KnifeCenter FAQ #8: Hard Use Folders? + EDC Fixed Blades, Folder/Multitool Combos, More

[@jamieryall8341]

Never saw a David C video where I didn't learn something. Man's a knife encyclopedia.

[@ebec2believe776]

Sir, I have watched all of your Knife Center videos, pretty sure of it. I have recently had a complete change of my life and subsequent future(I am now utterly alone). Because of this change I am going deep after Grid to either recharge or fail. You have taught me that a fixed blade is my best choice. However I am struggling to find a hard use knife with end retention. Need a knife to severe line, field dress and still be able to slice tomatoes for chow. I am not afraid of affording such a one or two knife collection. I am departing into a lifestyle that is minimalistic in a extreme sense. I would like to personally thank you for helping learn. ~momentum vívere momentum morí

[@noah_9886]

For that first guy, I would just stick with a replaceable blade utility knife cause that concrete grit is going to dull your knife. Much quicker to switch the blade than dress the edge cause you dragged it in the aggregate. It’s not like you’re edc’ing with just the utility knife, just carry both on you cause you’re going to be loaded down with tools anyways. Maybe consider a snap blade, those have always helped in my finish carpentry work

[@DL-ij7tf]

I agree, I carry a razor knife in my tools at work for stuff that will be nasty for any edge (like drywall or anything close to concrete) and I have a Pocket knife for more "personal" carry. I also keep either a Mora Robust or Hultafors green handled knife (GK? In SK5 steel) with my tools. Comes in handy once in a while

[@czenkusm]

I agree

[@coalhair99]

i bought an all stainless Pilar 2 years ago, good pick, this thing is a trooper. Love these videos, glad you started doing them!!

[@jonlouis2582]

Dillydally I agree.

[@hectorramirez5973]

The "Knife Advisor" at its best! David great vids & above all useful to your viewers. Kudos!

[@TylerHaley]

everytime i watch these vids im impressed by ur knowledge and good manners. my next knife when i get a job im buying from knife center thanks for the vids and info

[@knifecenter]

Thank you for the kind words Tyler! -DCA

[@LTT.Official]

Have to agree with the first question and recommendation. I have the Boker Vox F3 in S30v and it is fantastic, a brute of a knife that hasn't let me down yet, I pry, scrape (with the spine), cut open cement bags, notch wood. Great all rounder, if he goes with that he won't be disappointed.

[@Cj12sings]

Again I must say this is an OUTSTANDING series, I really appreciate your thoughtful reflection on users needs and the selections you come up with, really appreciate your insights and enjoyed seeing your personal EDC choices....!!!!

[@knifecenter]

Thank you sir, and thank you for your questions in the past! -DCA

[@owenphillips1139]

Indestructible dental point folder

[@roc20621]

These are the best knife selection overviews out there- to the point with great info. Just a plug for an overlooked harder use EDC that doesn't get enough love imo, the Tops Mini Scandi 4.0 folder; open back liner lock, N690co that has amazing ergos and the smoothest flipping action. Worth a re-look for everyone chasing down the newest hotness. Great work and keep it up!

[@gizmocarr3093]

Something you might want mention about Mora sheath design is the options the sheath provides; the sheath can be clipped to a shirt or coat button. The provided stud on most utility sheaths can be stacked together using the stud on the sheath. This makes a handy way to keep two different blade designs handy. When working in cold and wet conditions or sub-zero weather and snow cover. There is no place you would want to lay your knife down in the snow or a swamp. The idea of neck carry knives becomes quite handy in many outdoor activities. It is really tuff getting inside a pocket with gloves or mittens. If you are wearing waders in a swamp or fast moving trout stream and need a knife it is a no-brainer. It simply works better for more situations. You can dress like Tarzan or Nanuk of the north and carry a knife. Pocket clips are handy; if you have pockets or belt; but past that they have little to offer.

[@philiplucky7170]

Love the sheep foot, personnaly my favourite blade

[@timsd0nahue]

I enjoyed the video, well done. I laughed when you recommended a $600 knife for a construction worker; for that money you could buy 2 Skil Mag 77’s and still have money leftover for a bunch of blades and a twelve-er of Cold Snacks.

[@cooperclarke154]

for the construction folder the morakniv chisel knife should be a great option as well!

