The Top 20 BEST Folding Knives of All Time - According to Metal Complex - Updated 2021

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex

[@gravity579]

I can’t recommend the Ray Laconico Keen enough. I hope you try it out someday because I’m sure it will make your list.

[@metal_complex]

I've got a review on it 😉

[@devinloo3539]

As someone who’s family is from Taiwan its really cool hearing good things about production being top of the line in Taiwan

[@jordy703]

Great knives from Cold Steel made in Taiwan love them 🙏🏻 excellent fit and finish amazing

[@justinbrown4855]

Every Taiwan knife I've ever handled is top notch 👍

[@13Cornhusker]

The Sage is my fave Spyderco. Also own, and love, the Spydie Chef. Both Taichung-made!

[@daveyboy6985]

Once upon a time I would cringe knowing something was made in Taiwan. But no more, Taiwan made knives are excellent.

[@ozziejim8472]

Like all countries, they make something’s that are great, and some shit.

[@bingoknows]

A Metal Complex "TOP 20" 30 plus minute video on a Saturday morning, and drinking a fresh cup of coffee ....it's gonna be a good day!

[@tomcollins3227]

I can attest the Shirogorov Quantum is the finest knife I’ve ever owned in my 50 years of carrying. Worth every penny!

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

I still can't believe there aren't more people raving about the Quantum. The attention to detail and quality is miles beyond most knives on the market. I would say that my Koenig Arius Style 57 Gen 4 comes pretty close tho.

[@spacemanspliff7983]

Thanks to MC I am now a proud owner of one. Damn that review lol

[@Rothbardy]

My only nitpick is the detent ramp. Makes for a closure that isn’t smooth, the detent hangs on the lockbar. Sergey didn’t think that through, Koenig does it better and so do many others.

[@markhamilton3215]

can snap it in half with my strider RW-1

[@davidinghram2494]

Have had my AFCK Benchmade for at least 30 years, and still carry it every day. Used in my job as a lineman and it has skinned countless thousands of wires of all sizes. It has skinned deer, cleaned fish, cut garden things, and the only thing that really shows any wear is the pocket clip. I keep it clean, lightly oiled and adjusted, and it is razor sharp. One hell of a good knife.

[@jerrymuns]

When it comes to vocabulary, metaphor, and sheer description ability you certainly are one of the greatest. Love you bro!!

[@billrivers7558]

I ordered the ritter hogue rsk mk1 g2 because of seeing it on your channel so much and absolutely love it it literally took the place of my bm griptillian

[@danielvargo8369]

Hey man have u had any issues with ur bm griptillian

[@jonnybgoode8044]

The Doug Ritter hogue is the best pick up I ever got. Not my work knife (tile setter) but always seems to get the most pocket time.

[@losdawg6265]

Great list and each one is going to be subjective. Personally, I don't see how there is a top 20 list with the benchmade 940 not on it. It is truly the perfect EDC knife.

[@brandonmugele2224]

This is the first video of yours I've seen and I can't believe I haven't found you yet! Great list, spot on!

[@kurtis4572]

I love the Doug Ritter knife. it's crazy sharp from the factory. It's dialed in. Super crazy smooth. No brainer. my favorite knife!

[@NATOnova]

Im surprised it's not higher on this list. I'm looking to buy a dependable work knife for a good value and the Doug Ritter consistently gets mentioned and raving reviews

[@tomasdeleondominguez7693]

I have two Doug Ritters made by Benchmade, the first one in S30V purchased in 2006 when they started producing them and another in M390. Easy to carry and easy to deploy. I have never abused them and both still work fine. From what I know the blade geometry is what really makes the difference. I like both for general purposes.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

I own the Hogue Ritter RSK MK1 and the Mini both are amazing.

[@andrewsalvador7593]

For a budget knife, I love my Civivi Praxis among others as well. The action is ridiculously amazing for a budget knife indeed.

