My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Metal Complex's recommended knife/gear retailers! - beacons.ai/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u
Microtech’s quality is exponentially increasing while they are lowering price. Protech is maintaining their prices and high quality. Everyone else is chasing them by raising prices, instead of innovating on quality.
Kershaw is doing very well too The difference between the iridium and the other Chinese knives is insane That and the Launch series is also maintaining their prices, while being more then competitive with Microtech and Protech
I got an AD20 based on MC's recommendation, and it's everything I dreamt of. So robust. It will never leave my side as we ride off into the sunset together.
YES! He’s literally got PAGES of videos for every single budget territory! Makes it awesome when wanting to pick up a blade and all I have to do is search his review. Just gives me a lot of insight and pros/cons before spending 5 or 600
Spartan knives are seriously under appreciated. I wish they would do more with their Taiwan made Field Grade models. A “budget” version (around 150-175 ish) of the harsey would sell like crazy.
Without a doubt. I love the small harsey folder personally as I’ve recently fell for the 3-3.25” blade length. My drift v2 really has shown me the light.
I’ve noticed the availability for the Hinderer XM-18 & XM-24, flipper AND non flippers have been much easier to find. I’ve been into SMKW 4 or 5 times in the last couple months and they’ve had 18/24 flipper and non flippers, Bowies in stock. I remember after covid they literally had 1 scale and that was it for seemed like 2-3 years! Awesome see stuff coming back in stock … also, metalcomplex, keep it up! My favorite channel BY FAR.
I have several full ti Hinderer knives (frame lock and autos) and I struggle to find a knife that scratches my itch like those do. They are SO pleasant to hold, flick open, fidget with, and use.
What an AWESOME LINE-UP OF AMERICAN-MADE KNIVES! This is definitely a G.O.A.T. LIST OF GRAIL KNIVES! Very fun to watch - these are all knives I hope to get someday, and I really like your taste, because I would want to get the exact same versions of all 3 Hinderer knives and the Demko - SUPER COOL! 😎👍
It's my edc and I love it. I don't know of any other knife that carries like a compact, but has a 3.5" blade. The heat treat is amazing too, it's such a good user
I honestly don't have many US knives, all are Benchmades and a few Spydercos. My favourites are my old 2011 Barrage with m390 limited to only 50 and my first generation Spyderco Gayle Badley . Also really like my Presidio and my birthday CF M4 bugout. I just find unless I can get them on sale I prefer Chinese knives. Kevin John are my favourites, then WE and lastly Kizer . Love this video very well explained. I really want a Medford Infraction just so much money here in Canada.
I own or have owned almost each of these model and every one I’ve owned has been put through its paces at work. It’s no different than buying snap-on over harbor freight tools. You’re paying for the quality and home country warranty. I’ve had multiple crk’s and never had an issue. Just like any of my hinderers, striders, etc. they take hard use and ask for more
I much prefer the handle of the Sebenza to the 'Zaan, and in and out of the pocket was better. Handled a Harsey once and it felt like a brick in the hand. But, everybody can spend their money how they want.
I actually prefer the Inkosi to the Sebenza or the 'Zaan in the large size (Sebbie all the way for the small). It's like a slightly overbuilt Sebenza without the less ideal handle ergos of the "Zaan. They are all great high-end users, though.
I own (and really like) a Hinderer XM-18. I also own a Hinderer Firetac, and I much prefer it over the XM. IMO, everything about it addresses any issues I have with my XM. The Firetac is a seriously underappreciated knife and deserves to be on this list.
For me although I love Hinderer, I own 3. My list would only include 1 knife from each maker, then you could add TRM and Tactile Knife Co. to the list. Great list nevertheless. See ya
Good to hear. I’ve got a couple of XM-18 3.5’s and they are good but I much prefer the feel of my XM-24. I’ve got a titianium Eklipse HH scale sitting around waiting for a knife, so I’ll be picking up an Eklipse to try next and I’m hoping I’ll like it as much as I like the XM-24.
I’ve just started to hear about this dude recently. Medford knives are a bit out of my price range and I don’t live in an area where there are lots of other knife guys so as a result I never hear much about Medford knives or the guy. Lately someone had just given me a vague description of the gud and his issues and then by complete change I stumbled onto a video about him handing out shirts at blade show that were offensive towards Asians. I honestly am curious to learn more of why this guy is hated by so many
He says a lot of super unintelligent stuff. People are turned off by his attitude towards certain groups of people. Honestly I tune out Medford, his followers, AND the people who are bothered by him enough to constantly complain about him. Life is better that way
@@EDCsteals I thought you answered your own question! The guy is full of hate and vitriol. There are times when you just can’t look past such garbage and vote with your dollars (or the absence of) to not support such people and their work.
