How Do You Build On Perfection? MAGNACUT or SCANDI

[@craigmolloy9188]

I watch a ton of knife reviews, but when I pull the trigger on a knife to add to my now growing collection, I really value your opinion based on a particular review. I don't comment often, but you do a great job!

[@gideonstactical]

That really means a lot Craig, thank you so much. It’s viewers like you, that I do all the testing and try to really unpack the tools so you know what you’re getting into before you pull the trigger.

[@warlantactical]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXuTd3awbLKgrtEsi=8delo8cB5qA05Kxb

[@brettmorrical6978]

Just a fantastic video and comparison. Took the plunge on the Magnacut version and this video inspired me to click "Buy Now." Cannot wait to receive this knife. Thank you, Aaron. You're killing my bank account, but thank you. You're saving me money in the long run by educating me to the point where buyers remorse and regrets will be mitigated if not avoided entirely.

[@npenick66]

For me a flat grind is much more versatile since I don't do much woods craft anymore. Scandi is very good at a few chores but only so-so at the majority of my chores. I use my knives mainly for daily ranch chores, trimming rope, opening feed bags, dressing pvc, opening boxes, etc. I only have a couple of magnacut blades so far but the steel seems superior for my uses, very rarely even needing stropping.

[@WhispyWoods.]

I love the look of the saber model. So nice. Thanks for the thorough testing!

[@calebg7682]

Another good video, thanks! Quick bit of info for future rust testing: the oxidation of iron that causes rust is influenced pretty heavily by temperature. Increasing the temperature 18 degrees F can make the oxidation occur 2-3 times faster. I know it's cold outside this time of year and there's nothing that can be done about that. However, if you really want to compare corrosion resistance, cold weather may not the best time to reveal the differences. (But, for what it's worth, I have lots of experience with 3V and have never had it rust on me so I'm not worried about it).

[@I_Might_B_Wrong]

What I love about a Scandi knife is that no matter how many times you sharpen it, you never gain thickness behind the edge that will affect cutting performance. With a flat grind, you won't need to worry about this for a while but eventually - if you've really been using and sharpening the knife for a while - you're going to end up needing to remove metal from the entire side of the knife to get your cutting performance back.

[@nathanbailey9153]

Also, I just want to note - on the 1-inch batoning section, you cut right up against a knot in the wood with the 3V knife. It still probably shouldn't have damaged the edge, but the wood next to a knot is much tougher and harder.

[@charlescollier7217]

TThanks for the showcase/comparison, Aaron. Of the Reiff knives, I'd go with the flat-ground Magnacut version. I prefer the versatility of a flat grind, since I do a lot of food prep with my belt knives, and my always-hot, always-humid environment makes the Magnacut the optimal choice every time.

[@gideonstactical]

Good choice!

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

The steel type is most important for me. I live in tropical Australia with salt water and fresh rivers and jungle. Corrosion and edge retention is clutch. Doesn’t matter what the grind is if it’s rusted in my environment. Great reviews and tests ,thanks for all the work 🫡🙏

[@stevevano2840]

I have the f3 in 3v and it’s a little beast . Will go for the MagnaCut now !

[@tylerdoestech]

My belt knife of choice is a Bark River Bravo 1. It is a knife that I will actually take in any steel in which it is produced. I like the design and history of it that much! Generally, I am carrying a CPM 3V version.

[@SummitScene]

I'm partial to my Bark River 1.5 LT in 3V.

[@charlessalmond7076]

If i could only choose one, Magnacut. To me the grind is much more useful for daily tasks. Thanks for the comparison!

[@dlrmon1]

For as much as I still try, I just haven’t jelled with Scandi or Tanto blades. I much prefer Sabre grinds in my outdoor blades. I’ve never been able to get 3V to hold up to anything much below about 30 degrees inclusive unlike other steels. My most carried “belt knife” of the last 20+ year’s is a Fallkniven S1 w-custom Kydex. More recently it’s been either a Bark River Bravo Clip Point or BR Cub...but I’m weird, I’ve grown to prefer convexed blade's in many cases.

[@gideonstactical]

I love my S1 Forest! And also have custom kydex.

[@bosse641]

Scandi for me. So good for the woods.

[@heldenkreuz]

3v Scandi would be my go to. Just not all that excited about Magnacut for some reason. I'm enamored with 80crv2 as well, so what do I know? Either way, both knives are outstanding. Reiff Knives are definitely Top Shelf. Awesome review, as always, Aaron... TY! 🇺🇸🔪🔪💯

[@gideonstactical]

Manic is definitely the flavor of the year. And now having used it more and more. I do really like it and enjoy it. It’ll probably take another year for companies to really dial-in. He treats and I bet you by 2025 it will become standardized as the go to high quality stainless steel.

