I’ve always found that knives with a deep index finger cutout area lack good rotational control. I also like Magnacut, but prefer the better edge holding of M390 on small fixed blades. With all that in mind I very highly recommend the $180 Bradford 3.2 or 3 Sheepsfoot, plus take your pick of sheath style, scale color and blade finish.. and if the colors you pick their site show in stock they’ll assemble and ship it right away.
If i could only have one small fixed blade, this would be it. Good for EDC, outdoors, and pretty darn good for defensive rolls. And it's thick and tough, with still a thin edge. Hard to beat for a great warranty and US made too.
I just wanted to let you know that I think you did a great job on your review of the White River M1 Pro. I recently purchased the knife in Magnacut and I’m planning to use it as both an EDC and an outdoor knife. I’ll be pairing it with a larger knife for wood carving and wood processing tasks. For any Canadian folks reading this, the M1 Pro is available on BladeCanada, so you can grab one there as well! I personally see the M1 Pro as more of a replacement for a foldable knife. It has all the advantages of a fixed blade-reliability, ease of maintenance, and ease of cleaning. I also plan on carrying it with an Ulticlip in my pocket, which I think will work perfectly for my needs.
I had an M1 and I liked it, but I ultimately sold it. I snagged an FC 3.5 in magnacut to replace it. I wanted a sharp spine for scraping (White River does a great job sharpening their spines) and a fatter belly for cleaning trout. I used to be on the fence with the finger ring on the handle, but after a season of use, I see the advantages now. It also feather sticks like a champ.
Bradford knives 3.5 sheepsfoor magnacut is also a very good blade. Better at feathersticks as well. The 3 sheepsfoot is actually even better. The handle sits in my hand perfectly for the way i do feathers. It's not great for prolonged use, but 2-3 quick feather sticks is absolutely fine.
Nice review. I totally agree about everything you said aboutthe WRK backpacker pro. I find the exodus 3 a much more enjoyable knife. It does everything the backpacker does, the blade is longer, it is lighter, and it works reasonably well as a small bushcraft knife. The handel is also much more neutral and surprisingly confortable. The exodus 3 was a real game changer for me. It is my preferred fixed blade if I travel abroad or as a lightweight option while camping or hiking. And again ... thnx for the nice video.
If I. Carrying a fixed blade for edc it's usually my Esee 3. It's done absolutely everything Ive asked it to do. The white river is definitely a good looking blade though and wouldn't mind owning one. Good video Sir 👍👍
I carry both… I tend to vary my pocket knife, and carry a small fixed like my Esee Izula II or CR 2.5 and my Cudeman Sanabria 2. Thanks for your videos.
Funny you did this review today. I literally just picked up the White River Ursus Cub in Magnacut with O. D. Green Micarta scales to match my Backpacker M1 Pro in S35VN with the green G10 scales. I get where you're coming from in terms of wood processing on the trail. My hands are slightly bigger than yours and while I don't really have a problem with the grip, I also don't select materials that require me to bear down to carve feather sticks, if that makes sense. I front pocket carry mine without a clip on the kydex sheath so the knife is totally out of sight with a tucked in shirt. For me, it replaces a folder and is actually more functional. I can do food prep with it or clean game without worrying about how much gunk is getting on the knife to gum it up. The G10 scales make the knife easy to scrub down and clean. The Backpacker Pro has made me a huge fan of White River knives. I'm looking forward to working with the Ursus Cub I picked up today and seeing what all I can do with it.
You just keep working on me, you’re wearing me down. I could be a small fixed blade guy yet! I did stumble into a purchase that got me excited for several reasons. One, it seems OKC is still alive. And Two, a Taiwan made Rat 1.5 in Magnacut for under ninety bucks? Couldn’t wait...
Honorable mention, probably a different class of knife, but i use a Mora Eldris for most of the same uses. Also, I asked Santa for a Reiff Bushcraft Black. I always check here for your reviews.