I love the aesthetic of the CR Umnumzaan, but that's all I love about it. It's NOT a fidgety knife. I couldn't even deploy the blade lol, let alone disengage it after I pulled it open. There's zero lockbar access. I got to handle CR's entire product lineup at Blade Show West and I didn't like any of it. Do they make good tools? Sure. But you can get A LOT of knives that serve as good tools but also have wonderful fidget factor.
I'd probably replace a few of your choices with some oddball older or full custom stuff, but it's hard to argue against anything here. I completely agree with your 1 and 2. I put off buying an AD20 for years, mostly because of the shorter blade length compared to the XM24. I ended up getting a full ti version in a trade a few months ago, and haven't carried my XM24 since. The all blade finger choil on the XM eats up so much bladde length, but I guess I just refused to accept it. The actual sharpened edge is exactly the same on my drop point AD20 and swedged spear 24. I still don't like the shark lock, but it's a better knife than the XM24.
With you having demko at 1, would you say that their budget cub is a good buy. It’s smaller than the AD20.5 and in aus10 but it’s a demko under 100 dollars. With that in mind would you say it’s a good get for someone who wants a pocket knife that’s tough but fully reliable and fidgety
I don't have a cub, but I do have a 20.5 and an AD20. Personally I wouldn't go smaller than the 20.5, but I have XL hands. The slicey 20.5 in 20cv is a straight up banger. I've been using it as a work knife for a few months, and it has done the job very well. (EDIT) Recently acquired a full Ti Cub. It is a little small for me, but an excellent knife nonetheless.
@@Ratchman_5000 I’m mainly going for a smaller size due to my medium to smaller hands, things like a para 3 or kizer original fit my hand better, and a 3 inch limit factor is also a problem. All be it, nice to hear that the shark lock does preform well for a working knife all around
Thought for sure the Higo II would make your list. I know I am in the minority, but I STILL believe that the iMamba is one of the best knives to be released in the past five years. (Edit: Missed the USA made part. 🤦♂)
I’ve handled both and love both. The Combat Troodon is much more robust and meant to handle abuse. The Dirac Delta is awesome but definitely not as heavy duty and a little less expensive. I will eventually buy both.
I would really love to see a similar list with a price cap of roughly $1,000 (bonus points if they were more focused on performance). Based on all the comments from people who seemed to ignore the stated price range at the start of the video it sounds like i am not the only one either.
I too would be interested in a similar video for knives in the $1k tier, however, having the commentary focus more on performance rather than design, presentation, or overall execution doesn't really make a lot of sense considering there are knives that can be had for $50 that have more utilitarian/performance based designs versus knives that are $350 that really aren't meant to perform well at all and are strictly produced for the design and overall presentation factor. The point of diminishing returns in a knife is arguably in the $250-$350 range, meaning that anything that is more expensive is essentially just a company/maker flexing their ability to add design elements and other visual cues that they and others can't afford to do at the lower price points. You're not getting more "performance" at the $1k tier; just better quality, attention to detail, execution, and overall presentation.
There was a Knifejoy Demko AD20s drop earlier this year with the version 2 drop point, full flat grind, no thumb stud blade in Magnacut. The titanium sold out immediately of course but some of the g10 colors like tan and digi camo were available for at least three days. I think they must have made a lot of them for Bladeshow. Whatever the case I finally got one.
my favorite knife man . the tip of it reminds me of a sharks fin , looks so sick. knifejoy released a ad20 bowie recently and it was instantly sold out . I got mine off eBay for about a 150$ markup . no regrets the v2 is rare asf. I got lucky and found a youtuber willing to sell a clip point ad20s with the OG lexan scales / and soon as i got it i did a blade and scale swap .
I was surprised that the Sonora wasn't on this list and then I double checked the website and saw that the price had gone up a bit. Still worth it I think.
Nice list, I had to step back a moment and relook at the title because when I first looked at it I thought you were going to rank companies and not knives. So I was confused when I saw multiples from the same company. But that is on me.
I knew you would put the Demko at the top. Sharklock is also my fave. I have 3 20.5's. It would be awesome if Andrew released the patent sooner like BM did with the Axis lock. Imagine a sharklock sabenza😊
I am a Fireman in Louisiana and I have always loved pocket knives but in Louisiana Firemen's salary is just ridiculously low and I have always been forced to stay in the budget buy range. This Christmas I wanted to treat myself with my first ever EDC knife in the upper range between $250 and $350. I typically use my knives to cut seatbelt straps and sections of tough fire hose etc. If your house were to catch on fire and we (firemen) only had enough time to run in and save one knife in your collection in that price range. Which knife am I going in to save for you? I am constantly fidgeting my knives and I do not prefer liner locks because of this. My current favorite budget knives are the Civivi vision FG, CJRB sheeps foot pyrite all aluminum and my top is the Miguron Moyarl crossbar lock.
