KnifeCenter FAQ

[@legrandebadger]

For removing adhesive residue I highly recommend Ballistol. It breaks the adhesive up really good and has the added benefit to oil and prevent rust on your blade. It is also food safe.

[@clear8597]

good call on food safe mate.

[@abdulkhaliedkariem8538]

WD40 works well

[@bmljenny]

Ooh good tip - I'll try that. FWIW, I don't see food safe on the American site for Ballistol, but it does say it on the German site. I would bet a nickel there's some specific ingredient in it that they can call non-toxic but not food-safe. I wasn't planning to gargle with it, so I think I'll give it a go!

[@DinoNucci]

Goo Gone = no more sticky

[@crxk20r59]

@@DinoNucci I use goo gone often too!

[@Chris_Mack]

For adhesive removal I love acetone (NOT nail polish remover) or denatured or isopropyl alcohol. Everything else leaves a residue behind that has to be cleaned off before I can cut a piece of fruit or sandwich.

[@ZenSalamander]

For grooming I would go with the Victorinox NailClip 580 over the Classic SD. Hands down, a better option and not much more expensive. You get everything the Classic SD has, plus a very nice nail clipper. The nail file also has a much better tip for grooming than the SD because it's made for cleaning fingernails, not for removing/tightening screws.

[@IvIidnight]

For the camp/kitchen knives, the CJRB Silax and the Off Grid Knives Grizzly.

[@unfi6798]

We use eucalyptus oil to clean & sanatize our knives. Cheers DCA & Thomas.

[@scottmackey4182]

And natural! Works really well too!

[@Ajaxykins]

For the kitchen knife question I have two recommendations: 1. CRJB Silax! It's literally an outdoor use capable santoku! Comes with a sheath that you need to attach an ulticlip or other belt clip on to (paracord through eyelets can give you a belt carry capable option here) OR just stick the whole thing in your pocket which is actually very convenient. 2. A bit more obscure, but you can get a gaucho style facon from various places that is literally like a south american bowie in historic use. It's basically a kitchen knife blade with a thicker spine that was used by gauchos from everything from grilling/food prep to fighting! These can come in stainless and I would like to plug that Argentine craftsmen do a fantastic job making these. I have two, one 6" with a wooden handle and one 8" with a stag handle and love grilling/cooking with them and also take them outdoors where they perform quite well.

[@realbroggo]

I was surprised the Silax wasn't on the table. The user was looking for something to throw in a camp box so the slick sheath is a good option. Have a great day.

[@lanedexter6303]

I’ll have to try Ballistol for adhesive removal. For some adhesives, and label glue on jars I’m repurposing, I go up the scale past acetone to lacquer thinner. But fair warning: it eats nitrile gloves so quickly that I give up and use bare hands. David, I can’t love a Karambit, but you have illustrated that hooked knives are useful, if specialized. Pruning knives, cable skinning knives in the electrical trade, and definitely strap and twine cutters. Back when windshields were all set in rubber, a linoleum knife was in every rescue tool kit. Interesting video.👍

[@jordanhughes1245]

I take my frog market on portages for cooking and food prep only. It has a very thin profile and edge. Great slicer! Light and travels well. I keep it in a dry bag to prvent rust and hasn't so far in 2 years. Great knife.

[@kevinstryker6440]

For the camp food prep knife question, you should have plugged Thomas's kukri video. One blade shape to rule them all!

[@dayontapout]

I use KPL knife cleaner, white stuff in a spray bottle, to clean and preserve my knife blades. It's great at getting tape residue and plant material off of the blade.

[@benjamingrodgers]

For the first question, ditch the karambit and get a Honey Badger Claw Blade. Used mine for years in a warehouse type setting and loved it. With serrations, plastic pallet strapping doesn't stand a chance.

[@franzgeil422]

DCA, you missed the boat on the nose hair trimmer. I know he said scissors, however, the dedicated nose and ear hair trimmer on your site is phenomenal. I use them often.