[@shanesims2864]

Thank you so much for the great testing on both knives 🔪 & all the time it takes to make videos for us. Both look 👀 like wonderful knives. All the best from Alabama. Happy Holidays 🎄

[@josephbrennan7637]

Love my 3 Dog knives MAK in M390. Very comfortable and classic versatile blade shape

[@grandillusion52]

Just a great review man. I've been looking at Reiff for a minute, appreciate this insight!!!

[@gideonstactical]

Glad I could help!!

[@tkeefe0601]

This was a good example of edge stability. I find the zero grind edges (scandi and convex) just don't tolerate lateral force well and will roll or fold much more easily especially on something hard like bone. This seems to be even more prevalent in 3v in my experience.The triangle shaped finish of the saber grind makes a great deal of sense if you consider how useful that shape is for dispersing force from multiple directions in applications like structural engineering.

[@AndrewBradley-kx4bb]

Great preview! I would take any Reiff knife. I really like them. I EDC a WINKLER crusher belt knife with rubber handles. Have a great day

[@Gillespie91]

I have the Bradford Guardian 3 in magnacut. The only issue I had with it is the bevel they grind in from the factory was extremely uneven. It took me awhile to get it fixed and a even 18 degrees on both sides. But everything else has been great and it's been a awesome knife.

[@JPHomeland]

Another great video. Your videos are great role models and highlights. You don't even need the background music. It's very tiring for me. I have the Saber Grind version of the Reiff F4 in CPM 3V. I like this version the best. The CPM 3V steel is very water resistant. However, I have the impression that this steel does not tolerate acid at all. I wish you a Merry Christmas.

[@barrybueler3356]

Matters what I’m looking for a food prep/fishing knife which I’d go magnacut but if it’s for carving feather sticking fire making I’d go with the scandi grind plus I think the scandi just plain looks better. If I had to pick I’d go 3v scandi.

[@drivestrength5394]

Looks good brotha! Have you had a chance to mess around w the Boker Bronco in 3v? I grabbed one a while back but haven't had a chance to mess w/it too much. Keep up the great work!

[@simonbaptiste344]

A bit off topic but I remember you saying you'd only part with your Esse Junglas if it was stolen from your cold dead hand. After that recommendation I had to buy one and I completely agree with your opinion it's a beast of a blade and I love it.

[@tillo1981]

Thank you for the video! I just purchased the f4 MagnaCut leather sheath. I'm with you on the MagnaCut durability. But both are great 👍 I got an esee 3hm right now.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

I am experimenting with silicone self-fusing tape on a couple of pistol grips. The stippling that is on the grips is not enough to give me a solid grip, and skateboard tape/anti-skid tape has a hard time adhering to the stippling on the grips. So far I am liking the results a lot. I wonder if the tape could be used on knives> I am going to try in of a Cold Steel Dropped Forge Hunter knife I have. I will shape the handle a bit using tarred bank line, then tape over that.

[@achimgeist5185]

A great review and comparison of both knives 👍 I own many knives and my most used EDC is the TRC South Pole (I own three) and the one I put on an secondary convex edge is my absolute favorite EDC.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for sharing! And I hope to get some more knives from TRC soon.

[@omfgbbqsauce1177]

Great review Aaron!

[@johny6610]

Great job as always. I really like the standardized testing. I know it’s far from being a survival or bushcraft knife, but I would love to see how a Buck 192 Vanguard would hold up on that test.

[@gideonstactical]

I might just try to get my hands on want to do this type of test.

[@nathanbailey9153]

Personally, I really dislike the Flat-Grind (or semi-flat grind). If you are chopping carrots and potatoes all day, or making peanut butter sandwiches, they are fine. If you are doing anything else, like real woods-work/bushcraft type stuff, any chopping, any serious duty stuff with your knife, then something like a convex grind or Scandi grind is just so much better. And they still cut carrots and potatoes just fine! I do prefer some rust resistance, especially in the case of salt and warm humidity exposure. So it might be a toss-up with these knives. But overall, Flat-grind and it's variations are the bane of my existence.

[@itywhat6499]

Currently, I carry the Lionsteel H2 horizontally EDC on my belt. When I go hiking I carry the White River Ursus 45 or Lionsteel T5 on my belt. As for these knives you are reviewing, they are a bit pricey for me. I just got the Montana Knife Speedgoat in magnacut steel. I am anxious to give it a go. It is a bit thin but sharp as they come.

