WHO ARE THE LEADING USA KNIFE COMPANIES | 5 CATEGORIES

[@realbroggo]

Fair and balanced assessment. There are of course other great US knife makers out there but I think you pretty much nailed the top 5 for the criteria you were looking at. One thing I strongly agree with is Spyderco at No.1. While I find some of their designs a bit hit and miss, I just can't go past their steel options and heat treats. That's how I got hooked on REX45!! Obviously no one is 100% perfect all the time but Spyderco nail it better than anyone else. Not sure what to get - start with Spyderco as they will rarely disappoint. Sharp blades all.

[@jordy703]

I've sold my entire collection after i was done with having so much knives collecting dust.. now i only carry my Spyderco manix 2 in s110v and thats it and i love it. Great video really really useful!

[@nandayane]

I agree that spyderco is #1, not just for the quality of their product, their commitment to CQI, or the crazy steels and heat treat, but also because of how Sal chooses to engage with the community in a humble and kind way. Spyderco is unique in the amount of passion they have for the community. I like many of benchmade’s designs but the pricing and the quality of edge they come with are lacking.

[@EastCoastMan603]

The absolute sharpest knife I’ve ever had was a Spyderco Manix 2 - S30V - it fell off the kitchen counter into my foot…I got 12 stitches that remind me just how great spyderco is. Great list Jered. Absolute home run on the Actor collection the other day. God Bless you and yours.

[@DinoNucci]

I smile whenever I see a Spyderco owner, because I know I can sell them anything

[@NeevesKnives]

THANKS Doc

[@retardno002]

​@@DinoNucci how do you figure? The people on KZbin at least who are into Spyderco have a bit more product knowledge than the average consumer. I'm genuinely asking, and full transparency yes I am a Spyderco fanboy. And I also do my homework before buying anything in general worth more than $100.

[@paultorgerson8776]

LT Wright. Flat ground Bushcrafter in cpm-3v for $202. ESEE. USA made Kershaw. Gerber Strongarm. Spyderco. Tops for sharpened prybars. Benchmade. Heard good things about the ZT350.

[@profesorEDC]

Great vid Jerad, totally agree on the Spydercos and TRMs, great companies.👍😁

[@fvazquez64]

i understand that in the diversity lies the taste. There are lots of knives and steels that I haven't tried yet, but to me Spyderco leads the pack... I own around 20 something Spydercos and I love them... Thanks Jerad!! Great review as always

[@TylerO_O.]

I need to know what to get to sharpen my knives like that. I haven't been into nicer knives that long and sharpening is a big blind spot for me. I''ve always ran with cheapo walmart knives... not even the display case ones. lol I toss em or lose them once they get dull and buy another .Great video, very informative

[@natehoover5266]

I like the reviews and unboxing that you and every other youtuber does (actually, no one needs to see anyone open a package, lol) but all this new content that you guys have been putting out is really great! You guys are killing it!

[@jasonmartin9968]

I wish Protech would bring back the tr4 manual button lock, man I loved that knife

[@timtitus2532]

I've got Spyderco and Benchmade, happy with both but you are correct when you say Benchmade prices are too high, the only reason I can afford them is when they have a sale at the Navy Exchange.

[@johnsanford3596]

yeah, the last 2 Benchmades I purchased I used a 20% (25?) off coupons at REI to get them.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Myself, I absolutely luv my Spyders. My favorite Spyders are the Manix 2XL Cruwear and my CruCarta Military 2; they absolutely "ROCK!!!" :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@chrishinkle5982]

Thanks for sharing bud!👊🏻I couldn’t agree more based off the criteria

[@boza5684]

Whats hapend with ZT?Its not american anymore or they are not on list becouse something else...?

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

I am firmly in the camp that all Benchmades are overpriced for what you’re getting.

