2023 Was Epic For Pocket Knives Here’s Why!

[@jimyocum9556]

This is the first year in decades that I haven't bought a new knife..The knife community has went totally crazy with outrageous prices I just decided to upgrade the gun collection instead..As much as I love my drawers full of knives when I can buy reputable and reliable firearms for less than most knives that catch my eye nowadays I can no longer justify knife purchases by any stretch of my imagination..😢

[@riffs66]

Yep

[@NastyNik710]

Just curious what knives are you looking at that are more expensive than guns?

[@B-leafer]

Good point. I think that's wisdom.

[@bigche5280]

Yes sir. It use to that budget knives were like Ganzo at 25.00 but now a budget knife is on average 70.00 and it just gets ridiculous from that point forward

[@andyhayward1261]

@@bigche5280lol you can still get Ganzos for 25 dollars..

[@richardvirchow3390]

The Kershaw Iridium was my most favorite pocket knife purchase of 2023. I love it’s looks, fit & finish, it’s opening and closing is buttery smooth and great blade. It’s the right knife at the right price..!!!

[@dtl5623]

It looks good but in 🇦🇺 I found it on sale for $134.00. I think that's expensive for what it is.

[@wereeves]

The knife I carry most often is my Benchmade Presido (USMC issue) for after work and weekends; during work I typically have my Leatherman Free P4 (professional office environment) in my Mystery Ranch 3Way laptop bag.

[@jeffpeters4497]

Hey GT, yet another great video! The Gerber Sedulo was my most carried new folder for my wife and I for 2023 with the Best Tech Swordfish coming in a close 2nd for me. The crossbar lock is by far my favorite type of lock ever since the 1st Benchmade I got with it back in the late '90's followed closely by a button lock. When I get a knife, I look at the overall picture..in no particular order, steel, grind, blade and handle shape and size, lock, handle material.

[@stevenlamphier3929]

Last knife that bit me was also a Hougue design! I bought the K320 in Tanto, the tip was also floating! I drew blood twice while pushing the blade into my pocket. Hougue was great, they took the knife back and sent me a replacement and agreed to change to the drop point design. No issues, it's now my favorite EDC!

[@joeybebop]

Wow your k320 was floating that much? Mine isn't buried but I don't think I could poke myself either. Good to hear Hogue still has good customer service tho.

[@GaryWiens-c8o]

Crossbar lock is definitely my favourite. I don't see myself buying a folder with a different locking mechanism anytime soon.

[@andreagalli2700]

I'm faced with an important decision, in terms of EDC quality and compactness, do you think the Kershaw Iridium or the Kershaw Heist is better, aesthetically I prefer the Heist, what are the main differences between the 2?

[@erwannq]

Crossbar locks are exploding in popularity for a reason. They're safe, very strong, 100% ambidextrous, and easy to use. As a matter of fact, a lot of my folding knives are using that locking system, so I'd definitely consider it my favorite one. Only problem is that you may have to replace those omega springs at some point, but I don't consider it a real issue for EDC.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

Crossbar locks are top. I also like mid lock back style. I’m jaded against framelock and liner locks. I purposely picked button lock on Vosteed Raccoon.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

Oh. Yes I’ve heard of omega springs breaking, but not on several I’ve had or brother or friends had. I had the original model with it first and not on it either. I GOT 781 Anthem because Axis Lock AND coil spring

[@andyhayward1261]

Yeah my bugout had both springs break in less than two months lol bm omega springs are the worst of the lot for snapping. Still I love a good crossbar lock

[@johnj.baranski6553]

Stolen from benchmade

[@PuReBlOoD3478]

Benchmade stole the spydie hole.

[@Man_Ray78]

Kizer Mad Tanto and Kizer Claitvoyant ti were my favs of the year of 20 plus i bought the year.

[@shrooman777]

I’ve probably carried the benchmade shootout the most this year. I carry it when running, it is ultralight which I care about when running, functionally very similar to the bailout but the blade is more protected from rain and sweat. Largest pocket knife I’ve ever carried was the coldsteel raja II. Also while running, but on backcountry trails where there can be lots of downed tree branches.