Got a pre owned On Belay last week. Beast of a knife, but it was a bit jarring to realise how f'n much the handle feels like straight billets of metal. Not mad at it though.
I'm having a moral crisis right now. I found a sapphire ProTech in stock for a little over 3 hundo, and I really want it. Almost bought it last night. It's still in a cart, but I really want that M Fire when it drops. Maybe not the best video for me to watch today.
I feel that. I really want a Winterblade and I've had my finger on the trigger a couple of times and just couldn't bring myself to follow through. The only ProTech I own is a Godfather and it's nice but pretty useless. Some of the other blade profiles seem a lot more practical. The sapphire finish is nice.
@@jeffoff7795 I bought a sapphire godson a few weeks ago and generally agree about the profile. Its ultimately just a fidget toy since the only other things its good for are opening mail and last ditch self-defense. Its a very fun and pretty fidget toy though.
@@CalixtusIII They're nice. I bought one with the aluminum and carbon fiber scales a long time ago. It's actually my wife's favorite knife. I just want to experience a Winterblade because the designs are so unusual. I don't need another knife, at all. I need an analog synthesizer.
The Protech will be around and still be made. Sometimes Brian doesn’t make a model a second time. I doubt that will be as much the case going forward given his success, though just something to think about. Sometimes to Brian only offers a certain style once. Just my preference though the Rose Gold looks better than the Sapphire in person, if you’ve not seen both personally.
Am I the only person who Hates Exposed Frame locks? I like some knives enough to over look it, but the Kizer Militaw Hides the Frame and Every knife should do this!!!
There’s a number of high end small batch US knives that have great cutting geometry. Oz Machine Co, Koenig, Brown knives, SPK, the list goes on. It’s mostly just these original kinda “legacy” brands that started 15-20+ years ago and were the leaders of the overbuilt era but haven’t really adapted with the times or atleast added offerings to accommodate it. Also 20CV/M390 can take an absolute beating and hold up. TRC knives in m390 are very thin at the edge and are heat treated to 60-61 hrc. With mine at least they hold an edge very well, have very good edge stability and sharpen like a dream. In my experience it’s less about the steel and more about hinderers 20cv heat treat (done by peters I believe). They just run their steels soft kinda without reason other than ease of machining in my opinion because again 20cv etc can hold up at a higher hrc.
QUESTION: MC, what do you think of the XM-24? I'm thinking of getting my first Hinderer as an XM-24 instead of an XM-18.5 because I tend to like larger knives.
I personally have a plague doctor full size SHF and to be honest, it fell short of my expectations. All the internal edges aside from the one finger groove for the lock release are sharp and there's no steel lock bar insert. I do enjoy the non-flilper XM-18's, but I don't dislike the flippers. I currently have two (spearpoint and skinner, both flippers and both in S45VN) and I've never had lock disengagement issues either.
Automatics are a no no here, so my stitch is manual. And I just want to say that I HATE HATE HATE the look of the blade, but man does it feel good to hold. If I could only carry 1 knife, for all situations, it would be the MSI. It's such a better overall knife. But when I can have 2 or 3, the stitch is probably always there. It's not always the right job for it, but when it is, I haven't found anything that feels better.
You really need to try to find what suits you. Highly recommend buying used if you can so you can see if a knife is for you and move it on to try the next thing with little to no loss. You can always buy a new one once you’ve made up your mind. You might be surprised what you end up preferring after trying a few. Even in terms of Hinderer, my XM-18’s feel quite different than my XM-24 (I prefer the 24... and swapping the bearings for Teflon washers made it perfect). I’m planning on trying an Eklipse next. They are bulky knives though. My Zaan is way smaller in carry profile but has almost the same cutting edge length as an XM-24. The trade off is Comfort in the hand. Really need to work out which is more important to you. Also, the Zaan without the clip feels so much better than with it on. Same clip as my Small Sebenzas but where it falls in the hand on the Zaan bugged me a lot despite loving the knife otherwise.
Was not impressed with the fit and finish on the Harsey I got. XM-18/24 is a lot more refined with more options and after market parts. If you can get your hands on it before you buy it you might get a better harsey but if your ordering online I would go hinderer.
The main downside to expensive knifes, for me, is that they get lost! It catches on something on a hike, and then, an hour later, you notice it’s missing! I am, personally, much more comfortable with a knife that didn’t cost too much… which leaves out about 95% of my collection.
