KnifeCenter FAQ

[@Ryan_the_tinz]

I was not expecting a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy reference. Well played DCA.

[@tmutant]

Pan-Galactic Gargle Blasters all around!

[@RobBernhard]

His answer completely made my day!

[@williamsekely1476]

He had me actually laughing out loud!

[@luispinsf7538]

An excellent reference at that!

[@paynekiller75]

Completely agree w/ DCA here & would just like to add that the most **useful** knife you'll ever own is the one you have when you need it, & for the majority of ppl that's going to be the knife that's actually in their pocket at said time! Smaller knives (2.5-3.5" blade) tend to be far more convenient/easy to carry for your average person. As such your average person is far more likely to actually carry said knife, thus they're far more likely to have it when needed. I truly think that's why those "smaller" sized knives tend to be a more popular choice than the overbuilt but less convenient to carry "larger" sized knives... at least for most people.

[@bmljenny]

As a small-handed lady customer, I appreciate the range in sizes available, and I particularly appreciate companies that make large and small versions of winning models.

[@megacab]

I have a lot of "overbuilt" knives from my time in the service. Lately I gravitate towards really slicey knives. The delica wharncliffe in k390 is amazing!

[@Tusk2001]

I served in Central America in the 80s. I guess I’ve never gotten over my love for bigger knives and the priority of having something sharp and pointy ….. just in case. As I stated, I have some smaller knives but something inside makes smaller knives make me feel like, “what if……” Thanks for serving! RLTW

[@megacab]

@@Tusk2001 I understand that completely. The "what if" mentality is ever present. I was a Paratrooper in a PIR. Respect to you and your service.

[@Tusk2001]

@@CuttingBoardRx Nope not a jarhead (said with love for my USMC friends) but 2/75 Ranger Bn attached to 7th group. I was in Q course when I was voluntold to go, so I did. Also, thanks for your service brother. Front sights up!

[@bankuei]

I appreciate that you do a bit with each knife telling us how it fits in your hand. The shape of the handle and the weight of it makes a big difference in handling. I was looking at three shorter fixed blades I had picked up and while they're all about the same in blade length, and almost the same in handle size, the shape of the handle made a world of difference in how it feels in my hands. The only reason I am starting to lean towards picking up larger blades is that larger blades tend to give handles with better retention shapes, which is one of the biggest features I'm looking for in an EDC.

[@TheScotchaholic]

Exactly, bigger folders offer more comfortable handles for larger hands and hard use tasks.

[@ricochetjack7579]

In over twenty years of logistics and warehousing. I've found that a knife with a three and a half inch, partially serrated blade is a great choice.

[@Tusk2001]

After I got out of the Army I went to work for the (at the time) worlds largest producer of NVGs - NVEC. We got our optics from SIngapore.they came in triple layered, hardened cardboard boxes. They were stapled together and it was easier to cut through them than remove the staples. The thing was, box cutters were just too small and flimsy / would break as we had to cut through them in order to get all the way through. My friend had given me a Spyderco Terzuola Starmate. It was great at this but you shouldsee the blade now. I would stabe the box and let the serrations work their magic. Still have the knife but it is a bit shorter and the cardboard definitely took the serrations down a bit.

[@NJames-dh6kz]

I feel like partially serrated blades are underrated these days. But of course it depends on what your particular needs are.

[@Tusk2001]

For 99% of boxes and places you are correct. However, we would get over 100 of these boxes a week, all with 30 or so smaller boxes that were of the same style. If there werwe a way to show you some pics I still have, you would see what I mean. Having said that, for the boxes that the google bodies or other less fragile items came in, a regular box cutter worked great.

[@maxlvledc]

can you tell me more about your experience with serrations? when do you use them?

[@ricochetjack7579]

@@maxlvledc I mostly used the Serrated section to make quick work of the nylon or plastic banding used on the skids and crates we received. Also to make notches in the sheets of double and triple layer cardboard so the box assemblers know where I want the cuts and folds made.

[@jonathancupp3686]

No one seems to make the knife I really want. My perfect edc knife would be the Lionsteel M5 handle with a three inch blade. I know it would look goofy, but it would be perfect on my opinion. I once had an old knife from a garage sale with a nice robust full size handle. I never did know the brand as it was unmarked, but I accidentally broke the blade trying to pry a bullet out of a tree. I reground the blade, which ended up a shave under three inches. I absolutely loved it, ever though my grind job was shoddy at best. I lost it during a move in 1999 and have never relocated it. I’ve not been completely satisfied with any fixed blade since. Although, I do have many I like.

