KnifeCenter FAQ #46: Joe Flowers! + Best EDC for $500, Particle Steels for Outdoor, MORE

What should you look for in a machete for your casual jungle adventure? Plus, we’ve got the best particle metallurgy for an outdoors knife, a not-so-tactical automatic, a lockback with a half-stop, and the best knife you can get for $500. What would happen if a woodchuck learned to use a machete?
Featured Knives
Old Hickory Knives: kcoti.com/3ir9Zhe
Latin-Style Machetes: kcoti.com/3iqXx0R
Kizer Slicer: kcoti.com/3fDaqmG
Bradford Guardian4: kcoti.com/2X1ZTeC
Chris Reeve Sebenza: kcoti.com/3fFVC6S
Olamic Cutlery Wayfarer: kcoti.com/3Ai0Iyd
Cheburkov Workshop Swift: kcoti.com/3lCUZyJ
Boker Boxer Damascus: kcoti.com/2VmTsm1
Kershaw Leek: kcoti.com/3jL75nd
Buck Vantage: kcoti.com/37Efmnj
Nordsmith Knives: kcoti.com/3xvenQu
Case Hawkbill Pruner: kcoti.com/2WX5ouR
Kershaw Launch 1: kcoti.com/3CpY2k0
Buck 110 Auto: kcoti.com/3rYT2xU
0:00 Intro
0:47 The Best Machete for Hiking Through a Jungle
8:14 Lockback Folders with a Half-Stop
10:09 M390 vs CPM-3V for the Outdoors?
11:41 Seth Says: Best Knife for $500
20:59 USA-Made EDC for Under $50
22:21 DCA’s EDC Steak Knife
25:06 What If the Kershaw Launch had a Crossbar Lock?
26:04 Automatic Knives that aren’t Tactical
26:36 Woodchucks with Machetes
Interested in a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/34YqPM0
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[@chrisreuther4546]

Anytime I see a clip with Joe Flowers and DCA it puts a smile on my face… just enjoyable as hell

[@oscr_zen]

I lOVE the Dave/Seth knife nerd talk! I can feel at home!

[@The4cp]

The Buck 110 2021 Legacy was one step away from the perfect knife. Had they gone with the original blade shape they would have 100% nailed what everyone wanted for decades. Love seeing Joe awesome dude.

[@cosasdepuromacho1247]

My Dad Is a Machete Lover and Watching which one to buy for the birthday🔥🤞🏻💪

[@dougiestyle00]

I always use my own EDC to cut my food. Love Thomas's "kukri" answer! 🤣

[@matthewadler1329]

I've been using my urban trapper as a steak knife. The drop exclusive with the red and black marble micarta. It's the perfect shape, and looks amazing. If anyone is interested, you can still get them.

[@bena3341]

@@matthewadler1329 Recently bought a Civivi exarch damascus with copper handle as my gentleman carry. Am taking the wife out for her birthday in a couple of weeks and definitely giving it a run as a steak knife.

[@CultureStress]

Joe Flowers is such a wonderful man

[@charlescollier7217]

KnifeAQ + Joe Flowers, oh this is gonna be GOOD! And I was not at all disappointed!

[@kydd666]

Holy shit, he brought in one of my favorite designers to answer my question...and he pronounced my last name correctly!

[@jimmyjones9950]

Excellent video David and Joe. I really love machetes and Joe got me started. Being new to collecting blades, I really appreciate all the info I get from the Knife center. Thanks again gentleman.

[@nomojo1110]

I really appreciate how you go the extra mile on questions I imagine many would gloss over, if they couldn't answer. Thank you :)

[@03_austindrake88]

Very cool to see Joe again! He always seems like such an awesome guy. Great video again this week DCA, Seth, Thomas, and of course Joe.

[@stephenlukovich9648]

Really enjoy y’all’s real true knowledge of knives in all your videos. Killing the competition on KZbin honestly you know who has just been making fools of themselves since Zak and a few other left. Thanks DCA and gang for the amazing content.

[@dutchanimal010]

A great locking knife with a half-stop is the Civivi Rustic Gent. Styling may or not be to everyone's taste but the finishing is excellent and smoothness of action and locking is too.

[@chattanoogachop5154]

I love Joe Flowers' designs. The Condor Atrox is one of my all time favorites

[@matthewadler1329]

Interesting that the half stop question was addressed by a very new model. I have seen pics of the slicer, but it didn't grab my attention until now. Seems like a great option for us back lock lovers. Always great to hear from Joe. He so relatable and really knows his stuff. I wish there was a series with Joe, David, and Seth. That would be an awesome range.