[@davidkernica9676]

Two weeks after I bought my Hogue Deka with Magnacut and Ultem scales it bit me hard, the blade came open in my pocket and I reached in to get my wallet. 15 stitches later I realized I screwed up, not the knife. I still carry it every day and haven’t been bit since.

[@Arto257]

Lol, 7 stitches in my left thumb because I did the same thing with my Griptilian. Reached for my keys, suddenly started hurtin'

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

I've been carrying the CJRB large pyrite with RPM9 steel and green micarta scales, I really like that it's more budget oriented while still being a full figured knife lol. It's nice for those of us that have larger hands and want a bit more blade, the button lock action was smooth out of the box but a drop of lube made it just right. Check one out for the low cost and I dont think you'll be disappointed!

[@Sillyworld82]

For EDC my favorite of 2023 was the Pro-Tec SBR. This was my first real quality knife and I've been practicing sharpening it as well. Fixed was the Alpha dog in Cryo D2 steel. It isn't the most practical but there's something gratifying about it 👍🏾

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I want to try short bladed rockeye from Protect! I saw one in S35VN. I have the VECP in Morpho scales just before the button lock and S35VN version came out and I was pissed that I had the previous because the detent sucks.

[@Figge070]

Benchmade changed my life that’s for sure. They make the best knives in my opinion.

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Love that hoodie!! Brings back a lot of memories as a kid in the ‘70s. You had to plan ahead using a TV Guide to know when the Christmas shows would be airing. No VCRs or streaming. Good times!

[@Intoxacajun]

Kershaw knocked it out of the park in 2023! The Iridium is one of my favorites that I keep gravitating to, want a livewire. Gerber got a good design but too expensive for what it is. 440 is a no go for steel with what they have out now days. Cold Steel is always a hoot to see what they do and love the Voyager and Recon. They are great values and if I only had one knife to grab out the door it would be a Cold Steel. Can't go wrong with Spyderco but expensive. Favorite probably the Matrix. Like what Buck has been doing with iterations of the 110 but their QC leaves much to be desired. I have gotten a couple in S35 and one I can't open and the other had a wonky grind and one had a chip near the edge, unacceptable! I think Benchmade is overpriced for what you get. Great time for knife buyers! My next knife will be something with the Shark type lock, maybe the Civivi vision. Love your videos!

[@nmhvactech5474]

My favorite knife purchase this year is the Stretch 2 in K390. It just cuts and cuts and cuts. I do like the crossbar lock, if the spring will last, but Spyderco’s compression lock is great too. I want to buy the Civivi Vision in the Damascus. I would also like to see more Spyderco knive in K390; Para 2 & 3, Sage, Chaparral, Shaman, ect. When it comes to scales, I do prefer the feel of micarta. Then Ti, Aluminum, g10, frn, plastic, bone, stag, and last wood. The frn & plastic look and feel cheap to me. Many light weight knives that don’t have liner flex to much. Wood is okay, but I feel like I would want to mess up the handle, so I wouldn’t use the knife as hard. As for weight, for my EDC uses, I want a mid weight knife that’s meant for hard use work. Lightweight knives for when I’m going out, slicing things, but for working knives.

[@Thegreywanderer42]

finally someone giving the stretch 2 some love. my favorite spyderco actually

[@gideonstactical]

It is so good!

[@paullanglois3768]

Crossbar all the way. I remember buying a Benchmade (don’t remember rhe model but it was said “McHenry Williams” on the blade because Axis lock was so new. Gave a couple out to my coworkers and we never looked back.

[@georgespicer907]

My favorite knife of the year is the new green tagged out. So comfortable, so smooth. All the benefits of the bug out but bigger blade and clip point. So thin and slicey. I prefer the G10 over those plastic handles. And they run their S45VN up to 62hrc, much higher than their s30v . And it has their 17° select edge. First knife in a long time I didn't immediately sharpen and reprofile after purchasing.

[@Dutchling88]

I lived in Ireland for some years - pocket knives of any kind were illegal to carry! But I purchased a Byrd Tern (slip joint) for my trips across the Irish Sea to England, where small slip joints were legal. It's a great little G10-handled knife, with a finger choil that acts like a safety mechanism because the blade cannot close on your hand with your finger blocking the action.

[@gideonstactical]

Cool I will have to check that out. That is a good feature to have.

