DIY Your Own Survival Knife!

#survival #bushcraft #camping #edc
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00:00 Did You Ever Want A Custom You Built?
01:18 Design Performance
05:33 Two Problems
06:47 Ergos
08:30 Sheath Options
10:45 Other Options

[@Hudson4426]

Ok… just playing around on there I built a 8” model in 1095 with basic kydex and leather backer. It was $200. For that price I’ll just buy an esee junglas and get the esee warranty

[@tmille10]

If you’re buying a knife for the warranty your using it wrong 😅

[@tmille10]

Oh and I forgot ESSE sucks 😂 but seriously just buy a work tuff at less than $200 and never ever worry about a warranty

[@Macgyver46]

@tmille10 never heard of them. Esee I have.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

​​@@tmille10ok I'll ask... He is using it wrong because he wants a warranty? That doesn't even make sense so explain. And to say ESEE sux is pretty stupid when you are telling him to buy a made in China knife from a Chinese company with no warranty... Do you buy a car without a warranty? TV? House? What else do you buy because X company has a warranty but sux ? Your argument really is dumb

[@jeremyroberts2212]

Not everyone prefers the flat grind. Architect also has 3V and other steels available. All Architect knives have an unconditional lifetime warranty. They've been selling for quite some time through The Knife Connection (where they were originally available as the Field Buddy 5.5 and 6.5 - those are still the only ones available through TKC).

[@gregblake2764]

My favorite blade shape, love high saber grinds. Lots of makers go overboard on the jimping. I'd just as soon leave it off. Yup, needs a sharp spine for a survival/bushcraft knife. Like the concept of various steel, scale, and sheath options. By the way, you can use boiled linseed oil to seal Micarta scales against moisture without affecting texture and grippiness. Thanks for the info.

[@miamivice966]

That sounds cool, I never would have thought of boiled linseed oil on micarta.

[@jerryc5842]

I have the AK6.5 in Magnacut. Love it. Good video.

[@achimgeist5185]

In my opinion, if you really want to have your own individual knife, you either have to make it yourself or have a knife maker make it for you. I have designed several of the knives I own myself and a knife maker then built them. It is an interesting process, from the idea, to the first sketches, the first detailed drawings, the first prototypes (in my case first cardboard and then wood), the clarification with the knife maker, to the finished knife.

[@cylentone]

If you want to try building your own at a lower price - BPS sells blade blanks (full tang with screws and rat tang) and sheaths separately, they also have a kit with a piece of walnut wood for a handle. Mora also sells many of their blades as blanks, but mostly rat tail tangs plus the Garberg partial tang , as well as a few sheaths.

[@mountainjeff]

Condor, too. Ever see that youtube where the guy cut a knife off of a lawnmower blade? I digress. 🙂

[@jimmelnyk7506]

Aaron - Why have you stopped testing the strength of these blades by hanging a weight from the handle? I think that only testing the tip in your 2x4 doesn't tell enough of the story on how tough these blades are.

[@gideonstactical]

I am trying to determine if that is a good test, but will be doing that test on the 8in MagnaCut

[@jeffslaven]

What a great idea! That 3.5" with OD green Micarta scales in Magna cut and leather sheath would be my ideal EDC knife!

[@John-gu7jq]

I was excited by the title of the video however, I would not call this a "Build your own survival knife". If it was, you could pick the grind, jimping pattern, & 90º spine if you wanted it. This company sells a knife model with a few steel, handle, & sheath options just like many other companies. Looks like a quality product but no 90º spine is a deal breaker for me.

[@charlesborum3910]

I love all my architect knives I have them in magna cut and CPM 3V and I have them in 1095. I love the 3.5 blade. That’s a nice working knife. and I have that one in Magna cut. I also have the 5.5 in Magna cut. The first ones were made by Tops knife company for the knife Builders. The new knives I have from TKB ,I believe they are builded by white River knife company, for them now. Aaron, please let me know if I’m wrong about that.

[@gideonstactical]

I believe you’re correct on that. They stayed on their site where they get their steel from.

[@charlesborum3910]

Yes they do! They are will made. Aaron you are the one that got me hooked on the architect knives. I always go to you to hear what you have to say about certain knives that I’m looking at before I pull the trigger to buy them. your input means a lot.

[@dennisobrien3618]

Personally, I think 5/32" (~4mm) is the sweet spot for general purpose knives. A high saber grind, bordering on full-flatt, is my preference, depending on blade length & design. I lean towards micarta, but I have no problem with G10.