Les George/Demko/Hinderer. What more do you need? Les George personally responded to a request I emailed about tuning a VECP Buttonlock on the secondary market. He took care of it ASAP. Made in USA goes a long way in my book and worth the money when talking about the quality and craftsmanship you get. Great video MC!
Back when Omaha knives was going out of business due to a terminal illness of the owner, I purchased a few knives from them. All brand new. Two were microtech’s (Hera and ultratech) and both came butter knife dull and I’m not exaggerating. I live in Buncombe Co about 30 mins from microtech’s store and plant. When I took them over to get sharpened they acted on a level of arrogance I’ve never seen and were flat out pricks to be honest. I will never buy another microtech again.
My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex
Metal Complex's recommended knife/gear retailers! - beacons.ai/metalcomplex
Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex
MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u
Hey Metal Complex please do a video of the Psyop vs Native 5 vs Sage 5 please I can’t decide and I want the best bang for buck
Pour moi il manque un mcnees qui sont exceptionnel
Et bravo pour le Excalibur by kunwu très chouette hâte d en choper un...
Microtech’s quality is exponentially increasing while they are lowering price. Protech is maintaining their prices and high quality. Everyone else is chasing them by raising prices, instead of innovating on quality.
Kershaw has been doing really well too!
Kershaw is doing very well too
The difference between the iridium and the other Chinese knives is insane
That and the Launch series is also maintaining their prices, while being more then competitive with Microtech and Protech
Kershaw is less because they offset profits with china production.
Microtech’s M390MK heat treat has proven to be total trash.
Clicked on this comment to show Kershaw some love. Looks like you guys beat me to it, lol.
Completely agree. I’d add that most are lowering quality while increasing prices.
I got an AD20 based on MC's recommendation, and it's everything I dreamt of. So robust. It will never leave my side as we ride off into the sunset together.
MC videos are not only entertaining but informative. I see so many knives here I would never see otherwise.
YES! He’s literally got PAGES of videos for every single budget territory! Makes it awesome when wanting to pick up a blade and all I have to do is search his review. Just gives me a lot of insight and pros/cons before spending 5 or 600
Spartan knives are seriously under appreciated. I wish they would do more with their Taiwan made Field Grade models. A “budget” version (around 150-175 ish) of the harsey would sell like crazy.
Without a doubt. I love the small harsey folder personally as I’ve recently fell for the 3-3.25” blade length. My drift v2 really has shown me the light.
I’ve noticed the availability for the Hinderer XM-18 & XM-24, flipper AND non flippers have been much easier to find. I’ve been into SMKW 4 or 5 times in the last couple months and they’ve had 18/24 flipper and non flippers, Bowies in stock. I remember after covid they literally had 1 scale and that was it for seemed like 2-3 years! Awesome see stuff coming back in stock … also, metalcomplex, keep it up! My favorite channel BY FAR.
I have several of the knives on this list. Your reviews are spot on. I appreciate that you are straight forward and honest.
I have several full ti Hinderer knives (frame lock and autos) and I struggle to find a knife that scratches my itch like those do. They are SO pleasant to hold, flick open, fidget with, and use.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Let's see a USA made heavy hitters list of $700+. That's gonna be an epic one.
👍👍
@metal_complex My wife got me the Koenig Mini Arius for my birthday, so I'd like to see a video on 700 USD+ knives also. Thank you
What an AWESOME LINE-UP OF AMERICAN-MADE KNIVES! This is definitely a G.O.A.T. LIST OF GRAIL KNIVES! Very fun to watch - these are all knives I hope to get someday, and I really like your taste, because I would want to get the exact same versions of all 3 Hinderer knives and the Demko - SUPER COOL! 😎👍
Spyderco Military 2 digi camo s30v, $157.99 right now at National Knives 👍🏻
Yes, I know the knives in this list very well and own an example of most of them. I would definitely like a cider on the next level tier up. Thank you
Zaan is king. My favorite folder hands down. I really want to try a SHF. they’re right up my alley. USA made,washers, TI, frame lock.
Best online knife content - period!
Gotta have Mcnees Mac 2 3.5 on this list!
Why do we think one of the Mac 2’s didn’t make the list??
Yeah it’s truly amazing, but I think it’s neither chonky nor flashy enough for MC
It's my edc and I love it. I don't know of any other knife that carries like a compact, but has a 3.5" blade. The heat treat is amazing too, it's such a good user
I honestly don't have many US knives, all are Benchmades and a few Spydercos. My favourites are my old 2011 Barrage with m390 limited to only 50 and my first generation Spyderco Gayle Badley . Also really like my Presidio and my birthday CF M4 bugout. I just find unless I can get them on sale I prefer Chinese knives. Kevin John are my favourites, then WE and lastly Kizer . Love this video very well explained. I really want a Medford Infraction just so much money here in Canada.