[@Obsidian-One]

I typically like the 3.5 to 4.5 inch range for edc pocket knife, but I agree there are not nearly as many coming out anymore

[@DinoNucci]

Wrong

[@Heracleetus]

I struggle to find knives that are small enough. My state outlaws carrying blades over 3" and they define blade size as the "length from the tip of the blade to the end of the blade, not just the end of the sharpened portion"... That rule leaves most of my 3" knives too long because the sharpened portion is 3" but the rest of the blade is longer.

[@Tusk2001]

DCA - Thanks for answering my question. Just to let you all know, I have several smaller knives, but the larger onese are my choice to carry. By the way, one of my favorites is the Swordfish.

[@knifecenter]

The Swordfish is such a great knife. Tons of reach but carries much more nimbly than the size would suggest! -DCA

[@Tusk2001]

@@knifecenter Saw it on your budget knives video and now own several of those featured knives

[@danielcox5849]

I have many 3 inch blades that are very useful and good for EDC but my favorite size pocket knife is in the 3.25 to 3.5 inch range. I will add a caveat that I prefer a slim carry (e.g the Ferrum Forge Stinger, Hogue Deka and the like). I use bigger beefier knives when I am doing yard work and need something more robust.

[@Leftyotism]

I like me a bigger 3.5 to 4 inch blade and a smaller 2.5 ish inch blade both. Also a fixed one for the dirties.

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

There does seem to be a trend towards smaller knives and miniaturizing of larger popular knives, other than Ka-Bar and Cold Steel. One of the ways a knife company can a new product seems to just be to make a smaller version of their regular sized models: Para 2, Adamas, Griptilian, Crooked River, Rat1, Bugout, and even the Banter. My favourite blade size is 3.5-4" and one of my favourite knives is the Spyderco Police 4. I don't mind a smaller blade for some purposes, but I prefer a longer handle for my mitts of unusual size.

[@HollowKid]

I've been dabbling with knives for the last 5 years or so, and found my preferred blade length to be about 3 to 3-1/2 inches. For opening packages and letters, tearing down cardboard, or doing some quick food prep, that's all I've really found I need. My workplace has a "less than 2-1/2 inch" rule, so I did purchase a Gerber Paraframe Mini and a Spyderco Ambitious Lightweight. While I prefer the larger of my picket knives, these still get the job done.

[@PeterMinearo]

The knife I use to open packages at home is a Buck 305 (It's a mini knife if you have never seen one). I carry a Microtech Exocet in my pocket. But, I tend to collect bigger knives which I have several of. Wouldn't a blade to handle ratio indicate where the center of the blade so you can understand where the balance is? Boker 42......the answer to life, the universe, and every knife in it.

[@ironmikehallowween]

With my multi-tool, flash light, phone, keys, and other things; the smaller knives are far more practical for me. That green Case is nice and I love that orange bail out! Thanks for the video.

[@landscapingspecialist]

With a name like that I’m surprised you dont carry a machete! Lol (joking)

[@landscapingspecialist]

The green Case is super cool

[@ironmikehallowween]

@@landscapingspecialist I do have 4 of them. Ha!

[@abc456f]

I've purchased a few Case slipjoints and they've all been woefully dull out of the box. Anyone have a similar experience?

[@thomasgrable1746]

Since you did mention "knowing where your towel is," my question is this: if you were hitchhiking and got picked up by a Vogon constructor fleet, which multitool would you want to be carrying?

[@RovingRoninEDC]

ZT’s New Fixed Blade… the 0006 in 3V really really has my interest

[@alancranford3398]

I'm an old guy, so I had to check my reference collection against the statement that modern knives have gotten smaller. First up from my reference collection is a pocketknife that has been in constant production since the year 1867--Mercator's Black Cat. Blade length on this very flat knife is about 3-1/2 inches. Next up, the Victorinox line of Swiss Army knives. Their Pioneer has been in production for well over a century and they're still in demand, along with the Officer's Knife. Blade length is about 2-3/4" and that matches up to the US military edition of the Boy Scout Knife with its 2-1/2" blade. Going to fix blade knives, my father's favorite outdoorsman's knife was a Case brand that had a blade length of 3-3/4ths inches. He owned this knife during the Fifties and Sixties, but his everyday carry knife was a small pocketknife with three blades. Going back more than a century, the blade length most experienced outdoorsmen carried was about four inches--and they carried a hand axe for the chores that some carry a big knife for. Buck's stable of knives includes those in production for more than sixty years. In 1978 I purchased a Gerber Mk I boot dagger while a Marine assigned to Hawaii, and carried that when I could until I was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The Gerber had a five-inch blade. The world had changed in a quarter century and I grew sentimental about that Gerber, so I retired it to storage and purchased a similar Smith and Wesson boot knife. Way back in the Twenties William E. Fairbairn (trained OSS and British Commandos in close combat) carried a similar-length concealed fix-blade knife in Shanghai while performing police work. I had to watch your Q&A to see how I missed that the knife world had changed. "The more things change, the more they stay the same." I'm not seeing changes except for material and superior locking mechanisms on folders.

