I love Kershaw. The affordability, quality, craftsmanship, and innovation are all important to me. My Bel Air is buttery smooth opening and closing. Love the blade geometry and steel. Now they have multiple colors.
My favorite folding knives have been the Cold Steel AD-10 and the Cold Steel Hunter. The Hunter is less expensive and a good bit lighter for everyday carry but my absolute favorite is the AD-10. 😍 It’s heavier than your everyday pocketknife but it’s built like a tank. 💪
With the Kershaw being usa made, magnacut, duralock, and $150 what could benchmade possibly say to justify it's budget models being around $170 and then skyrocketing from there for YEARS? Stupid Benchmade. And before anyone says anything about it, Kershaw has great warranties and great customer service from my first hand experience.
My experience with Benchmade customer service was not good at all and it really sucks there located 30 min from me . Should be the only brand I carry but sadly there extreme pricing for budget steel lack of customer service who would support them . Besides there fan boys
Benchmade way over rated these days. Prices keep going up while quality, reliability, and especially customer service keep going down . Now they also charge for items that used to be included for free.
As a fellow outdoor guy, in CO, I can highly recommend a folder that has become my favorite edc and now is my backup to my belt knife when outdoors. The Real Steel Pathfinder folder Scandi grind. 3.8” true zero Scandi grind 14c blade, contoured micarta scales, beefy crossbar lock and deep carry pocket clip. Real Steel is way underrated for outdoor/bushcraft knives. I’ve quite a few of their fixed blades and some folders but that pathfinder folder Scandi is awesome. I did put a secondary convex on it after I finally had to sharpen it. I experienced zero edge problems that is common with some scandi’s. For under $80 it’s a top value and is a true workhorse, I’ve even done some light batoning with it and had zero problems. They do a great job on the heat treat on the 14c. They also make a couple convex fixed blades, the bushcraft and bushcraft plus both can be had with a convex and they do a really really good job.
For restrictive legislation (I’m in the UK) the Kizer Vagnino ZipSlip is great - it’s a Heinnie Haynes exclusive in 154CM with red G10 scales. There’s a stiff double detent and a decent finger choil and I think it set me back £50. Would recommend.
That is a really kind and thoughtful prayer that you have for us. I'm touched. Thank you sir. Also thanks for the look at all the knives. Awesome list my friend!
Wire pocket clips are awesome. Waiting for the Magnacut Salt Sage 5 coming out soon. Hard to justify spending money on a hobby these days but having a waterproof lightweight knife with steel liners, a wire clip, and Magnacut? Amazing.
We sell Benchmade shootouts at my job and the blade flew out of the handle completely. There was another shootout where the action stopped working. They keep breaking and falling apart. I recommend Kershaw OTF or Kratos OTF
Man, this was a really great list!! The Jagt and Shootout stand put to me the most. My favorite (that I've had) for new to 2024 is the Protech TR3 integrity (manual). It's so good!! My most carried this year was the large sebenza 31 with micarta inlay, Strider SnG, Hinderer Project X, and lately the Socom Elite. Cheers
Well I was not expecting the baritone; go on witcho bad self, Aaron! Thanks for the list, as always. Thanks especially for reminding me about the Belair, the Demko Shark Cubs, and the Boker Worldwide. Merry Christmas and many blesisngs for the new year!
@@ChopperJohn Hey. A broken clock is right two times a day. But seriously, I had a centering issue with one BM folder. But otherwise, all my others have been fine.
It seems like 2024 was Boker's year. Nice to see several good knives being reviewed for $50 give or take. I've never considered a pocket knife to be a lifetime tool for those of us that actually use one on a daily basis. Eventually it gets sharpened into oblivion or it just gets worn out. Good to know you can still get a daily beater for a decent price that won't fall apart and can hold an edge. Always curious to see what knives you'll select for your end of year round out. You always have some surprises and never disappoint.
My Böker Kihon needed work out of the box-- the grind was off in one area, and the clip bent easily. I found a replacement clip on Amazon under "titanium Spyderco wire replacement," and its a perfect, solid fit. I also swapped out the thumbstud from my Benchmade Grizzly Ridge, which is nearly the same shade of orange as the Kihon's bushings. I have also been happy with rheir D2, after having bad luck with other brands in the same steel. *EDIT:* The replacement clip isnt a wire profile, but rather a more conventional spring bar type.
