5 Best Pocket Knives Of The Year 2021 List~EDC/Tactical/Just COOL!

[@optimuscrime608]

The Spartan Astor is the most underrated knife I own. It’s so good. And I have Koenigs, Shiros, Holts😳 That XHP on the Spartan was done perfectly. Great heat treat! Well done Spartan and Les George!

[@mazepa-slavaukrayini932]

Thank you and we also wish you and your entire family continued blessings from our Heavenly Father and continued good health and prosperity in the New Year.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

I've always carried a backpack instead of carrying a briefcase or satchel (going back 20 years now) and always have a multitool of some sort in it. Of all the different mt makers & models I keep coming back to my original leatherman super tool. It's capabilities and density of tools for its footprint just make so much sense. The bond I handled gave me the same sort of general vibes but in a more pocket friendly setup. Only now I noticed that my oldest leatherman is marked patent pending. I don't use it since it was a gift from dad, don't want to risk losing or breaking it.

[@ronliebermann]

A lot of guys carry a large knife for use around the campsite. Technically at least, it would be possible to make a knife which reciprocates just a little. It would be powered by a CO2 cartridge. So if the knife had a serrated blade, then it could cut small branches. But I don’t know how long it would operate on a single cartridge. The other edge of the blade would be normal.

[@joelgroch8941]

I really enjoy your videos. As a left handed person I’m glad that you call out when a knife works for a left handers. I can’t tell you how many knives I have been interested in that only works for right handers. Anyway keep up the good work.

[@kaipo8489]

Ive had that leatherman for 37 years. Its removed thousands of fish hooks when i younger. Its been on my belt for the last 23 yrs. At work being used everyday. Tried a few newer models only because i thought it was lost. The blade is broken but still works fine. The wave model would be my second fav. Engrave your knives and tools friends.

[@dieseldabz7104]

Dude STILL carry my original Wave from 20+ year's ago

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Great call on the Astor. Amazing value. I got mine as an open box; literally under $90. XHP is so underrated. Also, great call on the Adamas as well. I think the Adamas is the best knife Benchmade makes.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

Seriously, I don't get why s30v took off but xhp did not. Every blade in xhp I have used & sharpened was very nice with all around great properties. I think I like Cold Steel's xhp best of all the big production knife market. It is nice seeing it pop up on custom knives, that always makes me smile. Really excited for the spyderco chaparral lw I'm going to pick up soon. Great steel with a tremendous grind and excellent spyderco design. Especially love the comfort of the choil.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

@@JustIn-op6oy - Agreed. I have the Code4 in XHP. Amazing steel for an early generation powder form steel.

[@papimaximus95]

No love for the SOG Seal XR? Best Duty/Field (tactical/edc) folder I have used.

[@etiennerochon62]

I know it is not a 2021 but I bought the Benchmade bug out 535 three weeks ago. So satisfied!!!

[@dieseldabz7104]

I'll be 100% honest, I thought they were way overhyped and was sick of hearing about them until I bought myself one 2 weeks ago. I'm also a Benchmade collector and have bought them since '97 when joined the military and carried them while deployed. The Bugout is unlike any other Benchmade I own. It literally fits my hand perfect in regular or reverse grip. Already ordered scales and stuff for it to customize it, definitely glad I bought one!

[@nica2411]

@@dieseldabz7104 the bugout is cool. I am not a huge fan of the axis lock for hard use though. I know it's strong, but having nothing visible between the blade and my hand like a good liner, compression, or frame lock freaks me out

[@michaellewis4607]

@@nica2411 😬

[@firstlast2514]

Hey man.. don't worry about the snow. I'm from Colorado like you, and we literally haven't seen snow anywhere. From fort Collins to Trinidad and out east. Of course the mountains have some. But never summer snowboards cancelled their demo days last week due to lack of snow... Also just FYI, you were the first reviewer I ever actually vibed with. May God protect you, and your family in your travels. Thanks for the content

[@gideonstactical]

Thank you so much for the kind words and glad the content connects with you. I have heard it is bad from family. Who knows may have to end up going further north to get a taste of that colder weather :-)

[@firstlast2514]

@@gideonstactical if you've never been to Michigan... It's awesome for outdoors, and if you want snow, it's usually there lol. Of course there's always Washington state.

