KnifeCenter FAQ #11: Camp Cooking Knives? + Copper EDC, Lubrication, More!

[@gizmocarr3093]

Always learn something new watching you Q and A videos. I shy away from outdoor knives with any metal expose on the handles. When it gets cold meaning below zero temps; touching exposed metal with bare skin is bad. If cold enough; it sticks to bare skin and hurts getting loose. That seems why Norwegian knives have wood handles. I spent 3 weeks in Norway in winter in the Marines training for arctic warfare. It never got much warmer than 20 below during the day. The only thing I saw was Crazy Norwegian soldiers, lots of snow, giant steep mountains and pine trees. Leather and wood knife handles rule in the cold; trust me on this one.

[@Leftyotism]

Why would you not wear gloves in minus 20 degrees though?

[@TheAustralian1x]

If its below 0 you are wearing gloves

[@CheeseBacon21]

That is a man who is so proud of his own knives! I cant wait to get my hands on one! They look fantastic!

[@seedeebun]

i hope you hit 100k soon. I legit cannot wait for each video to come out and when I see a new video i get excited. Love the content, love the company.

[@knifecenter]

Thank you for the kind words Stephen! -DCA

[@richardarmstrong1618]

Been watching you all of this time, and never knew you were in Spotsylvania. I grew up and lived there for 25 years. My mom still lives there. I visit from Tennessee every summer with my family. This is a mind-blow for me.

[@StevanOutdoor]

I'm glad you mentioned the European origin of the knife designs. The Green River Hunting Knife does come in stainless but without a sheath and looks like the Old Hickory. My Ulu I use in the kitchen needs a sheath made for taking it outdoor or find an Ulu that comes with sheath of course. Closest I have now is the Gerber Downwind Ulu that has the Ulu blade shape but with a 'normal' handle and a sheath for belt carry. I recently received the Spyderco Bow River and that feels really good in the hand and has a nice leather sheath for the price. In the kitchen I use different knives with different shapes so for my Camp Cook Knife I choose one similar to the kitchen knife I most use. I challenged myself to do all home cooking with just an Opinel #10 for a year and that worked also. I prefer a stainless fixed blade, simple handle easy to use in different grips, plastic sheath and ALL must be easy to clean. For me that's the Mora Companion in stainless. The Mora Companion HD in stainless if the camp cooking involves butchering game. The Mora 2000, Forester or Kansbol would make a good option too but even the Mora Basic 546 or the Hultafors RFR. As for folding Camp Cook Knives an Opinel in inox in dry climates and the Svord Peasant for wet climates since the wooden Opinel handle will swell when really wet. I did find the Svord Peasant in 12C27 stainless over in the UK but they did not arrive yet.

[@rckjeep]

Love my Bow River! I use it anytime I’m preparing food away from home.

[@EgoitzSalsamendi]

Hi David! Wow, can't still believe you answered my question. You made my day! Thanks a lot!

[@knifecenter]

Happy to help! -DCA

[@EgoitzSalsamendi]

​@@-Craptastic- Thanks mate! Holly cow, you are my first sworn enemy. I'm loving it! Cheers!

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

Instant love with the Nordsmith Canteen! You have a good eye that knife is elegant and also looks like it can work with you and not let you down. I like that combination!

[@dreadpirate.roberts]

You always do a great job of breaking down pros, cons, and features/applications of knives.

[@MrTuffCookies]

ALG Go-Juice is a fantastic lube. It's all-natural and food-safe, it resists extreme temperatures (especially cold) very well, and most importantly it lubricates really really well! I love it!

[@KnifeHandleSupply]

I came in here hoping that the Old Hickory Hunting Knife was on the list. Of all my knives, it's what my knife prefers to use for food prep when we go camping. The Kershaw has interested me, but I've read reports of the D2 heat treat being a bit brittle. Personally, my all-time favorite camp food prep knife is the BK62 Kephart. Phenomenal knife.

