As a knife maker I love 80crv2. It makes a good blade that isn’t difficult to get good heat treatment on and the chrome vanadium content does allow for both strength and a little corrosion resistance.
I copped the spear point from the Demko website right after he announced it on instagram. What I did not realize was that it has a sharpened swedge, which makes it like a dagger at the front, but still a comfortable spot to choke up and rest your thumb. My new favorite.
I was at Smokey Mountain Knife Works and saw this knife today. Its ergonomics are unmatched honestly. It is so comfortable in the hand. I was a little off putting that such a nice knife was made in Taiwan, but after this review, I feel more confident that it is a great knife. I’m very partial to American products, German products and Swedish made knives. Also French made knives such as the opinel. You asked the viewers how they felt about the sheath and how it can be disassembled… in my experience it is extremely useful. I have the Ontario RAT 3 that I carried when I was in the service and it traveled all over the country with me. During those travels I was in the field in both woodland and desert situations and basically everything in between. The inside of my sheath caught sand and mud very often and it was ruining my edge. I wished many times over that I could have cleaned it from the inside out. I feel like I would 100% enjoy this knife after watching your review!
idk man, cold steel still make’s awesome stuff and the material upgrade in the 2010s was awesome. the 4inch voyager is an awesome large edc that’s built like a tank
Demko is one of my all time favorite knife makers. I would like to see the Armiger clip point with a 6 inch blade, 0.187 thickness, magnacut steel and a g10 handle. I just received the 4 inch version and I am extremely pleased. It’s design and choice of materials makes a lot of sense as they make the knife light weight.
This is the review I've been waiting for, and especially for the clip point! When I first saw it, I thought it might be what the SRK-C was supposed to be. Thanks, Aaron!
Great review, as usual, Aaron. I'm glad I stopped-in. I knew nothing about this model dropping. $75 seems like a helluva' value for a well-made fixie in 80 CrV2. 👍
I think both this knife and the strongarm have a place in anyone’s kit. It’s nice to see more options in the under 100$ price range with general utility in mind. I’d love to see the strongarm in a steel like the Demko. Thank you for tipping me off to the Demko!
This knife is such a great value. The sheath is larger but I have been carrying it inside the waistband with an UltiClip and I barely notice it’s there. The handle is great too. It provides great traction without being too aggressive. It rides nice against the skin too.
THANK YOU for the "ulti-clip" tip! Ordered one immediately!!! I have the Armiger serrated spear point which for me, is an excellent EDC making the ulti-clip, the icing on the cake... GREAT VIDEO TOO!!!
I really like the profile and simplistic design of the Armigir 4. I think I’d customize the sheath so it would have a little pouch on it, put a ferro rod in there, as well as an Emergency Space Blanket, and a smith’s sharpening tool. Looks like it’d be cool for Scout carry. Or horizontal appendix carry.
The Armiger 4 seems like a solid piece of kit. It definitely looks to have a more comfortable handle than the Strongarm. The only thing I'd want to change is file down the top handle guard so it's flush with the spine, so I can move my hand forward easier on the spine of the blade. The little one looks like an oyster shucking knife.
I'm using Armiger 4 with plastic sheath for Hultafors knife. It is slim, light and fits quite well, however one should file down plastic "ribs" inside the sheath, otherwise those can leave marks on rubber guard of Armiger.
I have never tried it but I always assumed you could use your actual blade in a pinch to spark your ferro rod if you do not have a sharp 90 degree edge.
The Demko Freereign talks to me (the design reminds me of the Lionsteel T5), especially the MagnaCut version, but the Demko Armiger not so much. The little one is a nice gimmick and for a few bucks why not.
I bought the bayonet version. Wish the handle size was a bit bigger but I get the boot dagger design. Still working out how to use it with my boots tho. Huge sheath
So is 4140 but I never understood how they sell knives at that price range that lack the ability to actually cut more than 3 things in a row without needing immediate resharpening, like isn't 420hc generally more for knives that cost less than a hamburger? I'd own 1 otherwise, it's a cool design but in a cheap, nasty & long obsolete budget steel for no apparent reason.
