KnifeCenter FAQ #45: Urban Outdoor Crossover Knives + Lanyards Explained, More

[@happyhapticsEDC]

i love you for preaching that real talk.. people who hate on lanyards have clearly never used smaller blades in action… whatever the task, that extra finger grip without sacrificing pocket real estate in a magic formula.

[@dennishurley1992]

A fifth reason for a lanyard is when you carry a knife when sailing. If you drop your knife overboard without a lanyard you’ve lost it forever. I used a 3’ lanyard tied to a belt loop above my pocket. Then I could stuff the loose lanyard into my pocket when I wasn’t using the knife.

[@DeBeers99]

Also sailing when you are up on a mast, and can’t risk dropping a knife or tool onto your crew below

[@gyffesme]

I get such pleasure from these videos. You and Thomas have a great vibe, and Seth's 'stache deserves its own channel. Thanks!

[@tunturikuningas5393]

yeah, Seth looks so 80's but still cool

[@mylesgalos6465]

Liked seth's dozier kabar edc

[@gyffesme]

@@mylesgalos6465 I've given away dozens of those over the years (the AUS-8 with thumb-hole). "You don't have a knife? Oh, you must.. here!" Terrific knife, solid build, great lock, and I find AUS-8 a very under-valued steel.

[@mrgeorgejetson]

David, I've been watching and enjoying your knife show for a while now, but I have to say: The fact that you are possibly the only American I've even encountered who pronounces "croissant" correctly has just made me a super-fan. Only half joking. Keep up the excellent work!

[@yiyithewuster]

DCA really went all out on that croissant and did not disappoint

[@Indicacloudz]

We are going through a lot and your videos lately have been the only thing tgat relieve me of thinking about the stresses of life. Wish I personally knew people that had your light heartedness

[@Indicacloudz]

@@LK-gw6to yeah I agree. We door dash and uber eats from the time we get up til about 2 in the morning. I'd do it even longer if it would stay busy and let me but restraints eventually close. It helps stay distracted but it's exhausting after a while but tgats life. Nothing is forever though

[@Indicacloudz]

I appreciate that man you too

[@raygonzales4465]

Used to watch blade hq but you sir have become my favorite knife channel. Simple and entertaining and knowledgeable...👏👏great job

[@Bruceb1013]

I look forward to every video drop. I learn so much and walk away with a huge knife envy every time.

[@ralphlatorre203]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was considering the Banter after watching the video but the Presidio looks really nice!

[@gyffesme]

I bought the [non-mini] presidio before they changed the handle material. Previously, it was a bit too big/heavy for my liking, but that CF Elite is good stuff. Love the feel on my folding SOCP and am considering buying another large presidio if I can get it with CFElite handles.

[@whiterangerrr]

Absolutely the best Benchmade in my opinion. Just a solid all around knife. The CF Elite grip texture/pattern feels great!

[@jamesR1990]

As always a fantastic show. I legitimately enjoy watching these Knife FAQ's more than anything else all week. Thanks for the great content. And to be clear I'm a repeat customer and will remain one thanks to this KZbin channel. I've picked up a Lionsteel ROK and Spyderco Chaparral from you guys and have a LONG wish list to slowly work through

[@bdrac0014]

Another lanyard use. Paracord snake knot lanyard with a loop at the end, allows the knife to be hung. hf magnetic hooks on the side of a filing cabinet/refrigerator.

[@ShidenByakko]

Hi David, My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question: I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features: 1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard") 2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong) 3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it... 4) About 3" or more Blade Length 5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly. 6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip 7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each. Thanks so much!

[@aliabdurrahman]

Thank you. Great explanation of lanyards. I really liked the forward lanyard and will start using it

[@GOxHAM]

Always fun seeing you guys answering questions together!

[@TovarichSputnik]

These FAQ vids are the most enjoyable knife videos on KZbin.

[@jonathandavis6072]

Never change Thomas! Never. Change.