[@robertanderson1015]

1/10/2022… brother! I just received today my Acta Non Verba A200…all the way from the Czech Republic. Thanks so much for including it in your best folders. It’s just as you described- a little bigger and has a stronger feel than my Benchmade Bugouts. I love it. I still like my Grivory scaled Bugouts. They’ll be my Sunday church knives, God approved. Ha The A200 and my metal scaled Bugouts for harder weekday chores. Win-Win.

[@poncho151]

The new full size adamas is probably my all time favorite Benchmade at this point. I also still own the original adamas as well but have not carried it at all since getting the new one. The old one is truly a brick to the point where it felt excessive to the point where it was almost too purpose driven. While the new adamas is certainly a tank, it has a very capable blade that’s balanced well with the slimmer handle and all without feeling excessive. In this current climate of the 3” or less blade being king and where ounces matter, I love seeing knives like the full size adamas come out and frankly a lot of the knives you had on this list.

[@jonnyboat2]

The Real Steel H6 Plus is great knife too. What pocket knife do you think is the most carried edc folder? I must have missed where you mentioned it.

[@tberkoff]

I love everything about the Spartan Astor. Fit and finish and steel is amazing.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Nice list! I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the Kizer Domin and Mini Domin this year for a daily carry. Love the blade shape and happy with the lock up, even though I tend to shy away from liner locks. Good stuff!

[@gideonstactical]

Nice!! I might have to look at them 👍

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@gideonstactical Audio is normal this time :) Semper Fi Gunny *Try Magnacut steel yet?

[@steely1neverwane]

@@gideonstactical Hey mate, did you ever look at the Kizers?

[@fgallogallo7]

I know, I know. I am just so damn old school. I guess I could see the Adamas riding on a duty belt. Back in my Leo days we all would carry Buck 110s. 30 years worth for me. That knife is now 48 years old. Just an old guy now still get some camping in. And still for every day tasks even at the camp it’s a buck 110 for me. You and your family have a merry Christmas and stay safe.

[@martywilkinson6722]

The Adamas is my Christmas present this year. I handled one at SMKW in October and I love the updates. I had the original. Looking forward to the new one!

[@jamesmurray6348]

Mine too! I handled one at the local knife shop and I'm finally getting one.

[@crapvader]

My new SOG Aegis AT that has Cryo D2 chipped just by cutting some deer netting to patch a hole on my chickens enclosure I'm not pleased with Cryo D2 I had higher hopes for it. Great video by the way!

[@gideonstactical]

Interesting, might be a bad heat treat.

[@scottyh.6992]

The ANV A200 is maybe the best knife I purchased this year.

[@jconnonjr]

Definitely going to pick up the Buck. Thanks for the great reviews and channel.

[@brotherbreeze8351]

When I finally wear out / lose / damage my present EDC, I'll get one of these. Probably the Spartan or the Buck.

[@thetacticalape8852]

That Adamas is a beast! I may have to get one. My current heavy use folder is a Sog Seal XR.

[@stevefoster61]

Great video and another awesome year of content! All the best to you & your family over the Holiday Season!

[@Ashton.everydaycarry]

Got a Leatherman Bond a month or so ago and love it. Prefect size and tools set is great for edc. Wish it came with the pocket clip though, will definitely have to pick one up. Another great top knives of the year video!

[@digio1482]

God bless you and yours too. Keep up the good job!

[@juanburgosii2172]

You should try out the Spyderco Domino. It has a similar shape to the Manix 2 but it has a flipper and a frame lock.

[@sogeking9395]

I have to throw the Ka-bar Dozier and Boker Kalashnikov out there as well. Been super solid gifts for friends and made quite a few knife nuts out of people with basic gas station knives or Milwaukee hardware knives.

[@DL-ij7tf]

Kudos to the Dozier. Along with the Ontario RAT pocket knives I'd say it's the best deal running. I'm giving out a D2 and two AUS 8 models as gifts this Xmas.

[@armandojuan64]

I have three words for you , brother : Civivi Badlands Vagabond .

[@AT72G]

Appreciated the wish of God’s blessings at the end! Thank you 🙏

[@griff7749]

22:22 you lost me when you said a Cold Steel recon is "no where near as beefy or strong" as the Adamas. Ain't no way you think that. BM has never made a folder that competes in strength to a recon or lawman.

[@brandon87ize]

I would tend to agree with you. No way that axis lock handles what the triad lock would.

