@Jesse Robinson They don't break all that often, and if you send it in to Benchmade they will replace the springs and clean/maintain it for you...do it once a year or so and you'll be just fine
That 200 - 300 range is one that I somehow skipped over, my knives are either more or less than that zone, but you've made me realize there are some great gems in that range that I need to consider.
I think the range is the best value. You're getting something unique and built with some craftsmanship but you're avoiding the "exclusive drop/custom hand-built" line of knives. Good blade steel, high quality action, and usually higher quality grip materials. Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT... all their best value models are between 200-300
Seth said it best… “you can spend a lot of money and still not get what you’re looking for”. Pro tip: we’re all still looking. Unless you’re DCA and he just makes what he’s looking for.
I started collecting knives a few years ago and got several. The dust settled and the 940 above everything else is now my EDC and I rarely carry anything else. A perfect knife for me
The Torino, especially the CF version, really incarnates what "next level" means to me at this price range for an industrial knife. I am satisfied by every aspect of the one that i own.
@@-Craptastic- well, my only disappointment came from a loose screw at the end of the handle that fortunately dropped in my pocket instead of on the floor. Otherwise i have nothing to complain about. The knife stayed sharp for months of daily usage. When i felt the need to give it a little touch up, i first had troubles finding the proper abrasive for restoring it to "razor" sharp. Ultimately, 0.5 micron diamond abrasive did the trick.
Hell yeah Seth, agreed 100% about the Carribean. Still one of the best knives in my collection at any cost. I use it often for food prep tasks and it washes up easy and the overall design and profile are awesome. Love to see it gettin some well deserved love here.
My first with taxes was the Spyderco Amalgam. An couldn't be any happier. Also as a bonus I used to buy 1 or two 40 to 60 dollar knives a month. Haven't bought one sense. Thanks guys!
Honestly, there is SO much goodness in that $150-300 range! The 940 is definitely a very strong contender as THE modern classic by which other knives are measured against. Many are like it, but none really have the same blend of quality as the 940 (as stated). The Giantmouse ACE Sonoma V2 is another one of my favorites as well. Great knife that is certainly understated, until you hold out and use it. There is just so much that the designers got right with that knife - almost no frills perfection. I’d argue, though, that the upper tier Bugout models should be a contender. Other than the Hogue Deka, nothing quite comes close to the buyouts in the ultralight ultra thin category, and is another wonderful EDC, especially a low-profile one for the “all knives are scary” office settings.
My Sandrin Torino is one of my favorite knives. I modified the scales so they have excellent ergonomics and they no longer look like a Milwaukee utility knife. They are black CF. I have sharpened it using my Work Sharp Precision Adjust with a full range of diamond stones. It wasn’t too bad.
I just bought my first ~$200 knife funny enough it was an exclusive pm2 at 180, it just arrived today and I'm on my way home from work right now, that's what you call blue collar heaven
My first $200+ is the Zero Tolerance 0223. Currently my most expensive and most used knife of a 25+ collection of knives. For those who want to know; It is a $320 knife with CPM 20CV steel. With titanium handle and G10 inlays.
The Factor. That’s the epitome of next level. Maybe those tungsten carbide blade knives. Other than that, maybe something like the new Hinderer with the disassembly tool integrated as the backspacer. Those are the things that jump out to me as next level. I think of it as innovation more than just price or materials.
What a great episode, thank you! Like Joshua I'm a relatively new collector with 30 pieces displayed in 3 identical wall mounted glass door display cases with room for 6 more knives before case number 4, lol! All of them are folders with blade lengths of 3 to 4 inches. My first $200+ purchase was the WE Arsenal, and it's worth every penny. Other great choices in this price range are a Bestech Malware, a Benchmade Crooked River or a Spyderco Para 2. You never think you'd ever pay that much for a knife when you first start collecting. I just bought my first $300+ pocket folder (a Reate Coyote) and that's the current grail of my collection. Such a gorgeous knife in every way.
My dad got me a mini buck knife when I was 7, taught me to use it, and to always carry a blade. I was a boy scout, in the army, lifelong outdoorsman, and electrician. After 40 years of EDCs, I've found that my best is a Hogue Deka with magnacut steel. I wish it had an assisted open, though. My 10 year old daughter found an old mini Buck of mine, which she now claims as hers. She's all about safety and keeps it sharp. I couldn't be prouder.
I believe mine was the Spyderco Caribbean sheepsfoot. Living on the PNW, and having a utilitarian blade profile, made it a perfect fit for me. Only ""ouch" is the lock release method, as I am left handed.
After years I can say the best EDC knife I have every used is still the Spydiechef. Great blade shape that is very useful for all task. From food, to cutting boxes. And the LC200N is such a great all around steel.
