Best Fixed Blade Knives Of 2016

[@charleslarson3152]

You're the first YT host that I know of that has finally mentioned the important difference between China and our ally, Taiwan. So good on ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My SCHF 9N was made in Taiwan and quality is very good and that coating that you mentioned, acts like Teflon it's so smooth.

[@gideonstactical]

Charles Larson yeah buddy!

[@bridgerobinson1470]

Charles Larson Ummmmm the US does not formally recognize Taiwan as a country www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35855.htm

[@charleslarson3152]

That's all politics. We sell them arms, aircraft, and naval vessels. and have a defensive treaty to defend them.

[@charleslarson3152]

Your link shows what is known. Politics by any other name. And we also sell them arms, aircraft, ships, etc. And we have a defensive treaty with Taiwan, as well. And our president elect stunned mainland China the other day by taking a phone call from the president of Taiwan. Might be a sign of things to come as Mainland China is causing a lot of trouble in the South China sea with those artificial islands that they have just recently started to place weapons systems on.

[@willisshirley]

Great set of knives. I've got an ESEE 6 and couldn't be happier.

[@gideonstactical]

Willis Shirley glad to hear it!

[@marc8vino]

At first the Zytel sheath for the A1 seems cheap and the knife falls out easily and it rattles. But if you put a thick ranger band around the tab that holds in the knife it really makes the sheath functional. Now I really like the sheath. The knife stays in and still removes easily. I put thick black ranger bands over the full length of the sheath, put a Fero rod under the bands and it looks pretty cool and functions perfectly. I'm glad I did not get a custom kydex sheath.

[@normanmallory2055]

I like all of your reviews, but i really like this one... I took your advice to heart and bought a Silent Hero 4 months ago, i love it ..

[@gideonstactical]

Norman Mallory awesome!

[@getsmart3701]

The Fallkniven zytel (plastic to you and me) sheaths are great man, what are you saying. They are slim and neat in the pocket or bag, I know you American guys love Kydex and I get it, it's lovely stuff but its also makes for a wiiiidde sheath and I personally don't dig it. The Fallkniven sheaths have a bit of space in them, I again know the American market isn't sold on this feature but it actually serves a really important purpose; in the far north (where the company is based),or in seriously cold conditions, if you are skiing for example and the blade condensates your sweat vapor (happens all the time) it will freeze a blade into something as tight fitting as a Kydex sheath, so they are next to useless in this kind of cold environment, sorry to say it but it has been mine and others experience. Also the zytel is near smash proof, I have used my as a scramble aid when making my way up out of a steep gully not too long ago, I had to jam it between rocks, lever the slack out of it to take my weight long enough so that my feet could get find an edge before repeating the process until I was up and over (better than using the blade I don't doubt)...damn thing took it like a boss when I would have put money on it snapping. Of course, all that nonsense is just my opinion. Also, I like, no, actually make that, love the F1 over every other knife I have tried. It's size, weight, slimness, grind, blade length, sheath (I use the leather pistol type & the zytel one) and even handle diameter (you Americans are mad into your gloves...for some reason, I see them in a heap of knife videos but, for cold climates (heat lose through conduction, if the knife steel is fully encased inside the handle then you can afford to take off those cumbersome gloves to use the knife bare handed, even in really cold conditions, and when you do that the narrow handle diameter of the F1 makes perfect sense (also see the Finnish military models: Ranger M07/M95 & Terava Jaakaripuukko 110/140, they make 'em that way for a reason.... and that's how I also roll). Rant over, thank you.

[@Kman31ca]

Where I buy most of my knives, in Canada. They offer the leather sheath as a free option on the Fallkniven blades.

[@GearReviewDepot]

All great blades but for me the ESEE 6 is my all time favorite, it's the fixed blade I have with me 99% of the time when I'm heading into the woods.

[@gideonstactical]

TheTacticalDefender Nice to hear!

[@jsman2187]

gideonstactical hey I'm going camping this year and I need a campaign knife I real strong one can you help

[@lukakovacevic9925]

gideonstactical esee 6 for hunting aplications?i have cold steel pendelton hunter for companion knife in vg1...

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I have the esee cm6. It's my cup of tea.