I like aluminum scales because there are a few dudes out there that will laser etch for like $35 - $50. A little bit of a laser etch on aluminum and titanium can put a ton of grip on some scales, sometimes a little too much.
My tip: take a look at the knives from Kunwu, they really surprised me in a positive way. The knives from Kunwu are really great, quality, materials, fit and finish, everything is perfect. I own knives from CKF, Herman, Shirogorov, Hinderer, Chris Reeve, Microtech, Maxace, Reate, Rike etc. and Kunwu doesn't have to hide at all, on the contrary, the knives can keep up at a reasonable price for what you get.
G'day Aaron, you've done very well to narrow down a list with so much variety mate. I particularly like that the Demko jobs come in budget through to premo versions, it means more folks can enjoy the same design. Personally, I reckon the clip point suits this one better, but again, there's a choice. Cheers Duke. P.S. I always appreciate when you mention the designer, (when known). I feel its an aspect, I/we, should know more about. Unfortunately, no blade show here and to be honest I dont have the time or the patience, to wade through the myriad of channels/web sites to find out, because, when I have done so, more often than not, I still end up none the wiser. Lets put the spotlight on and give these individuals the credit, or not ; ) that they're due. I'd go as far as to say, put their name up, as a matter of course, in every product description.
Ive carried the same knives for years. Coldsteel voyager xl tanto. And broken skull in xhp. Sometimes i carry the code4 an the Espada g10 large in xhp . I don't see anything changing especially with this selection.
I know benchmade seems to be getting a lot of hate in the USA these days. In Canada they seem to be marked up much less than some of the other American made brands like Demko, Hogue and Microtech and in most cases are either comparably priced or actually better priced. I find them to be well built knives. Between me and my brother we've purchased 10 of their folders with zero issues other than some actions being a little stiff from the factory.
Cold Steel Recon M1 wins it. Spyderco PM 2 Salt. The Redemption bagged! Kershaw Iridium was good, same with the Belair (needs another 1/4 inch) ,Bestech Swordfis button lock. Too many undersized knives is the downside this year.
Personally i would rather have micarta over g10 on a Bellaire. I just prefer the feel of micarta better. I would also love to see the Bellaire blade be 1/4" if not 3/8" bigger. A 3in blade knife is just a tad small for my liking.
The shootout is the only Benchmade I’ve been interested in quite a few years, and if the prices are where you are stating then it’s not extremely overpriced like almost all of their models. I was impressed with the first one but I don’t like Tantos and I considered sharpening to the point it’s a drop point but now they offer a drop point.
Love it! I like your selections with one exception. I can buy a Livewire and a Bel-air for the price of the Shootout. So the chance of me buying a Shootout is Zero.
I’d like to see your reviews on some watches. I just picked up the timex north expedition automatic in titanium. It’s a really great watch, good water resistance, excellent automatic movement and it’s so light due to the titanium.
What do you think of the Cayman extra large folder I really appreciate what you guys doing new to your page and I'd like to know what you think of this knife
@orendz7740 of course! Another brand I just thought of that widely uses bronze washers is going to be TRM. They are a great company imo. I have several knives from them and love them all.
Yes Absolutely , Spyderco , Benchmade , Cold Steel , Ontario Rats All use Washers and a few Kershaws too .... But Almost All Chinese knives use Bearings because their Tolerances Sucked and they couldn't make a smooth drop shutty Pivot with washers to save their lives , the Invention of Bearings basically Save the Chinese folding pocket knife industry and that was about 8 - 10 yrs ago .... 👍🖖
Thank you for the video! It was very comprehensive. I wonder why I didn't see knifes with a glass breaker at the end. Significant part of our lives we spend in a cars and this feature could be lifeseaving. What you think?
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the content. It’s a core flannel from LA police gear. Love these have several $20 great value and high-performing. Here’s the link. Core Flannels la-police-gear.pxf.io/jeePj0 10% Off Your Purchase With Code LAPG10GT
I’ve been subscribed with you for many years. For some reason I don’t receive any notifications from your channel. It’s only a mention from another channel that brought me here to make this message. Thanks to heavy set tackle might be appropriate.
