KnifeCenter FAQ

[@mikehigbee2320]

You can't go wrong with the Buck 110 or 112 slim selects. Great values.

[@jacobscott8875]

love the nod to princess bride. well done

[@Errcyco]

If you have $50 and want USA made you're basically Buck and CASE.. both great options.. if not a bit overly traditional. Everyone should have a CASE and Buck in the collection though, fantastic knives. BTW people.. the Buck 110 is huge. If you want something you can pocket carry get the 112.. same knife just smaller. Edit: I want that red sodbuster that thing looks amazing in hand. always imagined them wayyy smaller. Neat

[@acid6urns]

case is literally a 50/50 chance you buy a knife and it comes with the worst quality control you’ve ever seen.

[@nothim7321]

​@acid6urns I've heard this, but never seen it. I own more than a few Case knives. Always top notch. Maybe I'm just lucky

[@CNYKnifeNut]

​@@nothim7321 In my experience, the people who say this aren't very observant or just don't know what makes them low quality. There's nothing "lucky" about it. It's like the people who claim they have a Delica with zero lock rock.

[@byronnelson2549]

There are two sizes . My Dad gave me my first knife in 1974 which was a black large Case Sodbuster. There were better quality knives then.

[@samueljlarson]

1:59 Rogue fencers coming after you? INCONCEIVABLE! Thank you for the princess bride reference sir. That's got to be on of the best movies ever.

[@poncho151]

I like supporting US knife brands for a number of reasons but an important one is keep the US modern folding knife industry alive because the entire industry and the innovation that has brought us to this point was all started in the US. Unfortunately too many companies stopped investing in domestic manufacturing and started investing in manufacturing overseas, which is what built them up to what they are now. It’s interesting to listen to stories from guys like Sal Glesser, Lynn Thompson, etc when they talk about getting products made overseas back in the 80’s or 90’s and having to basically teach them how to make these modern knife designs through trial and error. The biggest difference in the US is that you have individual companies manufacturing their products, where a lot of the overseas markets like Maniago, Seki City, Taichung, YangJang are essentially cities based around knife/tool production and it’s much more of a concerted effort with many brands using “shared” services.

[@proudtex]

I added your Kwik thumb stud to the Sodbuster to make it a one hand opener. Great inexpensive knife.

[@iansclone]

Rogue fencers lol. Your reference game is always on point.

[@NGMonocrom]

Huge thumbs-up on the Buck Slim Select. If the friend didn't have bigger than average-sized hands, I'd say get the 112 Ranger, instead. Fantastic EDC knife. Maybe a bit on the larger end for an EDC clip-carried knife. But it's going to be street-legal in a lot of jurisdictions in America. I wish the low-profile carry clip was black. (No one makes Stainless Steel colored pants, but they do make black colored pants.) But an easy fix with a can of black spray paint, a set of goggles, and thin work gloves.

[@lerch400block]

Remember, if you can save up 50. You can do it again and again. The options for 150 are pretty tremendous

[@iamgroot4080]

It works for cleaning too... Just a bit every day and You are done

[@lorddeez1385]

Hey, thanks for answering my question David! Ended up going with the slip 2.2.

[@MrTJohnston]

Surprisingly that buck bantam is an outstanding knife for what it costs. I’m always impressed when I use mine.

[@kevinx7015]

There is also right at the $50 mark the larger size Buck Spitfire with a 3.25 inch blade in 420HC Buck heat treated blade steel, like in the Buck 110, and it comes in an anodized aluminum handle in grey, orange, or black, and a pocket clip that can be either tip up or tip down carry. There is also a smaller size version of the Buck Spitfire with a 2.75 inch blade for a few dollars cheaper. Both are mid lock back locking folders. They also have a hole in the blade (thumb hole) where you can use just your thumb to rub against that thumb hole to push open the knife with just one hand.

[@CheapGeek]

Buck Slim is great, Shrade Imperial IMP22L is an excellent Sod buster knife for $10.00. Very close to Case.

[@franticflintstone7999]

I have the Buck 112 Slim Select and it's much better than I thought it would be. And you can close it one-handed -- the friction keeps the blade away from the danger zone.