[@anthonytuccillo6274]

Civivi is the best

[@whalehands]

I love the Benchmade 940, it's definitely one of the greats. I'm glad you put it on the........................ wait a minute............what the hell's going on here?!

[@losdawg6265]

Facts!

[@ShipWreck68]

Yeah i didnt want to sound like some kind of fan boy, but he forgot the Bm 940. If the Civivis made this list, the 940 sure as hell should be making this list too.

[@metal_complex]

I didn't forget it lol. I just don't like it as much. Sorry 🤷‍♂️

[@GBall_Vision]

I enjoy these 20-30 min vids. Don't stop brotha

[@jdisdetermined]

God that Herman is absolutely amazing. Beautiful and that blade is just perfect. The action. The acoustics. I have to imagine that’s one of the most satisfying flippers in existence. I see every bit of $600 just looking at it through a screen.

[@jmuhr8952]

Can’t wait to try to get the 20cv Kapara with grey handles in a few days. Have about 40 spydercos and the Kapara is my favorite by far.

[@Rmartin1994]

I didnt hear about this. Where?!

[@jmuhr8952]

@@Rmartin1994 check DLT trading. It drops in 3 days.

[@BaritoneMonkey]

Dang, 40 spydercos? That's some dedication

[@greekveteran2715]

Please.I'm between ZT 0562CF, Cold Steel Recon 1, or the Spyderco Kapara. If you could only have, one user knife, which one would you get? I'would teally appriciate any opinion, I never had a better knife than an Opinel, and now it's my only chance. Thanks

[@jmuhr8952]

@@greekveteran2715 I have all those knives. If I could only have 1 it would be the ZT. Honestly though, for the money I’d take the cold steel recon 1 over most knives out there. All around great knife.

[@cueball981]

I laughed when I noticed your Ontario Rats are the exact opposite in colors to mine. My Rat 1 is green and Rat 2 black. For the money, they are tough to beat.

[@manot87]

I just lost a shaman overboard as I was getting of a sailboat due to the clip snagging on a bag I was carrying. Since that day I totally get why a pocketclip would point back inwards towards the end like on your last knife.

[@adamgrimes820]

I like how you threw 2 civivis is in there. I own a civivi praxis and it definitely isn’t even near the top of my collection but is a very smooth operator and slices like nobody’s business

[@mikeadams4605]

You should check out the Civivi Brazen. Just got the tanto version....It's become my favorite Civivi. It's got everything. Action, blade length, fit and finish.

[@Eyesofthasouth]

I really enjoyed this list and learned a lot. Thanks!

[@isabellam1936]

The Benchmade Fact is a legendary gem. And now they have a new Auto Fact out.

[@tomherr5684]

I-Love-This-Video. Not because I totally agree with all of it. (Not a huge Spyderco fan). Also pretty firm on the “Made in USA” preference. However, I love that it’s a review of simply the best ways the different production aspects of the knives come together on the finished product as a whole. Then how it relates to fit/finish/practicality. Not just what is “supposed to be best” placed or used for the sake of being there. It makes PERFECT sense. No restrictions on price in any direction, manufacture location, or materials just “this is what it is” -pure-. I was very surprised to hear that Taiwan had such a great reputation for manufacture though. That’s very cool and I think I may change my mind on a few pieces now. (I was always on the fence about Cold Steel) Thinking about it from other current perspectives though it does make sense! Whist I will still never carry anything from China or Russia and (I don’t care what may change I never will). Anywhere else…quality is simply king. Anyway (I’m a Benchmade/ Zero Tolerance Guy myself. (Not that I’m closed minded to exploration of more finely crafted examples) they simply just fit my budget best. Although really, I’d go to 6-700 if i really fell in love with one. I just haven’t yet. (That Evo seems worth a peek though.) Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for a very well put together video with a (unique) perspective, I enjoyed it thoroughly and learned some cool new things. Cheers!

