You're perfectly right coz affordable and inexpensive is way different than cheap and maybe made out of bad quality, some manufacturers get a good deal formula on how to provide their costumers with an ok quality affordable knives
@@Dew-b8b Some people like to split hairs, but the thing is that cheap has multiple common meanings/uses. Yes, it does mean (relatively) inexpensive/low price, you open a synonym dictionary, those words will all list each other. But cheap it is also used in negative ways far more often than affordable or innexpensive, like low quality. It is the "you get what you pay for" mentality coping with paying low price for something actually good, basically.
If a lot of people weren't spending more than a hundred dollars on pocket knives, how do you explain all the high end knife makers that are doing booming business? Several of the brands mentioned in this video make higher end knives that sell very well. The adverse to this is all The people buying 2 dollar knives that have to be replaced every time you open them. People will generally buy the highest quality that will fit in their budget.
I don’t usually comment but this guy was so knowledgable and explained the features with a subtle confidence thst made me really want to listen all the way through. Thanks and well done!
You know, Victorinox might not come to my mind when I think of budget knife brands, but there will never be a knife that's in my pocket more than the SAK on my keys, because it fills the niche it fills so superbly. I've carried a SAK since I was in the cub scouts, and I'll probably be carrying one when I die. An all-time great tool.
I have a mora kansbol, I also have knives that are more than 10 times the price (just to put my collection and problem in perspective) it easily has the most comfortable handle of any knife I own. It also came sharper than any other when brand new. Thin blade cuts so nice and it's very light weight, sometimes i grab a more costly knife because I would rather beat up something I like less.
just recently bought my first spyderco knife from y’all’s website, a pm2 to be exact, it was as easy as putting one on hold and a week later it showed up on my door step. love the content keep up the great work
CRKT Squid and QSP Penguin are the two knives I always recommend to people new to the knife world or anyone that's looking for a quality, inexpensive knife for EDC
Old video but so many of these are still holding there own. Especially considering that Amazon brings out a new Chinese brand every other day. Personally I hope Kershaw continues to do well. To me it's like Case, been around forever it seems. Kershaw was one of those companies that offered you a decent knife at a good fair price. Before the internet you could buy you a Kershaw and it was a huge step above a gas station knife.
It is interesting( and saddening) to me that while I can spend just a few dollars on an Ontario, Opinel, Mora, or Victorinox that arrives arm shaving sharp. But, if I spend two to three times the price on a WR Case I need to spend quite a bit of time repairing and sharpening the blade to make it serviceable. It kind of makes the cheap options superior.
@@AYellowPepper Rough Ryder? haha... you're funny. But Case does have a very serious problem with their sharpening. It should not leave the factory unless it can cut paper.
It's the mith of the "american made" which doesn't mean the knife is better and notice that the american workers are payed less than the european workers.
A budget brand that also deserves mentioning is Hultafors. They are better known for their axes but the knives are good also. I have a Mora TopQ Allround and a Hultafors Craftsman knife RFR. Pretty much the same price and blade size/shape. The mora has a better sheath but the Hultafors keeps an edge notably better.
Funny for me is how the Victorinox you mentioned is my first ever pocket knife. Got it from my father when I was like 13 or 14, it's been a bit over 10 years and I'm still carrying it around.
Absolutely thrilled to see this video. Thank you and everyone at KC for highlighting these brands (Kershaw being my personal favorite) and letting us regular folks see what we can actually afford to add to the collection.
Also the mora is an excellent excellent knife. I also believe opinel are criminally underrated. They are affected by the humidity but still for under 20 bucks..
Great video, love most of those brands, particularly Civivi, Kershaw, Ontario, Mora and QSP. I would also add Honey Badger, the large versions in D2, flipper with ball bearings in the $50's. (Love my Wharncleaver).
I’m a knife guy since early childhood. But just want you to know watching your videos and listening to your critics I’ve learned a lot. You’ve upgraded my view like light years. Thank you and respect Ps. As a business man I use to filter the parts you go to advertising direction :D
I own the civivi elementum and the qsp penguin. For the money I can't find anything better. One drop point and one sheep's foot. One flat grind the other hollow. One with caged ball bearings and the other with brass washers. One is a finger tab flipper and the other thumb studs. Of all my knives I carry those 2 the most. Not too long, not too short and you could buy both for less than 90 bucks total. Best knives for the dollar ever.
I have several of those knives. Kershaw Leek: love it. I have an Ontario Rat 2 in D2 with carbon fiber; not in love with the action; it seems a bit clunky to open, but other than that it's a solid blade. And Mora, can't go wrong. I like displaying my Opinel more than using it just for its classic vibe.
Opinel is a knife you use and then replace when it gets old. I keep one in toolbox, in my desk, a couple in the kitchen… just use ‘em and use ‘em and they’re cheap to replace.
I have that kershaw link he showed and I rarely use it- the handle is so smooth (and about an inch too short for large hands) that it feels slippery and unsafe. I like my Rat 1 and Opinel much better because of their superior grip. The Leek is now my ‘dress knife’ for very light tasks
David, normally I just enjoy your videos and never comment. But after reading some of the other comments and having thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, I felt compelled to comment. You are exactly right in stating inexpensive versus cheap. those terms are not synonymous. I have many expensive knives in my collection. I find my most chosen EDC’s are my CRKT knives, the CEO or the minimalist. Yes I do EDC a minimalist. Or my Delica 4. I know Spyderco not on the list here, but love love love my Delica. But you sell every brand with facts, passion and an u bias towards any of them. And you are human, so you have biases. Just extremely well presented and fair and accurate and honest. You keep making them and I’ll keep watching them, daily. Thank you
I've had my Swiss Army Knife/Huntsman for over 30 years. Goes for $32. Got me through Air Force survival school and still looks brand new. Don't overlook CRKT products either. I think they give the best bang for the buck. The CRKT Flat Out is my favorite knife for protection and it goes for only $48.