[@1980JPA]

Yeah, Byrd gets dismissed many times because it's "not a spyderco" but they're really a great value for well designed knives.

[@Ajaxykins]

Wow that really blows my mind. The land of arma lights, car bombs, and shillelaghs finds a swiss army knife too dangerous?

[@McRootbeer]

I'm kind of amazed that the raccoon made your list and not the mini nightshade. The mini nightshade ticks all the boxes the mini bugout does but at a lower price (60-65$ just like the raccoon), with an adjustable axis lock, thin profile, 14c28n steel, and sub 2oz weight.

[@gideonstactical]

I will have to look at that one next.

[@mattgoyette4965]

I’m convinced. Bailout is my next pocket knife. Also the most I’ve carried this year is my paramilitary 2

[@gideonstactical]

Right on I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you get the M4 version. I would stay away from the 3V polymer handover version. Unless you really want the 3V and then your plan upgrading to the AWT scales. Paramilitary 2 there is a great all-around Carry

[@mattgoyette4965]

@@gideonstacticalthanks for the advice, I’ll take it. You and I have very similar tastes in gear

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

@@gideonstactical I’m stoked for the Hornet MagnaCut PM 2. The worst feeling handle to me was Spyderco Straight Spine Stretch II XL. The original version feels three times more ergonomic, in fact my favorite Spyderco and in K390 just ticks all the boxes!

[@ElonaldTrusk]

My favorite purchase this year is definitely the wharncliffe deka in magnacut. I slapped the skinny goat xl's on it and its AMAZING.

[@n0k1ngs41]

That Gerber Scout looks sooo good! What a bummer they skimped on the steel.

[@simms196]

My ZT 0770 has been most edc of all my knives, disappears in my pocket but is always there & ready for whatever comes up, a super capable knife. Love my Benchmade Mini Freek for fidget factor, looks & feel great but @ $306 too expensive for edc & too afraid of loosing it lol.

[@travismeyers3098]

Love lock backs stretch 2 is amazing and so is the xl

[@DamionJR4923]

14c28n every day all day over D2. It is very underrated. If it was the only knife steel for the rest of my life I would be content. Some of my other favorites are LC200n, 154cm, s30vs35v, cpm cruwear, m390/20cv and of course Magnacut.

[@gideonstactical]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@levelwu]

100% But they all stocked up on D2 and are now trying to push it like it is some new quality steel. I'd take even softer Aus8 or 8Cr13MoV over D2.

[@dtl5623]

​@@levelwu May I ask why? I've never owned a D2 blade but have heard it's chippy & not easy to sharpen in the field. What are your experiences with this steel?

[@levelwu]

@@dtl5623 My exp. is limited to Chinese D2 so for what is worth: holds a decent edge but it is much harder to sharpen, chips rather than rolls as compared to 14c28n or VG-10. I like to use all my knives in the kitchen/camping, so rust is a concern. I would rather touch up the blade more frequently than reprofile. If you just want a blade for your toolbox it might be a good fit.

[@dtl5623]

@@levelwu I use 80CrV2 & C100 as my carbon steels & am happy with them. You have confirmed what many have said about D2. Thanks.

[@TheIronwil]

The Vision FG has redefined budget knives for me. Loved it so much I got one for my daughter and my wife ordered one for herself. We got the Damascus version and I dyed the scales for each of us. Spectacular knife, and pretty easy to work on (just watch that spring).

[@Edgekeeper747]

What do you mean watch that spring? Have you had any issues with it?

[@TheIronwil]

@@Edgekeeper747 Only when disassembling the knife. Works perfectly. But when taking the scale off, even with the liner still on, that spring WILL shoot out. It’s important to cover the knife when removing the first handle scale to catch the spring as it launches. I bought three of them and dyed the scales for each different colors. The spring popped out every time. The first time I was caught by surprise and had to spend 5 tense minutes searching for the spring.

[@llemmon]

Such a good knife

[@monkpato]

@TheIronwill was it around $100 when you bought it? That seems high for a budget knife.

[@TheIronwil]

@@monkpato I got the Damascus version. The base model is $80.

[@scotthumphrey99]

My favorite lock is the axis lock. But i dont mind a good lockback. Linerlock is probably my least favorite these days. Thanks for all the vids this year.