[@ShawneeUnion]

Thanks David! Excited to check out the Launch series. Really enjoying this series too 👍

[@xxshadow84xx]

Lol just saw him reading your comment

[@ShidenByakko]

Hi David, My first question that I've ever asked you, hope you can help me out: I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features: 1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard") 2) Frame Lock (will consider an Axis-style, or any kind of lock but **MUST** be bomb-proof strong) 3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it... 4) About 3" to 3.5" Blade Length 5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly. 6) Optional: Full Flat Grind, finger choil 7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each. Thanks so much, have been looking for one for ages!

[@ShidenByakko]

@Jeremy Two Hey thanks, I checked the Shaman out, it does check a few boxes of a full flat grind, and Blade length and great steel choice, but it's a no-go for the lack of Flipper and I have no idea how good a compression lock is. But thanks good suggestion!

[@steveow40]

Hey Dave, quote unquote using my slightly larger than normal hands, I was having a shitty day and you popped up on KZbin and cheered my day up, always have time to watch a knife upload, thanks man.

[@knifecenter]

Cheers Steve! -DCA

[@Anonymous-is1iv]

Kershaw camp 5 That’s what I came here for. THANK you!!

[@peterd.2220]

A great inexpensive camp cooking knife is the gerber tri tip! Compact fixed blade cleaver that is great for chopping and slicing with plenty of finger clearance

[@evanb123]

Another great copper option that won’t break the bank is the Kershaw Natrix. I own the mini and the patina looks great. It also comes with D2 steel. I have heard the action can be hit or miss, but the action on mine is great.

[@stuartsmith3359]

Love my MKM Isonzo!! I have the natural g10 version with a black coated drop/clip point. One of my favorite small folders, that N690 comes scary sharp!!!

[@jnzupka]

I absolutely LOVE my Hunt Plus It’s actually probably my favorite belt knife

[@safromnc8616]

My camp 'kitchen knife' is a CRKT Mossback. Does all you need, and inexpensive just in case it gets lost or whatever.

[@knifecenter]

One of the best inexpensive knives out there! -DCA

[@mfreeman313]

That's a nifty little knife for the price. I'm totally comfortable with carbon steel and 19 times out of 20 you don't need a monstrous knife for camp cooking. Thanks for mentioning it. It's funny, I love most of the B&Ts I see.

[@baphoreart7573]

I'd always recommend Boker Atlas, Lancer or Tech Tool in copper. Really lightweight and nice for EDC!

[@evanb123]

If you’re looking for patina on your copper knives, the black washed copper on the McKenna won’t patina. I own the Elementum with the same scales and it’s a pretty dark black wash. Looks great, but you won’t get that copper patina if that’s what you’re going for.

[@chloehennessey6813]

Wow you nailed it! I love my Delica! I also have the Flytanium copper scales. The only other knife that gets as much carry time as my Delica is my SHF 3.5”. If they like the Pillar than maybe they’d like the Benchmade 550HG sheep’s foot knife. It’s either CPM-154 or you can get it in CPM-S30V.

[@vitaliv2126]

Respect from Germany!👍

[@knifecenter]

Respect back at you!

[@dragonbushcraft7612]

the GiantMouse ACE Biblio is a good alternative for the large pilar. It has M390 and numerous handle options to choose from...

[@markensen2003]

classiest call to action on youtube. I will "smash" nothing.

[@yetidaddy7162]

Love all the content. I do have a question about fixed blades. I wear a lot of gym shorts and would like to know about some front pocket fixed blades or with a clip on the sheath. Without having to buy uticlips or something like that.

[@Ryan_the_tinz]

I think the real "premium Pilar" is the GiantMouse Ace Biblio. The base model with micarta and M390 steel is about $175. They are harder to find though in the USA though.

[@jjkatz1412]

Pilar alternative: maybe a bit on the smaller side but the Kizer mini sheepdog hits that profile with a sub $100 price range

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for a great discussion, as always, DCA!

[@knifecenter]

My pleasure Charles! -DCA

[@elijahturner3291]

David can yall do a video on sharpening stones and honing rods?

[@greekveteran2715]

BEST Camping knives? Folding: Victorinox 111mm Rucksack. Budget Fixed blade: Mora Kansbol. Fixed blade: Manly Drugar CPM154. Fixed blade premium: TRC This is freedom.

[@jonNH123]

Can't wait for the canteen knife. :-) Thanks David!