[@paulthelefty]

I would say the axis is smoother and will run right with the triad lock in any normal hard use scenarios. Only in the most extreme and WAY beyond design specs of either would you find any difference. Both amazing and super strong knives.

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

@@paulthelefty I own both and I would agree with you on this one. The Recon, Lawman or Adamas will last a life time and 98% of all Knife guys out there will just love these knives to pieces & feel they are the Best Knife for them. :) 🤠🇺🇸👏👍⭐️⭐️⭐️ B9USA Sr.

[@swcannon80]

Wow that Adamas cuts great and still thick behind the edge who would have thought 😆

[@gaberoo9099]

LOVE my astor (love the design, love the CTS-XHP steel blade). Awesome!!!

[@pop4803]

God bless your family with health and happiness.

[@henryvandeventer2457]

Definitely been carrying and using my CS Recon 1 Tanto and Code 4 Tanto the most since I got them as Christmas presents last year. They just work for me.

[@Hankhillismrbig]

I would love to see a smaller A220. Around the 3” blade range. That’s my preferred blade size, and it allows me to legally carry it on campus.

[@COWBOYJDUB]

I got a smokin deal on the Spartan Astor with CF scales…I was wanting the green g10 but the deal was too good to pass up. It has become probably my most carried folder, surpassing my Ritter hogue and benchmade super freek…phenomenal knife

[@knifelore1647]

God bless you an yours, an all the amazing knife community!

[@derekneumann]

Have you ever seen the Costco exclusive Leatherman Bolster? $40. Outside accessible one handed blade, pocket clip, non locking, kinda crappy serrated blade, flat, Phillips drivers, small file....... a great deal.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, I don't often crave for BM, but that Adamas is hard to ignore for those of us that like a big beefy fella. What a stellar gift; good on ya Mrs. GT. Anyway, I'd like to take the opportunity to wish you and fam all the very best for the season, as well as express my sincere gratitude for the whole range of content throughout 2021. Cheers Duke.

[@jusme8060]

Wish they made knives with a bit of weight still. Hate these toy knives, I like to know it's there

[@chillios2222]

i do not know if they still make these in 2010 they made flip lock Spyderco that opened on your pants pocket they worked pretty well

[@1980JPA]

They still make the Emerson style opener on some spyderco knives. It's a blade choice with a couple of the knives.

[@msims1250]

I love my original Adamas, but it is a little too large for me to pocket carry. I just snagged a new Mini Adamas and I’ve been carrying it quite a bit. I’m liking it.

[@frogturtle]

I can give you my biggest complaint about the Adamas...the manual doesn't come in that amazing desert tan/tungsten color combo on the auto version. aside from that it looks awesome and I want it so bad haha. thanks for the video!

[@chrisjosekuehl]

Have you tried the bailout? I’m tempted to get one, I love 3v and it comes in m4 too. I’m not too fond of coated blades but seems like it’s a buffer up bugout.

[@sunbunbradley]

My knife of the year is my TOOR field 2.0 !

[@CarlosCruz-cu1km]

I loved adamas but Got rid of it because it developed forward play after use in camping, where my ad10 didn't. Dont trust lock.

[@anotherviewer2132]

Good luck man I have been following you since 2014 back when you did some stuff on the cutjack and timberwolf. Good luck bud!

[@IT_BLOWS]

Just got my ANV A200 today very cool knife…but its missing a thumbstud on the one side…but why…on there website only one are shown but everywhere else on the net two thumbstuds are shown🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️😳😳🤣😂

[@vb2162]

I always love your end of year best of videos. I always try to guess what's going to be on them from watching the reviews throughout the year. I loved the shout out to an Aussie channel too 😉.

[@matthewdancik5515]

I don't know if you've ever watched any DBK ( Dutch Bushcraft Knives) videos, but they did a destruction video on the Benchmade Adamas Folder.... I believe it was the full-sized like yours, and it didn't fair so well for them. You should check it out if you have the time.

[@gideonstactical]

Yes I did watch their video very good as always. I believe they’re using the mini, and they also describe that they think it might have been a fluke. No idea. As you saw on my video I baton with it and smack the spine against the wood several times for that exact reason. Haven’t seen any issues yet will update if I ever see an issue.

[@Benroe-yz1nz]

I just gifted a friend an Astor. It is a beast for sure. High end Rat 1 is a pretty good description.

[@burntcoffee5175]

Haven’t caught your channel in a while. But still some of the best reviews on KZbin!