I'm very much a "light duty" user, and I agree. I dislike the feel of bearing knives, they feel loose and less safe. With washers, the closing action is more predictable and therefore safer.
Good picks, but overall nowadays with all these awesome crossbar lock knives, I cannot find a reason to pick frame or liner lock knife. The crossbar lock is so convenient to use, strong and reliable and super fidgety, pretty much the best overall locking mechanism in my humble opinion. 😊
Nice list. I’m glad you enjoy your Benchmade. Though I’ll agree with many others they’ve become overpriced. At the start of the year when they announced a mini Bushcrafter with CF scales and the mini Adamas with MagnaCut, I was eagerly awaiting the drops. Then I saw the prices and they became a hard pass. When they dropped the smaller Bali-Song the Laro, I wanted one. But at $585, it’s a no. But someone is buying these blades. I had a browser page open to a retailer for the Laro. They’re now sold out.
Kershaw has definitely stepped up their game! I own the Livewire in Magnacut and Shootout Tanto in CPM Cruware that I picked up on sales and like them both and would have a hard time choosing between them if I had to. I find Kershaw, the USA made models are a much better value than Benchmade which I find overpriced. I see you support LAPG which I love and wondered if you have looked at the TBFK knife in S35VN that they sell? Great value! Could you do a review on it?
Also I haven’t bought a demko yet but hope too sometime soon because the company isn’t far from where I live in PA. I just wish all their knives were USA made. Not that I don’t like Taiwan knives I love ky okc rat 2s
@@gideonstactical Awesome! Just want you to know that you're by far the best channel for knife reviews. I just purchased the Kershaw Tumbler and Layup. Kershaw has some good stuff these days!
Well... I watched this just to hear you sing buddy. The fixed blade video before this was stacked with hitters. I'm not a pocket knife folder kinda guy. It's not your fault. The only one in this video I have interest in is the Hogue dagger. Still appreciate your hard work and testing and content.
The stealth version of the shark cub is aluminum scaled. I’d bought a shootout early this year and sold it the very next day. The blade rattle was atrocious. Ended up going with the emp edc otf and it’s leagues ahead of BM and the price is better. I honestly hate benchmade these days though. Started with a griptillian well over a decade ago and refuse to pay their prices these days given how far below comparable competition they’ve fallen. Their magnacut, when they use it, is baby shit soft like most of their heat treats. Fit, finish and materials should have most benchmade models at half of what they are asking. Hate to say it, but I hope they either go under or are bought out.
The belair is a great knife but has a fatal flaw. The bearing system isn't good. It goes as follows, liner, washer, bearing, washer, blade, washer, bearing, washer, liner. Basically, two sets of sandwiched bearings, one on both sides. That isn't the problem, though. The problem is the washer material is softer than the bearings. So a drop or two on a hard surface causes the bearing to gouge into the washers, creating a "gritty" action.
You really should review the Spyderco Bodacious. It hits so many categories on the head. 1. No finger choil, allows for a lot of leverage when cutting with downward force. 2. Compression lock, without the annoying shaman numb that hits your finger when you close it. Strong and easily deployable. 3. Broad belly, allows for lots of life in sharpening. 4. Very tall flat grind. 5. Very thin behind the edge thickness for great cutting performance. 6. Thicker tip to prevent tip snapping off unlike on the PM2. 7.USA made Cost is too much tho, and you only get S30v. The handle is blocky. But if it’s coupled with the AWT scale, it’s perfection.
The Bodacious is basically my dream knife from Spyderco, the one I've been waiting for them to make, but they put a ridiculous price on it and very basic steel (for the category) so I'll never buy it. It's such a shame.
I started collecting Benchmades in 1990...up until last year. The Claymore is the last blade I'll buy from for the foreseeable future. They were never inexpensive, but I felt you were getting the quality you were paying for. No longer- their prices are obscene these days! No excuse for it at all. They've gotten my last dollar until they get their head out of their ass on price!!!!! It's a damn shame- NO excuses!!!
The Lander that was shown is old news. The Lander 2/3 that came out in 2024 with the axis lock is where it's at, there's also a clip point & tanto version.
Hahaha 😂 if it’s such a billboard please tell me what the tag says. You are the first person to ever complain about one of my favorite hats that is made in the USA i bought from a discount store.
