My favorite combo within the lower price range is a Buck 110 slim for the large one and a victorinox huntsman for small. Probably not everybody's choice, but this works for me.
This was definitely one of my favorite episodes in terms of knowledge and topic. I love the combo methodology! I carry a Baby Banter always, and then rotate a larger knife depending on where I’m going that day (usually Griptilian daily, Imperium on days off). Please do more knife combos!
I see David and Seth, I click like. My personal "small and large" combo is the Victorinox Compact and a Leatherman Surge. I will mix up with a Leatherman Wave and some dedicated knife, like a Spyderco Military or a Cold Steel AD-10 or Ultimate Hunter
The hunter is a nice knife but its more outdoorsy than it is a box cutter or self defense tool. It would be my go to for camping. Interesting pick on the compact but bc it is so popular I can usual find a better deal on the champ. The ability to have a magnifying glass for me means either an explorer plus (out of production) or the champ bc it can be used as a fire starter, for eyeglass repair, and for removing splinters and ticks. The compact complements the leatherman very well but for me having magnifying glass is key bc its one of those things that come in handy and would otherwise be easy to lose or damage.
Benchmade Leuku and a Whiteriver Backpacker would be a nice combo but a bit pricey. Esee 6HM or a Becker instead of the Leuku if you want an absolute beast. For the budget option Cold Steel SRK all day every day. And probably a KaBar or CRKT neck knife. They both make a few models. An Izula if it's on sale like it is currently on knifecenter. Izula and Backpacker are skeletonised handles but have the option of paying a bit more for scales or just do a paracord wrap.
@@bena3341 Thats the things tons of options. You mentioned ones I never would have thought of. Currently a Kabar Mark 1 and a Crkt Obake are what rule my belt and pocket. Got a mini Becker too with some paracord and a different sheath it is awesome, throws decently too lol And the margin is cause fixed can be pricey, cheap or in the middle wanted to give them wiggle room lol.
I rock a Tops Baja4.5 on my right side and a Bradford Guardian 3 crossdraw in a kydex sheath on my left. If I'm somewhere that permits it, I usually switch the tops for my pistol, but when I'm working I keep the knives on me.
Guys thank you so much for picking my question, amazing video!! Excellent discussion as always, lovely to see DCA and Seth really nerding out once again, just brilliant stuff all round. Funnily enough since asking the question I've taken to carrying a pocket fixed blade, with either my Brad Zinker/ Boker Pelican or a little Case slip joint. This video is an excellent excuse to buy a couple more options to rotate my carry when payday comes around 😂 Thanks again gentlemen you're the best!
I actually asked myself this same question not long ago. I decided on two knives I already owned, so the budget part wasn't really a factor for me; Spyderco Police in K390 and the Spyderco Dragonfly, also in K390. While these two partivular knives would be over 150 if bought together, you could easily find both of these knives in their base VG10 versions for under $150 if you shop around.
Dangit. Seth is just so darn genuine and wholesome. He's really grown on me a ton and he's such a unique person and personality compared to so many "knife guys" I know. It's a really refreshing voice and point of view. I'm all in on big/small (usually more like over/under 3") combos and usually carry two blades that contrast. Usually try to blend two sizes, thickness of grind, bearings/washers, deployment method. Might rock a DFly K390 and a JG Scout. Might be a Cold Steel American Lawman or Vero Axon and a TRM Nerd or 10v Mini Sheepdog. Or a buncha other combos obviously. Great vid guys!
Hey dca and Seth, fun idea for a new segment, top five “money is no object” knives you can get today at knife center. I think it would be interesting to see what you two come up with.
I like the combo of carrying the wharncliffe versions of the spyderco endura and dragonfly. For low budget I would go with Ontario Rat 1 in D2 and a Victorinox Classic SD in bright yellow for the ability to have a letter opener, nail file, tweezers and surprisingly useful scissors. I love cold steel but dont carry them bc they offer more capability than I need for edc.
@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 a Tops BOB and a Whiteriver Backpacker would be nice. Or at a lower budget a Mora and an Izula. You could go for something huge like a Esee but for me a decent sized Bushcraft knife is more versatile.
When it comes to BIG folders you have to stand in awe, of Cold Steel's Spartan baby! New this year though is the Mayhem, which just might cause the Spartan to take a bow:) LOL!
I keep an sd classic in walnut on my Northwall leather key organizer along with a Roryvon Aurora a3. Took me a while to get things as minimal as possible and am really happy where I ended up. The Northwall even came with a small prybar that's in the organizer with my keys. I pocket carry and m and p bodyguard .380, my main blade clipped to my cargo pocket, folded bandana with a few bandaids and some dental floss in my back left pocket, and my deep sea leather topsider wallet in my right back pocket. I keep a Maxpediton edcm huge organizer in my car's console, loaded with goodies that I don't necessarily need to have on my person on a daily basis. I used to carry alot more and just found I wasn't using all the stuff on any kind of regular basis.
