5 Knife Brands That Changed My Mind About the World of Folding Knives

[@metal_complex]

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[@pauldayton5285]

@Metal Complex , I'm curious to know what you think about the Manix 2XL ? If you did a comparison with the Shaman I would greatly appreciate it. I think the Manix 2XL is better than the Shaman , in my opinion it has better ergonomics , a stronger lock & the blade slices better. Everyone always talks about how great the Shaman is & I feel like the M2XL isn't getting the recognition it deserves. That's just me though. I've carried the M2XL as my EDC for 6yrs now & I absolutely love this knife. I'm also a little biased against the Shaman because I'm a lefty making the ball bearing lock a better choice for me than the compression lock.

[@tidge879]

The fact that Cold Steel is a profitable company makes me feel more secure that I'm not the only male that has never matured.

[@Indiana_Jesus]

At least we're not the guys that have a room full of sheet steel useless fantasy swords

[@JadedDragon662]

We are just giddy children at heart.

[@chrissexton6634]

American lawman s35vn with dlc coating for like 80-90$. It's a great deal (not the best action but you give that go get a super strong lock up)

[@mi2092]

Chris Sexton I’ve been trying to convince myself I don’t need the American Lawman and I think I’m failing 😂 so many rave about it.

[@bornonthebattlefront4883]

@@Indiana_Jesustrue

[@ladev91]

The Spydie hole is polarizing for people. Either you hate or love it. I loved how Spyderco's looked as soon as I saw them.

[@AJ-gk7bn]

I hated the look of them at first glance and never had any desire to get one. But I have since come around to appreciate them and now I’m a pretty big fan. That being said, I still find them kind of ugly.. but they’re great knives regardless.

[@aman803]

I’m neutral towards it.

[@pauldayton5285]

💯❤Spyderco❗

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

I used to laugh at the cold steel XL folders, then I bought a counter point XL last week, now I want to go and buy all the other XL folders, because they are freaking cool.

[@Indiana_Jesus]

I love my Rajah 2 I've takin it on multiple camping trips never had a problem chops better than some machetes and can fit almost anywhere folded up

[@wg8561]

I love my cold steel knives! I got the ad 10, 15, 4 max, air lite, and sr1. Ad 10 is my favorite knife. Waiting for cold steel to make the ad 20.

[@Tiger24kicks]

My first Cold Steel is the tiger claw I want the Espada XL next.

[@Indiana_Jesus]

i just got a cold steel Luzon and used it at work for a whole day and I can say for $50 knife it feels like it's worth a lot more 6 inch blade and a solid design feels like a folding Ka-Bar except with the slightly longer handle you can actually chop even better than if you had a Ka-Bar And it's got a switch on the side that prevents the liner lock from disengaging so basically Becomes a fixed blade when you flip that switch up it's not better than my Rajah 2 but for 50 bucks I can't be disappointed

[@ryansmock2717]

For me: 1. Spyderco I thought the hole was a terrible aesthetic and I always thought they were ugly. After trying one, I realized their grinds and steels were great and had a great fidget factor. The compression lock is really neat and everyone should get one. 2. Cold Steel I was a 1 handed snob. "Anything that takes 2 hands to open or close is trash". It really doesn't matter when they are so well built and you actually use one. (Plus they have meme knives like the Espada XL, Luzon Pocket Sword, etc.) 3. Zero Tolerance I always thought these were way too heavy. That's pretty much it. Now I have like 10 of them.

[@JadedDragon662]

I have a love hate relationship with Spydercos. Ugly as sin but so functional and utilitarian. The lack of a thumbstud and sharpening choil make butchering and food prep second nature.

[@lockedon8953]

I wouldn't say I'm a snob, but I certainly demand one hand operation in my knives. Thats because I end up in situations where I typically have one hand busy. But I certainly don't think non one hand knives suck

[@klaassiersma4892]

Love my cold steels and spyderco's,those cold steel vid's are Lynn Thomson enyoyimg himself, a natural thing with a cold steel.

