This is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Instead, shoot it, repeatedly, with an automatic firearm, through the bit that says “do not open with a knife.” When it no longer says “do not open with a knife”, open it with a knife. (Some reassembly required.)
I make knives, and your advice is spot on. You just have to start anywhere, and the rest will fall into place. Don't get discouraged. If it doesn't work the first few times, you will learn from it and it will make you better at what you do.
Hi DCA and Thomas, fellow knife enthusiast and huge fan. DCA, what is the purpose of the harpoon style blade? Is it purely aesthetic or does it serve a more functional purpose?
Hey DCA and Thomas and Seth! Knowing that y'all are big fans of the greatest movie ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, what sword (or knife) do You think would be best to use against a killer rabbit? Thanks in advance 😃
Surly the answer to the no knife to box question is to use a axe! Anyway more serious, would love to see a FAQ episode on serrations on their uses, surly not everything is rope. Especially since different companies have different types of serrations.
DCA, thank you for another great video! Two things. 1) you are right, we are living in the golden age of knifes. When I bought my first *good* knife (1973) I got a Case trapper which I still have and one day will pass down to my son. When I look at the number of great knifes to choose from today I'm gobsmacked. Every week the number increases. Needless to say my knife collection keeps increasing! 2) you keep going into the multitude of different blades steels we have available today. You mentioned one I haven't about in a donkey's age - ATS34. I have a knife - G.Sakai made from that steel. You should consider creating a spreadsheet with the steels listed, rating on you *three legs of performance* and general comments that your viewers could download as a PDF to reference when considering purchasing a knife. As I final comment I wish you might say something nice about the late A. G. Russell. I got to meet him a couple of times and he brought so much to the knife industry!
Related question, does "copper damascus" where layers of copper which is much softer than steel are added significantly weaken the knife blade? It looks nice for display pieces, but is it a bad idea for an EDC knife?
Hey DCA, I'm looking for an EDC made with a stainless steel that has top notch toughness, but isn't Magnacut. Can you give me 2 other steel options please?
I had a couple that were way too hard that they were brittle and haven't gone back to them. I find cruwear a bit better and magnacut is my new favorite!
@lonetrader1 it sounds like the temper cycle wasn't done right. Mine were made by independent makers in small batches, try it one more time but find the right maker. You won't regret it, I promise.
Is it possible to make a Damascus out of like S30v and maybe 14c28n? Could start seeing some good performance in lower priced stuff. Damasteel is pretty legit even for a working knife, but costs.. $700+ for a folding knife with it.
FAQ episode idea... It's about time for the delica 5. We're ready for or Spyderco. Make it awesome. Make it like the para 3 lightweight with a button compression lock (like the smock) let's get the buzz going maybe they will listen to us!!
spyderco is absolutely not gonna change the delica series from a back lock my dude. they’d have to redesign the entirety of the knife and it wouldn’t even be a delica
A lot of properly made (read expensive) Japanese kitchen knives have compound grinds to allow for maximum efficiency in preparing fish (part of the grind will be hollow, part convex, part flat). This allows a highly skilled chef (who has practiced that cut thousands of times) to conserve time and effort by not having to switch knives.
The question about the WE Elementum, the first thing that came to mind is why did he buy another brand if he loved his WE? Your response is the Beacon which is what I’m carrying on my waist while I’m watching this video. The Beacon is the ultimate flipper, I think the fuller makes it so good. 🎉
Interesting discussion concerning Damascus steel. Could you talk about how multilevel blade are different and definitely have performance enhancing attributes. Thinking of some of the different combinations Spyderco uses , Such as Delica 4 super blue sprint run.
DCA. Do you think serrated blade folders will ever be favored over straight edge blades? I am struck with the near unanimity of TH-camrs who dislike serrated edges; however, I have found my Spyderco Delica and Endela serrated blades in K390 to be far superior to their straight edge counterparts in most cutting tasks.
Yo DCA have you ever covered why 1095 wound up so popular for "survival" knives? Just seems like 420's higher toughness, stainlessness, and equivalent ease of sharpening would make it a better choice for these kind of hard use knives
Toughness refers to ability to absorb impact and abuse without failure. 1095 (most carbon steels for that matter) will typically have higher toughness than SS. The 420 is more prone to chipping under hard use from my experience.
@@Jody6441 if you look at sources such as knifesteelnerds or manufacturer spec sheets 420 stainless has much higher toughness than carbon steels such as 1095. anecdotally that also fits with my experience where base 420 dulls very quickly but takes a real beating
@@mikeappleget482 that was my thought as well, but low alloy 420 generally costs on par with base level carbon steels from wholesalers. It might be due to the ease of HT and machining of carbon steels for manufacturers but I can't speak to that which was why I thought DCA might have an answer
I think a lot of it has to do with cost and ease of forging. 1095 is supposed to be easier for knifesmiths to make knives out of than pretty much any stainless.
Hey DCA, are there any folding knives that you would like to see a fixed blade version of? I personally would like a fixed blade version of the CJRB Rampart.
New intro: If you're a rookie to the show, I'm David C Andersen and welcome to the DCA show. "Direct Cutting Appliances" show with our in-house bartender Thomas on the camera and wild hair Seth in HR. Yeah..we did watch the last show with Thomas focusing on Seth while DCA was talking. Great entertainment as always guys. Cheers from Australia.
