KnifeCenter FAQ #38: Strength Vs Edge Retention + Sharpening Tantos, New York City Knife Laws, More!

[@GuillotineStare]

Can we get a dedicated video to Horizontal carry knives and their sheaths?

[@yaelflores7052]

I was about to ask about the same thing, only what knives come with scout carry from the factory

[@landscapingspecialist]

I asked this question several times. Id like to see a dedicated episode to this.

[@Dukeoftacos]

Best "Not a lawyer...,but I am actually aware of law" answer.

[@neotim5]

These videos are a vibe, I like how the camera guy is not mute too

[@03_austindrake88]

The Carcass Splitter was a great way to finish the video! 😂

[@JamesGMunn]

I was a little surprised that you didn’t mention The Opinel number 8 for the paring knife since it is basically a folding and locking paring knife.

[@sithus1966]

Also available in stainless if you don't want a patina.

[@TheGunf1ghter]

Too busy trying to sell ZT

[@sithus1966]

@@TheGunf1ghter Yea a $250 knife would not be my first choice.

[@billvan5219]

Yay, after some trouble with the post office my Benchmade s90v finally made it! Happy birthday to me thank you to knife Center

[@TheGunf1ghter]

Looks like they need to get rid of some ZT overstock, without going on sale.

[@trautman3375]

That's how it seemed to me too...

[@edcko10]

Kept recommending the same knives on the table 🤦‍♂️

[@jjrossitee]

Some knives it looks like ZT stands for Zero Taste.

[@jamesdereere7005]

Hi from Belgium!!! I'm a complete knife addicted person and I really enjoy the knife center series! A huge thank you for all the great content😉

[@kiwiprouddavids724]

Hay ,what's a Belgium ,knife brand and maker ,if you don't mind me asking

[@bosse641]

Sure like that little Artisan Cutlery Small Archaeo. Oh my, what a fine edc.

[@simplykirk7193]

Great point about the utility of paring knives! I’m pretty sure that all of my dad’s and my retired paring knives have found an afterlife on my workbench

[@The4cp]

I love Knife Rights. There's never really been a problem where I live but places like NYC and California I really feel sorry for them. My knife is a necessary tool for my job and for people there it really must be a pain .

[@jeroenvoss6231]

The Carcas Splitter works fine as a gentlemens edc as well, not to big and light carry in the pocket plus you get a nice toothpick at the other end! Thank you David and crew for this video.

[@stephangrobler5524]

Thanks for answering my question DCA. much appreciated. Always feel an expanse of my knowledge after every episode.

[@xlittlecountryx1733]

Hey DCA, I am curious. What is your ultimate "Holy Grail" knife or Dream knife?

[@jjrossitee]

Polar bear femur with Obsidian shards epoxied into the swinging end is my guess. This guy is an outdoorsman.

[@happyknife8785]

He answered that a few episodes back, have a look, I think it might have been an LT Wright

[@istvantoth7431]

@@happyknife8785 I think it's the custom made one (with the antler handle) he got as a wedding present from a friend of his...

[@USCavalry1]

Skyforge Steel Dagger custom by Eorlund Gray-Mane

[@xlittlecountryx1733]

@@USCavalry1 excellent choice 👌

[@jolness1]

For the fruit knife, the Spyderco Kapara is phenomenal. I use it often for my kiddo (apples, strawberries, even blueberries when he was really little without issue) , it was specifically designed for fruit/vegetable cutting.

[@landscapingspecialist]

I absolutely love my Kershaw Leek. My favorite fidget knife. Can open and close it for hrs on end.

[@Iamjasonallen]

25:50 “I hope they’re not getting bored with this”….. never! You briefly touched on this….I would love to know your top three choices for folders that are great apple, orange etc. knives….Due to the sticky nature of the juices.

[@mattskiiau]

Hey DCA, Not really knife related but I'd love to see your videos upgraded to 4K to show off these new knives in it's full glory!