My first "nice" knife was a benchmade 940 in 154cm I bought back in 2010 and was my only knife for 7 or 8 years. I still carry it from time to time and it is a great knife. Not the greatest slicer but cuts plenty well, strong tip, great design, slim carry, lots of blade and lots to love. If I had to go back to using a knife in that price range, Kapara from spyderco or the 940. I don't buy many knives since getting into watches, and rarely in this price range when I do but this was a fun episode and made me remember when I first fell in love with having a great knife in my pocket.
Just picked up an Osbourne yesterday. Loving it so far. I like the reverse tanto. It is able to get in places a drop point just can’t. Cleaning your nails? Done. Boxes? Easy. I’m going hunting this week and if I get one I’ll field dress the deer with it and see how the edge holds up after all the cutting on the meat and hitting the bones. If anyone cares I’ll keep you updated.
Like many who watch your videos I have many $200- $300 knives on my Knife Center "wish list" ... Last summer I finally pulled the trigger on one of them ... It was a "new" knife for 2021 and the minute I saw it I said to myself I'm going to buy that when it hits the shelves of Knife Center ... I am referring to the WE Knife Co.'s "Thug" folding knife with the Marble Carbon Fiber scales ... I just love it and don't regret spending the $$ it took to acquire it ... Last thought ... Keep up the great videos ... I look forward to them every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
My first "nice" knife was the We Knife Co Peer with the brass inlay. But my first "grail" knife was the Lionsteel Rok with orange aluminum grip, that I fell for watching the video on best knives from each company. However my EDC is primarily the Spyderco PM2
I think the 0562ti should have made the list. You get to experience 99% of a Hinderer for 1/2 the price. The legacy iconic trio are the 940, 0562ti, & PM2. I don't know if you sell them, but the Vero Axon is a knife that very much fits the bill as well. Unique blade shape, 3 different ways to open, killer m390.
In relation to blade steel and the LC200N Caribbean I went the opposite route and picked up something in REX45 just so I can watch a patina form. Hey patina’s could be a good video idea!
Patina video is a great idea. I just finished a forced patina on a carbon steel "Black Cat" and did a couple of Opinels in the past...l like the look of those old "grandma" kitchen knives with the carbon steel patina...almost as good looking as pattern welded steel.
I love rex45. It has been very impressive. I have a spyderco shaman with micarta and rex45. I also have a burnt orange manix 2. I've been wanting another rex45 knife but not sure what else. Lol
For my first $200 - $300 dollar knife I had to go with the Red Horse Hell Razor P its just such a cool design. I had been looking at the custom Hell Razor's but they were way out of my price range when they introduced the "P" I had to have one.
This was an excellent video, and you guys, have led me to some excellent choices for future picks for some new experiences! I have to thank you for that! I love your videos, I'm there for every new one! Take care! One of your fan's! RT Eskridge!
I love my 940, only have had it for about a month now but it's just so smooth and such a good EDC I love carrying it, I swapped out the standard clip for a deep carry clip but other than that I haven't had to touch it except a light stropping to hone the edge, that and the Kershaw Bel-Air is tied as my go to EDC
Wow guys. You opened my eyes to what is out there in next level knives because I have always been a cheap spender on folders. I carry two right now, because my older one (Smith and Wesson S.W.A.T.) needs a backup! Ha! Anyway, thanks again!
I'm currently at 17 knives between the prices of $20-$100 and I think I'm going to move up in price when I find something that gives me more intrigue. This video could help me as well! 👍🏾
Ah Joshua, many of us have been in that situation once and now have been overcome by the full sickness LOL This selection could have used a Smock and/or Malibu. That Viper looks sweet aside from the huge billboarding.
For this level of Knives I think you can't go wrong with the ZT0562TI and the Osbourne. I own both and love them dearly. I think the 0562TI is a lot classier than a lot of people give it credit for. I just upgraded mine with the Taco Bearing system and it is mind blowingly smooth now.
Lionsteel SR11 have many reasons to be the best of all time, except for one major flaw, the blade made of sleipner steel which isn't supposed to be on that knife. Beauty of SR11 deserve something special like M390 or S90.
One of my friends buried an RWL-34 blade in waterlogged acidic soil for a couple of months ... when he dug it out , there wasn’t a mark on it! Still as shiny as the day he bought it!
Most of my knives are in the $75 to $150 range. I think this range provides excellent performance versus price. I currently have only one knife over $200 - the We Black Void Opus. It is a unique knife with high end materials. For me, I need something special to spend over $200 and the Black Void Opus met all my expectations.
I got the Buck Paradigm 590 which is just shy of $200. It seems well made with decent materials used. Buck generally makes more budget knives. It is worth a look.