Thanks for all your work and efforts put forth in your videos! Always enjoy your content brother! Thanks for sharing the Faith bud, there is only one way to Heaven - that is through the blood of Jesus Christ!
@@RobertSmith-us7gs are you for real? Literally stated, these are not paid for and none of these companies knew they were going to be on this video. Haha comments like yours are ridiculous 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
The knives on this video are FAR from the most expensive on the market. There are knives that cost north of $10,000. Go check out Metal Complex if you want to see obscenely expensive knives. I don't think I've ever seen Aaron show anything over $350 on his channel
Thanks To LAPG For Sponsoring This Video
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FAVORITE FLAT TYPE LIGHT? WE NEED A FEW
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I love Kershaw. The affordability, quality, craftsmanship, and innovation are all important to me. My Bel Air is buttery smooth opening and closing. Love the blade geometry and steel. Now they have multiple colors.
My favorite folding knives have been the Cold Steel AD-10 and the Cold Steel Hunter. The Hunter is less expensive and a good bit lighter for everyday carry but my absolute favorite is the AD-10. 😍 It’s heavier than your everyday pocketknife but it’s built like a tank. 💪
With the Kershaw being usa made, magnacut, duralock, and $150 what could benchmade possibly say to justify it's budget models being around $170 and then skyrocketing from there for YEARS? Stupid Benchmade. And before anyone says anything about it, Kershaw has great warranties and great customer service from my first hand experience.
My experience with Benchmade customer service was not good at all and it really sucks there located 30 min from me . Should be the only brand I carry but sadly there extreme pricing for budget steel lack of customer service who would support them . Besides there fan boys
Benchmade way over rated these days. Prices keep going up while quality, reliability, and especially customer service keep going down . Now they also charge for items that used to be included for free.
My benchmade shootout is one of my favorite knives I have ever owned and it never failed and still sharp 😂 it’s crazy how good their knives are
As a fellow outdoor guy, in CO, I can highly recommend a folder that has become my favorite edc and now is my backup to my belt knife when outdoors. The Real Steel Pathfinder folder Scandi grind. 3.8” true zero Scandi grind 14c blade, contoured micarta scales, beefy crossbar lock and deep carry pocket clip. Real Steel is way underrated for outdoor/bushcraft knives. I’ve quite a few of their fixed blades and some folders but that pathfinder folder Scandi is awesome. I did put a secondary convex on it after I finally had to sharpen it. I experienced zero edge problems that is common with some scandi’s. For under $80 it’s a top value and is a true workhorse, I’ve even done some light batoning with it and had zero problems. They do a great job on the heat treat on the 14c. They also make a couple convex fixed blades, the bushcraft and bushcraft plus both can be had with a convex and they do a really really good job.
Very cool I’ll have to take a look at that one! Thanks for sharing it.
For restrictive legislation (I’m in the UK) the Kizer Vagnino ZipSlip is great - it’s a Heinnie Haynes exclusive in 154CM with red G10 scales. There’s a stiff double detent and a decent finger choil and I think it set me back £50. Would recommend.
I've got the titanium zip slip. It is a slicing monster. I love it. And the titanium one looks cool. Seattle
That is a really kind and thoughtful prayer that you have for us. I'm touched. Thank you sir. Also thanks for the look at all the knives. Awesome list my friend!
Thank you for the great reviews. Always enjoy your content and positivity! Blessings to you and yours for 2025.
Did not really expect shootout to be at the top of the list. But I'm glad it is because it's in my pocket right now. It's been a great knife!
Wire pocket clips are awesome. Waiting for the Magnacut Salt Sage 5 coming out soon. Hard to justify spending money on a hobby these days but having a waterproof lightweight knife with steel liners, a wire clip, and Magnacut? Amazing.
We sell Benchmade shootouts at my job and the blade flew out of the handle completely. There was another shootout where the action stopped working. They keep breaking and falling apart. I recommend Kershaw OTF or Kratos OTF
Thank you for the reviews without the influence of sponsorship.
Man, this was a really great list!! The Jagt and Shootout stand put to me the most. My favorite (that I've had) for new to 2024 is the Protech TR3 integrity (manual). It's so good!! My most carried this year was the large sebenza 31 with micarta inlay, Strider SnG, Hinderer Project X, and lately the Socom Elite. Cheers
Thanks for flexing the golden pipes! Merry Christmas!!!!🎄
Thank you Aaron. God bless you too. 😊
Great video thanks Aaron. Always informative and very well spoken.
