KnifeCenter FAQ #60: All About Steel

[@bangkoknick]

Loved the little flowers and weeds popping up when they got to deep into details. Really funny stuff. Good job guys.

[@strawman817]

Well explained! And Thomas's "product vs spec" really put it into perspective!

[@rpeg6487]

Knifecenter, however much you're paying this man, it ain't enough. Great video!

[@dolguldur4706]

The best knife company channel...really learn a lot in this channel..thank you DCA and knifecenter

[@killainmaccallan4700]

Serious question, which knife represents you the most. Not your favourite etc, but which represents your personality, character, demeanor. (are you a keychain knife or a Cold Steel Espada.)For David, Seth and Thomas. Love the show, long time viewer, ( I ask every week, sorry)

[@chloehennessey6813]

Winkler Crusher belt knife. It’s relentless.

[@wojciechk50]

Tanto. Any tanto :)

[@danefuentes3877]

Spyderco Police 4. Large and understated.

[@c_solly5892]

@@danefuentes3877 I love my Police 4 in K390. Glad to hear others like them too.

[@hadmatter9240]

@@chloehennessey6813 I had to look that one up. Looks like a beast, so I was surprised the blade length is only 4.5". Sigh, one more knife added to the ever-growing list.

[@AdamasOldblade]

This video could have been 5 hours long and I would've watched every minute of it.

[@CaymanGiordano]

You might appreciate this (and the links in the description) then kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpiXopaaeceUb9k

[@jonathandavis6072]

DCA, I am with you on what qualifies as Made In America. Keep the great content coming. Loved the weeds graphic that Thomas slipped in. Y’all are whooping the other guys in terms of content quality. You and the crew bring the knowledge while still having fun.

[@jayr526]

I concur with your MIA definition.

[@Vares65]

Great video! I love learning about all the different knife steels and by the end of the video I had nine different knives on my desk thinking about the different steels on each. I really enjoy all of your videos so much and so far I've bought four knives from your company that I would have never known about without these vids. I deff plan on buying more so keep up the great work!

[@jasondominguez2806]

Thank you for cutting through the weeds to break it down to comprehend about the various steels. Very informative.

[@Errcyco]

DCA you have the best format here.. I watch most all of these all the way through. I learn a lot and have bought a good ten knives now after seeing you show them so figured that’s worth mentioning. Good work to you and team.

[@knifecenter]

Thank you! -DCA

[@MarkRVillano]

Dave: Something I'd like to see, (you'd probably need a chart in the description section of the video) would be to develop your own personal Top 10 list of steels (regardless of price) in four different categories: Edge Retention Strength / Durability Corrosion Resistance Overall Best Combination of Qualities.

[@lmcq784]

DCA, thank you sincerely for finally taking a stance on the age-old debate on Pie vs. Cake. My wife now has to bow to our united front that PIES are superior.

[@shrooman777]

To answer David’s question, I’d have to say cheesecake beats both regular cake and pies no matter where it’s assembled or where the cheese comes from. Thanks for asking, I finally feel heard.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Not only heard, but heard and "AMEN!"ed to as well. Cheesecake, especially my homemade kind (had to learn how to impress chicks in college) beats all cake and all pie.

[@charlesburow8120]

Thank you DCA and KnifeCenter!

[@tphvictims5101]

You have an AMAZING selection of cutting tools for any situation. All steels are decent as long as you do your maintenance. Something as simple as 1095 😉👍🏻

[@jayr526]

This was one of the best knife videos that I have seen. And what exactly does that mean? The data was informative and well presented. Your personal data base is wonderfully large. You do not take yourself too seriously but you are certainly not self-effacing. And you didn't even use a blindfold. I like your interactions with the cameraman. I would have liked your interactions with Seth had he been there. This was just a terrific video, despite the fact of your having slightly larger than average fans. Hands. Don't you just love voice to text? 👍

[@sunbunbradley]

I really love the 80CRV2 steel in my WINKLER belt knife. I think WINKLER does some sort of magic to his heat treat because I get my knife scary sharp and it lasts pretty good! My favorite knife I EDC it!!!