I hate aluminum frames, but I wanted a 940. There was another knife Benchmade used to make which used the same style frame but different blade, and it had a carbon fiber version, so I ended up buying a 940 and two of those carbon fiber framed knifes, exchanged the blades with the 940 in one of them and sold the "special edition" knife with the aluminum frame (explaining what I had done, of course), so I have a very unique carbon fiber framed 940, and someone out there has a very unique knife with an aluminum frame.
This year I bought my 1st $200+ knife, well 2. The CRKT Ken Onion Viral and Facet $275 ea. I got lucky and received the collector token for the Viral. Made in Italy. Only 500 units of each made.
Absolutely enjoyed this video. I've been watching your videos for a long time and really like learning from y'all. Thank you David and Seth from Cherokee NC.
Next level knives was a great segment! unfortunately I’m not at the point where I can afford any of these. Would love a segment on between two knives where y’all explore the highest tier knives. The real dream knives no one should ever use, and only display. But are made to use
Seth hit the nail on the head. Design that can't be replicated for cheap. My $230 pick is the MBK Peter Carry turbo 66-67 hrc zdp189 micarta or carbon fiber. The action is what did it for me. If you can get past the double clutch(hold low when unlocking) and like a fast fall shut action the turbo is awesome. Its a lot like the ZT0562 action. And the shaman is my second choice. Or the kapara for gentlemen's knife. But i thought spyderco was going to dominate this list.
Even less expensive knives are pretty sweet these days...Like the Bull mastiff translucent green looks cool or something like the Ontario Rat is super functional
My number one pick is the Protech Malibu, it's just perfect. That being said, I love all those in the vid as well. I've got most of them, can't go wrong with any of 'em, all great recommendations 👌 I was surprised that there was one with a convex geometry, any other recommendations on that front?
Yeah, Caribbean is cool and heavily underrated in the shadow of Para2. Looks and feels way better than pictures show. Sandrin is nice, but does not feel as a step up option for first knife in the 200$ realm. I see it later in the process. Dang it … double. Two nerds too close ;-) Giant Mouse does it for me. Good pick. The Lionsteel has the feature list, but is a pretty special design you have to like. I would have done a Protech for the art of auto they do exceptionally well. Maybe the Spyderco Gale Bradley 2 or a Smock for the cool design with compression look with button interface. This pricepoint is quiet hard though as it marks a transition space to more unique premium stuff 350$ up. I get it, it is harder than you initially think.
That version of the Viper Turn is awesome. I wish I could stll buy it in Europe. There would be a huge market for American knives over here, but for most US brands the mark up is just beyond ridiculous. It is as if every knife is individually transported, in its own private jet to a european destination. Many of my next level knives are Chinese designs by Bestech, Kizer, Maxace and the like. Top products for a very affordable price.
My top 5 Next-level EDC Knives $200-$300 in order of least to most expensive: 1. MBK inset-lock Old Guard 2. Pro-Tech Malibu 3. TRM Atom 4. Pena X Series Apache (by Reate) 5. Ferrum Forge Archbishop 3.0 (by WE)
The Barrage 580 I have carried is a very tough customer. It was my first nice knife. My Protech TR3 was my first next level knife. Not I have a BM Northfork and a few Civivis that I really like. But the Barrage got me started.
I was deciding on my first "nice" folder about 6 months ago. I went with the 940 Blade HQ version (sorry knifecenter) bc I love the way it looks and I couldn't be happier! I loved it so much that I bought the mini... The mini, although a great LITTLE knife, is not a 940 ✌️
I know tungsten carbide would be creeping it's way into knives sooner or later. As a hobby machinist that works with TC here and there, anyone that hasn't had the chance to work with it much might not realise just how rigid and tough that stuff is. That blade looks like 1/32" thick, and i guarantee you it has ZERO FLEX. That's what's nice about TC is just how rigid it is compared to steel. Of course you wouldn't want to bear down or beat on it like you would a survival knife because it is more brittle than steel but it is also SUPER rigid. Just to give an idea, i have some 1/16" rod TC i use to make scribes, and it has ZERO flex even with a great deal of force, that's 1/16"! If that was 1/16" rod of steel of course you could bend it like spaghetti with your pinkies. Downside is it is a very pricey material and also that you wouldn't see it in knives for tough work or abuse, but it definitely makes a next level small edc for general purpose. Also i think TC (at least almost pure TC) is like 72 HRC. I think it can maybe go a bit higher and also lower depending on purity and grain structure i think. I think the micro-grain TC is the best quality, i believe. One other thing I'm surprised i haven't seen more knives with is tungsten steel, which is different than tungsten carbide and not as pricey but tungsten steel is it would make for extremely strong and high performing steel with some of the benefits like excellent edge retention etc. Anyway, just felt like mentioning that.