Terrific knives and video. I bought a Morakniv in a neat plastic sheath years ago to throw in my fishing bag and it has ended up as my go to kitchen knife. Cheers
Morakniv Basic 511: 3/4 length rat tail tang with alternating cut outs that lock the blade in the handle against being pushed in or pulled out. The only weak point is batoning the tip while the finger guard is resting on a solid surface - that creates a rocking motion that is likely to snap the tang about an inch into the handle. The 546 is the 12C27 stainless version.
I carried a CRKT M1610KZ for years (lost my first one and ordered a replacement after a making do with cheap Walmart knives for a while) and still love the knife along with my C/K Dragon fixed blade. I recently got my first D2/ball bearing flipper, a Petrified Fish PF818. They're currently under $30, but the down side is that they ship from China so it takes about a month to get to you.
I've carried a CRKT M16-13z for over a decade and it's been a tank, excellent knife. Of course, now I work for a knife manufacturer in Golden, Co, USA Earth and get an employee discount, so most of my recent knife purchases are from the company store.😉
I would like to give an honorable mention to “Joker Knives” handmade in Spain for $40-100+ for some amazing fixed blades that punch way above their price and they aren’t made in China.
Yeah, I have the CO 60 and it's a very decent blade. Picked it up for around $32. Not my go-to fixed blade, but it gets used fairly often and has held up very well.
I have several of those models you have shown. The Rat 1, a definite beast of a knife. Has handled everything I have thrown at it. As has my Civivi, granted I don’t have an elementum yet, I have the brazen tanto. I have had three of the victorinox explorers, will again one day (assuming I stop loaning them out).
Value for the dollar is the goal for me. Budget is whatever you can afford. I have a SP10 that has out performed the purchase price by leaps and bounds. Same for my RTAKII. I have an Old Hickory that was basically free,($20), and it is a fantastic knife. Great selection DC.
To this day my favorite budget knife is my purple Civivi Cogent, amazing knife. Often finds just as much time in my pocket as my bugout and s45vn Para 2
Lost an Opinel #8 in my yard once mowing. Didn't even know where it was lost at. Found it a year later after mowing over it numerous times. Blade was rusty, handle had almost started to rot (wood). 30 minutes of cleaning it up with sandpaper and blueing it with gun blue, light sand of the handles and it's back in business. It was STILL absolutely razor sharp and now, even holds a better edge. $12 knife, with no weight to it.
Tack för en mycket givande och lärorik video! Du är mycket trevlig att lyssna på och du verkar kunna allt om knivar. Tack än en gång och varma hälsningar från Sverige!
17:18 For Mora, I would add, that they come in the very affordable models, which have good steel, 3/4 tang, etc, But offer variety of steel, full tang, etc. Not limited, to only the entry model. Love Mora
This by far is my favorite knife review and so far my favorite knife review channel. I've been watching gun reviews for the last 15 plus years and I have my favorite channels for that too. This channel compares with them very well. I'll definitely be tuned in here for future (and past) reviews. Keep up the great work!
My two favorite budget knives of all time are the CJRB scoria and the Civivi incite. Those two knives are an absolute cut above the rest. The scoria is beautifully thin with killer blade geometry and a classic look…and the incite is just a *mindblowing* knife. It’s nicer than some knives costing 4 times as much. Everything about it is perfection from top to bottom. I buy them up whenever one hits the flea…
I bought a CJRB Pyrite. I liked it so much I bought a “premium” version with titanium scales. The titanium made it a little lighter and better balanced.
I used an Opinel 9 and a Mora for several years working in the forest. Those are good inexpensive knifes that you don't afraid to use. Still in perfect condition although might be covered a bit with pine resin.
I wanted to spend a little more on a pocket knife one time, ended up buying a civivi ortis with carbon fiber scales and a 3.25 inch Damascus blade. Price came up to about $100 after shipping. Couldn’t be happier.
Mora of course is in the kit in the car and scattered around the place. Lately, I'm EDC ing a Civivi Dogma in D2. Plus a SAK Manager in the pocket. I picked up a Kershaw OSO Sweat used and it's a pretty good little knife with AO that I've carried a bit. I have a lot of knives. Everything from Rough Ryder to Randall Mades. Until recently my standard carry was something like the Civivi or Kershaw, a SAK Alox Pioneer, and the SAK Manager. I finally started carrying a Leatherman Wave that I got for a good price used at a place I used to work. So it's the Wave now, the Civivi, and the SAK Manager. I consider the Leatherman to be a tool with a knife blade so don't use it as a knife. When I carried my SAK Champ I considered it a knife with tools on it.
I came in hot, guns blazing, ready to correct your pronounciation of Morakniv. I was pleasantly surprised that you were pretty much 90% correct! Only thing is, Mora is pronounced more like mowra rather than maura, but I guess that sound is a bit unnatural for an american, just like pronouncing the k in kniv (I can’t think of a single english word starting with kn where the k isn’t silent). Awesome knives from my native Sweden!
What a fabulous video, thank you David! His review of budget pocket knives it's so good one simply cannot go wrong selecting several knives from this list, owning them and/ or giving them away as gifts. I am particularly fond of the high-quality manufacturer ones which fall into the European category of the Mora knives and the Swiss Army knives. I am a believer that the higher the quality of manufacturer, the more likely the user is to employ them. But as you have pointed out, manufacturing quality is moving forward across-the-board such as with qsp. Thanks again for introducing us to these great brands that many of us may not have been familiar with. Take care and keep up the great work!