[@landscapingspecialist]

Leek opens letters like a champ. High flat grind wharncliffe 👌🏻

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Paring knife blade in a folder: Victorinox Sentinel, one handed opening, $25-$40.

[@Will-W]

CRKT LCK same price, flipper, comes in assisted as well.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

@@Will-W Made in Taiwan, too. Which I like. I avoid Made in China as much as I can.

[@Will-W]

@@jerrybobteasdale that's fair.

[@jamesharris1493]

Hi everyone! I am from NYC. In NYC a fixed blade that does not pass four fingers is completely legal. One big no no are autos of any type. Your best bet is a medium sized knife that is not too heavy. Benchmade Griptilians, Spyderco para3's are legal,Kershaw Leek and a ZT should not b a problem as long as the blade is not passing 3.5 inches. Keep it under 4 inches.

[@jamesharris1493]

For our friend who is going to be 21yrs old. It all depends on your type? A para 3 from Spyderco is a decent knife. If you want something more expensive a ZT or a Benchmade, especially a Benchmade cause you can customize your knife.

[@Warrior_Guild_Arcade]

I often use my brass handled Civivi Asticus for food prep in the kitchen, love it

[@kiwiprouddavids724]

Vitronox is a awesome option for in kitchens and one of their new folders is a cool option , vitronox pairing knives are good for more than vegetables

[@jamesharris1493]

Hi for our friend who wants a knife for all occasions would be stainless knife or a titanium knife. The Spyderco Smock with a titanium up grade is not bad or a pimped out Kizer. The important aspect is steel. The Valet from Benchmade.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

The Sandrin Knives Torino is an excellent choice for utility knife and food prep.

[@Mbah_Dukun_Nyerutu]

Hi DCA, that Svord Carcass Splitter is exactly what I need in my life, I'm tired of my baby axe edc.... time to up my game yeah? Super awesome recommendation, I'm glad I'm sticking to the video until the end....as usual. Fantastic episode!

[@ilzephyrli]

In terms of the ZT 0308 vs the Adamas I would go for the Adamas. The only thing the ZT would win in would be corrosion resistance and perhaps better slicing feel. ZT's 20CV has been tested to be particularly soft with mediocre edge retention. On the other hand the latest Adamas' have a pretty high hardness and actually outperform most production 20CV/M390/204P in edge retention. So you would get better toughness AND edge retention with the Adamas. I recommend checking out Outpost76 and Cedric&Ada for good real world steel performance testing.

[@hectorn.6137]

221b tactical has dope cut resistant gloves. Even needle proof gloves.

[@GOxHAM]

Super grateful for the consistent content you guys keep putting out. Thanks for asking all the questions too knife community!!

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

To SpiroTheodorusAgnew - I have a couple of suggestions for fruit/EDC knives: 1) Bestech Muskie - 4" D2 blade with great belly, a hand-filling handle, and lots of utility for $52. 2) Kershaw Strata - 4.5" D2 blade with a bigger knife, but a great user for $65. 3) Cold Steel Large Voyager Drop Point - 4" of AUS-8, famously comfortable handle, a knife that takes a beating but delivers great functionality for $85. 4) Spyderco Resilience Lightweight Folder - 4.2" of S35VN, so top quality steel, Spyderco so it's well made and versatile, but the most cost at $108.

[@janodewald6087]

May I say there is a Böker Plus Urban Trapper Grand with an even longer blade, which I happen to own. That should be good to cut almost any kind of fruit and cleaning it under water and drying it in the sun is no problem because of the handle style. A true gentleman folder, also comes as a small version called petite and in a nailneck version called 42 which referres to a German knife law restricting one hand locking blades.

[@kenkaufman6760]

Zt 308 vs Adamas is a question I've been asking myself for a bit. I think I might get both. Problem solved.

[@cliffguthrie7530]

Enjoyed-thanks! Looking forward to your Blade show coverage!

