KnifeCenter FAQ

[@dutchanimal010]

For the locking-closed knife, I really like my first gen Button Lock Elementum. I think a lot of folks were put off by having only one method of opening but something about the simplicity really speaks to me. Plus it achieves the prompt without needing a redundant secondary lock.

[@Ericstraordinary]

I was going to suggest this one too. It doesn't come in a super steel, but 14C28N is great for EDC.

[@kwongyeang]

I'm supporting everyone who mentions the Large Button Lock Elementum. What a great working knife. Agree with everything you said.

[@zachcumpston1125]

I love the seriousness of the most serious question of the day and also the thought put in!

[@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223]

Have had an Ontario Rat 1 for quite awhile now and it's been a fantastic blade. Does everything I need it to. Highly recommend for the price

[@MB-jg4tr]

Simple design good geometry. I wish they made a Rat 1.5 as the 1's handle size doesn't feel good to me, and I love the 2 but the handle is a bit small. Recon 1 all day everyday for me. A little overkill but it's there when I need it.

[@chrishynes6091]

Opinel locks closed also.

[@EvilTwinRC51]

Yeah you missed that he asked for a super steel.

[@chrishynes6091]

@@EvilTwinRC51 Oops 😬

[@kinguin7]

​@@EvilTwinRC51 DCA started off with a few budget options.

[@johnruiz6743]

Opinel is also not assisted or auto so it's not opening in your pocket anyway...🤔

[@quinnkirlew9892]

@@johnruiz6743 I have definitely had non-spring tensioned knives open in my pocket. Along those same lines, the old bear knives do a similar thing.

[@timtitus2532]

It's not a worry. It happened to me with a cheap Italian switchblade knife when I was about 15 years old. Got a fairly bad cut on my right hand while reaching into my pocket. So I've never owned any kind of automatic knife since. The large Civivi Elementum button lock without the flipper tab, locks in the closed as well as the open position, sounds like that would be a perfect fit for the first question.

[@kwongyeang]

I'm supporting everyone who mentions the Large Button Lock Elementum. What a great working knife. Agree with everything you said.

[@notdisclosed]

The large 3.47" blade, button-only Civivi Elementum essentially locks closed. I wish they made more variants of that knife or more knives that operate in the same manner. It's also safer to close as you don't have to put your fingers in the blade path.

[@kwongyeang]

I'm supporting everyone who mentions the Large Button Lock Elementum. What a great working knife. Agree with everything you said.

[@mdoe8]

I have the same desire to have a safety on my knives as well, primarily due to carrying my kids around. Check out the Buck Hexam. It fit the bill perfectly for me. It’s, in my opinion, even better than a standard safety. You have to hold open with your thumb what is essentially a single sided crossbar lock, but then also flip it, it doesn’t open as soon as the lock is disengaged. It’s just as fast to deploy as a standard flipper as it all happens from a normal grip, but it’s extraordinarily safe in the pocket still. Downsides are it’s a bigger knife and low end steel. Wish they would make versions with better materials.

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

I had a Sog and a Kershaw Leek both open in my pocket. The Sog had been locked in my pocket, but movment unlocked the tab. On the Leek that tab can also shift from moving things in the pocket.

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

I'm new to having an interest in finer knives. That's because I've carried a Swiss army knife since junior high. So some of my questions may have already been answered: 1) Does the black coating on camping/bushcraft/survival knives wear eventually through? 2) Is a black coating recommended on carbon steel blades to prevent rust and are some coatings better than others? 3) If the coating gets scratched up badly is there any way to reapply or remove the rest of it? 4) Does the coating add or reduce friction when the blade is used for the splitting wood? 5) Has any coating been used to reduce tendency of blades or hatchets to get stuck when chopping wood?