On the Victorinox knives - I always have to point out how useful the corkscrew is. Nobody ever mentions this, and it can't just be me, but the corkscrew is *invaluable* when it comes to untying knots! If you've used a lot of rope or cord, you'll have run into the problem of a tightened down knot that you just can't pry open. You'll try various tools and end up damaging the cord. So you just cut it off right? The corkscrew will untie ANY knot I've ever come across! Why this is never mentioned is beyond me. It seems like they're DESIGNED for this purpose! It's the _most used tool_ on my Swiss army knives next to the blade itself, maybe even more so. I've always carried them at work for this express purpose (I use a lot of rope). It doesn't matter how hard or wet (even with oils and various chemicals) the rope is, when it's just a hard impenetrable ball of knot, the corkscrew WILL pinch the cord you need to pull on and without ruining it, pull it cleanly out of the knot.
Kizer has been elevating prices. i suspect that is the reason kizer isn't included. While they do have some budget knives I don't consider that their "bread and butter" so to speak.
I got a Kizer yesterday. The Swayback with 4v blade. Sending it back today because I need something that is more hard use (yesterday i also threw away an Esee Zancudo when the pivot decided to let go and there was more blade play than a John Wick movie. What is a kizer you would recommend? Preferably something less than 3 inches, no D2, no 154, no 8cr whatever, no Aus 8. Something solid with decent edge retention and can handle being used a bit rough. Finger choil is preferred but not a deal breaker. Thanks!
@@andrewg7576 Its not a safety hazard if used for its intended use. Its not a hard use knife, if thats what you intended to use it for thats a bad purchase on your part, and imo poor form to return it because you bought the wrong thing.
Thank you very much for what you do I appreciate it and it was a lot of fun meeting you at blade show and thank you for introducing me to some new things I'm going to buy
I collect knives I have over 80 ranging from $17 to the $300's more often than not my daily carry ends up being knives under $50 just more practical for work and if they break get lost confiscated ect...and with brands like kizer ,civivi,cjrb,kuby,twosun you get the same features and even same materials for a budget price ....Kershaw offers the kershaw link with a cpm-20cv blade for $80
Great video! I own some OKC stuff and we currently baton our firewood at our offgrid home with it and you are correct, they do look better with a million scratch marks from 10+ years of brutal use. I’m curious what you think of spyderco’s Byrd budget line. Either compared to the knives in this video or their copied spiderco originals. I’m glad you hit the full spectrum on your videos from all price ranges and uses. We live in the middle of nowhere so no one cares what knife you have. But I love finding a knife that makes a job easier and you help do that. Keep up the great work.
Love the Byrd lineup and definitely solid value. They aren't quite as polished in the fit-and-finish department as the name brand Spyderco budget stuff, but still well worthy of attention. -DCA
Thanks David for your review of bestech swordfish. After giving it thought and research, I've ordered one with the black and blue handles. This type of video helps me make an informed decision when I'm looking to buy a new knife like the swordfish. I look forward to more videos like this one.
Kershaw Kershaw Kershaw Ken Onion speedsafe designs are really all I care about. Just replaced my Clash of 10 years with the olive scale/stonewash blade Leek. It took 10 years for me to find a suitable replacement and it took another Onion designed Kershaw to do it. Scored it "used" off Ebay for $37 and it appears to never have cut a thing. Popped a MXG Gear broad deep carry clip on and I'm thrilled.
I do not why Buck Knives stopped producing the 345 Vantage Select, although I am aware that they still offer the 346 Vantage Avid. Despite the fact that the 345 did require a bit of fine tuning even after purchasing brand new, these are great budget EDC knives that are (were) made in the USA. I now scour the internet to buy used and abused 345s in order to restore them and bring them back to life.
Thank you. I'm glad you did this. With all due respect. I had started to notice the last few segments I had seen have been so over the top ( $800 oil titanium zirti or whatever up grade you were doing to you Shaman that was ) and so so many of these wonderful knives you have featured, but out of reach for a guy who punches a time clock every day. Not every single one. And tbh I haven't seen every single one. I wasn't going to click on anymore, concluding I'm just not your target market. But this was cool. Already knew most of this but it was refreshing anyway. Looks like I'll stay around for a while. Don't get me wrong. It's ok to dream.. occasionally.
Would've liked to see a BPS in here. The BPS ADVENTURER is one of the best fixed blade knives I've ever used. At $40 it was actually a better knife than the ka-bar I got from the Marine Corp.
Cowabunga DCA.! Catering for the blue collar folks. The Bushcraft III is an awesome & handsome cutting tool. Proud to own a few. cheers mate. Hi Thomas! Greetings from Australia.
I wanted this vid to also mention some of buck's USA made budget folding knife options like the Bantam series and the Rival series of back lock folders. Also a few of the fixed blades might fit into this. I also wanted to point out that some of the Rat 1's and 2's I have seen have been switching their manufacturing over to China and are no longer made in Taiwan as they had been for so long
The highest price knives are high priced because of the name, are printed and made in the USA, and intentionally small production numbers to keep the prices high yes some are made better but usually it is the reasons listed above and has nothing to do with the quality.
I absolutely love my crkt squid. I have the standard size and the xm. I find my self reaching for my squid xm as often or even more often than the few spydercos I have.
The mora 511 is such a good deal its ridiculous..!! Really great quality at a price where you can buy 1 for every person, vehicle, go bag, tool box, and junk drawer you have..!! And still be cheaper than some more expensive options..
I love your videos. They are both entertaining and informative. The best on TH-cam! That being said I find the background music(?) incredibly annoying. Is there a radio playing in the background that can be turned off? Thanks again for the best knife content on the internet.
Rat1 was amazing and sold me on a rat2. i keep them both and use them almost daily for basic things. but when on camping or hiking or fishing expeditions I abuse the hell out of them, and besides washing them down, i dont do anything. they work. they are awesome.