[@roylerroycerickson]

Where i live in England i have to carry slip joint. I bought the buck based on your recommendation and it is a beauty. I showed it to friends and family and out of all my other slip joints it was their favourite

[@gideonstactical]

So glad it has been a good blade for you!!

[@Bethany415]

My favorite knife purchase this year is the Rosecraft Holston River Surgeon knife. It's a lightweight office carry type knife, not an outdoors beast, but I love it. That little sheepsfoot secondary blade is a razor. For around the office, it's such a good tool.

[@travisworts6249]

I have a kabar folding hunter in 440 and it never dulls I swear. I processed two deer with it and still don't need to sharpen it. Don't hate on 440 with the right heat treat it's a fantastic steel.

[@gideonstactical]

Wow! 😮

[@Arto257]

440C and 440A are two vastly different steels

[@gregblake2764]

Yes to Micarta scales, my preferred material regardless of pocket or fixed blade. The axis/crossbar lock has proven to be reliable and allows for easy deployment. Give me decent steel over trendy blade shape always. I shouldn't have to sharpen an EDC constantly to have a knife that cuts. For me, a spear point with a high saber does the trick for EDC. That said, my pocket knife of choice is the Benchmade 560BK-1 Freek. The G10 scales are nicely sculpted, though Micarta would be grippier. Otherwise the Super Freek checks all the boxes. I paid a $160 for mine when they first came out. $280 to $350 for a pocket knife is ridiculous. Thanks for a good rundown of this year's offerings in pocket knives.

[@anthonysarabia5058]

I carry the Freek also. Love it

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for breaking down your thoughts on the several questions!

[@tmille10]

Straight spine stretch 2 in k 390 is the best all around premium work knife made hands down

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for this, Aaron. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and that the new year brings all blessings. For me, the Biggest Pocket Knife Ever Carried is my Cold Steel Rajah II. With a 6-inch blade, it's a folding field knife. With the 8-inch handle, it's a folding short machete. And of course, the Tri-Ad lock and AUS-10 make it tough as nails, but it's super slicey and the ergos are fantastic! Most Carried Folder This Year? Easily my Cold Steel XL Drop Point Voyager. Slightly more blade than the 5MAX, a little thinner, much lighter, but still super tough, and just as universally useful. I loved it right out of the box, but the mods I've done - reprofiled the edge to 17 degrees, smoothed out the rough texture - have made it impossible to keep out of my pocket.

[@gideonstactical]

Very cool info thanks for watching and sharing what you’ve been carrying this year.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I totally would tote around the coals Steel Navajo XL, just haven’t pulled the trigger. 5. Ax size doesn’t deter me

[@Skwish6952]

On the workpro utility, if you don't like silver, they make black ones under the Duratech branding.

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

I carry a replaceable blade utility knife very similar to the one you showed. I got mine from Amazon, a 2 pack of Mossy oak branded utility knives, for $9.00. I use it when I dont want to mess up my good blade, or when someone askes to use my knife. because I have had good knives destroyed by non-knife people. the largest pocket knife I have ever carried is the RR giant Wharncliffe. it has a 5" wharnie flipper. I got it for my birthday, and carried it mostly as a lark. the pocket knife I have carried the most this year is the Kizer Begleiter XL. I love the feel of it, the micarta is very well done, and the action is perfect. it is the first button lock I have ever had, and while I have a couple others now, it is by far the best of the bunch. when I am going out in the woods, however, I carried the CRKT Raikiri with the field strip tech. it is the easiest to keep clean with out worrying about losing screws or springs.

[@TranceMechanic7]

I actually had a pretty subpar experience with buying a crossbar vosteed raccoon. The lock on mine is sticky, the pivot is far from smooth, and the micarta handle scales on it are fraying. And I tried everything to get the action to smooth out. Polishing, cleaning, oiling, nothing has made it run well.

[@anthonyrollins9825]

lock types I edc in order of preference - scorpion lock , atlas/shark lock , crossbar lock and Triad lock lightweight or heavy - depends on what I'm wearing , light clothing requires light pocket knives , heavy clothing you can go heavy with.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

It makes sense that you would like 14C28N for a steel, it's pretty much the PERFECT steel for a pocketknife, especially an EDC knife. Tough as hell, holds a decent edge, and bringing that edge back to microscopic levels of sharpness is exceedingly easy. For m money, if a pocketknife doesn't have 14C28N, AEB-L, or Magnacut, it really needs something outstanding about it to be considered. I like the Raccoon crossbar lock, but their new button lock with the spine liner lock (think of Spyderco Smock's Compression lock) is incredible.