@@johnnyshanksalot8358 it actually does a bit better than that. If you look at info on knife steelnerds it's on par with stuff like 1095. It is a very basic steel does ok in outdoor use against wood. If I was cutting up cardboard or old carpet it would be last on my list. I think it has it's place for lower price very tough knives.
I’m really loving that shape, I’d be putting a teklok on it Don’t think I’d be able to find 1 in Australia to try out our knife distributors are crap and we miss out on all the good stuff.
Nice review, as always! I really like this design, it reminds me Bob Terzuola's Gryphon M10, slightly bigger. What do you think about the tanto version? (I'd get the three of them, but the double edge is illegal where I live).
Aren, I listen to you very carefully and follow your advice. Though you are the subject matter champion. Just a suggestion for you, please put gloves on While the flexibility test, this test was a bit risky. ( Bking gloves as it comes with knuckle guards). . Be safe, Keep rocking.
In a hunting scenario where you sheath a knife in the field after processing game in the mountains, I can see where Demko was coming from. I have all but ruined leather sheaths with blood from game in the past. So I can see their point of making a sheath in the design they chose.
This is basically the evolution of the boot knives of the 1980's into a modern, usable edc knife imo. Our hands are the same size. The handles of the 4 are incomparable for comfort and non slip grip. I am smitten on this knife. ...love to see a larger blade from Demko in this pattern. 5" dirk. Also like to see the 4 compared to the smaller CS SRK.
@@splinterdevilblood6366 no problem, sometimes there are commenters that don’t watch the video and need a play by play instead of just watching haha 😆. Yes it has a good 90 degree spine. Hope you have a good weekend 👍
They did release that BDZ-1 upgrade of the Strongarm. For me that 420HC is part of what makes the strongarm great. Super easy to sharpen up in the field and takes a hell of a beating and keeps on ticking. But the thought of a SK5 variant...that's got my attention. Tougher than 420 but not as fragile and prone to corrosion as 1095. Easier to sharpen in the field and should still take a beating as good as the 420 version (provided they get the heat treatment right).
Definitely a good comparison to the Strongarm! The Armiger 2 kind of reminds me if my Cold Steel Superedge. Is it super practical? No. But is it fun? You bet! I think attaching an ulti clip to the 4 is a great idea. It's the perfect size for that, where anything much bigger probably wouldn't work as good with an ulti clip.
I've got the spear and clip point versions and they're fantastic knives, solid build and a decently affordable Demko knife compared to the rest of their line up.
@@richardhenry1969 The spear is better for self-defence because it's got a sharpened swedge but I've always liked clip-points for their aesthetic. There's a tanto version but I'd say if you're buying it for an actual boot knife then the spear is best.
I love that extra handle snap. Iv herd that commend hy humidady and heat can worp the kiydex sheath. Sorry if that's the roug name. I'd cerri it on my leg below the knee. Kootion it perteckyour Shin.
That is very very similar to my favorite general use knife, the Prodigy. I think this one is going on the list. edit: In tanto as well? Now I'm sure I want one.
G'day Aaron, not bad at all mate and I'm with ya on a 5 in. version. The couple of Terava jobs I have in the same steel, surprisingly, haven't, as yet, spotted up. So for me, (by the briny), Its turned out to be an excellent value proposition when I cant get the same design in a stainless. I quite like these sheaths, a lot of other polymer/kydex are similarly wide anyway. I give mine a blow out with the compressor occasionally, but hey if you can take it apart, it can only help rather than hinder. Cheers Duke.
