KnifeCenter FAQ #61: + Strongest OTF Automatic Knife? + What is a Choil? Steel Toughness Explained

[@claytonfinley488]

Don’t be afraid to get into the weeds! I rely on your videos for the good information presented and the weeds questions are often the most interesting!

[@jasonedens3778]

I have never thought so much about choils in my life. The most interesting and informative knife channel out there.

[@michaeltrombino3888]

I love that you mentioned the virtue of appreciation and love of a knife style, (liking the knife) over blade steel. If a person knows how to sharpen a knife (I am 64 years young and been sharpening every kind of knife since I was 8, and can sharpen a knife on everything from a rock, to the bottom of a coffee cup to the top of a car window) the knife steel isn't a total reason for buying a knife, as long as the steel IS NOT a total piece of crap of a steel. But safety, as always, should be #1! Thanks DCA!!!

[@jeffcanfixit]

THANKS DCA!! I always save vids from Knife Center for Saturdays. House is quiet. You, Thomas and Seth just do good work, knife guys talking about knives.. Take care👍👍🔪

[@Nightwolf866]

The manix2lw is actually hard to operate in latex gloves. They prevent the texture to grab your skin very effective. It is my favorite folder but I can't use it at work for that reason.

[@knottheory79220]

That's interesting. I wonder if a couple of thin strips of skateboard tape on either side wouldn't solve the problem? Of course that might make it too rough on your pocket.

[@senoB]

Best compromise is probably the hand-filling rubbery handles like the Gerber Gator. EKA of Sweden used to make a fair number of folding knives with rubber handles and they are real workhorses. Lock mechanism in both were lockbacks, but EKA tended to use a protruding lanyard loop to actuate the lockback which, combined with a lanyard, might make it rasier while wearing gloves and/or cold weather.

[@LittleSweed]

I got one but yet haven't had that problem while wearing thicker once like mechanics use.

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

I use mine at work (auto mechanic) with latex gloves frequently. If you're talking about the ball bearing lock (and not the whole knife slipping out of your hands), there's a common misconception about this particular knife: Whereas the lock on Benchmade Axis lock knives can be the operated via pressure on only one side of the knife, the Manix isn't designed to work like that. AFAIK, Eric designed it to be operated by pulling back on the lock with the button/ball carrier pinched between two fingers, one per side. Usually thumb and index, or thumb and middle finger. I have seven Manix 2s, both Lightweight/FRN and steel liner/G-10. One is even the old-style full-fat version, with non-skeletonized liners... Heavy! Anyway, on some of mine, the lock can be operated from one side, but it's difficult to do. It doesn't feel smooth, as though that's the way it's supposed to work. Even with a lighter lock spring installed, it doesn't unlock very easily without the aforementioned pinch grip.

[@CadillacDriver]

@@senoB Gerber 😆

[@matthewadler1329]

Thank you for explaining a choil. I don't even waste my breath anymore.

[@xONEWINGx]

Just a note on 12c27 (AEBL) vs 14c28n, 14c28n was mostly an upgrade on stain resistance and then edge retention but the toughness was barely effected (14c28n was 30ftlb whereas AEB-L was 32 ftlb). Both are very tough for knife steels, D2 was 5ftlb, 1095 was 7ftlb and A2 was 10ftlb for comparison so way behind these stainless steels. This was tested by Larrin Thomas. But you are right in that the scandi grind is a frail grind and not well suited to lateral pressures on the edge.

[@knifecenter]

For the record, AEB-L was copied by Sandvik to produce 13C26 - not 12C27 -DCA

[@landscapingspecialist]

@@knifecenter Holy cow DCA replied 🤯 lol! Thanks guys 👍🏻

[@markhenry7138]

The small semi-circular choil found forward of the ricasso where the grind begins is added by the blacksmith using a round file after rough grinding, but before heat treatment. It is meant to relieve pressure and help prevent fractures at the grind heel. This is a popular failure where temperatures or metal quality are difficult to maintain properly. In today's mass produced knives it is mostly for looks and historical context.