Well I was not expecting the baritone; go on witcho bad self, Aaron! Thanks for the list, as always. Thanks especially for reminding me about the Belair, the Demko Shark Cubs, and the Boker Worldwide. Merry Christmas and many blesisngs for the new year!
My favorite part about the bench made shoot out is that the blade is actually centered.
@@ChopperJohn Hey. A broken clock is right two times a day. But seriously, I had a centering issue with one BM folder. But otherwise, all my others have been fine.
It seems like 2024 was Boker's year. Nice to see several good knives being reviewed for $50 give or take. I've never considered a pocket knife to be a lifetime tool for those of us that actually use one on a daily basis. Eventually it gets sharpened into oblivion or it just gets worn out. Good to know you can still get a daily beater for a decent price that won't fall apart and can hold an edge. Always curious to see what knives you'll select for your end of year round out. You always have some surprises and never disappoint.
Thanks. Another great video. I really like that Demco has come out with a smaller knife and finally with a drop point. 🎸🔪
Thanks for this list review, I’m sure it’s gonna help some shoppers. My sons are getting me a Demko this Christmas.
My Böker Kihon needed work out of the box-- the grind was off in one area, and the clip bent easily. I found a replacement clip on Amazon under "titanium Spyderco wire replacement," and its a perfect, solid fit. I also swapped out the thumbstud from my Benchmade Grizzly Ridge, which is nearly the same shade of orange as the Kihon's bushings. I have also been happy with rheir D2, after having bad luck with other brands in the same steel.
*EDIT:* The replacement clip isnt a wire profile, but rather a more conventional spring bar type.
I like aluminum scales because there are a few dudes out there that will laser etch for like $35 - $50. A little bit of a laser etch on aluminum and titanium can put a ton of grip on some scales, sometimes a little too much.
Great video and list as always, Good bless
My tip: take a look at the knives from Kunwu, they really surprised me in a positive way. The knives from Kunwu are really great, quality, materials, fit and finish, everything is perfect. I own knives from CKF, Herman, Shirogorov, Hinderer, Chris Reeve, Microtech, Maxace, Reate, Rike etc. and Kunwu doesn't have to hide at all, on the contrary, the knives can keep up at a reasonable price for what you get.
G'day Aaron, you've done very well to narrow down a list with so much variety mate. I particularly like that the Demko jobs come in budget through to premo versions, it means more folks can enjoy the same design. Personally, I reckon the clip point suits this one better, but again, there's a choice.
Cheers Duke.
P.S. I always appreciate when you mention the designer, (when known). I feel its an aspect, I/we, should know more about. Unfortunately, no blade show here and to be honest I dont have the time or the patience, to wade through the myriad of channels/web sites to find out, because, when I have done so, more often than not, I still end up none the wiser. Lets put the spotlight on and give these individuals the credit, or not ; ) that they're due. I'd go as far as to say, put their name up, as a matter of course, in every product description.
I have a Benchmade Shootout and really like it. Flawless action that never fails. Great steel.
It is a great knife. It’s an awesome blade.
Ive carried the same knives for years. Coldsteel voyager xl tanto. And broken skull in xhp.
Sometimes i carry the code4 an the Espada g10 large in xhp .
I don't see anything changing especially with this selection.
I know benchmade seems to be getting a lot of hate in the USA these days. In Canada they seem to be marked up much less than some of the other American made brands like Demko, Hogue and Microtech and in most cases are either comparably priced or actually better priced. I find them to be well built knives. Between me and my brother we've purchased 10 of their folders with zero issues other than some actions being a little stiff from the factory.
Cold Steel Recon M1 wins it. Spyderco PM 2 Salt. The Redemption bagged! Kershaw Iridium was good, same with the Belair (needs another 1/4 inch) ,Bestech Swordfis button lock. Too many undersized knives is the downside this year.
Zero tolerance and Kershaw are both made by Kai USA. I carry the ZT 0801 titanium with S35VN blade. Ive never had an issue with slipping.