[@evanhawk2574]

Full flat,or scandi on user 3-4" blades for me

[@charlesborum3910]

@@evanhawk2574 I have the Tops Tanimboca Puukko take a look at one, you may like it. I love mind, it goes good with the Tops Brush wolf.

[@The4cp]

I love the idea. It seems well done too.

[@jmc8069]

Aaron, thank you for your great review. I have had this 5.5 for several months now. I chose the Magnacut steel and the Kydex sheath with leather backing and dangler. I picked the same handle color as you did lol. I really like this knife. It is high quality and made in the USA. Your review is spot on. I have also cleaned a couple of fish with it. It worked well for cleaning the fish. I think if your viewers are considering this knife, they cannot go wrong with purchasing this knife. Thank you and GOD bless you and your family.

[@SharpLove]

Bot alert

[@barrybueler3356]

Definitely not the knife I’d use to clean fish but it looks like a quality knife though it should for the money.

[@bosse641]

Dreaming of the Helle Harding these days. ....that would be a perfect belt knife. I like the size, the more narrow blade, and the classic Norwegian style. Hope to get me one ahead.

[@miamivice966]

Their pricing is actually very reasonable for what you get. My Lionsteel T6 in 3V cost more than the Architect Knives 6.5 in 3V. Waiting to see the 8 inch model in Magnacut or 3V. Might be my next blade purchase. Always love your reviews.

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome!!! The 8in will be a beasts. Thanks for watching.

[@bobarends6324]

Bought the Architect scales for my Esee 6. Huge improvement in grip, looks, and comfort over the 3D scales from Esee.

[@jaymailloux976]

On the smaller knives, we're food prep might come into play, I prefer G10

[@Doobie603]

When I have animal blood on my hands I like Mycarta. Still grippy when wet.

[@Chew1973]

I have the AK 5.5 in 1095, sabre grind is my first pick for a knife grind, the ergo of the handle is great for me and I went with micarta. I live in the Appalachian mountains so I’m not concerned with rust, I also clean my knives after use to help prevent rust. Also went with the kydex sheath. Over all it’s one of my favorite knives in my collection, very happy with it.

[@davidc6592]

Had the 6.5 in 1095 for a couple years great knife

[@maxlvledc]

Any chance i can convince you Aaron to come to Georgia Bushcraft for their fall gathering in November??? (Help me apply pressure guys 😉)

[@gideonstactical]

Man that would be awesome! We will see 🤔

[@thefishinglor6931]

great knife! getting a 3 magnacut asap

[@Feanor821]

Looks awesome hope to get an ak8 once they get the steel I want (never can resist going for the biggest blade). But yeah not being able to strike a ferro rod is a problem considering they sell matching firesteels with the knife.

[@johanesgo8096]

That HAAAAYYYYY ON 2:43 😂😂😂😂

[@Matt18272]

I just got the ak3.5 1095, it’s a perfect small EDC fixed blade along as a bushcraft knife. I also have the 5.5 and 6.5 in 1095. Those two are great survival/camp knives. I’m waiting to pick up the ak8 in a few weeks. Solid review as always 👍🏽

[@gideonstactical]

Really appreciate! These are really well executed

[@rjoshm20]

The first architect I got was the 5.5 in 1095 that I bought from you. Since then I added a 6.5 in 3v and prob a 3.5 in the future.

[@Mike-id8gu]

I went with micarta on my 5.5 in S35VN, the double red handles, and a leather sheath with dangler. It's quickly become a favorite. Good stuff...looking forward to the other two reviews!

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome! Hope it serves you well!

[@jonfarrar9666]

I love my 5.5 magnacut with g10 and kydex. It's a great knife. Now I thinking about the 3.5🤔😏

[@sda4jesus1]

Any build-your-own-blade concept--in my estimation--would have to include a much wider customization of blade shapes, and grind angles. For instance, my ideal fixed would sport a bit more belly than available here, plus incorporate a dual grind modified tanto, that sported a screaming sharp hollow grind for most of its length, transitioning to full flat grind at the tip for a bit more protection at its weakest point.

[@andrewfossatti4937]

0:01 yes, yes and yes… so I clicked… I want some apocalypse kukri… 8 inch isn’t big enough though (that’s what she said). Would also love a Bowie style with a saw back.