That isn’t “Damascus” steel unless the ore came from the mine in Jordan. Was smelted and refined by multiple forge folding , made into billets and sold in the markets of Damascus. It’s a wootz steel with a distinct pattern that forms from the unique and near perfect alloy contents of that ore. It’s vanadium content , in perfect proportion, has been considered its most advantageous property. Those are “Pattern Welded” blades. They can be great or crap. They can be the best tool for the job as in a laminated wood carving tool, a beautiful item that is worthy on its appearance alone, functional art or just something different. Their usefulness and quality varies as much as any knife. Automatically assuming they are better because they have been colloquially called “Damascus” is just wrong.
Nice video! Would it be possible to have the brad zinker boker plus Titanium handle knives shown off? Specifically the petite, tanto blade and grand variations of the urban trapper. Would love too see the differences in size and how they look in hand before I buy, Thanks!
On the topic of damascus, i was surprised you did not mention DamasCore, which is technically a san-mai of high performance powder metallurgy steel cladded with damasteel. For the steel geeks out there, it's quite a big deal.
DCA, can you talk about some utilitarian boot knives that you would consider “duty grade”? I work outdoors so corrosion resistance would be a priority. Thanks.
I’m pretty new to EDC knife world. Love your shows, I have learned so much, keep it up! I picked up a CRKT Piet based on reviews. I love the looks, the shaped molded handles, the blade shape and slicing ability. It’s awesome for the price point. I don’t like the side to side blade play. Any other similar knives in aesthetics and blade shape/sliciness up to $250 that you would recommend? Thanks.
Love your videos, your series was the first knife video that i found on TH-cam and helped me pick out my first pocket knife. I love the size and blade shape of the We High-Fin. We calls it a reverse tanto. Can you recommend any similar sub 7 inch (overall length) knives that have the similar reverse tanto, harpoon looking blades. Price can go up to $500 or a little higher. Thanks!
How does Damascus differ from composite blades like the Kershaw 1660CBBW Ken Onion Leek Assisted Flipper Knife 3" Blackwash Composite CPM-D2 Plain Blade and Stainless Steel Handles?
Hi DCA and crew, I have an important question that I would like your opinion on, I'm about to buy my first 'high end' knife for around $100 and I need help deciding between the Spartan Talos, the ANV Z200, or the Civivi Banneret. I'm looking for a hard working formal knife that will last me a good long while and will feel special when I receive it , thanks. ps: I'm open to suggestions.
i have a question.. what kind of demascus would you recommend for a heavy chopper... with an 8 inch blade... im just getting into knife making... and im wanting to make a military themed series of bowie style knives.... but i dont want to make "wall-hangers" i want the blade to be nice enough to display... but functional enough to use DAILY... and still pass it down through generations...
Hey DCA, do you know of any modern equivalents of the Indian Kataar / Kataari (cross handle push dagger) blades made by any reliable brands? I for one cannot find one and the TOPS modern gladius got me thinking in this direction. Any suggestion would be useful. Thanks
Thank you for all the great 2023 videos! One request? Could you please put the price of the knife on the screen with the name in the 2024 videos? Top purchases crkt ceo, and Byrd serrated rescue knife in orange and I have’nt lost it yet yeah!
I only have one kind of Damascus knife. It is a Japanese san mai hunter. It’s beautiful and performs quite well. It has a traditional round rosewood handle and a differently designed double flapped sheath closure that I haven’t seen before is since. Thanks for your hard work! 🔪🎸
Hello form Tulsa. I have an old knife that I've been carrying off and on for years. It's a Diamond Edge 352. I wish I could get a new one. But no one is making it anymore. What are some old brands that you wish were still made?
...on the "u & seth both cut ur own hair" comment... as a master barber may i just say... it shows... go see a trained professional guys... (haha) ...& on that note, whos a "trained professional" that i could use to do some knife scale swapping for those of us afraid of tackling the assisted opening function of a kershaw or a zt...??? thank u
Is there a way to find out what the most iconic knife per brand is? Is there a way to look up sales volume? How about the top 3 per brand? I have my own list but I wonder how it compares to reality.
i realized what matters most is how proper and clean the metal mix is and if the maker did the heat treating right, you can tell the cheap/improperly made stuff with the dirty metal with the big particles that chip and chatter easy at the edge its trash and u have to dull it and redo the edge but it will probably chip again cause the maker was AZZ/cheap
You will get drastically different performance and other characteristics depending on the heat treat protocol. No company heat treats the same so you suggesting performance will be similar to something else is wrong. Factually.
I need an EDC beater. I really like the becker 41 and the beckere 40D2. Also like the Kershaw mini-skyline. I would prefer D2 or better steal, and at least a 3 inch knife, but will take the slightly smaller bk41. I'm really liking the Kershaw Mini-Skline too. However, your "what's new from Boker" segment has me really liking the Boker Kihon crossbar. Out of those, should I just wait for boker Kihon? I'm a big fan of the Knafs and the dozier, but don't like the lock on the doziers. Help!! Analysis paralysis has set in. Make up my mind for me, please.
I have some Alabama Damascus billets and it is 1084 or 1095 high carbon steel and 15N20 a 2.00% nickel .75% carbon steel. It isn't a good idea to have the carbon content too far apart like if using 26C3 carbon steel at 1.26% carbon as it would possibly delaminate from the 15N20 during quench. If you like a carbon steel blade then you'll like an Alabama Damascus blade, it is some high quality Damascus and won't have any checks or delamination. I've made Damascus and I have no problem recommending Alabama Forge products. No, I don't work for them. The neat thing about 1084/15N20 Damascus is that one can temper it to HRC 60-61 without worrying that it will chip because of the high nickel content. With high carbon steel the harder the longer it holds an edge.
