KnifeCenter FAQ

[@A4152-p8l]

DCA, We appreciate all of your info!! Wishing You Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!! Hoping for a Great New Year and New Videos provided by You. Thanks again. Alex

[@rockets4kids]

14:50 Nearly every scandi-ground knife I have seen comes with a micro-bevel (and often a rather large one) from the factory. This is important because it will take a *considerable* amount of time to when trying to sharpen the knife to a zero-grind for the first time! I regularly see people spending hours to get their scandi ground knife sharp the first time they do to sharpen it to a zero grind on a stone. It really can take that long to grind away the micro-bevel and establish a new apex.

[@realbroggo]

Very true although tends to depends on the brand. From what I understand, it's all about labour & cost. Sometimes it's quicker (hence cheaper) to finish an edge by running it through a sharpener knowing that most consumers won't recognise or care about a micro-bevel. From my limited experience I've found that Scandinavian brand knives tend to do a good job with scandis. Unfortunately changing or fixing any bevel can take time (esp. with hard steels) so if the out-of-box edge is important to you, try to get to a store and have an actual look at the blade prior to purchase. Take care.

[@rockets4kids]

@@realbroggo The other reality is that zero-scandi edges are often quite fragile. Many people find that after spending several hours to zero out and polish the bevel, the edge chips/rolls the very first time they go to use it. This is why DCA recommends just stropping over the factory micro-bevel. For casual knife users this can be a very effective option, but stropping only goes so far. This is why people in Sweden (where a Mora was $3 before Covid) just throw their scandi knives out when they get dull.

[@mrcruzzz1]

After spending over $250 on budget, China knives, and I wish I would have spent $250 on 1 USA made knife.

[@Hola-ro6yv]

$250 sounds more like OVERbudget 😅

[@Schecter311]

@@Hola-ro6yvhe probably means he got multiple “budget” knives but wished he’d gone with a single USA made knife.

[@TBEDC]

100% the knife world is spammed with China knives..I stopped buying them long ago

[@homie-gtv322]

Sell those at a loss and save for some quality shit.

[@dgoody84]

I did the same shit. Had to try a qsp penguin. Wasn't impressed at all when it first arrived although I must admit it is growing on me and finding it's was to my pocket more and more. Bought a Civivi and a few Case's. Wish I would have just saved for that buck 110 auto elite which is my grail knife.

[@joelhansen7373]

A strop used on a Scandi grind doesn't create a micro bevel unless you hold it at a steeper angle than the primary grind. It will create a convex edge. Maybe if you apply too much pressure it will create sort of a convex micro bevel. But applying too much pressure when using a strop is also a good way to continuously create a dull edge.

[@realbroggo]

100%. What I've found is that many people hesitate to lay the blade flat for fear of scratching the sides of the blade - but that's what you have to do to keep the zero angle. The moment you lift the sides of the blade you start to change the edge angle ie. create a micro, usually convexed, bevel. Have a great day.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

The Kershaw "Appa " is a very good budget knife the size and quality is a perfect lightweight EDC im hoping they keep them in their lineup.

[@jayr526]

4Cr?

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

Good point not bragging but for $15 bucks I dug some nails out of tires and other chores still has an edge however if it snaps or can't be resharpened it goes in the garbage .

[@joeyho5134]

Convex grinds would be another example. Scandi grind and convex grind are my favorites.

[@MikeyD8716]

Great choices, Vosteed really is killing it. I would buy up a lot of the Kershaw Launch knives if they were legal to carry in my area. The carbon fiber Iridium M390 was released this year, what an awesome knife. Kunwu, selling $200+ knifes that are value is very hard to do, and they absolutely are.

[@Gringorican]

10:10 idc what anyone says. Properly heat treated 14C28N is a super steel.

[@Scrub_Zero]

I've only owned 14c28n in older Kershaws and it was pretty terrible. Comparable to something like 8cr or 440c. In your opinion who heat treats it well??

[@Hola-ro6yv]

So is 420HC too then. If you check Knife Steel Nerds ratings on both steels 14C28N has only slightly higher ratings than 420HC and Buck is known for doing an excellent heat treat on it.

[@MikeyD8716]

If 14c had 25% more edge retention it would absolutely be a super steal.

[@Scrub_Zero]

@Hola-ro6yv Buck does do a good heat treat on it, and it was acceptable in the 80s and 90s, But by today's standards it's cheapo garbage that's just slightly better than other companies cheapo garbage.