One question and Just a tip from Europe: 1) some cool knifes are impossible to find here, but from your store in US will have to pass custums, someone has already tried? 2) when you explain, try to use also millimeters in order to give us a chance of better understanding
Afternoon David. I guess i am what you would call a knife person. That is not to say that I am remotely an expert. I am 67yrs old disabled Vet. I have an assortment of low to medium price range. Old timer, moraknif, spyderco tenacious, benchmade griptilian and a wonderful gerber 06 auto my son brought back from the desert. I most recently purchased a crkt curfew. It is currently my edc. Could you share a few ideas on a next knife staying in a modest price range. Truly enjoy your videos. Thank you
The best knife is a knife you can use. And in most cases an easily replaceable knife has more use than one you cry about if it gets a scratch or when you lose it.
I love your reviews on knifes and kershaw is one of the 3 knifes i carrey for edc another brand i been using for over 10 years is gerber blades, never had one break on me and would like to see reviews on it
Very cool and interesting video DCA, love seeing some of my own knives show up from time to time:) Speaking of QSP I have another one named the Parrot, and when I saw the CIVIVI Elementum something about it reminded me of being the big brother to QSP's Parrot. I never would've thought Bestech can be considered a "budget" brand, but love it anyway. Most definitely, gonna have to pick me up some CJRB's and CRKT's. Haven't got any Reel Steel's yet, but have been looking at that Luna Lite for several months now. Moreover, that Bushcraft III fixed blade looks amazing, been thinking about picking up a 3" to 4" fixed blade anyway. Lastly, the Opinel's are great got a number 6 and 8, that #6 is my exclusive cheese knife:) HA! Keep up the great work Knife Center...
Ruike make good budget knives.I carry a Ruike S11 on my keychain (Sandvik 12c27 steel).The price is around 14 euros in Europe.Larger models or multitools around 25 euros
This focus on "inexpensive" as opposed to "cheap" is nice. Far too many people use them interchangeably when they're not
You're perfectly right coz affordable and inexpensive is way different than cheap and maybe made out of bad quality, some manufacturers get a good deal formula on how to provide their costumers with an ok quality affordable knives
No Mora knife is cheap, but they are all inexpensive. You hit the nail on the head.
I don't get the distinction, cheap means relatively low price not poor quality.
@@Dew-b8b Some people like to split hairs, but the thing is that cheap has multiple common meanings/uses. Yes, it does mean (relatively) inexpensive/low price, you open a synonym dictionary, those words will all list each other. But cheap it is also used in negative ways far more often than affordable or innexpensive, like low quality. It is the "you get what you pay for" mentality coping with paying low price for something actually good, basically.
The discount ones on my channel, Weasley is much cheaper.
Most people would never spend more than a hundred dollars on a pocket knife so this is a welcome review - I love my Kizer
Lol true "most" but not all I keep 2 $135 knives on me every day, I'm also a bit of a knife nut
100% and those that have $120+ knives don't actually use them
Most people wouldn't spend $30 on a knife.
@@King88_8 very true 👍🏼
If a lot of people weren't spending more than a hundred dollars on pocket knives, how do you explain all the high end knife makers that are doing booming business? Several of the brands mentioned in this video make higher end knives that sell very well. The adverse to this is all The people buying 2 dollar knives that have to be replaced every time you open them. People will generally buy the highest quality that will fit in their budget.
I don’t usually comment but this guy was so knowledgable and explained the features with a subtle confidence thst made me really want to listen all the way through. Thanks and well done!
DCA is the best
You know, Victorinox might not come to my mind when I think of budget knife brands, but there will never be a knife that's in my pocket more than the SAK on my keys, because it fills the niche it fills so superbly. I've carried a SAK since I was in the cub scouts, and I'll probably be carrying one when I die. An all-time great tool.
Most pocket knives are worth less than $121.
@@JohnnyFDiaz What do you mean?
I would choose the lock back knife that I know about on my channel.
I've carried a SAK since before it was a SAK too.
I rlly dislike my victorinox, not enough cutting power for me, they are good for the money but I just dislike them
I have a mora kansbol, I also have knives that are more than 10 times the price (just to put my collection and problem in perspective) it easily has the most comfortable handle of any knife I own. It also came sharper than any other when brand new. Thin blade cuts so nice and it's very light weight, sometimes i grab a more costly knife because I would rather beat up something I like less.
just recently bought my first spyderco knife from y’all’s website, a pm2 to be exact, it was as easy as putting one on hold and a week later it showed up on my door step. love the content keep up the great work
Thanks for another great video. Great topic. Great knives.
● Kershaw Leek (U.S.)
● Morakniv 511 (Sweden)
● Ontario Rat (Tiawan)
●Opinel 6 (France)
CRKT Squid and QSP Penguin are the two knives I always recommend to people new to the knife world or anyone that's looking for a quality, inexpensive knife for EDC
Old video but so many of these are still holding there own. Especially considering that Amazon brings out a new Chinese brand every other day.
Personally I hope Kershaw continues to do well. To me it's like Case, been around forever it seems. Kershaw was one of those companies that offered you a decent knife at a good fair price. Before the internet you could buy you a Kershaw and it was a huge step above a gas station knife.
It is interesting( and saddening) to me that while I can spend just a few dollars on an Ontario, Opinel, Mora, or Victorinox that arrives arm shaving sharp. But, if I spend two to three times the price on a WR Case I need to spend quite a bit of time repairing and sharpening the blade to make it serviceable. It kind of makes the cheap options superior.
Case is really wierd with their folders... they cost full price but every Rougth Ryder has better fit and finishing.