I keep a SAK Rambler and Olight I1R connected together with a small keychain ring in my left pocket and my other knife (which can vary wildly day to day) in the right pocket.
My EDC is a 2.5-inch folder, it has an aggressive cold stainless steel serrated blade, black polycarbonate handle with a BEAUTIFUL screaming eagle and a sweet, perfectly sized belt clip. It is so balanced and tactile that it seems to become part of my hand. It comes in right under you price point of $1.50 because Dollar Tree went up on prices and now charges $1.25 for this Work Bench work of art, but I STILL think it is a STEAL of a deal for this sinister stainless STEEL. I'm getting a raise soon; I'd love to hear your thoughts on prices all the way up to $5.00
Good video, thanks. I am using the Buck 110 Slim as big blade, very Slim in the pocket. And lately I take the Mora Eldris with me as small blade which you can use for so many tasks and nobody is scared of it
I like this question! Though I was surprised by the direction it took. I didn’t think the question was going the road of two folders. I was thinking fixed and folder. With that in mind, I’d like to put the condor Krakatoa and steel will barghest as my contenders. I like the look of the condors but the barghest may be more substantial. (I’d love a few days in your warehouse with no adult supervision!) for my small knife, civivi’s baby banter is my front runner. Grip and choir and spear point lead me to believe it will carve well. Good for close up work but, I don’t like bearing-pivots. A budget option crkt squid may suit my needs and give me more cash for other kit! If I was going with my first thought…fixed blade..condor Bushlore. Same choices for the small blade.
Looking for a combo: a small automatic "gentleman's" knife for stabbing in polite company, (black tie affairs) and another larger blade with a serrated edge for more casual slashing around the house.
In my humble opinion, a way to pick up a combo knives is determined by what situations you usually face and what jobs must be done. When talking about EDC, meaning Every Day Carrying, a urbanite shares a totally different scenario from a bushcrafter. A urbanite may only faces not heavy-duty jobs, e.g. slicing foods (not including bones) and papers. When you don't want to scare somebody, the focus on choosing knives will mainly on easy-to-carry. Thus, folders are the choices. One may have a combo, yet a middle size folder could be an option, maybe 3 inches blade. I carry a D2 2.5-inches blade folder. However, if a life-danger is a daily issue, a big folder should be a logical choice and I will not doubt it. Where I live was ranked as 1st in 2021 and top 5 in 2022 the most dangerous place in the world, indicating a war might happen to my homeland with high possibility and US has been preparing for it, if you ever notice what CNN reports. In fact, I have prepared for it as well since 2020. I choose a combo with fixed blades. Why? I need reliable, robust and easy-cleaning knives when survival in the cities or forests. Furthermore, self-defense will be another focus. I choose a local aboriginal high carbon knife (9-inches blade), a Cold Steel SRK SK5 (6-inches blade) and a Mora Kansbol (4-inches blade) as my combo. After surfing websites, I find most brand knives are capable of doing regular jobs, especially when they are made of 1095 steel and level above. Thus, just pick-up one the shape you like with your affordable budget.
I tend to go with Big Knife being a tactical/self defense knife, and then the small more EDC for smaller everyday jobs. Sometimes I carry a third for the small medium large effect. So all bases are covered. So today is the Benchmade Turret, the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite, and the Para 3
My lil’ Native with titanium scales is my favorite edc. In addition to the lightweight version, they’re also planning a wharncliffe lil’ Native (with compression lock). The new Dragonfly wharncliffe in k390 is probably the best small wharnie you can buy (or soon will be, once it becomes available). It lacks the slick compression lock action of the lil’ Native, but it disappears in the pocket and has excellent grip options.
Oh, now THIS is a knife guy question! And, I still obsess about kits and combinations since as long as I can remember. My most frequent combo is an Endura and Super Tinker... often having other tools in a kit somewhere near.
I carry a big sturdy stainless cold steel pocket bushman $30. And a sharp little carbon opinel #7 $15. I us the cold steel for tough stuff, cutting cord, scraping, sometimes I can just use the handle for what I need. The opinel is for more delicate stuff, skinning rabbits, picking splinters
I always carry a SAK Rambler and "something", just depends on the day and my mood. The something could be a full size knife like a Vero Axon or Civivi Riffle, a little chunker like an OKnife Parrot or Kubey Karaji, or a small to mid size like a CJRB Ria, Kershaw Leek, or Hogue Deka.
Great topic, I often carry two knives, my trusty griptilian and a folding utility knife. Right now however my griptilian is back with benchmade and I’m camping so I decided to carry my pocket bushman and opinel no.8.
I’ve carried Al Mar SERE2000 for most of two decades. Recently changed my SAK from Huntsman to Ranger. Carry Leatherman WAVE. Ed Caffrey EBK-1 around my neck. 40+ year old single edge Bowen Survivor buckle on my custom belt.