I recently bought the version with the black linen grips. I absolutely love this as an EDC, but I haven't put it to the test for backpacking/widdling. The ergonomics are great! I agree with you on being able to put this in a pocket, and plan on setting my sheath up that way in the future. I have a dedicated backpacking/wood knife, though it is much larger... a Bark River Bravo in A2. I might grab one of their smaller sized Bravo models in the future though.
I have 3 in s35. Two with paracord wrap and one with orange g10. Love them all. The kydex sheath very minimal and with the paracord it makes an awesome neck knife. Great knife, great review!
Yukon Cornelius IS the GOAT…. 🐐 Compact fixed blades are my favorite. Fixed blade, multitool, and a flashlight are on my person everyday I’m not at work. I carry 11:00, cross draw but that’s just my preference. I want to add a White River Knife to the collection but haven’t settled on one yet. I really like the blade geometry on the Backpacker but the handle/neck design isn't for me. Rotation currently includes: Esee Izula with extended handle scales, Tops El Pionero, Benchmade Intersect, Condor BushScot… Speaking of which, no one seems to be doing a review of the BushScot. Maybe you should pick one up and check it out. Assuming you can find one, mine took months to ship.
I have the knife called Caper in S30 with Micarta scales, it is absolutely my favorite knife, the only wood I've carved is a pencil so can only praise it
Thanks for watching. I totally understand. There’s some great stuff under hundred bucks. I just found a compact fix blade that might be even better for 60 bucks. Coming soon.
I have one of the older M1 Capers in s30v, its my go-to edc knife. Its been basically perfect for what i need it for, though if you plan on making a ton of feather sticks i found my finger pushing into the choil a bit too much.
1. Excellent review, as always. 2. Great choices if you live and operate in a non urban environment. In non rush hour, it takes me 1 hour to drive from my home to Kaiser Hospital on Sunset Blvd. - a distance of just 13 miles! 3, Some time back, you made good comments about magnacut blades vs. a knife of the same design in a "lesser" steel. 4. It always a trade off of price vs. performance in a specific situation. 5. I am not going to walk around my urban area with a fixed blade knife before shtf. My choices for a very functional 4 inch blade knife are: a modified Ontario SP2 (updated version of the 499), an Esse 4 and a Fallkniven f-1 - in a behind the back, horizontal carry on a belt.
White River makes some amazing pieces, and their cost/benefit ratio (magnacut!) is unparalleled. Even so, the TJS Overland Sport you recommended is my favorite edc/hiking blade right now.
G'day Aaron, yep I'm carry'n small-er fixies more often, have been for a few years now. However, I do think, if you're goin' this small, one still needs a bit more meat in the handle. Having said that, especially, with so many large/robust folders available, does it really matter for EDC tasks. Personally I've distributed folders throughout various rooms in the house. Out and about, (with the exception of a couple of pouch carry jobs), I've simply taken the approach .... a pocket knife = pocket carry. A fixie goes on the belt ...... just depends where I'm goin and/or what I'm doin'. Main thing is, ..... they all get a gig sometime ; ) Cheers Duke.
I really like my TOPS MSK 2.5, Survive had the EDC 2.7 which is really good but Survive as a company sucks and I would never support them ever again. I really like the size and shape of the Benchmade Altitude and the Flyway kinda fits in as well. If they can put a full size handle on that White River I will buy 10. Some of us want a sub 3” fixy with a usable handle that does not cause hand pain.
Glad I’m not the only one with a hang up on the handle. I tried both the paracord and G10 models but sold them. The choil is so thin it’s uncomfortable to push hard on it. Love White River and the overall design of the backpacker but it’s not for me.
@@kpfagerberg if it’s not a fit for you then it’s not a fit. I don’t use mine heavily but mainly for around the house small chores and in the garden. Hope you’ve found something that works better for ya
Great review. Love the M1. Great EDC carry in the pocket w/Ulti-clip. You have the best reviews anywhere. Keep up the great work. God bless you and your family.