@@AYellowPepper Rough Ryder? haha... you're funny. But Case does have a very serious problem with their sharpening. It should not leave the factory unless it can cut paper.
it's the difference between a company that knows knives are tools and one that sells "lifestyle accessories"
It's the mith of the "american made" which doesn't mean the knife is better and notice that the american workers are payed less than the european workers.
Your talking about a case knife's like their not affordable knife's . I mean technically most of their knifes are on the cheaper side ...
A budget brand that also deserves mentioning is Hultafors. They are better known for their axes but the knives are good also. I have a Mora TopQ Allround and a Hultafors Craftsman knife RFR. Pretty much the same price and blade size/shape. The mora has a better sheath but the Hultafors keeps an edge notably better.
I'll check it out!
I got Hultafors for me and my son for camping , very similar to mora , great around camp
Funny for me is how the Victorinox you mentioned is my first ever pocket knife. Got it from my father when I was like 13 or 14, it's been a bit over 10 years and I'm still carrying it around.
Yeah I had one to, lost it somewhere:(
@@minedthagap My dad still has his from decades ago. My grandmother won a Marlboro lottery thing and gave it to him.
I use opinel and victorinox since 45 years and happy with them. For more demanding stuff I use a locking blade knive. Great vid
To everyone going through hard times, we’ll all get through it. Especially with the help of DCAs soothing voice. Stay strong kings.
Absolutely thrilled to see this video. Thank you and everyone at KC for highlighting these brands (Kershaw being my personal favorite) and letting us regular folks see what we can actually afford to add to the collection.
Love Kershaw! Great knives and reasonable prices.
He forgot my brand on my channel.
Opinel for the win! I own 20+ Opinels, all of which are outstanding!
Also the mora is an excellent excellent knife. I also believe opinel are criminally underrated. They are affected by the humidity but still for under 20 bucks..
they do have opinels in 12c27 which is a stainless steel it’s not great but it exists
@@acid6urnsIt's more that the wood handle can swell up a bit when exposed to a lot of moisture, making it véry hard to open the knife...
In that case i recommend to knock the lower end on to smt. Its a regular legit way to open the knife.
Great video, love most of those brands, particularly Civivi, Kershaw, Ontario, Mora and QSP. I would also add Honey Badger, the large versions in D2, flipper with ball bearings in the $50's. (Love my Wharncleaver).
I have heard many favorable things about HBs. I have yet to get one.
I’m a knife guy since early childhood. But just want you to know watching your videos and listening to your critics I’ve learned a lot. You’ve upgraded my view like light years.
Thank you and respect
Ps. As a business man I use to filter the parts you go to advertising direction :D
I own the civivi elementum and the qsp penguin. For the money I can't find anything better. One drop point and one sheep's foot. One flat grind the other hollow. One with caged ball bearings and the other with brass washers. One is a finger tab flipper and the other thumb studs. Of all my knives I carry those 2 the most. Not too long, not too short and you could buy both for less than 90 bucks total. Best knives for the dollar ever.
I have several of those knives. Kershaw Leek: love it. I have an Ontario Rat 2 in D2 with carbon fiber; not in love with the action; it seems a bit clunky to open, but other than that it's a solid blade. And Mora, can't go wrong. I like displaying my Opinel more than using it just for its classic vibe.
Opinel is a knife you use and then replace when it gets old. I keep one in toolbox, in my desk, a couple in the kitchen… just use ‘em and use ‘em and they’re cheap to replace.
Like i said before d2 & 1095 my preferred steels, also steels of moras, victorinox - practical usage
Felt the same about my Rat, but once I took it completely down, cleaned and lubed it, it works a LOT better.
@@chainedlightning Might have to do that myself. Kinda sucks that it isn't like that out of the factory though.
I have that kershaw link he showed and I rarely use it- the handle is so smooth (and about an inch too short for large hands) that it feels slippery and unsafe. I like my Rat 1 and Opinel much better because of their superior grip. The Leek is now my ‘dress knife’ for very light tasks
David, normally I just enjoy your videos and never comment. But after reading some of the other comments and having thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, I felt compelled to comment. You are exactly right in stating inexpensive versus cheap. those terms are not synonymous. I have many expensive knives in my collection. I find my most chosen EDC’s are my CRKT knives, the CEO or the minimalist. Yes I do EDC a minimalist. Or my Delica 4. I know Spyderco not on the list here, but love love love my Delica. But you sell every brand with facts, passion and an u bias towards any of them. And you are human, so you have biases. Just extremely well presented and fair and accurate and honest. You keep making them and I’ll keep watching them, daily. Thank you
The Man gets it.
I've had my Swiss Army Knife/Huntsman for over 30 years. Goes for $32. Got me through Air Force survival school and still looks brand new. Don't overlook CRKT products either. I think they give the best bang for the buck. The CRKT Flat Out is my favorite knife for protection and it goes for only $48.
Terrific knives and video. I bought a Morakniv in a neat plastic sheath years ago to throw in my fishing bag and it has ended up as my go to kitchen knife. Cheers
Morakniv Basic 511: 3/4 length rat tail tang with alternating cut outs that lock the blade in the handle against being pushed in or pulled out. The only weak point is batoning the tip while the finger guard is resting on a solid surface - that creates a rocking motion that is likely to snap the tang about an inch into the handle. The 546 is the 12C27 stainless version.
I carried a CRKT M1610KZ for years (lost my first one and ordered a replacement after a making do with cheap Walmart knives for a while) and still love the knife along with my C/K Dragon fixed blade. I recently got my first D2/ball bearing flipper, a Petrified Fish PF818. They're currently under $30, but the down side is that they ship from China so it takes about a month to get to you.
My knives can get to you in one week.
I've carried a CRKT M16-13z for over a decade and it's been a tank, excellent knife. Of course, now I work for a knife manufacturer in Golden, Co, USA Earth and get an employee discount, so most of my recent knife purchases are from the company store.😉
This guy is probably has the best narrative coverage of all these tools learn something every time. Nice work.