Tremendous choices DCA and Seth. I'm a big fan of the Italians at this price point as well. The Myto and SR11 were amongst my final 3 candidates for a recent purchase from Knife Center. I decided on the Maserin 680 Police flipper. It has a tactical vibe with the Italian refinement. It's my new favorite EDC. Highly recommend it.
I adore my benchmade bailout. It has a similarly textured handle to the lionsteel SR-11, but is much thinner and lighter. Also the carbide glass breaker near the lanyard hole is nice to have.
It's a pretty different knife but, if you like the look of the Giantmouse Sonoma, look at the Giantmouse Farley. It is probably my favorite modern slipjoint and might be my favorite gentlemanly folder in my collection.
Great chat guys - agreed with some of the 'runners up' for sure... the 940 is such a modern classic - an iconic design, one of my grail knifes 🙏 Italian 🇮🇹 knifes do impress me very much 👌 Thanks for sharing gent's, Atb Gus 👍
My 1st near 200$ was the benchmade boost. A week later the rubber was peeling off the handle.. and the s30v is very chippy, and the Assisted opening was very gritty and stopped working and eventually froze the blade in a half open position. I used it on mainly boxes and zip ties. It has set in my knife drawer for over a year before I got up the nerve to disassemble it and remove the faulty spring.. which by the way had broken some how. It's an okay knife now with out the spring and all the rubber $#!t has peeled off. I have learned my lesson about the reliability of Assisted open knives, s30v, and rubber handle inserts. I have other s30v that has chipped frome normal knife use. I miss benchmades 154cm.
I have the SR11 and I can tell you it is a very good knife. It’s a bit bulky but the blade is very smooth on the backing the flipper knob it’s impressive and it’s sharp! Good knife Lionsteel!
I just cracked the next level mark with a Pro-Tech TR-3 last month and just got a Demko AD20.5. I never thought I’d pay that much for knife but there are so many good knives in that $150-$300 range. Thinking about my next, next level knife 🧐
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I have carried the 940 for 2 decades in my pocket working emergency services as well as at home. It’s never let me down.
Same model, or you mean the exact same knife for 20 years?
Really great knife. Carried a minigriptillian for 16. Still carry it in a pack I take everywhere.
@Jesse Robinson They don't break all that often, and if you send it in to Benchmade they will replace the springs and clean/maintain it for you...do it once a year or so and you'll be just fine
I have 6 differant benchmade knives,never had a spring break,and if I did ,for me ,it would be easy to replace
Same knife, nothing broke, used regularly. I had 1
Screw drop from pocket clip at some point, doesn’t effect use.
That 200 - 300 range is one that I somehow skipped over, my knives are either more or less than that zone, but you've made me realize there are some great gems in that range that I need to consider.
Seriously low key some of the best knives are in that price range.
I think the range is the best value. You're getting something unique and built with some craftsmanship but you're avoiding the "exclusive drop/custom hand-built" line of knives. Good blade steel, high quality action, and usually higher quality grip materials. Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT... all their best value models are between 200-300
Literally hundreds. From fixed blades, to folders, to customs, and handmade in the USA (not saying that matters to you, but it does to many)
Between two knives with both Seth and David should be a once a month thing to compliment the weekly knife questions.
Seth said it best… “you can spend a lot of money and still not get what you’re looking for”.
Pro tip: we’re all still looking. Unless you’re DCA and he just makes what he’s looking for.
I started collecting knives a few years ago and got several. The dust settled and the 940 above everything else is now my EDC and I rarely carry anything else. A perfect knife for me
The Torino, especially the CF version, really incarnates what "next level" means to me at this price range for an industrial knife. I am satisfied by every aspect of the one that i own.
@@-Craptastic- well, my only disappointment came from a loose screw at the end of the handle that fortunately dropped in my pocket instead of on the floor. Otherwise i have nothing to complain about. The knife stayed sharp for months of daily usage. When i felt the need to give it a little touch up, i first had troubles finding the proper abrasive for restoring it to "razor" sharp. Ultimately, 0.5 micron diamond abrasive did the trick.
Hell yeah Seth, agreed 100% about the Carribean. Still one of the best knives in my collection at any cost. I use it often for food prep tasks and it washes up easy and the overall design and profile are awesome. Love to see it gettin some well deserved love here.
My first with taxes was the Spyderco Amalgam. An couldn't be any happier. Also as a bonus I used to buy 1 or two 40 to 60 dollar knives a month. Haven't bought one sense. Thanks guys!