[@EerAzuil]

I thought there is a painters knife version as well, talking about opening paint cans... yep, here it is, 7 euro's, probably 7 dollars or so. www.knivesandtools.com/en/pt/-hultafors-mk-painter-s-knife-380040.htm

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

@@ericpitre4031 I think Sandvik is an amazing steel. I've never had any issues with it.

[@woodentulike2no]

Simply the Best Knife Spokesman I have ever heard! Bravo sir, great work as always!

[@rong.9130]

My top use for a hawkbill is mushroom hunting. With a hawkbill you can reach around behind the mushroom and pull towoard you as you cut, which is especially useful for mushrooms which are still partially buried. The Opinel mushroom knife is a classic example, though I use a Honey Badger Claw onto which I've grafted a small brush for cleaning dirty shrooms.

[@williamperron760]

Love these FAQS! Keep em coming.

[@MostlyFlyFishing77]

Thanks so much for answering my question. I'm really just using a pocket knife to break down cardboard these days and the hawkbill seems like a specialized blade shape for that.

[@knifecenter]

Indeed! -DCA

[@maninkabukimask]

Thanks for the suggestions, I ended up breaking that $75 and getting a esee-4 with 3d micarta.

[@knifecenter]

An excellent choice! -DCA

[@mikelawson5811]

Well thought out responses to the questions put for. These have been very well done.

[@randytherhino]

More FAQs please, I can't get enough.

[@dsknives310]

Wow very impressed with tht Canteen u designed 👀 Scallops & all. LT rocks👍🏻. Reminds me of my Bradford 5.5 with a Muk tip. Cool design & flow for a camp knife.👍🏻👍🏻. I use an LT Patriot & G3 for scout carry.

[@chrisreuther4546]

These are some of my favorite knife videos on the tube now! Great idea! Great job!

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

Hey David, just a little addendum to your folder for construction recommendation. I used to work as an electrician and carried a folder that I used repeatedly throughout the day. A construction folder should NOT have a finger choil. Construction guys usually wear gloves and unless it's a spyderco with a dedicated fingerchoil and not just an enlarged sharpening choil you are going to cut up that glove or even your finger as the thickness of the glove makes your finger sit even closer to the blade. Also, when cutting plastic sheathing I find that the material binds and gets hung up in the choil making life a misery. My go to knife was the Endura or the Modus.

[@TheTl33]

To the Construction guy. I work construction also. My main 3 i rotations are a manix 2 xl (mines m4), spyderco Caribbean (weird one but works awesome on wet days and not having to worry about rust), and a cold steel code 4/air lite. I think the cold steels or a manix 2 lightweight would be best in your price range. But the manix 2 xl is my main work knife and better than anything else I’ve tried (I’ve tried a lot lol). I also bought the boker plus f3 and wouldn’t recommend it. Came with substantial blade rock and when I tried to fix it the screws rounded right out. The hardware is just to soft for a construction knife in my opinion. I also do take mine apart frequently to clean them.

[@j.w.9407]

Would love DCA’s 10 favorite knives video ✌️

[@shrooman777]

The first letter described the Kershaw Emerson tanto cqc8k pretty well. You can pry paint can lids all day, and if it’s stuck on just poke right through it.

[@willblake72]

I've got one of those SAKs with the side lock and nail nick, it's handy. Once in MT around 2002ish we saw a fawn hit by a car and the driver kept going although the deer wasn't dead. Bush league. We used the SAK to put that poor thing out of its misery. It was the only blade we had on us. The blade shape made it surprisingly easy and we were glad to have a lock because the thing was thrashing around. Unfortunately I was in my Subaru Loyale, so that baby was left to the coyotes.

[@IanMM88]

Just bought the Recon-1 spear tip S30VN speaking of hard working folders. Can't wait to get it. Cold Steel is one of my favorites.

[@brodon4886]

Great show. You introduced me to a lot of knives I wasn’t familiar with. Keep them coming.

[@redsingh1990]

Hawkbills are great for wire stripping and Cutting insulation on copper tubing. I use a fine steel honing rod to keep the blade sharp.

[@tylerbarnes7628]

I EDC an Izula 2 scout carry. I suggest the teklok for it. The standard clip it comes with doesn't keep the knife from moving around with scout carry.