Hey DCA! Ive been carrying a CRKT M21-14DSFG everyday for almost 9 years. In my landscaping and irrigation work I have never found myself wishing I had a SMALLER knife. It's rugged, capable, the dual flipper is a huge plus, in fact, I love everything about it except two things: the Veff serrations are terrible and it's completely worn (or beaten...) to death. Can you recommend a large, dual-flipper, tip up carry work horse as a replacement? Budget up to $100. Thanks...y'all rock!
Hi DCA, i've been looking for a small edc fixed blade for a while and came across the Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake. It's amazing but I don't like the blade shape. Then i came across the Joker Avispa and it's beautiful and I will probably buy it. What do you think about joker avispa as the first edc fixed blade and do you have any other good recomendations in the 50/60$ przez point?
Hey David and Thomas! I have an issue where I like all the nicest things in life... but I’m broke lol idk if this question will make much sense to everyone but what would you say is the most “Graily-est” folder out there for around $100??🧐 thanks guys, love the videos
Who doesn't like the look of a Damascus blade? To get a great look, and excellent strength and durable cutting edge, I prefer the Enso 37-layers and Yaxell Ran 34-layers each side stainless steel Damascus blades with VG-10 core. To quote an authority: "Now, that's a knife!"
Hi DCA and friends! I'm a Swede who has spent most of my life "being in the woods" and fishing (i.e. bushcrafting in modern terms) with my grandfather and father. My grandfather always carried a classic spool-handled Mora with a hatchet and my father a Sami knife with a hatchet. I tend to carry a Mora Classic 1/0 and a Casström Lars Fält knife.What's the best Scandinavian style knife, either by a Scandinavian or non-scandinavian maker, in your opinion? P.S. Non-wooden handles is blasphemy!
Howdy DCA! Just got my Knife Center exclusive Magnacut Deka and I love it in every way but one. And is not love all the richer if it isn't flawless? Don't worry, that's *not* my question! The "flaw" is that it's deep carry, which I've never used before. I'll get better at it, but it feels like common sense that more handle sticking out of my pocket means easier deployment. Question #1: can you recommend any similar folders with much shallower carry? Question #2: am I a simpleton for not liking deep carry? It seems like that's becoming the default, and I don't think I've seen any makers bragging about "shallow carry" in their knife descriptions. Thanks!
More and more I’ve been carrying a fixed blade for my daily carry, Bradford Guardian 3, Giant Mouse GMF1, Grohmann #2. I’ve been looking for a fixed blade with a carbide glass breaker with no success, plenty of folders though. Is there anything out there short of going custom?
Hello DCA & Company. Do you have any suggestions for a great food prep folding knife? Preferably one that is easy to clean while being stainless. Thank you in advance.
Quite an excellent explanation of the modern Damascus offerings..... A video dedicated to the Weed level discussion of most knife steels would be most welcome...!!!
Cardboard slayer no thanks , I need a tape slayer. Dear David & crew irl I find the hardest part of braking down cardboard boxes is the tape . It gums up and sticks to the blade .any suggestions on the best tape slayer .I have never seen nor heard anything about it on TH-cam . Thanks .
Have Seth & DCA cut each other's hair as an experiment. A Skull Shaver Beast Clipper PRO (available at Jeff Bezos's) would work well on DCA's 'noggin. Grey Bull's hoof looks good!
Senor DCA, hope all is well. I have a question about a question. Where do we submit our questions and when do we know of when will you answer them in videos???? I am waiting for yiur answer to throw couple questions at yah
What’s up DCA, Thomas, Seth and the crew? Thank you for all the videos. Sadly my wallet has bats flying out of it most months of any given year so I drool over the exclusives… and that made me wonder: if any of you could choose any kind of knife, in any kind of configuration with no limits regarding cost, steel, materials, etc, what would you pick? For me personally I would love a 3V or cruwear Benchmade Griptilian with blue titanium or Desert Ironwood handles, gold hardware, and a stonewashed blade.
DCA, Got a question that's been on my mind for years. Before collecting knives I used to collect swords. It was many years ago but that is where my love for blades first came from. Back then "supersteels" didn't exist so now I wonder what would be the very best steel for a sword made from today's supersteel that would be used for sword to sword combat? Would anything we have today seriously out perform those traditional carbon steels from the time?
Hi DCA, Thomas and Seth. Thank you for the great content, it is always super nice to watch your videos! Here comes the question : sometimes, I eat with my EDC, I like meat with mustard and mechanically use the blade to put the latter on the former. Even on 14C28N or S30V blades, a patina appears where the mustard touches the blade. Of course, it is worse with non stainless steels. Is there anything to do to remove this patina or will the blade keep it forever? Thank you!