It took me 2 years to get a Les George. I finally got a talos a few months ago and it was everything I dreamed it would be.
The VECP is hands down my favorite and most used. They actually went up in price
Has anyone had to send a knife back to microtech? I like microtech but ive got 2 dirac deltas ive had trouble with since I got em.
The Les George Vecp has eluded me for ever the magnacut button lock 😮💨
I own or have owned almost each of these model and every one I’ve owned has been put through its paces at work. It’s no different than buying snap-on over harbor freight tools. You’re paying for the quality and home country warranty. I’ve had multiple crk’s and never had an issue. Just like any of my hinderers, striders, etc. they take hard use and ask for more
This is one of my favorite of your videos, love USA Made knife vids 💪 totally agree with this list, nicely done MC
I much prefer the handle of the Sebenza to the 'Zaan, and in and out of the pocket was better. Handled a Harsey once and it felt like a brick in the hand. But, everybody can spend their money how they want.
I actually prefer the Inkosi to the Sebenza or the 'Zaan in the large size (Sebbie all the way for the small). It's like a slightly overbuilt Sebenza without the less ideal handle ergos of the "Zaan. They are all great high-end users, though.
I own (and really like) a Hinderer XM-18. I also own a Hinderer Firetac, and I much prefer it over the XM. IMO, everything about it addresses any issues I have with my XM. The Firetac is a seriously underappreciated knife and deserves to be on this list.
Was wondering do you sharpen your own knives? If so what do you use?
For me although I love Hinderer, I own 3. My list would only include 1 knife from each maker, then you could add TRM and Tactile Knife Co. to the list. Great list nevertheless. See ya
Just picked up an eklipse this week. Like it so much more than the cm-18
Good to hear. I’ve got a couple of XM-18 3.5’s and they are good but I much prefer the feel of my XM-24. I’ve got a titianium Eklipse HH scale sitting around waiting for a knife, so I’ll be picking up an Eklipse to try next and I’m hoping I’ll like it as much as I like the XM-24.
My yojimbo was my favorite self defense knife in my collection. But after seeing this I want the Microtech autostitch. It looks mean!
Medford as a human being is something to pay attention to, and because of that profound negative factor, Medford knives are a permanent no-go for me.
I’ve just started to hear about this dude recently. Medford knives are a bit out of my price range and I don’t live in an area where there are lots of other knife guys so as a result I never hear much about Medford knives or the guy. Lately someone had just given me a vague description of the gud and his issues and then by complete change I stumbled onto a video about him handing out shirts at blade show that were offensive towards Asians. I honestly am curious to learn more of why this guy is hated by so many
He says a lot of super unintelligent stuff. People are turned off by his attitude towards certain groups of people.
Honestly I tune out Medford, his followers, AND the people who are bothered by him enough to constantly complain about him.
Life is better that way
@@EDCsteals I thought you answered your own question! The guy is full of hate and vitriol. There are times when you just can’t look past such garbage and vote with your dollars (or the absence of) to not support such people and their work.
I love Medford knives, and like Medford as a person. His Main Street line is a new affordable line and they all look great 👍🏾
The AD20(s) would be on the top of list too. Demko also tops my list for the more expensive tier with the AD22.
0:13 Summary:
1.) Score on stick: 9.1
2.) slapady-slap-slap-summarized-sound: 8.5 + 1.4 slap + slap bonus = 9.9
3.) cool angle stick with minimal slide: 9.3
I love the aesthetic of the CR Umnumzaan, but that's all I love about it. It's NOT a fidgety knife. I couldn't even deploy the blade lol, let alone disengage it after I pulled it open. There's zero lockbar access. I got to handle CR's entire product lineup at Blade Show West and I didn't like any of it. Do they make good tools? Sure. But you can get A LOT of knives that serve as good tools but also have wonderful fidget factor.
I'd probably replace a few of your choices with some oddball older or full custom stuff, but it's hard to argue against anything here. I completely agree with your 1 and 2.
I put off buying an AD20 for years, mostly because of the shorter blade length compared to the XM24. I ended up getting a full ti version in a trade a few months ago, and haven't carried my XM24 since.
The all blade finger choil on the XM eats up so much bladde length, but I guess I just refused to accept it. The actual sharpened edge is exactly the same on my drop point AD20 and swedged spear 24.
I still don't like the shark lock, but it's a better knife than the XM24.
Im on the Les george VECP hunt. Button lock hopeful, but flipper and stud accepting...