[@lesdaddy912]

Hello David and Thomas, and thank you for all you give us. I enjoy early morning walks, and in the winter it's dark and a flashlight is a must. What can you recommend in the "Flashlight As Self-Defense" category? I'll mention that I'm in New York and options can be limited.

[@malstrm5708]

Hey DCA and Thomas, love the videos. Here's my question to you: I reach a certain age for which I often need a toothpick at the end of the meal, and not all the upscale food joints I go to have those. Should I resort to carrying a SAK or a Civivi Sendy, or is there any other option I'm overlooking right now? My pocket space is at a premium, I'd rather not carry two or three knives at once (not that I've never done it). Thanks a lot!

[@RamonMarais-k2k]

I agree about the buck 110. Mine got stolen a few months ago, I miss it. It is a great knife for the money. My other more modern locking knife is a large honey badger. I like the knife, but I dont find it as handy as the buck.

[@Jarrych83]

The updated paklite libe gets really slept on. The handles are wildly comfortable and that mini scale is unbelievably ergonomic. I have the cape as a hiking and weekend edc knife and it's amazing. Same buck 420hc and I've used for a distressingly large amount of food prep for anything that doesn't just need a full size kitchen knife. It's legit and they clearly took feedback from the previous versions and evolved the line really well

[@jamiehalfkin5813]

Just got a kizer amicus with a 3 inch nitro-v satin steel blade for $33 off of Amazon and my God the flip action on this thing is insanely smooth for the price, as well as the blade locking in rock solid with the button lock. Highly suggest it for anyone looking to get a nice good sized knife for a steal lol!!!!👍💯

[@jayr526]

Thanx. I just ordered the orange/black one

[@jamiehalfkin5813]

@@jayr526 no problem bro, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how nice it functions. Hope you enjoy it!!!!

[@baby-shane]

My kids are finally old enough to appreciate Gary Paulsen. So I'm reading his books to them. If i were to get a hatchet for outdoor survival like in the book, which one should I get? It doesn't have to be a classic, a modern take is great too if it's better. Thanks for all you do!

[@rtardjuice]

The hatchet in the book is described as having a steel handle with a rubber grip, a stout leather sheath with belt loop. Look at Estwing hatchets. Can find them at fleet farm and other home improvement/sporting goods stores.

[@rileymillis6002]

Council Tools’ Flying Fox, woodsman camping hatchet is a great option. It is drop forged in NC and has both a hardened bit and poll so it can be used as a hammer as well. I believe the design was influenced by the classic scout patterns so it has a great timeless look. Bought myself one for my bday this summer and was even more stoked unboxing it than when I placed the order.

[@davidcallan7844]

Case XX large Sodbuster in stainless, blue delrin handle. Have had mine foe 20 years, still flawless,

[@paulronn38]

Hi DCA, it's chile and pepper harvest time here in Southern Colorado. What would you recommend for a sub $100 fixed blade or folder for slicing and dicing our favorite spicy veggies. Thank you and Thomas (and Seth) for the fantastic content!

[@nesum_wendigx]

Hey DCA, at first i want to thank you for your great content, THANK YOU!! So, today me and my girlfriend visited my sister at the horse stall where she hangs out everyday taking care of her horse. Since i am a knife enthusiast and noticed she doesn‘t own a single knife i want to suprise her with her first one. I ask you for a variety of folding knives and fixed blades in the 50-100$ range. In best case it‘s corrosion resistant and not sensitive to dirt. Thank you in advance and greetings from germany!!

[@chrisoneill325]

Having been in the horse world for a long time, I'd personally suggest a small fixed blade. Sooooo much dirt, dust, and debris involved in barn life.

[@tricky48]

chrisoneill325 is right, fixed blade would be ideal, but if they have to have a folder, I would say the main thing to look out for is washers in the pivot instead of bearings, and an open construction that is easy to get to all the nooks and crannies when it's time to clean... which will be often. Possibly corrosion resistance will come into it... depending on your environment... but the construction of the knife allowing for easy cleaning will be more important.