I have a lot of knives but the moras for fix blade is my favorite.👍
Great video DCA like always, gettin us the best variety on the market
The best ones on the market are on my channel.
i have a moraknive and i’ve beaten the crap out of it and abused it and it still holds up and is still razor sharp
I'm pretty hard on knives and do alot outdoors and I have the Ontario model 1 and it has worked extremely well for me. I love this knife for edc.
I would like to give an honorable mention to “Joker Knives” handmade in Spain for $40-100+ for some amazing fixed blades that punch way above their price and they aren’t made in China.
Spanish knives are unfairly neglected! They have perhaps the longest tradition in making knives and their quality is above German and American knives
Post a link
Yeah, I have the CO 60 and it's a very decent blade. Picked it up for around $32. Not my go-to fixed blade, but it gets used fairly often and has held up very well.
I have several of those models you have shown. The Rat 1, a definite beast of a knife. Has handled everything I have thrown at it. As has my Civivi, granted I don’t have an elementum yet, I have the brazen tanto. I have had three of the victorinox explorers, will again one day (assuming I stop loaning them out).
Do you have the Cutco hunting sport knife that is on my channel?
Lots of people love the Elementum. I like the shape and the price but the handle is just too small for my hand (wear size Large glove).
Value for the dollar is the goal for me. Budget is whatever you can afford. I have a SP10 that has out performed the purchase price by leaps and bounds. Same for my RTAKII. I have an Old Hickory that was basically free,($20), and it is a fantastic knife.
Great selection DC.
Have you seen an old western hunting knife from my channel?
Great vid and I love the knives reviewed. To add, Ka-Bar Dozier, Kizer, and Sencut are all great budget knives.
What about the Hunting Knife on my channel?
To this day my favorite budget knife is my purple Civivi Cogent, amazing knife. Often finds just as much time in my pocket as my bugout and s45vn Para 2
I've got a great old morakniv with the curly birch handle, my brother got it from and old swedish man for $10, it was an amazing deal
Lost an Opinel #8 in my yard once mowing. Didn't even know where it was lost at. Found it a year later after mowing over it numerous times. Blade was rusty, handle had almost started to rot (wood). 30 minutes of cleaning it up with sandpaper and blueing it with gun blue, light sand of the handles and it's back in business. It was STILL absolutely razor sharp and now, even holds a better edge. $12 knife, with no weight to it.
Tack för en mycket givande och lärorik video! Du är mycket trevlig att lyssna på och du verkar kunna allt om knivar. Tack än en gång och varma hälsningar från Sverige!
17:18
For Mora,
I would add, that they come in the very affordable models, which have good steel, 3/4 tang, etc,
But offer variety of steel, full tang, etc.
Not limited, to only the entry model.
Love Mora
This by far is my favorite knife review and so far my favorite knife review channel. I've been watching gun reviews for the last 15 plus years and I have my favorite channels for that too. This channel compares with them very well. I'll definitely be tuned in here for future (and past) reviews. Keep up the great work!
My two favorite budget knives of all time are the CJRB scoria and the Civivi incite. Those two knives are an absolute cut above the rest. The scoria is beautifully thin with killer blade geometry and a classic look…and the incite is just a *mindblowing* knife. It’s nicer than some knives costing 4 times as much. Everything about it is perfection from top to bottom. I buy them up whenever one hits the flea…
This is exactly what I was looking for in more affordable knives; THANKS!!!👍👍👍
I bought a CJRB Pyrite. I liked it so much I bought a “premium” version with titanium scales. The titanium made it a little lighter and better balanced.
I used an Opinel 9 and a Mora for several years working in the forest. Those are good inexpensive knifes that you don't afraid to use. Still in perfect condition although might be covered a bit with pine resin.
I just bought my first Mora, the Basic 511, and I love it. I use it at home al the time, for everything
You must love the 2-3/4 pocket knife then.
I own two of them. Here in Sweden they cost around 5-6 USD a piece, crazy cheap for what you are getting.
I wanted to spend a little more on a pocket knife one time, ended up buying a civivi ortis with carbon fiber scales and a 3.25 inch Damascus blade. Price came up to about $100 after shipping. Couldn’t be happier.
Mora of course is in the kit in the car and scattered around the place. Lately, I'm EDC ing a Civivi Dogma in D2. Plus a SAK Manager in the pocket. I picked up a Kershaw OSO Sweat used and it's a pretty good little knife with AO that I've carried a bit. I have a lot of knives. Everything from Rough Ryder to Randall Mades. Until recently my standard carry was something like the Civivi or Kershaw, a SAK Alox Pioneer, and the SAK Manager. I finally started carrying a Leatherman Wave that I got for a good price used at a place I used to work. So it's the Wave now, the Civivi, and the SAK Manager. I consider the Leatherman to be a tool with a knife blade so don't use it as a knife. When I carried my SAK Champ I considered it a knife with tools on it.
I hve a Civvivi mini praxis I got for $29. This is my favorite budget knife now. It take a scary edge and it is lightning fast
I love my Civivi Elementum! It fits my hand perfectly and the jimping is so positive.
I came in hot, guns blazing, ready to correct your pronounciation of Morakniv. I was pleasantly surprised that you were pretty much 90% correct! Only thing is, Mora is pronounced more like mowra rather than maura, but I guess that sound is a bit unnatural for an american, just like pronouncing the k in kniv (I can’t think of a single english word starting with kn where the k isn’t silent). Awesome knives from my native Sweden!
Nice to see a segment on budget knives..
DCA really sold me on Mora knives, gotta check those out.
You can not go wrong with any Mora. You would have to spend at least double if not more to match a Mora.