[@chandlerbryan1793]

3 inch blade is the perfect size for me and covers all I ask a knife to do. I've bought a couple of larger knives (standard Feldspar, standard PF Warrior) but they feel unwieldy to me and I ended up giving them away.

[@Leftyotism]

Time to get a secondary smaller one. The knife gods are calling upon us!

[@sylviacandler5541]

David, I really enjoy your videos! Often, I get snow blindness from all the great knives! I would offer a suggestion that you never seen on anyone's video, Exibit your favorite knife drawing and deploying from the left and right pocket.

[@geoffreyyoung3469]

Hi DCA. My question is in reference to edc fixed blades. I would like to start carrying one as easily as I do a folder, but just like a folder I would like to carry in the pocket. I'm assuming for that size 2.5-4 inch blade(depending on pocket), but it really would come down to a fixed blade with an in pocket proper sheath. Or an easily obtainable/reconfiguring clip to make a sheath good for the pocket. Thank you for all the information you provide.

[@mountaingoattaichi]

I agree abiut small knives being a market correction. That said, when I am in more rural environments, I prefer a 4" folder. When I am in an urban setting I prefer a 3.5". Weird how a 1/2" makes a difference.

[@johncook2504]

As a resident Texas knife enthusiast who pretty much has no limits to what I can carry, I’d say 3.5 is the maximum length I’d need for any of my tasks, definitely wouldn’t mind carry a large knife but when something as efficient/convenient as my Bugout is an option, it just makes more sense for my needs.

[@jcgarcia1931]

4" CRKT M16-04KS does it for me. It's slim with a deep clip so fits neatly in a pocket. And comes out super smooth. Mines 5+ yrs old and still solid, other than the blade being so ground down from years of sharpening.

[@fredeschen3783]

ZT 0452 has been my main carry and Protech Malibu when I want a smaller knife. The ZT fits nice in the pocket and is not heavy.

[@jimshort9266]

I tend to buy primarily based on handle size. I want a handle at least 4” (4” ideal) but really only need 2&3/4” of blade. Even if the handle was slightly larger, less than 3” blade would still be ideal. Cold Steel is all that I own that have handles more than 1” longer than the blade but they are all rather large knives. I would certainly appreciate a more Cold Steel like ratio in a slightly smaller knife.

[@Bearblades]

Hey DCA!! Love the content and love knives! Recently I got Scuba Certified and would love some Dive knife suggestions! Most important thing is a serrated blade, but wouldn’t mind if it was only part serrated or full! I also don’t care if it’s folding or fixed and would love the cheapest best option but really under 100$ is preferred! Thanks!

[@jerrypomroy2375]

Can’t say when, but I know this topic has been covered previously in KniFAQ.

[@jakehoover4751]

With it getting closer to summer, are there any ultra light edc knives you’d recommend for athletic shorts pockets? $75 and under maybe. Thanks and God bless

[@crookmcstealie]

Childless does not mean you have less children, it means you have none. Homeless people don't have less homes, they have none. The suffix -less means without, not that it happens less. I've been seeing the "it stains less" claim on a lot of knife videos lately. It's almost like people are defending hyperbolic advertising over the language. Without clearly defined language attempting to communicate would be pointLESS. We must be tireLESS in our defense of language. Words are helpLESS to defend themselves against the relentLESS attacks they face online. We must be peerLESS defenders of language if we ever hope to understand one another. It is an endLESS struggle, stay strong! Long live philology and etymology! I'm sure you didn't mean anything by the stainless comment, your reputation is spotLESS. Thanks for the great videos and awesome knives!

[@sverresteinsland5582]

The best guidance came from the last question! Prefect answer!

[@roberthowell7814]

Talking about trends , I am seeing more people such as myself carrying multiple knives, for multiple purposes. A decent size fixed blade usually scout carry or appendix, whos specific design is for self-defense , And I see pockets clips in pocket that indicate probably smaller folder for other task. That’s a show idea, put together fixed blade and folder for different price categories. extremely large and diverse group of blades for self-defense and every day carry for under 150 each. Thanks for the show. Allen

[@pt.eforestmanagementconsul5712]

Hi DCA - I have followed the channel since it had 20k subscribers and have watched every episode since then! My question: How to get rid of knife branding? I purchased a boker tree knife from knife center - and love the knife - but would love to remove the annoying branding from the blade. I have tried both acetone and paint stripper but to no avail.... is sandpaper the only way forward?