[@CeltKnight]

Great advice on the Gerber Gator for use with gloves, wet hands, etc! I bought one way back in '92 or so as a knife to go on my gun belt (LEO). I've used it as everything from a great cutter (it is) to an emergency pry bar (forgive me -- but it worked and popped an aluminum condo window with no damage to the knife). I have three now, two standard half-serrated, black handled ones and one my son gave me that has a thumb hole on the blade very similar to a Spyderco (orange handle, made for Snap-On tools). GREAT knifes and I've seriously considered trying to figure out a way to put a clip on one .. though they work great in a belt sheath, too.

[@charlescollier7217]

Mr. Andersen (always said in the Agent Smith voice in my head) thanks for your answer. It did, in fact, help. Makes me feel even more satisfied with my Kansbol.

[@zoltan2728]

Hey DCA! I “seasoned” my Opinel carbone with 20% vinegar for 10 minutes and after that there’s no more iron taste. Somewhen I heard that patina on carbon steel prevents te bad taste and it’s true. 🥳😎

[@latetodagame1892]

It doesn't!

[@danielmccabe6559]

Men ladies all always watch the tip. Defiantly buy what you like that’s important aswell. D2 1095 1075 any steel. As long as you like it and clean it you are good to go. That dead lock and the condor tools spot on. All great tools. Very nice stuff. Have a good day to all.

[@pastresmalin34]

I purchased the Kershaw OTF as soon as it became available. Yep, hardly any blade wobble BUT... the handle's blade opening was too tight. Every time the blade was deployed or retracted, it the blade's edge rubbed on the handle and was dulled. I returned it. I own a G&G deadlock, super tight but too pricey to carry often... it will be an heirloom. I own a dozen OTFs, after the G&G the tightest (and my favorite) is my Guardian Tactical.

[@mynamesjeff347]

I'm in the middle of deciding which OTF I want and im wondering if you still think that your guardian tactical is still 2nd best to the Deadlock ? Im between Ultratech , Guardian Recon 35 , and Kershaw live wire. Thanks

[@kydd666]

Hey DCA/Seth, when carrying knives it's almost inevitable that one will get lost. What knife loss hit you the hardest?

[@excat]

I've carried knives for 30 years, heavy knife user. Never lost one. If you take care of your tools, you shouldn't ever lose one.

[@kydd666]

@@excat i've only lost 3; 1 was stolen, one was surrendered to security because i forgot it on my keys before going into a venue and the other popped out when i jumped into the mosh pit back when i used to roadie for a metal band. Shit happens, it doesnt mean that i misuse or dont take care of my tools

[@trentenr7255]

I lost a $200+ Benchmade, that was given to me as a gift, getting in and out of an unknown customers car

[@trentenr7255]

@@excat you just got lucky

[@excat]

@@trentenr7255 I guess I'd rather have 30+ years of mindful luck then.

[@pmatsuzaki2568]

I like the getting into the weeds. DCA weed time teaches me a lot which makes me more confident and comfortable buying knives online from KC where I can not test the knife rather than in the store where I can test the knife out.

[@knifecenter]

"DCA Weed Time" - LOL! -DCA

[@willblake72]

My AD-15 has tried on many occasions to eat one of my fingers. There's a learning curve with that lock for sure LOL love that thing.

[@WayneMiller-p9u]

Yes sir I have 10 knifes and I got them some time ago and the bottom to release the blades on the side. But the knifes have no blades and right this minute I can't find them

[@diverson63]

DCA, as far as the Old Hickory you said, 'It tastes great', my Response to that is... "It's less filling!" Couldn't Resist! But yes the carbon steel blades do have a tinny tang to them. Like you stated, "like a 9V battery." Have a good day!

[@jaysgood10]

I licked a car battery once. Now I can’t talk.

[@diverson63]

@@jaysgood10 😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@abc456f]

How about a short primer on bevels? Primary vs. secondary etc. Love the faq series.

[@JamesBarnes-xd9bj]

Sharp question for you. What kind of “spring pressure” would it take to run an ice pick all the way through a peice of plywood?