[@knives2my497]

Joe is the best! I got a tactana and I absolutely love it! I love how the handle is a bit longer than a normal wakizashi. Excellent design!

[@billonthehill9984]

Dave, between you, Joe Flowers & the cameraman himself, Y'all are quite the crew! Enjoyed watching this last night... Just put in my 2nd order ever with the Knife center moments ago in fact as I have a Case toothpick with the CF weave & a Case peanut in amber bone coming, both in stock items along with FREE shipping plus my FREE item for leaving a previous review on the PM II. Bill on the Hill... :~)

[@yoinkhaha]

Great look with that Kizer Slicer!!

[@Zerglingdad]

The gerber shark belly also has a great half stop. Locks up wonderfully.

[@catfishcave379]

I was sure we were going to see Mr. Flowers chopping his way through the jungle... Shirogorov are one of the few knives that look high end to me. I have a Condor Lost Roman as my head of the table knife at home.

[@lonetrader1]

I love my personal steak knives! I have a few to choose from, don't have to be tough(just for food anyway) so a few of them are dirt cheap but work great and look a bit fancy!! I have a few fixed as well as folders too

[@mmaine1072]

I work in a kitchen and use a knife for some obscure tasks, scraping tape, breaking down boxes, and of course occasionally cutting food in a pinch. Best option got under $250. Fixed or folding, but if it’s fixed blade. Id prefer it to be horizontal carry. Thanks!

[@jeremymueller2848]

Oh my god !!!!! You showed us what you have in your pocket !!!!!!! 👍

[@TylerHaley]

awesome vid! love joe flowers! u should maybe get some others periodically to answers questions that was cool.

[@barrybaldwin5535]

My favorite edc personal steak knife from The House of "Shun", is the VG10 stainless steel "Higo No Kami" Gentleman's Personal folding, locking knife with a flipper, Ebony Pakkawood with inlaid mosaic crest scales & a very protective custom fit brown leather pouch with folding flap that keeps the pocket dust out while not in use. The blade is thin, very sharp, holds an edge & sharpens up quite easily using a ceramic hone or a fine oval diamond steel. It get some attention from Bartenders & Wait Staff because, apparently, not many customers have the personal standards to carry a steak knife. I was an EMT in my early life & learned that it's better to make an incision rather than a laceration, even in this genre.

[@LarsRibe]

Good ol' Brazilian machete. My all time fav as well. (That 500$ Swift is NICE!)

[@andypanda4927]

Machetes work as a 'No Other Option' kind of thing. Have a shorty (16") have schlepped about for few decades, now, but, found a really handy variant called a 'brush knife'. Heavier for all its blade is same length, its blade is shaped much like a brush axe. Haven't come up with a de cent sheath for is my issue.

[@tidge879]

Joe looks about 15 years younger than he did at Blade Show! The Civivi Rustic Gent is also a lockback with a half stop

[@rwstubbz]

Amazing what sunshine will do compared to led lighting. Sunshine is life

[@RobinJamesEricBond]

I have one of those knives too, it's excellent for slicing type of tasks.

[@matthewadler1329]

Is that right? I was not aware of that. I really want a Rustic Gent

[@connork509]

Pick up the Medford slim midi for the 500$ price point knife. Definitely feels and looks high end and an incredible warranty and customer service to go with it

[@Ericstraordinary]

Dear DCA, Please start selling your line of Nordsmith knives through retailers in Canada. Thank you.

[@henkvandebeek7921]

The knife that really started it all for me was the Kershaw Ken Onion Whirlwind 1560 and I keep going back to it. I wonder if you could do a segment on Ken Onion knives and perhaps some alternatives to consider.

[@ShawneeUnion]

Insanely great episode! A dream question would be asking knife designers what are they think are the most influential knives and why.

[@ShidenByakko]

Hi David, My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question: I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features: 1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard") 2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong) 3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it... 4) About 3" or more Blade Length 5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly. 6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip 7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each. Thanks so much!

[@tobyhall1167]

I'm with you DCA, I wish Kershaw and CRKT would develop a crossbar lock. PS Flowers is awesome!

[@gaberoo9099]

That Kershaw Launch 1 is a beaut!

[@Triathlete5551]

Great choices at the $500 price range, the Dave - Seth section is becoming my favorite by far, it's always fun to guess what you guys will choose. My choice for that price range at $465 would be the Liong Mah Warrior 2 V3 , or at $550 the Inkosi which in my opinion is worth the slightly higher price over the Sebenza.