[@DinoNucci]

I like this question

[@paul_schuette]

I usually lean toward knives in the 3.25-4” range. It’s not so much an issue of blade length for me, rather the longer handle length that comes with those longer blades. I have fairly wide hands, and I don’t enjoy having my pinky hanging off the end or awkwardly out on the curve of the end of the knife. I know the PM2 catches flack for its blade to handle ratio, but it works fine for more because of the longer handle length. I have a few 3” or just under knives, but I find that more often than not when I’ve tried them in the past, they just end up moving along fairly quickly because they don’t get carried. I’ve also noticed the lower number of large knives lately, and I miss them.

[@bobfitz03]

Howdy DCA, I bought a Mercator K55K not too long ago. It’s a knife with an interesting history, and still very useful in practice for EDC tasks. Are there many pattens out there getting the job done for a over a century? Gotta love a design that stands the test of time. Best to you and the KC crew, Bob Fitz -

[@94slingshot]

I do wonder what is the need for an EDC knife with 3” + blade length. Yes, there are jobs and/or life styles that may require a ‘large’ knife for everyday carry, but do most folks need any thing larger than even 2”. I carried a Buck 505 for years, it did everything I needed it to do. I don’t remember my father or Grandfather ever saying their Case knives were to small. Now days I carry a Para3 or Ohio River Jack, but there are times I’m happy I still have the 505 in my pocket.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

I have big hands, and most knives in the 3" range or smaller just feel weird in my hands. 3.25-3.75" blades result in a handle that usually feels right in hand for me. There are some knives with shorter blades that still have comfortable handles, but often times you then get into odd looking handle/blade ratios. The AD20.5 with the sharks foot blade is a good example of this.

[@Nonowicz]

Hey, I have been a SAK guy, but im starting to look into traditional American slipjoints. Could you maybe show some common types, models, and maybe tell something about knives design and utilities? It's so strange to have 3 blades on slipjoint :) Thank You, Love the show.

[@paulbosley6448]

I love my case tadpole and have carried it pretty much every day for over thirty years. I frequently daily a hawk combo, the deadlock along with a Buck USA Marksman, but if size matters to you, and big is what you're after, one word...espada

[@jimb9283]

I tend toward large knives and would like to add the pm2 to the thin / flat knife recommendation.

[@rwe1]

Response for Tanner. Have you cleaned with polish like Case Paste? Do you store them in leather? Try using something like that. I carry my Buck 112 Pro in a horizontal leather sheath and if I leave it in to long one of the bolsters gets a brown spot. The polish takes it right off.

[@linus4au]

A reason I prefer the smaller/less aggressive looking knives is that I work with a lot of people who do not carry pocketknives and I end up handing off my knife to someone on a weekly basis. If you hand someone a knife with a 4.5" tactical looking blade that weighs 6oz it can be a bit intimidating to some people. But if I have a clean and utilitarian looking 3" knife that is easy to open and close then I feel like they are more comfortable borrowing my knife. And I still have an EDC that is capable of handling all my needs.

[@randyhelzerman]

Question: Do DLC or Cerakote coatings for magnacut steel knives add any value? Or are they more like gilding the lily?

[@enriquescott2983]

I usually carry 3 3/4 3 1/2 as EDC second blade just under 4 inches in a different pocket discreetly. If you want something bigger than 4 inches you might consider carrying fixed blade. Honestly when was is the last time you used the whole length of the four or five inch blade to cut cardboard or plastic tie.

[@happykt]

Thanks to DCA, I am a knife collecting addict and now own over 230 knives. I love both big and small pocket knives but some of my favorites in the larger sizes are the Cold Steel American Lawman, Cold Steel Recon1, and Cold Steel AD-10. In the smaller size, I carry Civivi's (Baby Banter, Chronic, Elementum II) or a Kizer (Lieb M, Domin, Original or Drop Bear). I own several Spyderco knives (PM3, Delica and so on) but never seem to carry them.

[@doctorsmoothy]

I keep coming back to the delica, because it sits in the pocket flat and the narrow butt makes it easy to reach past it into the pocket. What makes you reach for other knives?