Hello DCA and Thomas, keep up your great work, I learned a lot about knives while having fun watching your videos. My question is related to handling a crossbar lock. When flicking it closed I push the back end of the handle into my palm which led to cutting myself with the tip of the blade 🤦♀️ Happened with the Real Steel Sacra as well as with the Benchmade 940. Any ideas what I am doing wrong? Best Regards, Jens
Love y’all’s vids! Got myself a Spydiechef n customized it with some bronze hardware from blades we love and a Lynch clip, n loving it so far.. thanks for the recommendation! Question: my dad recently lost a bench made.. I’ve been thinking about getting him a spyderco since I’ve recently caught the bug.. but I’m worried he may break to tip of something like a pm2, he’s a mechanic n tends to abuse his blades… what would you all recommend for him? Thanks again
Hey DCA and Gang, Question for you! I am a relatively new Bladesmith and knife maker (2 years in give or take) and have personally been trying to find my apex of form and function! I was curious about who you think as far as designers/makers are doing the best job of striking the balance between form and function? Feel free to explore outside the realm of pocket knives and of course the more examples the better ;) Thanks and have a lovely day!
When I see Damascus I just assume spend under $100. Nice for a simple knife that can look good in normal life and not be too intimidating because it "looks cool"... If I'm spending over $150 I'm looking for a higher end steel. I only knew of Damasteel has higher end, this was really educational and appreciated.
I'm fairly new to the knife world and have started to amass a collection that I really do enjoy. Some Spyderco's, Kizers, Ritter, GiantMouse, and WE. I'm trying to make sure no two knives are exactly the same as far as materials go, with the exception of a few Kizers in S35VN that I recently picked up because the sale prices were too good to pass up. Most of my knives are right around 3" or under for legal reasons. But although there are differences, they all kind of serve the same purpose, EDC. I'm looking to branch out a bit and get something "different" around the 3" length. Price, $300 and below. Thanks in advance!!
Micarta is technically a brand name for resiten laminated canvas/paper/linen etc. G-carta is small batch made versions of the stuff made by G.L. Hansen & Sons. Really quality stuff. -DCA
Someone who I think is a truly fabulous knife maker, Ray Rantanen, is not a stainless steel fan. Maybe the issues are resolved to a degree now, but when you put the stainless into steel, you lose a lot of edge retention and toughness. He uses three steels together, in his Damascus knives. One of them is mild steel, which he says, when used, wears away a bit, exposing layers of the tougher steels, effectively self-sharpening the knives, to a degree. He also has ways of getting good performance, from some lower carbon steels.
Hello again knife center gentlemen, are there knives better for cleaning animals such as deer vs alligators? I know you need a more precise knife while skinning alligators so you don't ruin the skin . But what would be the better knife to clean each animal?
Hey DCA, I'm a big fan of thinner ground knives or doing regrinds on knives i like to increase cutting performance. What are some of the thinner ground knives you guys carry?
Greetings, I was for a long time only a sword guy but due to this show I also got more into knifes. I'm currently searching a pocket knife with specific requirements, due to local laws and personal preferences, for EDC. It needs to have a two-handed opening mechanism. So no balisongs, gravity knifes, spring mechanisms and knifes that you can flick or open by just the thumb stud. The blade is also not allowed to have more than one cutting edge. For the looks I would like to have a pattern welded steel blade and a stag or dark wooden grip. I would like the handle to be more on the gentlemen side, so maybe stag or a dark wood. Is there a knife that can fulfill those points?
I've had really good experience with Civivi's damascus. It's now my go to for cheap damascus knives.
They make darn good damascus. Civivi and Kizer are really showing up alot of American companies
They use 9cr17mov and 10cr for their Damascus, it’s nicer stuff. Best of the lower end Damascus for sure.
None of the Damascus in China is powdered Metallurgy at all. They lie and say it is.
When a box says “do not open with a knife”, that means you gotta use an axe, machete, or sword. I don’t make the rules, I just follow ‘em.
The carcass splitter!
This is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Instead, shoot it, repeatedly, with an automatic firearm, through the bit that says “do not open with a knife.” When it no longer says “do not open with a knife”, open it with a knife.
(Some reassembly required.)
@@The4cpa svord classic
Grab the Milwaukee Hackzall with a demolition blade in case you hit staples.
You forgot chainsaw
DCA and Seth are so serious about their knife budget they cut their own hair 😂
Seth doesn't cut his hair ! Or if he does it's only to test the sharpness of his knives.
Been there done that. Now that I've tasted higher end knives, I'm on a strict tuna fish sandwich diet 😅
They cut their hair….with a knife!
I make knives, and your advice is spot on. You just have to start anywhere, and the rest will fall into place. Don't get discouraged. If it doesn't work the first few times, you will learn from it and it will make you better at what you do.
Hi DCA and Thomas, fellow knife enthusiast and huge fan. DCA, what is the purpose of the harpoon style blade? Is it purely aesthetic or does it serve a more functional purpose?
Hey DCA and Thomas and Seth! Knowing that y'all are big fans of the greatest movie ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, what sword (or knife) do You think would be best to use against a killer rabbit? Thanks in advance 😃
Here in Czech republic, we have guys from FuturonForge who makes stainless steel damascus with Elmax or Magnacut core.
I can't stand Damascus and think it looks gaudy and cheesy every time.
Hey DCA and Thomas! Love your videos. My question is: What kind of scythe would you recommend for self-defense? Thank you and keep it up.
I’m a year late but this comment is goated
Surly the answer to the no knife to box question is to use a axe! Anyway more serious, would love to see a FAQ episode on serrations on their uses, surly not everything is rope. Especially since different companies have different types of serrations.