@@jdisdetermined the Bowen Co.sort of died and got resurrected. I think present owners are using something like 440A instead of 440C, but still made in USA. My 1-1/4” dress belt is one of the newer ones, and it’s a useful blade design with caplifter included (don’t get the double edge) and maybe a slightly more rounded & comfortable buckle design.
for a proper big knife/small knife pairing in a non-hunting scenario, choose two from the following list in the order of smallest to largest: Spyderco Chaparral, Spyderco Sage, Spyderco Manix 2, Spyderco Manix XL. I recommend Chaparral with Manix 2. Otherwise, for an outdoors/hunting scenario, choose two from the following list in the order of smallest to largest: Benchmade Mini bugout, Benchmade mini freek, benchmade bugout, Hogue RSK MK1-G2, Benchmade Freek. I recommend the mini freek or the bugout with the full sized freek. A dirty secret about benchmade's hunt-class folders is that they are all inferior to their blue-class M4 G10 Freek 🤷
Dragonfly 2 is actually my all day, every day primary EDC. You’re absolutely right, David; It does look a bit sinister despite its small size. That’s why I complement it with a SAK or a spear point Case Barlow if I’m using a knife around someone who might get nervous. Despite its mean looks, it works fantastically at 99% of all real world urban EDC cutting tasks. If someone is willing to take a sacrifice in materials and construction to get a gentler-looking knife with an almost identical design, the Byrd Robin has more rounded angles in the blade and handle profile, so it doesn’t look so weapon-like.
I saw it, but dismissed it. Somebody put theirs in my hand and eventually gave it to me! I just think there was so much room for a big, big Spyderco. I was impressed with Hundred Pacer, but Resilience is different from it enough to go into my rotation.
Great question. Budget aside my urban edc combo is a CS Espada XL/CS Voyager Tanto XL with a leatherman wave. Bushcraft edc combo is a Work Tuff gear Kaviaz with a Tops BOB 3.5
Within budget pick for me would be the Spyderco Resilience (because i carry that all the time anyways) and some form of SAK. With price being no object i'd go Spyderco Tatanka and a Microtech mini halo in damascus
I love my Lil' Native and it's in CPM-M4 which is in my " favorite knife steels of all time" list. The edge you can put on it is beyond wicked. Spyderco's Native series is one of my favorites in general. I especially love my Shaman, would love to get one in CRU-WEAR but the secondary market price is a tad too steep for me currently since putting in a pre-order for that new, Native 5 Salt w/ MAGNACUT!!!!! Very excited to add this to my ever growing collection/ collection of Spyderco's. 😎 Great video, guys! These are always the highlight of my work week and reminds why I work as hard as I do... to afford MORE KNIVES!!!!!!!!! Bahahahaha
My big and little knife combination is the Gerber Randy Newberg DTS Hunter Folding pocket knife. For my big knife. And the Gerber kettlebell Folding pocket knife for my little knife.
I’m carrying my cost no object small blade right now. Giant Mouse Riv. I did make one modification to mine. I cut off the flipper tab because I generally don’t like flipper tabs pecking stuff in my pocket. I don’t have an above 4” choice because 3.5” is the limit in Colorado so filling my big knife role has to be the Cold Steel AD-10.
OG Elementum BL (not 4", but plenty big, better than reg Elementum size) + Baby Banter is one of my favorite combo carries. If we had another $50 to play with, go with Banter or Big Banter + Baby Banter. Money no object? Military 2 + Delica Wharnie in K390.
Personally, for me, I think the WE Mote is the most underrated perfectly designed little-big knife on the market. Carries like a miniature but functions like a full blown medium EDC knife. One of my absolute favorite models in years. Super small in the pocket but only .25" shorter cutting edge than a PM2.
What are some good fixed blades that aren't specifically made for kitchen use but feel right at home there? I've recently got a condor hivernant for really cheap and it's just so perfect for everything I've been doing in the kitchen lately.
Look for camp/hunting type of knives. The Canteen by NordSmith. Camp MUK by LT Wright. Any Nessmuk style blade is perfect for the kitchen as well as outdoors. Im a huge fan of Nessmuks. Be on the lookout for Marbel’s Knives Woodcraft blade made by TOPS Knives and the Camp Creek also by TOPS. These aren’t out yet. But definitely look them up on KnifeCenter’s TOPS coverage of ShotShow.
I still haven't figured out a high end set yet but I think you can get a Kershaw Bareknuckle pared with matching leek, scallion, or chive great flippers & American made
From my collection (which is not large and does not have many expensive knives), I would pick a civivi Praxis ($40 and 3.75”) and a kizer Flip Shank (109$ and under 2”).
I don’t carry anything 4” or bigger, but my personal Big / Little combo is a Victorinox Climber and Ontario Rat 1. That Rat 1 is about the biggest knife I have that isn’t a fixed blade.
Gents, Ironic choice there on the Spidie "Police!" I too was quite taken w/one and got it for my nephew, a former cop and now a construction supervisor. Evidently, he beats on it every day, yet rarely needs to resharpen, a testament to the premium blade! Testimony from a happy owner...