[@danmartinez1390]

I recently got into knife collecting after watching your videos. Since then I have purchased quite a few Civivi & Sencut knives that you have recommend. My favorite Civivi’s being the Sokoke & Riffle, my favorite Sencut is the Actium so far. I really want to purchase a We knife but not sure what one you would recommend for my 1st We knife. I guess Im not necessarily looking for the lowest price We but something worth the additional money over Civivi

[@frankysour]

I carry a swiss army knife primarily... Hate not having a one hand opener / fidget toy so every once in a while i I go different, however... For my normal life the additional tools on a SAK are often more useful then a blade, and when needed I actually have one of the most slicey blades around, no kidding... I am perfectly in agreement with DCA's comment about the real trend being towards the big knives, and I dare say... Also towards thick blades to help the "droppiness" and thus the fidget factor, however... Can't beat my grandpa's Sicilian slip joint and my dad's SAK when it comes to slicing power... After all, sure there are big and numerous exceptions, but most (most!!) Of us use the knife basically to open boxes, in fact the benchmark you see around more often is how good the knife goes through cardboard... Not much more, look around KZbin and you'll see!!

[@michaelduke6026]

Hi David et al, really love this educational series-would be fun to publish it in book form. This might be a dumb question, but could you please enlighten me on the differences (if any) between a hand axe and a hatchet? Thank you!

[@chrischips1732]

Love me some big knives, however I also carry a smaller knife as well. Friendly front pocket carry, big ol back pocket carry too! Not everyone will react well to a larger knife, so I carry a smaller more friendly folder everyday as well 🤘

[@gerardzillen4695]

I completely understand!!!

[@wingmanjim6]

Although I admit that recently I have trended to 3"+ , for many years my edc was the little CRKT Pazoda. It's unobtrusiveness ( both in use and in pocket ) was advantageous in varying office environments, and frankly, I almost never required a longer blade for the tasks at hand. In thinking about it now, I don't believe it would be a significant loss if something forced me to go back to the smaller blade length.

[@DinoNucci]

Correct

[@benjihinsoniii]

Hey DCA and Thomas, I really dig the reverse tanto blade on the BM 940. I don't see this blade shape that often, and was hoping that you guys could point out some more knives with a reverse tanto blade shape. Thanks for what you guys do. Best Regards!

[@chrisjohnson9542]

Check out the kizer cormorant. It has an extremely similar blade shape. A lot of people find it ugly like spyderco knives but I love that look and don't think it's ugly at all. Also it is extremely comfortable and utilitarian.

[@TheScotchaholic]

​@chrisjohnson9542 The cormorant with 4v steel, is my new favorite for general edc and cardboard breakdowns at work - LOTS of cardboard and the 4v edge holds up pretty well with some 600 grit honing. Also, I love all the deployment options!

[@jayhawk703]

I agree with the first question. I have seen quite a few newer knives that seem on the smaller side. I may be somewhat biased, I wear a 2xl glove 😊

[@rwe1]

I think we're just seeing a lot more knives in general. So it seems like more are smaller maybe. I wonder if DAC could give us an idea of how many SKUs they carry now vs previous years.

[@Leftyotism]

6:28 I like me a 3.5 ish blade, and a 2.5 ish blade for edc. Usually a bigger and a smaller one. At least! * did centimeter to inches back and forth and compared *

[@johnboyd7158]

My daily carry is a Keyshawn LEEK: handles 95% of all my cutting tasks. I also carry a ProTech TR-4, 4” blade. Just for times that a more substantial blade is needed. ( Mostly for that distinct ProTech SNAP!) Thanks DCA

[@Shiroiokami947]

That was an a very interesting question regarding size of the knife. The basic tenet of a knife is that the best one is the one that is carried. I used to carry my well loved, Benchmade ATS-34 Emerson CQ-7, but now days, I carry a titanium custom Bugout or the Benchmade 940-2 Osborne for utility . The Emerson had some intense vibes that I wanted to mellow down ( so to speak). Sorry about this next question if you have done it before, but I'm about to close my 43 years of knife collecting with one last piece. I am looking for one last folder with S30V or better steel with a nice classic wood handle scales, one handed opening capability. I was considering the Benchmade Custom shop to obtain a Mini Crooked River with S90V or S30V steel , red spacer and their brass pivot. Price around $300. With your highly esteemed wisdom and exposure to the knife market, what other options are available? Thanks for your feedback and awesome videos.

[@knottheory79220]

The thing is, I tend to prefer 3.5 and 4 inch models, but well designed knives with shorter blades are just fine. It's about ergonomics over raw size usually. For example the Spyderco Dodo was tiny but it's one of the most comfortable knives ever made for my big fat hand because it has a perfect place for everything to go. It's also easier to carry 3 or 3.25 inch blades in an office, both because it's less in the pocket and because it looks less scary to idiots.