DCA, thank you for another great video! Two things. 1) you are right, we are living in the golden age of knifes. When I bought my first *good* knife (1973) I got a Case trapper which I still have and one day will pass down to my son. When I look at the number of great knifes to choose from today I'm gobsmacked. Every week the number increases. Needless to say my knife collection keeps increasing! 2) you keep going into the multitude of different blades steels we have available today. You mentioned one I haven't about in a donkey's age - ATS34. I have a knife - G.Sakai made from that steel. You should consider creating a spreadsheet with the steels listed, rating on you *three legs of performance* and general comments that your viewers could download as a PDF to reference when considering purchasing a knife.
As I final comment I wish you might say something nice about the late A. G. Russell. I got to meet him a couple of times and he brought so much to the knife industry!
ats34 is literally just 154cm from a different maker, 154cm is plenty available
If you bought a knife in 1973... I think it's time to let the kid have it. He must be in his 40's or 50's by now.
Related question, does "copper damascus" where layers of copper which is much softer than steel are added significantly weaken the knife blade? It looks nice for display pieces, but is it a bad idea for an EDC knife?
BOX: Do not open with a knife.
ME: *reaches for machete*
Hey DCA, I'm looking for an EDC made with a stainless steel that has top notch toughness, but isn't Magnacut. Can you give me 2 other steel options please?
Hello DCA. and Thomas, what is your favorite gentleman's damascus folder and your favorite outdoors damascus knife, bushcraft, or hunter/tactical?
I personally do not have a problem with "the weeds". Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
AEB-L is my favorite steel, I have three knives from two different makers made from it. Outstanding performance.
I had a couple that were way too hard that they were brittle and haven't gone back to them. I find cruwear a bit better and magnacut is my new favorite!
@lonetrader1 it sounds like the temper cycle wasn't done right. Mine were made by independent makers in small batches, try it one more time but find the right maker. You won't regret it, I promise.
Is it possible to make a Damascus out of like S30v and maybe 14c28n?
Could start seeing some good performance in lower priced stuff. Damasteel is pretty legit even for a working knife, but costs.. $700+ for a folding knife with it.
trust me if it could be done they would have. you can only make damascus out of steels that will bond together
Damascus😊 is like bacon! It makes anything better!
FAQ episode idea... It's about time for the delica 5. We're ready for or Spyderco. Make it awesome. Make it like the para 3 lightweight with a button compression lock (like the smock) let's get the buzz going maybe they will listen to us!!
spyderco is absolutely not gonna change the delica series from a back lock my dude. they’d have to redesign the entirety of the knife and it wouldn’t even be a delica
It's mostly jewelry with a pocket clip anyway.
A lot of properly made (read expensive) Japanese kitchen knives have compound grinds to allow for maximum efficiency in preparing fish (part of the grind will be hollow, part convex, part flat). This allows a highly skilled chef (who has practiced that cut thousands of times) to conserve time and effort by not having to switch knives.
Damnnnn😮😮
The question about the WE Elementum, the first thing that came to mind is why did he buy another brand if he loved his WE? Your response is the Beacon which is what I’m carrying on my waist while I’m watching this video. The Beacon is the ultimate flipper, I think the fuller makes it so good. 🎉
Interesting discussion concerning Damascus steel. Could you talk about how multilevel blade are different and definitely have performance enhancing attributes. Thinking of some of the different combinations Spyderco uses , Such as Delica 4 super blue sprint run.
What steel are liners made out of?
DCA. Do you think serrated blade folders will ever be favored over straight edge blades? I am struck with the near unanimity of TH-camrs who dislike serrated edges; however, I have found my Spyderco Delica and Endela serrated blades in K390 to be far superior to their straight edge counterparts in most cutting tasks.
I think most people just hate to sharpen them. They definitely are way better for cutting things like rope.
Yo DCA have you ever covered why 1095 wound up so popular for "survival" knives? Just seems like 420's higher toughness, stainlessness, and equivalent ease of sharpening would make it a better choice for these kind of hard use knives
Toughness refers to ability to absorb impact and abuse without failure. 1095 (most carbon steels for that matter) will typically have higher toughness than SS. The 420 is more prone to chipping under hard use from my experience.
I’m guessing it’s price related. Large survival knives can get pretty expensive if using more premium steels.
@@Jody6441 if you look at sources such as knifesteelnerds or manufacturer spec sheets 420 stainless has much higher toughness than carbon steels such as 1095. anecdotally that also fits with my experience where base 420 dulls very quickly but takes a real beating
@@mikeappleget482 that was my thought as well, but low alloy 420 generally costs on par with base level carbon steels from wholesalers. It might be due to the ease of HT and machining of carbon steels for manufacturers but I can't speak to that which was why I thought DCA might have an answer
I think a lot of it has to do with cost and ease of forging. 1095 is supposed to be easier for knifesmiths to make knives out of than pretty much any stainless.
DCA, why is there a Spyderco knife in EVERY video?
Because they're great?
Hey DCA, are there any folding knives that you would like to see a fixed blade version of? I personally would like a fixed blade version of the CJRB Rampart.
New intro: If you're a rookie to the show, I'm David C Andersen and welcome to the DCA show. "Direct Cutting Appliances" show with our in-house bartender Thomas on the camera and wild hair Seth in HR. Yeah..we did watch the last show with Thomas focusing on Seth while DCA was talking. Great entertainment as always guys. Cheers from Australia.
That isn’t “Damascus” steel unless the ore came from the mine in Jordan. Was smelted and refined by multiple forge folding , made into billets and sold in the markets of Damascus. It’s a wootz steel with a distinct pattern that forms from the unique and near perfect alloy contents of that ore. It’s vanadium content , in perfect proportion, has been considered its most advantageous property.