[@steveredmen437]

Best episode yet and I have seen them all.

[@stephenyeung6341]

For food service and cutting boxes, the best option is probably a cheapy Husky folding box cutter. It has milled aluminum handles and the blade is very easy to change out. Cardboard tears up blades and the tape gums things up. Get a box of replacement blades and you’ll always have a sharp blade. They are very cheap and easy to replace if you lose one.

[@ScottSmith-lx5xb]

I bought a Benchmade Infidel in blue limited edition handle color for $120 new in box. The blade is as rock solid when deployed as a full tang fixed blade. No movement. It is very tight. The deployment button is not super light to open & close blade but it's new and will break in some what. For the price I'm more than satisfied.

[@mackhomie6]

whered you get the infidel? somewhere weird like s garage sale, or an auction or craigslist?

[@jaredappleseed7037]

Hey dca: do you prefer custom shops or the excitement and collectability of sprint runs/exclusives since it's hard for both to exist in one company?

[@akapabs108]

Also to pineapple guy with the slippery knife problem.. If I may throw in my two cents.. see if you can get the original Benchmade Freek.. like DCA's suggestion it too has a rubbery grip with an added textured inlay.. axis lock makes it really easy to deploy with or without gloves.. it's discontinued but you can still find it if you search around the interwebs.

[@Synthgunner]

What’s the best way to keep a carbon steel knife from corroding? Do people just constantly oil them? What kind of oil is best?

[@masemasemasie]

You can use vegetable oil, or any safe oil really. If it has a coating you may not need to oil it nearly as much.

[@mattlawrence8044]

If youre doing food prep veg. oil is recommended. Otherwise tool oil works.

[@jmunsamy]

Hi DCA , how durable are wood handles which are made from walnut, santos wood or olive wood. Do these woods fair well against moisture?

[@patricktakada9551]

With AEB-L becoming popular are simple carbon steels like 1095 obsolete? What advantages do they hold over 12C27, 14C28N, and AEB-L?

[@Hyphae_Foray]

My microtec utx-70 has very little blade play. Granted it's not a large knife but I bought it for wear with light shorts in summer

[@davidvermont]

Missster Anderson: When going to sharpen a knife how do you determine the edge angle from the manufacturer?

[@no.step.on.snek.2423]

Lay the knife flat on the sharpening surface... Observe closley as you slowly lift the spine up keeping the cutting side of the blade on the stone.. as you lift the knife, youll see the small gap between the stone and the cutting edge getting smaller. Keep lifting untill that gap is closed... Thats the factory bevel.. the trick is locking your wrist and througout the stroke, maintaining that angle .. what helped me was coloring the edge with a sharpie marker. And when you do a stroke youll see where the stone removed ink..

[@scotthalvorson1161]

Hey DCA! Could we see a comparison going into the differences between similar ontario rat and esee knives and whether the price hike is worth it or not

[@usergonemad]

James Hartman has it right, 1000%! The very best knife is the one which captures your imagination, feels good in your hand, and makes you happy to use. Nothing else comes close. I have some beloved favorites with so-so steel and some "meh" with fantastic steel. Guess which gets carried the most?

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

Definitely enjoy your videos...I hit the garage with a AJ Fernandez or Cohiba and a cup of coffee ☕ , yes another question 🤔 what fixed blade do you prefer to carry as a daily carry?

[@yankee23a]

A Hoyo or Romeo n Julieta for me.....same thing except pass the coffee for a whisky....and watch this channel

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

@@yankee23a Hoyos are great !

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

The AD-15 is easier to close than DCA shows. The trick is to put your thumb between the yoke and the scales. Lay the other side of the yoke against your middle finger and put on pressure with your thumb. Keep all your fingers clear of the blade path which would be essentially straight. Place your index finger on the spine of the blade and press. The force of the index finger will unlock the yoke from the blade and the blade will swing free. With a little practice you can fully close the blade easily one handed. Andrew Demko has a video demonstrating this with his personal AD-15.

[@marcuscompton3772]

This is gonna be a good one! My favorite knife is the otf!! Benchmade and microtech is why I have no 💰!