[@aarongriffin470]

Knife video ideas Vacation knives For me 1.Must be rust resistant for beach. 2. Must be non-threatening 3. Cheap enough to loose in ocean, airport, or just traveling. 4. Well built enough to be only knife for a week or two. My pick spyderco delica warncliff full serration H1 steel

[@gregkerchner3175]

Medford knifes are my pick to go up agenst the Chris Reeves Sabensa !

[@cliffguthrie7530]

Good episode! Always good to hear from Joe Flowers! Segment with Seth is enjoyable. And the voice of authority reigning down from Thomas is entertaining.

[@mattgonzales810]

Are you listening kershaw? Cross bar lock launch line! I'm definitely down with that idea! 🤙

[@jitoshisagara3374]

Hey DCA....i became a knife nerd after watching Rambo movies as a kid..till this day it shines my eyes when i see the gill hibbens Rambo bowie knife from Rambo 3..could you do an episode showcasing knives used in popular movies like Rambo..Predator...

[@kjpierson1152]

The 18" style was what I used for years clearing Wild Rose bushes, vines, etc from property for years. Dad preferred his hand scythe, because like Joe said, you use what you're comfortable with. To me the machete was more comfortable, the bigger/heavier one I bought did nothing but get in the way down here in Tennessee

[@matthewadler1329]

Hand scythe huh? That sounds like a fun custom to build for me. Thanks for the idea.

[@kjpierson1152]

@@matthewadler1329 Yeah, it worked well, especially for him since he'd had it for 30+ years. I was okay using it, but he'd fly thru brush/bushes/etc with it.

[@just-dl]

for the machete, I'm a little smaller than some guys, so I prefer a slightly shorter blade. I think I'd like the Cold Steel 16" jungle machete; I know I like Condor's bolo. But, stepping away from the classic machete, I love the Duku mini parang (Condor). 10-11" very easy to use in tight quarters. I find it more practical all around. i'd like to try larger parangs, but, I haven't felt the need to go bigger...at least not enough to purchase.

[@IKsDeH666]

for nIxon... another nice and good looking folder with a half-stop would be the Rustic Gent by Civivi.

[@IKsDeH666]

xD nvm just realised there are so many more proposals for the Rustic Gent

[@aschroederqli]

What is your favorite kukri, folder & machete? My favorites are the straight edge Cold Steel RAJA 2 & the straight edge Cold Steel kukri machete.

[@cab927]

David I'm looking for flippers on phosphor bronze washers, I have a skyline and I have a cutjack and they're both great but I want more. My budget is pretty flexible but I usually don't go far over 100 USD. Bonus is I just love a good washer action so if there's a knife on washers that's not a flipper you'd like to mention go ahead.

[@sovner]

I have a question. If you guys where going to fish in saltwater, and you could only choose between folding knives, what knife would you choose? Personally I've used the Pasific salt 2 most of the summer, and so far it's been pretty good

[@cc_likesknives]

Hey DCA, question for you: I love the look of the MKM Fara slip joint but would prefer it be one handed opening. Do you have a recommendation for a knife that has similar vibes to the Fara but with a one handed opening mechanism? Love the show! :)

[@taifu13781]

Awesome knives! Now I commented on last video and some were kind enough to recommend the ontario rat for an urban/outdoor field work budget knife. Its definitely a top contender for consideration. But how does it compare to the kabar dozier or the qsp penguin?

[@Badastro59]

I bought about 7 Machetes ten years ago, I have sold ( or given away ) all but one, My ultimate Machete is the Martindale crocodile, must say I'm below average strength for a Man, and small hands,

[@DannyRiskit]

Dude DCA! I need to do that with my Old Hickory and turn it into a machet! Can you do a video talking about it and the process?

[@DamionJR4923]

Joe Flowers is the man!

[@tasoszacharias9111]

Hi KC. What steel and blade shape would work best for fruit peeling and cutting? Any locking blade folder to suggest?

[@Lycan683]

Pocket check Thomas! 😁

[@bobhabsolute4995]

Hi DCA, what is the best edge retention steel you recommend for a large knife (between 6’’ and 7’’)? I am thinking about a camp knife that can serve as a survival knife if needed, but it as to have an edge as thin as possible for food prep. And please show us the best you have under 400$. Thanks.

