KnifeCenter FAQ #51: Best Bargain Knife Right Now? + Knives In School, Bayonet Survival Knives, More
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- What is the absolute, best knife for the money? Plus, we’ve got a bayonet as a survival knife, a true Swiss Army Knife for under $30, and what advantages you get with Damascus Steel. And just how cheap can you get S35VN??
David enjoys watching Felix Immler: / feliximmler
Check out our blog post on Damascus Steel: kcoti.com/3nhPGWt
Featured Knives
Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler: kcoti.com/3BXsdxS
Kershaw Epistle: kcoti.com/3jWi2U6
Leatherman Skeletool: kcoti.com/3E3Q0xT
Benchmade Mini Bugout: kcoti.com/3hhCCML
CIVIVI Elementum: kcoti.com/3jZHB6y
Spyderco Chaparral: kcoti.com/3ttzK4y
Ontario M9 Bayonet: kcoti.com/3nkNvBr
KA-BAR Becker BK7: kcoti.com/3npknZM
ArtisanCutlery Centauri: kcoti.com/2Xbq4iM
Opinel N09: kcoti.com/3tsA6bC
Bestech Reticulan: kcoti.com/3E6Am4L
0:00 Intro
1:04 Swiss Army Knife Under $30
3:13 Best Bargain Knife Without Compromise
6:48 Best Knife for College?
12:00 Bayonet as a Survival Knife
15:30 DCA’s Favorite Knife Channel
16:35 When is it Time to Sharpen?
17:34 Advantages of a Damascus Blade
18:39 Folding Knives for Striking Fire Steel
19:36 Most Affordable Titanium Frame Lock Flipper with S30V or Better
Interested in a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/34YqPM0
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For the first guy maybe look at the Gerber Dime. Similar size to the keychain swiss army but thicker. You get a knife, bottle opener, scissors, nail file, flathead screwdriver, package opener, and tweezers all for around $20
Felix Immler is a great and creative guy!
Yes
HELLO TH-cam!!!!
He's brilliant. I'm going to be getting a SAK thanks to his channel.
You’re awesome. This video didn’t even help me at all I just enjoy watching you explain stuff lol.
Thank you for featuring the Rambler. I have been pimping the Rambler for years as my favorite survival knife and the best option for a small knife. I never go anywhere without one. I also carry other knives, but the Rambler is the knife I use more than any other.
I just wanted to comment on how lucky KnifeCenter is to have a guy like DCA on their team
Love the videos and content. Subscribed, binged, and learned a lot. I would love to see educational videos concentrated on answering what, when, how and why on blade types, grinds, handle designs, handle materials, blade steels, opening mechanisms, locking mechanisms. There seems to be so much to consider and your expertise would be a great resource.
I really enjoy your reviews. This is a great channel.
Thanks
Felix is great. I also love his accent. I'm part German, I grew up in a German-speaking family, I studied German in school, and I had an Austrian teacher for Trigonometry, and Swiss friends.
Some Excellent Choices!!!
Yay! Finally, the Rambler gets a mention
I'm in my last semester of college and I used to carry a SOG Trident elite tanto since it's a deep carry clip and kinda inconspicuous in pocket but recently I've been carrying my CRK Large Sebenza 21 Lunar Landing to my classes since it's not as "scary" looking and it's an art piece with the engraving and full titanium handles plus it's also a nice flex
Thanks for answering my question it was really helpful
Love the Rambler.
hey DCA
thanks for the great content. your knowledge helps us new guys. looking to buy a nice fixed blade soon to round out the knife collection.
keep up the good videos
I'm really into that little Bestech knife at the end of the video. I really like my First quality brand knife I bought after getting my first job decades ago and it is the Kershaw Chive. Now that I have aged I like higher grade material and the Bestech fits that niche perfectly. Sweet little blade
Felix Immler Rocks!
A Swiss army camper accompanied me all through high school and was never a problem. But that was 40 years ago!