Those are “Pattern Welded” blades. They can be great or crap. They can be the best tool for the job as in a laminated wood carving tool, a beautiful item that is worthy on its appearance alone, functional art or just something different. Their usefulness and quality varies as much as any knife.
Automatically assuming they are better because they have been colloquially called “Damascus” is just wrong.
Nice video! Would it be possible to have the brad zinker boker plus Titanium handle knives shown off? Specifically the petite, tanto blade and grand variations of the urban trapper. Would love too see the differences in size and how they look in hand before I buy, Thanks!
Is Seth the hair apparent to this series.
On the topic of damascus, i was surprised you did not mention DamasCore, which is technically a san-mai of high performance powder metallurgy steel cladded with damasteel. For the steel geeks out there, it's quite a big deal.
DCA, can you talk about some utilitarian boot knives that you would consider “duty grade”? I work outdoors so corrosion resistance would be a priority. Thanks.
I’m pretty new to EDC knife world. Love your shows, I have learned so much, keep it up!
I picked up a CRKT Piet based on reviews. I love the looks, the shaped molded handles, the blade shape and slicing ability. It’s awesome for the price point. I don’t like the side to side blade play. Any other similar knives in aesthetics and blade shape/sliciness up to $250 that you would recommend? Thanks.
Love your videos, your series was the first knife video that i found on TH-cam and helped me pick out my first pocket knife.
I love the size and blade shape of the We High-Fin. We calls it a reverse tanto. Can you recommend any similar sub 7 inch (overall length) knives that have the similar reverse tanto, harpoon looking blades. Price can go up to $500 or a little higher. Thanks!
DCA, if KC released an exclusive Nessmuck PM2 how much better would it be than all the other exclusives?
Spyderco uses RWL34 Damascus on a couple of knives and straight RWL34 (non Damascus) on a Mule Team fixed blade.
How does Damascus differ from composite blades like the Kershaw 1660CBBW Ken Onion Leek Assisted Flipper Knife 3" Blackwash Composite CPM-D2 Plain Blade and Stainless Steel Handles?
Hi DCA and crew, I have an important question that I would like your opinion on, I'm about to buy my first 'high end' knife for around $100 and I need help deciding between the Spartan Talos, the ANV Z200, or the Civivi Banneret.
I'm looking for a hard working formal knife that will last me a good long while and will feel special when I receive it , thanks.
ps: I'm open to suggestions.
i have a question.. what kind of demascus would you recommend for a heavy chopper... with an 8 inch blade... im just getting into knife making... and im wanting to make a military themed series of bowie style knives.... but i dont want to make "wall-hangers" i want the blade to be nice enough to display... but functional enough to use DAILY... and still pass it down through generations...
Hey DCA, do you know of any modern equivalents of the Indian Kataar / Kataari (cross handle push dagger) blades made by any reliable brands? I for one cannot find one and the TOPS modern gladius got me thinking in this direction. Any suggestion would be useful. Thanks
Thank you for all the great 2023 videos! One request? Could you please put the price of the knife on the screen with the name in the 2024 videos? Top purchases crkt ceo, and Byrd serrated rescue knife in orange and I have’nt lost it yet yeah!
I only have one kind of Damascus knife. It is a Japanese san mai hunter. It’s beautiful and performs quite well. It has a traditional round rosewood handle and a differently designed double flapped sheath closure that I haven’t seen before is since. Thanks for your hard work! 🔪🎸
Hello DCA I'm looking for an inexpensive small fixed blade for cutting bait and fishing line that won't ever rust
Hello form Tulsa. I have an old knife that I've been carrying off and on for years. It's a Diamond Edge 352. I wish I could get a new one. But no one is making it anymore. What are some old brands that you wish were still made?
...on the "u & seth both cut ur own hair" comment... as a master barber may i just say... it shows... go see a trained professional guys... (haha) ...& on that note, whos a "trained professional" that i could use to do some knife scale swapping for those of us afraid of tackling the assisted opening function of a kershaw or a zt...??? thank u
DCA doing Seinfeld spurs a serious question: Does DCA do other comedians? It seems like Thomas might make him want to sound like Kinison.
Why are pocket knives getting so ridiculously expensive??
Looking for a knife similar to a Bastinelli Mako, but with a blade more like a CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken
Is Damascus good?
Beats me. 🤷🏻♂️ I think it’s tacky.
Does Seth think Damascus helps confuse the medical examiners?
Missed opportunity for the carcass splitter to make an appearance. It's not a knife; you could use it to open those foolishly-labeled boxes.
Thomas and DCA! Help! My fiance has been trapped under a giant wheel of cheese and I need to know what my best knife choice is to save them
Is there a way to find out what the most iconic knife per brand is? Is there a way to look up sales volume? How about the top 3 per brand? I have my own list but I wonder how it compares to reality.
Good content but should be split into 2 videos and cut in half. Too much meandering and random information.
i realized what matters most is how proper and clean the metal mix is and if the maker did the heat treating right, you can tell the cheap/improperly made stuff with the dirty metal with the big particles that chip and chatter easy at the edge its trash and u have to dull it and redo the edge but it will probably chip again cause the maker was AZZ/cheap
You know, the Forest Gump metaphor works on another level since Forest Gump was from Alabama. What knife do you suppose Forest Gump would carry?