[@Experiment.G]

You've touched on Helle a few times now, so I want to ask you: Why would one want a triple laminated steel? Does it actually offer more toughness than the standard laminated process (like at Fallkniven)? Is it just cool? Is it both? Great videos as always, keep it up

[@adrianjagmag]

Both tougher and also easier to sharpen as the cladding layers are softer/not hardened. Plus if it's a tool steel in the centre and stainless steel as cladding you get the edge of tool steel and the stainless nature of the cladding.

[@tmutant]

14:25 On the Gerber Sumo, even a 9CR15MOV would be an upgrade. I'd like a Nitro-V or 14C28N, but I prefer stainless steel. Bohler N690 would be interesting, and S30V would be great. Keeping it budget and going with a 440C would be a good idea, too. Maybe I need a weedeater.

[@acid6urns]

ya, gerber has some cool budget designs but they use 7cr17 in almost all of them and i hate it bc that steel is shit. they could at LEAST use 8cr13… but 9cr18 like you said would be nice, at least 440c/9cr are actually serviceable and don’t need sharpening every 10 cuts.

[@acid6urns]

also nitro v and 14c28n are both super stainless steels, and also really tough for stainless

[@Turbine030]

Concerning the 80CrV2 steel, I am quite sure Thyssen Krupp here in Germany does it. Great stuff for knives!

[@WICHO727]

Hi mr.Andersen, I think this is a good challenge: A fancy fidget flipper. I like my civivis D2(mckenna and elementum tanto) for real work because I don't care if they get scratches or damage. But I want something a little bit better (max$300) just for a fun fidget. But something that doesn't look like a normal, standard knife (like drop blades). I was thinking something like artisans Orthodox with m390, or like a crkt snaplock but with better materials. Something weird and cool, just for flipping fun. Thanks and good content! I watched all the q/a in just a week, Cheers!

[@vigothecarpathian823]

Question: My brother's going on an extended group camping trip (2 weeks). I was going to give him my Garberg and Ontario SP53, but it seems like a heavy load because they'll hiking the whole time. What would you recommend for a hiker under $75, for general use, food prep/fire making/etc. Can be 1 or 2 knives but try to keep it light.

[@realbroggo]

Only my humble opinion but unless he's going 'bush bashing' (as we say in AUS) the Garberg accompanied by a suitable folder should cover it. Garberg is quite light, is reliable and covers almost all camp chores. A folder with a stainless full flat drop point blade should assist with finer work and food prep - DCA's video 13 October covered off on some good food prep options. DCA - your opinion??

[@evanmccollum163]

I love my sumo! Super fun to fidget and feels so good in the hand

[@michaelweber6899]

12C27 has been called tough multiple times on this channel. I bought a Mora Garberg some time ago, with 14C28n, which is supposedly an upgrade to 12C27. The tip of that knife broke two times (or rather small chips broke off), once when prying some soft plastics and once when drilling in wood. Is 14C28n just bad or have I been unlucky? It seems so very brittle to me, I would for example have never expected my victorinox to chip at those tasks.

[@rockyriddell8671]

Great episode! I can’t seem to learn enough about blade steels. Thank you for helping me with that. I liked the Benchmade Valet so I’m a bit saddened that it has been discontinued since I don’t have one, yet. I was thinking about my old Helle fixed blade as you wrapped up this video which caused me to wonder what your thoughts are regarding the laminated steel that my old knife was made with. I found it to be a robust blade that was deceptively sharp, was easy to sharpen yet held a mean edge over the course of hard work. What’s your take? BTW, pie IS better than cake!

[@vegpwrshlominator1873]

There are so many great steels, but honestly ease of sharpening is a great trade off to how long something can hold an edge.

[@jayr526]

To say pi is better than cake is irrational.

[@brianensminger6166]

Hello DCA. I bought a Benchmade infidel about four years ago. I really love the knife although the blade since new has always had a bit of a wobble to it and I have actually scratched and torn up the blade with pennies and dimes getting caught at the end when it was carrying in my pocket by the clip. I am really interested in a new Microtech otf . Do they seem to have more of a no wobble blade in the unit than in the infidel? And will they still pick up pennies and dimes out of your pocket in the end of the knife where the blade is deployed ? I have since learned not to carry change in my pocket with any of the out the front knives. Thank you very much

[@genarosepulveda9260]

Microtech is arguably the best maker of OTF’s

[@davidgarrett5671]

If you want no blade play buy a G&G Hawk Deadlock. If you can live with just a tiny bit of blade play get the SOG OTF.