[@bomtradym4027]

love cold steel, best bang for your buck. great fit and finish and just great desgins

[@Sicarius888]

Is that really still true? I agree about older knives like Code 4, Lawman or Broken Skull, but recently they increase prices and decrease quality and value. New CS I see in my local store are often very overpriced plastic handles with 8cr13mov. Or aus10 for the price of older s35vn. And a lot of 4034ss, so low end that I don't consider it viable for a blade.

[@bomtradym4027]

@@Sicarius888 idk look at the price of a recon 1 or american lawman

[@trageopar]

Omnius Prime I recently just picked up an American lawman and a Recon 1 in S35VN for $80 a piece. Pretty hard to beat these days I’m my opinion.

[@Sicarius888]

@@trageopar The problem is Lawman, Recon 1 and some other good models are a few years old. If you already have them, there is not much else to get because recent models are much worse in terms of price and value. 115 EUR for s35vn here is a good price, but 75 EUR for 8cr13mov and plastic handle or 105 EUR for Aus10 just can't compete if you can get D2 with G10, sometimes with micarta, for 30 EUR in the same store.

[@SeemsLogical]

1. Spyderco - Looks ugly with the spyderhole but getting one in hand you get a sense of how well they do ergonomics. The designers plan for different grips of the knife and every curve serves a purpose. The Spydiehole itself gives the user all the benefits of a thumbstud but without any of the hassle of being in the way of the blade path when cutting or sharpening. 2. Civivi - The price tag doesn't always indicate quality. You can pay $42.50 for a knife and have it outperform knives in the $100 range. You can't go wrong with a Civivi these days. 3. Benchmade - The original inventors of the axis lock. The axis lock is the safest locking mechanism (not the strongest) that is easy to deploy one-handed and can be a fidgeter's dream. 4. Kershaw - Kershaw invented the spring assisted folder which paved the way for all the modern folders of today. They are still well made, though many other companies have since surpassed them in quality. Keeshaws are still one of the most accessible knives for the common person since most brick and mortar stores will stock Kershaw if they sell knives. Kershaw was the first "real knife" for a lot of people and are still a respected brand for decades. 5. CRKT - Not the best company but I just like their willingness to innovate. The CRKT homefront and CRKT provoke are knives only CRKT would be willing to make.

[@Mike_Pedals]

A good showcase of the quality of the Cold Steel SR1 and even the Benchmade Super Freek can be seen on the DBK channel's Toughest folding knife video.

[@akadeviant69]

I have large and small sebenza and shiro neon retro(zero), I still love my pm2 more and will always go back to it

[@ahhcrickets]

I was really surprised by Cold Steel quality. Way better than I had imagined. It’s the brand you don’t feel bad about using it. Big big fan. The WE knives / SNECX Mini Buster is well worth the money too. Machining is absurdly good. The Banter action is stupid good. Really impressed with WE quality. Reate is killing it with the Pena X Series. I feel like that company is dominating mid range/high end feel. I thought ProTech sounded like a Chinese brand to me at first, but yeah so impressed with the degree of fit and finish. I haven’t had my ProTech SnG for long (new acquisition) but wow. Seems like their knives can take some serious abuse and stand the test of time. Spyderco is absolutely the cornerstone of the knife world. Personally I thought they looked weird too at first. Completely changed my opinion after I was given a Spyderco as gift for Christmas one year. The hole is a brilliant design feature. If I were to draw comparisons, Spyderco would be the Fender of the knife world. Especially considering the modularity of their knives. Abundance of aftermarket parts, etc.. They always remain true to their design esthetics. I completely agree with your conclusions about these excellent companies. You must give these brands a shot if you’ve ruled them out, because there is a lot of good to be had. But I need to ask you, MC, why do I hate Benchmade? They upset me for no reason in particular. Do I give them a shot eventually? Maybe the Crooked River? I don’t know. I really dislike Benchmade for some reason. Sorry, not sorry.