[@dbratof1]

Hey DCA, I've been a fan of your channel for a long time. You always bring nice stuff to the table. Now, what i am asking you is for you to show me your favorite top three production knives, just your personal opinion. Keep up with the good work !

[@heavychevy4616]

as a barber, i will tell u that i carry a pair of those folding pocket slip & snip scissors... my father, also a barber, carried em & talked me into gettin a pair ...& it keeps folks from tryin to grab a thousand dollar pair of barber scissors (aka-shears) to try & cut lil' juniors candy wrapper open with em... so yeah, those little things are awesome! ...always enjoy the videos, thanx & god bless dude

[@ralphpeed3596]

On the camp cooking plus other uses round camp the first thing came to my mind was the Morakniv line. Comes in stainless and carbon steel. Plus economical enough that there is not a fortune packed away in a camp kitchen box. Oh they also come with sheath too.

[@The4cp]

I love my Lion Steel Emerson Karambit. Definitely by the Marbels and go for it!

[@StitchJones]

Excellent video! Thank you for the time you all put into this!

[@del4775]

CRKT Provoke is an awesome knife. I've got the version with VEFF serrations and it goes through cardboard/rope/paracord/pallet straps like a hot knife through butter. Not cheap but worth every penny! Just wish CRKT would bring out a Magnacut blade to replace the D2...

[@benwalters2192]

Love the shows, big fan from Australia. My question is, what are some non-tanto folders and fixed blades that have strong, robust tips, while still being able to do piecing tasks. Much appreciated, Ben.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

The TOPS Dicer series is the king of the camp cook knife set. The paring knife is capable as a bushcraft type knife as well as the food prep side of things. I have the Chef Knife and Paring knife piggy back combo. You’re welcome. 😉😂

[@bobbrown98]

Definitely would recommend the NON-SD victorinox classic if this is specifically for grooming. Looks like the only non-SD classic you have on your website has a tiny gold bar in it though.

[@80808O]

I use the daiso $1.50 knives for camp knives. Often have plastic sheaths. Decent stainless properties, never had one rust. Thin stock for slicing power even when the edge isnt perfect.

[@kyleelwell4348]

As to the karambit.. i carry a kershaw outlier in 8Cr13Mov daily to cut the pallet shrink wrap and it makes very quick work of it

[@PeterMinearo]

DCA and KnifeCenter crew, you may have answered this before; but I am looking for the best camping/survivalist multi-tool. This tool would have the ability to be used with fire starters, the ability to handle rescue situations, useful around a campground or camping in the back country. Also, a corkscrew would probably not be needed. I know there are a lot of tools for home, or work use, but was wondering if there were ones designed specifically for outdoor use. Thanks for the all the videos, hope to see you at Blade Show West.

[@zachaliles]

So, I was one of those hooah soldiers that decided to carry a kabar on my belt at all times when I went to Iraq. This is around the time assisted open knives started hitting the market and a couple of my buddies picked some up. They were showing off how fast they could open, flicking them open and closing them. So I walked over and said "watch how fast mine opens" and I pull out my kabar. Man, the dumb shit we did thinking we were the coolest guy on the block. No wonder they made fun of me, I freaking deserved it.

[@jerichofalls8236]

Haha what a loser *puts shirt over Kabar tanto that I'm carrying rn*

[@MajorPickleRick]

Hey DCA, I think you missed a great opportunity to recommend the CRJB Silax and Sea Snake for the camp kitchen knives. The Silax is a great 5 inch Bunka, and the Sea Snake is a good parring knife. Both are stainless, have sheaths, and affordable.

[@wayausofbounds9255]

If you're looking for an affordable folding karambit look for the Masalong brand. They make D2 semi-clone karambits. I own the semi-clone Emerson Super Karambit but they have a lot of original styles too.

[@crushedice528]

Doug Marcaida (Bastinelli) Mako folder. Not a typical karambit and pricy but it has been my best knife for a couple years now

[@emperorzurg4707]

I use Orange hand cleaner at work to get the sticky gunk off my blade. It polishes and makes it nice and slick. It works like magic. Try it!