[@charlescollier7217]

The weeds graphic creeping up all bt killed me. Spectacular episode, gentlemen!

[@NighthawkEnforcer]

My submission for a question. Why aren’t more knives made for lefties. For example, the Lefty PM2 is almost always sold out, why not make a lefty Para3? There are plenty of lefties out here and people who carry a firearm, either concealed or professionally, should always have their blade on their weak side (opposite the firearm).

[@ZENO357]

One knife reviewer made a comment that made some sense to me: the heat treat is of vital importance no matter what the steel is. And he pointed out that the jobs that most of us use our knives for would be fine with almost any decent steel. The premium steel race is a bit of a collector thing in his opinion.

[@douglasblaydes7801]

When I was younger I had a Buck 110, a Western belt knife of some sort and a stockman from Schrade. I know the belt knife and the stockman were carbon steel but do not remember why type. Anyhow, these knives served me well for years and years and years. So my question is this - with the advances in steels today what am I really paying for - - - if i use my knife for everyday use versus "hard use / maybe abuse". Thank you.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Regardless of what a pain in the ass it is to sharpen, what is the absolute strongest steel for an outdoor, bushcraft, and camping knife?

[@kostoulis7]

Hi DCA. I want a one-handed opening folder to replace my Opinel. I use it to strike my ferro rod and enjoy the lightness and inexpansiveness of it. Is the Ka-bas Dozier a good alternative? Does the coating on the D2 version make the spine less crisp? Thanks

[@gilbz1tho450]

Love this series and want to see more! 1. What are good Chris Reeves Sebenza alternatives 2. What is Damascus steel? is it worth it and what's your fav. dam, blades? 3. Can we ever see David C Andersons Personal knife collection? would love a video on it! or just your favs.... and don't worry ! well be okay if it's all nesmuk knives XD! love you David really enjoy this content and your a great host! keep me coming back every week and I literally can't wait to grab knife and sit down and view every week after work. Really look forward to it and you help all of us get into knives and EDC stuff. Thanks for all you do and making this channel. It really dose make my day and make me smile. Thank you knife center

[@knifecenter]

Here is some of my collection right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamwXqxvnatpobM -DCA

[@jedset1291]

hey DCA, im after a knife similar to the sheepsfoot benchmade proper but with a pocket clip. Also a fixed blade for 90 percent food prep and 10 percent camp uses. budget is loose but everything here in Australia costs near double! Thanks

[@RegularDad-LGN]

I am pretty sure that once something has a process done that gives it it’s essential character it becomes a product of that country. In this case the forming of the blade. So, if the blade is forged and ground in USA then it should be a product of USA regardless of liners, handle, assembly, etc. If the blade is forged in one country and ground in another country it does get a little more difficult to figure out. That’s all I can say. Love your videos.

[@jmunsamy]

Hi DCA, your videos have become a biweekly must watch. Thank you for the insights that you bring to us knife enthusiasts. Would love to pick your brain about Lionsteels M390 steel and what the Rockwell ratings are, specifically for their M1 blades. Also how good is Santos wood in terms of durability for a fixed blade?

[@11bvarmintsniper]

David C Anderson, I have a lot of knives but I wonder what you think about an alternative to the CKT CEO. This turned out to be a pretty darn good knife for skinning squirrels earlier this month. What would you recommend as squirrel skinning knives? I am tanning one rodent now. Along with the 2 deer I got with my bow. I love your channel.. No limits on the prices when it comes to my question

[@TheShredderKnifeReviews]

Really enjoyed this guys. Thanks.

[@scoob42]

Hi, DCA, what is your grail chef’s/kitchen knife? And what steel do you think is best for kitchen knives?

[@MattRichard]

Question: please help! I've bought several knives over the years for every day carry - thinking that it would be 'the one.' Tragically, several have fallen into the "to-nice-to-carry-but-good-to-collect" category. Others have fallen into the "ugh-it-got-a-scratch-and-now-belongs-in-the-tool-kit" category. And so, I am in search of a small-mid size knife with aluminum or titanium handle that would allow for scatches/snails, a stonewashed finish on the blad to allow for scratches, and preferabbly a thumb stud. I've had my eye on a Small Sebenza 31, but was wondering if you had any other suggestions?