With you having demko at 1, would you say that their budget cub is a good buy. It’s smaller than the AD20.5 and in aus10 but it’s a demko under 100 dollars. With that in mind would you say it’s a good get for someone who wants a pocket knife that’s tough but fully reliable and fidgety
I don't have a cub, but I do have a 20.5 and an AD20. Personally I wouldn't go smaller than the 20.5, but I have XL hands. The slicey 20.5 in 20cv is a straight up banger. I've been using it as a work knife for a few months, and it has done the job very well.
(EDIT) Recently acquired a full Ti Cub. It is a little small for me, but an excellent knife nonetheless.
@@Ratchman_5000 I’m mainly going for a smaller size due to my medium to smaller hands, things like a para 3 or kizer original fit my hand better, and a 3 inch limit factor is also a problem. All be it, nice to hear that the shark lock does preform well for a working knife all around
Thought for sure the Higo II would make your list. I know I am in the minority, but I STILL believe that the iMamba is one of the best knives to be released in the past five years.
(Edit: Missed the USA made part. 🤦♂)
Combat Trodon OR Dirac Delta? I don't have either but leaning toward Delta because of the switch on the side. It seems more ergonomic.
I’ve handled both and love both. The Combat Troodon is much more robust and meant to handle abuse. The Dirac Delta is awesome but definitely not as heavy duty and a little less expensive. I will eventually buy both.
I would really love to see a similar list with a price cap of roughly $1,000 (bonus points if they were more focused on performance). Based on all the comments from people who seemed to ignore the stated price range at the start of the video it sounds like i am not the only one either.
I too would be interested in a similar video for knives in the $1k tier, however, having the commentary focus more on performance rather than design, presentation, or overall execution doesn't really make a lot of sense considering there are knives that can be had for $50 that have more utilitarian/performance based designs versus knives that are $350 that really aren't meant to perform well at all and are strictly produced for the design and overall presentation factor.
The point of diminishing returns in a knife is arguably in the $250-$350 range, meaning that anything that is more expensive is essentially just a company/maker flexing their ability to add design elements and other visual cues that they and others can't afford to do at the lower price points. You're not getting more "performance" at the $1k tier; just better quality, attention to detail, execution, and overall presentation.
There was a Knifejoy Demko AD20s drop earlier this year with the version 2 drop point, full flat grind, no thumb stud blade in Magnacut. The titanium sold out immediately of course but some of the g10 colors like tan and digi camo were available for at least three days. I think they must have made a lot of them for Bladeshow. Whatever the case I finally got one.
like the one on the left in my pic lol ?
my favorite knife man . the tip of it reminds me of a sharks fin , looks so sick. knifejoy released a ad20 bowie recently and it was instantly sold out . I got mine off eBay for about a 150$ markup . no regrets the v2 is rare asf. I got lucky and found a youtuber willing to sell a clip point ad20s with the OG lexan scales / and soon as i got it i did a blade and scale swap .
@@gOOnz901 I love it too. How do you like the OG lexan scales? I'm hoping to pick some up when they're back in stock.
I got a bowie AD20 a few months back from knifejoy. Absolutely love it.
For American made knives I really dig Tactile Knife Co and Chapman Lake Knives
the eklipse is the best hinderer model 😎
I was surprised that the Sonora wasn't on this list and then I double checked the website and saw that the price had gone up a bit. Still worth it I think.
Love American made. Thanks MC!
Need me a medford
I just got a auto stitch all black and it was 496 from blade hq but i really like though.
Nice list, I had to step back a moment and relook at the title because when I first looked at it I thought you were going to rank companies and not knives. So I was confused when I saw multiples from the same company. But that is on me.
I'm never going to be buying a $400 knife but the only one I would even consider buying is the Demko. The only one with a modern lock.
Large production batch made where ever of the ad20 for a lower price would make me happy
How and where do I buy it
I like the Microtech Stitch and Combat Troodon !! ^^
I knew you would put the Demko at the top. Sharklock is also my fave. I have 3 20.5's. It would be awesome if Andrew released the patent sooner like BM did with the Axis lock. Imagine a sharklock sabenza😊
I am a Fireman in Louisiana and I have always loved pocket knives but in Louisiana Firemen's salary is just ridiculously low and I have always been forced to stay in the budget buy range. This Christmas I wanted to treat myself with my first ever EDC knife in the upper range between $250 and $350. I typically use my knives to cut seatbelt straps and sections of tough fire hose etc. If your house were to catch on fire and we (firemen) only had enough time to run in and save one knife in your collection in that price range. Which knife am I going in to save for you? I am constantly fidgeting my knives and I do not prefer liner locks because of this. My current favorite budget knives are the Civivi vision FG, CJRB sheeps foot pyrite all aluminum and my top is the Miguron Moyarl crossbar lock.