[@rtdc5662]

I don't care how the hell you say sog, just don't stop putting out the great knife videos!!👍👍

[@jessesioux4431]

DCA on many of my fixed blades I put bright florescent paracord so if I drop my knife in the woods or snow, it is easier to see. I do this on fire steel too. This was recommended by Mors Kochanski

[@PoetFisherman]

Great series. One of the few reasons I bother with censorious YT anymore. I'm really enjoying the guess my pick portion of the Q & A. Here's one for you two: If you lived in an area with no blade size restrictions and were to spend upwards of around $200 on a Spyderco folder for your only work knife (pallet straps, heavy cardboard, zip ties) which one would you pick up and why?

[@c.h.schouler6621]

Totally agree on the Badlands Vagabond.

[@jamesharris1493]

I appreciate the show on the differences video between Banter and Bugouf!

[@knifeguy9134]

Happy Saturday DCA! Hope everyone at knifecenter is doing well! Carrying that G2S, Kershaw launch 7, launch 4, and cold steel urban edge, i5t olight. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@realbroggo]

Here in the land down under we have some tough-ass wood and knife rebound (even with sharp knives) is a real risk. I can only strongly recommend using a lanyard to assist with control and retention of any knife used for chopping or similar tasks - even more so if you are working around other people. DCA thanks for the vid.

[@j.w.9407]

FAQ is back, the world is back to normal. Thank you DCA!

[@doubleoddbuck00]

Ohh, the blue Dozier! Love Mine 🤘

[@TheJourneyYoutube]

@knifecenter I'm thrilled to see that your channel is growing so fast. I remember when you were trying to tip 100k around the beginning of the new year. Awesome company and great content. Very well deserved!

[@sleigh4019]

They love the Ria ..I like the sencut Scepter a bit mire myself in the D2

[@nonnobissolum]

Love love love the couple of Aegis' in my lineup.

[@artemkanarchist]

Thanks for your work! Seth part was good and interesting again

[@natecarlson6283]

Great job DCA. I have really gotten hooked on these presentations and have come to appreciate the value of a quality pocket knife. Can you please do a segment on some chef knives? Maybe budget, mid, and high cost examples?

[@joejones9520]

we dont count kitchen knives ...we collect and care about badass knives only.

[@natecarlson6283]

@@joejones9520 😂😂😂

[@davidsapir3764]

My favorite knife at $50 or less is the Civivi Baklash. The black G10 handle/anodized blue liner with black blade version is only $42 and is such a beautiful looking, very tough and very useful knife.

[@kevinstryker6440]

Hey DCA and Seth, I like the idea of the "guess my pick" style game that you two have had on the last few videos. On that note, if you guys had $65 to buy your only fixed blade EDC, what would you choose? (I would choose a Böker Ylvi)

[@winburna852]

Buck 112 Slim Ranger is amazing!

[@dailygearguide]

Another good slicer for larger hands is the Hogue Deka! Based on where David’s hand land, mine are a bit larger in size, and this one fits in my hand perfect. Also light weight, and a better version of the cross bar lock! Another great video. S.O.G does sound cooler than sog lol 😆

[@rubencortez9198]

This was a great episode :)

[@johnboyd7158]

SOG. I have been pronouncing this as one word for 50+ years. I spent a very little time in the MAC-V SOG Outpost in '70. (Military Assistance Command-Vietnam, Special Operations Group) just FYI. Enjoy your videos, DCA!

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

I come from the land of ice & snow...and if one drops their knife while working outside with snow being anywhere from 1 to 3 feet deep...you can say good bye to your knife, but the lanyard will act like a kite tail and assist in retrieving that knife from deep snow.

[@WilliamWallis]

From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow?

[@bennyc409]

Ahhhhhhhaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhaaaaahhhhh!!!

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

@@WilliamWallis :- You got it!

[@davidharvey1798]

Ahhhhhhaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh

[@bennyc409]

@Strangely Brown I don't think that's a Zeppelin lyric...