[@metal_complex]

Give the mini crooked river and superfreek a try. Those are some fantastic designs 😊👍

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

I would go to Benchmade's website and use the custom tool to build your own Griptilian. They have some other models aswell to customize, like the Barrage and some others, but IMHO the Benchmade Griptilian has one of the most confortable handles I've ever handled on a folding knife. And they are very cheap variations of it available for those who like to try one without spending too much...

[@robertm8401]

Exactly two ColdSteel blades in my possession: a Pro-Lite which is surprisingly good to carry and a 29inch blade Warrior Katana that I bought after watching youtube videos, including the pig carcass hung on the ceiling cutting session ad by Cold Steel Employees.

[@thig2148]

I want a cold steel and a pro tech, love my Spidie. My top 5 crk, g&g hawk, Microtech, Spyderco and Grismo(don't have this one, guessing)

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I was really attracted to the way Spydercos looked. So different, so grotesquely atypical. But then, I am a contrarian, so that makes sense to me. I agree, however, my really wow moment was holding them. I had held a Chaparrel and it was fine, but my second was a Manix2. Wow. It's like Sal snuck into my room and took measurements of my hand while I was sleeping. 3 or so years later and I have 33 of them.

[@Killlerbee]

I love to hear the truth about your feelings on brands... we all have gone through this in knives ( and other products). I never thought I would like Spyderco either. It was the encouragement from you and Slicey that pushed me to get my first, a Tenacious. Now I have a Manix 2 that I love!

[@Jrtowns1]

Good video and video concept. I started with Swiss Army knives in the Boy Scouts. Then went to gas station tactical knives. Then I bought I a value line spyderco and realized that price did bring quality. Now I have a bunch of higher end Spydercos a couple Benchmades, and just picked up a Hinderer.

[@asloppywerewolf7965]

I'm waiting to get my hands on the pm2 tanto from blade hq. I've been on a tanto kick lately between my microtech tanto, the cold steel recon one tanto and just waiting for that to own too lol!

[@thig2148]

It's my favorite knife dollar for dollar

[@wooper.5783]

What an interesting video! I really like how you went into detail about how these brands changed your personal view of the knife world, and it really makes me want to try these brands out.

[@bencessna7232]

I absolutely love my Spyderco knives. I had the same thought "Spyderco knives are ugly and they seem to be overpriced crap". After i bought the tenatious and then the pm2 my mind set about spyderco has changed and they are my favorite knives

[@najidraf1979]

I'm going to receive my tenacious next week. Can't wait...

[@bencessna7232]

@@najidraf1979 youre gonna like it. It's one of the best knives ive ever bought

[@najidraf1979]

@@bencessna7232 well said brother

[@Bear-nu8xm]

I've been collecting for around a year now and haven't liked the look of Spydercos. I recently tried a Shaman for the first time and I pretty much need one now. I don't have any Coldsteels either. I started with Kershaw and CRKT ,then dicovered TwoSuns,, Civivi ,Bestech and other decent Chinese brands. I think I am changing my knife taste as my collection grows.

[@metal_complex]

😊👍

[@BennyBladez-]

I thought the same thing about Cold Steel and Spyderco that you did. I saw the AD 15 and really liked the look, plus I watched Jimi Slashes review and so I bought one and that changed. Same with Spyderco. First one I bought was a Manix Xl. Like anything though, if it’s ugly in my opinion. I won’t purchase it. Thanks !

[@breadloaf4619]

Favorite carry is my S35VN pm2 with titanium scales and hardware from flytaniym and a lynch clip

[@wolfdna788]

I got a bestech shodan in yesterday it’s the black and carbon fiber it’s beautiful. Never have I ever seen a bestech in real life before

[@perspicacity89]

Dude your upload schedule is insane. I love it!