[@johnzane3977]

I personally don't mind the Fallkniven A1 sheath it's slim and functional enough however the A1 fits a Spec ops brand sheath like it was made for it.

[@slowrollinglows]

Great video! Esee does make some great blades and even though the 6 isn't a 2016 model the tkc options do make it seem that way!

[@alittleolder]

I like the real world usage info I get with watching your channel. I am deathly ill (sadly) so I can only collect knives but rarely get out to use them but even then not to the woods of course. Maybe later but I like all the information I get from you. Really appreciate it! Also you did inspire me to finally do my own youtube channel, something else I finally did this year!

[@Wieselkatze]

alittleolder I like that too. I dont like people just fiddling around with the knives in perfect condition infront of the camera, telling me how great it is when its obvious its never been used

[@alittleolder]

I do youtube reviews too but with my folders, I've done folder like things. Often enough you see youtube reviewers in the forums selling knives that they "reviewed" under "never used".. shouldn't you use it in order to know what you're talking about?

[@Wieselkatze]

alittleolder absolutely. Of course, for folders it doesnt have to be super intense use like splitting wood, but just general cutting tasks for seeing how the edge holds up so you can see if the heat treat is right and stuff like that.

[@alittleolder]

Yeah but you need to do at least a bit of cardboard and paracord, things of that nature. Things that would be required of a folder on a regular basis. After all that's what you usually buy it from. I've seen knives that had great action and everything and were sharpened well but just didn't cut well because the geometry is off, but you only know these things if you try it out. Same a gideon with the fixed blades. He knows if something is worth our money or not. I did buy a few fixed blades based on his recommendation. Like I said, I am more in the EDC and Folder field of the whole knife hobby.

[@Wieselkatze]

alittleolder Yes, you are right. The things the knife is designed to do have to be tested. Otherwise, a review is not a review, but more of a video showing off the looks of the item with some senseless talking :D

[@Airik1111bibles]

No Strongarm??? It deserved to be in that first category, hands down the best $50 knife this year IMHO.

[@reidking1779]

Airik1111 pretty sure that was in last years video

[@robberanthony7634]

i love it when he does the best blades series

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks bro!

[@croatoan777]

Great video sir! Let's kick off the new year with a review of the Daniel Winkler Field Knife!

[@rdlaw8868]

Great choices Aaron. Tops are still my favorite and then my Becker's. Thanks for your videos. Hope you and the wife have a Merry Christmas.

[@gideonstactical]

RDLaw88 thanks my friend, same to you!

[@bdcochran01]

The f1 does have a thin handle. It was designed to be used with gloves in northern Europe. Take the f1, within its sheath, and simply put the unit within a suit pants pocket and you have a non obtrusive fixed blade ala James Bond. I think that either the Fallkniven s1 or A1 was based on the Cold Steel SRK. My understanding is that Fallkniven did produce the SRK for Cold Steel for a number of years. Yes, the S1 is a very fine knife

[@coojoza]

Excellent video.... I've been eye balling them steel will knives lately, and that esee build your own option is cool.

[@harrys7701]

Hi Aaron. I've watched enough of your channel to know you're probably not going to love this suggestion, but it would be great to see you review and test Esee's 440C - ideally an Esee 4 and side by side with their 1095. I know the 4 isn't your favourite and you're a fan of their 1095, but I like the idea of it as a small, low maintenance knife. To me it just about reaches the minimum size/weight for a functional "survival knife", and could potentially be a good choice for military users too. I think the field comparison of 440C and 1095 steels would probably be interesting for those not interested in the knife itself anyway. Surprised that I just haven't seen much (any?) in-depth stuff on their 440C. I'd buy one and try it, but I don't have the experience to compare to the 1095 or how it stacks up against other knives in it's class and price range, like the Fallkniven F1 etc. I know you liked Tops' 440C so that would be an interesting comparison. Anyone outside the UK or EU might find it pretty strange but I can get an Esee 4 SS for £130 ($159) but a Sog force will set me back £180 ($220)!! I remember all the reviews talking about the sog as like an $80 knife. Anyway, at least we get decent prices on the Italian stuff, and customs can be pretty competitve! On that note you should check out Fox Knives and their N690 - I've heard good things. Have a great new year and all the best for 2017.