Love the Rambler! I had it on my keychain for years before I swapped it out for a mini-champ.
Well done for passing the year point. I am a regular watcher.
For the college guy I'd go with a traditional slip joint, Boker Barlows are perfect for that or a Butterbean.
The Chaparral frn is a light discrete carry too.
I love to watch Felix :)
Love the Rambler, always carry one
For the college question, I'd recommend the Kershaw Shuffle 1 or 2 n the Cold Steel Tuff Lite, both 2.5 inch blades. I know most colleges follow State laws for knife size.
I go to a vocational high school, and I spend over three hours a day working in a machine shop. So I just carry a small Husky exchangeable blade utility knife, as well as a Gerber MP600 Bladeless.
I love my BK7. It is an awesome knife especially for the price. It was my first knife costing more than $100 dollars. Now I have several Bark Rivers and L.T. Wrights so the BK7 doesn't seem so expensive anymore.
Hi David! Hope all is well. For the lady looking for an afford able knife under 100 bucs I would suggest the Kershaw Leek. There is also the CJRB Maleah. Although the Maleah is not big in size it is a sharp small knife that fits anywhere. The Spyderco knives are also a great pick because there are so many styles and steels. Perhaps the Dragonfly.
Lady here, just picked up the Kershaw Leek and it's really nice! What I especially like is the lock on it so I don't have to worry about something knocking it open in my bag.
The Spyderco Delica in K390 steel is a bargain at $115.
Longest lasting edge which is still Sharpenable with normal stones. 👍
I have used the small torch on my keychain waaay more than any little knife I've carried, so I reckon the Midnight Manager and SAKs with LED lights in them are way over-looked and more small knife+torch designs would be welcome. A decent but sub 3" blade with a pry bar on the other end of the handle and a push-button LED also built into the handle would be the most useful companion, for my money.
The elusive Victorinox Compact is a slim full-sized Swiss Army Knife with bottle opener and scissors (it also has parcel hook and corkscrew)
Great, will have a look see at Felix’s channel
Very good!
Hey DCA. I have been using a Benchmade Griptilian as my EDC for years. It is the only "legit" pocket knife I own and has served me faithfully as a package opener, steak cutter, light duty bushcrafter, zip tie cutter and everything in between. No complaints. I desire to start expanding my collection (no thanks to your videos) and am looking to add a new knife to my EDC rotation. I am interested in diversifying my collection so would entertain something that varies quite a bit from the Griptilian. The most important features for me are low maintenance and durability. I am looking in the ~$100 price range.
You’re 100% right on the Rambler. Have mine for years. Much better than the classic.
I really like the kershaw. The lines are great and color is nice. Something different from black
So excellent🙏
DCA: talking about blade steel, can we get a selection of knives that are in your opinion the ideal combination of steel properties and knife specs? Sort of a visual dictionary of what all those steel numbers and letters mean in practical application. Your big brain knife knowledge never disappoints!
20CV superiority!
@@Plunz great steel, but would be fun to see DCA's knife choice representing each major steel based on its unique…skill set
Happy Birthday DCA! 🎁🎉🎂🍻
Funny seeing the Centauri in this video being that I just got mine about a week ago.loved the black/orange g10 version soo much I just had to get the pakkawood version as well.thinking about picking up the titanium/carbon fiber frame lock version as well.lol
Hey to the last question that was asked about the affordable titanium handled, S35VN steel, and frame lock....I have an awesome suggestion. The Kizer Guru designed by Matt Degnan. It's on sale for $99 right now and I have one myself!! It's one of my favorite knives, beautiful design and smooth action, and the materials feel premium. You can't go wrong regardless of the price, but seriously, all that knife for only $99??!! Go get one!!
Hi David (& Seth),
My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question:
I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features:
1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard")
2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong)
3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it...
4) About 3" or more Blade Length
5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly.
6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip
7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each.
Thanks so much!
Lost my Benchmade 391 socp folder and placed an order today for replace it in Knife Center.