[@metal_complex]

🤟

[@cosmicnihilist6729]

My first legit knife was a para 3 in S35VN and honestly I had no clue it was a special version I got it because of the color but I'm glad I got that as my first knife and I like the way they look

[@batteredhilt8016]

I love your channel bro and I am a big fan of Cold Steel for many many years

[@stephenbarone4053]

A brand I changed my mind about was Benchmade. What changed my mind was their warranty. Have used it a bunch. The fact that they’ll put a new blade on your knife for not a lot of money is huge. Spyderco won’t do that. Have also had good service from Cold Steel. Had a minor issue with an AD15 that was well used, and they sent back a brand new one.

[@Roustermiller]

Just got a ad10 man what a beautiful knife very strong and feels great in the hand

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

I like your taste and I can comprehend your choices here. Cause I am not into automatics (they are illegal to buy, own or sell here in Switzerland) I would replace Protech with LionSteel. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work...

[@jessebergunder]

Tuff lite is a knife people gotta try. It works great and comes incredibly sharp. Easy to sharpen as there is no belly just straight edge. Wish it had a better clip but at this price beat it up and keep going.

[@nmnate]

Do you ever drop compression lock knives (while manipulating it closed)? I don't have a lil native yet, but I could see that being an issue with the smaller knives. I guess I'll have a Shaman soon to compare, as well 🤘

[@Mike_Pedals]

Also I've never handled a Reate but I have two preordered. The latest Sharp By Design Evo Typhoon harpoon tanto and the Arcane Design Necronaut. Can't wait.

[@evile19]

Dude you are the best! Love your vids bro

[@Tiger24kicks]

The brands for me I'm a write my brands that I love Spyderco, Cold Steel, Benchmade, We Knives and Esee knives.

[@MayhemMechanic]

Don't know why but when I think cold steel I think gas station knife. I've never owned one but I have handled one and my opinion hasn't really changed. Maybe I need to carry and use it. Part of it is probably also because I want to be able to open and close my knife with 1 hand.

[@AlienKnives]

I love the tuff lite great knife

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I need protech !!

[@just-inedc2381]

Awesome video as always! Do you have any inside info on when the new evo typhoons will be done? I feel like it should be soon.

[@metal_complex]

I'm thinking we're 1 - 2 months out still.

[@just-inedc2381]

Metal Complex ok cool 👌. Thanks

[@skylar391]

Ryona made out of Montana is my favorite fixxed blade knife

[@daveouterspace]

Love my spyderco’s . I Edc a modified yojumbo 2 and ark

[@samla2404]

Would you plz tell us where to order the new Evo typhoon? I will very much appreciate it.

[@metal_complex]

Direct from Sharp By Design. They were only ever available for pre order during a short 2 day period, and the pre orders sold out. This was their 2nd batch ever, and the first batch was in 2017 so itll probably be a while before they do another one.

[@andrewbounds5497]

this was a great one! nice topic

[@walterstreet1467]

I bought my first spyderco when they first started a friend who was the manager at EMS called me and said he had a knife in stock I would like and carry it was the Delica and he was right

[@jasonchang2836]

I thought I hated knives with backlocks but the Spyderco Native 5 changed my mind.

[@chrisoconnor3119]

Liner lock knives are garbage to me and i prefer a lockback over it 100%

[@metal_complex]

I've used my rat 1 for all sorts of ridiculous things and its held up just fine. Liner locks are plenty capable.

[@andrewh6034]

The spyderco designs I like always seem to be discontinued. They've come out with some great collaborations over the years. Cuurently edc a Manix2 and a 2008 vintage SS Delica .

[@hcookaustin]

I like your channel. I’m not crazy about the 2 minutes of promotion before I get to any substance. Just my opinion.

[@bolsteredblades1463]

When r u gonna sell the pm2

[@nebulamask81]

I took the opposite direction with spyderco. I really like my delica and I was like ok I can see why people like this. Then I handled their more expensive g10 stuff and I really didn't like the flat bocky g10. Sure they have some more rounded/contoured stuff but they charge so much for those now that I don't see the value being there esp. with their meh warranty.