[@Jkopala1954]

DCA, in, FAQ 191, you again mentioned tip ip and tip down pocket carry That got me to thinking. Is that a matter of personal preference? or are there objective reasons? To prefer one over the other?? Love the series, thanks

[@antimatter2380]

It's all about hand position when pulling the knife out the pocket. Tip up makes it easier to pull it out and deploy the blade without repositioning your hand.

[@inspector-tech]

Wow!! Love that single action Heretic. Never seen that before! Think I’ll treat myself to one of these and a Stitch auto for Christmas…

[@andrewdarowski1975]

Once again, calling for an updated Leek! There's no need for speed safe nowadays, and the clip needs a good looking at. I honestly think it'd be a hit. Leave the blade alone as its a slicing monster, change the clip and mechanism.

[@EDCandLace]

Sadly it ain't gonna happen. Ive hoped for it as well but they sell so many at current there is no reason for them to change it.

[@andrewdarowski1975]

@EDCandLace yeah, you're probably right. I also think that there is no incentive for Ken Onion to allow it because I imagine that he gets paid once for the design, and again for use of the speed safe mechanism. Would be good though right?!

[@chrisdunn2934]

Hey DCA and crew! I know Mora, Opinel, and Victorinox are all staples in the knife community and are time tested. But if you had to pick one of these brands and make them add super steels and modern handle materials in their lineup. Which brand is most deserving of this and would benefit most from it?

[@sharkfan0902]

Heeeey your the comment that video came from!

[@unfi6798]

Love this kind of cooking show. Almost as good as an Aussie Stew.

[@Gee_Dub]

22:02 because the Stars always Lead the Way.

[@ejesoriginal]

I've only had one style of folder open in my pocket, and it happened several times. It was a Whisker's Allen Magic Pro-Tech automatic with a scale release. I still have the knife but I never carry it, which saddens me because it was fairly expensive at the time and it's a super nice knife. I won't buy a scale release anymore because of this.

[@heavychevy4616]

fot that 1st one, may i recommend 2 of my favorites... the gerber 06 auto & its lil brother, the gerber propel auto... locks in BOTH open & closed positions

[@kdiddyb1]

I’ve been on the search for a pair of knives as I’m assuming there isn’t one said knife for my needs. Here it goes. When hunting deer you have to use a knife to cut around the backend (if you know what I mean) and make a cut with a smaller knife around the colon. You then need a knife or could use the same one to gut and skin the deer. Wondering if there is a knife that is perfect for both uses? Lots of knifes are made for skinning deer but wondering about one that is made for the other aspects of field dressing a deer. I’ve used the “buck” not a pun on purpose, but wondering what other options might be. Possibly a fixed blade or lighter folder than a buck. Thanks again. Love the videos.

[@aaron1540]

Thank you for answering my question! I appreciate it.

[@Ratchman_5000]

You'd have to be playing some serious pocket pool for an OTF to deploy in your pocket.

[@HonestArcher_13]

I am breaking away from assisted knives,moving on to pocket fixies; they are a lot safer and faster to deploy if needed. Only one that I carry is the Kesrshaw Leek.Safety is key!! If it has to be a folder I'll use a lockback😉

[@rael9]

I have an older Gent from when they partnered with Massdrop. One day I left it on the bumper of my truck at the transfer station, and it got left behind and then run over. Luckily they held onto it and I was able to get it back, but it was a bit busted up. The Ferrum Forge folks were super helpful and got me the replacement screws and other bits I needed to get it back in working order for all of $5.

[@johnmccain3762]

The Grover colored casbah is my all time favorite

[@theodurbin8672]

24:00 I get that the Scallion is a Ken Onion design and this question is Most Serious... but I think you might actually mean *shallots*? You know, with a splash of cognac, to keep it French. Scallions are green onions, closer to chives than big yellow onions.

[@theodurbin8672]

but the cheese coverage was [chef's kiss]

[@robertmosier6028]

He 100% was thinking shallots when he said scallions 😂

[@theodurbin8672]

@@robertmosier6028 Somebody needs to design & release THAT knife.