[@arturoguerrero7826]

Hi DCA and Thomas, for the camp kitchen knife question, I think a good option could be the Cold Steel Tim Wells Slock Master Scalper, it comes with a sheat and the handle is very comfortable.

[@cutt7837]

Hey DCA! Thanks for all your perspective in this series. I’m looking for a hard use folder (or pocket fixed blade) with a steel pommel usable for light hammering. The Gerber 06 Auto would be the ideal pick, but it’s not always legal for me to have an automatic. As a fleet truck driver I deal with lots of pallets that sometimes coming apart (reason for hammering); I drive in different states and trucks, so a tool that could ride in my pocket would be the best.

[@cylentone]

Sticker removal: Goo Gone or WD-40.

[@DinoNucci]

Goo Gone ftw

[@sencerr226]

FAQ time *YES*

[@MikeyD8716]

I’m not a Karambit guy but I like that Civivi button lock. Good stuff. Civivi really is a great budget brand.

[@HTactical]

I luv Karambit folders, especially, with “Wave” type feature. I have both LEOne & Boker Plus Hel design. I go back and forth which one to EDC, but more slimmer, ease of carry is Hel Karambit, and 154 is solid, tho not as great as MagnaCut. LEOne Karambit integal is awesome and smooth on all areas but tends to be to slick & too large. So Hel design as secondary..

[@Rye_Bread704]

Hey DCA and Thomas! Love the show! I'm a printer and I cut a lot of different things. I cut plastic 5 gallon buckets lid pieces, cardboard and paper. My knives need to be sharp to cut thin newspaper. Ideally stainless as printing deals with slightly more acidic water too. I was thinking Houge Deka in magnacut what do think? I don't like utility knives although that's the obvious answer.

[@kyleelwell4348]

Hey D.C.A and Thomas.. why no Ulu knife recommendation for the camp cutlery quiestion? i have a gerber downwind ulu i use for kitchen applications and love it.

[@bankuei]

Hi DCA! I'm looking at finally moving up in price and trying out an EDC knife with a super steel (for opening boxes, cutting cardboard, etc.). Requirements are folder, 3 inch or less blade, price range $200-300. Nice extras if possible: larger handle, not too aggressive looking knife. Any recommendations? Thank you.

[@zachaliles]

Spyderco Para 3 in maxamet. I'm not affiliated in any way to anyone, just a guy that has one and loves it. Plus it fits your criteria perfectly.

[@scottmackey4182]

@@zachaliles- 💯% 👍

[@rogergass]

Spyderco Native 5 in Magnacut is my edc and I love it.

[@oscarbaltazar8120]

Hey DCA! I love the outdoors and I love knives. Can you recommend small bush craft fixed blades and some substantial ultra light weights folders? I love testing knew knives so please hit me with a few for each! Thanks and as always I look forward to the next episode!

[@Adam.297]

Regarding the first question, if they don't specifically want a karambit, Kershaw and Spyderco have some very budget friendly options with licensed waves.

[@devildante9]

Hi DCA and the ever so delightful but so seldom seen Thomas! I recently got the Daily AK1 and Barlow BFF, and fell in love with small fixed EDC blades. Is there any other that you can recommend me, in a similar size? Leather sheath and wood scales preferred, under $250 if possible. Thanks! Sebastian.

[@MTM3381]

Dca what about the cjrb silax for the camp kitchen knife. I have one for the camping trailer and one for when we go hunting. They do a great job at all the tasks I have put them through. Let me know what you think. Keep up the great work guys

[@mikaelklingvall1425]

Hey, DCA and Thomas -- love the channel and the nerdery, knife-related or otherwise. While I have an assortment of fixed blades and folders, I have come to rely on my Spyderco Squeak as my EDC. Living in Sweden, an unobtrusive slip joint is the way to go. However, there seems to be a dearth of stubby sheepsfoot (my favourite, and also the least pokey-stabby-scary blade shape) slip joints with a full four-finger grip. I do love my Squeak, but it's not a sheepsfoot, the blade steel is meh, and it's only a three-finger grip for me. Could you recommend my next EDC?