[@billy13870]

For Artenio I would personally recommend a benchmade pukko. It's a very solid knife and gets thick very quick behind the tip so no problems prying open paint lids and the 3v steel is definitely tough enough to handle it. The sheath has a dangle system which makes it very easy to access but the knife can fall out if you're on your back so I wouldn't recommend to a plumber or somebody that had to lay down a lot. That's if he's willing to try a fixed blade

[@7ali7]

Massive flex there DCA just casually whipping out his 'Benza 😃 another awesome video man thank you for your insights, please keep them coming. All the best

[@evan77A]

I have a Kershaw flipper that I use the flippers tab for opening paint cans. It works fine about 90 percent of the time.

[@dragos2023]

I like that you included Boker Spark. It's hard to find much about it on youtube.

[@zacharyhighberger-ct9dn]

DCA, i purchased my Dad a Brad Zinker Boker Urban Trapper (white resin handle) for Father's Day. I felt it would match up well for his gentleman's carry knife. He likes the size for convenience. Any similar size EDC for his main hobby - trout fly fishing. Likely wet conditions. Thanks for all the education, Sir! DR. Z

[@zacharyhighberger-ct9dn]

FYI-Anything less than 200$ would be great!

[@knifecenter]

Maybe our Badlands Vagabond exclusive? www.knifecenter.com/item/CIVC2019F1/civivi-knives-c2019f-1-badlands-vagabond-flipper-knife-s35vn-satin-blade-white-frn-handles-knifecenter-exclusive

[@johngunter2054]

Hey David! I've been collecting knives for over 7 years or so. I like knives that I can per-say use and abuse and not have to worry about breaking or falling. I have a budget of about $80 to $170! I like CPM S35vn but it getting to were to me there's to many knives made from it! I like a knife that is easy to manipulate.

[@stevetqp9152]

Very nice collection, DCA! As for my 2 cents, I always prefer a knife with "safety" features, over "appearance". That's why I wouldn't choose something like that Zieba, because, while it does look nice and sleek, the handle is too thin and smooth for a safe grip, IMHO. As for the venerable Swiss Army Knife, of course I too, have a few from my younger days, just for the utility they offer. However, I never liked a knife with no locking mechanism. Also, in my experience, the little thin metal "spring" on those scissors never really held up for me. As a "backup" though, they're great. I perfer a more robust. solid EDC such as the Cold Steel AD15 Lite. It's quite robust, and has a very solid lock mechanism in the scorpion lock. Thanks again, David.

[@nicolagazzaniga3204]

Really love this series and David is an incredible presenter! Can't wait to pick up your pilgrim nordsmith.

[@Leftyotism]

I think the CRKT M16-03 (framelock) also fits the "hard use fodler" group. Very sturdy and very budget friendly, also very easy to maintain and fairly simplistic in its number of parts. 🥰

[@hawkshadowoseanacy5171]

Cold steel has a small fixedish blade handle that uses a folder like lock to secure replaceable blades. There are several types of blades available and replacements are not too expensive. An option is the first guy doesn't want a replaceable blade utility type knife.

[@John5.56]

The gerber fastball is one of the first “quality” knives I’ve personally bought, and it’s absolutely excellent. The only complaint I have is the pocket clip.

[@Rusonekox9]

For work construction uses my recommendation is always gonna be a Cold steel recon tanto in tanto blade. ($100) sv35vn, but hey even the carpenter steel works beautifully, and is in the 4 inches length. Fixed there are many to name but i always use 3v or aus8.

[@JensenAzotea]

I use a ken onion worksharp with blade grinder attachment for karambit/ hawkbill shapes. It works pretty well

[@jamieluvsknives3912]

Great knives, i almost bought the xm-24 but i saw you guys had 1 curtiss knives f3 large warncliff so i bought that from you guys yesterday can't wait to get it

[@arctodussimus6198]

I’m a fan of the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman myself. My nephew has carried one for almost ten years now. Mine stays in a kit in my main wilderness bag. Was just wondering what your thoughts are about this as a hard use edc.

[@tallica4life81]

I’ve moved pass bearing on a user. I get them too dirty with all the saw dust and dirt. Love Teflon washers in my gen 6 xm-18 and my try way eklipse.