[@knifecenter]

I would have used the Shallot but Kershaw doesn't make it anymore lol -DCA

[@jaspernquartz]

...needs Salt, or if you want extra salty, maybe a Salt 2?

[@maxanderson4278]

Video suggestion: might be interistion to make a video on the minimum steel needed for the average edc vs specialized needs or application. MOST people will not need their knife in survival or hard use situations. Not all will be able to buy the latest high end steels or expensive knives to daily carry so would be good to see a steel range type that you would suggest for edc carry. Most people likely will not be in"wet all day" or in areas the will damage the knife just by carring. Some clearly will and that would be special applications. Just for us average folks. Thanks for considering.

[@K.V.P14]

Glad to see Benchmade are still at the forefront of cutting edge knife design and pushing boundaries with their material choice. 350+ dollars for a G10 handled knife is truly outstanding! I might get 3 or 4 to put in my car , garage and bug out bag 😍

[@michaelinsc9724]

Hey, you left out the most important feature: that Grand Canyon sized gap between the gray and green portions! 😂😂😂😂

[@jayr526]

They are certainly good about pushing the boundaries on price.

[@defenderofpoodles5606]

Now complain about the Protech with the same features at the same price.

[@DeffoZappo]

Only 350? Gee I hope it comes in 440c

[@CuttingBoardRx]

ADV Tactical makes Pitt Boss 2 full size button lock that has a safety for open and closed positions, and S35VN blade with beautiful compound grind.

[@JakeSmith-ps4vr]

The only knife that ever bit me in the pocket was my Medford smooth criminal. Reached in for my keys, and my hand came out looking like a scene out of saw. Still love it, just really careful now.

[@threesixtysafari2115]

I had a Kershaw Chive (smaller version of Leek) open in my pocket because the 'lock' broke in two. The knife was stuck in a half open V in my pocket and I could feel the tip occasionally poke my thigh. It was quite a puzzle on how to remove it from my pocket without cutting myself. I did get a new lock piece sent to me by Kershaw for free and continued to use it for EDC. After using many other knives, I recommend using non-assisted folders and non-wave opening folders. If you need faster opening then get a fixed blade.

[@jayr526]

I have an original Ferrum Forge gent. Very nice!

[@Deibodese]

A bit of Measured Once, Cut Twice: Some high-end double-action OTFs have a safety feature where if the blade runs into something while firing, it disengages from the track to avoid puncturing whatever it hit. Just pull the blade out fully with your fingers to reset it on its track.

[@EggsOverSleazy]

Easy way to remember flag orientation rules. Stars into battle, stars towards your heart (when on the front of a uniform).

[@ChristianAMaier_RO]

The ingredients for the onion soup are delicious. But for the cheese, I would of course have suggested the Swiss Cheesemaster.

[@MrTJohnston]

TR-4 is such an awesome knife!

[@Ericstraordinary]

There are also some nice Balisongs that won't inadvertently open in your pocket.

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

My Kershaw launch opened in my pocket and cut the hell out of me. I no longer carry that automatic

[@jayr526]

My pinkie finally healed.

[@JohnDoe-ex6fc]

Civivi Clavi opened in my pocket. Way too sharp to risk carrying that knife again.

[@happykt]

I've never had a problem with any of my Civivi's and I own 31 of them.

[@jeremynedrow7003]

Cold steel double safe hunter does and they made a version in S35vn.

[@Errcyco]

For me I think OTF is the best bet for safe. They open quick and close safe... I'm in California thought so not ideal for me. I mostly go with folders with trusted detents.. Civivi and Kizer recently.

[@feetdog20]

Are there any other knives similar to the kizer mini bay? i love the fidgety double detent!

[@Sanguivore]

The Kizer Walnut, and one of my personal favorites: the non-locking (double detent) version of the Kizer Sheepdog. It is *ultra* satisfying.