[@shrooman777]

The scandi makes that one a more tempting purchase in that size range, but my enjoyment of your reviews is not necessarily based on likelihood to purchase. I think having both versions to compare for your review is great and made it an extra interesting video.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the video!!!

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, definitely lik'n both of these alright, however, I'll always go for a stainless sabre first, and I wouldnt pay that much for a scandi to be honest, since I only use 'em for certain tasks, (lighter wood processing, carving etc), so I'm not needing such a high end/price job just for that. Yep, with ya, these handle scales are very, very compelling. It looks like they could afford to lose 1/2 in. or so in length off the back end, but hey, no big deal. And yes the kydex sheath is too high ride for me also; at the price point, I reckon they could throw in a dangler. At the end of the day, if I didnt have what I already have, I'd sacrifice a couple of purchases to get the sabre version in magnacut. Btw; a coupla especially nice alternatives there, thanks for showing them all mate. Cheers Duke.

[@StevanOutdoor]

II really like these Reiff knives. These handles really look comfortable for prolonged use and no jimping! I would call these a designated small fixed blade camp (belt) knife. The one you take on your belt when you know you will use it a lot. I would go for the high saber magnacut with kydex sheath but G10 handle scales. A lot of what I do is actually field cooking and not just opening MRE's so I want my knife to be very easy to clean and keep clean. G10 is better for that and of course kydex for the sheath. TRC has excellent quality but on that model I don't like the finger choil in the handle and of course hate the jimping. With the slimmer profile and shorter thinner handle this would fall in my category 'just in case' knives where you don't expect to use it a lot but still want one with you. Less bulky and lighter weight. Easy to throw in your backpack, haversack or even in your cargo pocket and forget about it until you need it. More in the Fallkniven F1 (or Scout) category. So an excellent review, demonstration and assessment of the knives in the video.

[@gideonstactical]

Then G 10 would definitely make more sense for you. I just wish that they did a little more traction on the G 10.

[@StevanOutdoor]

@@gideonstactical I guess they could probably give the G10 handle some fine sandpaper structure. I personally have no problem with totally smooth G10 as long as the handle shape is ok. And the handle shape on these Reiff knives looks more than ok to me. Nice and long also for my XL size hands. Mij motto for knives I use for food prep/cooking is: "I have to be able to piss the knife (and sheath) clean". Than rinse off with a minimum of drinking water because maybe you don't have much drinking water left. I have worked in a professional kitchen where I did some simple cooking but mostly 'mise en place' and that's a lot of cutting. In this kitchen, but also in my home kitchen, you'll find no knives with jimping, weird shapes or grooved/textured handles. I totally understand if your designated purpose is more woodwork you choose Micarta and a scandi grind. I love micarta as well. I think the price is ok for handmade. It's the p&p and 21% VAT I have to pay, so I wait until I visit the US again.

[@klausheisler5014]

Wood working obviously a scandi. General camp utility & food prep, definitely high saber grind.

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

Have you ever checked out a knife from Holtzman's Gorilla Tactical? Would love to see a review of the Bushwacker. I don't really know anything about the company so would like to know if they offer a quality knife

[@alanwilliams5836]

High Flat Grind... Great knife to apply a little convexing to.

[@gregblake2764]

You call it a high flat grind, but it looks like the saber grind on my Benchmade Bushcrafter which I really like. What's the difference? My Bushcrafter continues to out perform all the other knives I've used, but I'm not a big fan of the handle shape. I picked up the Micarta version of the Condor Bushlore on a lark and find the size and shape of the Bushlore handle to be extremely comfortable. The Reiff F4 Magnacut looks like it combines the saber blade I like with the Micarta handle I like so that would definitely be my choice.

[@cylentone]

Even though I love my Moras, Scandi is too woods-specific for a one-for-all solution, I much prefer a high-flat grind as a single tool.

[@kiwi_comanche]

Super nice guys the Reiff Knives fellas.

[@gideonstactical]

Stu is a good guys for sure

[@kiwi_comanche]

@gideonstactical Absolutely!!! Had a few convos with Stu on IG during the Rugby World Cup. He's a big rugby fan!! Let's not talk about the final though, ok?? 🤣

[@rossi4382]

high flat over scandi except for wood carving. 12.5 angle is quite ambitious

[@panagiotissoufliotis6558]

Great video Aaron. Sure is a nice knife , quality is obvious there, but for my budget 350 is way off my wallet. For 2 years i search to buy an alternative for my beloved Liosteel T5, and if i find something good is too pricy , for me at least....