Felix Immler is an Awesome SAK guy
Been a subscriber of his for years
Gerber strong arm is a knife i really enjoy!
The Gerber Ranger is a good knife for carrying around campus as well as a Spyderco Tenacious.
As far as striking a fire steel goes, one folder that I found is surprisingly good at it is the Cold Steel Broken Skull. Coating and all it rips off sparks pretty well, at least my older CTS-XHP version does, I don't know if the spine on the newer S35VN ones are the same.
You should do one of these every week or every month for people looking constantly for the best deal!
They usually do this series weekly
One thing you never mention, Opinels are not much good in the wet, the wooden handles swell up and lock the blade where it is when it gets wet ! I used to sail a lot and always had an Opinel with me as a food knife (bread, cheese,sausage etc) but I always kept it in a rubber tobacco pouch in my ditty bag. It’s more useful if it locks up when open !!
Hey David. Id love to see what you think some of the best knives are for lefties.
I would like to hear more content about the angle if the cutting edge on these knives. Also would love to hear your opinion on the civivi brigand knife.
Ahhh, this guy beat me to it.
Love Felix.
However; as a result of your "Combo" video,
I asked you what about the following:
Your yellow SAK, + the bargain Old Hickory camping knife plus sheath+ a decent under $50.00 EDC flipper. Under $110??
Thanks, I really enjoy your work.
That Rambler has been my go-to keychain SAK for years. Way more utilitarian and useful than the Classic IMO.
Rambler / Midnight Manager is the best Keychain sized Victorinox imho
Same. I am always telling people to get the Rambler.
I went to university for Theatre Design, and that meant we worked in carpentry and electrics constantly. The knives that we mostly used were Stanley utility knives. I'm sure I also carried a medium sized Victorinox back then, and then I picked up a Gerber Mark II (this was the 1980s, so things were a LOT different back then). I would definitely not recommend the Mark II.
Just to reinforce what you said, I've carried the Rambler (I hate that name) for many years.
Thank you.
Hi DCA, I am a firefighter and work primarily in a wildfire capacity. I have my rescue needs comfortably covered by the Leatherman Raptor. I'm looking for a folding knife to cover the more general use cases (cutting rope, lines, possibly hoses for repairs) the knife will be subjected to repetitive dampness between uses. Ideally the ability to easily open while wearing gloves would be nice. Auto/Assisted opening knives are not permitted in my location.
DCA, seeing all these new, beautiful knives come out, there are quite a few that don't offer lefty pocket clips. Do you know why so many manufacturers omit this from their designs? Also, any suggestions for pocket carry as a lefty with a right only clip? Love the videos, keep up the great work!
Great information matter of fact funny as heck too . Thanks dca and the gentleman behind the camera. I’m bad with names. The Opinel trick is cool to start a fire and the price of it is perfect. The bestec flipper is niceeee cool neck knife. a neck knife is jewelry but better. 20$ for the bargain knife that’s a steal great beater. The bk 7 1095 light weight. So many good ones. Like what you buy and buy what you like. Many many many great one for all different tasks. Have a good day to all.
I’ve been using my mini bugout at college
I carried a Buck 110 when i went to college!
The rambler is my go to, while it’s not as useful as a leather man squirt, it’s smooth finish combined with a key smart key clip, it never gets in the way of my phone/wallet in my pockets
Hey D.C.A....luv the show,, i look forward to it every week,, would luv to see some A.G.A.Compalin or some Frank Beltrame Italian stilleto quality switch blades from italy,, thanks....
Look at those nice bits of steel
Skeletool as edc here at high mountain desert mesa hideout NM! Just too handy.
My choice for a light sub 2 inch blade is either the Spyderco Dragonfly or the Chaparral, or one of the small versions of the Boker Urban Trapper
Second that on the little Trapper. Not a heavy duty knife, but slim, light, and looks friendly. Pocket clip is dull gray and disappears. I carry it a lot in the office.