[@Synistercrayon]

You nailed my philosophy!! BUY THE KNIVES YOU LIKE!! I mean, I love my high end knives, BUT, I will buy just about ANY knife if I Perceive it as pretty cool I do, however, tend to stay away from cheap flea market style of knife

[@byrone7517]

DCA! How’s it going? I currently wear boots with 8” upper portion and was wondering what you would recommend for a boot knife? I want something that I can tuck on the inside without too much bulk but can be pulled out with ease. Any thoughts?

[@joependleton6714]

I have never seen your show and you just pulled out 3 OTFs and all 3 of them are on my desk right now. Seems you have great taste in knives. I agree for 100 bucks les than an ultratech the sog pentagon is a great knife and its my current EDC. My only complaint is there dull out of the box but they hold a great edge once you give them one

[@impracticooljack6866]

For the guy with the slippery Spyderco manix 2, I really like my s35vn tenacious. A liner lock may be easier for you to close with slippery hands.

[@twatmunro]

The ball lock on the Manix sucks.

[@acid6urns]

@@twatmunrothe ball lock definitely does not suck, it’s one of the strongest lock designs around save maybe cold steels triad lock. it also works essentially exactly like a crossbar in operation

[@Niko.7]

Hello, Mr. Andersen! I have two questions: 1. What is the best or good way to clean mikarta scales? 2. Will an Esee 3 be a good neck knife? Love the videos! Keep up the great work! God bless you all and your families!

[@57HEMIviken]

I carry an izula 2 on my belt not sure id want to wear it as a neck knife let alone the bigger Esee 3 like you're talking qbout

[@chrisc.4517]

@@57HEMIviken I agree 👍🏼

[@Niko.7]

@@57HEMIviken Have you tried to carry the Izula II like a neck knife? I agree that maybe the Izula or the Xancudo would better choices for neck carry. But the 3 is not that much bigger. I was just wondering. Scout carry for me is not an option because I always have a rucksack on my back and with winter clothing it would be difficult for belt carry. Thank you for sharing your opinion on the matter!

[@57HEMIviken]

@@Niko.7 no because i consider it much too big id much rather use my crkr minimalist for that. I carry my izula right in front clipped on the left side of my belt buckle makes it so i dont hqve to remove the knife every time i tqke my belt off or put it on .

[@Niko.7]

@@57HEMIviken I'm glad you found a way that works for you. 😁

[@tplamarr748]

I’m a NEW subscriber and 70 years and been in a ton of brutal fight growing up in a Russian ghetto and SHOCKED none of these OTF knives have NO GUARD!? Please answer me. God bless

[@freemancarlisle6874]

Hey DCA I’m kinda new to the knife world and was looking for the best small edc fixed blade under $100 that can be used for edc, tactical, and kitchen do you have any recommendations? Thanks

[@tidge879]

He answered a similar question to this recently (at a higher price point though) so I doubt you'll get an answer. But he basically said that you can get 2 of the 3, but getting all three is pretty rare! What kind of blade length are you looking for?

[@freemancarlisle6874]

like 3 inch

[@bullridermusic2054]

Civivi Elementum, Praxis.....Ontario Rat Model 1 or 2 depending on your size preferences or Kershaw Link, comes with a 20CV blade, all great options.

[@tidge879]

@@bullridermusic2054 he's after a fixed blade

[@flrbc1ecg]

Hi. DCA, any updates on coming knives or companies with magnacut steel. It's going to be a year since it was released. Wondering why I haven't seen more production knives out this great steel. Thanks

[@CrimeVid]

Victorinox sviss army knife steel is as soft as…? but you can get it shaving sharp in seconds, they are not made for hard long use. I had a military spring loaded front exit knife, you had to push the blade back in against a lump of wood, open there was no blade wobble at all.