[@hellhound2260]

I wish they offered just the tang with screw attachments for DIY enthusiasts like myself

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

Good morning Aaron. 🇺🇲🔪🌲🔥

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

Just started watching. Looks like it's going to be fun to watch!

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I am very happy with GMF 4 though

[@gideonstactical]

That one is a great Blade!

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

Ooohh. I'm getting double red on a chopper whomping knife tomorrow from Adkins Wood and knife in Council Bluffs/ western Iowa

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

​@@gideonstacticalAaron,you never answered on of my comments before. I met you at TOPS Knives facility on Fourth of July once

[@Swearengen1980]

Personally, I'd have a big issue with not being able to throw sparks with a knife that you specifically build as a survival. If you're going to pay for magnacut and you're building a knife, they should get that basic feature down.

[@davidkay1386]

The price seems good for an American made knife.

[@dlrmon1]

While I cherish my 5”ish belt knives, I found the AK 5.5 a bit large and cumbersome in that category and to thin and light to fit the Survival knife category. Now the AK 6.5 on the other hand I much prefer as a Survivor, pack blade or the fabled “One Tool Option”... And yes, I’ll be ordering an upgraded 6.5 when they have all the options I’m after are back in stock...

[@barrybueler3356]

I checked the 6.5 and the 5.5 neither one has a magnacut version I see 1095 3v and the smaller version has s35vn not bad choices but if I’m gonna buy another blade I want a new steel like magnacut I have knives in the other 3 steels already 😢. Very cool more options is always a good thing 😊. Maybe one of the smaller versions have magnacut but I don’t want huge or small knife and it looks like u discussed my steel problem later in video out of stock 🤷‍♂️. Personally I like a sharper jimping it gives me that little extra when it comes to grip especially when it comes to my junk hands. Wow they don’t have a sharp spine guess I can put it on the grinder but a new $200 plus blade should come ready to rock out of the box. Trade me a model 5.5 and up I’m game though I’m guessing u can’t handle the trade!!!!!!’😱.

[@backlash2869]

I have a few of these knives. AK6.5 in Magnacut, and the AK3.5 In Magnacut. I have beat the Hell out of them and they are still in great shape. The 3.5 may be my fav size. Also have a 3v version of the 6.5. 6.5 has the choil. TOPS makes the blades for the 1095. Pretty sure it's White River Knife that makes the rest, at least the MC and S35VN for sure.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, great concept and It obviously does rely on a sterling base design to start with. A few companies have had a dabble, Bark River and Buck come to mind, but I'm surprised more arent doing it. Personally, I reckon they've nailed the steel choices. S35 for my money, though I've been hankering for the right one to have a crack with 3V ........ Magnacut down the road a bit ; ). I do like jimping, (in fairness, the chunky ones are more effective and comfortable IMO), and not fussed over the spine. If they really bother you, both can be modified without much ado. Micarta is more desirable, though I'm happy enough with G10 to keep the price down, together with the most basic of sheath options; I'm sure I've got a spare dangler around somewhere ; ) Anyway, I'll be very interested to see how you go with the 8 incher, ....... said the director to the actress ; ) Cheers Duke.

[@pyrosis08]

Hi ! I pref micarta for smoothness and i am waiting magnacut blade 😁 thanks for the video 💪

[@NZComfort]

Been looking into this. Excited to see the AK3 finally available. 👍🏼 wish straps were an option for the attachments.

[@gideonstactical]

Fingers crossed!

[@4850937]

The pommel is pokey and the stainless is brittle. No thanks.

[@4850937]

And only bright kydex

[@KemahArmes]

Got mine a month ago. Its the best knife if your really picky

[@gideonstactical]

Glad to hear that!

[@michaellaird9262]

I like the ak3. Have to save up for that 1 lol

[@rickfalk9319]

My #1 complaint is the same as yours...that is a very cool concept and a good looking blade though.

[@chasewells5464]

Wouldn’t say “of my dreams” but those are sweet blades. I just wish they had the black kydex with a 3.5 or 4” blade.

[@frank4fun64]

nice concept, i built out a 3.5 with s35vn and would really like it if the price were 20% less

[@BayouBandit6]

It’s way cheaper to buy an Esee. Plus you get Esee’s incredible warranty. I built some of their knives on their website and feel like Architect is a giant price gouge compared to the competition.