[@kennethkrieb3018]

In my experience, 14C28 steel is way better than D2. I think the reason may be that for budget knife manufacturers, it is easier to properly heat treat 14C28 steel than it is D2. I’ve found most budget D2 steel knives to be very brittle yet most 14C28 steel knives have been ok. I have come to believe that the heat treatment process is as important as the steel used. I’ve had 8cr13 from budget Spyderco knives perform better (in my opinion) than some other budget oriented steels (like D2) from other brands. If the STEEL was the truly the only factor influencing performance, D2 SHOULD outperform 8cr13 all day long, however, I believe even budget Spyderco 8cr13 IS properly heat treated. These ‘fly by night’ Chinese companies that put out budget D2 knives probably aren’t properly heat treating the steel and the result is often abysmal performance from a blade steel that SHOULD perform pretty good. My old Spyderco tenacious has taken a beating and performed way better than it should (considering it’s lowly steel type).

[@acid6urns]

14c28n is just a ridiculously tough steel so even if it’s heat treated shitty it won’t chip. most brands run it around 60hrc which is decent but 14c shines at 61-63 hrc where it stays super tough but sees a SIGNIFICANT increase in edge retention.

[@kennethkrieb3018]

Wow. I didn’t know that steel could be Rockwell’d that high. That’s impressive. As far as budget steel goes, it’s one of my favorites. I always liked it for its durability, however, knowing it can be hardened even further and not get brittle just makes me like that steel even more. It makes me question why D2 is still being used in anything.

[@codyparker4742]

I think i bought more knives in 2023 and so far in 2024 than i have in my previous 32 years combined. My collection literally went from 27 folders and 17 fixed blades to 64 folders and 31 fixed 😂. Temu and DHgate are the SHIIIT!

[@samuraiS30v]

16:51 Biggest Pocket knife I ever carried was the Espada XL. Carried it for about 6 months or so before I swapped out from my rotation.

[@The4cp]

My best folder of the year was the Spyderco Military 2. I'm just happy to have that knife with the compression lock. My biggest handle and knife disappointment will be unpopular, but it's the Benchmade Bugout. Everything I despise in a knife and let alone handle is that thing. Then, worse than that, they made a mini.

[@gideonstactical]

Hahah!!! The bugout can be a suck fest

[@johnmorgan4405]

Benchmade Bailout with AWT scales. I have 40+ knives, and this thing just keeps finding it's way into my pocket the most. Perfect EDC blade.

[@the_swinging_axe]

Awesome list! That gerber scout looks great! I'd like to see better steel too. Most carried and used were the Inkosi, the 3v Bailout with awt scales, and the Shaman with awt scales

[@Marcobuck]

Tri ad lock is my favorit because It is time proven the stongest lock, and I think blade geometry IS more important as steel, but I prefer good Steel also even as good ergonomics. Actualy I am still waiting for the Tuff Lite with a 3.5 inch blade in s35vn or magnacut

[@gideonstactical]

Nice!!

[@thatguy044]

Already bought the work pro off of your original review. I use them all the time because they are so easy to carry even in gym shorts! I don't know why I haven't purchased more. Thanks for the reminder. Adding to my Amazon cart now!!!

[@gideonstactical]

Glad they’ve worked so well for you!

[@nimah24]

Cool video I enjoy your breakdown of the function and characteristics of 2023’s sweetest knives. It seems as if you’ve come around a little when it comes to tanto blades. I’m referring to your Kershaw Brawler review in which you stated it’s not your thing and you much prefer a drop or clip point. If you still feel the same way about tantos you can just send me the benchmade lol

[@davidcleveland9815]

That 5 max rocks

[@crookmcstealie]

In case anyone wants to know I also bought a three pack of the workpro utility knives. I sort of love the size and how they feel but two of them have failed button locks. Not failed after hard use, failed after sitting on my desk for a couple months. Of the three one locks, one doesn't at first but will click on place if I wiggle it around a bit, one will not lock at all. You get what you pay for. I still kind of love them, if you know a blade isn't locked it's still safe.