[@soslan1812]

Benchmade 940 reqular or the small.

[@jean-baptistedemets3477]

Hello DCA. I'm an organic farmer who tries to avoid using any gaz powered equipment and I've figured out that the right knife can be the only tool i need 90% of the time. So, i've been trying to find that right knife ! In order to do so, i'm trying to put my hands on a wide variety of knives. My next purchase will probably be a scandi folder. I have my eyes on tops' MSF 4.0 but I think it's not a true scandi. How do you feel about that knife? Is it a good option to use as a work knife around the farm ? Do you think it's ok to regrind it into a true scandi ? Thank you very much, keep up the good work. (You did mispronounce my name, but you're forgiven !)

[@TheHiplainsdrifter]

This FAQ was very helpful- I have 2 other suggestions- a current range of lock types - and material types for scales.

[@Cadwallader38]

I love tough steels, 12c27, 14c28n, Nitro V, 3v all awesome. I was wondering what other steels with higher toughness are out there? Edit also carbon steels I love that stuff.

[@rustyhawk9335]

8670 is a very tough steel.

[@Cadwallader38]

@@rustyhawk9335 never heard of it, what are some knives that use it?

[@mylesgalos6465]

Try A2, L6 forgotten steels

[@jayr526]

@@mylesgalos6465 I think Bark River is AN.

[@mylesgalos6465]

@@jayr526 yes brk still uses lots of A2 steels, thanks

[@easyki84]

The name 8Cr13 and such is a definition of the steel. 0.8% C and 13% Cr in case of 8Cr13. M390 would be 20Cr20MoWV I guess. 2% C, 20%Cr and some Mo, W and V in descending order.

[@jayr526]

Too much trying on your hands, my friend.

[@easyki84]

@@jayr526 pls what?

[@jayr526]

VTT error TIME, not trying. I totally understand your logic here. It reminds me of mine. I am just not sure that I would have gone down that rabbit trail. If KC is monitoring all the comments, you NEED toIX THE LINKS. The one you sent took me to the comments. I had to scroll through every one until I found the one you referenced in your email to me. This is certainly not a bad reflection on the videos but a very poor reflection on your IT.

[@easyki84]

@@jayr526 I did not send any links or emails. I used the reply button. And it’s not my logic. The steel description is regulated that way. WTF is wrong with you?

[@jayr526]

The last paragraph was addressed to Knife Center. The links they send me via emails do not take me to your replies. I have to look for them once the video comes up

[@MountainFisher]

80CrV2 used to be only carried by Alpha Knife Supply and they called it 1080+ which is basically what it is.

[@-Jethro-]

I was actually eating a slice of apple pie when you talked about pie! Nice.

[@eronavbj]

When I saw a Small Sabenza reviewed years ago, I liked the knife's look and specs, but would never pay $300+ for any knife. So I found a Ganzo (?) knock- off for $13 and have used it around the home for five years now. It's one of my most reliable and a go-to. I hope you don't feel this is foolish, but in your personal opinion, is the Sabenza 30 times the knife the Ganzo is, since it costs 30 times as much? And BTW, it's PIE, handsdown!

[@knotsandknives1632]

Question for faqs.... I live in the UK and would love to hear your choice of knife if you were forced to ONLY carry a slip joint with 3 inch or under blade.... welcome to my world! Lol. Limitless budget so you can have some fun! SAKs not included as they are to obvious! Really enjoy your content. Stay safe.

[@randylim9310]

Have you ever done reviews of serrated or combo blade knives? What is your opinion on carrying a serrated or combo blade for edc? And what would you recommend for a serrated blade edc and a combo blade edc? Your choice of specs. Thanks. Keep up the good videos. Rock on!

[@bbro5399]

Thanks for answering my question.

[@west3001]

What is the best all around Bushcraft /edc fixed blade? length ,blade thickness, point style

[@carlosandresramirezraigoza9180]

Talking about medium range steels.. Between 145cm and d2 which would you choose and why?

[@MFD00MTR33]

There is a D1 steel. Its similar to D2 but has less carbon. The D series goes all the way up to D7 which is a pretty high allowed steel with up to 2.5% carbon and 4.4% vanadium which would make it pretty high in wear resistance. I've seen a few makers use D6 and D7 but with all the PM tool steels out there really isn't a reason to use them.