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Well ive just got my shootout and mini infedell. Thats $1000 in 2 pieces and i love both of them

[@palmerconnelly]

i get them from a naval base. i can get a 3v bailout in grivory for 125 when msrp is 200

[@Cid_1]

Ooo. I like this already. That's a hard question for me, for now I think these are my favorites (based on folders): 1: Spyderco because of steel variety and heat treatment. 2: Hogue. Great price great value and quality, good factory edges and good heat treatment. 3: Benchmade. Availability. 4: ProTech. 5: Medford

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Protech only has good magnacut heat treat. Everything else is garbage. Like really bad. Neeves says good job but thats no where near factual. Houge has only good magnacut heat treat. Their m390 and 20cv is poor performance. Their 62rc magnacut from their first gen magnacut knives surpasses their m390/20cv performance. Benchmade have really bad m390/20cv and 3v heat treat. Medford has iffy heat treat depending. Their d2 is better than any import d2. Their s35vn isnt good, their magnacut is anyones guess cause they made a video of theirs being sub 60.

[@wgkincheloe2458]

I dig my Deka Wharnie in Ultem and Magnacut but think Spyderco is probably top American made. You can also pick up American made Cerberus Ultem scales for PM2.... I love mine

[@erinsquirkychannel501]

Love the look of the trm the bigger knive, hate there logo looks or reminds me of Ganzo logo but hope they get more models and styles

[@DinoNucci]

Joe Biden: I know the least about economics. Benchmade: Hold my beer

[@mwm302]

Why does Benchmade make a Spyderco copy?

[@tacticalcenter8658]

They know each other and Sal from Spyderco ok'd the hole in the grip. Its really not a copy, just a hole in the blade.

[@Frizzlefry7]

Great video, J! Thanks for the content.

[@JaMRacing]

Great assessment. My only comment would be maybe the heat treated on the Microtech is softer is due to the fact they may still cater to military and first responders above all. My first deployment issued knife was a Socom in 154cm DOB 04/07 and it was great to sharpen back up in the field if needed. Maybe that’s his way of thinking but love the video and content. Keep it up.

[@realbroggo]

One point you allude to is the intention of the knife maker and the intended use of the knife. This will help understand what their target hardness & toughness are. If the intention is to maintain some toughness without impacting hardness too much then the Microtech approach makes sense. Even Magnacut loses toughness with increased hardness. Have a great day.

[@rando27enco]

The problem with this is that they make poor choices for the steel. Instead of using m390 and only heat treating it to 59-60, use s35 or 45vn. These steels will have almost the same edge retention but better toughness and easier to resharpen. S45vn should have very similar virus ion resistant to m390 while being better in every way at 59-60. Even Magnacut at 63-64 would be tougher than m390 at 60. I have no problem with them wanting to make knives for hard use, I just want them to adopt steel that fits the role.

[@rando27enco]

Also elmax, elmax is dope, I don’t know why that isn’t their default. And I do like that they are starting to use Magnacut.

[@JaMRacing]

Very good points made and good insight.

[@kcormo6476]

Great video! i’d love to see a similar rating for Chinese-made knives as well

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

Yeah I love my spyderco knives I’ve only had their standard models but want to get into some of their more special stuff like the hap 40 delicas or sprit run para 3 lw, manix lw, or native 5. Maybe a Taichung model down the line but rn I’m really interested in their super steel us models.

[@jesseespinosa9739]

Can’t say CRK is readily unavailable. I went on eBay and picked out a Sebenza the other week. It arrived fast and now I have two CRKs

[@Martin.Christopher]

Yeah, in terms of pure sharpness Spyderco tends to be the best in my experience. TRMs though are slicey AF as well.

[@chipcrooks557]

When I saw your 5 catagories I smiled , because when heat treatment became a catagory I knew who you’d pick as a winner !😋. Really enjoying your content lately. Your highlighting things I don’t see on other channels!

[@jeremycisco4300]

If your on the fence about spyderco just jump over already !!!I when I finally did I can't stop they are amazing amazing knives

[@jeffcon123]

Is that a mini grip? With the flytanium? Or is that a mini?

[@BDevi0us]

TRM has been my kick lately. Got the Atom in textured Ti last month and last week got the Neutron 2 in texured Ti. End of the month I'll probably get the Shadow on this next drop Hopefully?

