KnifeCenter FAQ

We all know a sharp knife is a good one, but is there a wrong way to go about maintaining that edge? Plus, we’ll cover how fixed blades might take inspiration from folders, the right knife to buy more than once, and which late night host had the sharpest wit.
3 Reasons You NEED a Pocket Fixed Blade: • 3 Reasons You NEED a P...
Featured Knives
Zwilling J.A. Henckels TWIN Four Star: kcoti.com/3yGyNwc
Zwilling J.A. Henckels V-Edge Sharpener: kcoti.com/3KdY8QC
Wusthof 4-Stage Handheld Sharpener: kcoti.com/44ZUnrU
CIVIVI and WE Elementum: kcoti.com/4bIaDzQ
KA-BAR Dozier: kcoti.com/45cBm5H
Cold Steel AD15: kcoti.com/4ayqpMO
Demko FREEREIGN: kcoti.com/4aPuJYd
Benchmade Adamas: kcoti.com/4bPeMlB
KA-BAR Becker BK41: kcoti.com/3Kh9mE2
Opinel N09: kcoti.com/4axOMdu
Petrified Fish Hourglass: kcoti.com/3QZTwkS
Benchmade Bailout: kcoti.com/3yA2teF
Spyderco Manix 2 XL: kcoti.com/3QUTScQ
Boker Atlas: kcoti.com/3QUTSJS
Morakniv Companion: kcoti.com/4bxbi7B
Ontario RAT Model 1: kcoti.com/4bynLrq
00:00 Intro
00:39 Pull-Through Sharpeners Explained
05:40 Making Fixed Blades out of Folders
14:06 Small Fixed Blade Advantages
15:16 Knives to Stash Everywhere
17:04 Late Knife Comedy
Slightly Larger that Average Patches: kcoti.com/3IXcovQ
Need a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/2MaMxqJ
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[@bolivarnj]

Victorinox & Leatherman, apples and oranges. Both have their place and can be complimentary together.

[@RichardHinds-qs2mi]

David, Don’t worry brother, you’ll start talking like an adult again soon enough. You’ll get the hang of it. Cooing for three weeks really gets you out of practice for actual speech. Glad you’re back. Congrats man.

[@donwise9459]

I am a handicapped senior and have a small pocket knife collection. But in regards to what knife would you put in multiple places, I have a Victorinox Swiss Army Super Tinker in every room. It makes my life easier, by not having to keep moving around the apartment to get it when I need it. It is also my carry knife.

[@ross_7751]

QSP Canary is a great example of a good small folder that was turned into an awesome fixed blade knife. Love that knife.

[@amalgam5107]

Can’t we just like both Victorinox and Leatherman? Both open my Amazon boxes 😂

[@Errcyco]

I use the Classic.. or whatever the smallest one is called, on my keychain so it’s always with me and it opens boxes and tightens little screws well. Trims my mustache too. I use my Leatherman tool for bigger stuff.. mostly for the pliers tbh. I do use the awl to open e liquid for the flavoring. Ironically, the Classic gets the most use, like 2-4 times a day and honestly for important stuff.. I wouldn’t go long without it. I have my grandpas one he bought in the 1970s. Still works great.

[@hdrider2071]

Carcass splitter for me... but i do open very large boxes 😂

[@Nightwolf866]

Reliability : I found a Rat 1 in a dusty drawer. Must've been inside 2 years. Action was perfect 😊

[@cavemandanwilder5597]

Another benefit of fixed blades over a folder with the same form; less time/effort spent on retrieval, opening, closing, and replacement. The proper sheath and carry method will allow you to draw a fixed blade, use it, and replace it all without adjusting your grip. It really adds up if you use your knife frequently enough.

[@iangray5742]

Leatherman, fixed and bendy blades - Spyderco yojimbi and it's brethrrin came to mind

[@stuartb9194]

The Opinel #9 fixie would be superb, add a 'scoessh' to the blade thickness, and a simple leather sheath. Perfect camp knife

[@Woolsocks]

The opinel no.8,9, or 10 would be amazing as a fixed blade, I would personally like to leave them in the same super slicey thin geometry!

[@twatmunro]

@@Woolsocks -- This this, all day this.

[@crazeeaz]

​@@Woolsocks#9 in would be a perfect steak knife

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

Leatherman. I need pliers often

[@retireddac]

DCA, thank you. That did answer my question. I had been curious considering how great the German knife products turn out I thought they may have figured out a better method for sharpening too. For now, looks like hand sharpening will stay. Thanks again. I appreciate the channel.