[@452Rob]

Perfect blade length is between 3.5”-3.75”. The Buck110 has the perfect blade for most jobs at 3.75” and it’s not too tall from blade to spine to complicate delicate tasks. Close runner up is the BM940 with a very similar blade length and again, not too tall from edge to spine. A large Case or Boker Trapper is the slip joint equivalent.

[@marcomlott9099]

For the flattest question I would have gone for the Adamas Fixed Blade. In regards to the question of blade length preference I tend to go for larger blades. A 3.5 inch blade is on the small side on a folder. 4 inches for a fixed blade. I live in AZ and there is not much in the way of restrictions on blade length.

[@kydd666]

Personally i lean more towards larger knives because i have XL hands and i like over built because i work construction. My work EDC for the last few months has been the QSP Bison

[@nootch6328]

hey im a dog trainer and K9 handler, i have been trying to find a good knife to carry, has to be easy to use with one hand and quick to open and close. doesnt have to be stainless, i like knives when they develop a patina. thanks man!

[@Jeremy-Two]

Kabar Zombie War Sword works great working with dogs.

[@Priapos93]

Most modern knives open and close with one hand. Local laws may limit your choice of opening mechanism and blade length, but beyond that, you're spoiled for choice.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

My EDC folding knife has a 3.6" blade. I like it. I prefer it to my shorter knives. The length makes it a better slicer. It's a better poker. It's a better pry.

[@monkpato]

Candy apple green is definitely a sweet color!

[@camhester4251]

i've seen you use the bailout several times lately and i purchased one about a month ago , i would never pay this much for a knife but i got it with installments made on the knife so i pulled the trigger and bought it and i've not regreted it yet , i love my bailout and so after that i purchased the 945 mini osborne and love it also , i guess i'm a benchmade man now the steel and urginomicks and quality unsurpasable

[@sonnyatnight2603]

Are all button locks the same? Is it really a fair, consummate name for a category? For example, I noticed my Kizer cormorant doesn’t have the same “plunge” lock feel and the lock actually stays captive inside a cutout of the blade. Is this too long of a question to be featured on the episode? Will they read this far?

[@tincansailor9437]

I recently snagged a C95 Manix - the original Manix back lock, that the Manix 2 XL is modeled on. It is a beast and I love to carry it on the weekends. Same for my Vallaton Sub Hilt. But during the week I’ve got to go with various much smaller pieces. Variety of choices for a variety of uses!

[@thenoseplays2488]

Hey Dave, I have been using CRKT SPEW for my edc the last few years and it has been amazing when carried as a belt buckle knife (sheath sits on belt near end like a belt buckle). Is there anything new by other brands that might be carried similarly?

[@jonathangodsey5460]

In regards to thin, tactical knives I think the Spyderco delica, endura, police with ss handles are a good choice.

[@mattdagger1480]

2.5-3.5 is about all I’ll carry personally and that’s folder and fixed blades. As I carry both a folder and fixed every day

[@catfishcave379]

I much prefer the 2.75-3.25” size. I miss the small blades on my grandfather’s preWWll slip joints for cleaning my nails and cutting other things that 10 yr olds cut, but I don’t miss the lack of a lock. I tried going bigger but prefer a fixed blade when I go bigger. For a city dweller, 3” is the sweetspot for me. A gentleman’s knife is an exception that I’ll go bigger on as it feels smaller. At home, every room has it’s own knives - the garage/workshop housing all my bruisers. Note: For decades I used to own one knife… and then I started watching DCA…

[@markalbert4316]

The perfect size for me (and my EDC) is the classic Ontario RAT1. Simple, big enough, light enough. An all-around classic.

[@RevPirateDan]

While I do love a big ol' chonky knife, I find that the 2.75" - 3.75" range works best for me in a lot of ways: weight, space, inconspicuousness, less likely to make "non-knife people" nervous, and they are generally more suited the the jobs I need them for. The smaller, lighter, and "slicey-er"aspects of my Badlands Vagabond is more useful to me most (though not all) of the time than my AD-15. But that's just me. If I'm going out into the woods, I bring a fixed blade. Otherwise I'm around the house, walking around a city, and not cutting down trees or working in industrial environments. Obvs, YMMV. And, of course, loved the HHGTTG reverence at the end.

[@devonnorris1586]

I love big knives, i have an 11 inch mk 2 fighter by case. It so fun looking, and there’s no blade length limit in my state. Even concealed. So that’s a plus. Great sharp tool, acts as a mallet or spade when in need.