Just got the armiger 4 today and boy was I disappointed! I have the freereign and love it, but this knife just feels like a toy. I felt the same way when I bought the SRK-C….too small and feels like a toy. Ugh
If you have evergotten sand in your kydex sheath, then you will apreciate the take apart feature. We go to the dunes alot and i got sand in the polimer sheath of one of my favorite knives, it is almosg imposible to get out and it will scratch the heck out of your blade. Very anoying.
It's almost like Demko was the prideful & narcissistic knife maker who is now branching out to cheaper tools than Cool Steel did.. maybe next we will get a "Hinderer" Hyderabad Hog in special Chinese Manufactured sauce
As a knife maker I love 80crv2. It makes a good blade that isn’t difficult to get good heat treatment on and the chrome vanadium content does allow for both strength and a little corrosion resistance.
We need more fixed bkades in this size and price range. Most knives like this are way overpriced.
No wonder these videos are so well done. You can tell your production crew is totally invested!
Hahahah
I copped the spear point from the Demko website right after he announced it on instagram. What I did not realize was that it has a sharpened swedge, which makes it like a dagger at the front, but still a comfortable spot to choke up and rest your thumb. My new favorite.
I was at Smokey Mountain Knife Works and saw this knife today. Its ergonomics are unmatched honestly. It is so comfortable in the hand. I was a little off putting that such a nice knife was made in Taiwan, but after this review, I feel more confident that it is a great knife. I’m very partial to American products, German products and Swedish made knives. Also French made knives such as the opinel. You asked the viewers how they felt about the sheath and how it can be disassembled… in my experience it is extremely useful. I have the Ontario RAT 3 that I carried when I was in the service and it traveled all over the country with me. During those travels I was in the field in both woodland and desert situations and basically everything in between. The inside of my sheath caught sand and mud very often and it was ruining my edge. I wished many times over that I could have cleaned it from the inside out. I feel like I would 100% enjoy this knife after watching your review!
Taiwan makes good stuff, nothing like their neighbors
Demko keeps the Cold Steel Spirit alive. Im starting to think im not a CS Fan, but a Demko Fan. Happy he keeps it up. Unlike GSM
idk man, cold steel still make’s awesome stuff and the material upgrade in the 2010s was awesome. the 4inch voyager is an awesome large edc that’s built like a tank
Demko is one of my all time favorite knife makers. I would like to see the Armiger clip point with a 6 inch blade, 0.187 thickness, magnacut steel and a g10 handle. I just received the 4 inch version and I am extremely pleased. It’s design and choice of materials makes a lot of sense as they make the knife light weight.
This is the review I've been waiting for, and especially for the clip point! When I first saw it, I thought it might be what the SRK-C was supposed to be. Thanks, Aaron!
Great review, as usual, Aaron. I'm glad I stopped-in. I knew nothing about this model dropping. $75 seems like a helluva' value for a well-made fixie in 80 CrV2. 👍
You and me both! And just saw it on a random post and immediately jumped over and bought both.
Demko has been killing it
Truely has
@@gideonstactical 🙏
I think both this knife and the strongarm have a place in anyone’s kit. It’s nice to see more options in the under 100$ price range with general utility in mind. I’d love to see the strongarm in a steel like the Demko. Thank you for tipping me off to the Demko!
This knife is such a great value. The sheath is larger but I have been carrying it inside the waistband with an UltiClip and I barely notice it’s there.
The handle is great too. It provides great traction without being too aggressive. It rides nice against the skin too.
THANK YOU for the "ulti-clip" tip! Ordered one immediately!!! I have the Armiger serrated spear point which for me, is an excellent EDC making the ulti-clip, the icing on the cake... GREAT VIDEO TOO!!!
love those, but severely overpriced.
The UltiClip works well. I have been carrying mine with one since I got it. Very comfortable
I really like the profile and simplistic design of the Armigir 4.
I think I’d customize the sheath so it would have a little pouch on it, put a ferro rod in there, as well as an Emergency Space Blanket, and a smith’s sharpening tool.