[@Narrmo]

That defrag quip had me laughing for over a minute... good one I say.

[@jolness1]

I am a simple man, I see a knife center video with DCA, I click and immediately like it, sometimes before it even loads the video haha.

[@dalestark3343]

May not of been, but apparently it should of been, not sure DCA said ZT enough throughout this video. Nothing against ZT, but I'm sure there are also other knives that could fill many of those Q's rolls that could also be shown in addition to/along with the ZT.

[@matthewsbernier]

I got detained, charged, went to court, and was fined (in addition to having my knife confiscated) for the pocket clip of my otherwise New York legal knife showing. On top of that, the criminal record kept me from working for the census, and I have to disclose it to every employer. I really appreciate you putting this info out there. It's a huge difference between NYC and basically anyplace else.

[@matthewsbernier]

Fun fact: The charge was for "brandishing a knife in the subway". About as connected to reality as the people I've known who were charged for littering for standing next to a garbage can, or charged for bike violations despite not owning a bike. The NYPD may be awful police, but they're amazing fiction writers.

[@jameshealy4594]

@@matthewsbernier That.... is unbelievably shitty mate. I loved visiting NYC but I'm glad I didn't try to carry there!

[@knifecenter]

That is terrible Matthew. Putting a black mark on people's lives for absolutely nothing to do with public safety. -DCA

[@charlesdudek7713]

@@matthewsbernier Don't forget the bonehead legislators that write and pass the laws in the first place. I can't believe NYPD enforces such stupid laws.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

Benchmade Adamas for a hard use knife? Meh, I’ll keep my Cold Steel SR1.

[@The4cp]

You aren't kidding.

[@thatrealba]

Being a huge fan of ZT, I just smiled my way through this episode. 😁

[@wake777]

I have a love-hate relationship with them. I like a lot of their designs, but being assisted ruins them for me. The 0450 and 0460 are too small and i cant open/ close them eAsily, and the 0452 and 0462 are too big and murdery. All there really good ones i like lile the 0470 and the 0609 are way out of my budget. Really unfortunate.

[@thatrealba]

@@wake777 even I don't like every design they have. Fortunately, we are in what I consider to be a golden age for knife design and manufacturing. So many makes and models out there.

[@wake777]

@@thatrealba we are in the best age, truly.

[@steventhomas5865]

I live in a state (not USA) where all knives are illegal to carry. You can have one on you if it is needed for work and you are at work. I EDC a multi tool and folder but they have to be cheap as they can be taken at any time. The SOG products look awesome but they would have to sit in a draw as I'd never want to lose them.

[@kiwiprouddavids724]

Yeah ,the new intro makes me smile every time I see it

[@zsombordonko6459]

Idk if it counts as toughness but with 20CV I don't get chips on my blade. It's landed on the kitchen tiles multiple times and the edge only rolled. Can someone back me up?

[@JohnC29]

I chose the Benchmade Adamas over the ZT0308. I wanted both but decided I could only have one. I carry a slicer knife along with the Adamas.

[@jufuh1503]

Hi DCA, i just wanted to add my grain of salt regarding the protection glove. There are two main standards for that, EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105. They both have different ratings for abrasion, cuts, tear and perforation (1 to 4 for EN 388 and 1 to 5 for ANSI 105). 1 being a protection against superficial dommage and 4 or 5 being a protection against serious dommage (that might cause permanent dommages). You can see these specification on the website of the manufacturer and the gloves will either have a tag with this information or it will be printed on them. For exemple, simple mechanix leather gloves are providing level 4 protection against abrasion and level 1 for cuts, tearing and perforation. Of course, this is not legal advice, just my two cents. Hope that helps!

[@hellbxymedia5027]

The quickest I've been here. Love these videos,great bit of therapy.