My izula 2 is an edc, especially when I’m woodworking. It’s durable and comfortable, easy to strop back, and simple to repair if you do hit something hard and damage the edge (not anecdotal). The backpacker looks more like a hunting/caping knife. I’m a collector, so I wouldn’t mind having one, but from a practical standpoint, the Esee is just fine for a lot of tasks. Putting a steeper edge on it is helpful too, but then you have to be a little more consistent with stropping. Esee warranty is fantastic too
Same problems I had with the Izula 2. The bare finger choil is a major hot spot when doing any kind of carving. In the case of the Izula, it's also just a bit chunkier than I want for EDC. Personally I've always loved small companion fixed blades. Great for day hikes when you don't need much. My favorite has been the Joker Avispa FFG. Plenty of thick, neutral grip for such a small knife. Only drawback is the kydex I got with it was pretty bad and I had to take a blow-dryer and pliers to it to fix retention issues. Paid $60 for it though, so not complaining too hard. Amy Valerious has also been doing awesome work through Warlander Knives, and her Raptor and Loon models with pocket sheaths are phenomenal. I prefer leather to kydex for pocket carry. You get a nice deep carry that will never be side-pokey.
White river hunter in magnacut is better imo. Just as good edc wise & a better handle (for me) when it comes to featersticking & notches. .Esee xancudo S35VN .lionsteel M4 magnacut (bit larger) .Bradford 3.5 sheepsfoot magnacut .Bradford 3 M390
You are my go to guy for a blade to buy, Becki trust your research and intellect on that knife! By the way, I'm in Orange county NY, we got our first snowfall yesterday too!👍🏻❄️❄️❄️❄️
Hello Aaron, long time fan. I'm looking at a Viper Handy magnacut 3.4 inch with micarta handle. I did a search and didn't see a video on that manufacturer from you. Are you familiar, and could you do a video on them?
I love my FC-5. This would have been perfect, but I went with the Dacian on my Christmas list. Oh, well, I guess I have to try both, now. 😉BTW, how is the Dacian doing?
Aaron, I did a video on this knife including the hardness test. They revved it up! I’ll be happy to post your affiliate link in it as a tribute to all the hard work you’ve doing!
Are you Alexander Bromley’s little bro? Your voice is similar, your face is similar and you have the same beard color. He’s a TH-camr, as well, in case anyone else reading this doesn’t know.
Much rather watch budget knives instead of all these expensive ones you probably get for free just for the reviews. Your viewers arnt fortunate enough to get expensive knives free! Do a service and review cheap knives!
Save $70 For A Limited Time On Zoleo Satellite Communication Thanks To Zoleo For Sponsoring This Video!
alnk.to/3chnV6C
I’ve always found that knives with a deep index finger cutout area lack good rotational control.
I also like Magnacut, but prefer the better edge holding of M390 on small fixed blades.
With all that in mind I very highly recommend the $180 Bradford 3.2 or 3 Sheepsfoot, plus take your pick of sheath style, scale color and blade finish.. and if the colors you pick their site show in stock they’ll assemble and ship it right away.
If i could only have one small fixed blade, this would be it. Good for EDC, outdoors, and pretty darn good for defensive rolls. And it's thick and tough, with still a thin edge. Hard to beat for a great warranty and US made too.
I just wanted to let you know that I think you did a great job on your review of the White River M1 Pro. I recently purchased the knife in Magnacut and I’m planning to use it as both an EDC and an outdoor knife. I’ll be pairing it with a larger knife for wood carving and wood processing tasks.
For any Canadian folks reading this, the M1 Pro is available on BladeCanada, so you can grab one there as well!
I personally see the M1 Pro as more of a replacement for a foldable knife. It has all the advantages of a fixed blade-reliability, ease of maintenance, and ease of cleaning. I also plan on carrying it with an Ulticlip in my pocket, which I think will work perfectly for my needs.
What he said. Love that knife as an EDC carry. I have two of them. 😊
I had an M1 and I liked it, but I ultimately sold it. I snagged an FC 3.5 in magnacut to replace it. I wanted a sharp spine for scraping (White River does a great job sharpening their spines) and a fatter belly for cleaning trout. I used to be on the fence with the finger ring on the handle, but after a season of use, I see the advantages now. It also feather sticks like a champ.
White River Fry Utility is a great option for people who want a bigger handle.
Bradford knives 3.5 sheepsfoor magnacut is also a very good blade. Better at feathersticks as well.