[@crookmcstealie]

Sometimes when I've worn fancy pants I've noticed that the pockets are sewn shut. Is there a knife that is best or made specifically for opening these pockets? Would a knife made for cutting pockets be the one true "pocket knife"?

[@DylanLey]

What other blade materials for knives other than steel are out there? I'm aware of ceramic knives and tungsten carbide, but was wondering if there were even more and how they stack up in terms of performance!

[@tombstoner6360]

Worth noting that Openel and the Reat EXO also lock closed. Neither are terribly EDC friendly, but interesting nonetheless. Also any balisong with a latch

[@StinkyWeiner]

Grill hooks are really handy

[@ventsolaire]

Opinel 6 and above can lock in their closing position, too.

[@bengoldstein26]

I snorted so loud when dca started making the french onion soup i woke up my wife in the other room 😂

[@ross_7751]

I still like the Kizer Riverbank as much as my Elementum knives.

[@HammerSmashedFace92]

Only time a knife has opened in my pocket was when I take my pants off and they fall.

[@iamgroot4080]

Which one?

[@iamgroot4080]

Which one?

[@HammerSmashedFace92]

@iamgroot4080 don't remember. But any folder that falls has a potential to fling open

[@mgtwinpop]

16:22 not a canoe? Totally a canoe! Fun little kits!

[@davidcherry3107]

Hello DCA, I have a question for your consideration. I'm looking for a tactical neck knife, with acceptable steel, a double edge spearpoint (preferred) or Wharncliffe blade, and a relatively thin, slicey blade stock. I like D2. 14c28n would also be okay, but no 8CR, 440 or 9CR, please. Of course, a more premium steel would be a plus. I don't want a push knife, and I'd like to get at least a 3 finger grip with my medium-sized hands. I have a hard 3.5" blade length limit. I'm hoping to get all of this for under $150, but I'm open to spending more for the right knife. Got anything worth considering? Thanks, DJC

[@nvalley]

I know We made the original run of Gent knives. I bet they're still the OEM for Gent 2.0

[@sharkfan0902]

Hey there David! Could you do a video on how to wear different sheaths abs different sheath styles, im looking for more information but most people just show you where to wear them.

[@hoomanmostofi464]

Would like to see some multi functional knives. Not dedicated multi tools like SAK, but knives that perform more than one function like dpx hest, civivi sendy etc. thank you

[@BearTrailOutfitters]

Hey DCA and crew, I've been looking for a locking folder with the quality, fit & finish of a Sebenza but with the dimensions that would make it legal in any jurisdiction. I haven't been able to find too many USA-made knives that fit this description. Can you help???

[@Sanguivore]

Commenting for hopes of a response!

[@knifecenter]

Small Sebenza? -DCA

[@Sanguivore]

@@knifecenter LOL, I'm over here smacking my forehead. The most obvious answer slipped right under our noses, haha.

[@BearTrailOutfitters]

@@knifecenter Too easy (and too big of a blade) 🙂 I was thinking more along the lines of "Chicago" blade length restrictions.

[@BearTrailOutfitters]

Alright DCA, since you took the easy way out of my previous question, here is another... The bad news: you are stranded somewhere in the world for an undetermined period of time...could be desert...could be jungle...could be glacier...you get the point. The good news: you get to take *one* knife [that you designed] with you What would you choose for handle material, blade length, grind, steel choice, handle shape, etc? (And no, you don't get to take anything with you to help you sharpen/maintain your knife 😉)

[@HoustonRLamb]

Hey guys fantastic vid. The onion soup bit was hilarious!! However I do have a question for next week. I wanted to create a functional batman costume and I wanted good knife and multi tool combo and so far the only knife I can think of is the buckmaster do you have other suggestions so I may become the the night!!

[@Rowsima]

Hey DCA, I have a Spyderco Lil' Native that I really enjoy carrying, however the little point on the choil that hits my fingernail when I'm closing it is kind of annoying. Do you have any other suggestions for knives of a similar size with a finger safe lock? Hoping to keep it under $200 and with a similar level of performance. Thanks!