[@NeevesKnives]

Very cool 👊 yeah they can hook you especially after you use them

[@KnifeFanatic]

Really hoping I can get a shadow some day. They look amazing.

[@darkinertia2]

when i was trying to find a higher end knife and i was willing to spend up to 350 if i had to, as a lefty, i realized i had almost no choices. i wanted to stick to non slave wage countries, and spyderco was probably the only one that had the most choices with reversible carry, because if you make expensive knives that means you have to take away features apparently for "aesthetics" never thought id be a spyderbro but here i am with dozens of them

[@ryandye6242]

Spyderco for the win that’s why I own 12 of them!

[@Acuteknife]

Great video Jared!

[@ILLMARILLON]

No kershaw/ZT? I wanna know how they are heat treating their 20cv

[@unfi6798]

Our grail - Spyderco P3. But you don't find them in Australia.

[@yossarian3]

I wish I had bought 2 of the Pro-techs I was looking at at BladeShow. I can't find them anywhere now.

[@seansmith4183]

Kershaw/ZT don't get a mention? Any USA made knife list should acknowledge them to some degree. Totally agree with Hogue. They don't get enough attention.

[@NeevesKnives]

no because they have been falling behind the past few years and have not made any attempt to do anything about it, so they cant be the leading usa company, not that they are not good or couldnt be mentioned but imo its obvious why they wouldnt make the list in 2023

[@seansmith4183]

@@NeevesKnives The Iridium has been very successful and they have sold a ton of them. How about the OTF Livewire, which has been extensively well-received by the knife community. They just did the Leek in Magnacut. Don't know about their heat treat, but their cross bar Duralocks have been pretty well made in terms of fit and finish. The Lucha is probably the most successful Butterfly knife series out there. I agree that ZT hasn't done much, but I think Kershaw has stepped up their game big time this year and deserve to be on this list. We can agree to disagree on this.

[@rando27enco]

I’m not saying hogue destroys Benchmade, I’m just saying outside the free sharpening Benchmade isn’t giving me a reason not to get a hogue.

[@CJ_Brown]

Hey Neeves, I keep missing your livestreams to ask but was curious about your experience with the Spyderco 15v. I know you put a mirror polished edge on one and wanted to know if that was the way to go or if a toothier edge would be better. I’m about ready to take off the factory edge for my own and haven’t decided the grit I want to finish at.

[@NeevesKnives]

So it can take and hold a mirror just fine, however I do think it's edge retention would last the longest with a medium to fine grit edge say 600 to 1200 grit, as far as the mirror edge goes it does great still so if you want a mirror it should do just fine

[@JCpNK]

TRM, Spyderco, Hogue, Demko, ProTech

[@johnsanford3596]

Demko? Their selection consists of ??? Squat.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Totally agree on most of your assessments. I’ve been trying to get a TRM Atom or Neutron for two years, it’s just ridiculous, and forget getting a SOCOM Elite (non-Tanto) version. I got the SOCOM Bravo tanto last year, but would still like to get the regular model. I have to say your experience on the Pro-Tech PT is way different than mine; for me they’re always out of stock or last only minutes. I’d also criticize CRK for never having Umnumzaans available. I can easily get Sebenza’s and variants, and have plenty, but missing that one model. I’m about done with Benchmade, and haven’t bought one for a year after buying several dozen of them. But $180 for a rubber Redoubt in D2? Seriously? No thanks. Love Spyderco, my only issues have been blade centering, and in every case that’s been on a sprint run/limited edition, not sure why, but they’re easily adjusted. Thanks for an interesting video! 👍

[@jameshenry433]

No ZT?

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Hogue, TRM, ProTech, Benchmade and Spyderco are my favorites, but I have all but stopped buying Benchmade due to outrageous price increases.

[@THExDUDEx8624]

My top 3 in order #1 Spartan blades #2 microtech #3 protech . The number 3 spot is a hard one.

[@NeevesKnives]

I'm not saying these are my favorites I'm saying they are the leading usa companies for the USA. I love Spartan as well but more people will be recommended BM

[@TheTedMeister]

Great review. Thank you.