[@realbroggo]

I see others have beaten me to it re. consider a small fixed blade. In addition to the other comments, if you are around animals I usually recommend a sheepsfoot blade or at least something not too pointy. Horses are notoriously skittish and if they move suddenly when the blades out a pointy tip may present an injury risk to both horse & handler. If you would like to go folding, the Sodbuster in this video is a good recommendation. Not stainless but does come in a range of sizes and was designed for farm use. For another option, spoke with a friend of mine who recommended the Spyderco Salt series. He uses a 3 inch Salt 2 in H2 steel. Completely waterproof can clean it out under a hose or in a water trough without fear of corrosion. Check prices as these may just go over your $100 budget. Good luck.

[@chrisoneill325]

@@realbroggo agreed with the sheepsfoot suggestion, I carry a sheepsfoot for that same reason. My EDC at the barn is a Bradford G3S (unfortunately well above the $100 limit, but great knives). The Salt series is also a great suggestion, they have a few models without a pokey tip.

[@nesum_wendigx]

Thanks a lot guys, i really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. I will have a look on these knives.

[@FancyPrimate]

My recommendation is always the Cobratec Diablo! $49.99 usa assembled i suppose. Snappy out the side auto. D2 blade. Its weirdly one of my favorite knives no matter the budget.

[@MattPasciuto]

Great recs! But for $50 USA-made, I was bummed not to see the Buck 722 Spitfire on the table. It's right at the top of that pricepoint, but you get full aluminum handles that fit a wide range of hands, and build quality on par with many knives that are double or triple the price. Plus, it accepts Benchmade pocket clips if you want to make it deep-carry.

[@EDCandLace]

17:50 the cryptid we have here in the states with a whistlely mating call is the Beavcoon. The Beavcoon is a true abomination of big teeth and hot headed high testosterone fueled rage... Half beaver and half raccoon the Beavcoon is truly something nightmares are made of. Who knows what show the Beavcoon comes from? TEN POINTS IF YOU KNOW THE SHOW!! IYKYK!!!

[@damyr]

A half serious question... We all know there are some long knives out there, but at what point a knife does become a sword?

[@iamgroot4080]

You may easily tell by the build and a fact that You are a knight or a ninja

[@realbroggo]

When you pick it up and cannot help saying "En garde!" or, for the wider blades, "Avast ye maties!" in your best pirate voice. On a more serious note, it would appear from what I can tell, that: up to 12 inches is a knife. 12 to 24 inches there's no clear definition. 24 inches plus is a sword. On a very more serious note, check your local laws as different jurisdictions have different definitions for knives etc... Have a great day.

[@brandonlowe3299]

Good question there because a traditional tanto is a sword with about a 12 inch blade and the German kreigsmesser is a knife with a 31 inch blade. So knife or sword then becomes more a philosophical question.

[@dcfdrummer]

Hello DCA, Thomas, Seth and KC team! Question...what is the most reverse flick friendly knife you recommend? Maybe a top 3 would be nice! tks

[@ZenBirdyard]

Hello, DCA, Thomas, Seth, and team in no particular order. Thank you for all you do. I am looking for a pocket sized stone(s) to touch up edges in the field; mainly for carbon steel, scandi geometries. Something free hand, pocket sized, that can touch up an edge but maybe with a little more effort and time, could bring an edge back to its full glory. Any recommendations? Thank you for your time.

[@mordecaivaldez6898]

Hello Knife Center, quick question; differentiating between ‘knife only’ and ‘only knife’ which would you choose for each in the context of wilderness vs everyday carry?

[@CarlosASilva23]

Hi DCA and Thomas. My parents recently moved to their first house and I want to get my dad a machete to help trim some of the gnarly bushes along their fence. What budget “homestead” (meaning concessions for portability are not required) machete would you recommend for this? Added context that neither my dad or I are experienced with using machetes to trim/remove bushes, so a level of safety (forward lanyards, etc) would be nice. I’d also like to keep the blade stock on the thinner side, as this will be a somewhat specialized machete used for true machete-ing. Thanks!

[@d4ngerd4d]

Hi DCA! I keep catching my pocket clips on the back of a particularly annoying pocket-height recliner, and they one (even the titanium ones) bend parts did to this to the point where they're no rl longer effective for holding my knives in pocket. This is very frustrating. So I have two parts to this question. First, how do you go about fixing pocket clips when this happens? And second, what's the best material or type of clip to avoid this type of deformation going forward? Thank you!