Boker Shrimp kcoti.com/3NAH34M -Thomas
You will get drastically different performance and other characteristics depending on the heat treat protocol. No company heat treats the same so you suggesting performance will be similar to something else is wrong. Factually.
He ....omg. I can't say how misinformed he is.
Do you have one of those switchblade combs in the where house for Seth?
I need an EDC beater. I really like the becker 41 and the beckere 40D2. Also like the Kershaw mini-skyline. I would prefer D2 or better steal, and at least a 3 inch knife, but will take the slightly smaller bk41. I'm really liking the Kershaw Mini-Skline too. However, your "what's new from Boker" segment has me really liking the Boker Kihon crossbar. Out of those, should I just wait for boker Kihon? I'm a big fan of the Knafs and the dozier, but don't like the lock on the doziers. Help!! Analysis paralysis has set in. Make up my mind for me, please.
the boker kaizen is a ceo style flipper with s35vn for like, under $70
I’ve seen a farm truck beat a Ferrari in a straight line
Thanks! Great! Damasteel is really good and pretty! PM Steel.... Stainless, about 62 Hrc, extreme fine grains...
I have some Alabama Damascus billets and it is 1084 or 1095 high carbon steel and 15N20 a 2.00% nickel .75% carbon steel. It isn't a good idea to have the carbon content too far apart like if using 26C3 carbon steel at 1.26% carbon as it would possibly delaminate from the 15N20 during quench. If you like a carbon steel blade then you'll like an Alabama Damascus blade, it is some high quality Damascus and won't have any checks or delamination. I've made Damascus and I have no problem recommending Alabama Forge products. No, I don't work for them.
The neat thing about 1084/15N20 Damascus is that one can temper it to HRC 60-61 without worrying that it will chip because of the high nickel content. With high carbon steel the harder the longer it holds an edge.
Hey DCA! Ive been carrying a CRKT M21-14DSFG everyday for almost 9 years. In my landscaping and irrigation work I have never found myself wishing I had a SMALLER knife. It's rugged, capable, the dual flipper is a huge plus, in fact, I love everything about it except two things: the Veff serrations are terrible and it's completely worn (or beaten...) to death.
Can you recommend a large, dual-flipper, tip up carry work horse as a replacement?
Budget up to $100.
Thanks...y'all rock!
Sweden have Damasteel stainless steel . ✨👶✨🔪
Hey DCA could you go into more depth of steels being the same just different names like cpm20cv ,m390 and CTS204p for example thanks - Justin
Hi DCA, i've been looking for a small edc fixed blade for a while and came across the Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake. It's amazing but I don't like the blade shape. Then i came across the Joker Avispa and it's beautiful and I will probably buy it. What do you think about joker avispa as the first edc fixed blade and do you have any other good recomendations in the 50/60$ przez point?
Hey David and Thomas! I have an issue where I like all the nicest things in life... but I’m broke lol idk if this question will make much sense to everyone but what would you say is the most “Graily-est” folder out there for around $100??🧐 thanks guys, love the videos
Who doesn't like the look of a Damascus blade? To get a great look, and excellent strength and durable cutting edge, I prefer the Enso 37-layers and Yaxell Ran 34-layers each side stainless steel Damascus blades with VG-10 core. To quote an authority: "Now, that's a knife!"
Hi DCA and friends! I'm a Swede who has spent most of my life "being in the woods" and fishing (i.e. bushcrafting in modern terms) with my grandfather and father. My grandfather always carried a classic spool-handled Mora with a hatchet and my father a Sami knife with a hatchet. I tend to carry a Mora Classic 1/0 and a Casström Lars Fält knife.What's the best Scandinavian style knife, either by a Scandinavian or non-scandinavian maker, in your opinion?
P.S. Non-wooden handles is blasphemy!
Howdy DCA! Just got my Knife Center exclusive Magnacut Deka and I love it in every way but one. And is not love all the richer if it isn't flawless? Don't worry, that's *not* my question!
The "flaw" is that it's deep carry, which I've never used before. I'll get better at it, but it feels like common sense that more handle sticking out of my pocket means easier deployment.
Question #1: can you recommend any similar folders with much shallower carry?
Question #2: am I a simpleton for not liking deep carry? It seems like that's becoming the default, and I don't think I've seen any makers bragging about "shallow carry" in their knife descriptions.
Thanks!
More and more I’ve been carrying a fixed blade for my daily carry, Bradford Guardian 3, Giant Mouse GMF1, Grohmann #2. I’ve been looking for a fixed blade with a carbide glass breaker with no success, plenty of folders though. Is there anything out there short of going custom?
Hello DCA & Company. Do you have any suggestions for a great food prep folding knife? Preferably one that is easy to clean while being stainless. Thank you in advance.
I USED to love Damascus...but most versions dont perform well., and ive gotten pricey stuff..
Quite an excellent explanation of the modern Damascus offerings.....
A video dedicated to the Weed level discussion of most knife steels would be most welcome...!!!
Cardboard slayer no thanks , I need a tape slayer. Dear David & crew irl I find the hardest part of braking down cardboard boxes is the tape . It gums up and sticks to the blade .any suggestions on the best tape slayer .I have never seen nor heard anything about it on TH-cam . Thanks .
Right tool for the right job? A sturdy box cutter will do great. Cleaning a pocket knife gummed up with sticky tape is a common cause of injury.
Have Seth & DCA cut each other's hair as an experiment. A Skull Shaver Beast Clipper PRO (available at Jeff Bezos's) would work well on DCA's 'noggin. Grey Bull's hoof looks good!