[@Cid_1]

HI DCA. Would love to see you go through some Scandinavian outdoors knives. Like the Norwegian Helle knives like the Utvaer designed by Jesper Voxnaes ,Brusletto. And hard to not include some of the Marttiini knives now that they got so many nice new models like the Aapa and many more,and of course maybe include some of the classics like the 230 240 & 250. Some Järvenpää,and karesuando knives would be awesome to see also. There's also a ton of custom knife makers with amazing knives. But the ones mentioned should be available in the US.

[@J.Bradley.]

As for question number 2, Opinel, all day.

[@dingusdog8687]

Opinel no 12. Perfect

[@tomfaranda]

I live outside NYC. Best bet for carrying a knife in nyc is a non locking swiss army knife. I believe you can still have trouble carrying or showing any one hand opening knife.

[@Hunglikeagrimsmo]

Best knives under $50 pretty much anything ganzos, sanrenmu, and harnds. Sure they don't use the best steels but the steels they use usually out perform other brands using the same steels

[@The4cp]

Stay away from Ganzo and Sanrenmu poor quality and stolen designs. Ontario Rat 1 is an excellent choice. Also check Cold Steel, Kershaw, and Civivi.

[@TheGunf1ghter]

Under 50. Hard to beat the tbfk.

[@Hunglikeagrimsmo]

@@The4cp how exactly are they stealing designs? Cuz they use a locking mechanism that is free use now due to the patent expiring? It must be that because no other brand makes the knives they make these days. Sure they used to steal designs but haven't in awhile but let's be honest every single brand steals designs even the big ones. As for quality obvious you've never actually handled one because they have QC that's on par if not better than benchmade at times

[@Suit_and_tie_reptile_guy]

It would be cool to have a series for knives and gear that are a bit out there like the carcass splitter!

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Regarding strength of the knife's lock...check out Johnny Juke's review of the Adamas "fail" in fairly simple outdoor use.

[@jjrossitee]

Just watched that review. Holy crap eh! Failed that easy great work On that hard use knife lol .... And no they don't talk about that kind of stuff around here

[@ericiverson721]

😂 fantastic ending to the episode 👍👍

[@simplykirk7193]

Well done Thomas!!!!

[@woahnowjoshua]

Hey DCA, I’m curious, if you could change the opening action/locking mechanism of any knife, which knife would it be and what would you change about it? Personally I would make the CJRB Ria a front flipper. Thanks!

[@randypaine]

As I was getting ready today, I decided to pick something lightweight and slim in the pocket from my collection since I was wearing fairly thin fabric shorts. My pick? ZT 0707.

[@jacksonmcgovern5508]

Hey David, I’m looking for THEE knife. I want drop point or clip point with a recurve. Spartan Machai looks awsome but I want guards like on the blackjack mode 7. If the Blackjack Mamba was still in production- that would be it. Anything that you can recommend for me? Also I watch your videos so often while going to sleep that my girlfriend gets sleepy when she hears knifeCenter videos ! Keep up the awsome Knife FAQ

[@jdisdetermined]

I think the best letter opener would probably be a Sandrin. TC edge would last a lifetime of letter opening, blades do not get any thinner.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Kapara great for food prep. Or an Opinel for a cheap option

[@joshuawelsh9022]

Dca ,love the look of the civivi Appalachian drifter any chance of them making the same knives with a locking blade?

[@jamesharris1493]

Yes that ZT is cool. I got one in brown. Very sharppp

[@xlittlecountryx1733]

Another good option for slicing fruit and other foods is a Laguiole. It was literally designed for slicing cheese and fruits.

[@kiwiprouddavids724]

Vitronox is a good option

[@Jimbonj]

That was an amazing troll on the hand size meme!

[@robertc4826]

Yet another great video Sir. I stopped purchasing CRKT knives because their clips are the weakest link. Living in NJ means that one cannot pocket carry so knives HAVE to be visible or they're considered concealed. And CRKT's clips are junk. I just wish that manufacturers consider a STRONG clip that does not need to be removed all the time and re-tweaked. Just my thoughts on it

[@virgilroberts5128]

Y’all should get a KnifeCenter exclusive Giant Mouse Ace Biblio with orange G10 scales and a PVD coated blade and hardware.