[@kamilgorecki3561]

Hi DCA, Thomas and KC crew. I'd love to learn something more about round Spyderco opening hole. Is this patented and if so will it expire someday like axis lock and we'll see knives with perfectly round holes non beeing Spydies? 😅 Love the show and congrats on your first folder design David! Cheers from Poland, stay sharp 😬

[@joeyho5134]

" No researchers ever survived to find out. " , Thomas's quote of the week. 😂👍

[@The4cp]

The Slim Select is quite the work horse. If they just put a pocket clip molded or regular on the 110 LT that would be incredible for $25.

[@YPEDC]

I caught that Prince’s Bride reference DCA. Inconceivable!

[@maxwell2.2]

1 this is great content. Thanks dca and knife center for making this possible. 2 the armiger 4 in magnacut is such an awesome knife. And the price is also so great. I hope I can get one of those in Germany some day!

[@charlesgary5201]

YO DC! love you guys videos! thanks so much for knowledge and insight. I have a good collection but I realize I have no frame locks and no knives w serrations ! I want something great and high quality (preferably manual/fidget friendly…I don’t trust auto folders lol) with a frame lock + partial serrated super steel… $300 is my budget and I know u can pick out a couple options for me ! preferably no ZT their designs are a little too industrial for me thanks so much bro! Big hugs

[@unfi6798]

G'day DCA & Thomas.! It's obvious that Knife Center haven't experience The Light Saber. It's widely used by Jedi masters. It's much advance than Magnacut, Crucible, S45 & Spy27 etc. Australia is praying for all the people effected by the hurricane.

[@pretentiousname01]

Lightning round question. Are there any knives out there that have a similar pocket clip to the deadlock? The little spring opening clip seems like it would be good for not damaging clothing and would be easier to get in and out.

[@Fr_dG]

I was disappointed that the Buck 110 and 112 slim selects didnt have the same blade shape was normal 110 and 112. So I ended up going to the 110 LT for the blade shape, and I use a pocket clip capable sheath. But to each their own! They're all good U.S.A. knives. (the good ones :-P)

[@NorthStarKnifeReviews]

some nice options

[@just-dl]

My favorite edc right now is the QSP Hawk, for about $60. How much do I have to spend to get an equivalent knife made in the USA?

[@Lazzoboy]

Do a video about the best knives to carry in a binobag while hunting

[@VeniVidiVid]

Nice Princess Bride reference. 🤺

[@Bobs_Pocket_Knives]

I'm a Case knives fanboy, but the answer is Bear & Son. 😂🤷😁

[@anthonytuccillo6274]

Buck and Case are great, but Bear & Son is trash. I have them all.

[@Bobs_Pocket_Knives]

@@anthonytuccillo6274 I guess I just got lucky with mine! 🍻

[@anthonytuccillo6274]

@Bobs_Pocket_Knives maybe, I got the Bear & sons folding hunter, and it's very rough to open and close. Fit and finish is bad and not very sharp. The Buck 110 is way better in all aspects. I suppose i could have gotten one made by the drunk guy that day lol. Which model Bear & sons do you have?

[@Bobs_Pocket_Knives]

@@anthonytuccillo6274 I have a full sized Stag handled barlow, and got lucky with perfect fit & finish. No gaps and a really snappy walk & talk. To be fair it's my only one, but I've been thinking about trying their lockback Sod Buster next.

[@anthonytuccillo6274]

@@Bobs_Pocket_Knives okay, I may give them another chance, US made and cheaper than the competition. May try that stag barlow next.

[@davidfalkenrath9614]

Have a small Bantam nice light pocket knife.

[@jhebert4055]

Hehe😂 Classic Princess Bride reference! Your best work😂

[@MeerkatMotorBoards]

Buck 55 is freakin fantastic!

[@mikewatkins5535]

You said 420 on the blade steel for that Buck but when you showed it it was stamped K110. Does it come in both?

[@EDCMECH]

DCA you left out the Leatherman KB and Free T2 unless they are not US

[@zoothief]

Other than legal reasons why would anyone choose a slipjoint?