Honestly, there is SO much goodness in that $150-300 range! The 940 is definitely a very strong contender as THE modern classic by which other knives are measured against. Many are like it, but none really have the same blend of quality as the 940 (as stated). The Giantmouse ACE Sonoma V2 is another one of my favorites as well. Great knife that is certainly understated, until you hold out and use it. There is just so much that the designers got right with that knife - almost no frills perfection. I’d argue, though, that the upper tier Bugout models should be a contender. Other than the Hogue Deka, nothing quite comes close to the buyouts in the ultralight ultra thin category, and is another wonderful EDC, especially a low-profile one for the “all knives are scary” office settings.
People are jealous
My Sandrin Torino is one of my favorite knives. I modified the scales so they have excellent ergonomics and they no longer look like a Milwaukee utility knife. They are black CF.
I have sharpened it using my Work Sharp Precision Adjust with a full range of diamond stones. It wasn’t too bad.
I just bought my first ~$200 knife funny enough it was an exclusive pm2 at 180, it just arrived today and I'm on my way home from work right now, that's what you call blue collar heaven
When the storage bags of knives come out.......I cannot help but smile!
My first $200+ is the Zero Tolerance 0223. Currently my most expensive and most used knife of a 25+ collection of knives. For those who want to know; It is a $320 knife with CPM 20CV steel. With titanium handle and G10 inlays.
I really enjoy the dialogue and meeting of the minds between DCA and Seth.
The Factor. That’s the epitome of next level. Maybe those tungsten carbide blade knives.
Other than that, maybe something like the new Hinderer with the disassembly tool integrated as the backspacer. Those are the things that jump out to me as next level. I think of it as innovation more than just price or materials.
Best of luck Seth with your battle with cancer ❤️
Sorry to hear about this
What a great episode, thank you! Like Joshua I'm a relatively new collector with 30 pieces displayed in 3 identical wall mounted glass door display cases with room for 6 more knives before case number 4, lol! All of them are folders with blade lengths of 3 to 4 inches. My first $200+ purchase was the WE Arsenal, and it's worth every penny. Other great choices in this price range are a Bestech Malware, a Benchmade Crooked River or a Spyderco Para 2. You never think you'd ever pay that much for a knife when you first start collecting. I just bought my first $300+ pocket folder (a Reate Coyote) and that's the current grail of my collection. Such a gorgeous knife in every way.
My dad got me a mini buck knife when I was 7, taught me to use it, and to always carry a blade. I was a boy scout, in the army, lifelong outdoorsman, and electrician.
After 40 years of EDCs, I've found that my best is a Hogue Deka with magnacut steel. I wish it had an assisted open, though.
My 10 year old daughter found an old mini Buck of mine, which she now claims as hers. She's all about safety and keeps it sharp. I couldn't be prouder.
Hi Seth and DCA, I just picked up o a TRM Newtron 2 with 20CV and Carbon Fiber for right around 220.00 it's absolutely Amazing
I believe mine was the Spyderco Caribbean sheepsfoot. Living on the PNW, and having a utilitarian blade profile, made it a perfect fit for me.
Only ""ouch" is the lock release method, as I am left handed.
My bench made super freak was the first next level feeling knife I purchased. The fit and finish is awesome and it’s one hell of a worker.
I was thinking we might see the Super Freak…
After years I can say the best EDC knife I have every used is still the Spydiechef. Great blade shape that is very useful for all task. From food, to cutting boxes. And the LC200N is such a great all around steel.
Man I’m contemplating getting one right now too.
0562cf is what was my next step up and I still carry it over some of my higher end knives. Definitely a good suggestion
My first "nice" knife was a benchmade 940 in 154cm I bought back in 2010 and was my only knife for 7 or 8 years.
I still carry it from time to time and it is a great knife. Not the greatest slicer but cuts plenty well, strong tip, great design, slim carry, lots of blade and lots to love.
If I had to go back to using a knife in that price range, Kapara from spyderco or the 940.
I don't buy many knives since getting into watches, and rarely in this price range when I do but this was a fun episode and made me remember when I first fell in love with having a great knife in my pocket.
Mr. Seth, took your advice. My first next level EDC is the Caribbean. Thanks for the video. Lookng forward to its arrival.
Just picked up an Osbourne yesterday. Loving it so far. I like the reverse tanto. It is able to get in places a drop point just can’t. Cleaning your nails? Done. Boxes? Easy. I’m going hunting this week and if I get one I’ll field dress the deer with it and see how the edge holds up after all the cutting on the meat and hitting the bones. If anyone cares I’ll keep you updated.
Spyderco PM2,Benchmade Super Freek and/or Pro-Tech Malibu...honestly,I don’t think anything will ever knock the PM2 out of my top EDC spot
Have had a 940 for years. Got the Sonoma v2 recently. They're both awesome knives.