[@jamesfair9751]

I’ve heard benchmade uses a different d2 steel I’ve heard it’s a powdered metallurgy like the higher steels as m390 and 20cv do you know if that’s true and how much better it is if so?

[@eissa_suhail]

One main thing to add is customer service, some companies produce great knives but have horrible customer support. That plays a big role in deciding which brand to buy from.

[@tgonzalez1983]

Anyone have a link for spyderco’s HRC on steels? I’m curious what my salt Magnacut is. My other knife steels from them too

[@NeevesKnives]

I think it's 63, I'm not a 100% on the salt series but that's what they were on other model

[@tacticalcenter8658]

The mule team was 62. Not sure if they changed that for production though.

[@2212mjm]

I would think being available, would be more important than having a large selection. TRM hasn’t had one knife available, in 6 months! I’ve been waiting for them to drop more, and it’s a good thing I didn’t hold my breath.

[@carloseduardodossantos4102]

Valeu!

[@NeevesKnives]

🙏 thank you

[@danegavrilovski]

No Chris Reeve on the list?

[@samnero387]

Overrated.

[@jpolhamus71]

Why ? CRK's aren't readily available, most of the crk were designed in the 90's so definitely not innovative.

[@pearce0127]

Chris Reeve Knives are the Rolex of the knife world right now: overrated and overpriced for a knife that has materials that come on knives that are less than half the cost. The price is as it is bc of the logo and the status. That being said, I still want a Rolex, and I still really want a Chris Reeve Knife.

[@pearce0127]

Even when factoring in cost USA production costs and build quality, CRK has a ways to go on pricing and availability regardless.

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

@@pearce0127I don’t know about over rated. They have the quality, the QC, and the heat treat. They last a lifetime.

[@PoetFisherman]

Spyderco for the win. I couldn't agree more about their heat treatments. I have never had a poorly heat treated knife from them and they're my favorite knife manufacturer because of this. Their tag line of "reliable high performance" is spot on accurate.

[@nathannettik455]

Protech needs to make a manual SBR and Rockeye

[@aruugalaedc]

Just wondering, not a fan of Hinderers/Striders/CRK, or kind of out of the price range that you wanted to stay in?

[@derrikjasper1283]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew spyderco was on top they are killing the game. But I also agree with hogue I have 2 dekas and they're both great

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

I got this video like an hour ago! Then it disappeared into the Netherworld. I feel like Spyderco is gonna lead a lot of this list. Most models are decently priced outside the titanium Framelock(not the Chef it’s ok). I’m saving for that Maverick.

[@NeevesKnives]

Yeah it had a glitch during its upload and I had to fix it

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

@@NeevesKnives I figured, it was just funny I immediately clicked and it was like nope!

[@bobsmith2944]

Good vid bro, thanks for info!

[@jakk9278]

You should do a , Who’s the leading china co in the knife industries.

[@Warsmith_Honsou]

What is the knife next to Spydiechef?

[@NeevesKnives]

the kapara you can find it linked in the description if you click the spyderco link mine just has aftermarket scales it comes with really nice carbon fiber

[@Warsmith_Honsou]

@@NeevesKnives Thank you.☺️

[@glennmiller6759]

I agree with most of those, but you left out Emerson, Cold Steel, and Tops

[@-tzadakim-7805]

Spyderco is my #1 favorite. If I had to only have one company, spyderco would be it.

[@boristheblade12]

I agree with you 100% Spyderco are the best knives on Planet Earth. Is on there blades for reason.

[@CaptChet81]

I don't have a spyderco yet....

[@ralphmarrujo1491]

great review but for the last year Spider co has been really hard to get not sure why but no retailers have had any inventory this year till the last month?

[@NeevesKnives]

I link them in every video I have no issues linking any models aside from some sprint runs

[@Kens_knives]

I noticed that you didn't include Henderer on your list I watched to the end hoping you was going to throw little Rick under the bus for his shity heat treatment I think everyone on KZbin needs to complain about it.

