagine......Seals, today's mission.... drop behind enemy lines, rescue the target, and peel and slice every vegetable you contact especially those Taliban tomatoes......mmmmmm😖 sorry SRK all the way.
Take my money now
Another knife I need .
Blade shape, length and grind exactly what I prefer but the shortcoming here is the handle. Very rectangular and I think it may not be comfortable for long tasks.
Shame, I would like to get this but not with a handle like that.
And another knife on my list of "how do i explain this to my wife"😂
Haha, tell her its a health addiction
Nice blade but I'm not friends with Demko or a large channel so I'll never get one in the collection
I bought this one, just got a jump on it when they drop.
No. Now I'm not watchin'...
A knife that’s Unobtainable
Another batch will be available end of this year or early next year.
Yup. Knives like this, GEC, McNees, Dark Timber, etc. require you to be friends with the maker or a big TH-camr to be able to get your hands on their stuff without having to pay triple the original price on the secondary market
@@dualsportoutdoorsI must have just been lucky then. I saw the first short about it here and immediately bought one. 200$
@@dualsportoutdoorsagain, bought this one when it was released. Bought my last dark timber from bladehq, and this weeks MKC knife review I bought last month for $331 before it sold out on 5 min. Just have to be fast on the draw.
@@dualsportoutdoors Its more i think you know when they come available, and are ready to buy them immediately. Its more just been fast, and ahead of other customers.
😂… Nope! Gil Hibben is king of knives
Another knife I need .