[@cheikhmbacke4624]

Blessings. Great vid as always. Owned an f4 and LOVED it! Circumstances forced me to sell it and now looking to get back. However the Survive knives Bushcrafter 4.5 has caught my eye as well. Is there a chance of you putting it head to head with the Reiff?

[@cheikhmbacke4624]

@@hendrikgarnkaufer5488 I have longed to see these two companies square off ever since Reiff showed up! I’d like to own one of each!☺️

[@ml8067]

For day to day belt knife, flat grind. But in the woods knowing I'm working with wood, scandi.

[@JewishBanker420]

I'm new to the channel, (first video). Can you cover diamond coated blades vs some competitors? Thanks.

[@DevinAwe]

Ever had anything from Tkell knives? they have some pretty sweet looking blades.

[@jeremyadkins5836]

For me I prefer a blade that can cut through different materials so I'm going to go with the Magnacut version💯

[@MO-vr1jg]

I got my first magnacut about 6 months ago and so far IMO its pretty awesome…I would spend the extra $$ for the flat ground magnacut.

[@thaknobodi]

3V is similar to Cruwear which has excellent chromoum in solution, it has similar corrosion resistance i believe to D2, which as we all know is semi stainless

[@gideonstactical]

Yeah, I’ve never had an issue with 3V rusting on me.

[@Mike-mi3yw]

Personally high flat grind. I’m super interested in K890 steel

[@amc31b]

I got my cold steel master hunter in 3V for around $100. It's tough to beat for this size of knife.

[@DamionJR4923]

I remember when 3v was all the rage and now it’s a second class citizen.

[@mattkandel2449]

Yeahhh it's hard to keep up with the cool kids. I'm over here still using junky old boring steels and surviving. Maybe one day I'll be better.

[@gideonstactical]

For real!!

[@DamionJR4923]

@@mattkandel2449I still like 1095 for fixed blades cause it sharpens up so easy.

[@achimgeist5185]

I don't think so, CPM 3V is king in toughness.

[@6030jdr]

​@@achimgeist5185unless it's benchmade.

[@AlexEd07095]

can we get a video in the joker avispa? they also have a scandi version. i have both and i love them and i want to see your opinion on them

[@gideonstactical]

I’ll see what I can do. 👍

[@colinburgess9455]

I’ll stick with Bark River, from what you’re saying they are less expensive anyway.

[@rando27enco]

I like the hrc range on the 3V more than there Magnacut, though I do wish both were tighter.

[@mountaingoattaichi]

Scandi for me always! But I am more of a traditional carbon guy and love 1095 or O1. Really don't get all the hubbub about these steels.

[@jayhawk703]

I picked up the flat ground in MagnaCut

[@sski1971]

GT with magnacut being the new hottest steel in the blade steel universe, should I start considering replacing my Esse 1095’s

[@robertezell1916]

I’m a newbie so I’m all about bushcraft right now so Scandi for me, but I like all fixed blades that would work for bushcraft no matter the grind. I guess that didn’t help you at all.

[@bobinmontana777]

In my experience with two 3V scandi grind knives, (LT Wright and Bark River), both chipped and rolled much too easily. Both in Saber or full flat 3V never chip or roll. Putting a micro bevel on what was a zero degree scandi seems to prevent the chipping to some extent.

[@klausheisler5014]

Never had a single issue with my field & steel scandi blades in 01 & AEBL. Or any of my other scandi blades from independent knife makers, including my Dulo scandi in vanadis 4e at 64hrc. So, edge damage on 3V is unacceptable on the scandi imo. Especially at their pricing. They need to adjust the heat treat or edge geometry/angle. (Perhaps both)

[@jimlahey5623]

Yeah and how to sharpen them and constant afraif of chips

[@joss2345]

Wow nice knife. I prefer magnet cut version

[@keepout7811]

I’m stuck trying to pick between this magnacut reiff f4 and the knife connection architect 5.5 in 3V. What do you think?

[@gideonstactical]

Both great blades. The F4 is a little more compact. It really will come down to size and what you prefer.

[@darrelllacey2433]

I'm gonna say I like both..I think I would lean with magnacut on this particular knife...but man is it gorgeous looking blade...$345 for the price😬😬..that's what's got me pumping the brakes on getting it..that's just too much for me

[@danygodbout979]

i really cant decided...if it was scandi magnacut with kydex sheath that would be my choice but the scandi 3v as a leather sheath wich i dont like and the magnacut as a hallow?!! grind... how deep is it? if its almost flat iam ordering it righ now

[@gideonstactical]

It’s a flat with i micron concaved. Visually it’s a flat.