[@81ghale]

I 100% hold you responsible for my wallet taking the Hinderer hit lately lol. I’ve always loved how they look, but I always managed to avoid seeing reviews on them or hearing them discussed. Then I came across this channel a year or so ago and my armor got chipped away. Now I’m waiting for a skinny 3.5 harpoon spanto to arrive Thursday that’ll make 2 in the last month. I hate you and thank you at the same time. Not sure how that works. ✊🏻👊

[@knife-wife586]

I own or have owned 70% of this list, koenig, Umnumzaan , protech , custom Custom BM spot on. Mines red trim 20v great amazing issuer knife was my first to the connection and best Warrenty in the business - great video couldn’t have dont it better myself

[@BobDyl]

The "silent" o-rings on the Zaan - pretty sure that's so you don't drive your wife completely batty when fiddling with it while watching Netflix.

[@BParker55]

But......that's the fun part!!

[@profesorEDC]

It keeps on surprising me your opinion on that AD20. Great vid my friend.😊👍

[@pauldayton5285]

Saving for an AD-20 now ! As a lefty I'm more than excited to check out the shark lock ! As always Thank you MC for the great content !!

[@carlosm.osorio2208]

Just got my 1st AD20 this week can’t wait for Monday to come 🤣 I got the black G20 20CV too!

[@johnbraucher1499]

You should include the Kershaw Blur tanto! Best pocket knife I've ever had. I didn't really see if you already included it or not, but if not, you should do something on it and use it for a while. Excellent knife!

[@The314moses]

I agree! The Blur tanto is a GREAT knife. I just lost mine. It was my edc for a few years and absolutely loved it. Ordered another one. I've been carrying the Rat 1in it's place and I'm not feeling it at all. I got spoiled by the assisted opening on the Blur!

[@edkubinski]

I've been carrying a Bradley Cutlery Alias I for about 7 years. Titanium with the half serrated blade. S30V. Love it.

[@synystur21]

I don’t know, am I the only one that thinks most if not all Chris Reeves knives look boring? I can’t bring myself around to buying one as much as I try. I’m sure the craftsmanship is there but the knives look plain Jane to me. I’ll buy one in a heartbeat if I can find one I like.

[@mcsquirgle]

Great job MC. I think if someone new to the knife world saw this list and made their first purchases based on it, they would be making a good decision.

[@dangermouse9494]

My favorite EDC knife is the one I have had for years.. Benchmade 943 clip point with green handle. I have had it for 15+ yrs. Benchmade stands by thier knives. I have sent it in twice over the time for repairs and no questions asked.

[@paulmills426]

One of my favorite carry knives is the Benchmade Nakamura. The non carbon fiber one with the m390. I've been using mine for close to 3 years and I have never sharpened it, just strop it often and it's just now getting to the point where it needs a sharpen. I've been looking at the Para 3 with maxamet blade steel. I think that's gonna be my next knife I buy.

[@franksalem8580]

Excellent selections. I own all but three of these.

[@matusknives]

Really appreciate your enthusiasm when you do this kind if top X videos. And slowly, little by little, I feel being pushed towards two knives I am yet to try - Sage 5 and Shaman. I know I would have to give the Shaman a gentle regrind, but the Z-wear version is getting harder and harder to ignore, even though I would have to pay around 325€ (!) for one on the secondary market around here ...

[@jamesgurr7678]

Great list, MC! My list may have been a bit different, but mainly because I haven't handled all of the knives on your list. I'd love to see another Metal Complex 'State of the collection' type video at the end of this year, or early 2023. I'm betting that it's changed a wee bit since your last one. Anyway, great video and I just wanted to wish you and yours all the best for Christmas 2022, and the same for 2023- I can only see your channel continue to grow. Take it easy, with love, Jim (from across the pond)

[@terencemarkiewicz3908]

What's better Hogue ritter 20cv or Hogue sig k320 able lock s30v

[@tristandauod]

Both the harpoon drop point and tanto umnumzaans are rolling out with s45vn, now. Also, definitely agree with that one haha. I've been carrying mine since I got it in September 2019. I've rotated other stuff in here and there, but nothing has kicked it out of pocket, yet. Once they break in, the action is way better.