I love the carbon steel over their stainless, a little more work but a far superior edge
What a fabulous video, thank you David! His review of budget pocket knives it's so good one simply cannot go wrong selecting several knives from this list, owning them and/ or giving them away as gifts. I am particularly fond of the high-quality manufacturer ones which fall into the European category of the Mora knives and the Swiss Army knives. I am a believer that the higher the quality of manufacturer, the more likely the user is to employ them. But as you have pointed out, manufacturing quality is moving forward across-the-board such as with qsp. Thanks again for introducing us to these great brands that many of us may not have been familiar with. Take care and keep up the great work!
On the Victorinox knives - I always have to point out how useful the corkscrew is. Nobody ever mentions this, and it can't just be me, but the corkscrew is *invaluable* when it comes to untying knots!
If you've used a lot of rope or cord, you'll have run into the problem of a tightened down knot that you just can't pry open.
You'll try various tools and end up damaging the cord. So you just cut it off right?
The corkscrew will untie ANY knot I've ever come across! Why this is never mentioned is beyond me. It seems like they're DESIGNED for this purpose!
It's the _most used tool_ on my Swiss army knives next to the blade itself, maybe even more so.
I've always carried them at work for this express purpose (I use a lot of rope).
It doesn't matter how hard or wet (even with oils and various chemicals) the rope is, when it's just a hard impenetrable ball of knot, the corkscrew WILL pinch the cord you need to pull on and without ruining it, pull it cleanly out of the knot.
I feel like Kizer is sorely missed here, at least on par with civivi and real steel
Kizer has been elevating prices. i suspect that is the reason kizer isn't included. While they do have some budget knives I don't consider that their "bread and butter" so to speak.
I got a Kizer yesterday. The Swayback with 4v blade. Sending it back today because I need something that is more hard use (yesterday i also threw away an Esee Zancudo when the pivot decided to let go and there was more blade play than a John Wick movie. What is a kizer you would recommend? Preferably something less than 3 inches, no D2, no 154, no 8cr whatever, no Aus 8. Something solid with decent edge retention and can handle being used a bit rough. Finger choil is preferred but not a deal breaker. Thanks!
@@andrewg7576 I can't imagine sending a knife back for that reason. Sorry.
@@arrowheadguys7637 Fair enough. I can't imagine carrying and using what I know to be a safety hazard.
@@andrewg7576 Its not a safety hazard if used for its intended use. Its not a hard use knife, if thats what you intended to use it for thats a bad purchase on your part, and imo poor form to return it because you bought the wrong thing.
Thank you very much for what you do I appreciate it and it was a lot of fun meeting you at blade show and thank you for introducing me to some new things I'm going to buy
Ngl the raw feeling of the opinel makes it my favorite !!
I collect knives I have over 80 ranging from $17 to the $300's more often than not my daily carry ends up being knives under $50 just more practical for work and if they break get lost confiscated ect...and with brands like kizer ,civivi,cjrb,kuby,twosun you get the same features and even same materials for a budget price ....Kershaw offers the kershaw link with a cpm-20cv blade for $80
Great video! I own some OKC stuff and we currently baton our firewood at our offgrid home with it and you are correct, they do look better with a million scratch marks from 10+ years of brutal use. I’m curious what you think of spyderco’s Byrd budget line. Either compared to the knives in this video or their copied spiderco originals.
I’m glad you hit the full spectrum on your videos from all price ranges and uses. We live in the middle of nowhere so no one cares what knife you have. But I love finding a knife that makes a job easier and you help do that. Keep up the great work.
wow offgrid
Love the Byrd lineup and definitely solid value. They aren't quite as polished in the fit-and-finish department as the name brand Spyderco budget stuff, but still well worthy of attention. -DCA
DCA, thank you for the quick and informative reply. I appreciate it. And you answered my question. Love the channel. Keep up the great work.
Rat 2 with d2 steel, my everyday carry until I misplaced it somewhere. Time for a new one since I spend a week looking for it.
You didn't mention the Finnish-made Marttiini equivalent to the Morakniv, the Russian-made Biker-2, or the South African OKAPI knives.
Love my kershaw leak 😊
Thanks David for your review of bestech swordfish. After giving it thought and research, I've ordered one with the black and blue handles.
This type of video helps me make an informed decision when I'm looking to buy a new knife like the swordfish. I look forward to more videos
like this one.
That was the first or second Bestech that I purchased. What a great knife.
Kershaw Kershaw Kershaw Ken Onion speedsafe designs are really all I care about. Just replaced my Clash of 10 years with the olive scale/stonewash blade Leek. It took 10 years for me to find a suitable replacement and it took another Onion designed Kershaw to do it. Scored it "used" off Ebay for $37 and it appears to never have cut a thing. Popped a MXG Gear broad deep carry clip on and I'm thrilled.
I do not why Buck Knives stopped producing the 345 Vantage Select, although I am aware that they still offer the 346 Vantage Avid. Despite the fact that the 345 did require a bit of fine tuning even after purchasing brand new, these are great budget EDC knives that are (were) made in the USA. I now scour the internet to buy used and abused 345s in order to restore them and bring them back to life.
Thank you. I'm glad you did this. With all due respect. I had started to notice the last few segments I had seen have been so over the top ( $800 oil titanium zirti or whatever up grade you were doing to you Shaman that was ) and so so many of these wonderful knives you have featured, but out of reach for a guy who punches a time clock every day. Not every single one. And tbh I haven't seen every single one. I wasn't going to click on anymore, concluding I'm just not your target market. But this was cool. Already knew most of this but it was refreshing anyway. Looks like I'll stay around for a while. Don't get me wrong. It's ok to dream.. occasionally.
The Mora Basic has been my go to recycle day knife for several years. I've sharpened it once.