[@quinnkirlew9892]

For the first contestant, might I add the Buck Paradigm Assisted? And for anyone else looking for something guaranteed to not come open, it's no super steel, but the Cold Steel Double Safe seems like a shoe in.

[@DaddestOutlaw]

Its too bad you guys dont carry the Reate Exo M as it is IMO the perfect answer to the first question.

[@wayausofbounds9255]

Kershaw: Why is the flag backwards? Queen: Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me

[@noodleliness]

Can you please recommend a good work horse EDC knife that run on washers similar to the QSP Penguin? Especially the size and the blade shape, around 3 inches, more or less, with a sheepsfoot/wharncliffe blade, with some good stainless steel option? Another big plus if it also has micarta handle

[@danielmaybee68]

So question.....I've been actively collecting folders as a hobby for a couple years now, and it seems to me like the hobby has grown tremendously in popularity lately and is only accelerating....As someone with a much deeper perspective, do u agree? And if so, do u think any particular factors contributed to this growth? Other than the fact that "knives are awesome"

[@jacobhoyer5598]

I feel we are yet to see a tanto blade video, including all sizes, and budgets. thanks

[@rofferdal]

Assisted and auto is a nono where I live. Are there more budget options without spring opening that lock in the closed position?

[@knifecenter]

Opinel

[@jayr526]

I've had a Launch 7 come open in my pocket.

[@jayr526]

Ending with Soupy Sales!

[@bradley9816]

Any suggestions classic slip joint style knives with a lock for under or around $50

[@reegsgeer]

Hi DCA! Can you pick 3 knives too describe Thomas's personality.

[@mogukumale]

I want to have an argument. You'll certainly present me with the best knife for that?

[@boyscout399]

Reate exo gravity knife has a safety to lock closed and is a really interesting action

[@jkirschy]

Only problem is gravity knives are illegal an awful lot of places...

[@boyscout399]

@@jkirschy the question specifically said ANY action type. It would be good to get more exposure to them.

[@jkirschy]

@@boyscout399 I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with you when it comes to whether or not it meets the criteria or is interesting. I'm simply pointing out that it doesn't really matter whether it meets the criteria in the question, is interesting, or whatever if gravity knives are illegal to own or carry where the person asking lives because that makes carrying one for as an EDC moot. As I said, there are a lot of places in the US and abroad where owning/carrying a gravity knife can result in significant legal problems.

[@boyscout399]

@jkirschy most places where gravity knives are illegal, autos are also illegal, yet those were showcased.

[@happykt]

The only knife I own that I'm scared of opening in my pocket is a Real Steel Knives Shade folding karambit I bought 3 years ago and is the reason why I don't buy anything from this brand anymore.

[@brianyonts5745]

David is the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 legal to carry in Virginia and do you know when magnacut Spyderco Paramilitary 2 with black and yellow handle will start shipping and do you know if they will make the Spyderco paramilitary 2 and para 3 Salt series version with Tanto tip blade.

[@stevenberk]

Starting to worry about influencers/designers with loyal buyers for pretty much the same knives.

[@elmadicine]

thanks for clarifying the backwards flag, something I've always casually wondered but never cared enough to ask. excellent soup recipe

[@magickraken734]

Hey DCA, I’m trying figure out if you could have a different blade shape for every day of the week, with each blade shape starting with the first letter of of that day.

[@The_underscore1]

What is the best adapter to be able to carry a knife scout carry

[@kaifrolic5668]

What is the most satisfying folder to open, in your opinion?

[@Sanguivore]

Sebenza, no doubt!

[@ghozt9119]

Get a Demko AD-20.5 sharklock

[@tommymccombs4309]

Wide variety of Cold Steel knives in S35VN not spring loaded.