[@deacondavidviscount7579]

Picked up a couple of new blades this year. My favourite so far, but only a few days old, is the Sencut Sachse. Light weight, slicey, budget friendly, and good looking. First blade with micarta handle, which I’m also liking. Merry Christmas Aaron, to your family and the entire GT family.

[@monsterslayer4317]

You are right on re the Stretch II! Love that knife! Awesome EDC! Prefer the cross-bar locks for strength and reliability, but the mid-lock "lockback" folders by Cold Steel and SpydieCo are my favorites for EDC. That Demco Triad lock is bullet proof.

[@WhuDhat]

biggest knife ive ever carried? i carried a g10 espada xl in aus 8 for 2 years until the tip snapped off trying to pry off a hubcap lol. with a safemaker 1 push dagger as a backup

[@grattof]

Great list!! Regarding utility blades, I actually use them a lot to break out boxes at homw. They are perfect for that. That workpro seems pretty cool

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for sharing. And yeah it’s a great little option for light duty cutting. A full-size is obviously better suited for tons of hard use.

[@grattof]

Indeed! Btw I like the Raccoon. I'm thinking of picking one up. Thanks for the recommendation

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

You’d enjoy the Raccon! It’s a little underrated because the steel and the execution of the design has that heart from a new up & comer wanting to prove themselves.@@grattof

[@grattof]

@@JosephOlson-ui2pg thanks for the comment! I'll definitely check it out

[@monsterslayer4317]

Most carried knife for several years now is a Benchmade Crooked River from their custom shop with M4 steel.

[@hoggattbaycve7515]

Best handle material on the Gerber Gator series.

[@mangobadger]

Love button locks, but if I had to choose only one, I’d go with the compression lock, just because it seems more secure on average while being only slightly less convenient/fidgety. Also, kinda funny you said we don’t see s30v very often and then mentioned Benchmade in the next breath. Even Spyderco continues to use it as their default steel. Anyways, appreciated your perspective, and totally picked up some Workpros through your link! TY✌🏻

[@gideonstactical]

Very cool and much appreciated!!

[@ruhigblaukatze241]

I EDC the original protech Mordax with magnacut blade for two years, my personal best. The blade shape, size, handle texture, ergonomics, the best blade to handle ratio, the only downside is that I still can't get another one for backup.

[@elmasgrifo1]

Yukon Cornelius Rules! Awesome!

[@alpine1600s]

Surprisingly, some reason CRKT thinks it's Benchmade or Spyderco when it comes to MSRP.🤦‍♂️🤣

[@gideonstactical]

Totally

[@MichaelTodd-tq8dk]

Look where they are located and the crazy policies of the politicians currently in power there. Not helping.

[@matthewbuck55]

Most carried for 2023 was Civivi Praxis

[@nathannettik455]

I hope Cold Steel makes a 3MAX before they make a 6MAX.

[@J.sh_CDN]

That button lock Workpro box cutter actually looks amazing for a workknife, especially anywhere people freak out over normal blades. Might just have to try one out

[@rustleshackleford1553]

I just got the CIVIVI Vision, I'm really happy with everything about it.

[@Reo_Swede_Wagon]

Kershaw Iridium is one of my favorites this last year. I almost bought the reverse tanto one as well but I ended up buying a different wharncliff blade

[@ghozt9119]

Largest J. Demko Riverwolf Most carry A.Demko 20S

[@anthonyjarrad141]

Bro, I mod abd customize every single tool I own, I can't not leave things alone, from my tools, knives, flashlights, keys, backpacks, pew pews, even a lot of my clothes....

[@lymedog3176]

You said about d2 or 14c28n, well Dr Larrin Thomas, the creator of Magnacut, stated that if he was to chose a more budget friendly Steel it would most likely be 14c28n. The guy is a metal scientist ( metallurgist) so what he recommends I’ll probably side with!