1023..
My next bigger buy will be a Medford for sure.
Got a pre owned On Belay last week. Beast of a knife, but it was a bit jarring to realise how f'n much the handle feels like straight billets of metal. Not mad at it though.
@@Spthomas47 hahahaha, they sure aren't small. Thankfully i have XL hands and bigger knifes (like sniper bladeworks etc) aren't a problem.
I have 12 titanium framelocks and my favotite is the Spartan 3.25.
Favorite
Whi carez 😂
Who 😢
Nice list....I own 8 of 10 from the list. This channel and others like it are definitely a bad influence.... Fun hobby
This is classic MC right here. Love it! I think a Machine wise Senora could have been included at least as an honorable mention. Also the Arius.
It'll be in the next tier for sure 😉
I'm having a moral crisis right now. I found a sapphire ProTech in stock for a little over 3 hundo, and I really want it. Almost bought it last night. It's still in a cart, but I really want that M Fire when it drops. Maybe not the best video for me to watch today.
I feel that. I really want a Winterblade and I've had my finger on the trigger a couple of times and just couldn't bring myself to follow through. The only ProTech I own is a Godfather and it's nice but pretty useless. Some of the other blade profiles seem a lot more practical. The sapphire finish is nice.
I'd jump on the sapphire blade.
@@jeffoff7795 I bought a sapphire godson a few weeks ago and generally agree about the profile. Its ultimately just a fidget toy since the only other things its good for are opening mail and last ditch self-defense. Its a very fun and pretty fidget toy though.
@@CalixtusIII They're nice. I bought one with the aluminum and carbon fiber scales a long time ago. It's actually my wife's favorite knife. I just want to experience a Winterblade because the designs are so unusual. I don't need another knife, at all. I need an analog synthesizer.
The Protech will be around and still be made. Sometimes Brian doesn’t make a model a second time. I doubt that will be as much the case going forward given his success, though just something to think about. Sometimes to Brian only offers a certain style once.
Just my preference though the Rose Gold looks better than the Sapphire in person, if you’ve not seen both personally.
Am I the only person who Hates Exposed Frame locks? I like some knives enough to over look it, but the Kizer Militaw Hides the Frame and Every knife should do this!!!
I enjoyed the video. Good information.
I love the bench made I need a new one soon.
Firmé list MC 👍🏾
Hey Metal Complex please do a video of the Psyop vs Native 5 vs Sage 5 please I can’t decide and I want the best bang for buck
There’s a number of high end small batch US knives that have great cutting geometry. Oz Machine Co, Koenig, Brown knives, SPK, the list goes on. It’s mostly just these original kinda “legacy” brands that started 15-20+ years ago and were the leaders of the overbuilt era but haven’t really adapted with the times or atleast added offerings to accommodate it.
Also 20CV/M390 can take an absolute beating and hold up. TRC knives in m390 are very thin at the edge and are heat treated to 60-61 hrc. With mine at least they hold an edge very well, have very good edge stability and sharpen like a dream. In my experience it’s less about the steel and more about hinderers 20cv heat treat (done by peters I believe). They just run their steels soft kinda without reason other than ease of machining in my opinion because again 20cv etc can hold up at a higher hrc.
My list for this video has a price range. It's at the beginning. That's why many of those brands aren't included
QUESTION: MC, what do you think of the XM-24? I'm thinking of getting my first Hinderer as an XM-24 instead of an XM-18.5 because I tend to like larger knives.
Oh, NEVERMIND 😆- I wrote this question before I got to Number 2 at the 30-minute mark!
The Hinderer Full track is expensive... Awesome.... And I bought it twice.
I kept waiting for the TRM Atom to show up… (could have saved the time it took to apologize for cutting geometry… 🤔😁).
Did you hear the price range right at the beginning of the video?
If you haven't already, i think a 300 range would be helpful
I personally have a plague doctor full size SHF and to be honest, it fell short of my expectations. All the internal edges aside from the one finger groove for the lock release are sharp and there's no steel lock bar insert.
I do enjoy the non-flilper XM-18's, but I don't dislike the flippers. I currently have two (spearpoint and skinner, both flippers and both in S45VN) and I've never had lock disengagement issues either.
10 on the slap
Automatics are a no no here, so my stitch is manual. And I just want to say that I HATE HATE HATE the look of the blade, but man does it feel good to hold. If I could only carry 1 knife, for all situations, it would be the MSI. It's such a better overall knife. But when I can have 2 or 3, the stitch is probably always there. It's not always the right job for it, but when it is, I haven't found anything that feels better.