I would add Sanrenmu. Bought one very early into my collecting and it’s still going very strong.
The action on the BT Fighter is just as smooth as any other button lock I own. Yes they can make a great unassisted knife
I look forward to your videos each week, DCA. Keep that stuff coming and thanks.
Would've liked to see a BPS in here. The BPS ADVENTURER is one of the best fixed blade knives I've ever used. At $40 it was actually a better knife than the ka-bar I got from the Marine Corp.
Thanks. I wouldn't have known that knife if you didn't mention it.
As an owner of at least 20 knives over $100 and several over $200- my wallet thanks you for this video. Well done.
In South Africa many people keep Mora Knives placed around the house for defense in case of home invasion.
The Kershaw Leek was my first pocketknife, got it about 18 years ago and it had been around for a while at that point
The explorer was my first pocket knife and it's still a favorite. Nice selection of good quality knives Mahalofor making this video
Cowabunga DCA.! Catering for the blue collar folks. The Bushcraft III is an awesome & handsome cutting tool. Proud to own a few. cheers mate. Hi Thomas! Greetings from Australia.
I wanted this vid to also mention some of buck's USA made budget folding knife options like the Bantam series and the Rival series of back lock folders. Also a few of the fixed blades might fit into this. I also wanted to point out that some of the Rat 1's and 2's I have seen have been switching their manufacturing over to China and are no longer made in Taiwan as they had been for so long
That's too bad about the Ontario Rats. Was gonna buy one in each size but now I will shun them.
The buck spitfire is a great knife too
What about the 2-3.4 Lock Pocket Knife on my channel?
@@JohnnyFDiaz nah get outta here with your multi level marketing crap
Though Buck has some budget blades, they are not traditionally known as a budget brand. Hence the reason they were not featured.
The highest price knives are high priced because of the name, are printed and made in the USA, and intentionally small production numbers to keep the prices high yes some are made better but usually it is the reasons listed above and has nothing to do with the quality.
Thanks for the video your whole series has been very helpful!
I absolutely love my crkt squid. I have the standard size and the xm. I find my self reaching for my squid xm as often or even more often than the few spydercos I have.
Do you think that it is better than 2.3/4 lock back pocket knife?
The Squid is endearing.
I'm new the channel but I would like to say that David did a great job keeping me interested in his presentation.
Great job.. will highly recommend.
The mora 511 is such a good deal its ridiculous..!! Really great quality at a price where you can buy 1 for every person, vehicle, go bag, tool box, and junk drawer you have..!! And still be cheaper than some more expensive options..
I love your videos. They are both entertaining and informative. The best on TH-cam! That being said I find the background music(?) incredibly annoying. Is there a radio playing in the background that can be turned off? Thanks again for the best knife content on the internet.
Kershaw will always be my favorite knife company. Best quality to price ratio.
Rat1 was amazing and sold me on a rat2. i keep them both and use them almost daily for basic things. but when on camping or hiking or fishing expeditions I abuse the hell out of them, and besides washing them down, i dont do anything. they work. they are awesome.
A Budget working knife I used as a Flat Bed Truck Driver was a Ka Bar ZK Kharon Tanto An inexpensive rugged knife.
I fidget with my folding knives all the time mainly my d2 demko ad20.5 with nebula fat carbon scales and my civivi conspirator
Mora's are the best $10 knife out there prove otherwise 😂 also absolutely love the Rat1 in D2 almost unbeatable pair!!
Ok I’m genuinely surprised Gerber is not on this list. They definitely seem price and feature oriented.
What are some models you’re thinking of?
One question and Just a tip from Europe:
1) some cool knifes are impossible to find here, but from your store in US will have to pass custums, someone has already tried?
2) when you explain, try to use also millimeters in order to give us a chance of better understanding
Afternoon David.
I guess i am what you would call a knife person. That is not to say that I am remotely an expert. I am 67yrs old disabled Vet. I have an assortment of low to medium price range. Old timer, moraknif, spyderco tenacious, benchmade griptilian and a wonderful gerber 06 auto my son brought back from the desert.
I most recently purchased a crkt curfew. It is currently my edc.
Could you share a few ideas on a next knife staying in a modest price range. Truly enjoy your videos.
Thank you
Thanks a lot, DCA-this episode is going to cost me a lot of money! Joking aside-some great choices here, and I enjoy and appreciate your videos.
The best knife is a knife you can use. And in most cases an easily replaceable knife has more use than one you cry about if it gets a scratch or when you lose it.
Awesome, thanks for this one DC!
Condor is another great brand for budget options, and have plenty of different styles.
I wouldn’t have one because of their blade grind.
I love your reviews on knifes and kershaw is one of the 3 knifes i carrey for edc another brand i been using for over 10 years is gerber blades, never had one break on me and would like to see reviews on it
I knew the large herman munster hands would be bragged on!
Very cool and interesting video DCA, love seeing some of my own knives show up from time to time:) Speaking of QSP I have another one named the Parrot, and when I saw the CIVIVI Elementum something about it reminded me of being the big brother to QSP's Parrot. I never would've thought Bestech can be considered a "budget" brand, but love it anyway. Most definitely, gonna have to pick me up some CJRB's and CRKT's. Haven't got any Reel Steel's yet, but have been looking at that Luna Lite for several months now. Moreover, that Bushcraft III fixed blade looks amazing, been thinking about picking up a 3" to 4" fixed blade anyway. Lastly, the Opinel's are great got a number 6 and 8, that #6 is my exclusive cheese knife:) HA! Keep up the great work Knife Center...
Ruike make good budget knives.I carry a Ruike S11 on my keychain (Sandvik 12c27 steel).The price is around 14 euros in Europe.Larger models or multitools around 25 euros