[@45magus]

my favorite is absolutely the esee 6. I have two 6 with tkc handles and I really love them. but also love my bark river survivor! great blade!

[@d.a.harlan7015]

Great review! Really appreciate these end of year encompassing fixed blade and folding knife reviews. I'm really liking what you have said about the Protagonist! I own what looks to be the most comparable blade to that, the Spartan Blades Phrike. It's almost exactly the same size in both handle and blade, is S35VN, 3/16 blade. It's super light and does a lot of the same tasks that you said the protagonist does as well. Being that super lightweight either bushcraft, EDC, or even smaller soldiering knife. I really love the Phrike and reminds me a lot of the Protagonist. Could be a cool side by side review to do in days to come 😉. Anyway keep up the good work and God bless!

[@gideonstactical]

D.A. Harlan I want to get a spartan blade soon!

[@GaryHorn]

Thanks, Aaron. I enjoy these comparison videos. Thanks for keeping the value and our wallets in mind.

[@Cr0cket20]

I've got to get my hands on one of those Fallkniven blades at some point. So many awesome blades in this vid.

[@gideonstactical]

Haha thanks brother. You have to, the S1 sounds like it would be the right blade for you based off of your Alone Knife video. Love that knife and is amazing in the field.

[@seanb6986]

No, don’t listen to Red Beard! Grab an F1 instead, no need to compensate for size!

[@def1l1p]

F1 is a great choice. I have the A1 🤗

[@Rick1dat]

Really good review, not that others don't do good but you seem to put more into explaining what you have done and what you think vis this vis that. Helps me with my buying. Do you ever do any reviews on Bark River knives ? Tks

[@317jmdam]

Thank you for a great year of great vids. I can't wait to see what you guys bring in 2017!

[@gideonstactical]

Joe D thanks for watching and your support

[@sossj]

love your "best of" videos- I have a Benchmade Protagonist coming based solely off of your review for that knife! Thanks

[@gideonstactical]

sossj awesome hope you love it and it serves you well

[@pathrst]

Aaron, I love your channel and I'm sorry. I'm a language arts teacher and I can't take it any more. Comfortability, while slowly growing in popular vernacular, is not yet a word. I get uncomfortable every time I hear it and am dismayed at other peoples comfort with it. keep doing what your doing, I just had to word nerd out.

[@gideonstactical]

For This Land haha no worries

[@Icecold185]

Great reviews. Thanks for being fast and to the point and not going off on long tangents/rants like some other well known knife reviewers lol

[@gideonstactical]

kieran streifling thanks so much I try to keep it as tight and quick as possible!

[@derioillumi9868]

Right, December, if I remember well. Thanks. Would it be in your list, if reviewed in 2016? Just asking. Thanks for sharing such thoughtful stuff on the channel!

[@MattFromSMM]

Thanks man, been looking forward to this one!

[@bushcrafttasmaniaisnowsnow374]

I've been waiting ALL YEAR for this video !!!..and as always Aaron, you didn't disappoint!!!!! Cheers. :)

[@azwelke2638]

Thanks for the mention Aaron. Great video with useful information! I see a few on the list we may need ;)

[@gideonstactical]

azwelke heck ya!

[@branislavboba1699]

I have had the Fallkniven S1 for about one and a half years now and just last week I lost the tip for the third time. That's when I decided to sell it. I do like the sheath - mine has not broken. I actually thought it to be the knife's strong point. However - I have had all the other issues: It does chip easily. Because of the grind and the hard steel it is really difficult to sharpen. The blade is way too thick for how narrow it is and as consequence it never feels sharp. Not even out of the box or after I had it resharpened by Fallkniven (for 30€!). The handle does feel small. So overall this knife makes a very poor value for money. If anyone thinks otherwise, mine is on offer - resharpened and polished for as little as 90€.