Like many who watch your videos I have many $200- $300 knives on my Knife Center "wish list" ... Last summer I finally pulled the trigger on one of them ... It was a "new" knife for 2021 and the minute I saw it I said to myself I'm going to buy that when it hits the shelves of Knife Center ... I am referring to the WE Knife Co.'s "Thug" folding knife with the Marble Carbon Fiber scales ... I just love it and don't regret spending the $$ it took to acquire it ... Last thought ... Keep up the great videos ... I look forward to them every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
My phone started the video at like 360p so Seth looked like the teacher from the first incredibles movie for a second
I love the laser beam metaphor on the Torino. Great way to explain things.
My first "nice" knife was the We Knife Co Peer with the brass inlay. But my first "grail" knife was the Lionsteel Rok with orange aluminum grip, that I fell for watching the video on best knives from each company. However my EDC is primarily the Spyderco PM2
I think the 0562ti should have made the list. You get to experience 99% of a Hinderer for 1/2 the price. The legacy iconic trio are the 940, 0562ti, & PM2.
I don't know if you sell them, but the Vero Axon is a knife that very much fits the bill as well. Unique blade shape, 3 different ways to open, killer m390.
This format is very enjoyable, seeing both of your picks and why. Well done 👍
In relation to blade steel and the LC200N Caribbean I went the opposite route and picked up something in REX45 just so I can watch a patina form. Hey patina’s could be a good video idea!
Patina video is a great idea. I just finished a forced patina on a carbon steel "Black Cat" and did a couple of Opinels in the past...l like the look of those old "grandma" kitchen knives with the carbon steel patina...almost as good looking as pattern welded steel.
I love rex45. It has been very impressive. I have a spyderco shaman with micarta and rex45. I also have a burnt orange manix 2. I've been wanting another rex45 knife but not sure what else. Lol
For my first $200 - $300 dollar knife I had to go with the Red Horse Hell Razor P its just such a cool design. I had been looking at the custom Hell Razor's but they were way out of my price range when they introduced the "P" I had to have one.
I hope I'm not the only one here that watches these to not only see cool blades, but also to hear DCA speak.
lion steel has a certain artistic quality, that makes them special above their competition.
This was an excellent video, and you guys, have led me to some excellent choices for future picks for some new experiences! I have to thank you for that! I love your videos, I'm there for every new one! Take care! One of your fan's! RT Eskridge!
I love my 940, only have had it for about a month now but it's just so smooth and such a good EDC I love carrying it, I swapped out the standard clip for a deep carry clip but other than that I haven't had to touch it except a light stropping to hone the edge, that and the Kershaw Bel-Air is tied as my go to EDC
I want to see where my money goes. Exceptional craftsmanship and material.
Wow guys. You opened my eyes to what is out there in next level knives because I have always been a cheap spender on folders. I carry two right now, because my older one (Smith and Wesson S.W.A.T.) needs a backup! Ha! Anyway, thanks again!
I'm currently at 17 knives between the prices of $20-$100 and I think I'm going to move up in price when I find something that gives me more intrigue. This video could help me as well! 👍🏾
So sell 15 knives and buy one $500 knife and be done.
@@phantomshtter 15 decent knives for different applications is better fhan 1 expensive knife for one purpose
Ah Joshua, many of us have been in that situation once and now have been overcome by the full sickness LOL
This selection could have used a Smock and/or Malibu. That Viper looks sweet aside from the huge billboarding.
For this level of Knives I think you can't go wrong with the ZT0562TI and the Osbourne. I own both and love them dearly. I think the 0562TI is a lot classier than a lot of people give it credit for. I just upgraded mine with the Taco Bearing system and it is mind blowingly smooth now.
Lionsteel SR11 have many reasons to be the best of all time, except for one major flaw, the blade made of sleipner steel which isn't supposed to be on that knife. Beauty of SR11 deserve something special like M390 or S90.
Honestly, every knife was amazing.
Watching with a 940 in my pjs at 11pm, lol. Truly an iconic blade and easy to see why you both picked it. 👊
One of my friends buried an RWL-34 blade in waterlogged acidic soil for a couple of months ... when he dug it out , there wasn’t a mark on it! Still as shiny as the day he bought it!
cant beat the spyderco para 3, different knife and locking style, prefect ergonomics and fidget factor.
Most of my knives are in the $75 to $150 range. I think this range provides excellent performance versus price. I currently have only one knife over $200 - the We Black Void Opus. It is a unique knife with high end materials. For me, I need something special to spend over $200 and the Black Void Opus met all my expectations.
Quality cost money.