[@EntropyIV]

Hey DCA, what would you recommend for a “pajama“ knife? Looking for something I can throw in the pocket of my PJ pants that won’t get in the way of lounging or weigh my pocket down. I’m partial to fix blades but given the application, I’m thinking folder might be better.

[@aaronwilliams007]

Are you ok?

[@GBall_Vision]

I wear sweat pants all the time. I can hold several folders of all sizes on the waist band

[@Hola-ro6yv]

@@aaronwilliams007are YOU ok? This is a KNIFE channel, Kaaron.

[@jayr526]

Yea, Thomas. Keep those mercurial answers coming.

[@realbroggo]

Carrying a fixed blades on your PJ's - that's hard core. I would recommend a lightweight folder. A Benchmade Bugout will do fine. If you don't like Benchmade or cannot afford their lofty prices, use the Bugout as a benchmark and find a similar style blade. The CJRB Pyrite Light has to be up there as an option - plenty of options to choose from (size, blade & colour). However, if you really want to go down the fixed blade path there were a lot of really great small/EDC/neck knives released over the past two years and I'm sure one of these with an Ulticlip will work (but will still likely be heavier/bulkier than a lightweight folder). Good luck with your search.

[@bryanmatney4955]

Hey DCA, I’m a proud American, but it’s hard to argue that anyone did it better than the companies using the Chinese imported stuff this year, WE/Civivi, Vosteed, Kansept, Kizer, etc. What are you and the Knife Center guys carrying from the companies importing product from China? I like most of what I’m seeing from these brands, I know you guys do too, looking forward to your CJRB collab. Never miss the shows, love you guys, Happy New Year

[@Hola-ro6yv]

😂😂😂

[@JamesBaur-v6j]

I wish Kershaw would release a larger version of the "Bellaire." Call it the "Bullaire", with like a 4 inch blade.

[@mylesgalos6465]

Happy New Year to you all KC

[@johnlewan1114]

I bought a Ruike D191 flipper after you featured it. A fantastic EDC, I use it everyday. Sharp as a scalpel right out of the box. I expect great things from them in the future. Happy New Year DCA and Thomas.

[@transparentknives]

Hi DCA, there was one mistake in the video. Kershaw has found a way to be competitive to Chinese imports in the mid range with the Bel Air but NOT the low range. The Mini Iridium is made in China. I'm not sure if America will ever be able to compete in the low range

[@adamkolb113]

I want buck to make the model 112 into a pocket fixed blade. Perfect size for it.

[@sauceboss2367]

Get a Guardian 3 from Bradford. Best edc fixed knife ever!

[@Nolimit-p6y]

Tri ad lock is still the boss of folding knife lock

[@jimmylarge1148]

So you’re the guy metal complex is always talking abt? No matter what’s going on it’s always “the triad lock is best”. 😂😂😂

[@Nolimit-p6y]

@ yes it never disappoints me

[@Nolimit-p6y]

@@alive28697 everybody wants to fight me now

[@alive28697]

jimmylarge1148 So you're the clueless guy who quotes mc in a kc video as if his boring, irrelevant, cookie-cutter opinions matter 😂😂😂

[@Nolimit-p6y]

@@alive28697 everybody wants to fight me now

[@geraldroberts4721]

My brother gifted me a Benchmade Mini-Barrage for Christmas. I have many knives but nothing over the $50 mark, any advise on getting over the fear of using what I consider a rediculously expensive knife?

[@chrisjosekuehl]

There are so many new knives that I want, I want all the different lock types, the last couple years it’s been hard to grab them all while still grabbing the really nice ones too. My next purchases are going to be that new Hoeft, that thing is everything I love in a knife and I can’t wait to put that new lock through its paces, it could replace my small knife edc’s, Deka, 20.5, Wells Blade Works custom Opinel liner lock. It’s just so perfect.

[@aPoxOnUsernames]

Is there any chance we could get an ax-AQ episode? Go through the basics of what makes a good ax and then some recommendations for various use cases? I have a cold steel trail boss, but looking to add some variety there. I mostly use it while camping.

[@armenarakelian9876]

I wish I bought the launch 16 instead of the benchmade bailout -.-

[@The_RC_Guru]

You left out the $10 Ozark trail. And swisstech.

[@lenbones7940]

the mini iridium is a perfect example of how epic the budget knife game has gotten.. between Kershaw buck and civivi u can spend 50 tp 70 bucks and get sumthing Hella decent that'll actually last... and there using d2 13c28 in that price point which a few years back was really mostly top tier over 100 type of stuff... and realistically both those ud have to intentionally be trying to damage to break

[@msharmall7298]

I appreciate you telling that user what their knife is, that was cool.