[@Obsidian-One]

If you care about your knife at all, don't ever use pull through sharpeners of any kind. No matter what they say it is not the same at all and will slowly just eat and destroy your blade. DCA manix 2xl = Mule.

[@Chris_Mack]

I have two for the folder to fixed blade list . . . Spyderco's Manix 2 regular & XL (I know David mentioned the XL) and Zero Tolerance's 0308.

[@kelvinhyatt1314]

The Buck 101 fixed blade version of the Buck 110 was phenomenal

[@ThePaPappy]

Felix Immler wrote a book about making camp and living for three months in the backwoods with just a SAK. I can't find any books where the did the same with a Leatherman Wave 👀😁

[@cemetarygates2800]

* Question of the week for David. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? haha....all in good fun and it's great to see you back in action!

[@kermitthepog7063]

There's actually three versions of the Elementum Fixed Blade! There's the one with a leather sheath and contoured handles too. Measure once cut twice perhaps?

[@JerryLoffelbein]

The Spyderco MULE Team knives are pretty much the Manix 2 XL. I suppose Spyderco only sells them direct though, and in small batches

[@LonnieHutchinson90]

Don’t buy a pull through sharpener it tears the steel off buy a guided system or hand stones

[@WhuDhat]

I always enjoy these faq videos

[@reegsgeer]

I have the Esee Xancudo. It's my Benchmade bugout fixed blade. Just needs thinner scales.

[@ezequielikonikoff]

Hello DCA, Thomas and Seth! I wanted to know what your first "real" knife was. Thank you, I love your content.

[@elgatofelix8917]

As opposed to their first imaginary knife? 😂

[@The4cp]

The Buck 101 fixed blade needs to return!

[@thorin693]

Just got the manix2 LW magnacut, make it a fixed blade as is, or split the finger choil between the blade and handle.

[@Woolsocks]

The benchmade 940 would be great as a fixed blade.

[@Alexander210]

They did make somewhat of one. They had the Benchmade Centego Fixed. Osborne design and really resembles the 940.

[@mswindoc]

DCA, Once or twice a year my wife visits Lowe's and buys bags of rock to go around the edge or our house. She uses one of my knives to cut open all those bags, and if I didn't have my trusty pull sharpener, it would take a lifetime to get my edge back on my Eafengrow Bearfly...the perfect knife for such extreme tasks.

[@waylonwade1203]

Hey DCA, I collect American made knives, mainly EDC folders. One thing I am missing is a fun or whimsical knife, something like the Rike Hummingbird or the CRKT Ritual. Can you recommend a USA made knife that brings some fun or whimsy to the table?

[@tmille10]

PF it’s so good at making a working blade, phenomenal!

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

Folders I would love to see converted into fixed blades would include the Spyderco Native Chief, Zero Tolerance 0308, and the Benchmade Freek. I have both a Leatherman Wave and a Victorinox Spirit Plus, and I prefer the Spirit, but use both depending on which is closer. When I want to carry something much smaller it's either going to be the Leatherman Squirt or the SAK Compact, usually the Compact.

[@Hiddenphanton17]

Ok this question is probably unanswerable but figured I'd give you guys a shot. For the last few years I have been trying to find 2 different discontinued knives that I used to own. I tried contacting the company but they don't sell or carry any new old stock apparently. I get that one of them was from the 80s but the other was from 2007ish. Was hoping you could point me in the right direction for a reputable 3rd party dealer that might specialize in finding discontinued product without ripping me off. Thank you.

[@joelfonder8626]

Always, always Swiss Army. My go to is a Mora chisel point out in the wood shop. First thing I put on when I walk out the, then my Rockler apron with various measuring and marking tools. Good show.

[@Jeremy-Two]

Fix blade my folder! Cold Steel Recon 1, Cold Steel SR1, Cold Steel Ranch Boss or Broken Skull, Cold Steel Frenzy, and Cold Steel Counter Point.

[@chrisjosekuehl]

lol the sr1 is a folder version of the srk or srk-c fixed blade, it

[@Kidarcana]

The Cold Steel Espada in fixed blade might be fun.