[@kennymattson574]

Hey DCA, what would you suggest to replace the cold steel american lawman but more premium materials. Love the blade shape and big finger choil, lock type doesn't matter to me. Thanks.

[@drewpfeif5028]

The knife that I always wanted to have with a steel upgrade was the Spyderco tenacious. I was over the moon when it came out in S35VN and bought it immediately. Now I love to get a kizer mini latt vind with an upgraded steel. and yes DCA. Pie is better than cake 100%

[@anderssonjp]

Question: I work with MRI scanners so I'm often running into a really strong magnetic field. Strong enough to make even small magnetic objects dangerous projectiles. I would still like to be able to keep some multitool in my pocket. Are there any good options in titanium or (non-magnetic) stainless steel?

[@MountainFisher]

Only titanium, there is no such thing as 100% non-magnetic stainless. There is an aluminum beryllium titanium bronze alloy that would be awesome, we had some that wore out saw blades. Stuff would make an awesome multi-tool and use a small tungsten ceramic for a knife blade.

[@keithaustin8113]

I'm looking for a knife for a USMC graduation present for my younger brother. As a former Marine myself, I carried an M16 from CRKT as a backup for issued M9, but knives have leveled up since 2004. I was wondering if you could give me another option that I should be looking at. I'd like to spend under 150, easily deployable with gloves, and able to stand up to heavy use by crayon eaters. He, too, has larger than average hands. Thank you for the help. Stay safe for the rest of this year and the next.

[@nihiluskarr2717]

Hi DCA, I actually have a few questions, due to some things I just haven't been able to find. First, do you have any good recommendations for a heavy use fixed blade that has a crowned spine, and is under $250? Second, what are your thoughts on the KM2000 with plain edge, and why does Knife Center not carry any? Third, do you have any recommendations for custom knife makers, that won't break the bank?

[@VirginiaHapa]

Love this one, thanks.

[@graemegourley7616]

I think that I read that m390 is a first generation steel and that 20cv is a second(maybe third?) generation steel which has a finer grain structure but cost more to produce. If I'm wrong please correct me.

[@chloehennessey6813]

Is it hard to change out the scales on my Medford Praetorian? The 80Crv2 is pretty great! My Winkler belt knife is 80Crv2. I’ve beat the heck out of it!

[@nafnlaus]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the SOG Pillar, maybe compared to the Benchmade Adamas fixed blade, which I have, for a size comparison. If you could throw the Tops Air Wolfe into the equation too, that would be the ultimate!

[@flashforce699]

I just got a 10" custom flat ground fixed blade Bowie style outdoor knife made from CPM S90V , do I need a belt sander knife sharpener ? Because I do enjoy hand sharpening , example - my friend was using my Bark River JX5 The Vengeful One and struck a stone in the soil while chopping wood and chipped the CPM 3V blade , my head exploded . I only have sharpening stones and I took 20 hours and now you can not tell the difference, I also sanded the blade from 500 grit to 6000 grit in 500 grit incriminations . I know knife OCD but a job worth doing is only worth doing if you do it right .

[@charlescollier7217]

Mr. Andersen, you mentioned 12C27 as a good option for a stainless field/bushcraft knife. How would you rate it compared to 14C28N?

[@eddielittleii8919]

Good job guys. Thanks

[@vegpwrshlominator1873]

Awesome episode DCA love the Helle Utvar, next episode fixed blades that might fall into the category of a Mini Kephart.

[@jessystephenson]

What are some other options if you like the crjb kicker, looking for some close to it as it's become a favorite of mine.

[@redastrachan8978]

9:34 "Bongo Fury" : Zappa album from the 70s

[@frankiesilverman]

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart. Zappa Produced it. Good eye!

[@Bongo_Fury]

Right on brother.

[@JPK1981]

DCA? Cpm-3v as a semi stainless fixed blade for bushcraft/outdoor use? (Batoning) say the Jeff Freeman 451 in a 5" configuration? Thoughts

[@ryanwalker9719]

I am curious about your thoughts on Grohman's Dean Russell Canadian belt knife and their choice of steels for that knife. I love the design but feel it could be made from a better steel. If you could see this amazing knife made in something else, what would it be? Conversely, is there a knife out there with a similar design made from a better steel (other than Cold Steel's copy)?