[@chrispotter2948]

I have a few high end custom fixed blades but fairly new into folders. Recently I had a reason to celebrate, and decided to treat myself to a Herman slim. The kershaw and mini griptilian will now see more drawer time, and heck why not just daily that Herman?!? I think I will. Thanks for all of your great content which helped in my decision. The slim is just wonderful! For the price of a shirogorov it sounds like you could get a Herman plus a Koenig 👍. Or a Herman + Shaman + Demko AD20.5, hmmm you're right it's getting itchy in here sir.

[@Errcyco]

That Spyderco Kapara is awesome how have a never seen that?? Looks like a Benchmade in a good way. Damn that thing is super nice though great video.

[@UR_Excluded]

Got one on the way. Will be my first Benchmade. The full size manuals are all sold out. I was lookin at the Freak, the fancied up Bug Out and Mini Freak. I think this is more bang for less buck than them.

[@cleve0h]

I Definitely have to get a Demko AD20. Kind of surprised not to see a 940 Osborne.

[@manifestgtr]

Two knives that I *wholeheartedly* agree with here. The Civivi Praxis…for the price, it’s just incredible. It’s easily my

[@chrispotter2948]

Are there aftermarket scales available out there? Then I might get on board.

[@manifestgtr]

@@chrispotter2948 I’ve never checked it out for the praxis but I know there’s a dude who commissions scales for the Sage 5 lightweight. Parsons bladeworks maybe? Micarta and carbon fiber…they’re both killer

[@chrispotter2948]

Thanks! I'm sorry I did mean the spyderco. I like the idea of a small leaf shape compression lock, just not frs scales. Kinda like a mini shaman would be neat. The praxis is cool as is.

[@manifestgtr]

@@chrispotter2948 Have you checked out any of the Taichung models? Their FRN is on par with most G10, imo…I even prefer it to some g10 (cold steel, etc). Very comfortable, well finished and “luxuriously” textured. The only reason I replaced mine is because I’m a sucker for micarta

[@Murphysson]

“Not made by a mortal person.” 👍🏻😂😂 Great line! I might borrow this line if you don’t mind? Happy New Year to you and your wife. 🎩🥂

[@johnburns748]

Greatest EDC folding knife of all time is the Hinderer XM 18 3" non flip spearpoint Gen 4, JMHO 🔪👌

[@bladedge27]

Great list MC, Thanks! Would be hard to argue any of these, a little surprised the Socom Elite wasn't here, but all of our opinions have to vary at some point lol

[@johngarrison2558]

@36:06 Is that you Vince Offer??? 😂 Great overview.

[@justinhuffman1957]

Got my DLT Kapara today.FAAAANTASSTIC!

[@1804unclesam]

As far as the Civivi Praxis goes, I bought my sister the purple G10/Damascus version, for $75 I ended up buying myself the black version.

[@jeffoff7795]

I have a handful of these. They were all recommended by Metal Complex, so I guess that makes sense.

[@romanlopina5120]

Is that your cat? If so what breed is he/she? I have a cat that is very similar.

[@jeffoff7795]

@@romanlopina5120 Yes, that's Melman. He was a stray that we rescued. I love that cat. He kinda looks like a British Blue mix, but who knows?

[@timothybecker8605]

Everyime I watch you or Jimmie Slash, I have a smile on my face the rest of the day! Thank you both. Question, no Rockstead because you never had one or nor in the top 20? Possibly you forgot? Take it easy

[@inquisitorgramaticus2250]

"can I pry the engine out my car with it ?" lol, great list and lines up with loads of my own as I guessed it would. although since starting to watch your channel my taste has definitely moved up in both price and status. the William henry B12 belfry would now be on the list , cheers 👍 great content

[@David_DY]

I choose the inkosi over the Sebenza all day everyday! Love my inkosi! 👍🏼👊🏼

[@sesimie]

Lefty here...that shark lock is a revelation!!