[@nonnobissolum]

Hey there, all you good folks at Knife Center! Question....my dad has some strength issues with his hands/fingers. We've tried different thumb stud openers and flippers (in liner locks) but he has significant difficulty with those configurations. The best "match" for light EDC that we've found so far has been a Boker Vox Kompact, but he still has some degree of difficulty tolerating/engaging depression of the button that releases the blade. Do you have suggestions for automatic or OTF (blade cannot be double sided due to Michigan law) or another easy to open/close locking folders, blade length 3 inch or less? Prefer ability to open and close one handed, though two handed closure is okay since he's already doing that with the Kompact. Under $200 would be fabulous. Thanks for all your great content, gang!

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I find the blade on the Spyderco Para 3 pretty easy to open and close one handed, just barely under a three inch blade, and I think they’re around $150 in S30V.

[@hawkshadowoseanacy5171]

The 'taste' you mentioned from certain steels often is a result of different oxidation rates between that steel and metallic fillings. Each becomes, in essence, a battery node (anode (-) or cathode (+)) with seliva acting as the battery acid, allowing charge to flow from one to the other. In essence, you are speeding the rate the one rusts while the other is electroplated

[@benjamingeiser]

Hey DCA! I wanted to thank you for putting out these videos. You're the Bob Ross of knives, and listening to you dispense knowledge and recommendations has really helped distract me through some very rough times recently. Thank you! For my question: I recently discovered the CRKT Offbeat and Offbeat 2, and really like the action of the one-handed Crawford Lockback. I know AG Russell has some One Handed Knives that use a similar design, but are there any other one- handed lockback knives out there?

[@williamvictory3180]

Love the series. I recently bought the CRKT mini cleaver and absolutely love it. I was wondering what are the best affordable/budget friendly neck knives I should get next that would be a good companion to the CRKT mini cleaver?

[@danielfrye4445]

The crkt spert I think is the name . anyway it's in the same minimalist series as the cleaver it's a wharncliff sheepsfoot style blade very good puncture capabilities and the same size a the cleaver and price. It's really good neck knife for edc or even last resort self defense because of blade shape

[@wattsmichaele]

What factory knives have you experienced with the sharpest edge? I am unable to sharpen or even hone a blade anymore because of injuries to one hand and eye.

[@kostoulis7]

Hi DCA. When I camp and trek I use my opinel for food prep and to strike my ferro rod. Is the ka-bar dozier a good alternative for this job for a one hand opening system? I am looking for lightness, slicyness and inexpensiveness with a crisp spine. Is the d2 coating a problem for the spine?

[@chrisreuther4546]

Ok… off of the choil discussion… a bit on the weeds- what’s your preference with the sharpening choil, what are the pros and cons of choils and no choils?!

[@barrystarr22]

A knife is not a pry bar, if you need to pry just a little you may need a TOPS knife as they are about a 1/4" thick for some models and they should hold up to some slight prying.

[@pxb5813]

Hi David, I get this question frequently, have you ever seen a no-safety OTF? By no-safety I mean one that does not recoil during the ejection if something is placed in front of it.

[@DONK0]

you're probably thinking of a single action, which is under tension until opened and the spring pulls the blade all the way out. most otf knives are double action which are not under tension until the slide is pushed.

[@jean-baptistedemets3477]

Hi DCA. What do you think is the proper grind for a nessmuk ? Scandi or flat ? Why? Thank you very much !

[@appalachiangunman9589]

As far as the Manix 2 lightweight, the PM2 has a similar blade length and the full flat grind. The compression lock however allows the blade to fall shut much more easily one handed than the ball bearing lock does. I have both and have used them both plenty.

[@acid6urns]

idk it may be just the manix 2 lw, my g10 manix 2 falls shut like an absolute dream, it’s so smooth

[@appalachiangunman9589]

@@acid6urns I have a G-10 Manix 2 now and it’s falls shut almost as easily as my PM2 and Para 3, I like it much better than the lightweight version. The light weight is my work knife though since it was a lot cheaper than my other Spyderco’s.

[@jethernandez16]

Hey DCA I’ve been looking at the Dpx hest flipper but I can’t find anyone talking about the flipper version on KZbin there also seems to be 2 versions one on washers and one on Ikbs how do they compare to the regular 3.0

[@bgbgbggeeri]

Hey DCA! Could you recommend an EDC pocket knife for perform a sabrage on a bottle of champagne? Thanks!