@@talisikid1618 Sadly, so does a lot of cheap stuff
Great video,like nearly always! Always enjoy your "knife talks".
I want more "Between Two Knives" Far better than between two ferns
My first $200+ knife was the Para 3 w/ Maxamet. Love that knife.
Great segment, let's see one on non-steel blades.
If my budget range ever gets that high I will definitely be looking into Lionsteel knives!!!
I got the Buck Paradigm 590 which is just shy of $200. It seems well made with decent materials used. Buck generally makes more budget knives. It is worth a look.
I hate aluminum frames, but I wanted a 940. There was another knife Benchmade used to make which used the same style frame but different blade, and it had a carbon fiber version, so I ended up buying a 940 and two of those carbon fiber framed knifes, exchanged the blades with the 940 in one of them and sold the "special edition" knife with the aluminum frame (explaining what I had done, of course), so I have a very unique carbon fiber framed 940, and someone out there has a very unique knife with an aluminum frame.
I like the last one.
Spidiechef easy answer for me. Not tactical, couple of opening options right in the price sweet spot.
Bingo. So much personality in the 'chef.
This year I bought my 1st $200+ knife, well 2. The CRKT Ken Onion Viral and Facet $275 ea. I got lucky and received the collector token for the Viral. Made in Italy. Only 500 units of each made.
Absolutely enjoyed this video. I've been watching your videos for a long time and really like learning from y'all. Thank you David and Seth from Cherokee NC.
Next level knives was a great segment! unfortunately I’m not at the point where I can afford any of these. Would love a segment on between two knives where y’all explore the highest tier knives. The real dream knives no one should ever use, and only display. But are made to use
Another super fun video to watch. I love how you guys picked a couple of the same knives!
I love the Manix 2 lightweight in Maxamet.
Love the Manix 2 in all forms. I much prefer it to the pm2.
@@abc456f I definitely agree.
Hi Seth 👋 great choice 👍 G M ACE SONOM V 2 ..WIRE CLIP Easy in And Out pocket 😄💚
Seth hit the nail on the head. Design that can't be replicated for cheap. My $230 pick is the MBK Peter Carry turbo 66-67 hrc zdp189 micarta or carbon fiber. The action is what did it for me. If you can get past the double clutch(hold low when unlocking) and like a fast fall shut action the turbo is awesome. Its a lot like the ZT0562 action. And the shaman is my second choice. Or the kapara for gentlemen's knife. But i thought spyderco was going to dominate this list.
DCA, the ultimate knife pimp, but you did go with those knives, and there's nothing wrong with that!
Sonoma V2 and Sandrino perfect 4 me. Nice
Excellent video fellas - Stay safe and be BLESSED!!!
Even less expensive knives are pretty sweet these days...Like the Bull mastiff translucent green looks cool or something like the Ontario Rat is super functional
I may add the Viper Turn to my collection eventually. Beautiful folder
My number one pick is the Protech Malibu, it's just perfect. That being said, I love all those in the vid as well. I've got most of them, can't go wrong with any of 'em, all great recommendations 👌
I was surprised that there was one with a convex geometry, any other recommendations on that front?
Yeah, Caribbean is cool and heavily underrated in the shadow of Para2. Looks and feels way better than pictures show.
Sandrin is nice, but does not feel as a step up option for first knife in the 200$ realm. I see it later in the process. Dang it … double. Two nerds too close ;-)
Giant Mouse does it for me. Good pick.
The Lionsteel has the feature list, but is a pretty special design you have to like.
I would have done a Protech for the art of auto they do exceptionally well. Maybe the Spyderco Gale Bradley 2 or a Smock for the cool design with compression look with button interface. This pricepoint is quiet hard though as it marks a transition space to more unique premium stuff 350$ up.
I get it, it is harder than you initially think.
That version of the Viper Turn is awesome. I wish I could stll buy it in Europe.
There would be a huge market for American knives over here, but for most US brands the mark up is just beyond ridiculous. It is as if every knife is individually transported, in its own private jet to a european destination.
Many of my next level knives are Chinese designs by Bestech, Kizer, Maxace and the like. Top products for a very affordable price.
My top 5 Next-level EDC Knives $200-$300 in order of least to most expensive:
1. MBK inset-lock Old Guard
2. Pro-Tech Malibu
3. TRM Atom
4. Pena X Series Apache (by Reate)
5. Ferrum Forge Archbishop 3.0 (by WE)
All of my knives are from $20- $70 so far. I only have 4 just started buying 3 months ago.
The Barrage 580 I have carried is a very tough customer. It was my first nice knife. My Protech TR3 was my first next level knife.
Not I have a BM Northfork and a few Civivis that I really like. But the Barrage got me started.