Senor DCA, hope all is well. I have a question about a question.
Where do we submit our questions and when do we know of when will you answer them in videos????
I am waiting for yiur answer to throw couple questions at yah
What’s up DCA, Thomas, Seth and the crew? Thank you for all the videos. Sadly my wallet has bats flying out of it most months of any given year so I drool over the exclusives… and that made me wonder: if any of you could choose any kind of knife, in any kind of configuration with no limits regarding cost, steel, materials, etc, what would you pick? For me personally I would love a 3V or cruwear Benchmade Griptilian with blue titanium or Desert Ironwood handles, gold hardware, and a stonewashed blade.
DCA, Got a question that's been on my mind for years. Before collecting knives I used to collect swords. It was many years ago but that is where my love for blades first came from. Back then "supersteels" didn't exist so now I wonder what would be the very best steel for a sword made from today's supersteel that would be used for sword to sword combat? Would anything we have today seriously out perform those traditional carbon steels from the time?
Hi DCA, Thomas and Seth. Thank you for the great content, it is always super nice to watch your videos! Here comes the question : sometimes, I eat with my EDC, I like meat with mustard and mechanically use the blade to put the latter on the former. Even on 14C28N or S30V blades, a patina appears where the mustard touches the blade. Of course, it is worse with non stainless steels. Is there anything to do to remove this patina or will the blade keep it forever? Thank you!
Hello DCA and Thomas, keep up your great work, I learned a lot about knives while having fun watching your videos. My question is related to handling a crossbar lock. When flicking it closed I push the back end of the handle into my palm which led to cutting myself with the tip of the blade 🤦♀️ Happened with the Real Steel Sacra as well as with the Benchmade 940. Any ideas what I am doing wrong? Best Regards,
Jens
The knife Dave holds up in the beginning I would assume it was faux Damascus by the appearance..now that's bad for a knife
Love y’all’s vids! Got myself a Spydiechef n customized it with some bronze hardware from blades we love and a Lynch clip, n loving it so far.. thanks for the recommendation! Question: my dad recently lost a bench made.. I’ve been thinking about getting him a spyderco since I’ve recently caught the bug.. but I’m worried he may break to tip of something like a pm2, he’s a mechanic n tends to abuse his blades… what would you all recommend for him? Thanks again
Hey DCA and Gang, Question for you! I am a relatively new Bladesmith and knife maker (2 years in give or take) and have personally been trying to find my apex of form and function! I was curious about who you think as far as designers/makers are doing the best job of striking the balance between form and function? Feel free to explore outside the realm of pocket knives and of course the more examples the better ;) Thanks and have a lovely day!
When I see Damascus I just assume spend under $100. Nice for a simple knife that can look good in normal life and not be too intimidating because it "looks cool"... If I'm spending over $150 I'm looking for a higher end steel. I only knew of Damasteel has higher end, this was really educational and appreciated.
I'm fairly new to the knife world and have started to amass a collection that I really do enjoy. Some Spyderco's, Kizers, Ritter, GiantMouse, and WE. I'm trying to make sure no two knives are exactly the same as far as materials go, with the exception of a few Kizers in S35VN that I recently picked up because the sale prices were too good to pass up. Most of my knives are right around 3" or under for legal reasons. But although there are differences, they all kind of serve the same purpose, EDC. I'm looking to branch out a bit and get something "different" around the 3" length. Price, $300 and below. Thanks in advance!!
Hey DCA and crew! What is the difference between G-carta and micarta? Thanks!
Micarta is technically a brand name for resiten laminated canvas/paper/linen etc. G-carta is small batch made versions of the stuff made by G.L. Hansen & Sons. Really quality stuff. -DCA
Hey DCA and Thomas.. why are button actuated liner locks so rarely used.. ive owned a few and really liked them,,
Box: DO NOT OPEN WITH KNIFE!
Me: Challenge ACCEPTED!
Someone who I think is a truly fabulous knife maker, Ray Rantanen, is not a stainless steel fan. Maybe the issues are resolved to a degree now, but when you put the stainless into steel, you lose a lot of edge retention and toughness. He uses three steels together, in his Damascus knives. One of them is mild steel, which he says, when used, wears away a bit, exposing layers of the tougher steels, effectively self-sharpening the knives, to a degree. He also has ways of getting good performance, from some lower carbon steels.
VG10 Damascus is the best of both worlds!! Edge retention and BAAAAAD looks!
Hello again knife center gentlemen, are there knives better for cleaning animals such as deer vs alligators? I know you need a more precise knife while skinning alligators so you don't ruin the skin . But what would be the better knife to clean each animal?
😂 good info on Damascus too!
What about Case Damascus?
Hey DCA, I'm a big fan of thinner ground knives or doing regrinds on knives i like to increase cutting performance. What are some of the thinner ground knives you guys carry?
Greetings, I was for a long time only a sword guy but due to this show I also got more into knifes. I'm currently searching a pocket knife with specific requirements, due to local laws and personal preferences, for EDC. It needs to have a two-handed opening mechanism. So no balisongs, gravity knifes, spring mechanisms and knifes that you can flick or open by just the thumb stud. The blade is also not allowed to have more than one cutting edge. For the looks I would like to have a pattern welded steel blade and a stag or dark wooden grip. I would like the handle to be more on the gentlemen side, so maybe stag or a dark wood. Is there a knife that can fulfill those points?