[@muffinpuffs3790]

Mr. David, Would you please recommend me an American made fixed blade knife between 6" to 7" in overall length with a full 4 fingers grip. It cannot be the Izula as I already have two of them stainless and high carbon steel. Thank you

[@williamcookiii5503]

Hi David. Hope you are doing well. My question is, I love the original Cold Steel Pendleton Mini fix blade. I am not a fan of their new longer handle Pendleton. Know something similar up $150?

[@completewasteofinternetban5822]

Question, and rather specific. I purchased the nice MKM magnetic sheath but the SAK I was going to put in it is too think. I like the Malga but I don't need a fork while I do need a phillips head screwdriver. So what SAK or other small multitool will fit in the MKM sheath and has a phillips bit. I think the Tinker will but would prefer the Super Tinker but it is twice as thick so I'm not sure it would fit. (A Malga 6a with a phillips driver and no fork would be perfect).

[@cashdingo6386]

Hey Dave, what up! I bought my first knife with a bearing pivot and did not like it. The bearings got grit in them too easily. Are there any recommendations for someone who usually enjoys there edc knives in food prep and maybe dirtier work environments that have the bearing pivot more protected from debris and water?

[@donaldcasey9922]

Hey David, I was wondering if you could compare/contrast the Fox Baby Core and the MKM Isonzo clip point. I have handled the MKM and liked the feel of it, but I prefer the look of the Baby Core. They have so much in common - same designer, blade material, handle material, both are Italian and similar in size. Any opinion on which is better or do you think it just comes down to looks? Is the Isonzo 20 dollars better than the Baby Core?

[@mikemckenzy]

Het David! Great content. Not knife related question: what is your role and title at The Knife Center?

[@YannNichols]

Found the answer on KnifeCenter and Nordsmith Knives websites. Here, www.knifecenter.com/item/NSCANAEBLGRYLR/nordsmith-canteen-knife-aeb-l-fixed-blade-green-micarta-handles-with-yellow-liners-leather-sheath you can read that David is the founder of Nordsmith Knives. Then here www.nordsmithknives.com/the-nordsmith-saga you can learn that David C. Andersen is the Digital Marketing Manager at KnifeCenter. Hope it will answer your question. ;-)

[@koga8100]

Most likely the personality

[@dataclast]

He’s the guy with large hands

[@mikemckenzy]

@@dataclast slightly larger than average

[@knifecenter]

Thank you for the assist Yann! -DCA

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Oponel 12 for a camp kitchen knife. Light, ergonomic and very slicey. Oh, and they are cheap and easy to maintain.

[@marklightner7553]

You nailed it. Opinel

[@MisterTengu]

I own the spiderco river, i found that i wanted a little more blade length for cooking tasks.

[@MisterTengu]

@Grey most kitchen tasks i do with a 7-8" chef's knife with a push or rocking cut

[@VittorioManta]

Hi David, I really like the design of the White River M1 Backpacker, but it's a bit out of budget, do you have a recommendation for something similar but within the 70$ range (maybe with a cheaper steel)? And thanks for the videos on the channel, always fun to watch!

[@johnallison1804]

Hello. I'm relatively knew to the knife scene and have been bitten buy the bug for sure. I'm left handed and never knew there were lefty friendly knifes until I was introduced to the Axis Lock. Since then I'm on a constant look out for other locks that are also great for lefties. Most seem to just mimic the Axis Lock so can you recommend other knifes and/or locks that are good for us south paws. Thanks for you time and I look forward to these Saturday videos.

[@johnallison1804]

Oh and I was hoping for some recommendations that aren't very well known like the spyderco lefties and the demko and hawk bros locks..thanks

[@mfreeman313]

There's a guy who has a channel called the Knife Beater who's a lefty and very mindful of what is and isn't adaptable or ambidextrous. Not that this channel isn't great overall but he never fails to address it so it might be helpful.

[@magex190]

can you make a dedicated video for knife steels and what the best use cases are for each?