Looks like it’d be cool for Scout carry. Or horizontal appendix carry.
Greetings to the whole production crew 😊
Really appreciate it!! They all help in different ways.
excellent review
The Strongarm is much more sympathetic for rough military use
The Armiger 4 seems like a solid piece of kit. It definitely looks to have a more comfortable handle than the Strongarm. The only thing I'd want to change is file down the top handle guard so it's flush with the spine, so I can move my hand forward easier on the spine of the blade. The little one looks like an oyster shucking knife.
The top guard really doesn’t get in the way as much as you think it might.
It seem to be close to the Cold Steel SRK Compact.... Surprise😃
Thanks for showcasing this knife . Good content .
I want to see this in more colors like grey & FDE & hi-viz orange.
I'm using Armiger 4 with plastic sheath for Hultafors knife. It is slim, light and fits quite well, however one should file down plastic "ribs" inside the sheath, otherwise those can leave marks on rubber guard of Armiger.
I have never tried it but I always assumed you could use your actual blade in a pinch to spark your ferro rod if you do not have a sharp 90 degree edge.
Yes you can. It's actually the way they used to do it back in the day.
The Demko Freereign talks to me (the design reminds me of the Lionsteel T5), especially the MagnaCut version, but the Demko Armiger not so much. The little one is a nice gimmick and for a few bucks why not.
I bought the bayonet version. Wish the handle size was a bit bigger but I get the boot dagger design. Still working out how to use it with my boots tho. Huge sheath
The strongarm should be a fair bit stronger as it has thicker bladestock. 420hc is a bit tougher than 80crv
So is 4140 but I never understood how they sell knives at that price range that lack the ability to actually cut more than 3 things in a row without needing immediate resharpening, like isn't 420hc generally more for knives that cost less than a hamburger? I'd own 1 otherwise, it's a cool design but in a cheap, nasty & long obsolete budget steel for no apparent reason.
@@johnnyshanksalot8358 it actually does a bit better than that. If you look at info on knife steelnerds it's on par with stuff like 1095. It is a very basic steel does ok in outdoor use against wood. If I was cutting up cardboard or old carpet it would be last on my list. I think it has it's place for lower price very tough knives.
80crv2 is way tougher than 420hc
The feature to take apart the sheath to clean it might appeal to hunters.
Totally agree. If I didnt own a strong arm I’d go with the demko looks and seemingly better ergos.
Demko Armiger is better then most fix blades on market.
I just discovered the arminger spear point version of this today and im 100% ordering
Excellent review sir. Now I'm really interested. This one just moved ip on my purchase list!
the 4 reminds me of a cold steel peacemaker with a different grind. the 2 reminds me of the super edge
Thanks Aaron! I have both and love them equally. Your content is dead on.
An Oscar worthy performance in that intro👌.
Looks great. Would you recommend it over the Mora Garberg a general camp belt knife?
No, Mora would be better for general camping
Outstanding, thank you for that.
Man it's like your in my head. I've been considering these knives, just not sure which one to go with haha
Haha!! Glad I can read your brain
wow yeah very nice knife
Great review, unfortunately I’ve got the strong arm ( which I love ) so I guess I won’t be getting this one 😢
I’m really loving that shape, I’d be putting a teklok on it
Don’t think I’d be able to find 1 in Australia to try out our knife distributors are crap and we miss out on all the good stuff.
Waiting for Demko to come out with the 6-inch blade before I buy his products!
Nice review, as always!
I really like this design, it reminds me Bob Terzuola's Gryphon M10, slightly bigger.
What do you think about the tanto version? (I'd get the three of them, but the double edge is illegal where I live).
Good Morning, got the cup of coffee, knife review, and... then family shot LMAO 😂 Cheers, everyone.
Hahah 👍
Aren, I listen to you very carefully and follow your advice. Though you are the subject matter champion. Just a suggestion for you, please put gloves on While the flexibility test, this test was a bit risky. ( Bking gloves as it comes with knuckle guards). . Be safe, Keep rocking.