[@snickersnee15]

I'm glad that lightning round question was asked. I've been stuck on it for years. I would love to carry one of my SAKs, but when I reach for a multitool I always feel naked without a pair of pliers. The downside there is that a Leatherman is bulky and heavy which I am not a fan of. Also redundancy gives me a headache. So having a multitool that has a knife already makes it feel strange to carry another knife. In conclusion. I'm stuck.

[@InsipidChicken]

Victorinox is releasing a bladeless line. No redundancy with a folder, and no bulk.

[@snickersnee15]

@InsipidChicken that would be awesome!

[@PoetFisherman]

Great fixed blade with a folder version, Spyderco Waterway and the Siren.

[@RM-xd5gp]

Buck 110 slim select is a great vehicle knife, especially in orange. Easy to find and can do just about anything.

[@stringbender247]

Pull through cant compare to guided Tsprof style sharpening systems and ill take anyone up on that. I can out sharpen any pull through with my Tsprof

[@HonestArcher_13]

For your last ? DCA, I can never decide; I carry both,Leatherman for bigger jobs Victorinox for smaller more precise jobs.

[@marccohen5579]

I bought a Spyderco Aqua Salt Fixed 4.78" H1 Black Plain Blade, FRN Handles, Polymer Sheath from KC that as the same / similar shape as the Spyderco Endela.

[@omf2007]

Both...I enjoy using both Swiss army knives and leathermans. Different primary uses for each with a little crossover.

[@johnshifflett1722]

Leatherman edges out Victoinox for everyday tasks but the Victorinox would be my camping companion

[@Skreach666]

Hey DCA, I would love the QSP Penguin as a Fixed blade.

[@coquicoqui6761]

I would love to see the tops backbite as a folder

[@keyblur_the_stoic]

Hello Thomas, welcome back David. You guys may be my only hope. I'm currently trying too find a finger safe modern replacement for my Gerber Decent 2. Quality rates over price for me. Thanx. P.S. you can ignore the carabiner I always do.

[@leecunningham1072]

Leathermans are great, but for everyday carry I'd go with a SAK Mechanic (discontinued??) - Yep, small and it's got (small) pliers for light duty work. Current Deluxe Tinker would work, too.

[@Meta-Drew]

Good answers on the knives to stash anywhere, ganzo rat clones and kabar doziers I both have multiple of and do this exact thing with

[@holeo94]

TJ Schawrz/CRKT overland is a great folder turned fixed blade!

[@bloodgain]

One issue even that Henckels pull-through doesn't fix is that the pull-through motion creates a scratch pattern parallel to the edge instead of perpendicular. Even at very fine grits, part of what makes an edge effective and durable is that the scratches create a "toothy" pattern at the edge, although it is often too small to see without magnification. This is also why layered ("Damascus") steel can actually create "sharper" blades. The variation in the steel creates a microscopic serration-like effect. The more and finer the layers, the sharper it can feel.

[@Bentatorship]

The worst knife sharpener out there is me because I don't do it...

[@christophertaylor7034]

Welcome back!, CRKT Shenanigan would make a fantastic fixed blade!😊

[@kostoulis7]

Hi DCA! Congrats on the new family addition :) how to define if a knife is a big knife or a machete? (having the Condor mini Duku in mind). Also, since I watched the whole video: Victorinox !!! (I am Swiss though, so maaaaaybe biased). Cheers and thanks for the content

[@dogbarkmanmd2498]

Mister Aanderson. I gotta a kweshin fer ya. I do land surveying and I am looking for a new knife to carry with me in the field. Since I use a machete for cutting away brush and that kinda stuff all I really need this knife to do is scrape away writing on the wooden stakes. I would need it to be weather resistant, hold an edge as long as possible, and would really like to keep the price under 50 bucks, but would make an exception for something special. Thanks so much for your time. Hope you get around to this kweshin in ya next vid

[@larshoneytoast722]

1:51 no it doesn't matter, you can be an absolute novice at hand sharpening and still get a better edge than any pull thru. The only possible exception is the spyderco sharpener

[@slywolfe]

I'd love a fixed blade sheepdog

[@joecorzine8057]

The two knives, I would love to see that our folding knives as fixed blades are from cold steel, the American lawman, and the recon one would both make awesome fixer blades, even if they made mini versions of those would be the best fix blades

[@graylingboysalisbury]

A better question would be , 2nd best multi tool. At least then Leatherman would sometimes feature.

[@jonp9158]

Most recommended cutting board material or type of wood, best for not dulling an edge?