[@warrenhepworth1850]

Most Serious Qn: Are pitted olives T6 or T8 for adjustments?

[@MSicko]

Hey DCA. Blade names ? I get some refer to the shape ( ala hawk bill ) but there are some certainly do not. Is there a Mr. Wharncliffe out there ? Some knife blade nomenclature would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@johnruiz6743]

Umm...no! That has never happened. I have a variety of assisted knives, OTFs, side openers and never had any of them accidentally open in my pocket. If they are real worried about that then don't get assisted, OTFs or side openers, just stick with manual openers...🤔

[@JohnWilliams-dr6hi]

That rigmarole with the shaving mug was a bit shit, David.

[@davidpape9179]

Just don’t try and heat that french onion soup up in the microwave or it will turn into Fourth of July season quick

[@bmljenny]

Mmm that soup is full of extra iron too.

[@jesterskull38]

Bought the wife a crkt provoke, opened in her pocket some how some way, crazy because of seeing it in front of me, Got rid of it since

[@wbwills2]

No I have never worried about a knife opening in my pocket and being dangerous.Maybe the kids who collect knives do.??.they are really going to be careful about guns when they get old enough.

[@jimcooney552]

Shouldn't ask DCA anymore cooking questions. He had way, way too much fun!

[@uweschumann3585]

You forgot SOG Twitch II and Boker FRND Auto

[@fast1bike]

IMO, the single stupid Civivi choice on the Elementum is not having an ambi pocket clip. I have several Civivi knives, but no Elementum,

[@bengoldstein26]

A most serious question If the office collectively decided to shave off seth's moustache which pocket knife would they use??

[@claypoole702]

The safest pocket knife is... a spoon. Just because it's a spoon doesn't mean it can't cut.

[@vzaliva]

You forget to add salt to your soup. Spydeco Salt will do.

[@knifecenter]

This is the way -DCA

[@dalelane1948]

I briefly got into knives about 10yrs ago and Gerber were all the rage, now today; surprisingly, i never hear about Gerber at all. What happened?

[@Sanguivore]

Their quality and materials are severely substandard while their price is far above other foreign-made knives with better materials and finish.

[@C_Wink]

That soup is going to pretty bland without a pinch of Spyderco Salt

[@chrisjosekuehl]

All my Italian autos have a slide button safety.

[@RamonMarais-k2k]

Carry an old fashioned backlock. Wont open on you, wont close on you.

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

I've had a Spyderco Endura4 close on my fingers before.

[@BushcraftEDC]

Question DCA, why is it that assisted knives seem to frowned upon amongst knife, enthusiast? Also, why is it that side automatic knives are ok? They both seem very similar to me. Thanks for any clarity with this.

[@jkirschy]

My understanding on assisted knives is that enthusiasts feel its a cheat that lets the maker get away with using lower quality materials (like Teflon/nylon washers) or poorer fit and finish because the assist means that the knife will function (open) reliably whether the knife is running on Teflon/nylon washers, bronze washers, or bearings. Its not necessarily the case with the better brands, but a-lot/all of the M-techs, Master USA, Z-hunters, have a reputation for being very assisted sometimes to their detriment. Side automatics on the other hand... Not sure. Maybe its because the days of cheap Italian (or wherever they're made now) stiletto switchblades are basically over and the side automatics tend to be relatively high quality knives these days.

[@Sanguivore]

You can get smoother action (open and close) that's just as fast as an assisted action simply with proper fit and finish. An assist is entirely unnecessary, and is often a band-aid for poor manufacturing/tolerances. As for why autos are less frowned upon, not certain. I feel the same about autos as I do assisted knives. Though I suppose autos do have an advantage almost any other type of knife can't provide: they are easy to open and close for women who have nails.

[@chicken-little8620]

only they had magnacut steel for the leek in copper

[@cnarvaezmx9377]

What about the Victorinox Cheesemaster!

[@daveruff47]

Spyderco