[@jeremypage199]

What is the "best" sharpening angle for an EDC knife and how much does steel type factor in? I'm considering changing a knife from factory edge of 25 to 20 or 17 to be more slicey, but I'm worried to make the edge too delicate

[@matthewadler1329]

Fully agree with the 3V response to the Guardian 4 question. If you haven't experienced CPM-3V on an outdoor blade...its pretty much ruined me.

[@knifeaddict1014]

Man the chuburk knife looks amazing, I know I didn’t spell that correctly also they as Similar to shirogorov and there’s a little bit cheaper both made in Russia! Can’t go wrong with that one

[@tomfreeth959]

Hi DCA, can you recommend a fixed blad that is conceal carry, horizontal or neck knife that has good edc and self defence capabilities for $50 or less. Thanks

[@sicsempertyrannis9224]

I am wondering if you could do a comprehensive video on Gentleman’s Knives? Every budget maybe and a good variety that fit the genre and maybe a few dark horse options? Thanks

[@knifecenter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2qle4mhZtKBo9U

[@sicsempertyrannis9224]

@@knifecenter I feel like a new sub! I’ll pretend that I haven’t been subscribed for over a year! Haha thanks DCA!

[@billyhooks99]

DCA is there a fixed blade knife like the Spydiechef or the CRKT Overland folders with a 3 inch blade that I could EDC.

[@timreid9556]

Good day , sirs. What is your favorite :gimmicky" lock? Like the Spyderco Meerkat CRKT Glide lock or SnapFire

[@Bio6hazard]

Hey DCA, I Love smooth drop shut knives but sometimes I get ones with bad tolerances that have blade play unless I over tighten the pivot, which ruins the action. Is there anything I can try to fix or improve the action?

[@josephalmanza1349]

Hello sir, love your videos, they are always informative and educational. I'm looking to add an OTF to my collection. Are all OTF knives created equally? Willing to spend $300 or so if worth it. Thank you in advance. Maybe we can also ask Seth too!

[@mrkhunchang]

Question for DCA: My wife needs a large, sturdy knife for opening durians (a big, spiky fruit we have here in Thailand). She needs to puncture, pry, chop and slice. I gave her the knife I carry on my motorbike tours: a Ka-bar MK-1 USN with the black Krayton grip. She said the blade (5-1/4") wasn't quite long enough for the job. I also noticed that the edge had lots of very tiny chips, and needed a good re-sharpening. So I'm thinking that she needs something with an approx. 6-inch blade, maybe a slightly thicker blade (> 0.165"), and a harder steel. Any suggestions? I was thinking maybe a Buck 124 Frontiersman, but how does 420HC compare to 1095CV? Or is there a better option? Thanks!

[@roc20621]

Is there a Benchmade SOCP-style knife that isn't in an obviously dagger format/looks more conventional? Specifically looking for the same style sheath that covers most of the knife and can be drawn from deep concealment (to gut fish of course) without cutting the pants or bag holding it. I've seen some customs that almost hit the mark, but looking for something with very deep concealment that could arguably not be considered a dagger... also nothing over, I don't know let's call out a random measurement, like say, 12cm would be helpful also.......

[@hugoamkreutz2081]

Hello David. There is a bush between My school and house often times I would want to go from school to the bush muck around. any suggestions for a knife that looks friendly if someone found it in my bag? would love to hear your opinion.

[@patrickharrison4746]

I would give the buck 110 a crossbar lock with aluminum handles! Idk why but this has been in my dreams lately

[@kevinstryker6440]

Hey DCA and Seth, If you had to stay under 200 dollars, what would your go to EDC, with a front flipper operation be?

[@ClassicRockLivesOn]

I will say this on every Condor video- please make a smatchet!

[@MrGpdp]

Question for DCA, Seth, or “faceless man behind camera” looking for a knife to carry when attending formal events. Looking a folder with locking blade with 2.5” or smaller blade that has an up scale or elegant style. Preferably USA made could you recommend something in the $50 & $100 range

[@IanMM88]

I'm looking for a new set of kitchen knives. My wife has the pampered chef set with the block but they are old and the blades on a lot of the knives are really chipped and dull. I've done a lot of work on them to keep them usable but it's not easy to get those chips out. Anyone have any suggestions

[@northtexansquid5678]

Hey Dca whats a good 100$ bowie knife that I could use for hunting and general camp tasks with a dangle sheath

[@istvantoth7431]

Joey is such a top lad! 🙌👊

[@poratnaor]

What is the best steel (m390?) multitool edc knife, hopefully automatic or semi automatic?

[@lt83theriault]

Hey DCA love the FAQ videos! Was looking for the best 3.5" plus blade with full finger choil under $100. Hope you can give me your insight.