[@BecauseKnife]

As far as lanyards go I actually use a lanyard on a few folders in lou of a pocket clip. I set the lanyard to where it's very flexible where it goes over the hem of my pocket with blank spot of 1 or 2 inches with no knots. I then add some more length and put a bead with some weight to it on the end of the lanyard so it lays down really well. This set up allows the lanyard to act like a pocket clip which keeps the knife upright and in place in my pocket. Works best with larger folders with longer handles. They seem to stay upright better. I carry my Spyderco Military in this way so I don't have to feel the pocket clip rubbing my hand during use and just to do something a little different and experiment with different ways to carry. Makes it easier to spydie flick with no clip also.

[@swcannon80]

Everytime I see a Presidio 2 all I can think is dam someone could have that but they purchased a Bugout 😂. Yes the large is unwieldy in the pocket but it is totally worth it to see peoples reaction when you pull it out👍👍

[@Saorsa1126]

Best presenter on KZbin, here's my question, what's the best assisted folding knife that's under two hundred dollars.

[@ThumosTheUnbroken]

Personally I love my kershaw kuro. It has a tanto blade with partial serration, got mine for 55$. About 3.5 inches of blade

[@tidge879]

Our of curiosity, and no shade intended, but why do you want a high end assisted knife? Ken Onion made the assisted knife to allow a good flipping action in budgets knives 25 years ago. At your price point you can get a seriously high end flipper, with an amazing action all over the place. In my mind an assisted action would just make that knife more difficult to look after. Is there a reason you want one that I'm just not seeing?

[@janjimpson240]

@@tidge879 not speaking for him, but a friend of mine prefers assisted action in his knives. I asked the same question you did and his reasoning is he works in landscaping and what not so he prefers it to always deploy with that snappy action. You won't notice the dirt and grime as much and it's a more reliable way of deployment because as long as the spring is intact, it requires very little effort. Which is why he enjoys flippers more as well. I don't get it, i prefer manual thumbstuds, but he's got a valid reason

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

Benchmade barrage

[@SRVandDtrouble]

Lanyard holes definitely affect the ergos of a knife! If not directly indirectly by dictating where the pocket clip can go. This question was probably influenced by the PM2 and PM3 both suffer from hot spots and clip placement issues that most modern enthusiast would prefer not to deal with.

[@carlk1183]

Hi DCA, I really enjoy this format and the knowledge you provided. I never knew 154CM was similar to 440C. To that end, I would like to know more about the benefits of the common / popular metals and what metals are similar to others. It would help deciding what metal works for certain tasks, etc.

[@acid6urns]

154cm is 440c based but it’s far superior

[@carlk1183]

@@acid6urns I have two Benchmades in 154. Been carrying 1 on duty for over 25 years. I want to get a fixed blade flat grind for an edc but damn these prices. I'm just not going to spend that.

[@megacab]

I have the knifecenter exclusive aegis and think it's a great slicer and I love the color

[@geocondo1000]

George C. Just curious about the phenolic handle on the Buck 119 special. When I was in the bush in Viet Nam in 1969 a couple of guys in my platoon carried this knife and I was amazed how well the handle stood up to the climate there. My Kabar handle got funky with all the humidity.

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

Lanyards can also be pocket jewelry. A milled titanium lanyard bead adds some pop to the old edc. I may take it a little too far, but I love my lanyards

[@jamesgilman1123]

Could you go over all the different blade shapes and best uses for each just for a learning stand point

[@heidih2887]

I second this question! :D general purposes/best uses for different blade shapes for folding and fixed blade knives! :D And what is meant by "tactical" knife? I think of "military use" or "self defense" or "knife fight".. but is there more to it than that? Thanks! :D

[@thehim2990]

I cant belive i guess the ka bar when it wasnt the tenacious. Really a knife that will last forever

[@mattharvey968]

Was that a young Ned Flanders next you DCA?? Really liked what you two were gonna guess about which knives you would pick under $50! I love the Civivi Riffle and the Sitivien ST302 under $50.