[@Macgyver46]

Must be out of stock on options since the sizes I like didn't offer kydex sheaths.

[@longrider42]

Wow, all way out of my price range. Besides, when I hike, I carry a Tomahawk, and a small folding saw. So I do not need a big knife to process wood. For general camp work I like a knife with a 4 inch blade. When I'm hunting and I have to remove the insides of a deer or antelope. I prefer a knife with a 3 inch drop point blade. And I've gutted and skinned many of both. The first knife I ever used when camping and hunting, is the Green River "Fish" knife. Keeps a great edge and has a good blade length. Mine is starting to show how much I've sharpened it :) But that's just me.

[@gabrielgonzales9904]

Looks good but I'll stick with my Holtzman knives.

[@humantiger72]

Im happy with my Esee 6 (at half the price) thanks

[@gideonstactical]

If you have an eaee6 hard to beat that!

[@claudiogomesmachadojunior1559]

$200,00 usd in Brasil R$2000,00.

[@jasonjavelin]

I always wanted to do one of these with the OKC RAT 3 and 7 knives but have kept mine stock for the time being. Sad to hear them going away as Ive put my 7 through some crazy stuff. Dont have any magna cut products atm but it seems to be all the rage

[@ExamonLyf]

Very nice review, …, I like the like the Swedish-Made bushcraft stuff. Nice knives though. Thanks!

[@scrick7112]

I’m sorry, screws,washers scales, it’s fun to choose those things , got a TJ Schwarz. It’s a Sweet knife but it screw on scales what it is. But an Andy Roy knife scales is a DREAM knife. Just saying. But there is the price point. The comment section is gonna kill me. Se ya

[@user-sq5ix1uc3f]

Any chance it would throw sparks from the jimping?

[@gideonstactical]

Maybe that’s gonna really jack up your fire steel real quick though

[@dualsportedc]

Nice blade but once the price hits the $300+ range, I'm going with something from Primitive Bear Knives

[@jasondachel7243]

It's the same knife as your Field Buddy 5.5 that you have. Only a different steel.

[@gideonstactical]

Yep, from back in the day.

[@OTG414]

I’m curious who is doing the heat treat on these steels. Especially for the Magnacut, which is very tricky to get to recommended hardness of 62.5+

[@jamesruth100]

I know it'd be a pain in the ass for Architect to do, but I really wish the customization was a bit more robust. It's a neat concept, but to really build the "knife of my dreams", I'd _at least_ want to have options for blade shape, which grind it uses, stock thickness, whether it has jimping and what kind, and-even though this might be pushing it-steel HRC. Right now I see it less as "build your own knife", and more as "pick which of these 400 variants of the same knife you want".

[@hubertrobinson8825]

Will they a 7 in I'd like one in 1096 steel

[@gideonstactical]

Not sure 🤔

[@jasonbruchmiller4580]

Ive heard the 1095 and 3v are built by Tops while the s35vn and Magnacut are built by White River. Can anyone xonfirm that?

[@Ben.Simon.Actual]

Awesome video and knife. Is Tops still doing the steel for TKC? Or is Architect using an OEM? I remember you doing a video on the 5.5 in 1095 a few years ago.

[@gideonstactical]

Yeah, check there about Paige and talks about where they’re getting their Blade steals from. I believe they’re doing some OEM as well as some from Tops and White River. It’s all they’re on the website.

[@FDE_Doom_Girl]

Was hoping I can have a kukri shape with a sabre grind but you can't change blade shape (at least when I tried unless I'm missing something), it's default on drop point and no coating options. Meh, not for me.

[@737AMT]

Sucks so many of their options are unavailable right now.

[@clintonlewis1261]

I don,t like jimping thats to sharp ,knives look good !

[@ryansullivan3081]

How does it stack up against the joker nomad?

[@gideonstactical]

Different for sure. Nomad is an excellent choice to.

[@ryansullivan3081]

@@gideonstactical id love to see a Scandi grind option in the future. This is a great concept.

[@williamburr3519]

Was all excited, but no kydex for the smaller knives, cant match scales to the fire steel, no 90degree spine, pass.

[@viscousmartincarey7031]

Micarta just gives me the good feels. It also wears / patinas very nicely into a tool with character.

[@gideonstactical]

I agree I’m a micarta guy usually.

[@brr8888]

They don’t even have Magnacut for any of them😂…moving right along 🤦‍♂️

[@gideonstactical]

Actually, the AK three is available in magnacut as of yesterday? Unless it already sold out. Another batch coming soon. Will give a heads up when it drops.