[@mylesharvey6488]

Thank you awesome advice on no wiggle OTF. Is there any current makers using Al Marr blade designs in better steel?

[@imthebadguy3225]

If you're carrying a four hundred dollar knife in your pocket, tell the clerk to keep the change!

[@tarasnyder3470]

💯

[@natek1993]

Love the Condor Cavelore. Been wanting to get one for quite some time. I love the overall look of it.

[@landscapingspecialist]

I was bidding on a mantix salt in lc200n. I got bid sniped at less that 20 sec left. Sold for $130. Still looking for one since the spyderco Caribbean is still on delay 😔

[@aarongriffin470]

Hey DCA how do you sharpen a convex ground knife. Also if I scratch the blade how do I fix the scratches

[@tonycanniffe2360]

He did a video on sharpening convex. For scratches you can restore with sandpaper coarse to fine depending on the scratches and the steel. Pretty easy on softer steels like Victorinox.

[@knifecenter]

Check out this video for sharpening: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXfIhJt7iZVnaac And yes, if the blade is scratched you'll actually have to refinish the surface to blend them back in. I wouldn't worry about that though. If you are sharpening your knife that means you are using it, so embrace the scratches! -DCA

[@pat2469]

Hey Knifecenter….never heard this question before but what are some good quality blunt edged dive knives?

[@JamesBarnes-xd9bj]

What is the strongest spring loaded OTF knife (switchblade) on the market? Is there anything that would push my hand away from a tree if I were in a position to open the knife while pushing up against it!??

[@treychambers3050]

Just get a standard G10 Manix 2. It’s actually more grippy all around than the lightweight one is (I’ve had both). And it has the standard pocket clip which helps your one handed closing grip. Most locked in feeling knife I’ve ever had.

[@brycejustin8750]

Hey DCA. What would be a good large traditional camp knife for under $80, thanks.

[@vdcalls]

I've really enjoyed your channel over the last month or so that I've started trying to learn more about knives Question: I see/hear about 'ease of sharpening' all the time. I understand some steels are harder than others, but I don't completely understand the comment. Are we saying that standard sharpeners that non knife enthusiast may have in their kitchen drawer (i.e. smith, outdoor edge, etc) will not sharpen them, will take 5x more strokes, will take 10x more strokes, etc? Do I have to have a Lansky type multi grit style sharpener to sharpen higher end steels?

[@toyotrustPR]

I have never bought an OTF because I am always worried about accidental deployment of the blade in my pocket. Is that possible? The switch moving in my pocket and poking myself? Thanks.

[@davidosako4680]

Microtech required pressure kinda like squeezing a gun trigger in order to make the blade come out a - you either get your thumbs and hand tougher or don't use the knife that's literally the safety of microtech knifes different between crappy Chinese or USA made ones is the spring and how tight it is my ultratech I can sleep with it which I do and keep my 2nd one in box for collecting

[@davidosako4680]

Microtech knifes have a pocket clip so I keep mine in around my stomach face down so no lint or anything goes in the knife so I don't have to clean it which makes playing with it longer before rem oil cleaning

[@DanielChzBurger7]

When you sharpen a knife, do you go from tip to handle/choil or handle/choil to tip?

[@knifecenter]

Either way as long as it is comfortable for you -DCA

[@alanhelgeson690]

Is their such a thing as a bluebook of knife values?

[@landscapingspecialist]

I got you guys covered if you ever need a weedwhacker (line trimmer)!! Only have 12 of them!

[@ryanbarkhurst3043]

Hey DCA I have a fun question, I have Fallin in love with the spyderco dragonfly blade shape with the thumb ramp and finger choil on the leaf shaped blade what are some bigger more premium options out their like it, and does only spyderco make the leaf shaped blades

[@landscapingspecialist]

ad10 or ad15 to the food box opener guy for sure. I was thinking this before you recommended it 👌🏻. Cant go wrong with a coldsteel imo (if made in USA isnt part of criteria)

[@Mr.Toastor]

Yeah, otf ones... What is the most cheap otf because I know only boker flash otf what cost around 75 "evergreen papers" and it's interesting does exist more cheaper one?