In my opinion, your main pocket knife is for you but the 5th pocket knife is what you hand to non-knife people. Therefore it needs to be easy to use and understand and not appear threatening. To that end, a Swiss Army knife is almost always in my 5th pocket. Hiker or Camper models work great and don't cost a ton.
I have two big and small sets. The first I have is the SOG Pillar (S35VN) paired with the SOG XR Terminus (D2). The second I have is the ESEE-4 (S35VN) paired with the RAT Model II (D2).
My current answer to this question (budget tossed completely aside) has been to pair the s90v cf Native Chief with the Morakniv Eldris. Terrific 4+" full flat-ground blade, light, slim, with small, sturdy, dependable and nonthreatening fixed Scandi. [ Edit: Of course, I could swap the CJRB Centros in for the Native Chief and have $80 left for another blade!!]
It's funny to think I've got about 70 knives in my kitchen, of all shapes and sizes...some blunt, some sharp. Also , I think they are all fixed blades. I've barely given it a thought.
My unbridled combo would be an insingo inkosi and a leatherman wave plus probably. Within the 150 dollar limit i would probably go with the kershaw bareknuckle and a wharnie manbug
I will buy a Spyderco military one day. I have the Spyderco Caribbean so the para 2 is lower on my list as i did get my PM3 in cpm s110v. That steel serves the PM3 very well IMO.
I'm a big fan of these discussion type video formats. Enjoyed watching with dinner. 👍
Right on!
Indeed, after dinner for me though.
Yes! Im actually about to eat my dinner now
Lol, I do that too!
My favorite combo within the lower price range is a Buck 110 slim for the large one and a victorinox huntsman for small. Probably not everybody's choice, but this works for me.
This was definitely one of my favorite episodes in terms of knowledge and topic. I love the combo methodology! I carry a Baby Banter always, and then rotate a larger knife depending on where I’m going that day (usually Griptilian daily, Imperium on days off). Please do more knife combos!
I agree. Loved this episode. Would love to see more like this one!
I see David and Seth, I click like.
My personal "small and large" combo is the Victorinox Compact and a Leatherman Surge. I will mix up with a Leatherman Wave and some dedicated knife, like a Spyderco Military or a Cold Steel AD-10 or Ultimate Hunter
senoB :- Agreed, a multi tool and a good sized knife make the perfect pairing for EDC.
The hunter is a nice knife but its more outdoorsy than it is a box cutter or self defense tool. It would be my go to for camping.
Interesting pick on the compact but bc it is so popular I can usual find a better deal on the champ. The ability to have a magnifying glass for me means either an explorer plus (out of production) or the champ bc it can be used as a fire starter, for eyeglass repair, and for removing splinters and ticks. The compact complements the leatherman very well but for me having magnifying glass is key bc its one of those things that come in handy and would otherwise be easy to lose or damage.
I would love to see this same discussion applied to fixed blades,
Benchmade Leuku and a Whiteriver Backpacker would be a nice combo but a bit pricey. Esee 6HM or a Becker instead of the Leuku if you want an absolute beast.
For the budget option Cold Steel SRK all day every day. And probably a KaBar or CRKT neck knife. They both make a few models. An Izula if it's on sale like it is currently on knifecenter.
Izula and Backpacker are skeletonised handles but have the option of paying a bit more for scales or just do a paracord wrap.
@@bena3341 Thats the things tons of options. You mentioned ones I never would have thought of.
Currently a Kabar Mark 1 and a Crkt Obake are what rule my belt and pocket. Got a mini Becker too with some paracord and a different sheath it is awesome, throws decently too lol
And the margin is cause fixed can be pricey, cheap or in the middle wanted to give them wiggle room lol.
I rock a Tops Baja4.5 on my right side and a Bradford Guardian 3 crossdraw in a kydex sheath on my left. If I'm somewhere that permits it, I usually switch the tops for my pistol, but when I'm working I keep the knives on me.
I really enjoy these discussion type videos - Casual, fun, yet informative. DCA and Seth, you guys make a great pair - thanks for your work !
Guys thank you so much for picking my question, amazing video!! Excellent discussion as always, lovely to see DCA and Seth really nerding out once again, just brilliant stuff all round.
Funnily enough since asking the question I've taken to carrying a pocket fixed blade, with either my Brad Zinker/ Boker Pelican or a little Case slip joint.
This video is an excellent excuse to buy a couple more options to rotate my carry when payday comes around 😂
Thanks again gentlemen you're the best!
You guys continue to make great content. Love when you pick each other’s brains and have these table talks. Keep up the good work!
I actually asked myself this same question not long ago. I decided on two knives I already owned, so the budget part wasn't really a factor for me; Spyderco Police in K390 and the Spyderco Dragonfly, also in K390. While these two partivular knives would be over 150 if bought together, you could easily find both of these knives in their base VG10 versions for under $150 if you shop around.