[@joecorzine8057]

If anybody’s home, please feed my girls. Payton gets a about three-quarter scoop de or gets a full scoop. Thank you. Love you guys.

[@realbroggo]

Of all the posts I thought I might read today this is certainly an unusual one. (Saw your later post - I hope all is well. Apology not required.)

[@patricktompkins4054]

Eafengrow has some great designs. Look at the EF152.

[@drborg1460]

I do have a tiny knife colletion. pick them up here and there, not to the point to here i don't miss an episode on here. old lady ask me why i ALWAYS gotta watch the new ones. lol thought about it, idk guess i just like the knife center crew. Buddy at work didn't know where to get a knife for his father in law, and of course i pointed him you're way. Told him i already know you cant find a better online knife store, so he better leave my man David a ball'in review. David my name too so joked about that. Of course I enjoy the videos pushed me back into knives a little more, actually just picked up a paramilltary 2 cpm154/s90v. Def would not own on if it wasn't for your videos pushing me back into knives a little more. Keep up the good work and reminding people the knife world is just getting more awesome!!!

[@MR-jt2rh]

Kershaw knives, made in USA and under $150. ❤👍

[@muskyman1018]

I have a Prandi hatchet that’s excellent for the $, we don’t all need a GRÄNSFORS BRUKS. Got a nice mask and belt loop for it off eBay.

[@lonewolf597]

Damn , looks like the eggnog was flowing for this one! Happy New Year!

[@stevepetrosino1590]

I agree that Vosteed is on the move. I am glad to see the button liner lock. I will be getting one of those. I just got the Corgi V - nice. I am hoping that they will add a green aluminum to the Shilin Cutter lineup. I bought the expensive Karbon Buckhorn. Their QA stinks. 1st, I don't expect to have to adjust out of the box. 2nd, blade wiggle to get movement is bad. I got a replacement. Though not as bad using the thumbstud is a chore. I asked KC to check before sending the replacement. Better, but no where near as good as the ones I see in vids. QA stinks. Never another Karbon.

[@happykt]

Thanks for answering my question 😊

[@tecnotrog1]

If they worry about sharping, try the SAK Florial it's a chisel grind but the guys here use them a lot on their nets due to ease of sharping.🦉

[@NoahEdelnant-d3v]

Hi DCA and Thomas, and Seth et al. I’ve been meaning to say this for a long time, re: the reverse top liner lock expired patent on Spyderco’s compression lock. What about calling it (at least the ones that actuate with a button) the Smock lock? First time I saw it was on the Spyderco Smock, and Kevin Smock’s customs. Seems he could use the recognition a la Reeve Integral lock or Michael Walker liner lock? Just my 2 cents. Cheers.

[@davidgarrett5671]

I think Spyderco would object to that name.

[@realbroggo]

@@davidgarrett5671 100%. 'Compression Lock' and 'Smock' are registered trade names of Spyderco. I think finding a generic name for the compression lock is going to be a challenge. We'll see. Take care.

[@Adam.297]

I am still on the fence about Karbon, mainly their QC. 2\2 Flatlines came with edge damage, and I have seen at least one other video where the edge is clearly damaged. Not a good look to me.

[@unfi6798]

How about doing KC outside in a cool shade behind the warehouse.? Cheers from Christmas Island & Australia.

[@realbroggo]

Since they are in Virginia USA they are in winter. I think today's temp for them is about 10deg C and it's expected to drop to zero over the next few days. That really would make for cool shade...... Cheers also from Australia.

[@J.Bradley.]

I wish they'd produce the bel air with g10, Micarta and other steels. I'd love a g10/s30v. A build your own bel air would be sick. I'd probably buy a few.

[@oddsavage]

Hey guys! What's a good affordable folder knife with a recurve blade? Why are s so rare in folders?

[@realbroggo]

There are quite a few out there - some knives have subtle recurves making them easy to miss unless you're really looking. I have a couple of Ruike knives with quite pronounced recurves that I like. eg. P851. Good materials, good quality & reasonable price. I think you don't see more because a) most folding knife blades are relatively short making it more difficult to design a usable recurve. b) manufacturing costs are higher because more manual labour is required. c) the perception that they are harder to sharpen reduces sales. (Yes they are a bit harder to sharpen but, mostly, not as hard as many think.) Good luck on your quest.