Personally i would rather have micarta over g10 on a Bellaire. I just prefer the feel of micarta better. I would also love to see the Bellaire blade be 1/4" if not 3/8" bigger. A 3in blade knife is just a tad small for my liking.
The white bell air is in aluminum!! 👊
The shootout is the only Benchmade I’ve been interested in quite a few years, and if the prices are where you are stating then it’s not extremely overpriced like almost all of their models. I was impressed with the first one but I don’t like Tantos and I considered sharpening to the point it’s a drop point but now they offer a drop point.
Love it! I like your selections with one exception. I can buy a Livewire and a Bel-air for the price of the Shootout. So the chance of me buying a Shootout is Zero.
God bless you and your family and Merry Christmas sir
I’d like to see your reviews on some watches. I just picked up the timex north expedition automatic in titanium. It’s a really great watch, good water resistance, excellent automatic movement and it’s so light due to the titanium.
What do you think of the Cayman extra large folder I really appreciate what you guys doing new to your page and I'd like to know what you think of this knife
My favourite 2 folders of the year were the Demko ad20.5 in s35vn and g10! And the spyderco Manix 2lw!!
Great video brother
Appreciate it, man!
Do they even make pocket knives anymore that use bronze washers vs bearings other than out the side autos and Benchmade?
A lot of Spydercos use bronze washers
@ you’re right. I forgot about Spyderco. Thank you for that.
@orendz7740 of course! Another brand I just thought of that widely uses bronze washers is going to be TRM. They are a great company imo. I have several knives from them and love them all.
@ they really seem to be. I’d love to try a neutron or Atom. Every review I’ve watched on them say nothing but positive feedback.
Yes Absolutely , Spyderco , Benchmade , Cold Steel , Ontario Rats All use Washers and a few Kershaws too .... But Almost All Chinese knives use Bearings because their Tolerances Sucked and they couldn't make a smooth drop shutty Pivot with washers to save their lives , the Invention of Bearings basically Save the Chinese folding pocket knife industry and that was about 8 - 10 yrs ago .... 👍🖖
Thank you for the video! It was very comprehensive. I wonder why I didn't see knifes with a glass breaker at the end. Significant part of our lives we spend in a cars and this feature could be lifeseaving. What you think?
The Demko Shark Cub CPM 20CV is available with G10 and aluminum handle scales.
Nice picks my friend.. the addiction is legit! The stand outs for me were the Kershaw B & the BM otf.
Great Review, I love these end of the year videos and I love that Green button up shirt your wearing Aaron , were did u get it ??
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the content. It’s a core flannel from LA police gear. Love these have several $20 great value and high-performing. Here’s the link.
Core Flannels
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@gideonstactical Thanks Aaron ...👍🖖
Kershaw bel air was my favorite edc purchase this year.
I’ve been subscribed with you for many years. For some reason I don’t receive any notifications from your channel. It’s only a mention from another channel that brought me here to make this message. Thanks to heavy set tackle might be appropriate.
I’m glad you found my channel again! Thanks for the support.
Say it with me people BRONZE WASHERS > BALL BEARINGS
It’s taken me sometime to realize it, but I 100% agree!
For sure. But only if you use your knives 😉
I'm very much a "light duty" user, and I agree. I dislike the feel of bearing knives, they feel loose and less safe. With washers, the closing action is more predictable and therefore safer.
God's peace to you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Aaron!! Thank you for all your time and work!!
What are your thoughts on Chris Reeve knives?
Have bought one as of yet, so can’t say for sure
I hope to see you review one at some point, whether it’s one of their folders or fixed blades.
Good picks, but overall nowadays with all these awesome crossbar lock knives, I cannot find a reason to pick frame or liner lock knife. The crossbar lock is so convenient to use, strong and reliable and super fidgety, pretty much the best overall locking mechanism in my humble opinion. 😊
Nice list. I’m glad you enjoy your Benchmade. Though I’ll agree with many others they’ve become overpriced. At the start of the year when they announced a mini Bushcrafter with CF scales and the mini Adamas with MagnaCut, I was eagerly awaiting the drops. Then I saw the prices and they became a hard pass. When they dropped the smaller Bali-Song the Laro, I wanted one. But at $585, it’s a no. But someone is buying these blades. I had a browser page open to a retailer for the Laro. They’re now sold out.