[@mrjay8627]

I have the original adamas. Super cool just to heavy and block for me. Been digging the presidio 2 cf elite instead. Good video !

[@enriquescott2983]

Orion knifes this will be new for 2022 it's fliper with push button lock with different choices of scales please do review .Like your opinion thanks

[@duanedas5346]

I really like your channel I've learned a lot from you thank you.. plus If your getting rid of any of your knifes sent me some I'll give them a great new home. Keep up the great channel.

[@TheKalkara131]

20:02 I've said it before and I'll say it again. Before this, I have never heard of someone using a pocket knife, regularly, to cook and for food prep, outside of camping. Around the house (or RV) I assume that most people just use a normal kitchen knife.

[@Victorcreed85]

Awesome video Aaron. Love it. If i am being honest really only the Spartan and Benchmade are things i would buy. I am actually about to buy the Spartan. Its definitely less than 100 bucks. I believe the one i am looking at is 89, some where right there. I don’t know my man, i would put my Recon 1 against that Adamas any day. I do like the Adamas. Its actually one of the very few Benchmades i do like. Size is not an issue. I have quite a few of Cold Steel’s XL models and carry them often. Usually multiple times a week if not more. Love the video. Glad your enjoying my home state. Im North East of y’all. Not sure what you all’s plans are from San Antonio but there are so many amazing Texas State Parks and such not far from y’all. Well i say that because i am use to the distances, but y’all should check out Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Longhorn Cavern State Park, Enchanted Rock, Colorado Bend. Just some thoughts in case y’all might be looking for some sights.

[@geico1975]

"Rocky Talkie" WOW! 11 plus miles and can go further, that's pretty impressive. Also, the Leatherman you sported, $50 bucks:) WOW! Never looked into it. And the Buck looks great until the price was revealed:) HA! Think I understand where some of the dislike comes from:) Good info, thanks for sharing...

[@heavychevy4616]

thank u sir, & may god bless yall to

[@michaelniedorf8046]

One of my favorite knives is still the hogue Doug Ritter mini

[@knighthawk3759]

No love for the boker Plus pocket smatchet?

[@robkeener7740]

What’s up brother ! I’m in Florida and sweat 😓 a lot 😂. Do you think cru-ware is going to rust in the pocket ?

[@gideonstactical]

So far no issues

[@1980JPA]

That was my main issue with the Buck also. The framelock materials don't really jive with the price. Stainless steel for almost $200 makes me wonder what the conversation sounded like when pricing decisions were made. Really do love the design though.

[@The4cp]

I like the Buck Onset. It's on my list of to get knives. Just got a ANV Z400 and love the brand now. I'm going to look into the rest of the folders they offer.

[@toadstkr]

You’ve come a long way from your OKC Blackbird revue!!! Very cool to see

[@realbroggo]

I just wish that Buck would lift its baseline materials. Even with the Paul Bos heat treat, 420HC is no longer good enough. For what they charge, surely they could move up the bar a couple of notches. Buck has released a few knives here and there with upgraded steal (eg. S45VN) but most of their range is just falling behind. Putting S45VN on an otherwise bland blade isn't enough to get me excited. As for your no. 1 - the Benchmade Adamas is a workhorse that suits many roles - utility, field, bush, survival, law enforcement, defence, etc. Might be a bit bulky for an EDC but who cares - pull this out of your pocket and it tells everyone you mean business. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@mitchwells4990]

I just bought a Benchmade grizzly ridge I went into the store intending to buy a griptilian something about this knife just spoke to me now I love everything about it it smooths it's just big enough but I would give anything to have g10 or micarta scales this rubber just isn't doing it for me it feels cheap

[@joshalmighty1901]

420 high carbon... 😆 🤣 😂

[@alecseekins7916]

Idk man. The adamas is a great knife for sure. I have the mini and they are geniuses for making such a beast of a knife with upgraded steel into smaller packages you can carry easier IMO. Love your channel man, Great stuff!!

[@Andreravone]

I want an Adamas. The rest of the list can go. I like the unique designs of the ANVs but if I had to pay for a more premium knife, I'd rather go for the BenchMade Adamas!

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

The Leather Man non locking and nickel and dime for parts that should come with it.

[@Wolverine-hj2cd]

Doggone it you've sold me on the Adams. I just wish cold steel would come out with something in cruwear with the triad lock, ultimate heavy duty knife.