Really? My large knife is a Kurkie
@@barrydneedham :- But do you carry it daily...EDC?
The question asked in the video was for a folding large knife.
I’m a big fan of the Para 3 and the Bradford Guardian 3.5 as my edc combo!
Dangit. Seth is just so darn genuine and wholesome. He's really grown on me a ton and he's such a unique person and personality compared to so many "knife guys" I know. It's a really refreshing voice and point of view.
I'm all in on big/small (usually more like over/under 3") combos and usually carry two blades that contrast. Usually try to blend two sizes, thickness of grind, bearings/washers, deployment method. Might rock a DFly K390 and a JG Scout. Might be a Cold Steel American Lawman or Vero Axon and a TRM Nerd or 10v Mini Sheepdog. Or a buncha other combos obviously. Great vid guys!
Hey dca and Seth, fun idea for a new segment, top five “money is no object” knives you can get today at knife center. I think it would be interesting to see what you two come up with.
Like say you won the lottery and found out while at work, what 5 knives are you buying ?
Your videos keep getting better and better, the camera work on this video 👌, editing is great.
I like the combo of carrying the wharncliffe versions of the spyderco endura and dragonfly. For low budget I would go with Ontario Rat 1 in D2 and a Victorinox Classic SD in bright yellow for the ability to have a letter opener, nail file, tweezers and surprisingly useful scissors. I love cold steel but dont carry them bc they offer more capability than I need for edc.
That was exactly what I was thinking!
With the extra 100 buck's you can take your gal out to dinner.
Great name! : )
Hey DCA and Seth. Would love to hear some options for EDC with a fixed blade paired with a folder. If possible under $250.00
Thanks guys!
That and one for a pair of fixed. Big and little is the way to do it.
That's easy. Just choose one of $50 Moraknivs and a $50 SAK, and you're all good. The rest of the money spend on beers and lap dances.
@@damyr pretty much. Or to hit the higher budget he mentioned a Leatherman and a Garberg
@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 a Tops BOB and a Whiteriver Backpacker would be nice. Or at a lower budget a Mora and an Izula. You could go for something huge like a Esee but for me a decent sized Bushcraft knife is more versatile.
Get a morakniv basic and then spend $230 on a great folder lol
When it comes to BIG folders you have to stand in awe, of Cold Steel's Spartan baby! New this year though is the Mayhem, which just might cause the Spartan to take a bow:) LOL!
I carry the QSP penguin, and a victorinox Classic sd as my edc combo. Usually carry an Olight I1R in my 5th pocket and the classic sd on my keys
My wife got me a brass penguin at Xmas. Loving it!
@@obedmarshjr8498 awesome, the brass looks really great. I’ve got the blue jean micarta and I really love it too. Might have to get a brass too haha!
I keep an sd classic in walnut on my Northwall leather key organizer along with a Roryvon Aurora a3.
Took me a while to get things as minimal as possible and am really happy where I ended up. The Northwall even came with a small prybar that's in the organizer with my keys. I pocket carry and m and p bodyguard .380, my main blade clipped to my cargo pocket, folded bandana with a few bandaids and some dental floss in my back left pocket, and my deep sea leather topsider wallet in my right back pocket. I keep a Maxpediton edcm huge organizer in my car's console, loaded with goodies that I don't necessarily need to have on my person on a daily basis. I used to carry alot more and just found I wasn't using all the stuff on any kind of regular basis.
I keep a SAK Rambler and Olight I1R connected together with a small keychain ring in my left pocket and my other knife (which can vary wildly day to day) in the right pocket.
My EDC is a 2.5-inch folder, it has an aggressive cold stainless steel serrated blade, black polycarbonate handle with a BEAUTIFUL screaming eagle and a sweet, perfectly sized belt clip. It is so balanced and tactile that it seems to become part of my hand. It comes in right under you price point of $1.50 because Dollar Tree went up on prices and now charges $1.25 for this Work Bench work of art, but I STILL think it is a STEAL of a deal for this sinister stainless STEEL. I'm getting a raise soon; I'd love to hear your thoughts on prices all the way up to $5.00
Good video, thanks. I am using the Buck 110 Slim as big blade, very Slim in the pocket. And lately I take the Mora Eldris with me as small blade which you can use for so many tasks and nobody is scared of it
I like this question! Though I was surprised by the direction it took. I didn’t think the question was going the road of two folders. I was thinking fixed and folder. With that in mind, I’d like to put the condor Krakatoa and steel will barghest as my contenders. I like the look of the condors but the barghest may be more substantial. (I’d love a few days in your warehouse with no adult supervision!) for my small knife, civivi’s baby banter is my front runner. Grip and choir and spear point lead me to believe it will carve well. Good for close up work but, I don’t like bearing-pivots. A budget option crkt squid may suit my needs and give me more cash for other kit!
If I was going with my first thought…fixed blade..condor Bushlore. Same choices for the small blade.