[@pedroclaro7822]

Great video, but nothing really caught my eye for a camp knife, except the Spyderco. Still expensive. I'm rocking my cheap ass plastic handle Walmart chef knife and Opinel or the side. Ig my multitool's saw serves as a bread knife? Everything still comes in under the Spyderco price tag lol

[@darc1027]

Hey David, Lord and Master of sharp and pointy objects, I am looking for a cheaper alternative to the Spyderco Amalgam preferably under $100 with the same blade shape. I would also like to see a side by side comparison of the Boker plus strike automatic and the Gerber 06 automatic. Thank you so much for the excellent videos and cheers.

[@simplykirk7193]

Thanks David. Leek, it is!

[@danielbossis2939]

très bon et professionnel !!! j'ai acheter le Condor Woodbuster a cause de toi !! et je suis très satisfait ! un fan

[@chloehennessey6813]

For sheep’s foot the Benchmade 550. S30V or 154. $110 on Amazon.

[@mrkellyt2004]

Hi David, 2 questions: I'm a big fan of Ontario rat 1 in D2. I've been looking for one with a black blade and handle. Since it seems to have been discontinued could you reccomend something similar. D2 or better steel. Also, big fan of protech Malibu. Could you recommend something similar in all black. Keep up the great work. Thanks Kelly Tanaka

[@Jsmith9055]

I would say the Boker Kalashnikov is a better FIRST side open automatic. Theyre quite literally indestructible, never misfire, and cost $30. I would say $90 is a little expensive for a "first" anything. You gotta know you like knives to buy a Launch

[@Vicandiers]

Really like the knifeAQ series, hopefully my question can be answered: I want to get my girlfriend a knife for in her purse. The requirements are: it should be small, but still have a full grip, something like the CS mini tuff lite, however it should look a bit less aggressive than that. I would also like it to be a little bit colourful (not necessarily blue or pink, but that would be nice).

[@doubleoddbuck00]

Darn it!!! Missed out on the Bow River again... sigh!

[@Karla-Flr]

You are the best knive channel! Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹

[@knifecenter]

Thank you Karl! -DCA

[@JustGorilla]

I have many, many Victorinox, but is there a knife similar to the Swiss Army Knives, with upgraded materials and maybe a locking mechanism?

[@lavenderpants8695]

DCA I love your knife and I need one someday. I don't care if it cost $400 I want it!

[@neikiv8843]

Civivi McKenna looks great

[@jjugo112]

I was waiting for this

[@edwinenriquemendoza1710]

How do you feel about the super freek, love your channel

[@oorangeo]

Fantastic video, as always. Please keep it up! And now, a question! How does the quality of the new Al Mar knives compare to the older Japanese-made ones? I'd love to see a side-by-side. I'm especially interested in the Eagle Talon Classic in bone. Thanks!

[@knifecenter]

The new ones are decent, but the older Japan models were more premium. -DCA

[@paulbasilio2457]

hey David love the show there are so many steel types I would like to know what steel keeps A better edge thank you

[@jackm6816]

David, love your knife reviews. I'm wanting to buy a new Hogue, but not sure which frame material I want. Could you give your opinion about the different types, aluminum, g-10, and polymer Frames? Thanks, keep up the great videos!

[@knifecenter]

They all have their place, but I find the G10 versions of the EX03 balance in the hand better than the polymer ones, and then aluminum is their more premium handle material. -DCA

[@salvadoralvarez1467]

Almost at 100k subs keep it up man

[@bigcountry28056]

What about the delica wharncliff

[@trrmbath97]

Felt the pressure subscribed lol

[@knifecenter]

Thank you Melissa! We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programing shortly :D -DCA

[@jamieadams7550]

If I could I’d get a randell model 1 fixed blade . Which I carried in Vietnamese nam. But to replace it it takes 5-6 years to have one made

[@stephan123321]

Good video,thanks! Beste Grüße, Stephan

[@BY-ib9ew]

Is the Bow River going to be back in stock? Can’t find it anywhere

[@knifecenter]

At some point yes. Spyderco has not been able to keep up with demand.

[@williamhoppe4500]

David, How often should I have to sharpen a knife with S30V steel? I have a Spyderco Yojimbo2 and use it to open letters and boxes infrequently. I don't want to wreck it by sharpening it the wrong way or too often. Thanks.