Strike your fire steel with the reamer on some Victorinox knives, like the Farmer and the Farmer X.
Honestly the RAT1 on sale on Knifecenter right now for $23 with the Free Shipping Code in effect today is an amazing value. Yeah it's AUS8 but it's $23. I picked one up just to throw in a backpack. Or I might upgrade my desk drawer knife.
I'm interested in finger CHOILS. They confuse me and i don't even know if i like them, but i can't get away from the idea that they add something other knives just don't have.
Honorable mention for best knife with s30v or higher has to be the Kershaw Link with 20cv steel for $80!!!!
Hey DCA, Thanks your team for making these amazing video. I would like to hear your opinion on, as a customer, which level of QC issue do you accept for $50 budget knives and $150 midrange knives. So far I had one with lockup issue and another one with defect in the micarta scale. I live nowhere near the US so returning is not a option for me. Thanks!
Hey DCA, question for your next knife aq; what are a few examples of celebratory or "milestone" knives. The kind of thing that you would give or ask for to celebrate a graduation, anniversary, or big achievement? I think that a Sebenza is a great example of this, but can you think of any others? I think it should be exceptionally high quality and a classic design. Something that will be cherished and used for a lifetime.
hey DCA, im after a modern traditional folder with a round tip or sheepsfoot style blade, needs pocket clip
Also a fixed blade for 90 percent food prep and 10 percent camp uses.
budget is loose but everything here in Australia costs near double!
Thanks
Kizer (mini) sheepdog, civivi (mini) bullmastiff/mastodon, cjrb crag or maileah. You could also go for qsp penguin or civivi hadros, but those are little bit more wharncliff type of blades.
Question: How do you measure sharpness? Subjective or objective, doesn't matter. I recently took my sharpening game to a higher level with a very fancy and expensive clamping system. It does not disappoint. I'm having fun geeking out chasing "sharp".
DCA, my father will turn 85 this November and I'd like to gift him a good carry knife, but one that will be easy to open and close while maintaining the utmost safety. He has shaky hands but still uses knives to break down cardboard and, well, he's always carried a pocket knife since he was around 5 years old. Having one on him is like having our smart phones with us today. I'm looking for something under $150, if there are some options out there. Thank you so much for this series! I've learned a lot this past year!
Has to be a spyderco paramilitary, large opening, long slim profile blade, perfect for slicing and badass looking.
DCA, you should've mentioned the Ontario Ti- 22 it's like 49.99 and its Titanium only a D2 blade though.
I've found that using "neck" or pocket fixed blade knives for boot knives works great. For instance the Boker Plus Yurco with an ulti clip and the Cold Steel Mini Tac with some ghetto'd on belt clip are permanent fixtures on two of my boots. Any recommendations on some tailor-made boot knives (or other "pocket" fixed blades) that aren't your typical tactical dagger-style fighting knives?
Howzit DCA. Could you explain the following:
A bowie knife is a type of clip point knife, but not all clip points are bowies.
Example from the top of my mind:
Clip point - Real Steel Knives Sorrow / Work Tuff Gear Kaviaz
Bowie - Cold Steel Black bear / Work Tuff Gear Puzon.
Best knife to carry around college is definitely a small Swiss Army knife. 👍🏼👍🏼
Kabar Dozier ftw at college (assuming, unlike Cali, all knives are not outright banned).
Only my humble opinion but I agree with DCA that knives with coloured handles appear less intimidating/aggressive than black or even grey. Might just be psychological but I agree with DCA that no one needs hassles just for being a knife enthusiast. Also, don't forget your attitude is also a big factor - if you open you knife in front of people with big wrist flicks and start waving it around, you deserve what you get. With great knives comes great responsibility.
I HAVE AN EPISTLE, GREAT LITTLE KNIFE, MAKE ONE 8.5 INCHES, MOVE THE THUMB STUDS FOR SHARPENING
Thanks David. I really appreciate it. David, what do you know about TOP PRADO BLADES out of the Philippines?