[@bmljenny]

For the camp kitchen knife, I wish Ontario would restock the Magnacut SPL "pack knife" in the range of paring/utility kitchen knife. I *just* missed out on that and it looks like it's not just out of stock but gone. Bring it back!

[@dtester]

For really tough adhesive goo, Goo-gone works well.

[@doumproulx3]

I don’t recommend opening the CRKT Provoke with your pocket like mentioned in the video. The blade can open inside your pocket and ripping it off (been there done that) or maybe even injure your thigh. When you open the other karambits (with the Emerson Wave method) the tip of the blade is already out off the pocket. Not the case with the Provoke. It might depend on the angle of your pocket, so just be careful. ;)

[@AdamC1-u3d]

Hey DCA, love your videos! I have a serious (and “most serious”) question: Last night was Halloween and those cheap pumpkin carving kits got me thinking, what is the best pumpkin carving knife? Bonus points for something versatile enough to get use out of the rest of the year. 3.5” max for folder or 4” max for fixed. Thanks!

[@alkingham]

What is the best method to determine the proper grind angle in sharpening knives, from kitchen to pocket?

[@piashasifiqbalfpsbanglades9775]

One of the best 👍 series

[@davidbailey5127]

To get adhesive gunk off your blade I haven’t found anything that compares to acetone nail polish remover. It works really quickly and easily. Just don’t use it on coated blades or let it get on your handle material. And keep in mind that it strips all oils off the blade so may want to oil the blade after cleaning.

[@crankythursdays]

Hi DCA, I just picked up the new leatherman arc from Knife Center and am enjoying immensely. I noticed there are a lot of potential accessory tools available, are there any you’d recommend as good/great additions?

[@jimkissell1620]

Long time listener, and bought a bestech swordfish awhile back, via an old faq which was recommended by my guy dca. Said knife has been put through its paces and is my favorite edc. Being tactical focused I have shifted more towards pocket deployment blades, and was wondering if there is a wave opening knife with a swordfish vibe that can cover edc and tactical needs?

[@OVrána]

Hry David and Thomas.. I am very curious what would The James Brand Klein vs Tactile Maverick head to head comparison looked like… hmm?? Thank you.

[@DaddyBrodes]

Hopefully you are still answering questions, could you point me in the right direction to find a pantographic knife in magnacut?

[@bmac9936]

It’s not a karambit but I used a serrated Spiderco Harpy for years till I broke the tip. Easy opening and perfect for straps.

[@kencoffman7145]

DCA, suggestions for a hawkbill folder. Karambits are all the rage but that ring is not my vibe. Spyderco and Byrd make great versions but am having a hard time finding others. Thanks

[@mikek5206]

Hell yeah mod that boat paddle brother. Make a video we’ll wait

[@Robert_Thomas832]

V entertaining stuff. Crab bit section passed me by however. Small victorinox is v practical key chain worker.

[@damyr]

Hi, DCA... Can you recommend some stealthy general purpose folders, with black coated (3 - 3.5 inch) blade, within the $150 budget? Thank you.

[@fredrikzingmark6644]

Hey guys, love this series! Could you help me in recommending a nice looking folder with a recurve blade? Preferably not at a higher cost than, say USD250, but a few options would be nice. Why do I want a folder with a recurve blade? Well.... I like knives and have yet to add one of those to my collection, do I really need another reason than that? 🙂

[@kydd666]

Hey DCA, now that we're into October what would you recommend for a Halloween EDC blade. Perhaps a folder and a fixed blade?

[@davidpape9179]

Hey DCA and Thomas too. I am looking for a steel that I will absolutely never not in one thousand years ever have to sharpen. What do you recommend?

[@brianmatthews3450]

Hey dca. I'm looking into getting my first "premium" knife. Somewhere around 150. ( yes I no some might say that's not premium) but my question is with so many options what do you think are some qualities that make a knife more premium than others. And if you could give a few options around that price I'd appreciate it. Just so much to choose from

[@thePanther07]

Hi, What are the functions of the gut hook, if any?