[@mdubb4855]

I would have chosen the Buck 112 Select as my lifetime under $50 knife. Legal almost everywhere especially with that slow steady open. Light. Lifetime warranty, and mail in SPA treatment for $6. No fun or glitz at all, but a keeper.

[@mdubb4855]

Kabar BK40 folder if size isn't a limit.

[@chrisflamion2283]

I carry both the Dozer and the Tenacious as well

[@DaggerFace666]

“It comes in In-offensive blue” is priceless

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I am a big fan of the “mini” versions of knives that are available (E.g. Benchmade 945, Mini Bugout, and Rat Model 2). What are other knife models that should get smaller versions?

[@requiscatinpace7392]

William Wallace’s sword 🗡 !!

[@Tommy-lc3kh]

The mini Presidio 2 could use a mini

[@harleyw6443]

CRKT Clever Girl and the Cold Steel Rajah III.

[@masemasemasie]

The cold steel espada

[@bertgambini]

Great explanation, David. Thanks!

[@jpolhamus71]

Their name is SOG!!!! It's been that way since the nineties and I will never stop calling it that

[@markensen2003]

agreed, their marketing team got overzealous

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

The controversy is good for business.

[@jpolhamus71]

@@blueeyeswhitedragon9839 agreed

[@mitchelloughman8382]

Hey D.C.A, I was thinking of adding a fixed blade to my collection but i want it to be able to be scout carried. I’m a conservation biologist so it would need be outdoor utility oriented. Iv been looking but i can’t find any options that speak to me. One caveat it cant be made in China, anywhere else is fine. Love the content and love the addition of Seth, hands down my favorite KZbin channel. Keep up the great work!

[@MrTheheirarchy]

Me and my kids absolutely love your videos. My youngest loves the Kershaw drivetrain, and I carry a Kershaw leek most days as I work in an office. I was wondering if there's anything similar to the drivetrain that is a little more elegant? He likes the glass breaker and seat belt cutter though as he's terrified of being trapped in a car. Thanks!

[@jamesharris1493]

For the lanyard it's also for tying a rope or parachute string to completely put over your wrist for self defense reasons so the knife won't slip out of your hands like combat aside from chores

[@NinjaHikage]

Can you please show the spine and give more details on the thickness for future knives. I find not enough knives display how thick the steel is, and that makes a big difference for those deciding on a knife to fit their task needs.

[@knifecenter]

Full specs, including thickness, are almost always available on the website (links in the descrip) -DCA

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

It made me smile when Thomas kinda quoted Shakespeare (I think) when talking about S.O.G.

[@jonhughes2488]

Hello DCA - the eighties movie director is back! What are the advantages to knife handle asymmetry? Reduction in price? I can't stand a knife handle with a g10 side and steel side, for example. I won't even consider a purchasing a knife with handle asymmetry. It takes away from the aesthetic of the knife, the feel, and it makes it more uncomfortable when holding. Thanks, great job to all at KC!

[@troymanning3150]

Mr DCA, love this series! Just wondering what are some of your favorite bushcraft knives? Feel free to include your own amazing Nordsmith stuff. Maybe a budget, middle of the road and high end. Thanks!

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

My dad always said “It’s a knife eat knife world.” If he were correct, what two Joe Flowers knives are those two knives?

[@scottbuckner2877]

Hey David, I’ve spent most of my life camping but only in the last year I’ve put more focus on bushcraft skills. I currently use an Esse 5 for batoning and chopping, a Mora companion for smaller carving and a Rat 1 for food prep. Please help me find one knife to rule them all!

[@wesleymonske8103]

Why not do a reel on cut co knives? Good steel ,mostly kitchen related for sure but handle is a charm. The steel stays sharp . I use the steak knife for a filled knife. Cuts anything and is serrated too. No sheath , A little leather and presto changeo . Very spendy but better than any Gerber with lifetime replacement!