[@michaelmerrick5472]

A lot of good knives out there but almost all are way too expensive but from the comments most are fairly wealthy. I'm not poor but neither can I justify spending a couple of hundred dollars on a knife.

[@keepout7811]

FIRST been waiting for this video for a while!

[@gideonstactical]

More to come!

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

Am I the only one that has gotten bored with the current knife market? They just all look the same to me now. I mean sure, these look great, like 80% of the market right now. We are just so saturated with drop points. I like drop points. My Ursus 45, Bradford Guardian, and HOG 4.5 get carried and used everyday. I don't have anything against drop points. Just as a user and a collector, the market seems to have fallen into a rut. I'd like to see more clip points. Maybe a Wharncliffe/seax. You know, a little variety. Personalizing a semi-custom knife that looks like every other knife doesn't excite me. Let me build an AK8 with a clip point in 3V. Or a 4.5 Wharncliffe in Magnacut. Like give me options other than the colors of my handle scales. Drop points aren't interesting anymore. We already got drop points. Half of all knives are drop points. Give us something else. Something a little more fresh. Please?

[@FDE_Doom_Girl]

Not enough scandi kukris and seax blades.

[@badkarma5086]

No g10 or Micarta....i want carbon fiber.

[@hificat101]

If I were getting this Aaron, there's almost no doubt I'd get 3V. My second choice would be 1095, because I actually don't have a knife in 1095. I'm more of a folder guy, and I sort of feel MagnaCut, and S35VN are more folder steels because they lack the toughness of 3V/1095. The main fixie I have is an SRK in 3V. Anyway, thanks for the heads up on this company. As always, I hope you and your family are all doing exceptionally well.

[@gideonstactical]

Right on! I am sure it will be a work horse in 3V

[@Chambelona59]

YAWN 🥱 😴

[@npenick66]

I may have to stop watching your channel for a while, you keep finding things that end up on my wish list. I can only justify one new knife per month given how many I already have. That wish list is getting pretty long. I'm already pre bought out through September with all the Tkell drops. Now I'm going to have to make decisions on which knife to get in October.

[@Stucknthe80z]

For those prices there are better knives. Way overpriced for the steel and handle options

[@gideonstactical]

Really? What 5in MagnaCut and 3V options are out there less than $275? The Ursus 45 is the only one I know of and it is smaller than the 5.5 and $255??

[@gladeshunter8796]

Never thought I’d say this but in 1095 Esee is a better budget alternative . CPM 3V is the only way to go if your going pay that premium .

[@OCCULTPREPPER78]

No thanks I'm only looking for knives with FULL TANG knives not skelotonized tangs

[@gideonstactical]

Good to know

[@goodinsrt8]

Great idea, but not worth it.

[@DReynolds5294]

I love the idea of this, but if i really want something exactly as I see it, I'd just buy another custom knife.

[@DB.KOOPER]

It's a great concept but in practice it's just a "Choose you own butt-ugly G10 handle option" "builder". The handle design on that mediocre bade shape is awful IMO. I don't need a full on choil but something like the ESSEE 4HM is infinitely better in design to me and at this point I really like blade shapes like the Schwartz Confidante (just wish it was larger, the blades about an inch too short and the handle to bade ratio is off). There's just nothing particularly appealing about their knives or their "builder". I'd love to see a 14C28N/Cruwear (I don't care about Magnacut in fact I'm avoiding it because of the hipster levels of obsession it's created and the ridiculous mark-up, kinda like that "ultem" garbage companies are trying to convince people is "new" and "premium" ) option from ESEE or Tops but I'll take excellent 1095 with a superior blade shape and Micarta all day over their knives and tiger-striped G10 handles.

[@gideonstactical]

Really appreciate the comment! A stainless budget option with 14c28n would be sweet!

[@justinbreeden7922]

None of the choices i made where available not that there where many to choose from. Not even sheath options where available. This was choose your own knife no more than picking your color of any knife. Are you trolling us?

[@gideonstactical]

When I was creating the content you could build the 5.5 in 3 different steels. Should still be the case. As I said, they’re doing batch runs with different sizes and different sets of steel.

[@harleyw6443]

This is not a “build.” It’s just customization.

[@Hammer1978]

Didnt you do this already? Easy pass on this knife.