[@kurtis4572]

Praxis! Yes! I fidget with the knife all day. Use it all the time. Big tall blade. Slick AF. I use my thumb on the side of the blade for a slow roll out. Don't really use the flipper tab. Great knife!

[@MistaRunIt]

Koodos for the ZT562🙌 best knife I ever had

[@Snek03]

Great list! I enjoyed it and learned a lot.

[@BigCountry-df9rj]

If we are talking about “all time”, I’m not sure how the Buck 110 isn’t on here.

[@thatswhatsup95]

Hey MC! Sweet selections. Curious if you've ever done a top 10 discontinued knives you missed out on, or something like that. Happy Saturday!

[@joshschneider2548]

You put Ortis here, but like the Badlands too on another video. I went with the Badlands because I like the simplicity of it.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

I got that Zero Tolerance Hinderer about 3 weeks ago, I love it! I love everything about it! I can't get enough of it! Right now if I had to pick one folder and that's the last knife I could ever have this would be it. I don't own the Chris Reeve Unumzan yet but I really like ball bearing pivot type knives, so I don't know if I will be crazy about the action on the Chris Reeve, but I love the toughness and the blade shape and just what it is so that may be next...

[@jordan-dl2or]

I have the same exact zt ... it is amazing

[@hyssean12]

How can you speak on the shark lock strength? Have you seen tests?

[@Mntoyaz]

Nice comprehensive Video!

[@DrMaddog]

Love your points on the Sage5LW.....so, so under-rated...even in the Spyderco community....I"ve never understood how so few realize how great this knife is!

[@kozmo7]

Why the LW and not the regular ?

[@DrMaddog]

@@kozmo7 I could be wrong…but I think the only other version Spyderco has released of the Sage5 is the laminate carbon fiber over G-10, which I personally dislike. The FRN on this particular model is well-done/bidirectional

[@kozmo7]

@@DrMaddog You are correct. What made you dislike the carbon fiber over G10 model? Thanks for replying after all this time I appreciate your insights

[@DrMaddog]

@@kozmo7 Just seems cheap (both in the way it looks, and the feel in hand); most nice knives in cf are not laminate but complete pieces

[@kozmo7]

@@DrMaddog Gotcha so you’ve held it and just felt like it wasn’t one cohesive thing? Interesting!

[@donnyh3497]

Great video! I would like to see a "best folders between $500 & $2500" video!

[@anthonym6078]

Super informative video. I have been getting into Hinderers lately, so I'm going to buy a ZT0562TI next pay day to see how much I will like a Hinderer before I drop a lot on the real XM18 or Eclipse. Never really looked at Hinderers before this channel, but now I can def see what they are so popular. Thanks for the great content, this channel is so awesome and I keep finding more and more videos from the past on this channel that I really enjoy.

[@chunkycut3376]

Ever get the ZT0562TI ? - I didn’t keep mind, didn’t like the detent.

[@anthonym6078]

@@chunkycut3376 i did, i ended up getting it reground by BGM knives and still carry it pretty often. With the regrind it does much better with the cutting tasks i use it for. I must have gotten lucky, no detent issues on mine.

[@scottcarlon6318]

If the rat knives were available with better blade steels, would they go back on your list?

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

The 'Recon 1' and as a flipper, the 0562, are my preferred folders.

[@greekveteran2715]

Please.I'm between 0562CF, Recon 1, or any good Spyderco. If you could only have, one user knife, which one would you get? I'would teally appriciate any opinion, I never had a better knife than an Opinel, and now it's my only chance. Thanks

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

@@greekveteran2715 : I think that the Opinel is a good option, despite the fact that the weak handle make it suitable only to soft use. I prefer the 'Recon 1', that epitomises well balanced, sturdiness and lightweight, Imo.