The 3 sheepsfoot is actually even better. The handle sits in my hand perfectly for the way i do feathers. It's not great for prolonged use, but 2-3 quick feather sticks is absolutely fine.
Nice review. I totally agree about everything you said aboutthe WRK backpacker pro. I find the exodus 3 a much more enjoyable knife. It does everything the backpacker does, the blade is longer, it is lighter, and it works reasonably well as a small bushcraft knife. The handel is also much more neutral and surprisingly confortable. The exodus 3 was a real game changer for me. It is my preferred fixed blade if I travel abroad or as a lightweight option while camping or hiking.
And again ... thnx for the nice video.
If I. Carrying a fixed blade for edc it's usually my Esee 3. It's done absolutely everything Ive asked it to do. The white river is definitely a good looking blade though and wouldn't mind owning one. Good video Sir 👍👍
I carry both… I tend to vary my pocket knife, and carry a small fixed like my Esee Izula II or CR 2.5 and my Cudeman Sanabria 2. Thanks for your videos.
The backpacker in an armatus sheath w ulticlip is a clean setup. I still wear mine on the belt @ 4 o’clock. Or left side horizontal appendix.
That is a good setup.
It is everything I wanted the Izula 2 to be. I have the Magnacut and micarta version and love it.
True.
I've had this knife in S35VN for several yrs. & is hard to beat for a knife of its size.
Funny you did this review today. I literally just picked up the White River Ursus Cub in Magnacut with O. D. Green Micarta scales to match my Backpacker M1 Pro in S35VN with the green G10 scales. I get where you're coming from in terms of wood processing on the trail. My hands are slightly bigger than yours and while I don't really have a problem with the grip, I also don't select materials that require me to bear down to carve feather sticks, if that makes sense. I front pocket carry mine without a clip on the kydex sheath so the knife is totally out of sight with a tucked in shirt. For me, it replaces a folder and is actually more functional. I can do food prep with it or clean game without worrying about how much gunk is getting on the knife to gum it up. The G10 scales make the knife easy to scrub down and clean. The Backpacker Pro has made me a huge fan of White River knives. I'm looking forward to working with the Ursus Cub I picked up today and seeing what all I can do with it.
You just keep working on me, you’re wearing me down. I could be a small fixed blade guy yet! I did stumble into a purchase that got me excited for several reasons. One, it seems OKC is still alive. And Two, a Taiwan made Rat 1.5 in Magnacut for under ninety bucks? Couldn’t wait...
Terrain dictates the gear carried not someone telling you small knifes are better .
I was joking...Terrain can play a part, but the task at hand and conditions would dictate the best tool for the job...Just Say’n
Honorable mention, probably a different class of knife, but i use a Mora Eldris for most of the same uses. Also, I asked Santa for a Reiff Bushcraft Black. I always check here for your reviews.
I did this, i bought a winkler sd1 and really not completely pleased. Going to go for a MKC speedgoat carbon fiber handle
I recently bought the version with the black linen grips. I absolutely love this as an EDC, but I haven't put it to the test for backpacking/widdling. The ergonomics are great! I agree with you on being able to put this in a pocket, and plan on setting my sheath up that way in the future. I have a dedicated backpacking/wood knife, though it is much larger... a Bark River Bravo in A2. I might grab one of their smaller sized Bravo models in the future though.
Been edc’ing the Big Idea Design Lookout for a bit. One of the best daily carry fixed blades I’ve ever had.
I have 3 in s35. Two with paracord wrap and one with orange g10. Love them all. The kydex sheath very minimal and with the paracord it makes an awesome neck knife. Great knife, great review!
Glad you're enjoying yours!
Yukon Cornelius IS the GOAT…. 🐐
Compact fixed blades are my favorite. Fixed blade, multitool, and a flashlight are on my person everyday I’m not at work. I carry 11:00, cross draw but that’s just my preference. I want to add a White River Knife to the collection but haven’t settled on one yet. I really like the blade geometry on the Backpacker but the handle/neck design isn't for me. Rotation currently includes: Esee Izula with extended handle scales, Tops El Pionero, Benchmade Intersect, Condor BushScot…
Speaking of which, no one seems to be doing a review of the BushScot. Maybe you should pick one up and check it out. Assuming you can find one, mine took months to ship.