[@williammorales9826]

Hello David I've really enjoyed this session. I prefer 4" to 5" blades but I favor a 3" for the reason that once one learns how to use a blade size isn't as important with pocket knives. I'll admit I'm impressed with 4" blades but I can actually do more with a 3"

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

A good, flat utility blade? CJRB Ruffian. I keep one in my back pocket just about every day

[@sealtooth]

Definitely prefer 4" plus on a folder. Probably stemming from long term and heavy use of 5-6" boning knives on a daily basis, anything less than 4" just doesn't flow well. I do a load of wood carving with blades down to 2" but for some reason I prefer much larger folders for general use.

[@cbyron9308]

For tripping, I like a 5 inch, but for EDC I stumbled upon the Kizer De L’Omre which is under three.

[@brianmatthews3450]

I carry a small knife everyday something like the cjrb meileah or the baby banter but I also carry a slightly larger blade ( around 3 to 3.5 inches) I find myself using the smaller blade more often than not

[@Leftyotism]

That first knife has a great shape for the main edc!

[@Leftyotism]

Is the end about the new german legal Micro USB OTF? Because I preordered that and it is sooo 42!

[@hdjnfirnfnhdhdjjdkdk9349]

Hey Mr. Garcia, this happens because we crossed the line from utility to collecting. The proposal of knife sellers leads to collecting and small quantities, in greater diversity, it's much more enjoyable :)

[@bobhabsolute4995]

Hi DCA, I have stopped to buy folders from American retailers because the Canadian Custom Agency is seizing all folders with flippers, thumb studs or any other features that make them easy to deploy with a flick of the wrist. I am frustrated by it because many brands and exclusives are no longer available to me. (It broke my heart when I saw that the Spyderco Shaman in 15v was available but I had to let it go…) I heard that many American retailers have put pressure on their government to change that situation, so I would like to know if there is some development.

[@craigvaccaro3572]

I carry 2 knives. A Benchmade Claymore or Super Freek as my large knife, and a Spyderco Lil Native or Dragonfly as my 5th pocket carry. The small knives are not so threatening to open in public, for smaller tasks. And the other 2 are damn threatening when needed!!

[@wry2671]

I daily a bradford guardian 3.5 sheepsfoot. Perfect knife for me! Was hard for me to pass up magnacut too.

[@palerider7171]

So at the risk of being non PC and honest 4” is my preferred folder blade length. About 3” is about as short as will consider depending on the design and use. You mileage may vary and that as fine to each his own.

[@dutchanimal010]

I think 3" (Native 5) is about the sweet spot for EDC folders with IMO most options falling in the 2.5" - 3.5" range for really broad uses (from Civivi Lumi to Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter). I feel similarly for small fixed blades 3" - 3.5" (Izula, Guardian 3). Anything above 3.5" though and I skip straight to a 7" fixed blade.

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for another great episode! With regard to the slim/flat tactical folder, I would swap out the 3" Cold Steel Hold Out for the Code 4. The AUS-10A is a step down from S35VN, but the Code 4 handle is too slick for tactical/hard use, and is wide when closed. The Hold Out has a smaller footprint in all dimensions and it offers a much more secure grip.

[@Jakoshdw]

I live in Florida where law dictates common pocket knives less than 4 inches. So that decides my limit on blade lengths for me. That being said... I prefer to get a full 4 finger grip on my knives and tend to prefer those with ergos that allow for that as long as the blade is less than 4 inches. I own and enjoy a bunch of "larger" knives like the Cold Steel AD 15 Lite, WE Reiver, Kizer Clairvoyant, and Spyderco Manix 2 XL to name a few. I like having the extra handle on such knives as it gives me a more secure feeling grip while I am using them. Those knives aren't always the best to whip out in public though as people can get weird. I'm not apposed to small knives but tend to gravitate towards knives like the Baby Banter, Cold Steel Tuff Lite, Spyderco Dragonfly, or CJRB Pyrite (which own both of your fine exclusives). I'm quite willing to give up blade length for a forward finger choil that allows for a 4 finger grip. The Baby Banter is one of my favorite small knives for work in retail because it tends to present as very subdued and unthreatening.

[@Nyxs_Nook]

I'd love to know your opinion on Joker's knives. I was so intrigued by the fact they came from Spain since I don't know of other makers/brands from there. I ordered a Montés II w/ a "stamina" handle. I'm excited for it although I haven't got it yet. I know knife center has a few available. Are there any you yourself like and could show us? I'd love to see more on them since I first saw them through knife center and haven't seen too much on them.

[@MtnLife-sv9fu]

Nice final answer question, keep on keepin on...

[@bobhabsolute4995]

Hi DCA, I am trying to find some alternative to the White River Exodus but the filters are not set to find narrow knives. Would you be kind enough to help me? Thanks.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

The Kershaws Fringe or Appa my favorite EDCs both assisted the Appa is very compact but still tactical and sharp.