[@nancyjames6134]

YAKMAN HERE !! Holy moly BIG GUY..... I JUST LOVE YOUR REVIEWS ON THE KNIFE BLADES !! MYSELF I HAVE A ESSE 6 .... ITS JUST A PLAN JANE OUT OF THE BOX !! & THE FIRST WEEKEND I HAD IT I BEET THE HOLY GHOST OUT OF IT !! KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB ON THOSE REVIEW OF .... HELLL !! ANY THING .... THEY SHOULD BE PAYING YOU SOME BANK TO DO THAT Exceptional JOB OF THOSE REVIEWS !! DAM IT MAN I WOULD VOTE FOR YOU TO BE ON A ACTION PACK MOVIE WITH AL Pacino and OR Clint Eastwood !! OK OK IAM Yammering on !! BUT FOR REAL... U HAVE A GIFT !! YAKMAN OUT !! .

[@kenmarapese9085]

Like that Esee 6.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, I finally teamed my A-1 with my H1. I Cross Draw them Side by Side because how nice the Sheath's fit together with the standard Sheath's. Infact it's my wet and snowy weather condition combo. I thought of teaming it with a F-1, then the S-1, but the H-1 resembles my 3V Skookum Bush Tool. So that's why I combo'ed them.,,. p

[@briantaylor340]

Have you tried the Benchmade Arvensis yet? I just got one and am very impressed. I wanted a stainless knife for wet and cold and to give my ESEE 6 a break..

[@gideonstactical]

Brian Taylor I have, love everything but the jimping on the pommel sucks, makes it unchop able.

[@williepierce3933]

I thought the Fallkniven S1 sheath is Kydex. My Cold Steel and Ka-Bar knives actually get dull from their polymer sheaths. But my Fallkniven doesn't, so I thought the sheath is made of something special. I personally love the sheath. The flat area provides a place to stick some fine sandpaper to it for sharpening. It's also very light, durable, and waterproof.

[@TheLateBoyScout]

Great list.

[@gideonstactical]

The Late Boy Scout thanks brother. Hope to run into you at shot show this year.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Excellent line-up and well thought thru content wise... Season's greetings to you and yours.

[@mistersmith3986]

Hands down, Falkniven FTW!!!

[@mikes_.5_cent]

thank you for the link to the knives.

[@troymanning3150]

Thanks Aaron! Love the best of videos you do

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, Nice video, I started my Busskin with the Ratmandu, Then, I jumped into some Nurse's, When I seen Boss do a destruction test on the Battle Mistress, I knew right then and there I wanted one. Today, I'm blessed to have two, I have the Anniversary Straight Handle Battle Mistress ME, Then just recently I got all three Ergo Series which the Ergo Battle Mistress, But I would like to Thank You, I got the Steel Will 240 and its Aces. I'm teaming it up with my Cold Steel Mini Pendleton and again a pretty nice piece of kit. I also teamed my Benchmade Arvensis 119 with the Bokor Coye Ridgeback, I piggybacked them, I horizontally carry the Arvensis and cocked the Ridgeback up a little got easy excess, Nice selection. ,, .

[@ottawasilver7720]

great year end reviews

[@cowsofsuffolk2297]

Nice selection of blades. Thank you

[@gideonstactical]

COWs of Suffolk thanks

[@XM15M4Guy]

Thought we might see the Steel Will Dark Angel based on the review,,,,

[@drcsep]

great list

[@oxman1800]

I want every knife in this video.

[@ogenmatic]

Good review & selection in an organized presentation. Didn't see any in your channel lists but have you ever reviewed any of Bark River's knives? I own a few & am well pleased with them. Thanks!

[@livingsurvival]

Nice list. Enjoyed the video.

[@gideonstactical]

Living Survival thanks brother!!

[@Lawman-196]

Great vid, Silent Hero my pick!

[@Gloern24]

just picked up a dark angel at midwayusa for $100. Couldn't turn it down at that price.

[@gideonstactical]

Brian Krucelyak awesome you will love it!