[@XrayMike17plus1]

Started the year with the Microtech Socom Bravo. Actually more art than knife and more suited as Tactical than EDC. Switched to carrying a Kizer XL Botton Lock Begleiter in green Micarta (the Mojave Outdoor version) as a primary and a BM Infidel as secondary. That Kizer is a seriously underrated knife

[@jorgefernandez6407]

I like modifying my stuff! Case in point, my Prather War Bowie with it's lousy sheath... YOU recommend an AZWELKE Kydex sheath and... EXCELLENT!!! Another one, watching your channel I saw a set of BADASS replacement scales for my Jaroz Turok, EXCELLENT "AGAIN"!!! AND, those scales fit my Turok camp too... Need I say more? Aaron, thanks 😊...

[@RichardWilson-1968.]

Love my Racoon!

[@GhostManCutlery]

Crossbar lock is nice, but I just love lockbacks. Traditional lockback or even better a demko lockback. Someone make me a trad large single blade trapper with a demko lock haha

[@J.sh_CDN]

Do they have any traditional handle cold steels or demko? That could be a triad lock that I'd jump to try! My Buck lockback took a couple hits on the spine and now has terrible wiggle

[@GhostManCutlery]

@@J.sh_CDN I’m not certain. My favorite pocket knife is a GEC Tidioute #42 lockback I bought before the GEC scalping craze. However I also usually carry a small fixed blade for heavier cutting. If someone made a lockback in the pattern of the GEC 42 with a demko triad lock I’d eat that up!

[@rickied1418]

My most carried pocket knife is the Benchmade Barrage in m390.

[@gideonstactical]

Oh nice choice

[@InGratitudeIam]

When the Stretch 2 came out, my blade would hit the lanyard tube causing a dull spot. I was not the only one with this issue. I reached out to Spyderco and they could not give a flying rip. Their CS sucks.

[@gideonstactical]

I have heard that from a few people. I’ve never had to deal with it myself.

[@knifenerd1776]

I usually don’t use razor blades. I feel like if my knife dulls my sharpening skills are at a point that I can get sharp again quickly. Now when I’m cutting lots of straps or ropes I have a utility knife that uses the larger blades and I buy serrated. In my opinion it’s the way to go.

[@jamesharper8373]

Wonder if the Gerber Scout would accept a Griptillian blade?

[@carlodanger8187]

My most carried knife this past year has been my Bradley Marais Vector followed very closely by my SPK Lamia

[@catchofthedave8681]

I just recently got the vision fg----- i flick that thing so much, it's so fidgety.......but has anyone else has the issue where the lock makes your finger tip sore? I almost got a blister on my finger. I guess i should flick it with my left hand since i already have calluses on those fingers from guitar, but yeah as im typing this my right index finger is sore from that super lock stud digging into my finger from flicking it around so much. I had to carry the spyderco today because i knew if I carried the vision fg, i would further damage my index finger. If I had to use 1 lock for rest of my life it would either be a compression lock or a crossbar lock, but I still like the old school back locks like the seki city spydercos use.

[@blueswan2175]

14c28n is the bomb-great all around

[@gideonstactical]

Totally agree with you.

[@Jody6441]

14c28n all day! Super fine edge and easy to maintain and learn sharpening for beginners. I can't stand D2. The carbides are too big and doesn't take a great edge and the first time noobs have to sharpen it, they will probably never want to use it again. I wish the industry would quit pushing it to the market. Give us 14c28n, AR-RPM9, VG-10, Nitro V, and 154CM. All of these are easily obtained in sub $100 range. Civvi and Kizer get the steels and pricing right.

[@DamionJR4923]

@@Jody6441100% agree I also love LC200n sharpens easy holds good edge and rustproof. Just don’t find it on much.

[@kensmith2822]

I carry a civivi baklash. Pretty decent knife for $45 i think i want to upgrade though

[@ChrisLoew]

Opinel no.6 or no.7 for $15, has class and a great woods pocket knife or edc deep pocket

[@lymedog3176]

Sorry Arron , my dad was dubbed that way before you ,this includes nanook of the north too! ..lol …Arron, push button locks are total trash and WILL get you hurt, especially with large hands. The lock will hold , but is way to easy to release upon squeezing the knife handles. I owned a Kizer assassin, for figit factor 10 out of 10 for safety..2 out of 10. It happened multiple times on this and other button locks.