Post script…Bushlore and squid means enough left over to put half down on the axe I want. Axe, fixed big boy and small folder for $200? Not bad
Looking for a combo: a small automatic "gentleman's" knife for stabbing in polite company, (black tie affairs) and another larger blade with a serrated edge for more casual slashing around the house.
Serrated casual slashing? Hmm.. What's your budget?? 🤔
In my humble opinion, a way to pick up a combo knives is determined by what situations you usually face and what jobs must be done.
When talking about EDC, meaning Every Day Carrying, a urbanite shares a totally different scenario from a bushcrafter.
A urbanite may only faces not heavy-duty jobs, e.g. slicing foods (not including bones) and papers. When you don't want to scare somebody, the focus on choosing knives will mainly on easy-to-carry. Thus, folders are the choices. One may have a combo, yet a middle size folder could be an option, maybe 3 inches blade. I carry a D2 2.5-inches blade folder. However, if a life-danger is a daily issue, a big folder should be a logical choice and I will not doubt it.
Where I live was ranked as 1st in 2021 and top 5 in 2022 the most dangerous place in the world, indicating a war might happen to my homeland with high possibility and US has been preparing for it, if you ever notice what CNN reports. In fact, I have prepared for it as well since 2020. I choose a combo with fixed blades. Why? I need reliable, robust and easy-cleaning knives when survival in the cities or forests. Furthermore, self-defense will be another focus. I choose a local aboriginal high carbon knife (9-inches blade), a Cold Steel SRK SK5 (6-inches blade) and a Mora Kansbol (4-inches blade) as my combo.
After surfing websites, I find most brand knives are capable of doing regular jobs, especially when they are made of 1095 steel and level above. Thus, just pick-up one the shape you like with your affordable budget.
I tend to go with Big Knife being a tactical/self defense knife, and then the small more EDC for smaller everyday jobs. Sometimes I carry a third for the small medium large effect. So all bases are covered. So today is the Benchmade Turret, the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite, and the Para 3
My lil’ Native with titanium scales is my favorite edc. In addition to the lightweight version, they’re also planning a wharncliffe lil’ Native (with compression lock). The new Dragonfly wharncliffe in k390 is probably the best small wharnie you can buy (or soon will be, once it becomes available). It lacks the slick compression lock action of the lil’ Native, but it disappears in the pocket and has excellent grip options.
Oh, now THIS is a knife guy question! And, I still obsess about kits and combinations since as long as I can remember. My most frequent combo is an Endura and Super Tinker... often having other tools in a kit somewhere near.
I carry a big sturdy stainless cold steel pocket bushman $30. And a sharp little carbon opinel #7 $15. I us the cold steel for tough stuff, cutting cord, scraping, sometimes I can just use the handle for what I need. The opinel is for more delicate stuff, skinning rabbits, picking splinters
David and Seth are my pick for large and small knife combo 🍴
My pair is usually a Victorinox Huntsman and a Cold Steel Voyager XL clip point.
OMG the Kershaw Strata blows my mind, so aesthetic, thanks for showing!
I always carry a SAK Rambler and "something", just depends on the day and my mood. The something could be a full size knife like a Vero Axon or Civivi Riffle, a little chunker like an OKnife Parrot or Kubey Karaji, or a small to mid size like a CJRB Ria, Kershaw Leek, or Hogue Deka.
As a sucker for big knives my favorite on this list will have to be the Spyderco Police 4.
Great topic, I often carry two knives, my trusty griptilian and a folding utility knife. Right now however my griptilian is back with benchmade and I’m camping so I decided to carry my pocket bushman and opinel no.8.
I’ve carried Al Mar SERE2000 for most of two decades. Recently changed my SAK from Huntsman to Ranger. Carry Leatherman WAVE. Ed Caffrey EBK-1 around my neck. 40+ year old single edge Bowen Survivor buckle on my custom belt.
This reminds me that a belt buckle knife is something I desperately need..
@@jdisdetermined the Bowen Co.sort of died and got resurrected. I think present owners are using something like 440A instead of 440C, but still made in USA. My 1-1/4” dress belt is one of the newer ones, and it’s a useful blade design with caplifter included (don’t get the double edge) and maybe a slightly more rounded & comfortable buckle design.
for a proper big knife/small knife pairing in a non-hunting scenario, choose two from the following list in the order of smallest to largest: Spyderco Chaparral, Spyderco Sage, Spyderco Manix 2, Spyderco Manix XL. I recommend Chaparral with Manix 2.
Otherwise, for an outdoors/hunting scenario, choose two from the following list in the order of smallest to largest: Benchmade Mini bugout, Benchmade mini freek, benchmade bugout, Hogue RSK MK1-G2, Benchmade Freek. I recommend the mini freek or the bugout with the full sized freek.