[@oddsavage]

@realbroggo hey, thanks for the response. I have a really Ruike fixie, the F815-B. It's pretty much my everyday fixie, always in my truck or on my side when I'm kicking around in nature. I've got a different camp knife, but that's neither here nor there. Regardless, Ruike does make a great knife, so I'll check their others out. I had to amend my comment to indicate folders in particular. They're out there, for sure, but not many under $100 with a good, deep recurve that really let's you bite into things like ropes, zips, and wood that gets in the way. I'll keep looking tho. I appreciate your input. All good points. Thanks!

[@harperexplores9349]

What about a Convex grind 15:10 no secondary bevel why do we not talk about convex being so strung and easy to strop.

[@user-wy1dl2me2p]

Thanks Dave , excellent as usual.

[@DB.KOOPER]

Vosteed is by far the best of the up-coming brands and nobody else is even close design wise... the Raccoon is literally the best functional pocket knife for actually using as a pocket knife (vs fidgeting with and posting pictures of on the internet like most of the kids these days) and the Vanchor Lock now that they got it figured out is SO good it's going to really carry them over the top. Now if they would just stop making so many SMALL knives. I hate that trend.

[@Edcreviewer]

Let's go! New Dca and Thomas drop!

[@larsmurdochkalsta8808]

I was fully expecting him to pull out some knife with like a silver inlay ngl

[@lucasstoll5387]

?? Kiridashi as EDC fixed blade option? I could only see the Kanetsune as specifically what I’m thinking of on KnifeCenter, but there are numerous Japanese made options available out there. A bargain if that’s what you’re into, good for sharpening skill practice too.

[@cwalker228]

It’s only busty would make some knives that are full size. I’d be much more excited about them.

[@timtitus2532]

Thomas is correct. Quick silver is mercury.

[@Puahhhhhh]

Dawnstar got a 3/5 from me if I were to rate it. Odd weight distribution and weak liner lock/hinge rattling made it feel cheap and not very well thought out. If you can get it for less than $30; worth it just to have a hawkbill!ha

[@rosamorales729]

Please make more videos on kitchen knives!

[@Monsoonpain]

I STRONGLY recommend the Buckhorn, every detail is near perfect. Comfortable, light, attractive, slanted thumbstuds for ease, tip of the blade has a bit of a downturn ...perfect for digging in .

[@DB.KOOPER]

Garbage. That knife is nothing but a "looks" knife (and it's F-ing HIDEOUS to boot, has gas-station-knife lines) for you Reddit/social media obsessed kids. It's a trash design and a frame lock which is total garbage and nowhere near the level of design quality of things like the Vosteed Raccoon or the Vision FG etc.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

You know, werewolves carry Cold Steel Espada XL's so.... woof! 😉 Happy New Year DCA, Thomas, & Seth!

[@citizenkane454]

Kunwu, kizer, kershaw vosteed

[@kengland0924]

I'm looking at REMETTE AND MAYBE KANSEPT

[@medicus5565]

DCA, what impact do you anticipate will come from the proposed tariffs on Chinese exports to the U.S. in knife availability and cost?

[@jctsea]

Yeah! HNY DCA and Thomas!

[@BluestedSRT4]

I'm hoping 2025 brings some large and extra large knives. Not overbuilt heavy folders, but 4-5" slicy blades and finger-safe locks.

[@datak508]

Check out Off Grid knives (I have no affiliation) but just picked up their new Mamba v3 in Coyote. Love it so far. 4” knife in Magnacut, 5” handle. Definitely on the Large side, super slicey tanto style blade

[@Hola-ro6yv]

@@datak508where are they made?

[@realbroggo]

@@Hola-ro6yv Taiwan or China depending on model. I checked their website the Mamba is made by Bestech in China.

[@TBEDC]

Brought to you by PRC

[@Lawyerboyleslie72]

I hope the first tariff is on Chinese imports. Slap a 200 dollar per knife tariff on all them.

[@tonydillinger2553]

Kunwu and Vosteed for 2025......

[@cwalker228]

Love me some Kunwu! I really wish they would sell through US retailers, it takes forever to get stuf shipped from them

[@tonydillinger2553]

@cwalker228 Blade hq, rivers edge, white mountain, dlt, all sell kunwu.

[@ericthered2349]

Kershaw, MAKE A AMERICAN MADE DAWNSTAR! Please ;) premium products and crossbar lock.

[@side1981]

Why more maker don't do their flippers like that Ankylo is beyond me. That so much cleaner then having tab stick out.