[@stevenlachance8576]

Hogue is a real sleeper, they were the first I think to raise HT at least on magnacut, ? About their 20CV. I do wish spyderco would move beyond the hole, extend not abolish, and hire a civivi Detent specialist.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Houge 20cv and m390 is aweful

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@R4lNG3R 260 is not good for 20cv. Has to be over 300. Look at Spyderco and the knives made by Reate and the newer TRM knives. All over 300 and some into the 400s. 260 is dog water and thats if they hit that target hardness which many will not. Tells me they need to goto the drawing board with their protocol for 20cv.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@R4lNG3R no, this isnt a situation where everyone gets a trophy. The price should reflect the lower heat treatment protocol performance. People should not be giving them a pass because they like the brand or model and be okay with paying more for less. I will say they are often cheaper than benchmade. But perform only slightly better. Just because they do magnacut better (after first failing) doesnt mean they get a pass either. But at least they have a good option now and the price is decent for 63rc magnacut.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@R4lNG3R under 300 for 20cv or m390 is not good. Not good at all. Yes not bad like the 150-190ft but still not anywhere that it should be performing. And it can be done easily with the correct protocol for the correct microstructure. They should just cease using that steel and use something else. In this case magnacut at 63 plus.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@R4lNG3R lol there you go. Keep favoring bad decisions. Crk s35vn does about 200. 14c28n also around there. Spyderco at 60 does 270ft and they range up to 62. 62rc does just over 400. And reate does 350-400 with secondary hardening. 260 is shit. Custom m390 at 62rc with a reduced hold time for reduced grain growth gets us to 570ft. They could have used a cheaper steel and brought down the price.

[@jimmoir736]

Great vid. I completely agree - Spyderco has always been #1 for me. Two main reasons for that 1. Awesome pricing for what your getting, but even more importantly 2. Design innovation. Over the last 25 years I believe that Syderco are unrivalled in that area. However, the Chinese companies are obviously extremely impressive now.

[@Sanchito209]

My last three knives have been spydercos..price point and a good heat treat are the most important to me.

[@maxwellmortimermontoure7274]

CRK, TRM, spyderco. Top three.

[@GrizzlyGreenDesigns]

You have sold me on Spyderco so many times and have been saving for one. In your opinion, what steal from Spyderco has the absolute best edge retention?

[@20alphabet]

Buck not on your list?

[@piperkennard1039]

I agree 💯👌

[@bradgrand79]

Microtech troodon hell hound, another holy grail knife

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

Man, i want a Benchmade so bad but i got 4 kids 2 in diapers so just cant pull that trigger... been dropping hints to my wife for the b-day dont know if is getting through tho

[@mopargm9329]

I definitely agree Spyderco is #1

[@josiahpage440]

I just don't agree with Spyderco on top. Pricing on many models has jumped through the roof and many of their most popular models aren't even made in the USA. Hogue and Protech are definitely super awesome though. Much love neeves. Thanks for the video

[@randycupp5925]

I agree. I don't like Spyderco designs or the fact that they do so much outsourcing.

[@michaelcarr2619]

Funny…I have only purchased 3 Spyderco knives and none have come centered. Kind of disappointing for what some call the best USA made knives.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Its easy to fix.

[@martinfisker7438]

I'm used to "old" cars that just turn whatever direction i point the wheels, and I have to say the safety/comfort auto drive features are really annoying, even in a Skoda

[@jhakimi69]

I agree with 99% of this video, but why isn't kershaw in the video? i'm not saying kershaw is much better than any of the brands in this video, but I am surprised they didn't even get mentioned.

[@amunderdog]

TRM. I tried for two years to buy one, signed up on there lottery thing, Tried to watch and check regularly. Could not buy one. I gave up. I will not buy one now. Moved on.

[@timtim4525]

Good video!

[@joshuagp78]

Get a Spyderco now. They are on sale. I got 3 of them. The prices were just too low to pass up.

[@anthonyberardi8904]

No Hinderer ?????