[@davidpalmer9014]

Do you pack any first aid when you go camping or hiking? If so, what are the basics you would recommend? Are there any small packable kits you can suggest?

[@unknownartist47]

That Nordsmith is an impressive blade and LT does make some of the best. 👍👍

[@hottrockinrocker3519]

Mr. Andersen, FAQ for upcoming video...How do I know what angle to select on a Lansky Qsharp or Csharp, I assume each company does different sharpened edge angles. Thank you!!

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

Great options for sure. Though I've never considered using my Sebenza for work, I'm sure it would take anything you throw at it.🍻

[@josephmonette7173]

Cold Steel micro recon 1, even the mini version is tough as nails and Mora knives are the best

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for another fun knife thought experiment!

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Checkout the Cold steel pocket bushman. A folder to replace your fixed blade.

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

Hi David, I'm looking for the perfect camp kitchen knife as a gift for a friend who does all the cooking when we all go camping. It should be thin enough for food prep, have a blade guard or sheath for portability, and stainless steel if possible. My budget is about $100. I could just buy a random kitchen knife but I'm looking for something more outdoorsy if that makes sense.

[@sinkablemite1113]

Hey David, I've been doing lawn care for a while and I have used many knives for work but they just aren't doing it for me. I cut thick cords, bags of seed and what not, and I cut little trees as well. Could you recommend a good knife for me between 75 and 100 buck a little over is ok. Thanks so much

[@gonzorudeboy]

Oh my, that Nordsmith blade is sweeeeeeet😍😍😍😍

[@natedamon1777]

Hey David, love your channel! I'm looking for a camping/EDC knife for my older brother. He's allergic to some metals, but he loves knives! Unfortunately this means any knives he uses regularly need to have non-metal grips. I'd like to get him a quality folding knife he can easily carry all the time, but also something sturdy enough to feel comfortable sharpening marshmallow sticks or even breaking down kindling. The best option I've found so far is the CRKT Parascale you recommended in another video. Can you suggest a few other knives with similar designs? The key feature in this case being no/minimal exposed metal on the grip. Thanks!

[@Leftyotism]

25:42 Goddamn! I always was looking for such a shape for outdoor + outdoor food stuff that doesn't look tactical! 😍

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

Excellent video Dave

[@johnwest4492]

Hey David C. , what about a Cold Steel Tough Lite ?

[@knifecenter]

Tri-Ad lock can be more susceptible to grit, so that is why I went with open-backed framelock with washers as my criteria. -DCA

[@johnwest4492]

Oh ok makes perfect sense:))

[@artemioquintero7866]

DCA! You ruined me, I love the Rick Hinder my life was complete up until the introduction to that knife. Thank you for your recommendations to my question. The design off the fixed blade at the end gets major kudos from me! That’s probably my favorite knife on the table.

[@knifecenter]

Lol, sorry/not sorry my friend! Thanks for your question. It really made me dig down and think. -DCA

[@J3RK115]

What's the "best" utilitarian pocket knife for smaller women in your opinion? Looking for suggestions for what to get my 5'1 (small hands) friend that she can carry in those tiny pockets. I'm deciding between a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 or the Cold Steel Tuff-Lite but I'm up for anything

[@mjones4220]

Hi David I carry a Leatherman Wave (older model) and a Buck 110 with G10 and S30v steel. I am looking for something similar but not more than $250 total. I live on a micro homestead and work in Computers as well. So it would need to be at home in both environments. Do you have a recommendation?

[@danielwade7.62x51]

Cold steel Voyager xl ,I've cut wood pallets in half with mine and the tri ad lock is insane ,never broke one , but I've broke. Alot of knives

[@requiscatinpace7392]

Hello Mr DCA. I’m a firefighter I dropped my knife off of the roof of a burning building this morning 🙄😁. It was only a CRKT Crawford Kasper folder so no tears have been shed. Could you do a video on hard use folders for Emergency Services? They should be reasonably cheap but good quality. If someone asks to borrow your knife at an incident you can’t say no because it’s so expensive you can’t afford to replace it and you might not remember who borrowed it or who they then passed it on to. For example here in the UK a Benchmade Triage would cost $275. I can’t afford to drop that off a building. In my opinion it needs a point a glass breaker and partial/full serrations (don’t hate me) 😜😀 Thank you for your videos.