Hey Aaron! In this video.....what is the touque you are wearing? I like it. Thanks in advance
How is the Ozark Grail not on this list?
Didn’t get my hands on it this year we’ll see if it makes next year’s list.
Hey what’s the beanie you are wearing in this video?
A box cutter is on the list?
Kershaw has definitely stepped up their game! I own the Livewire in Magnacut and Shootout Tanto in CPM Cruware that I picked up on sales and like them both and would have a hard time choosing between them if I had to. I find Kershaw, the USA made models are a much better value than Benchmade which I find overpriced. I see you support LAPG which I love and wondered if you have looked at the TBFK knife in S35VN that they sell? Great value! Could you do a review on it?
I will look into that one! ☝️
For 2025 for the Bel Air: G10 scales and an XL version.
Also I haven’t bought a demko yet but hope too sometime soon because the company isn’t far from where I live in PA. I just wish all their knives were USA made. Not that I don’t like Taiwan knives I love ky okc rat 2s
Christmas Special: 12 Best Fixed Blade’s of the last 12 Year’s! I know, I’m dream’n again...lol
That's a great idea. I might do that one day.
Reporting for duty, and first!
None of the blade HQ links work for me.
Thank you for the heads up. I don’t know what happened. There’s some technical difficulty. I have updated them and they’re working again.
@@gideonstactical Awesome! Just want you to know that you're by far the best channel for knife reviews. I just purchased the Kershaw Tumbler and Layup. Kershaw has some good stuff these days!
Well... I watched this just to hear you sing buddy. The fixed blade video before this was stacked with hitters. I'm not a pocket knife folder kinda guy. It's not your fault. The only one in this video I have interest in is the Hogue dagger. Still appreciate your hard work and testing and content.
Totally!!
I need one of those Boker world wide knives
Microtech Cypher 2 has constantly impressed me since buying it. So good.
I carry one of my 2 shootouts every day
God bless you to.
Boker CLB Drop Xs would be my euro carry
Your dog looks like a English Setter
He’s a border collie springer spaniel mix
The stealth version of the shark cub is aluminum scaled. I’d bought a shootout early this year and sold it the very next day. The blade rattle was atrocious. Ended up going with the emp edc otf and it’s leagues ahead of BM and the price is better. I honestly hate benchmade these days though. Started with a griptillian well over a decade ago and refuse to pay their prices these days given how far below comparable competition they’ve fallen. Their magnacut, when they use it, is baby shit soft like most of their heat treats. Fit, finish and materials should have most benchmade models at half of what they are asking. Hate to say it, but I hope they either go under or are bought out.
The belair is a great knife but has a fatal flaw. The bearing system isn't good. It goes as follows, liner, washer, bearing, washer, blade, washer, bearing, washer, liner. Basically, two sets of sandwiched bearings, one on both sides. That isn't the problem, though. The problem is the washer material is softer than the bearings. So a drop or two on a hard surface causes the bearing to gouge into the washers, creating a "gritty" action.
You really should review the Spyderco Bodacious. It hits so many categories on the head.
1. No finger choil, allows for a lot of leverage when cutting with downward force.
2. Compression lock, without the annoying shaman numb that hits your finger when you close it. Strong and easily deployable.
3. Broad belly, allows for lots of life in sharpening.
4. Very tall flat grind.
5. Very thin behind the edge thickness for great cutting performance.
6. Thicker tip to prevent tip snapping off unlike on the PM2.
7.USA made
Cost is too much tho, and you only get S30v. The handle is blocky.
But if it’s coupled with the AWT scale, it’s perfection.
It sounds like a great knife. I'll have to take a look.
@@gideonstacticalI’ll send you mine to review if you don’t wanna buy one. Idk how that whole process works tho
The Bodacious is basically my dream knife from Spyderco, the one I've been waiting for them to make, but they put a ridiculous price on it and very basic steel (for the category) so I'll never buy it. It's such a shame.
@ 170$
-$189 on freedomknifeshop all day long depending stock
My SOG PENTAGON OTF is Awesome
I’ve been looking at those. I need to get my hands on one.
@gideonstactical I was lucky to get one for $100 off. Lockup is tight
Benchmade is way overpriced and overrated.
True and they also make a good knife. You’re just gonna have to pay for it.
You just heard all the reasons why that isn't true.