[@jedset1291]

hey DCA, im after a modern traditional folder with a roundish tip? ie as little pointy as possible. needs pocket clip and some fidget factor. Also a fixed blade for 90 percent food prep and 10 percent camp uses. budget is loose but everything here in Australia costs near double! Thanks

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

FAQ Question... What is a good backpacking knife. First it should be lightweight. It is NOT a survival knife. You have an entire backpack full of survival gear. Its main use would be opening food packs or slicking cheese/salami. You might make a feather stick or carve a quick tent peg. It should be able to strike a fire steel since that's my backup fire source. Some decent choices and maybe a multitool choice as a bonus? Extra points for being a bright color.

[@knifecenter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y33Yi6hpqLB5osU&

[@dizzydiggydabrig7931]

I GOTTA SAY… THANX for such an informative explanation, I ended opting for the full size for best fit in my hands, but hey @ least you made sense of it for me for future reference since it’s certainly not the last time I’ll wonder that LOL…. Btw thought package would have AT LEAST had 1 sticker in it :(….. next time ;)

[@dizzydiggydabrig7931]

FORGOT to give time 16:09-17:39 in this video!

[@Kicksplode]

I'm sure I'm not the only person who became a big fan of Jesper Voxnaes after picking up the CRKT Pilar III this year. He seems to be a very prolific designer, so I'm curious - which of the many Voxnaes knives would you say is a logical step up from the Pilar? Basically, similar form factor but better materials. Thanks for all that you do.

[@tass8495]

Can't live without a good finger choil and lanyard hole!

[@ajhyke8119]

Hey David, I am looking for the most premium feeling knife for the price. Looken to get the most bang for my buck.

[@markjohnson1020]

If SOG wants the knife community to pronounce their name “S, OH, GEE” then they should spell it S.O.G. If they want us to pronouncer it like “Sog” then they should continue to spell it SOG. That is all.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Might have been post WW2 a Japanese company called USA was formed. Consumers tried to buy local U.S.A. Products.

[@tylerrohn6938]

100% this

[@mcsquirgle]

@@tonycanniffe2360 false

[@CountryThingsTV]

Agreed

[@marksage5722]

@@mcsquirgle no, it's true.

[@jamesharris1493]

For a 50 dollar knife range might I suggest an Artisan Cutlery Predator D2 steel knife. Very cool and sharp.

[@etherealicer]

As for small vs. big knife. There are also sales number. I imagine that the D-Rocket micro is probably not selling the same quantity as the larger one.

[@vorpalblades]

Why does no one use a lanyard properly? The loop goes over the handle to the front of the handle with the loop on the top side. You reach through the loop and when you grab the handle, your thumb tightens it against your wrist. It's not for retention, although it works great at that. It increases the leverage you can exert.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

Buck the most beautiful blades

[@I_N33D_M0R3]

Idk why people hate on lanyards so much. I find them super useful on knives with deep carry clips. Way easier to pull it from my pocket. On fixed blades I put my wrist through a larger loop. In case you quickly need to let go of the handle and grab something else. I like using them.

[@LukeMcf]

Hey David, what would be your personal wierd but useful blade shape/design. I think it would be cool if a push dagger had a blade with half serratetons and the other had a pain edge.

[@cueball981]

Great set of topics today! So playing off of the $50 EDC question, if money were no object, what would be yours and Seth's ultimate knife to own, carry, and use?

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Spyderco Efficient would be good or maybe kershaw highball for inexpensive knives

[@evile1174]

This is such a great series!

[@markfcoble]

Thanks. Skeletool for edc. Handy in country as I've said.

[@rong.9130]

The first couple of examples are fobs. A lanyard is long enough to wrap around your hand or wrist. I learned to love lanyards working on boats, where drops are often permanent. I tie a small monkey's fist on the end of a six-inch piece of cord. I pull the knife by pinching the cord between my index and middle fingers, with the monkey's fist behind my fingers. As I pull the cord lays inside my middle and ring fingers, then wraps around the outside of my pinky. The knife swings around my pinky by the cord, right into my palm. If I drop it, it will swing right back into my hand. Maybe I need to make a video.