[@pop4803]

As a retiree most of these are out of my reach but the nice thing is now tere are plenty of good knives in the 40 to60 range but I still can look.lol

[@doofy28]

I'm super into Reate right now.

[@abc456f]

They make great knives. Their grinds are beautiful.

[@deflyfishing2752]

You gotta handle a Cold Steel Spartan. It’s the best cardboard cutter and an excellent Jackass knife.

[@thierryb2725]

Could you give the references of the 5th spyderco with green handle and beige blade please ?

[@metal_complex]

River's edge cutlery exclusive pm2. All sold out currently but more will come.

[@thierryb2725]

Metal Complex Thank you so much 👍🏼😀🔪

[@Ber3ft]

the spyderco smock really speaks to me

[@toadstkr]

Good video... I don’t agree with everything but that’s ok it’s a great video

[@dougputhoff3215]

Great idea for a video

[@mcr0741]

Cold Steel are my favourite thing in the knife world. Best vfm and most durable knives ever.

[@Ber3ft]

strider changed my mind

[@skylar391]

Opinions on case folders

[@skylar391]

My basic rule for buying knives is j have to know what steel it is

[@Jason-on4zn]

I miss the older Cold steel knife s

[@chrissexton6634]

I didn't expect much from my american lawman but it's much stronger and better steel and feel almost better then my manix... 6 in one hand half a dozen on the other. (Cold steel is much stronger with s35vn with a nice dlc coating definitely a win for sure just hard to beat the manix I love spyderco)

[@clincher3751]

Man is that JACK a handsome knife.

[@abc456f]

I have the Jack v1 and I think it's way nicer than the v2. But I do love Reate.

[@christophersegura9726]

I don't feel right buying non-USA knives. I'm stuck with only American made - mainly for my good people and my country.

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Great video

[@abc456f]

Should have mentioned the word "value" when it comes to cold steel. I love my spydercos but feel like they are trying to squeeze every penny they can out of me. Pisses me off sometimes but I like their products. With cold steel I don't get that feeling. Cold steel is giving me my money's worth and more.

[@Apex_grind562]

I love cold steel and dont follow trends....hinderer, crk, glesser, and the expensive crap from benchmade. Lynn Thompson demos his stuff. Tell that to emerson and strider

[@metal_complex]

There are tons of examples of those other brands being used hard. Take a stroll around the knife part of the internet. Not hard to find.

[@jimm244]

1. While I understand your comments about variety, I also respect people that find what they like, then go with it. 2. Cold Steel’s schtick is awesome and LT always puts a smile on my face, but I find their knives U*G*L*Y (then again, I can’t understand why people say that about Spyderco 😁). All fanboys are annoying, but CS fanboys reach a whole new level of obnoxious. 3. I’m waiting for another run of the ProTech I want. They said it’s coming....but no timeframe ATM. I may have to pick up a TR 3 in the meantime.

[@SeemsLogical]

I really wish Cold Steel would drop the "tacticool" aesthetic and make more practical knives. Their knife designs aren't bad (I like the Demco collaborations the best) but the weapony look is off-putting to a guy living in New York. If I pull out a Spyderco Chapparral I get sideways looks and if I pulled out a Cold Steel Recon 1... the cops would be interrogating me in 10 minutes. It's not worth the hassle. I want a knife that is unassuming in its looks that won't raise an alarm from co-workers or bystanders. Cold Steel refuses to divert from their weapony look and so I cannot see myself ever owning one.

[@abc456f]

That's a shame.

[@ryanbrimer1039]

I love that j.a.c.k 2

[@abc456f]

Jack v1 for me. Not even close.

[@tungsten_kirbide]

Howdy!

[@charles671chewy8]

What spiderco are best knifes u crazy even talking like that

[@earlbush7350]

is it me or does the canis look like a parrot

[@doofy28]

If you don't own a Tuff Steel you are not a man. Sorry I don't make the rules.

[@doofy28]

Also never take advice from a stuffed animal on the internet.