[@EerAzuil]

Just my two cents, have the Kershaw Barricade. Big sturdy knife, only 30 dollars, with glassbreaker and beltcutter. But there is way more. DCA did a video about recue knives 3 months ago. Hope you can keep doing your good work a long time. Friendly greetings. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIvMlJV7aK92b68 www.knifecenter.com/item/KS8650/kershaw-8650-barricade-assisted-flipper-folding-knife-black-clip-point-blade-orange-gfn-handles-strap-cutter

[@k.nightravenm298]

I like OVERBUILT knives. I wondered if you could recommend an EXTREMELY Hard Use Folder, between $75 - $300 with an approximate 1/4" thick blade stock and a minimum blade length of 3.75" that's built like a "Brick Shithouse". Any suggestions?

[@EerAzuil]

There is allready a vid about this... yep here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKWYpGWlYq5seMk

[@AnomadAlaska]

Knife AQ: What's your take on neck carry? I have Ethan's necker, of course, and an older spyderco (Spot) and benchmade (160 Elishewitz?). What about neck carry sheathes (Linus?) for folders or other more recent evolutions in this area? I like this style of carry and think small fixed blades are very practical carried this way.

[@fredf9562]

Mr.Anderson, thanks for the information and sharing your own EDC. I currently EDC a Civivi Elementum in Micarta and D2 as my office and gentleman’s carry. Which Civivi would be most comparable for the same type of carry but with a longer blade (3.25 inches or greater). If not a Civivi then would you recommend another brand and model also with a micarta handle and a flipper action? Thanks.

[@cashdingo6386]

get a cold steel recon or maybe a tanto voyager for your construction hard use, you get s35vn for around 100 on the recon

[@AR-vf7vg]

What backpack do You recommend for my 32 EDC knifes (they each have their very unique advantages!) ? ;-)

[@80808O]

That xm-24 recommendation was epic 😆

[@markfcoble]

Like I said..ordered cold steel pocket bushman for camping. Will use gloves!

[@gearfireman]

I want that fixed blade you designed

[@7ali7]

Doesn't it look so good. DCA is absolutely the knife guy of the year. So sick

[@0mfgno]

Why not reccomended the Benchmade boost? 3V and a chisel shaped blade, I'd he's gonna pry with a knife, thats one of the few knives I'd even consider it

[@knifecenter]

He mentioned he had problems with dust in his Mini Griptilian Axis Lock... adding the spring assist mechanism from the Boost is likely to introduce even more trouble when dealing with concrete dust. -DCA

[@andrewh6034]

Great questions and info.

[@zsombordonko6459]

Thanks gor the great suggestions!

[@knifecenter]

My pleasure! -DCA

[@JamesGMunn]

Please cover the current kitchen knife steels. Wustoff/German vs. Japanese or some of the newer Chinese companies. I am looking for a fixed blade kitchen knife with a bladesafe for camping and outdoor used mostly for cooking and maybe some smaller fish cleaning.

[@mrmkloven6183]

I work in a warehouse and everyday I carry a leather man charge+ and that exact sabenza…sometimes an xm18

[@joesmulti-edc890]

Hey D-C-A! I've been loving this series and have one question. Will knifecenter consider carrying the QSP brand of knives? I only use knifecenter for online knife shopping, but I'm really loving a few knives by QSP that I've watched reviews for. QSP make budget friendly knives with awesome action.

[@knifecenter]

We should actually have their lineup on our site very soon. Keep watching! -DCA

[@MyKnifeJourney]

What is your recommendation for sharpening Maxamet or other premium steels? I just got a PM2 in Maxamet and want the right tools to sharpen it correctly.

[@rayrieder2380]

Yes David I have a question for you. How many knives do you own?

[@HammerSmashedFace92]

I need recommendations on small skinning knives(rabbit and then like sized) fixed or folding

[@korgan7779]

Great work as always! If Victorinox would reintroduce the 84mm scissors and have a Cadet X model and a Sportsman X model, I think they'd out sale everything but the Compact and the Pioneer/Farmer X models.