[@PeterMinearo]

Hey DCA and crew, you may have answered this before. But, I was wondering what are some of the best knives for whittling? Or is a better question, what to look for in a whittling knife? I am interested in learning how to whittle and was wondering how to choose a good whittling knife.

[@Woodzy-5326]

From an operator point of view, in a CQB scenario, I preferred a well built fixed blade 4"-5" long. I needed it to be fast, nimble and easy to deploy. The main purpose for this was to create separation to allow time to draw my side arm or shoulder my rifle. That's where the movies get it wrong, bigger isn't necessarily better in this instance. Having said this, I personally am more afraid of a knife than a firearm and for the layperson, to pull a 7" bowie in a self-defense scenario would send shivers down anybody's spine.

[@johnhurley4656]

A spec that I haven’t seen anyone talk about, and I find more relevant, is space between handle and cutting edge. I think about knife use and function often in geometric and simple machine terms: knives are tools that should ultimately concentrate kinetic energy onto as thin a surface area as possible (knife edge) using a series of fulcrums, levers, and cam-styled surfaces ( handle and blade curves, grip surfaces, and overall contours etc). A blade far away from a handle, unless for obvious safety or functional reasons, only uses leverage against the user. It makes the same work require more energy-it’s less efficient. Since most knives are convenient tools, this trend is self defeating and stupid. Benchmade handles, I’m looking at you. Microtech Stitch-you are a champion and hero of maximizing leverage on the blade. If my hand is far from an edge, there better be a functional guard in place. My 2 cents lol. Yes, blade geometry will greatly mitigate this, but doesn’t make my gripe less true-the same blade with a grip near the blade provides more leverage to the user along the cutting edge.

[@F0XRunner]

Hey DCA, question for next time: I noticed a lot of my new knives arrive very stiff and need some work to get a smooth and quick opening action. Do you have a standard routine to break in a new knife? or have any tips for getting a new knife up to EDC standards of smoothness?

[@jerrypomroy2375]

I just use the heck out of it & will fidget flick/open/close repeatedly while just sitting there. If that doesn’t break in the detent I will try some lube on the pivot, then repeat before trying adjusting the pivot. If that doesn’t work, I will take it apart, clean it up, re-lube and throw it back together. That’s a last resort. I have a SOG Kiku XR that I just can’t get the detent to wear in enough for a dependable finger flick using the opening hole without shaving off some finger nail. So I just flick it open using the XR lock. The detent is strong with this one.

[@F0XRunner]

@@jerrypomroy2375 Hey, thanks for the advice! I just bought a WE Elementum, a premium flipper, but either its defective or the tolerances are so tight that it will only flip halfway out of the box, then quickly grinds to a halt.

[@jerrypomroy2375]

@@F0XRunner if you haven’t used it, I’d just see about an exchange. That’s on bearings so it should flip better than that, even when new. My guess is there’s some gunk in the pivot, the pivot isa tad tight or the tolerances are just off. But before opening up to investigate, sometimes it’s just better to try an exchange.

[@F0XRunner]

​@@jerrypomroy2375 So I took your advice and oiled it up (KPL knife oil) then gave it some good elbow grease over a couple days to loosen up the pivot and its working much better now. Thanks for the advice.

[@emersonb5764]

I have huge hands but anything over a 3” blade just gets in the way and puts me at a disadvantage for leverage when baring down hard on a knife, so the Para 3 is perfect proportions for me, since I can grip all the way up onto part of the blade and basically result in a long handle with short blade. Doesn’t get much better than that.

[@Cadwallader38]

"I hope you know where your towel is" killed me

[@Jeremy-Two]

3.9inch is the shortest length I would go on my main blade folding pocket knife.

[@CarlosASilva23]

DCA, here’s an interesting question: what Swiss Army knife, if any, would you keep in the kitchen for dedicated kitchen tasks? I don’t mind using my SAK in the kitchen, but I also use it for a lot of dirtier jobs. Opening it up some more, would you keep any multi-tool in the kitchen, knife or pliers based? Or would you stick to the stand-alone tools that are already in most kitchens?

[@dalethomas1234]

I'd like to know your thoughts on a good fixed blade camp knife that is tough, corrosion resistant and with around a 4.5" blade. It'd be nice if there were some thought toward food prep but not a requirement. Any price. I was eyeing the Real Steel Forager on your website.

[@jeffreyfinney6930]

EDC or self defense 3 to 3.5 is what I usually go to. I've been working in a warehouse for 25 years large knives 4 inches or more just don't work for me at all difficult to maneuver for cutting task.

[@JohnC29]

Love the Douglas Adams reference