A dirty secret about benchmade's hunt-class folders is that they are all inferior to their blue-class M4 G10 Freek 🤷
Dragonfly 2 is actually my all day, every day primary EDC. You’re absolutely right, David; It does look a bit sinister despite its small size. That’s why I complement it with a SAK or a spear point Case Barlow if I’m using a knife around someone who might get nervous. Despite its mean looks, it works fantastically at 99% of all real world urban EDC cutting tasks.
If someone is willing to take a sacrifice in materials and construction to get a gentler-looking knife with an almost identical design, the Byrd Robin has more rounded angles in the blade and handle profile, so it doesn’t look so weapon-like.
You need to stop hanging around people who get nervous over a tiny knife like the dragonfly
WOW! The Spydie Resilience caught my eye big time, don't think I've ever come across that particular Spydie till now.
I saw it, but dismissed it. Somebody put theirs in my hand and eventually gave it to me! I just think there was so much room for a big, big Spyderco. I was impressed with Hundred Pacer, but Resilience is different from it enough to go into my rotation.
Seth with the flex Runt 5 in the 5th pocket…. I love it
Para 2 with Ti Flytanium lotus scales. And Lil Native G 10 ...pretty decent combo. I switch a para 3 and Native 5 LW also.
I usually carry a RAT 1 in D2, and a Victorinox Camper.
Ahhh sick!! Gonna watch this as soon as I get home from work tonight 🔥🔥🔥🔥
My first to knives were victorinox climber and cold steel voyager XL. Great duo in my opinion
Great question. Budget aside my urban edc combo is a CS Espada XL/CS Voyager Tanto XL with a leatherman wave.
Bushcraft edc combo is a Work Tuff gear Kaviaz with a Tops BOB 3.5
Lucas Burnley Böker Plus Kihon stainless steel tanto, Victorinox Huntsman, and Victorinox SD on the key ring, and the backpack on the Letherman Wave.
This was a GREAT discussion on knives and what to think about when buying one. 👍👍
Super budget scenario; cold steel pocket bushman and esee churp!
Within budget pick for me would be the Spyderco Resilience (because i carry that all the time anyways) and some form of SAK. With price being no object i'd go Spyderco Tatanka and a Microtech mini halo in damascus
DCA picking the Baby Banter! That's awesome. Great discussion happening here.
You guys put on a really good knife show! I’m gonna dive deep into that Kershaw Stratta because I saw it on your vid! Keep it up boys!
The Sedge is fantastic.
I prefer a traditional slip joint for my small pocket size. One that I carry regularly is a Barlow in 1095 from Bear and Son.
I love my Lil' Native and it's in CPM-M4 which is in my " favorite knife steels of all time" list. The edge you can put on it is beyond wicked. Spyderco's Native series is one of my favorites in general. I especially love my Shaman, would love to get one in CRU-WEAR but the secondary market price is a tad too steep for me currently since putting in a pre-order for that new, Native 5 Salt w/ MAGNACUT!!!!! Very excited to add this to my ever growing collection/ collection of Spyderco's. 😎
Great video, guys! These are always the highlight of my work week and reminds why I work as hard as I do... to afford MORE KNIVES!!!!!!!!! Bahahahaha
Great idea for discussion. Esee 6 and Tops Mini Scandi.
I love how you two interact! Love the vid
My 5th pocket choice is always the Leatherman Micra, and beside that I choose a knife for the current task.
Liking the Baby Banter alot. It is made well. I would love it with a stronger steel and a wire clip.
I always pair a 3.75-4" folder with a Victorinox Hunter or Farmer or Hiker or something in that range. Even a Tinker or GAK.
My big and little knife combination is the Gerber Randy Newberg DTS Hunter Folding pocket knife. For my big knife. And the Gerber kettlebell Folding pocket knife for my little knife.
I’m carrying my cost no object small blade right now. Giant Mouse Riv. I did make one modification to mine. I cut off the flipper tab because I generally don’t like flipper tabs pecking stuff in my pocket. I don’t have an above 4” choice because 3.5” is the limit in Colorado so filling my big knife role has to be the Cold Steel AD-10.
My normal carry combo is a large Crooked River with a Smock or the Endura 4 ss with a Boker LRF
Spyderco Native Chief is a good large folder choice.
Cold Steel 4Max Scout & Ontario Rat 2
Lol paused the video and picked my two before watching, ended up with the same two as DCA.
OG Elementum BL (not 4", but plenty big, better than reg Elementum size) + Baby Banter is one of my favorite combo carries. If we had another $50 to play with, go with Banter or Big Banter + Baby Banter. Money no object? Military 2 + Delica Wharnie in K390.
Bring back this series!
I would love to see this same discussion applied to fixed blades
Personally, for me, I think the WE Mote is the most underrated perfectly designed little-big knife on the market. Carries like a miniature but functions like a full blown medium EDC knife. One of my absolute favorite models in years. Super small in the pocket but only .25" shorter cutting edge than a PM2.
I would pair the Cold Steel Recon 1 with the Kiridashi. Civivi Vexer and Civivi Elementum. For larger Spyderco's my fav is the Native Chief.