[@ThePerfeckted]

"can I pry an engine out of my car" Yep with my Medford.

[@12345cynn]

“ this GAW video, my boyfriend likes this channel and made me subscribe to double up on chances”

[@stick9078]

I just got my first Spyderco. S45VN PM2... I can't put it down xD

[@SuperPeleke]

The best Knives of ALL TIME?! How dare you, sir. This is an ambitious video!

[@metal_complex]

And it's the 4th time I've done it 😉

[@user-xq7mv1if4e]

Good line up for best 20 I agree with most of your picks 👍

[@Foxholeatheist]

It's an older one, but I still miss the Benchmade AFCK. Great knife.

[@celzolsen8988]

Would be cool if you could add timestamps for each knife with its name.

[@markhamilton3215]

I could snap in half any folding mentionned in this video with my Strider RW-1

[@tomasdeleondominguez7693]

There are so many great knives nowdays. It is hard to decide which to have.

[@thechad7803]

Finally someone gives the VECP its due

[@YTLuc]

QUESTION: Spyderco Shaman handles. Do you have a link or product number for the Flytanium Titanium Scales you put on your Spyderco in the video? Thanks.

[@spyhunter6411]

Out of curiosity, why the unumzan (I am aware I spelled it wrong haha) vice the sebenza? The 31 seems to have added all the features from it.

[@ericmack001]

The Spyderco Domino, Para 3, Benchmade Bugout?? Some great knives

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

Hello my favorite knife was the very last knife u showed with the tri lock. I own a ak47 coldsteel folder with the same lock and wow is it sooo strong!! But I wanna upgrade and spend about 450 to 500$. I loved that last knife. Can u send me the name and info of that knife. I cudnt tell what u said it was called or the name of it. Thankyou.

[@tyarnold4088]

Are the hinderer or Reeves really that much better than Spyderco? Those are tough prices.

[@tonyochoa7097]

The only knife that come anywhere close to the hogue doug ritter,is the we bogardus,the bogardus runs on bearings,which have some disadvantages compared to phosphor bronze washers,imo

[@brendanharvey8871]

Love your collection!!!

[@Lonewolfmike]

I look at it this way the best knives are the ones you like and that work for you. All other lists are just another person's opinions are the subject. And opinions, like people, vary from person to person.

[@TerryManitoba]

My top 5 to EDC Sheregorov CR Sebenza Para 2 Strider SNG - I love this knife - I'm surprised you don't have one. Kirby Lambert I own an XM-18 don't really care for it much as an EDC That Herman knife is a beauty

[@massimobargagna5641]

Great pics!

[@penpilot1]

LOL, talk about dropping something...dropped my SOG Terminus while using a flashlight in the other hand to see if it was clean. Yep, point down right in the hollow of the inside of my heel . Living room looked like a crime scene. Had to EMS cause I couldn't keep pressure on it and drive. A real skit, not to mention embarrassing.

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Wish I could get my hands on an 0392. Without paying a grand that is

[@edsouth5415]

Umnumzaan is too expensive... I own 5 Chris reeve knives, am planning on buying at least 3 more, no regrets, worth it

[@butterbeans898]

Awesome list

[@romanlopina5120]

Can i switch my vote from the sevenza to the demko....pls? I love that clickityclick from the demko. The handle looks weird but comfortable.

[@timvogelpohl5265]

I feel like the only people who own Ontario rats are knife reviewers

[@powersww1reset]

I have 5 of the knives on this list, and many other gems. Still carry my stonewashed D2 Rat 1, at least once or twice a week. Fantastic knife! And the price has nothing to do with it. Great is great

[@dannyboyspace]

How about best steel? Or at least advice on S90V vs. 20CV for EDC folding knife in sort of general (non-marine) conditions??

[@metal_complex]

I've done those videos. Check out my "top 5/10" and "controversy/discussion" playlists. Everything you need is there 👍

[@Etherealdegradation]

I can't believe the Norseman didn't make this list!!!