[@remo5200]

Thanks for your to support my country

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, Picture your Ratmandu on steriods, well that's what my modified Rodent 6 and how it turned out. It's defenetly one of my Fav's. The Steel Will Darkangel remind's me of my O. K. C. Ranger T. F. I., I teamed my T. F. I. with my Gen2 SP-53. and my Darkangel paired great with my Fox Hitam Golok. Both are Italian made and both are in the N690Co. Buhler Stainless Steel a lovely piece of kit. I finally got my Fox Parang Bushcraft Jungle Knife. I can easily use it as a One Tool Option. But I'm teaming it with the Cold Steel Master Hunter in 3V. Because my SM3 version I teamed it up with my C. S. Kukuri Plus in O1. another good wood processing combo. all I do is add a saw and Bingo Bango, Blip, Blap, Blam, Easy Peasy, Nice and Easy great piece of kit. I find I don't have to carry a hatchet. But on extended trip's,, I will bring my Ochencopf 620 H-1257 with the Rotband Plus. If that Axe won't process firewood, Nothing will. Yeah, It's our official axe. But seriously check out the Fox Parang Bushcraft Jungle Knife. It comes with a nice survival kit that attaches nicely to the sheath with a multitude way's to carry it. Seriously check it out. I know when you try it, You'll like it. ,, .

[@stevereynolds2079]

Decisions, decisions... OKC Cerebus or Tops Silent Hero? maybe both lol

[@5angels332]

Another great review Aaron. I agree the ESEE 6 is still the knife to beat, just a pity they still haven't improved the sheath. I would love to own a Fallkkniven, but for the price they continue to supply maybe the worst sheath in the history of knife sheaths. Why oh why when every single review slaughters the sheath do they not improve it ? Keep 'em coming my friend.

[@gideonstactical]

5 Angels thanks for watching!

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

great video. Some good choices.

[@gideonstactical]

Wheels gone Wild thanks!

[@gamingwithjacob8927]

I have the sharade but modified it with a wooden handle, paracord finger mound and a flint in the sheath.

[@13bravoredleg18]

The Gerber Strongarm makes a great beater knife! The factory edge sucks and they need to be reprofiled before they will cut anything! Thanks Gideon for talking me into wasting $50.00!!!

[@lrrp692]

great vid....love my schf42D

[@gideonstactical]

Schf42d is $34 right now!

[@vanrickenstien]

No Feint Gideon? Digging the couple I picked up :)

[@michaelbrodzik2790]

Nice video! have you ever stayed overnight in the tee pee ? and if so how was it? I bet its warmer than the dugout shelter, also how heavy is the tee pee?

[@DarthVirtus]

Hey, why no Bark River Knives?

[@banditgriot]

I was hoping for a review of the BRKT Dark Timber Grizzly but it didn't happen this year. I guess that's why it is missing at the end of the year. I mean we know he has one that was given to him from Peter Kohler...wait, I wouldn't damage that one either. He is probably waiting to get one off the second run to test.

[@preparedmind101]

banditgriot Probably the same as with me... trying to time it before it comes back up for sale. Doing a video after they are all sold out irritates people.

[@geraldrobbins7690]

knife making from a kit

[@stevereynolds2079]

Love your videos btw

[@theshanester9823]

Where can I get those Gideon tactical morale patches you have. God bless and merry Christmas

[@G14tube]

Schrade 52 didn't make the list? What are your thoughts on that blade? Not sure if you reviewed that one or not? I just purchased the 52 fantastic fixed blade unbelievable value.

[@PhreakDarkSoul]

LionSTEEL M4 and M5 are missing. Really! :D

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Disappointed no Steel Will Druid 200 or Argonaut.

[@gideonstactical]

seattwa reviewed them in 2015, this is only for knife tested this year.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

+gideonstactical Oh, yes, sorry Aaron. But do you still like the 200 and 205 for woods/camp knives?

[@gideonstactical]

seattwa for sure

[@alexwilson1327]

I love the video

[@Erik-sq8nz]

oh ya been waiting for this vid!

[@schoondogg7]

Esee 6 all the way.

[@Double-Par-Golf]

Say Aaron - Do you find the BK16 to be a little too thin at the front of the handle where your thumb and index fingers grip the knife? I've heard you say that you wear a size L glove. I wear a size XXL glove, and find that it is thin to the point of hurting my hand when I bear down on the knife to make a tough cut. It might just be me, but wanted to get your take. I am thinking about making a set of liners for mine, to add a bit of girth. Thanks for your hard work on the video content. Keep up the great work!

[@damiencbachman8550]

Mini 205. Own it and Love it great camp knife!!

[@ytmj1486]

I love your vids. What do you think about bark river knives or bravo 1LT?