I have the knife called Caper in S30 with Micarta scales, it is absolutely my favorite knife, the only wood I've carved is a pencil so can only praise it
I always appreciate your content. I think I'm done with $200 knives. I've probably purchased my last $100 knife. I still drool over them though.
Thanks for watching. I totally understand. There’s some great stuff under hundred bucks. I just found a compact fix blade that might be even better for 60 bucks. Coming soon.
@@gideonstactical Thanks. I never know what might tempt me.
I got the M1 Caper in magnacut. Best possible ergonomics, like an extension of your hand.
I have one of the older M1 Capers in s30v, its my go-to edc knife. Its been basically perfect for what i need it for, though if you plan on making a ton of feather sticks i found my finger pushing into the choil a bit too much.
That Overland Sport is so dang good. My go to. One and done.
Glad you found a good one!
1. Excellent review, as always.
2. Great choices if you live and operate in a non urban environment. In non rush hour, it takes me 1 hour to drive from my home to Kaiser Hospital on Sunset Blvd. - a distance of just 13 miles!
3, Some time back, you made good comments about magnacut blades vs. a knife of the same design in a "lesser" steel.
4. It always a trade off of price vs. performance in a specific situation.
5. I am not going to walk around my urban area with a fixed blade knife before shtf.
My choices for a very functional 4 inch blade knife are: a modified Ontario SP2 (updated version of the 499), an Esse 4 and a Fallkniven f-1 - in a behind the back, horizontal carry on a belt.
Granted, it isn’t magna cut, but my esee izula 2 works well for my boat paddle hands in the same application.
White River makes some amazing pieces, and their cost/benefit ratio (magnacut!) is unparalleled. Even so, the TJS Overland Sport you recommended is my favorite edc/hiking blade right now.
This or the Ursus Cub. Indeed a conundrum...
This is my EDC, but I have the brown burlap. This and my Tops Brush Wolf are my favorite.
G'day Aaron, yep I'm carry'n small-er fixies more often, have been for a few years now. However, I do think, if you're goin' this small, one still needs a bit more meat in the handle.
Having said that, especially, with so many large/robust folders available, does it really matter for EDC tasks.
Personally I've distributed folders throughout various rooms in the house. Out and about, (with the exception of a couple of pouch carry jobs), I've simply taken the approach .... a pocket knife = pocket carry. A fixie goes on the belt ...... just depends where I'm goin and/or what I'm doin'. Main thing is, ..... they all get a gig sometime ; )
Cheers Duke.
I EDC compact fixed blades. Right now the Viper Handy in a custom leather belt sheath with the concealed carry cant of about 45 degrees
I really like my TOPS MSK 2.5, Survive had the EDC 2.7 which is really good but Survive as a company sucks and I would never support them ever again. I really like the size and shape of the Benchmade Altitude and the Flyway kinda fits in as well. If they can put a full size handle on that White River I will buy 10. Some of us want a sub 3” fixy with a usable handle that does not cause hand pain.
Glad I’m not the only one with a hang up on the handle. I tried both the paracord and G10 models but sold them. The choil is so thin it’s uncomfortable to push hard on it. Love White River and the overall design of the backpacker but it’s not for me.
its not made for extended woodwork. It is an edc knife or a companion knife imo
@@ShoahBizeven on hard cutting around the house it felt odd.
@@kpfagerberg if it’s not a fit for you then it’s not a fit. I don’t use mine heavily but mainly for around the house small chores and in the garden. Hope you’ve found something that works better for ya
@ I love white river. Sad this one didn’t work out because the design is nice.
If u carry a TJ Swartz confidant u have nothing to worry about.
The scales are definitely NEEDED. I HATE parcord handles.
Great review. Love the M1. Great EDC carry in the pocket w/Ulti-clip.
You have the best reviews anywhere. Keep up the great work. God bless you and your family.