Thanks for the tip!
I was literally looking at a them on the website and thought if there was a video on TH-cam great video
Awesome! Glad I could help 👍
In a hunting scenario where you sheath a knife in the field after processing game in the mountains, I can see where Demko was coming from. I have all but ruined leather sheaths with blood from game in the past. So I can see their point of making a sheath in the design they chose.
Do you have a comparison between all of the different blade steels?
I haven’t made a video like that yet.
Ended up getting the magnacut version from knife center 🤘🏻
The Fam!🤣👍
This is basically the evolution of the boot knives of the 1980's into a modern, usable edc knife imo. Our hands are the same size. The handles of the 4 are incomparable for comfort and non slip grip. I am smitten on this knife. ...love to see a larger blade from Demko in this pattern. 5" dirk. Also like to see the 4 compared to the smaller CS SRK.
Hello, there! is freereign new batch coming in you say? i would love to get my hands on one
Yes I understand another run of MagnaCut freereign blades sometime at the end or beginning of this your or next.
I Hit the like button for the Dr. Evil reference, let alone the good review
Thanks so much!!
How was the spine of the knife? Ferro rod work with it?
Did you watch the video? I tested the spine and it does throw sparks in the video 👍
@@gideonstactical I did but I was also running around getting ready for work, I must have missed it. Thank you for responding
@@splinterdevilblood6366 no problem, sometimes there are commenters that don’t watch the video and need a play by play instead of just watching haha 😆. Yes it has a good 90 degree spine. Hope you have a good weekend 👍
The weakness in the strongarm is the steal. Make variants in budget steals in aus10, 154cm and then better quality carbon steals. Price accordingly
They did release that BDZ-1 upgrade of the Strongarm. For me that 420HC is part of what makes the strongarm great. Super easy to sharpen up in the field and takes a hell of a beating and keeps on ticking. But the thought of a SK5 variant...that's got my attention. Tougher than 420 but not as fragile and prone to corrosion as 1095. Easier to sharpen in the field and should still take a beating as good as the 420 version (provided they get the heat treatment right).
To me, the steel is one of its strengths. They upgrade the steel, they raise the price. To me the price, steel , durability make the knife what it is.
420hc is underrated. It's one of the toughest steels available.
Great review, just picked one up. I prefer fixed blades but my Izula is too small and my SRK-C is too large to EDC. Hopefully this one is just right.
Have you done any reviews on tkell knives?
Not yet
A good battle belt or chest rig knife? What would you say is the best blade configuration for that application?
The Armiger, Gerber Strongarm, sog pillar are a few that come to mind.
What is a good skiner knife?
Buck makes some good stuff
@@gideonstactical thanks, I grew up next to the Buck family before they moved the operation to Idaho.
how thick is the blade?
0.15” thick perfect for its size
I think I will try pocket carry, hoping the handle is not uncomfortably long.
Should work well!
I would like to see it in 14 c 28n with a couple serrations at the bottom.
Definitely a good comparison to the Strongarm!
The Armiger 2 kind of reminds me if my Cold Steel Superedge. Is it super practical? No. But is it fun? You bet!
I think attaching an ulti clip to the 4 is a great idea. It's the perfect size for that, where anything much bigger probably wouldn't work as good with an ulti clip.
Excited about the knife, but the sheath is a miss. This needs a IWB concealed carry sheath.
Wish there was a knife I knew of that was VERY close in dimensions, price, and capabilities as this Armiger but made in our beautiful USA.
Funny intro!!
Glad you enjoyed it!! It was fun to create with the family
*_2:05_**_😅I'll be presenting my crispy edges in this manner from here on out!➿☝👉👇👆_*
I've got the spear and clip point versions and they're fantastic knives, solid build and a decently affordable Demko knife compared to the rest of their line up.