[@stevewalker4638]

Buck is very good for the money.

[@Woodzy-5326]

I got the princess bride reference.

[@ProfessionalNoodler]

Hi DCA, Thomas, and Seth; lightning round Q: Spydychef alternatives for impromptu food prep EDCs? Thanks!

[@CNYKnifeNut]

Literally anything with a moderately thin and long blade. The Hundred Pacer is an infinitely better knife in the kitchen than the spydiechef.

[@karlyt0s-tt]

The screws of ulticlip wont fit the holes in the sheath

[@ivy1974]

My advice to such situations is wait till you have the money saved to buy what is worth the money instead of buying something for $50 or less unless you want to only spend that much.

[@EDCandLace]

Couldn't agree more! In most cases no China 50-100 dollar budget knives bring me no pride of ownership so it gets flipped a few times and goes in its box to never see light again... I much prefer to spend a little more and buy what I truly want and will have pride of ownership with. Like 2 years ago I got caught up in the china budget knife thing like a lot of people are and was buying 2 or 3 of them a week and exactly what I said is what happened they got bought and flicked a few times and put up to never be touched again and before long I had like 100x 30-80 dollar knives that I don't use and dont care about I had to stop that it was a senseless waste of money. Now days I only buy knives that actually means something to me and if there will be no pride of ownership I do not buy. It stops the wasting of money on things I don't really care about but "want" and it makes sure that when I do buy a knife that it is something that I will enjoy and it will be in my pocket from time to time and I will be proud to show off to my friends/other knife ppl.

[@johnnydawson7675]

Could you please recommend a cheap, really dull knife?

[@stuartli16610]

Hi Knifecenter and comment section. Which knife should I show non-knife people to make them go”Wow, that’s dope!” when I tell them about my hobby? Can’t be perceived as menacing(no switchblades etc), but not something that won’t impress. Can be any folder. Thanks a lot.

[@davidgarrett5671]

Spyderco Pochi if you can find one.

[@brianwhitelaw7483]

Polydactyls for Buck!

[@muskyman1018]

All those years of having a 110 floating around in the pocket and I didn’t even know I was doing it wrong! Youth is wasted on the young…

[@Sarge2112]

USA made under $50 Buck 110-112 slim are awesome for the price as well as the Buck bantam

[@aaronwood6910]

This first question is the most obvious answered question if you just look at the website

[@hazardousmatter2]

DCA, didn't you watch Mountain Monsters? The Midnight Whistler is out there!

[@tomt5745]

Very serious question: in the dark months, I often get assulted by the gingerbread man in my local bakery, and i am unable to keep him off, walking away bloated. What can I do? ;)

[@jayr526]

Evict him!

[@Gilrodah]

Not long ago the Kershaw leek with 14c was right at $50

[@pinkyellowblue007]

What's the point of the Case folding knives with multiple similar blades?

[@jayr526]

Money from collectors.

[@christopherroth7239]

So you don't have to stop working and field sharpen as often.

[@kydd666]

A lot of people ask about small and general public friendly knives but what would you recommend if i wanted the largest and most intimidating knife? Only asking because i dont like people

[@billvan5219]

Good one 👍👍

[@ManInTheWoods76]

The answer to the final question was 💯 from Wish😆

[@eriklee6786]

There’s a Native American cryptid (Wendigo?) that is known to whistle at night

[@andrewdarowski1975]

Is the Buck Bantam made in the USA? i have a sneaking suspicion that it's made in China by SRM.

[@kylemiller1390]

For anyone asking why you might want a US made knife I am an ESL teacher and I have a lot of international students. I have talked to a lot of them about their country and a lot of the really cheap manufacturers out there rely on cheap labor. That doesn't sound too bad but I think it's worth considering that the wage these laborers earn is probably less than what it would take to even keep a SLAVE alive in the USA. Imagine trying to live off of less than 10 USD a day (that's the typical wage for factory workers in Mexico for example) and in some countries wages are even lower. If you are a little extra patriotic you might prefer US manufacturers compared to European. Some products are not made outside of these countries so I know it can seem hypocritical but we all vote with our money so if there is a more ethical option you may prefer to take it. Obviously everyone will make their own decisions on how much to support or avoid these items when possible.