[@AYellowPepper]

i am 100% convinced that 14c28 and Nitro V are the best "All Purpose" steel, it seems to be quite Tougth especially for stainless, is remarkably corrosion resistant and has a very good level of edgeretention. And Especially 14c28 seems to be very affordable too!

[@acid6urns]

i hear you, but i raise you magnacut for best overall steel performance

[@louishuelsman666]

Gr8 point about made in America!!!! Black,White,Candy Stripe !!!!!!! Is the Real Deal Holly Field!!!!!

[@realbroggo]

Every time I hear or see someone ask 'what is the best steel' I usually grab my flak vest and dive under the desk as this would have to be the most opinionated topic in the knife community. There are so many variables involved and so many use cases it's almost impossible to answer. For newcomers it can be hard (so many weeds). I recommend listening to experts like DCA in this vid or the information on the Knife Center website as a safe start. Don't let the choice of steel hold you back - sometimes you just have to jump in. You'll soon work out what steels you like (or don't). And yes, pie is better.

[@dsknives310]

I agree the Gerber Sumo is in crying need of a premium version. DCA Whn are more Skipjacks coming?🤔

[@dorseywsg]

Should the grit of a whetstone change effectiveness between ZDP-189 -S35VN- CMP-D2 and 14C28..I find my S35VN won't get as sharp using the same blade thickness and design?

[@zergrush5606]

Hi DCA, i was wondering what would be the best santoku to get under 70 ? Thanks continue the nice work

[@mcsquirgle]

Im looking for a knife with large sebenza vibes while keeping cost down to 200 or less. What do you suggest?

[@7ali7]

FAQ: Hey DCA and Seth I recently bought a house with a wood burning stove and as such have found myself doing a lot of chopping wood. I'm currently using a big Ochsenkopf felling axe for splitting because that's all I have, however it's not the easiest to swing around so I'm looking to spend around 150-200 on a really good medium sized axe or hatchet, OR on a large chopper that could do just as good of a job. I hate to *axe* but can you offer me some advice please big dog. Love the show

[@franklong3440]

DCA, we come to you for the weeds!

[@oliverbarnes8306]

Hey dca! My question is are there any folding khukris under 3.5 in (for the blade)? I’ve only really seen spyderco but it’s discontinued.

[@thatrealba]

Can we get some suggestions for us tip-down types? I'd like to pick up a new carry blade, but tip-up isn't my thing. My current daily is a ZT 0350, so no dainty toothpicks, please. Budget around $500. Thank you, good sir.

[@Jankyyanki]

I was feather sticking with benchmade s30v and chipped the cutting edge pretty bad.

[@allenvasher5358]

I was going to try to make some kitchen knives for friends & family, looking for steel suggestions, (something stainless or low corrosion ) I only have torches & and a convection oven, (in my kitchen) for heating Thank you

[@franka9760]

Aside from the type of steel, I'd like to see you comment on heat treating and tempering. Whatever steel is being used, the heat treat and temper can spoil its good qualities. So doesn't it largely come down to which manufacturer created the blade?

[@hanno_t]

Hey DCA, short and to the point (heh): which fixed blade around 3 inches would you pick for an office EDC? Main uses: opening packages, slicing apples, impressing non-knife people with beautiful craftsmanship. Thanks! Hanno

[@jayr526]

In case he doesn't reply, CRKT Dragon (a bit longer) or QSP Neckmuk, 2.875" in D2, a neck knife on a chain. Both are under $40. I have both and I like them very much.

[@hanno_t]

@@jayr526 Thanks! The Dragon is a little big for what I had in mind, but looking at CRKT made me consider the Minimalist and thus the "neck knife" category. Currently eyeing the Tops Crow Hawke and will see where I end up.

[@jrex3]

Is there a video that really show cases the PM2? The only one I could find was comparing it with 2 others. There is almost universal love for the PM2 but I can't see why to get it over some others.

[@THETRUECALCAL]

could you please make a video of your favorite beginner knifes under a budget that are flip knifes.

[@TheHiplainsdrifter]

Thank you!

[@gabeeg]

Pie IS better than cake. I appreciate you even more now DCA...