Which one do you like better. The spear or the clip point?
@@richardhenry1969 The spear is better for self-defence because it's got a sharpened swedge but I've always liked clip-points for their aesthetic. There's a tanto version but I'd say if you're buying it for an actual boot knife then the spear is best.
anyone know where to order it in europe??
I would message them on social media or their homepage and ask.
I love that extra handle snap.
Iv herd that commend hy humidady and heat can worp the kiydex sheath.
Sorry if that's the roug name.
I'd cerri it on my leg below the knee. Kootion it perteckyour Shin.
Better be careful, your production crew might go on strike! 😂
Haha thankfully they haven’t formed a union 😆
Have been very interested in this knife, especially because if the price
Ya I am very pleased
@@gideonstactical
What oil?
That is very very similar to my favorite general use knife, the Prodigy. I think this one is going on the list.
edit: In tanto as well? Now I'm sure I want one.
Loved the film crew !
Thnx for the video Aaron !
Our pleasure!
Fun fact: the Armager 2 actually fits in my hands perfectly
Aaron loves saying the word blade lol
I am a blade blade
@@gideonstactical thanks for the reply man, I’ve been a subscriber since 2017, big fan of the channel
Armiger 4 is like the tactical Mora, with a better look.
Well i dont think he would make a 5in version of the arnature, because he already created the Free reign
They are different designs so I would hope he will. Keep the Freereign stainless and the Armiger high carbon.
Isn’t the Gerber a stainless? I’d call that an advantage for those of us not in an arid climate.
It is, but I have used HC tools in Florida without issue as long as I keep them oiled.
G'day Aaron, not bad at all mate and I'm with ya on a 5 in. version. The couple of Terava jobs I have in the same steel, surprisingly, haven't, as yet, spotted up. So for me, (by the briny), Its turned out to be an excellent value proposition when I cant get the same design in a stainless.
I quite like these sheaths, a lot of other polymer/kydex are similarly wide anyway. I give mine a blow out with the compressor occasionally, but hey if you can take it apart, it can only help rather than hinder.
Cheers Duke.
It's an old school cold steel blade all it is .
So if you're missing the original cold steel reliability buy this knife !
Really like the spear point version of this knife but it has an awful low saber grind and loses all the cutting utility of the clip point version.
That’s very interesting interesting. Yeah the clip point doesn’t have any issues in cutting geometry.
Damn, I don't believe what they did.
Just got the armiger 4 today and boy was I disappointed! I have the freereign and love it, but this knife just feels like a toy. I felt the same way when I bought the SRK-C….too small and feels like a toy. Ugh
Sorry you feel that way. I’ll reach out to them and return it if you don’t like it.
They need to make a little bigger version of this one i bet it would sell like hotcakes.
If you have evergotten sand in your kydex sheath, then you will apreciate the take apart feature. We go to the dunes alot and i got sand in the polimer sheath of one of my favorite knives, it is almosg imposible to get out and it will scratch the heck out of your blade. Very anoying.
I wash my sheath out all the time, more specifically if I was hunting and got blood in it.
IIRC Demko made the smaller Armiger so his daughter could have a knife to carry on campus
I lol’ed at your production crew 😅
So your name is not "Gideon"? My disappointment is immeasuruble.
Hahaha!
Do I need to say it??? Buy American A$$^0's...
Obviously I own many non-American made knives but the knife on my battle belt is the strongarm.
Hilarious video, terrible knife.
Would love some more details on your conclusion
80crv2 without supporting varustekala?? Sign me UP!
It's almost like Demko was the prideful & narcissistic knife maker who is now branching out to cheaper tools than Cool Steel did.. maybe next we will get a "Hinderer" Hyderabad Hog in special Chinese Manufactured sauce
Looks like a good one, I never had the Strongarm I do have the Prodigy an absolutely love it.
The prodigy is great this is definitely smaller than that one. But more Carriy able.