[@HRK79238]

For camp kitchen knife CJRB Silax TOPS Knives Dicer 3 Kershaw Camp 5 Condor Mini Hudson Bay

[@DanielGonzalez-vd3fr]

Hi DCA, I like the Civivi Conspirator. I would like something similar in size and slicyness but with washers in the pivot and a crossbar lock for camping. Don’t need it tough as I carry a fixed blade too. What do you recommend? My current camp folder is a buyout but would like something a little larger.

[@mak450]

Regarding the question of karambits I know you guys don't sell them, but at least for the Kershaw, Snaggletooth makes a wave-like thing that looks like it replaces the bolt for the thumb disk so the opener can atatch to the other side of the blade. It's a little cleaner looking than a zip tie, might also be good for people want a wave opener but also like the thumb disk. At bout $23 it's alot more expensive than a zip tie though

[@arctic6756]

Hi , I love the channel. My question is what is the best Spyderco knife. I want to get a Spyderco police or a manix, what do you think

[@sebastiank1557]

Hey DCA and Thomas, thank you for getting me interested in the knife hobby! Your videos are great! I'm looking for a knife in the 3 -3.5in range that has a locking mechanism but can only be opened with two hands. (Legal rules) Most locking knives are one hand opening but ever since I used an opinel I don't like the risk of a slip joint anymore. The opinel steel is too soft for edc use for me, otherwise a great knife. A premium steel would be nice, 200$ max. Greetings from Germany

[@realbroggo]

One option might be to look at blades that have removable thumb studs (and no flipper or other opening mechanism). For example take the Cold Steel Code 4 (S35VN) or Air Lite (AUS10A) - both have removable studs and no other opener. Without the thumb studs you cannot open these blades one handed. There are, of course, many others out there. Good luck & have a great day.

[@josiah_kramer]

Hey DCA! Been watching your videos for a while now and finally have a worthy question in my opinion. What is an alternative to the discontinued Boker Plus GITFO Urbanovsky? Specifically like the ring and wharncliffe blade shape. Thanks!

[@IvIidnight]

Kind of disappointed DCA didn't sneak a fixed blade or 2 into the karambits. They are also one hand opening.

[@DinoNucci]

No

[@IvIidnight]

@@DinoNucci Yes.

[@DinoNucci]

@@IvIidnight wait for it then

[@IvIidnight]

@@DinoNucci What am I waiting for? The video is over, as is the segment addressing the question, the opportunity for him to have snuck one in there is over. Please explain to me how waiting makes sense as a reply in any way? I am so confused...

[@sterobinson561]

Every women should own the lil victorinox the scissors can’t be beaten and you will use them everyday several times a day

[@jeffpeters4497]

In my 55 years of carrying a knife (started carrying at the age of 5), I have found nothing that beats WD-40 for cleaning glue and other gunk off of a blade, and it also lubes the joints at the same time.

[@brianmatthews3450]

Hey dca I'm looking into my first edc fixed blade. I want to carry it at work in a warehouse. Using my folder to cut open pacing slips and shrink wrap and using my fixed blade for more heavy tasks. Cutting straps and boxes I want around a 3 inch blade and I'm conflicted between the boker mikri and civivi m2 backup. Which one do you think would be better or do you have any other ideas? I'm looking under $100 and even thou both of my ideas are d2 I'm not a huge fan. In stuck please help!!!

[@jimazevedo5380]

Is there a knife similar to Benchmade 15007-1 Saddle Mountain Hunter on the market at this time ? thank you

[@Mr.Ro8ot]

@knifecenter Why don’t you guy have paragon knives in your inventory?

[@HTactical]

Karambit battles!! Head to Head Civivi Incisor 2 vs Boker Hel?!?! Steel comparisons Nitro-V vs 154?!?!

[@Bezstopy]

17:06 indeed "not stainless", I do have it, its great knife, but it will RUST through that surface treatment. I scrubbed it off for hygienic reasons and bathed it in vinegar several times it behaves a bit better now - oil and fat its best friend.

[@PeperazziTube]

What are the best knives with the storm trooper aesthetic (white handle, black blade)?