[@tsmspace]

I can swear by the dozier in d2 except for one problem. I had to make my own swedge, because it's spine is so thick near the tip that you would never guess how many times the tip doesn't fit where you need it to. But,, a diamond stone and a few minutes (ok ,, kind of long ,, 20 minutes because the steel is hard) ,,, and I made a full blown swedge at the tip and would you believe it that knife is superb.

[@unfi6798]

We run KaBar Selkirk flipper & fixed blade.

[@paullambert4445]

The Rat 2 would be a do everything small outdoor knife. 🎸🔪

[@eriktaylor5704]

CJRB Feldspar fixed blade sounds amazing as a budget EDC

[@cintage]

A Spyderco ManFix 2. Cool. Victorinox and Ferguson. ;)

[@MrGT500]

i need a new fishing knife, must stand up well to salt water, be fixed, at least partially serrated, and strong enough to pry and smash things with as well

[@ergezinger]

For the love of Pete from Cedric & Ada, i don't know why Spyderco hasn't made a Fixed Blade Shaman yet,... i would buy any version of it in whatever steel or whatever handle.

[@velvetine74]

As someone living in the UK I can carry a Victorinox mini champ on my keychain and no one batts an eyelid. I like the leatherman's with the nice blade steel like the Magnacut or the S30v too though.

[@casualcanoer2426]

Hi all, love the show! What’s the purpose of a bolster on a folding knife? Why are they so common on the classic knife styles (e.g., stockman, trapper, canoe, etc.)? I’ve also noticed that a lot of the KnifeCenter exclusives have titanium bolsters (e.g., CJRB Ekko and CJRB Pyrite Bowie). Is it more than just looks? I can’t find a good answer. Thanks!

[@CharlesMac1313]

I recorded every episode of Craig Ferguson. He was the best.. when it comes to multi-tools I've carried the top of the line Gerber multi-tool for over 25 years and it is been replaced One Time by the company due to the jaw of the pliers breaking and there are other Styles between the Leatherman and Victorinox that are great and they definitely have a purpose for every need . Congratulations on becoming a new father🎉

[@Adam.297]

With the growing popularity of the replaceable blade utility knives, how long do you think it will be until companies start making blades that are more traditional pocket knife shaped?

[@lukejoukhador7165]

Hey guys I would love to see a really expensive knife appreciation video at least 2x Thomas truck value 😂 love the content

[@Xbox360gamer5000]

the pull through sharpener from Zwilling is actually not that bad it produces razor edges. for amateurs it's really good. it also has different angles to choose from. dmt has a similar pull through sharpener but it's not that effective and has a bigger dead zone because a small part of the blade doesn't gwt touched by the stone on on side at the base of the blade

[@iyn1911]

Is the the sharpener that you roll with the blade upside down on the table any good?

[@crookmcstealie]

Knife companies often release a smaller version of a popular knife. What I am wondering is this: how do they shrink them? Do they whittle them from the originals? Do they have shrink-ray technology? Do they wash them in hot water and put them in the dryer? Do they put them in a dehydrator? Is it a secret? Thanks.

[@rtz549]

In the computer it can scale them up and down a percent at a time.

[@crookmcstealie]

@@rtz549 so it's like Weird Science? Computers make them?

[@rtz549]

@@crookmcstealie I'm saying the CAD drawing.

[@crookmcstealie]

@@rtz549 in the movie Gary and Wyatt hooked their computer up to a government computer, and there was an accident with the electrics, that's how Lisa got made. I don't remember Cad. There was a Chet, he was a bully.

[@joshmcmanis5767]

Because of this series, I literally keep a Rat1 and Mora Companion in my garage. I carry one or the other when I’m working in the lawn. Hopefully, I can avoid moving farts.

[@edwardenglish6919]

Could you please compare the Victorinox Venture Pro to similar knives with sharp spines and exposed pommels for bushcraft.

[@dennispoley6005]

Yes, my EDC is the Manix 2 XL. I've said a few times before that it would be a great fixed blade with some nicely contoured handles. Plier based multitools are far better than SAKs, especially if you consider price.

[@SMarcey]

A fixed blade version of the Opinel no9 would go so hard. Little leather belth sheath for it and bam, thats an instant classic right there. It would be perfect for camping too. Thin grind to help with wood cutting and would blast through rope too. Also would probably be fantastic for food prep. Someone needs to forward this idea to Opinel. Even if its just a small run of them.