[@danygodbout979]

@@gideonstactical thanks a LOT , it was the only thing bugging me. Have a great weekend man 🍻

[@Mo.89.]

That handle is one of the best in the game

[@gideonstactical]

Totally!!!!

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Is that rust on the spine, or just wood from batoning? 5:15

[@LiveFree765]

Definitely high flat over Scandi.

[@dlrmon1]

At the Hundred dollar range I expect the blade to work well as a tool. At two Hundred I expect the same plus a good balance of materials, fit and finish, and I have to like the design. The three Hundred dollar range for me needs to have great materials and that “Wow” factor, a “Cool Design, Designer or Provenance”...and an equally good carry system. Reiff knives look like great tools but they don’t hit the WOW factor for me...

[@4673962]

I would choose the high saber grind.....all day any day. The video proves once agian why i dont like scandi grinds. I have some scandi knives with the same chipping and i have more with broken tips. The only thing they do easier but not always way better is feather sticks or basic wood carving.....thats it! Not worth it to carry a scandi. 11 minutes of using a diamond sharpener to get thise chips out....any other grind it would take like 3 to 5 minutes with diamonds. Thats what happens when you have to remove material from the whole grind bevel. Like i said saber grind all day any day.

[@Swearengen1980]

I'd definitely go for the Magnacut. Not a big fan of scandi to begin with, but if you know you're going into a situation where you may want/need to do fine wood working, take a 2nd knife. Always a high saber or full flat grind on the belt and in the pack is a cheapo scandi like a Mora black just in case I want to play with wood.

[@etiennerochon62]

thar depend why. for bushcrafting i will prefer a scandi but fot camping a flat one.

[@etiennerochon62]

no matter the steel

[@mikec.8556]

Nice tools !

[@Dcale]

Scandi sucks! Saber does it all fairly well! Unless you can’t sharpen a knife

[@viscousmartincarey7031]

3v scandi for sure 👍

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video.

[@jonnyboat2]

Over $300 bucks and it doesn't even shoot bullets. They seem like quality knives. I'd tend towards the MagnaCut. It'd be nice to get both.

[@omihurst]

SCANDI for me!

[@21JG777]

White river knives is making very similar blades in s35vn and 3v as well is making magnacut blades for other companies now. Yet all there s35vn, 3v, and magnacut offerings in these size ranges are all below $300. I want to like Reiff knives, but they are just way over priced imo.

[@PeterC585]

Dose he have bell's palsy or does he have chew in his mouth?

[@gideonstactical]

Neither my friend just my face, thanks for asking.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Good vid.

[@gideonstactical]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheMoosskel]

High grind for me.

[@6030jdr]

Just still not sure how anyone is charging 400 for a knife.

[@gideonstactical]

Where did $400 come from? $334 or $345 still top tier pricing, no doubt.

[@jtallday31]

What the F4?😊😅

[@otobotrecords]

Scandi and 3V all day.

[@Hudson4426]

Why does everything I want cost $300!?

[@josephbranchflower6270]

If it came in CPM M4 tho🥵

[@philipstryjewski3434]

High flat for me..

[@ggs0605]

Is getting both an option?😂

[@gideonstactical]

Always!!

[@CMPOLO5]

High flat ….

[@mattwalker2583]

Hard side hydration always out of stock

[@readyme]

FFG over scandi every day for me.

[@RichardWilson-1968.]

Magna cut

[@ChrisGross-jr7zc]

Magnacut is a type of steel. Scandi is a certain grind....i dont understand the title...ill pass on this video

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

It’s the two different knives he’s testing 😂 One is Magna cut straight and one 3v scandi

[@joej6510]

Flat

[@Mr_Whats_His_Nuts]

Might think this is a joke but it's not, legit having trouble picking a color for the handle lol. I'm buying the magnacut but just can't decide on the color yet. honestly i'll take recommendations haha

[@gideonstactical]

I like the tan I have little different the most!

[@Mr_Whats_His_Nuts]

@gideonstactical I ended up buying the red since it looked a bit different. Usually go with darker colors but wanted to try it.

[@Errcyco]

I’d pick that Magnacut one. I do lightweight work mainly and corrosion resistance is very important for me cause food and what if I cut myself out in the sticks? I don’t want tetinus in the middle of nowhere. Stainless is the ticket for me personally 🫡