[@MikeyD8716]

Fox knives loves that N690 steel. I feel like almost all of their knives use it.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

M690 is made near Fox knives. And seems to be good blade steel.... so it makes sense.

[@crisco6583]

It looks like the karambits with pocket deployers open as they exit the pocket, but the CRKT would deploy while the blade is still in your pocket. Am I wrong?

[@benwilliams2607]

I have had my Provoke for a couple years now... used to be my EDC . but the pivot screws started to loosen everything I would use it ... any advice or ideas to keep those pivot screws tight without hindering the action ....

[@ACGREAPER]

What do you use to tighten the provoke just got one with veff serrations and can’t figure it out

[@alexparsons2703]

You should collaborate with kneves knives and what’s the best axe that’s light weight but can take a beating

[@irgendeintypiminternet]

Hey DCA i am a first responder and i need an fixed blade knife for a maximum of around 165$. For the knife i have a few criteria, 1st not longer then 4,75 in. 2nd at least partially serrated and 3rd it needs to be corrosion resistant as i am often around water. What are a few models that i can consider.

[@IvIidnight]

A recurve blade curves one way, then RECURVES back in the opposite direction. A hawksbill, or karambit, curves, it does not recurve. 🙂

[@kylebarry7602]

Hey DCA, I’m trying to get my X-mas shopping done early and I know someone who “needs a nice knife” but I only have a budget of $40. Is it possible to get a nice looking knife under that price point? Also it needs to be under 3” and vegan (no bone handles). Thanks in advance for any help!

[@crankythursdays]

MSQ: As a dad, in addition to loving knives, I love dad jokes, hearing them, telling them, watching eyes roll at them, all of it. What knife(s) best represents/personifies a good dad joke?

[@rwe1]

Swiss Army Rambler is my everyday carry. I'd take that over the Classic.

[@danielcrane3271]

Best lefty friendly pocket knife? Can be otf, karambit or traditional

[@Miller_Time]

He mentioned it for sure

[@Miller_Time]

11:45

[@DinoNucci]

Seven

[@sebkent6691]

DEAR MR DCA! and of course; The Glorious Master Thomas! (Naysayers forever!) Pyrite or EKKO, and why? I really am curious there Also I have an most serious question demanding an most serious answer. I have decided to make knives less scary by using them to tell stories, in a bladed puppet theater. What could POSSIBLY go wrong? Though that is not the question. In this iteration for my small person I am putting on a show based on Odysseus, and the rock and hard place tale of Scylla and Charybdis. I have acquired Scylla, but wondering which knife I should use to represent the whirlpool Charybdis? Please explain your choice.

[@jamesgilman1123]

I own the CRKT provoke in green and carry it every day. But never use it for anything.

[@viniv20]

( one of ) the Fastest knives in the world is the Bastinelli Picoeur.

[@ryansatterfield7069]

The ruike p881 for the win… it’s gotta Karambit pinky hole with a Bowie style blade rather than that useless hawksbill blade… check it out

[@nvalley]

This won't meet any of the question asker's criteria, but I still think that the Launch 10 hawkbill should be in consideration for anyone needing a fast deploying box cutter

[@hellhound2260]

How come you didn't mention QSP eagle? it's literally the best true budget karambit with top 1 value.

[@johnmarchetti3815]

Fox Edge has a few pocket deployable Karambits for under $40 🤔

[@tgonzalez1983]

Idk if I’d trust a liner lock combat knife. Sure it’s very unlikely you’ll exceed its break point but I still don’t want any doubt. Plus you’ll be sorry if it ever failed & closed on your fingers

[@josearroyo5621]

I worry about g10 ring. Why is it that I gravitate to everything civivi makes

[@lyndonmarquis414]

Now that, Sir, is a _lot_ of karambits…

[@bullridermusic2054]

Did you know that huge orange bolo blade shape is actually exactly what they use in fish markets across the world but with a handle on the other side of the sharp edge. Look up "World's Sharpest Tuna Knife" and you find what I'm talking about.