I’d like to ask maybe budget-hard use construction fixed blade knife somewhere around 4-5 inches ??
Thumbs up for Felix Immler shout out.
Glock knife for the bayonet style blade
Cheapest S30V knife they carry is an American made 3 1/4" Bear Ops Rancor ll MC-400-SS-S FOR $50! Too bad it is a stainless frame flipper so it weighs half a pound, but for some odd reason they have it listed as 4.5 oz. Don't pay attention to that, it is just under 8 oz and heavy enough that I made a leather belt pouch for mine. It has a great pocket clip though that is right/left deep carry and is set on the inside of the frame so there isn't any lip or screws tearing up your clothes.
The pocket clip is big enough to wear on the inside of your belt if you live in a state like mine that considers ALL knives as potentially deadly weapons so knives must not be carried concealed. The law is so vague on the definition of an automatic that assisted knives are considered the same, but are not illegal if carried openly, also if in your car they must be carried concealed. Here is the kicker, if you're arrested for carrying a concealed knife refuse to make a deal as it is a class 3 felony and will follow you for the rest of your life. Instead make them prove to a jury of your peers that you were carrying the knife with malicious intent to cause people great bodily harm. Welcome to the Land Of Enchantment's odd knife carry laws.
I get my furst knife when im was 6 carry every day from that day yes in school too
Help me DCA! I recently finished hand-sewing a wool cloak and realized that I need a blade to match it. What would you recommend for a good outdoor bushcraft knife that still gives off medieval vibes? Condor's dragon seax and Francisca throwing axe look right, but I wasn't sure how their more unique blade shapes would take to woodcraft.
If you want a great budget, lightweight fixed blade for camping and hiking there's the Glock 78.
Right DCA, the Hoook:))
KC version of RAT 1 is 22 bucks right now
DCA...Need a good, strong farm knife. Needs to have a strong (tanto-like) blade tip while also having a good belly to it. What would blade style (or knife) would you recommend. Ideally under 5 inches. Thanks. Goatman
Hi DCA, I have a question on locking mechanisms...how do they line up and what are they best for (i.e. slipjoint, liner, frame, back, etc.)? Also, which ones are the most costly and least? Are there studies on at what pressure a liner, frame, etc will break? Thanks.
Heck yeah
Can you do a video on strop maintenance? I never cleaned any of my green compound off and just kept using it for years until I recently broke it. It worked fine all this time but now that I'm getting a new one I'd like to do things better.
I've never cleaned my compound off either lol -DCA
Buds!
What about the Victorinox Jetsetter!?!
What's the best sharpening angle for Opionel No 8 (Carbone and Stainless) for lasting edge retention?
To the man who want to find a Swiss army knife with scissor for under 30 buck, go check the second hand market on ebay. Plenty of option over there
Hey DCA, you need to let me know what you thought of the Outdoor Edge Le Duck knife!!!
Cool, but ever so slightly small for my SLTAH -DCA
Although there is a cheapier victorinox, but a think a victorinox is cheap enough that you can use it for both beer and wine (for the ladies).
Hi David! I have a great idea for a show. How about you do an episode where viewers tell you in their comments what knife or knives they would like to see bigger,smaller,an upgraded steel etc.. Then if the idea sounds intelligent you can mention it to the knife maker or makers. If the idea gets selected the person gets that knife with the changes or upgrades?
Yeah absolutely. So many Gerber and CRKT designs just need a huge steel upgrade. The sumo from Gerber and the Tuna from CRKT come to mind immediately.
Flipper version of the 940
Large Spartan Talos.
@@The4cp Love my sumo, but it just dulls so quickly with everyday use. Any upgrade would be awesome. I think this is a hidden gem of a knife.
The best bargain folding knife right now is either the Ontario RAT I, RAT II, or Becker BK-40. The only thing that could make these knives better is if they had left-handed versions. And YES, women do watch this channel! :D
Was hoping for a new video!