Overpriced, yes. Overrated, no. They're awesome knives. They're just unholy pricey these days
Too rich for my blood!
I started collecting Benchmades in 1990...up until last year. The Claymore is the last blade I'll buy from for the foreseeable future. They were never inexpensive, but I felt you were getting the quality you were paying for. No longer- their prices are obscene these days! No excuse for it at all. They've gotten my last dollar until they get their head out of their ass on price!!!!! It's a damn shame- NO excuses!!!
The Lander, is in contention for the most boring knife of the year 😴
And the Yonder
The Lander that was shown is old news. The Lander 2/3 that came out in 2024 with the axis lock is where it's at, there's also a clip point & tanto version.
@@powersww1reset Yep. There’s a lot of boring knives to choose from. They must sell well. How many neutral handled drop points does one need?
Cub is aluminum
I like to hear someone with an opinion of a Benchmade that isn't "THEY'RE ASKING $50 more than I want to pay!! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
Rat2 is made in Taiwan. Ill take it over a Chinese made knife every time. Just my 2 cents....
It's a great worker!!!
I have the Rat1 but there are lots of Taiwanese made knives that are better.
Kershaw livewire any day over the shootout.
It’s really the pocket clip and the lower grind that make the live wire come in second.
I would like a xl version of the bel air I think. If it had a 4 inch blade I think it would be the perfect knife.
Yep, seems like everyone has medium sized hands this year. It make my XL/XXL hands very sad.
AWESOME review brother!
I'm surprised that the Real Steel Penix (terrible name, right?) didn't make it. It's another Bugout killer.
My top 10 in no particular order:
1. Arno Bernard Imamba
2. Rmor Knives Babayaga
3. Benchmade Adamas
4. Benchmade Presidio 2
5. CRK Inkosi Large
6. Spartan Harsey
7. Kershaw Livewire
8. Hogue Deka Magnacut
9. Spyderco PM2 CruWear
10. Benchmade Claymore
That's a good list. The Inkosi and SHF are also on my top 10
You really need to do something about the video thumbnails with your mouth hanging open...it looks stupid.
God Bless Tommy!! So glad to see he’s still doing well.
Bel air over hogue deka?
Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of the Hogue. Go watch my reviews on it.
You talk about hating bill boarding on a knife yet you are wearing a hat with the most obnoxious tag that looks like a price tag on it.
Hahaha 😂 if it’s such a billboard please tell me what the tag says. You are the first person to ever complain about one of my favorite hats that is made in the USA i bought from a discount store.
@@gideonstactical I like the hat it's self, the tag just looks like a price tag.
Keep your day job...
Thanks for all your work and efforts put forth in your videos!
Always enjoy your content brother!
Thanks for sharing the Faith bud, there is only one way to Heaven - that is through the blood of Jesus Christ!
#1 an otf Benchmade? Lol k bruh
Please my friend. Don't sing again. Ever. I nearly unsubscribed. (☺️)
Hahah!!
Yo Aaron, Keep making videos, but STOP singing 😁😁😁
What brand and model boots are you wearing at 3:19 ?
Thanx for the video my Bladed Brother 👍⚔✝🇺🇸
Aaron, great video! KEEP SINGING!
Primo❤
Benchmade is garbage!
All paid reviews 😂
@@RobertSmith-us7gs are you for real? Literally stated, these are not paid for and none of these companies knew they were going to be on this video. Haha comments like yours are ridiculous 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
honestly stopped carrying knives, not using it. keep a good pair of scissors in the car that i use a lot. pepper spray instead of knife.
Man hell naw, what size skirt you wear? Pair of scissors? Wtf lol
first
@gideonstactical whats the hat your wearing ha
How hard is it to review the most expensive knives on the market that only 10% of your subs will ever buy
Um what? 4 out of the 10 are under $50
Ya bro , it's it's above 10 dollars. You're just being arrogant 😂😂😂
The knives on this video are FAR from the most expensive on the market. There are knives that cost north of $10,000. Go check out Metal Complex if you want to see obscenely expensive knives. I don't think I've ever seen Aaron show anything over $350 on his channel
Personal I’ve had enough about hearing about super steals overrated. I already know what I love. Good video.
@gideonstactical I like nice knives. Thanks for reviewing the expensive ones too.