[@knifecenter]

I'm the first in line for a Cadet X! -DCA

[@korgan7779]

@@knifecenter Being a tinkerer/DIY guy myself, I recovered a couple of 84mm Scissors from old torn up SAKs and am deciding on whether to pen them back in with brass rivets/rod or try to get some correct sized pivot screws for them.

[@robhead22]

Actually i have a quick non knife question. What is the name of the bass and harmonica piece of music you play at the end of your videos??

[@jamesharris1493]

Hi David! How are you and the staff over in Knife Center? The Zieba knife really impressed me a lot! That kind of knife should be seen in some kind of newer James Bond movie when it comes to some kind of knife fight using a gentleman's knife. That Zieba can really give the CRKT CEO a run for the money! What do you guys think?

[@knifecenter]

We're doing well James! Check out the video we are posting tomorrow on gentleman's knives... I think you will find your question answered :) -DCA

[@travwalters8110]

Whats a good suggestion for a scout edc with no scales? Im also in DC every week, so less than 3 inches is essential

[@darc1027]

I would love to get a spyderco Amalgam but don't have the budget for it. What is good alternative preferably same blade and handle shape but more in the $50- $100 price rage. Thank you

[@anvi48]

Hello, David. If you really like treasure hunting in your advices try to do one for me. At first sight it seemed simple but I haven’t managed to do it myself. I try to find a knife which has around 3,5’’ drop point blade, frame lock, washers, thumb stud, strait titanium handle with a simple design. I understand that Sebenza is the answer. But let’s try to find something in around $200-$250 price range.

[@knifecenter]

I'll see what I can do ;) -DCA

[@anvi48]

@@knifecenter Is there any chance you can answer my question? I am really looking forward to hearing from you.

[@sgsheff]

Let's be honest, what he really wanted to suggest in response was Cold Steel. Air lite, code 4, and recon 1 all under $100. Get the recon 1 in the blade shape you want. S35vn with one of the best heat treats on the market. If you want to keep buying knives that break get one of his suggestions. If you want a knife that will last and stand up to your paint cans and everything else get a Cold Steel

[@raghavgrover503]

Hey David! I’m a college student looking to get into knives. My restrictions are that I can’t carry anything over 2inches on campus, and I need something affordable, preferably around the 50 dollar range. My main applications are usually opening boxes, some leather work at times, just general EDC. What are some good options? I’m open to spending more provided I get a bang for my buck. Edit: I’m looking at these knives rn - Spyderco Chicago, Spyderco Dragonfly 2, Boker Stubby Strike, Kershaw Launch 4, CRKT Minimalist Warncliffe.

[@raghavgrover503]

@Logan Waltz I do usually carry a box cutter, but I wanted to get a knife as box cutters tend to not have the grip and size sweet point.

[@mazcartel6274]

Hello world from England, great video as always

[@mattjay6633]

DCA! Big fan from sunny FL. I work in the management team at a cannabis dispensary and when you said zipties you piqued my interest... I own and carry multiple knives daily; including my XM18, Sebby, Anthem, CT hellhound, etc.... but usually on truck days I process thru about 50-100 zipties... usually I use my boker strike bowie(d2) or kizer junges(n690) as they both are on the cheaper side of my collection, have decent steel, and that bowie tip gets into the tight zip ties.... Suggestions, my friend?

[@erikjensen6503]

I really like the Canteen knife I'm going to preorder one for my camper

[@jaysgood10]

Thanks David. A great selection to cover all bases. I’m almost at my $50 reward mark. What should I get?

[@knifecenter]

Awesome! Check out a Cold Steel Lucky One while we still have 'em: kcoti.com/2Hz5X6M

[@johnsanders7337]

Chris tanners personal design also has a continously curving curved blade with a big curve in the curved belly... I have modified several old hickory for the exact affect.. effect or... curvey affection...

[@robhead22]

Great video. Thank you!

[@albertogomez1706]

Hello I would like to know if you can make deliveries to California I want to buy a 3.4 inch microtech is for collection purposes

[@knifecenter]

We do certainly ship to CA. Give us a call for specific questions about automatics - 800.338.6799

[@rumbledotcom2261]

Best knife sharpeners at $50, $100, $150?

[@GrumpyGrunt]

I like that Canteen Knife, DC.