[@genuinelyconcerned3504]

Hey there, love the videos. Who in your opinion makes the strongest liner locks. I prefer liner locks as they are very low maintenance and are less likely to malfunction, or get clogged up by sand or mud in extreme situations and they don't rely on small springs or multiple moving parts. Hope you have time to answer. Thanks

[@billbush1270]

At Blade Show, could you please try to get your hands on a Boker Plus Frelon, as it looks comfortable IF the handle is long enough for a large size hand.. I am looking for a well-rounded handle on a folder, and the Frelon or the Gerber Gator folder are both quite rounded. I want something to carry car camping/hiking, no heavy woodcraft like batoning.

[@MikeHere]

Thanks for the vid. I need the stork to bring me a para 3 with an axis lock.

[@wake777]

Lol I prefer the compression lock personally. My para 3 would feel cheated if i got an axis lock knife too

[@c62west]

David C. Andersen, thanks for another great episode. EVERY TIME I discover a new-to-me small Bark River knife THEY'RE NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!! So far, their Bumblebee, PSK EDC, City Knife, and Bravo Micro. Presently, their Bravo Necker (which is a little bit larger) is vanishing from stores. Do they ONLY have a sprint run on new models or small models?! What's up with Bark River?

[@kennethaucoin2272]

I love my Bradford G Necker fixed blade as a EDC utility knife that is perfect as a pairing knife.

[@Old_School69]

Just FYI crewwear retains it's edge longer than M390 in almost every real world test I've ever seen. Outpost76 doest the tests right there in the videos. It is great to say what SHOULD happen, but if it doesn't happen in reality it doesn't really matter what should happen.

[@ronbisti4352]

I own the Spyderco Para 3 LW with the BD1N steel. What are your thoughts on that steel and how would you say it compares to their new proprietary Spy27? Is it worth the upgrade?

[@knifecenter]

Talked about this a bit for another gentleman in KniFAQ #33 right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJnPaomOlr2co5o Hope this helps! -DCA

[@Vares65]

I see that the Benchmade Adamas is in Preorder status. Any estimates on when it would ship?

[@jjrossitee]

Lol

[@jamesharris1493]

The best letter opener the CEO

[@dylanbauer5227]

Since we have hit ZT so hard here can you touch on sharpening small recurve blades. Specifically I've been intimidated by the zt350. It seems hard to get a stone small enough to ride that edge with galling other parts, which with the black blades the 350 stick out, a lot.

[@fabsenbmx]

Orange cutting folder maybe Spyderco native chief

[@jamesR1990]

I've got a question for you DCA. I've got a We Knife Co Peer with Bronze rubbing on the grip, and I love the MKM Flame and intend to pick one of those up as well. Is there an American made knife that you could recommend that is a similar quality with that Gentleman's/Executive style for around the same price point? Preferably a frame-lock with a thumb-stud/flipper tab. Thanks in advance.

[@paulmphoto]

Hey DCA can you discuss why pocket clips are so popular? With my pocket clip I have scratched paint and lost my knife whilst pushing through brush. Not to mention they cause handle hot spots.

[@etherealicer]

@Jim B Viper storm... Hindere design, but less than $200... sub frame lock though...

[@q3dm17]

Love that ZT, carry most frequently, great BD treat. Pocket clip has a replacement you can look up on the web.

[@Levi_Sheridan]

Do you know what the pocket clip is called?

[@matthewadler1329]

Q. Which knife would make a good letter opener? A. a knife

[@bennyc409]

The files..... are inside the computer? IT'S SO SIMPLE!

[@nicolagazzaniga3204]

I love the Adamas!