Awesome video! Much appreciated Dca and Seth.
Did you notice DCA’s face when Seth said “people with really big hands”? 😂😂 Another banger boys you guys are killing it.
Love to see a fellow MILITARY carryin man!! Solidarity brother
Seth, you look like the kinda guy who owns a panel van.
I still just carry the one knife. The Spyderco Caribbean. It serves me very well day to day and wont rust away while we mix up our brine. 👌🏻
What are some good fixed blades that aren't specifically made for kitchen use but feel right at home there? I've recently got a condor hivernant for really cheap and it's just so perfect for everything I've been doing in the kitchen lately.
Look for camp/hunting type of knives. The Canteen by NordSmith. Camp MUK by LT Wright. Any Nessmuk style blade is perfect for the kitchen as well as outdoors. Im a huge fan of Nessmuks. Be on the lookout for Marbel’s Knives Woodcraft blade made by TOPS Knives and the Camp Creek also by TOPS. These aren’t out yet. But definitely look them up on KnifeCenter’s TOPS coverage of ShotShow.
Battle Horse Knives
th-cam.com/video/kgD9-f9fCbc/w-d-xo.html
I still haven't figured out a high end set yet but I think you can get a Kershaw Bareknuckle pared with matching leek, scallion, or chive great flippers & American made
From my collection (which is not large and does not have many expensive knives), I would pick a civivi Praxis ($40 and 3.75”) and a kizer Flip Shank (109$ and under 2”).
I like both the small knife picks.
Big fan of this episode. Would love to see more like this or even a podcast?
Esse 4 and a SAK or my sweet Benchmade and and a Leatherman
Resilience is boss feeling in the hand. I want to combine the G-10 version with new G-10 and S35VN blade
Spyderco Cricket, it’s probably my thinnest pocket knife.
Spyderco Endura and Kershaw Shuffle.
I don’t carry anything 4” or bigger, but my personal Big / Little combo is a Victorinox Climber and Ontario Rat 1. That Rat 1 is about the biggest knife I have that isn’t a fixed blade.
Gents, Ironic choice there on the Spidie "Police!" I too was quite taken w/one and got it for my nephew, a former cop and now a construction supervisor. Evidently, he beats on it every day, yet rarely needs to resharpen, a testament to the premium blade! Testimony from a happy owner...
In my opinion, your main pocket knife is for you but the 5th pocket knife is what you hand to non-knife people. Therefore it needs to be easy to use and understand and not appear threatening. To that end, a Swiss Army knife is almost always in my 5th pocket. Hiker or Camper models work great and don't cost a ton.
My go to small large combo is a Benchmade crooked river in 20cv with micarta scales, and a mini bugout also with micarta scales.
I have two big and small sets.
The first I have is the SOG Pillar (S35VN) paired with the SOG XR Terminus (D2).
The second I have is the ESEE-4 (S35VN) paired with the RAT Model II (D2).
My current answer to this question (budget tossed completely aside) has been to pair the s90v cf Native Chief with the Morakniv Eldris. Terrific 4+" full flat-ground blade, light, slim, with small, sturdy, dependable and nonthreatening fixed Scandi.
[ Edit: Of course, I could swap the CJRB Centros in for the Native Chief and have $80 left for another blade!!]
These are really fun, just two dudes who love their knives talking fantasy line ups. Great stuff.
Thanks for your work! Really love this kind of video featuring both DCA and Seth
The Kershaw Strata is definitely one of my favourite knives, thanks for highlighting it as well
And the Baby Banter was a great choice too
It's funny to think I've got about 70 knives in my kitchen, of all shapes and sizes...some blunt, some sharp. Also , I think they are all fixed blades. I've barely given it a thought.
Love these videos. Good exposure to standard picks with a bunch of fun stuff thrown in
An edc combo I trust is the Spyderco Bob Lum tanto folder on the strong side and a Leatherman Skeletool worn on the weak side. Its a good balance.
Really fun format! Thanks!
I really enjoyed this one even though I am mostly a fixed blade kind of guy.
Exactly!
@@jonathancupp3686 I would maybe have picked an esee candiru and a BK16. 😂
@@AnomadAlaska how about a machete and an exacto knife?
My unbridled combo would be an insingo inkosi and a leatherman wave plus probably. Within the 150 dollar limit i would probably go with the kershaw bareknuckle and a wharnie manbug
Really like this format and I might have to pick up that Bestech
This is great. I do a 110 auto and Gerber EAB daily. Have fun with the auto and thrash the other.
Big Knife: traditional Buck 110 on my belt. Small Knife: Sears Stockman, made in NY, Not certain who manufactured for Sears.
hey dave and seth i think you guys forgot the kershaw scallion have been carrying it for years thanks for the vid
I will buy a Spyderco military one day. I have the Spyderco Caribbean so the para 2 is lower on my list as i did get my PM3 in cpm s110v. That steel serves the PM3 very well IMO.