[@JacobE-23]

This is a good one. I hope DCA does it.

[@masonrains5010]

I have a question for you dca. I find when I use my cold steel Japanese katana it seems to be to small cutting my steak at the table. do you have any suggestions for something bigger?

[@chasetoncain]

My buddy is a medic in the navy. Got anything with good stainless properties with an acute point that could be used in surgery? Preferably under $100

[@Goat67]

Hey DCA, I have heard you say that you have "slightly larger than average hands" Lets see you measure them with a cloth tape. Place the tape around the largest part of your knuckles, basically measure like you would for gloves

[@emanuelperla1281]

Hi DCA i'm looking for a rock solid knife with a good steel, a good lock sistem and a thumb hole to flick it open with my middle finger. I also would like it to be running on washers. I'm basically looking for a spyderco paramilitary 2 good looking alternative. If you want to go further in this game i would like a for way reversable pocket clip and a blade shape capable to do some piercing. Can you suggest any?

[@Tommy-lc3kh]

Hey DCA, I have noticed that companies have differences in what they call their plastic handled knives, within companies. Is there any difference between GTX and Grivory? I find it weird benchmade puts different names for these and wonder if they are any different. Thanks

[@rossvandeen1207]

DVD where are the Topps Bull Trout knives???

[@IanMM88]

What about the Buck Bantam? Its under 50 bucks and that knife can do it all!

[@danegriz1]

Will the Skipjack be restocked anytime soon?

[@decoy807]

What no Condor Parang? The ultimate jungle knife..imo

[@pavolfedor9681]

What is the most expensive Mora you offer for sale? What is the cheapest useable Mora you offer?

[@drzandlcp]

Joe’s looking clean af

[@petipetya]

Locking blade with a half stop: CIVIVI Rustic Gent www.knifecenter.com/series/civivi-knives/civivi-knives-rustic-gent-lockback-folders

[@VonGoldfinger]

Is a knife made out of damascussteel really worth the money?

[@davidsherwen5245]

Where can I buy the skipjack?????

[@jaredappleseed7037]

What's a knife that you thought " that's way overpriced." Or " I would never pay that much for that knife." At first thought, but know in the Back of your mind that if you had more time with it or price wasn't a factor, it would grow on you?

[@brettwarner719]

There are companies that do survival fixed blades in AEB-L which is super close to 14C28N. I think more survival knives should go there since it’s tougher than 1095, cheap enough to be in budget knives, and very stainless. I want a 14C28N Condor machete.

[@jeaneche697]

Back in the day condor made a variety of machete styles in 420hc. If I remember correctly they weren't fast sellers. They currently make 2 smaller parangs at the moment. Imo that's a perfectly acceptable steel for machetes.

[@guillermoflores1245]

Jose Flores is on the show! 🤣

[@thepunisher4598]

Hi DCA & Seth! #Question :Which Tactical knife would you choose for $50

[@40s9s3]

Thought gwood was g10 layered and sanded to look like wood. Didnt know was actually wood

[@Roscoe_357]

If Civivi Made A Front Flip Machete I'd Grab It

[@nerrofrontier6639]

Do you see any difference between Tactical & combat knives? And if yes, what differs both of them from each other? And also what would you recommend from both of these categories

[@Timmayytoo]

So many great choices under $500 - as someone who wasn't around when the Sebenza was the holy grail for so many knife folks, it just doesn't do a lot for me, so it never enters the discussion in my mind. The Olamic is a great choice, but because Olamic (like many smaller companies) build knives in batches, if they aren't currently building the model you want, it can be tough to get one at all, much less one you really like. I realize he specified under 500, but for $550 you can get a Shirogorov Neon NL in several different inlays, so that would be my choice. There are a sizable number of small-batch knives sold by the designers themselves that sell under $500 but I realize this is about knives found on Knifecenter.

[@etherealicer]

I think these days, a Sebenza does not feel like a $500 knife anymore. I would probalby say the discontinued Benchmade Anthem though that is more around $400 but you get a integral frame and an axis lock with a linear spring.

[@netrhyda8761]

Haha awesome!

[@danielguerrero2426]

Can you make a best "fighting knife" video? Im curious on what that even would be. I carry matriarch 2 for self defense but im not sure if its considered a fighting knife 🙏🏽

[@matthewadler1329]

Great idea! Mat.2 is what I would call a fighting folder. In the same vein as the Cold Steel Hold Out (serrated) or my top pick, the Spartan. I want a Harpy myself.