[@nihiluskarr2717]

Hi DCA, Love the channel, and I hope this finds you well. In previous videos, you have mentioned that you like a challenge, and I think I might have good challenge for you. I am a big fan of the classic Broken back Sea-axe design (KZbin seems to be deleting my comments with the shortened name. So, I am using the longer term), and was wondering if you knew of any good fixed or folding knives that have that blade shape in the 4.5 to 8 inch blade range, with Micarta handle. If you could find one with a flat steel pommel, that would be awesome, but it's not a necessity at all. I am wanting to use this for camping and bushcraft. So, a good steel would be nice, but it doesn't have to be anything specific. I do have a max budget of $300 though. Currently I am looking at the Condor Carbon Steel Sea-axe, but was wondering if you knew of any other good options, because it's kind of hard to find good Sea-axe designs that are not a flat edge. Sincere thanks in advance, if you decide to help with this, and sorry if this is too specific.

[@evltn01]

Hey DCA, will you please talk about why some makers make folding knives that have ambidextrous locking mechanisms only right hand, friendly? It seems so almost prejudice against left-handers, and a loss of 10 to 20% of the market.

[@Floyd-IKE]

I have the Pentagon by SOG nice knife. And a Piranha OTF these two are my favorite. Out of 4 I have of the OTF.

[@chikendrumstick]

Hey DCA, I was wondering what the biggest and the smallest knives you offer at the KnifeCenter are, either in terms of blade length or overall length. Thanks.

[@paulstone1912]

I have had a couple different brands of OTF knives and didn't like the play inherent in their designs. I sold both and purchased a SOG PENTAGON OTF and have no play at all. I'm a very pleased Happy Camper Now😅

[@LittleSweed]

If it's a dedicated place for a finger it's a finger grove and nothing else and a choil is a choil until it's large enough to fit your finger then it's a grove.

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

I have a 2005 qd scarab from microtech that has zero blade play…a lot of vintage microtechs had zero blade play…

[@kyliejohn3813]

Hey, DCA. Can you recommend best bang-for-your-buck knives within tiered price points - both folder and fixed blades? Under $50, $50-$100, $100-$150 and so on. I’m looking for a knife in the $200-$250 range which will keep a very sharp edge for a long time. (I kind of suck at sharpening currently). Much appreciated!

[@larryblair5699]

My friend at work (Vietnam Vet) gets all excited about Solingen Steel and his old Randall knife. Would you give a brief explanation of why that is such a big deal?

[@Funse]

Hey David. My wife loves to play with the Civivi Pintail thanks to its flipper action. On the other hand she is a bit jealous of the axis lock on my 940. Is there an alternative to the SOG Terminus XR Flipper (S 35 vn) or is this the knife to go? Would make a nice present for her.

[@Doc.Holiday]

A Civivi Button Lock might be a good option for the gentleman closing with rubber gloves. The gravity drop makes it easy to put away. It’s slim, great clip and the 14C28N is better than great steel. The hollow grind is slicey as any knife out there. For a little more traction rough up the scales with sandpaper but I doubt that to be necessary.

[@tutzdesYT]

Yeah. I used it with winter gloves (actually thick mittens). Took it from the pocket, opened the knife, cut stuff, closed, put back and it worked admirably. I can't say I could repeat the trick (or at least as easily do it) with any of my flippers and thumb-hole/thumb-stud knives. Micarta scales are excellent for traction and button-lock is probably the easiest to use with wet, greasy hands or with gloves on.

[@gyffesme]

Excellent idea. The button lock elementum with micarta scales would, I think, provide sufficient traction.

[@sbrunswick7043]

Hey DCA, I love my Spyderco Shaman, specifically the 'leaf'-shaped blade, but I wish it were a little thicker. Any suggestions for knives that are similarly shaped but have a little more meat? Thanks!