[@pathrst]

What is a recently released knife that you think will stand the test of time to become a classic, like the case trapper, buck 110, SAK, Opinel #8, etc?

[@unknownartist47]

The sak is a knife that has tools and the leatherman is a tool that has a knife. If size matters the sak is always available in pocket.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

Manix XL kinda reminds me of the Spyderco Mules actually...so consider your wish granted DCA!

[@grandepatron]

Manix fixed blade I think is similar to what already exists. The Mule team series of knives.

[@cameronduncan7921]

Yeah Spyderco could explore making a little more intricate handle designs. I am a fan but thats where BM has them beat

[@warnerdrew01]

I want to see a pocket fixed blade Sebenza edc.

[@Doug-do7ge]

Benchmade 940 as a fixie would slap

[@RobbieEdminson]

Hey DCA and crew, can you recommend a neck knife/ pocket fixed blade around $100. I've never carried either and want to try them out. Thanks for any advice.

[@luckybassturd7260]

For defense? Maybe a crkt S.P.E.W🩸 or variety of crkt minimalist blades? Demko armiger 4 might be to big but demko makes a small armiger 2 , key chain/ neck knife. White river m1 is pricey but good material, lots of choices & made in usa 🇺🇸 & Cold steel has a lot of neck knives to choose from? ✌️🤟🤙

[@RobbieEdminson]

Plus I have slightly larger than average hand size.

[@jack1-133]

Hey DCA, I have a good collection of knives but my most gentlemanly is a CRKT LCK. What would you recommend under $100 that would work as a steak knife, in nice company, and simply look good? Any opening type will work. Thanks!

[@travisworts6249]

The manix is thin enough to not get in the way of my pocket so I don't mind the larger footprint.

[@Niko.7]

Victorinox - all day, every day and twice on Sunday! 😁

[@donavinkreischer]

hey dca (and Thomas) I have a Morakniv 511 and I don't know how to sharpen it, is it just like any other knife? or with it having a Scandi grind is it different? I only have a work sharp adjustable sharpener. no wet stones.

[@williampontious7075]

Neither,, I cary Gerber multitools. Would like to see the Gerber Sumo in a fixed blade. It has been my edc for almost three years now, and I love it.

[@joshuamurray3237]

Hi David an the rest of the knife center gang .Have you ever bought a knife that you really enjoy then realized that the cutting geometry could be better but you still love the knife I have the zt emerson 0640 it's well built an I love the fell in hand .... is there somewhere I can get this problem resolved? Thank you in advance

[@jufuh1503]

Hey DCA and Thomas, i've bought a Kershaw taskmaster shear a few years ago. I find it really useful to in the kitchen, but mostly to process rough grouse and to eat lobster. I was thinking recently that shears are underestimated and i'm pretty sure there are other good items on the market that i just dont know about, what would be the most interesting shears/scissors in your opinion right now? Thanks for your wisdom 🙏

[@outdoorwatchnorway3678]

I have the Buck 110 in fixed and folder. They are very simular. The fulltang fixed is lighter 😃👍

[@BluestedSRT4]

They need to make that large Elememtum fixed blade back into a button lock folder at a 1:1 scale.

[@viscousmartincarey7031]

I’d go with leatherman but either would suffice. 👍

[@thorin693]

Or just carry both.

[@jay-ai-em3025]

Hey DCA! Looking for an outdoor combo of a multitool (SAK or Ruike) a traditional slip joint type knife for food prep and lite carving and finally a chopper or machete (I live In a jungle environment) all for around $150...thank you and love the show!

[@gimliismyhero2045]

Victorinox hands down. I own three leatherman products that are disappointing as can be. My Victorinox tools have never let me down when I needed them

[@num351]

Hey, i m watching your Q&A Videos since a wile! My question is, I'm having SpyderCo Bob Terzuola CPM 440V Starmate Since 1999, and i m very happy with. What will be your Thoughts for a Similar Knife with all those new Steels as an alternative and without serrated blade? Thx

[@ghozt9119]

AD 10 would be great fix blade . Weatherman over vict.

[@bigwillcast]

I’m on the hunt for a modern folder with nice modern features …. Styled like an old school knife. Pearl handles. Brass. Polished blade steel. Gentleman’s knife. I can’t find ANYTHING. any recommendations?

[@kevinmadrigal9090]

Would love to see more production fixed blades from Justin Lundquist like his fixed feist or a fixed Lumi