[@orendz7740]

Yeah for 180 that better be a ti frame lock on that buck.

[@matthewadler1329]

Amazing video Aaron. Bless you brother

[@ReffreyS]

Benchmade Adamas full size auto is my favorite.

[@andrewyex3115]

I know its been out for awhile but have you had an ad-15 on the channel

[@gideonstactical]

Yes. Checkout the video from earlier this year.

[@maartenvandyck6768]

for you as wel a good christmas!! one of my favorite folders is the lion steel KUR! absolutly like the looks of that one and the sleipner steel is good for me. although i still grab my opninel number 7 and 8 alot also! for what those knives cost they are awesome!! both in stainless and normal steel.

[@wesleypangilinan7949]

I always love it that you like knives made in Taiwan. I also hate the *other place*

[@infidel24]

Completely agree with buying from the great country of Taiwan! That alone earned my sub.

[@gregvanderlip7726]

Found spartan one 84ish for g10 an cf 92ish on amazon

[@mdx9286]

Welcome to Texas, brother.

[@josezavalapina7392]

Thanks for the list that you got!!! Now I have to decide which one to get out of those......hmmmm!!

[@chasewilliams3108]

Well don't feel bad man, it doesn't snow in Colorado in December anymore so you aren't missing anything 😉

[@pialundberg2260]

Bond needs outside access to main blade. It would make it sell heaps more I'd think.

[@coldseas]

where's your fav edc - Manix 2 lightweight SPY 27 ?

[@gideonstactical]

I have touched on that blade so many times didn’t want it to over shadow the other designs 😀

[@coldseas]

@@gideonstactical ok got it 👍🏼

[@htimsrM]

Wow, I had no idea you could get up to 25 miles on a compact walkie....11 miles was loud and clear

[@desertratedc9596]

I am impressed that an FRS can do that too myself but I long since figured out that a 10m ham radio that has 11m C.B. frequency is capable of 60+ miles depending on condition and sometimes world wide when ultimate conditions are achieved. But we are talking a 10 watts for a legal C.B. more if illegally modified and 35-60+ watts for a 10m ham radio which is not technically legal to talk on 11m C.B. with the power... FCC just doesn't care or even monitor C.B. anymore so you get some people even pushing 1.5k+ watts out of base stations. Unless your neighbors start hearing you through their toilet (true and long story) and reports you to the FCC you can do damned near as much power as you want with a C.B. or 10m ham radio if you stay off of the 10m.

[@skunkape9357]

What's the blade length on the benchmade adamas

[@lordtartarsauceb8348]

i like the shape of the astor and wouldve bought one if it had steel liners on both sides.

[@eramurto5191]

Great video GT, and greetings from Finland again. Would you have possibility to review Cold Steel 4 MAX Scout, a really big folding knife with lot of capabilities due to its excellent design.

[@rgarc514]

Hey you gonna swing by the beach 🏖️ Corpus Christi, Texas. 1+ half South of you I'll take some gear of you just cleaned out a parking space garage.

[@starlingblack814]

Good informative video; thank you Aaron.

[@jamescox1104]

What are you doing in my neck of the woods? Need any info on sites to hit? Love the list keep up the good work.

[@daviesmith1311]

Got over a hundred pocket knives but every time I try a new one I always come back to the flat grind delica. It’s every day perfect and disappears in the pocket with the clip removed

[@flipflat4814]

CPM CruWear and CruWear are not entirely similar. CPM CruWear is most similar to Z-Wear. CPM CruWear is an upgraded version of conventional CruWear with improved toughness.

[@ericjudd9603]

Thanks man👍

[@woahnowjoshua]

Shoutout San Antonio! Love the videos man!

[@barrybueler3356]

Not a good yr for folding knives this yr besides the Benchmade Adamas in cruwear my 2nd pick would be the spartan but the rest is take for free maybe $10-$20.

[@WesleyKennedy]

That first blade looks so much like a Harsey Air Ranger

[@nickculibrk7359]

What about Kizlyar Sterkh?

[@loyalegroup3929]

Hey man, how you likin' that southeast air off the Gulf? You can cut the air, here in South Texas, with one of them fancy knives you test.😄 I wish I knew y'all were in town (*and had some way to contact), I coulda' treated you and Mama to a late lunch/early dinner, and maybe given you a Barky I'd love to get your opinion on. Maybe someday. Thanks for another great vid.