[@Psychonaut999]

Hey DCA! I am looking for an alternative to The Rat Bastard MT Enigma Pocket Probe. It seems like the perfect tool, but it has been discontinued.

[@nicktoadvine2104]

Can you comment knives available in magna cut steel?

[@knifeaddict1014]

I’m really curious about the tungsten knife, like how on earth would you sharpen that? Would love to see a video on edge retention on that!

[@roybokelman4215]

Diamond stones.

[@senoB]

Yep, diamond stones. I believe I heard them mention there is a sharpening tutorial on their FAQ section of Sandrin website.

[@knifeaddict1014]

I wonder if it eats a lot of the diamond stones tho?

[@carlk1183]

Hey guys, I'm looking for an edc fixed blade about the size of the Ferum Forge but I don't want it in D2 steel. Anything like it in cpm154 or better? I don't want to spend alot as it will be a user if I like carrying a lot. Currently I carry a Benchmade Mini Barrage. Thanks

[@dtzchar]

Hey DCA! I pre ordered a Chris Reeve knives Sebenza 31 back in early September. I knew it was on pre order but I thought hey, the knife is worth the few months wait. Come to find out it will probably be a year or longer till I get my Sebenza! Why does it take so much longer to get a CRK than any other knife maker? And are there really that many people paying almost $500 for a pocket knife that they are backed up over 12 months? Thanks DCA love the show.

[@knifecenter]

High demand and relatively low output numbers unfortunately. They have increased their output this year, but they are growing their capacity cautiously. -DCA

[@dolguldur4706]

Hey DCA..how are you?for the next FAQ,can you please let us know the tungsten carbide glass breaker put into knive really works?or just a show piece..like microtech,seems they have a lot of glass breaker in their lineups..

[@marcausedc9521]

What is the best ZT knife under $200 with less than 3.5 inch blade, not a bruiser in the pocket, non assist if possible, blade steel doesn’t matter so much and G10 handle. Thank you!

[@akapabs108]

That would be a Kershaw Bareknuckle.

[@57HEMIviken]

The zt0460 has been on sale for $150

[@akapabs108]

ZT 0460 and 0450 are both great Sinkevich designed manual flippers.

[@57HEMIviken]

@@akapabs108 I've got 0460 and 0462 love em they're at neeves knives for review right now can't wait to get them back lol

[@leebutcher2260]

Where can I get a Sog OT F

[@jamesbarker6039]

Try using a small balloon on the end of a otf knife to keep objects from entering.

[@JackDaniels2535]

Reposting my question here. Ok, so I love the color green. I hate the zombie craze because it created a lot of just terrible knives with Green on them. I feel like that's partly why we don't see so many knives in green as opposed to say Blue which I am not a fan of at all but seems to be on so many nice knives. I just bought the Civivi Crit in that Green Micarta I would really like to see some more Premium/Classy Knives in that sort of deep forest Green or really any green that isn't that toxic Green. Bonus points for Knives with green Hardware. Side note Not a huge fan of Jade G10 but I have used it to Dye them a nicer green. Willing to pay around $300 for quality.

[@choppermagoo6154]

More flexable means tougher now?

[@benjaminserrano2282]

Thomas is cool! DCA … you’re good ! Keep it up Brother! 🇺🇸🐸♥️

[@jimmyjones9950]

Hey David, a million thanks for all the great videos you produce. I have a question for you. Is The Knife Center ever going to consider selling your cap in the same color of green or red like the shirts you wear when creating your videos? These are two cool colors and I would love to buy a cap with either of these colors. Please let me know David. Take care and thank you very much. Jimmy.

[@jerrypomroy2375]

Hey DCA, I need your help. I’m thinking of getting a couple of the guys at work pocket knives for Xmas. I’ve probed each of them a bit and come up with the following. One likes flipper knives with a hunting/tactical/somewhat burly vibe. One likes knives with a crossbar style lock or keeps the fingers out of the path of the blade. One likes knives with partial serrations and quick one handed deployment. I’d like to stay within the $30-$50 range for each but get them the best bang for my buck. Sprinkle your wisdom, kind sir?