I need a tri way pivot kit but can't find anything anywhere online
I’ll keep telling people that Hogue makes the best USA made knife for its price and even twice as much.
Imma Spyderho pimpin lots of holes.
Tier it up MC, skies the limit!
I didn’t know Microtech used regular m390. I have a fixed blade in m390 it was made in 2023, and some auto stitch are plain m390 as well right?
Oz Machine Company Roosevelt Also a good one.
Outside the price range. I explained at the beginning
The chapter marker spellings are spot on here 🤣🙄
The Sabenza 31 is a better looking knife than the Zan imo
I know Spyderco is a bit much when it comes to $$$ buuuut I love Spyderco... I don't like Benchmade however.
Spartan harsey or Hinderer? Need a good grail user
You really need to try to find what suits you. Highly recommend buying used if you can so you can see if a knife is for you and move it on to try the next thing with little to no loss. You can always buy a new one once you’ve made up your mind. You might be surprised what you end up preferring after trying a few. Even in terms of Hinderer, my XM-18’s feel quite different than my XM-24 (I prefer the 24... and swapping the bearings for Teflon washers made it perfect). I’m planning on trying an Eklipse next. They are bulky knives though. My Zaan is way smaller in carry profile but has almost the same cutting edge length as an XM-24. The trade off is Comfort in the hand. Really need to work out which is more important to you. Also, the Zaan without the clip feels so much better than with it on. Same clip as my Small Sebenzas but where it falls in the hand on the Zaan bugged me a lot despite loving the knife otherwise.
Was not impressed with the fit and finish on the Harsey I got. XM-18/24 is a lot more refined with more options and after market parts. If you can get your hands on it before you buy it you might get a better harsey but if your ordering online I would go hinderer.
Nice subject matter. Cheers!
Why are CRK so hard to deploy?
Chris Reeve is the designer and he thinks that flicking a knife open is damaging to the knife.
Makes total sense now. Thanks
@@nycmaverick voids the warranty
Good one MC.
Great video today. I like when you are a little more calm and relaxed
@150_ENGINEER I think MC normally has about 3 energy drinks in him before doing a vid.
If the stitch was a more edc size it would be perfect
The main downside to expensive knifes, for me, is that they get lost! It catches on something on a hike, and then, an hour later, you notice it’s missing! I am, personally, much more comfortable with a knife that didn’t cost too much… which leaves out about 95% of my collection.
Agree the xm18 3.0 is way too small to the point where its hard to deploy. How can they justify charging the same price as the 3.5 is beyond me.
I love many of them❤ But . . . I live in Canada and OMG it's 40% more expensive 😱 So out of price for me. So I have to look for other Cies (country)😢
No love for Oz Machine or SPK??
Oz is out of the price range (said it at the beginning)
No experience with SPK
Next tier list: yes, please...
Les George/Demko/Hinderer. What more do you need? Les George personally responded to a request I emailed about tuning a VECP Buttonlock on the secondary market. He took care of it ASAP. Made in USA goes a long way in my book and worth the money when talking about the quality and craftsmanship you get. Great video MC!
Let’s petition Les to bring back the VECP V3 flipper!
Surprised the Sonora isn't on this list
How much does it cost?
$650. Outside the price range. That's the only reason it wasn't included. (Another person skipping the intro)
@@metal_complex yes i was going to tell him and I was looking forward to that MC
@@metal_complex Oh dern my bad lol. To be fair 50 is not that far over and I bought mine a while ago so I didn't remember the price
It's cool 😉
I love knives, but no fn way im paying these numbers
AS20 is 500 usd after shipping and tax..... Dang
I'm starting to see why the Excalibur is designed the way it is.
I’ve been looking for that shadow stitch for almost 3 years…. Never in stock anywhere. :(.
Wana sell me yours??? 😊😊 I’ll pay full price :)
Thanks
Back when Omaha knives was going out of business due to a terminal illness of the owner, I purchased a few knives from them. All brand new. Two were microtech’s (Hera and ultratech) and both came butter knife dull and I’m not exaggerating. I live in Buncombe Co about 30 mins from microtech’s store and plant. When I took them over to get sharpened they acted on a level of arrogance I’ve never seen and were flat out pricks to be honest. I will never buy another microtech again.
Just a note. The AD20I lock is made in Taiwan.
I wouldn't think of microtech and Benchmade bein out of pocket in prices,I would think Medford would top that list.....
Medfords are not mass produced. Benchmade and Microtech absolutely are.
Medfords prices are high, absolutely. But they cost way more to make
@metal_complex oic