[@Regolith86]

Best big-hand slicer IMO is the Spyderco Manix 2 XL.

[@abc456f]

Great choice. Love the manix 2 and the xl is more to love!

[@gladius1275]

He’s right about the closed caption. It came up on mineall the time and I got used to it. Just turned it off…much better! 😃

[@rwstubbz]

Machining smaller parts actually takes longer and is more delicate with more waste because of their delicate nature. The handle materials may have started at the same bar stock but require more cuts and a more expensive machine to machine it.

[@mdubb4855]

I don't trust liner locks. Had several with slippage off the spine. Even Kershaw had some issues. Kabar Dozier and TriAd FTW.

[@mattstew6078]

My personal favorite knife and my current edc is the case slimline. Any recommendations for a knife that has a similar size and feel but with a back lock?

[@johncuyle3017]

I really wanted to like the SOG Aegis AT as a folding outdoor knife. It's orange (easy to spot if you drop it) the blade coating is nice, I like assisted knives, I wanted something with a safety for an assisted knife for EDC, and it's inexpensive. But the Aegis AT is incredibly difficult to open. I don't have weak hands at all, but while the rest of my assisted knives require just a bit of pressure to get past the point where the spring open, the Aegis requires so much pressure that I can't do it with the stud. I need to pinch the blade with my index and thumb to get enough leverage to open it. Hilariously, this renders the safety completely redundant. If you can barely open it when you're trying, there's no chance of an accidental opening. Really wish, for this particular knife, I'd gone with a non-assisted flipper variant.

[@andrewyeong-169ayc8]

1) victorinox 91mm or the 85mm (wenger delemont), which would you prefer ? 2) is there any Victorinox 85mm (medium knives) or the large pocket knives come with both big and small blades?

[@hectorn.6137]

I love my tac-xr. That's what I call it. It flips open great from day one. But, I think I broke the spring.

[@mikejurnak0324]

Can you do a vid on Benchmade guided hone ?

[@PaavaliJT]

Question: what is your opinion about J-P Peltonen Sissipuukko? (=guerillapuukko or -knife, if you prefer). Two sizes: M95 and shorter M07. I have the M95 and I think it is a perfect outdoors knife. (No need for a (small) axe, for example. Leather or plastic sheath. Thanks!

[@jeffsullivan4832]

Hello my friend. So I wanted to know if you can swap out the washers in a knife to bearings and if so can you please explain the general process

[@talkingtotheworld8577]

Hi David love yalls channel it has really opened my eyes to endless innovations on something so simple as a knife. I have question that i hope you can help me with. I walk and take public transportation everywhere. I also have a job in manufacturing so cutting boxes and heavy use of my blade is very common. I presently use a kershaw/emerson cqc-k4xl as my everyday carry. The size and quick deployment comes in handy for intimidating unfriendly people on the streets. Ive been wanting to buy a new blade either upgrade or downgrade that might be somewhat similar also a fix blade as a secondary carry. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time and yall guys keep up the good work.

[@talkingtotheworld8577]

Iam sorry forgot i have large hands and my price range would be bout $100.

[@unfi6798]

Hey DCA, great show as always but we still want to know how many knives does Tom have & what he looks like. Please.!

[@maxschechterman7460]

What about the civivi elementum? Love that little guy

[@jakekulina9129]

What is the best folding knife that can strike a fire steel?

[@kostoulis7]

Hello DCA. I love the Condor mini Duku (Mr flowers nailed it). First, do you consider it a small machete or a big knife? What makes the difference and second, do you have other examples in this category (can chop, can slice and is quite all around for fire making around camp)

[@jamesharris1493]

Am surprised you did not advise the guy with the Bugout for a Griptilian

[@JEEMA1966]

David, hello, I love your videos and I enjoy and learn a lot from them, my question is, if you only had 100 dollars to put together an EDC KIT, with at least three products, what would be your favorites? . Congratulations on your work, greetings from Mexico.