[@DL-ij7tf]

Your solution to global poverty is to only give your money to wealthier people in developed nations?

[@johnruiz6743]

Interesting that there are American made at that price point? 🤔

[@coyote4936]

Mothman may have a whistle call

[@mikewatkins5535]

Never mind, my mistake. It is a 110 model. Not K110 steel. I feel dumb😂

[@dbratof1]

I have a suggestion for the series. Every episode DCA will have to pick the best knife for 10$ and on the next episode, the best for 20$ knife and every episode we add 10$ for the next pick.

[@Sanguivore]

That's a super, super cool idea! I'd actually love to see that.

[@monkpato]

Great idea!

[@iamgroot4080]

I think he had done that in one of the videos

[@dbratof1]

@@iamgroot4080 he shouldn't have stopped

[@diyanski3022]

I'd love to see it, sounds really cool

[@JustineWiniker]

Wow! Inflation sucks! All these knives shouldn't be more than $20!!

[@harrykidd4860]

OTTER KNIVES!!!!

[@kurts4867]

GERBER LST Al Mar folders

[@acid6urns]

al mar doesn’t make anything in the US anymore that i know of. it’s all in chinannow.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

My Buck Bantam was confiscated at San Jose Airport 2014

[@JordanKaase]

That I sounded like a struggle to approve.

[@criley2723]

The knife industry was very heavily artificially stimulated during covid. We will likely never see such fast development of knife steel/styles again.

[@Camshaft2011]

Why does he give his middle initial?

[@davidgarrett5671]

He doesn’t want to be confused with a District Attorney.

[@Orweliannightmare]

Love Rike knives, perfection in knife form ❤

[@adventurersclub1]

i rather buy a Mora, don't care where it is made 🙂

[@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223]

If take a Taiwanese made Ontario Rat 1 or 2 over a buck knife in the $50 category any day. I love Buck knives but for 50 or less the Ontario is the better knife

[@acid6urns]

the rat knives are actually pretty bad values these days lol, you can pickup a kizer, petrified fish, or kansept in 154cm, nitro v, or n690 for $50 these days.

[@UnklKenny]

Kershaw iridium is a good choice under 75 bucks for usa company. But I'm unsure if it's 1 of their 100% usa models.

[@Pompomgrenade]

😅 Yeah could you tell me why I watch a display show about knives?

[@deadISgawd]

rather own a chinese made toenail clipper than a buck 110

[@anthonytuccillo6274]

Lordeeezzzz 😅

[@LonestarTaoboy]

As an Avid Keyboard warrior, I need a tactical office carry. In the vein of "Death from the desktops", as we were known in the Army by those who looked down on the combat efficiency of Human resource personnel.

[@iansclone]

Why is Pakistani steel?

[@HopsAndLead]

None are anything I'd choose. Mainly NOT a fan of nail knick knives or "old man looking" in general.

[@valeriypykhalenko3113]

👍🔪

[@HonestArcher_13]

U GET A POCKET TANGO 😉

[@cylentone]

Unless you're a collector, I don't understand the mentality of buying a USA made knife and nothing else knowing that regarding value for money, you are not getting much. Do a video showing the best $50/$100 knives from the USA, and compare to those from China, Taiwan, Italy, Germany, etc.

[@TNea0926]

I don’t but knives made in china because I try not to support them as much as possible. That goes for knives and everything else I buy. Opt for USA/europe/japan as much as possible.

[@mrchiefbs]

@@TNea0926but why?

[@IrishDevil78]

@@mrchiefbslots of people don’t like supporting Communism

[@ManInTheWoods76]

​@@mrchiefbsbecause ta hell with China

[@kevinx7015]

There is the patriotic reason to buy USA made as well supporting USA companies who provide jobs in the USA.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

There’s a lot of bickering between people who want better value for money and people who want USA made knives. Would a Taiwanese 🇹🇼 knife be a compromise?? Better value than a US knife, just as well made, and the Taiwanese hate the Chinese 🇨🇳 !! Surely everyone is a winner 😁.