[@Robert_Thomas832]

Misspelled and expensive. Ka bon...😂

[@rorycalhoun8011]

Is there a way for you to give us the time ticker or hash in the time line bar for each question... so that we can jump ahead or go back to your answer on each question? Just like you have the start to every new knife comments in your other vidjas! Tks, minor detail... but we really luv that feature in your various knife videos in the same time line bar at the bottom of the vidja! NEVER MIND... WE SEE IT NOW LATER IN THE VIDJA; YOU START SHOWING THE BREAKDOWN IN Q&A WITH TIME MARKINGS... LOL!!! LONG SOLILOQUY FROM 44 SECS TO 11 MINUTES!

[@jamesprice6290]

Ya but Vosteed never had any thing in stock Always out of everything !

[@waylonwade1203]

Hey DCA, Thomas and team! What types or styles of knives are you looking to add to your collection in the new year?

[@fronttowardenemy4175]

Kunwu!!!

[@deeacosta2734]

Right?

[@valeriypykhalenko3113]

🔪👍

[@casualcanoer2426]

Sincere question, hoping for insightful answers: why do you guys in the comments dislike Chinese-made knives? Is it just China or do you dislike any non-American-made knife? Is it just knives, or do you dislike all foreign products? I know everyone’s answer will differ, but I’m genuinely curious. A lot of them seem like good knives to me. I don’t want to open a can of worms, I just want to understand others’ viewpoints. Thanks.

[@DamionJR4923]

Kershaw and Civivi killed it in 2024

[@rickyhurtt5568]

Those online knife snobs are also the ones who pay 100s for a knife they more than likely open Amazon packages with. Think about it

[@Oneoneone111One]

Gross. I don’t want to get my fidget toy dirty and ruin the edge on it. What fun would it be if it couldn’t slice me as easily.

[@rockets4kids]

You are wrong. It is almost never "a knife." It is dozens, if not hundreds, of knives.

[@wesbillings1935]

I only open packages with my expensive knives

[@alive28697]

7:28 love ya DCA but sorry; Kershaw releasing a "karambit" without a ring on the handle is a poor design choice and btw trying to correct yourself after you've already said "low-end" and replace it with "affordable" just smacks of a sleezy used car salesman tsctic. There's no shame in being honest about "import quality" that's exactly why they're on the low end of the product line

[@joecorzine8057]

Oh my God guys I am so sorry I’m working a double at work. I thought I was talking to my kids at home and I’m not. I left this post on knife center. I apologize I’m such a moron.

[@donvolo2548]

When I read it I was like what? Thanks for the laugh and respect for working the extra shift to support your family.

[@sandrokalandadze9501]

Kershaw must stop making cutouts for clips! just make 2 holes. look at bel air and then at iridium 🤢

[@WTF-204]

What knife would you suggest for cutting the tops of the soon-to-come cheap Trump boiled eggs? Keep in mind that not only does it need to be functional, but has to look great beside the eggcup.

[@johnmorgan4405]

Al Mar used to be my favorite production knife maker. Too bad they went the China route.

[@aaronwood6910]

Kershaw makes 99 percent junk and one good USA made knife and it’s featured in every video

[@ElStriker777]

🔥👍🤙🏻

[@rorycalhoun8011]

DCA and Gang... your vidjas are the best by far; showing us new knives out and upcoming bangers! I for one appreciate all of your hard work and your team; I just prefer to watch your vidjas the best and I do get around to the other ones, when you happen to be off on a deserved VaKa. Tks again and keep up the great work!

[@HonestArcher_13]

Fourth 👍😂😂

[@veiledallegory]

Why are you mainly pushing Chinese knives instead of made in the USA. I guess the Chinese incentives have caused all of you to sell out!

[@Lawyerboyleslie72]

You all are the reason for the onslaught. Stop giving them a platform. Only do a show in US made knives.

[@davidgarrett5671]

They have done videos on US made knives. If that high of a tariff is leveled KnifeCenter will go out of business.

[@homeskateco.538]

The Vanchor lock and the Reate Pivot lock both make the knives way too thick for my liking, despite them being nice silhouettes

[@NZComfort]

What to look forward to in 2025? A FLIPPIN PAY RAISE!!!!!! Wooooooooo! Might even be able to afford to start buying knives again 👍🏼

[@deeacosta2734]

Let’s be real, you don’t carry any of the cool new brands. No Kunwu, GriffinCo, Reate. Only Spyderco, China crap.

[@ForRealConfused]

I forget the name but if I had it carry a kunwu, don't got 300 to dump on a knife rn though 😂

[@pretentiousname01]

The irony of you shitting on china, while naming chinese makers

[@jimmylarge1148]

Does this comment even make sense? No. No it doesn’t.

[@rockets4kids]

Kunwu, GriffinCo, and Reate are *ALL MADE IN CHINA.*