[@wilhelmvonscream3146]

I don't want to step on David's shoes here. But just to throw in my 2 cents, and echo what he said in a previous episode. S30v has very good edge retention. So it should hold up well. Also using a strop instead of sharpening will help from prematurely wearing out the blade.

[@knifecenter]

How often? When it no longer cuts as well as you would like. Stropping between uses, as Adam mentioned, can go a long way to maintaining your edge and making it last longer between sharpenings. -DCA

[@JustGorilla]

Sheepdog/mini sheepdog as an upgrade from the Pilar.

[@ernstjosef4491]

Opinel 12 is perfect i feel

[@FYLbingbong]

great lineup and information. thank you

[@RafaRodriguezOfficial]

I've been trying to get one of these spyderco bow river for a while but they are out of stock everywhere, are they getting discontinued?

[@knifecenter]

They have just been in very high demand. That is why I had to use Seth's modified knife in this video, because we didn't even have a stock one on the shelf at the time we filmed! -DCA

[@kevinreed4027]

Hello David, I am looking for a Budget EDC knife for a woman. That is easy opening and closing. She has arthritis.

[@gordonterry199]

Go for the kizer mini sheepdog

[@henrymoreland8719]

Q, is there a left handed "leek" alike. thanks.

[@jackthranow6817]

Now that I have a belt knife I need something to complement it. Does anybody have any recommendations for a smaller Bush craft food prep knife?

[@justinworkman9424]

Have you thought about a nessmuk?

[@johngunter2054]

Hey David! Could you suggest something for me that has the type of edge retention of something like K390 or 10v but can be used for heavy duty tasks. I'd like something that I don't have to worry about it rusting easily. I'd prefer something with a nice strong lock up!😀🔩🗜

[@BC-ec5sj]

"Ohhhh Davey," no Davey (claymation cartoon reference)! Pimping your own knife is so uncool! "Ohhh Davey!!!!!"

[@eltonhudson5010]

No shit! That’s bogus as hell, and $300 is bull shit, too! That’s why I buy from KNIFE CENTER OR GP KNIVES!!!!!!!

[@Dustydog2743]

a condor nulukula( sp) stainless and like chef knife

[@mikeking6686]

THE answer is if you like something buy multiples

[@bomtradym4027]

FOX SURU WOULD BE THE MOST COMPARABLE TO THE PILAR

[@DinoNucci]

This vid must have been recorded at the end of a very long day

[@koga8100]

Getting a swayback for Christmas, in 4 years everyone is going to wish thy bought one

[@jamieadams7550]

Kind of buying a very high end sports car

[@rubbergaurd1]

Dave, like you I’m a classy guy and classy guys like us need a classy slip joint. I want to know what you buy around 150.

[@bobhabsolute4995]

What are the best knives that don’t received the love they deserved because of their ugliness? Among them which one is the best bang for your buck?

[@Tgkjj]

you this whole time i thought i was subscribed my bad

[@knifecenter]

Thanks for the sub my friend! -DCA

[@mrkellyt2004]

Sorry $100 to $150. Thanks again

[@ezralee4370]

you look like crazy dave

[@pedro3655]

I have a bow river.... Beaitifull shape, fine blade.... But the steel its very bad. You cut a tomatos and slice of ham, you must sharp it them.... Pffff.. Better steel mr spyderco

[@Triple.Stripe.Knives]

N690 is not premium

[@knifecenter]

Maybe not, but definitely "more premium" than D2 -DCA

[@Triple.Stripe.Knives]

​@@knifecenter But it's just 440C with some Cobalt and Molybdenum. Cobalt has no useful effect on a knifesteel, as it only increases hot hardness, and the Molybdenum increases pitting resistance. So you are going to get higher corrosion resistance, and a slight bump in toughness (it's comparable to S110V) ,but no increase in edge retention. People may charge more for it than D2, but it doesn't make it better. All of this information is from Knifesteelnerds.com

[@Jsmith9055]

I would say the Boker Kalashnikov is a better FIRST side open automatic. Theyre quite literally indestructible, never misfire, and cost $30. I would say $90 is a little expensive for a "first" anything. You gotta know you like knives to buy a Launch