[@Adamkung]

Hi! What you think of the lionsteel M4?

[@dying2selfdaily477]

Nice! Hey GT, did you see the new Stanley mess kit at Walmart? I know you are a fan of the Stanley cook pot and cup, maybe do a review of the mess kit too? :)

[@gideonstactical]

Dying2selfDaily i will check it out

[@doriss6184]

Not to be mean or anything but no, we didn't wait all year for this to see what blades you liked most. Still, we or at least I am interested in your opinion ;-)

[@drm42]

@gideonstactical If you'd have to choose one, would you recommend Tops Silent Hero or​ ESEE 6 instead?

[@michaelbrodzik2790]

Nice video. Have you stayed overnight in the tee pee yet? If So what is it like? and how heavy is the teepee canvas?

[@ghosthk2935]

I thought The Fallkniven was the Cold Steel SRK before you named it

[@RollsRoyce1954]

D2 isn't a great mountain blade, ask Nutnfancy.......Tops knives are overpriced 1095 blades, ask Nutnfancy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions with me today, I appreciate it sir Aaron.

[@Slitthroat1776]

I got to the kabar game late. And I'm looking for a BK 17 does anybody know where I can find one since they're discontinued?

[@averagebloke4474]

Only tops and esee knives are the best.

[@MrPirreE]

About the komunist rant with Chna and Taiwan. China has still the formal gouvermant over Taiwan.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

You should do a review on a Bark River or LT Wright.

[@gideonstactical]

wicked Hale you will see some bark River next year

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

Awesome, really looking forward to that.

[@thejasonbischoff]

It’s “twenty-sixteen.” Now it’s “twenty-eighteen.” You’re welcome.

[@deejay1534]

I know TOPS and ESEE's are great knives, but $150+ for 1095 is kinda ridiculous. I can find a knife in say, CPM 3V, N690co or any other high end stainless for that price or less

[@MrMatthew7000]

great video

[@robo52]

After the brutal treatment you (and the gauntlet band of merry KZbinrs) gave the Gerber Strongarm, I'm really surprised you put that Schrade selection over it. Why no love?

[@ryanduckworth8429]

Do the TKC g10 handles have more or less grip then the micarta on the Esee 6

[@gideonstactical]

same I would say.

[@micheletennis87]

Hello, I wanted to know if according to your experience the M390 veremente steel can be an excellent choice for fixed knives, compact and robust to use in nature? Such as stainless steel for knives of this type nowadays is one of the best choices in your opinion? Let me know what you think, thanks to Michael.

[@gideonstactical]

Michele Trekkning it's a good steel. I have only used it twice so can't say it's the best or anything.

[@thehappyavocadopudding5878]

I love all the knives but one stuck out to and that was the bk16 I modded mine too

[@michaelhattaway6313]

BK 16 is still one of my all time favorites, such a great little blade

[@gideonstactical]

The Happy Avocado pudding amazing knife

[@ryanduckworth8429]

Why isn't the GSO 5.1 in here

[@d.a.harlan7015]

Ry142 D he just put knives that he did reviews on this year in the video. Instead of what he did last year which was an encompassing review on all fixed blades he owned.

[@moyshmie1623]

what about the Gerber strong Arm USA made in the 50$ range

[@stephenbeard9882]

what do you do with all those green feather sticks?

[@nissanlord]

Have you tried the Jess x , curious as to your opinion

[@squarecircle100]

I WANT THE ESEE 6...WHERE CAN I GET THE LOCKING TAB SHEATH??? I LOOKED @ YOUR LINKS, BUT AMAZON DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE THIS. PLEASE HELP THE DUMMY HERE... MERRY CHRISTMAS !!! ( WILL BE WAITING TO HEAR...THANX )

[@keghinian]

good job.

[@derioillumi9868]

Hey Aaron, no J. Wolge's Cutlery Bravo4?? :(

[@gideonstactical]

That was reviewed last year.

[@fatihunal2713]

A1 there s no doubt about friends

[@MrBluoct]

the day is quickly coming where international markets will further dial into usa preferences in steel, aesthetics, other and dominate the knife price point to offering in the knife retail world ..

[@jean-baptistecardamone7775]

No Bark River??