[@MJ-om8nw]

Do they really sell the carcus splitter?! I love it! Lol

[@drewpfeif5028]

That civivi Appalachian Drifter is a good looking knife. I really hope they make a version with a liner lock

[@jamesharris1493]

Thank you David

[@yankee23a]

I'm not sure of any advantages in choosing a tough steel on a folder, I'd go edge retention all day. A hard use folder is still only as tough as it's lock up and build so hard using the blade will affect the side to side action and lock up if abused

[@danielwendell542]

Howdy DCA. Recently was cutting with some force through some rope with my Spyderco Para 2, passed through the rope and into a screw while working here at the farm. I now have a divot in my blade just below the point! Is there a way to remedy this without a lot of reshaping/sharpening or grinding a new profile? It goes in about 1/4 of the width of the uncoated blade edge on my S30v blacked out spydie.

[@eddiet2729]

Hey David. You guys don’t talk much about scissors but love to get your thoughts on a pair of scissors that can retain their sharpness with cutting braid fishing line. I do a lot of fishing with braid fishing line and they usually eat up scissors after a few trips out. Do you have any recommendations on scissors that won’t quickly get dull with braid fishing line and can be resharpened?

[@rem24319821]

Hey David, I'm always on the lookout for a great slicing pocket knife. Currently using a customized bugout. Any recommendations on a new knife that's is as thin of a blade or thinner?

[@monkeylovemagic3339]

It's old school, but the Opinel is thin, it's the best lightweight slicing knife I've found. Their carbon steel is excellent and takes a wicked edge. If you haven't tried one, they are inexpensive and you should check one out.

[@rem24319821]

@@monkeylovemagic3339 that was the first knife I ever bought

[@TheGunf1ghter]

Haha, first thing I thought of was the openel also

[@jameshealy4594]

The ZT 0707 he mentions here is a great ultralight slicer too, I'm not sure it's a *better* cutter than a bugout but it's certainly different, and a fantastic little slim & light, love mine. The Spyderco Chaparral is a great ultrathin slicer from them if you don't mind a back lock - I think it would outslice a bugout, but it would be close. The quietcarry waypoint is worth mentioning also if you want to stretch, it's very slim and hollow ground, slices brilliantly. I know I'm not DCA but I love thin blades so I thought I'd help out if I could. :D EDIT: TRM uses quite thin stock on almost all their knives, if you can be bothered hunting one down.

[@timmeej]

Question - I'm looking for an executive knife that also has a bottle opener. Not a mutlitool, just a discreet blade that i can use to open a happy hour drink.

[@artemkanarchist]

Let’s start a petition to make locking pins for every slip joint in existence - this would save so many fingers here in Europe as well as make a lot of cops ultimately sad because they aren’t going to be able to imprison and fine people for carrying tools they need in their daily life

[@ValorantRivals]

Well done Thomas 13:30

[@rogersiples3335]

Looking for a good fixed blade knife for chopping wood, camping, and survival use. So far I like the ESEE 6. So many to choose from. Any suggestions? Thanks. Love your presentations.

[@myotherlefthand4880]

Not bored guys.

[@michaelduke2498]

Hi David, what are your thoughts on Spyderco’s kitchen knives? I love their folders and we need some additional pieces for the kitchen. I trust your expertise. Thanks!

[@matty2fatty2]

Hey DCA love your videos. I have a Spyderco smock that I absolutely love because of the flush style flipper tab on it. What are some other knives that have that same feature? Thank you for any recommendations.

[@nicholasspychalski9805]

Hi DCA, I currently edc a SAK Trekker. To me the tool selection is just about perfect. Do you know if there is a model that has the one hand opening but has the addition of scissors?

[@FeelsGoodman2024]

Was that a Zoolander reference? If so- bravo. Unrelated to the Blade Expo, but is there another folding Nessmuk (ish) knife that is not the Revo Ness? Thanks, and have a great weekend.

[@jamesharris1493]

Hey David what is the best tool for fixing your knives?

[@robertragar5520]

Really enjoy these,thanks