I have the limited edtion in S90v (med hands) I had a hard time believing it would be so comfortable to use!
I also got a version in S90V with handles in coyote. This is one of my all time favorit knifes.
How about compared to the esee izula 2, still like that as a compact fixed blade
My izula 2 is an edc, especially when I’m woodworking. It’s durable and comfortable, easy to strop back, and simple to repair if you do hit something hard and damage the edge (not anecdotal). The backpacker looks more like a hunting/caping knife. I’m a collector, so I wouldn’t mind having one, but from a practical standpoint, the Esee is just fine for a lot of tasks. Putting a steeper edge on it is helpful too, but then you have to be a little more consistent with stropping. Esee warranty is fantastic too
Same problems I had with the Izula 2. The bare finger choil is a major hot spot when doing any kind of carving. In the case of the Izula, it's also just a bit chunkier than I want for EDC.
Personally I've always loved small companion fixed blades. Great for day hikes when you don't need much. My favorite has been the Joker Avispa FFG. Plenty of thick, neutral grip for such a small knife. Only drawback is the kydex I got with it was pretty bad and I had to take a blow-dryer and pliers to it to fix retention issues. Paid $60 for it though, so not complaining too hard. Amy Valerious has also been doing awesome work through Warlander Knives, and her Raptor and Loon models with pocket sheaths are phenomenal. I prefer leather to kydex for pocket carry. You get a nice deep carry that will never be side-pokey.
White river hunter in magnacut is better imo. Just as good edc wise & a better handle (for me) when it comes to featersticking & notches.
.Esee xancudo S35VN
.lionsteel M4 magnacut (bit larger)
.Bradford 3.5 sheepsfoot magnacut
.Bradford 3 M390
Esee xancudo is very comfy.
i didnt realize they dropped the hunter in mc...tempting
I just need my paramilitary 2, white river ursus 45, gomboy saw, hatchet
I got my Bradford Guardian 3.2 for 200. Beats all these options
I always find the Bradford guardians ugly. The schwarz is my favorite looks wise.
You are my go to guy for a blade to buy, Becki trust your research and intellect on that knife! By the way, I'm in Orange county NY, we got our first snowfall yesterday too!👍🏻❄️❄️❄️❄️
Thanks for the watch and glad you enjoyed it!
Hello Aaron, long time fan. I'm looking at a Viper Handy magnacut 3.4 inch with micarta handle. I did a search and didn't see a video on that manufacturer from you. Are you familiar, and could you do a video on them?
I will check it out, thanks for always being a part of the GT crew!
Do you think the M1 Pro would make a decent neck-knife?
It is slim and lightweight enough to be one of the
Izula in S35VN is waaay better. Cheaper, no finger bumps..
Happy Thanksgiving, Aaron!! Nice looking EDC user!!!
You should do a review on the Swisstech Litche it's a small EDC fixed blade D2. $40 could be a good video review.
I love my FC-5. This would have been perfect, but I went with the Dacian on my Christmas list. Oh, well, I guess I have to try both, now. 😉BTW, how is the Dacian doing?
Not good! Haha never use it now that I have the overland sport and AK3.5
Aaron, I did a video on this knife including the hardness test. They revved it up! I’ll be happy to post your affiliate link in it as a tribute to all the hard work you’ve doing!
Very cool, always appreciate the detailed work data you share with the community as well!
Are you Alexander Bromley’s little bro? Your voice is similar, your face is similar and you have the same beard color. He’s a TH-camr, as well, in case anyone else reading this doesn’t know.
I am not. I’m alone wolf.
Nice review sir. Not my cup of tea but, nice knife.
Appreciate it, thanks for watching!
YAWN 😴😴😴 🥱🥱🥱
9 years? Magnacut has only been around for like 3-4 years
If you watch the video, I reviewed the design 9 years ago and now we are revisiting it in MagnaCut
Much rather watch budget knives instead of all these expensive ones you probably get for free just for the reviews. Your viewers arnt fortunate enough to get expensive knives free! Do a service and review cheap knives!
Well, I bought this one like many of the blades I test review. But we have some bunch of friendly stuff coming soon. Thank you for the feedback.