[@ashmerch2558]

How about Magnacut, CPM 4V or Vanadis 4E Sumo ? Sounds good to me.... I disagree about the 52100 and AEB-L toughness.... It depends upon your definition of toughness. Impact toughness is quite similar, but when you try to get alot of performance out of those steels, i.e. high HRC, 52100 will have a distinct advantage over AEB-L in the edge deformation and edge stability department... For example if you take AEB-L to say 64-65 HRC and 52100 to 65-66 HRC, grind both to 0.010" behind the edge, and both have 16-17 degree per side bevels.... Then torque and/or whittle on something hard, like African black wood or brass even. The 52100, even at a half a point to 1.5 points harder, will show less damage to the edge. I believe this to be because of the presence of chromium, particularly free chromium... The lower chromium in 52100 acts as a grain refiner, while AEB-L has enough chromium left over after the formation of it's chromium carbides to still be stainless... I believe AEB-L, 14c28n and Nitro-V to be the best non powdered stainless steels for bushcraft/hard use. The best powdered stainless for bushcraft/harder use are CPM-Magnacut, CPM-154 and possibly S35VN. Im still looking to test S45VN, but have high hopes for it.

[@SirGalath]

Can you name a manual opening lock that can be both closed without getting your hands on the blade path and without the blade bouncing back when closing no matter the force you apply? (unlike the axis lock or the compression lock) So far i have only found that the hawk lock with the toogle detent, the SLS and the shark lock (sort of) can do this... are there any others?

[@e.v.i.]

how do you sharpen a victorinox skiper pro with the victorinox double sharpener

[@scribebat]

Now, David! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Wait just a gosh darn minute! At 18:49, you say, "The less tough steels out there like D2", that you would advise against batoning with it. And at about 17:20, in answer to a question about a bushcraft knife, you're saying the Mora Kansbol is a really great choice in tough stainless in 12C27. Would you baton with that or any other Mora in 12C27 (i know people use those all day every day all over the world to baton with...)? Would you baton with M390? Is that a tough steel? How about something in CTS XHP? Thing about these, they're *all* about equally tough. To find a steel tougher than D2, well, 1095 is a little tougher than all of those and is relatively inexpensive, which has a bit to do with why such a rust prone metal is still so often used in bushcraft knives. 1095's about equal to M4, H1 and you have to go to something like A2 or O1to find tougher. And then D2 has some really good edge retention, much better than the 12C27 in that Mora, lots better also than 1095. From personal experience, i've got one little knife in D2 with a 2.5" blade i batonned through a 2" thick mesquite (hard wood) root one day, borrowed a guy's hammer to do that. He said "don't break you'r knife." i laughed, told him to worry about his hammer, showed him the creases in the face of it. My knife was fine (Jantz pattern 42 in D2, have had it for years). Batoning? D2 is a remarkably stiff steel and maybe that isn't ideal when the grain in a really thick piece of hard wood wants to go all curvy, something 1095 might be a little more accommodating about. You might run into some adverse laws of physics in D2 under such circumstances but under most conditions it should do just fine, even great. But, please, where exactly have you gotten the idea that D2 isn't tough?

[@AYellowPepper]

Australia has a great "Made in Australia" system where they expanded it to a sticker on the box, instead of just a single line of text. That gives the space to tell what % of materials came from Australia: "100% , ~90%, ~75% or

[@syvx]

Hello DCA, from Honolulu Hawaii. Great show, keep it up, it is greatly appreciated. I am Christmas shopping for beginner knives for my nephews who are 4 and 6 years old, respectively. I see some wood knife kits on your website that are perfect and was wondering if you could comment on the ones you have to offer for sale. Thanks and Happy Holidays.

[@Monsoonpain]

I batoned with D2 from A RAT 2 yesterday, it's perfectly fine today

[@seanmahoney2212]

Can you recommend a good boot knife? I have the Gerber ghoststrike but the handle is small for my hands.

[@J3RK115]

Hey DCA, I was curious if I could force a patina on my AUS10A Cold Steel Spartan? If so, is it a good idea and/or what is the best way to do so?

[@bluegreensubmarine]

What is the best stainless and non stainless steel for bushcraft knives?

[@markfcoble]

Thanks! Good info.