[@davidcleveland9815]

I have the kershaw analyst with the Tanto blade on it it seems like a good knife lite easy to carry the steel is either 2062st 8cr13mov one of them 2 numbers but open to your opinion on a good carry knife you know more about knifes than I ever will that is truth 😄

[@kennethkrieb3018]

Hey Aaron, just wanted to tell you that you were 100% right regarding your recommendation for those aftermarket handle scales for the Kabar Jarosz Turok from Stoner Industries that are available on Amazon. I ordered the replacement handle scales from Amazon and got them in the mail yesterday. I always liked the concept of the Jarosz Turok and the blade is really well done, However, I too have large size hands and the stock handle scales that came with the knife left a lot to be desired. The replacement handle scales turned that knife into a totally different tool. Thanks for the heads up on this product, I never would’ve known about them without watching your videos.

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome, so glad they have worked out well for you really appreciate the comment and you being a part of the GT crew.

[@kennethkrieb3018]

So I picked up another set of the replacement handle scales from Stoner and just put them on my Kabar Jarosz CAMP knife. Perfect fit. Transformed that knife as well. MUCH better than the factory Kabar scales.

[@XrayMike17plus1]

I'm starting to prefer micarta - especially compared to G10. I've been partial to all metal with titanium scales and frame locks but have started to like micarta scales on either a bolster lock or high a quality nested liner lock. In the mid priced tier favorite is the Kizer Mystic - even though the front opening feature sucks out of the box. It does get better with some fine diamond files and a lot of patience however.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I love that meme about Yukon Cornelius!!!!!! You got the merch on him!

[@billscott6819]

For me a all black bugout with rock scale back spacer as the only mod. Thing is so light and trusty.

[@anthonyrollins9825]

D2 OR 14C28N ? I like and own both sandvick 95% of the time costs more , if you want to talk true budget type knives I choose D2 fav so far has been the Sitivien ST110 crossbar , D2 , bearings , micarta for under $30. last knife to bite me - Kexmo 3.6 inch D2 blade. biggest knife I have packed in pocket - Cold steel Mayhem launch edition Lockback or modern locks - i prefer modern folders but like traditionals so , modern locks. Lock for lifetime - Triad lock theres a blade steel vs cost kinda thing I do cause 7cr17 at 25 is doable ( variables taken to account ) but 30-35 nah ill pass kinda deal. most carried pocket knife this year - Sitivien ST110 D2 , flat grind , bearings , micarta ...just buy one and thank me later .

[@hedgemowerman]

Honestly, as an active guy who hunts and fishes, the cheap knives work better for me because I’m less concerned about being too careful. Expensive knives? Not coming on the fishing trip to Canada. I have the Gerber scout and it’s excellent. I ignore all the blade metal fetishism and just use it. Whatever the metal, it’s worked perfect, no complaints. Yes, there are excellent metals, like s30v, but the world was conquered with cheap metals over the centuries and my great grandfather helped build America on with cheap. That’s it.

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome feedback really appreciate it. Glad the Gerber scout is working for you. It is such an excellent design.

[@JeepersJeff1]

Great video. Thanks for the hard work. Still carrying the standard green 940. Best knife for me. Plain S30v. Aluminum scales etc.

[@gideonstactical]

Good option for an edc

[@isildurelendurion1822]

My best budget purchase was the Spyderco Manix Lw in M4 for 116$. Awesome knife.

[@Dissident_Porcupine73]

Lefty love IS the crossbar lock!

[@clintonlewis1261]

Good choices !

[@gideonstactical]

Glad you think so!

[@cleancut-edc]

My most carried pocket knife for 2023 is a tie between the Pickled Steel Hakarl and Kizer Original

[@maximumburgo4961]

Last to bite me was a Proponent (D2 and G10 model) from Artisan, blade was so heavy it fliped out and went through my shorts pocket and subsequently bit me. I don't so much pocket that beast anymore.

[@B-leafer]

Yes, regardless of purchase cost, normally i "trick out"/modify my gear in some way or another, with the goal of improving the product in some way. Not so much for cosmetic reasons but definitely on the practical side. PS: i like that first knife and would edc it for sure. Not cost prohibitive but might take a minute to justify and save for it being its not my only knife.

[@MoonShadow74]

I use my Milwarkee Fastback almost every single day in household chores of one kind or another.

[@charlesdudek7713]

14c28n over d2 for me. 14c and vg-10 are my two favorite budget steels.