I was deciding on my first "nice" folder about 6 months ago. I went with the 940 Blade HQ version (sorry knifecenter) bc I love the way it looks and I couldn't be happier! I loved it so much that I bought the mini... The mini, although a great LITTLE knife, is not a 940 ✌️
I broke the ice with the ZT0422CF I've only jumped to that level a few more times but it feels good when I do.
Sandrin Torino is lit... sharpened mine once so far. Italians do carbon fiber so well...
Hey just my pick Boker plus Masada is by far one of my favorite knives. I got Recon 1 and Para 2 but just love the feel and look of my Masada
I know tungsten carbide would be creeping it's way into knives sooner or later. As a hobby machinist that works with TC here and there, anyone that hasn't had the chance to work with it much might not realise just how rigid and tough that stuff is.
That blade looks like 1/32" thick, and i guarantee you it has ZERO FLEX. That's what's nice about TC is just how rigid it is compared to steel. Of course you wouldn't want to bear down or beat on it like you would a survival knife because it is more brittle than steel but it is also SUPER rigid.
Just to give an idea, i have some 1/16" rod TC i use to make scribes, and it has ZERO flex even with a great deal of force, that's 1/16"! If that was 1/16" rod of steel of course you could bend it like spaghetti with your pinkies.
Downside is it is a very pricey material and also that you wouldn't see it in knives for tough work or abuse, but it definitely makes a next level small edc for general purpose. Also i think TC (at least almost pure TC) is like 72 HRC. I think it can maybe go a bit higher and also lower depending on purity and grain structure i think. I think the micro-grain TC is the best quality, i believe.
One other thing I'm surprised i haven't seen more knives with is tungsten steel, which is different than tungsten carbide and not as pricey but tungsten steel is it would make for extremely strong and high performing steel with some of the benefits like excellent edge retention etc.
Anyway, just felt like mentioning that.
GiantMouse ACE Sonoma V2 looks like Italian elegance of '50 very clever idea and execution
I’m loving my PM 2 and thinking of getting a black Yojumbo or Spydiechef next 🤔 just can’t decide
Tremendous choices DCA and Seth. I'm a big fan of the Italians at this price point as well. The Myto and SR11 were amongst my final 3 candidates for a recent purchase from Knife Center. I decided on the Maserin 680 Police flipper. It has a tactical vibe with the Italian refinement. It's my new favorite EDC. Highly recommend it.
The Myto and the SR-11 are my favorites
I adore my benchmade bailout. It has a similarly textured handle to the lionsteel SR-11, but is much thinner and lighter. Also the carbide glass breaker near the lanyard hole is nice to have.
The way Seth stares in the camera gets me every time 🤣 idk if he’s doing a bit or he’s serious but makes me lmao everytime
I freakn Love my 940-1 ! and im definitely new still. its sick. great choice
Holy cow man the Carino and the Caribbean look amazing! I work a LOT around sea water, so I'll probably pick up one of those.
It's a pretty different knife but, if you like the look of the Giantmouse Sonoma, look at the Giantmouse Farley. It is probably my favorite modern slipjoint and might be my favorite gentlemanly folder in my collection.
Spyderco shaman. I also really like my s90v bugout and para3.
Great chat guys - agreed with some of the 'runners up' for sure... the 940 is such a modern classic - an iconic design, one of my grail knifes 🙏
Italian 🇮🇹 knifes do impress me very much 👌
Thanks for sharing gent's,
Atb Gus 👍
My 1st near 200$ was the benchmade boost. A week later the rubber was peeling off the handle.. and the s30v is very chippy, and the Assisted opening was very gritty and stopped working and eventually froze the blade in a half open position. I used it on mainly boxes and zip ties. It has set in my knife drawer for over a year before I got up the nerve to disassemble it and remove the faulty spring.. which by the way had broken some how. It's an okay knife now with out the spring and all the rubber $#!t has peeled off. I have learned my lesson about the reliability of Assisted open knives, s30v, and rubber handle inserts. I have other s30v that has chipped frome normal knife use. I miss benchmades 154cm.
I have the SR11 and I can tell you it is a very good knife. It’s a bit bulky but the blade is very smooth on the backing the flipper knob it’s impressive and it’s sharp! Good knife Lionsteel!
My first edc of this category is the Benchmade mini reflex. It's an auto but, to this day, still the best all around edc for me
I just cracked the next level mark with a Pro-Tech TR-3 last month and just got a Demko AD20.5. I never thought I’d pay that much for knife but there are so many good knives in that $150-$300 range. Thinking about my next, next level knife 🧐
I need to pickup a Carribean, the LC200 steel is amazing. Spyderco Spydie Chef is one of my most used knives.
Homer and Ned in the flesh
Laurel and hardy