[@npenick66]

I'd have to deduct a few stars from Microtech for the following reasons. First, back in 2014 I had a $600 Infidel that rattled like a Model T and wouldn't take or hold an edge. Customer service laughed it off and said it's supposed to be that way. They were rude and basically told me to pound sand. I've collected knives for over 50 years, it ain't supposed to be that way, haven't given them any business since. Second, their business practices are abusive. When a new company, such as Axial, starts playing in Microtech's back yard they lean on the distributors and give them a choice, they can carry Microtech or they can carry the new company. I've seen the letter sent to a knife shop.

[@JaMRacing]

Isn’t Infidel Benchmade?

[@griff7749]

I think your thinking of Benchmade. Sounds like an Infidel

[@jdisdetermined]

Microtech doesn’t make the Infidel, that’s Benchmade.

[@JaMRacing]

I am a fan of microtech cause it was the knife I was issued back in 2007 in the military. Service has always been great and had the knife until last year with no issues until it was stolen when my truck was broken into. Still on the hunt for one fyi 04/2007 Socom 154cm manual.

[@npenick66]

@@JaMRacing Dang, hate making mistakes like that, getting old sucks. You're right on the Infidel. So I guess that's one strike against Benchmade and one against Microtech.

[@dpoppen1]

How is spyderco Magnacut HRC?

[@NeevesKnives]

I believe it's at 63, I've only tested one and it did great, technically it was the first one I tested that showed me what Magnacut was really like before that I was underwhelmed

[@trlarosa]

I knew the answer before the video began! So awesome. Love love love Spyderco for the win! 🥇

[@bert2530]

This isn’t a Spyderco commercial? Just kidding, they deserve your placing them as number one. At least also in my experience 👍🏻

[@DiabloBlanquecino]

small Sabenza 31 tanto is the best 🇺🇸 knife made imo

[@Tatterdsoul]

Great video. G-R-E-A-T

[@B3DROCK]

Just got my Shaman …love it ….def agree with you Spyderco for top of the list!

[@happiertimesarecoming9969]

What about BUCK KNIVES ?

[@johnsanford3596]

Hogue - they don't have any sort of "gentleman's knife". Spyderco - One problem with them from my perspective is their love affair with CHUNK flat slab G10 and Micarta scales. CONTOUR the damn things, please. They HAVE just moved to the knife count lead in my though. I've ordered 3 Spydies on their Summer sale.

[@roberttaylor6030]

The first thing you said was " today we're going to criticize 5 USA knife companies ". I think you meant " categorize "?

[@isthebeeflol]

I'd like to see this continued to other countries. Taiwan mainly I want to see Quiet Carry get some extra credit haha Spyderco also.

[@rockymountainlockpicker9606]

No Case on the list? Lol

[@jdemeter4357]

How much money Benchmade charges I don't care to watch even advertising about them.

[@glenpaul3606]

Check out Vespa OTF knives. Made in China but very well made and good prices.

[@jbeers1234]

I hate to say it, but Spyderco has been a sinking ship since Sal “retired”. New steels for the same old knives is cool, but we simple haven’t seen ANY variation or creativity in several years. Sure, designer collab knives are cool, but they are here for 1 run and gone. I just don’t think Eric has the design creativity to carry the brand.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

Yeah, Hogue just got busted with their Magnacut testing at hrc under spec...

[@tacticalcenter8658]

They have older ones 62 and below. New ones should be 63-64 and if not they may replace them.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@tacticalcenter8658 This was a newer one

[@anthonyberardi8904]

@@tacticalcenter8658”if not they may replace them”… who has the time or money to send their knife out to be HRC tested??? Seriously… on top of that, how would Hogue know the machine is calibrated correctly? How would they know people weren’t just BSing them? Realistically every single knife in the world cannot be tested.

[@davegoodridge8352]

I’d have Buck on this list

[@NeevesKnives]

I can't because they hardly have anything modern that's competitive with other modern folders. As far as the leading usa companies goes most people don't recommend buck when choosing a pocket knife in 2023

[@davegoodridge8352]

@@NeevesKnives As soon as you get more years and grey hair you'll understand. lol

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Sub 60rc 20cv and sub 60rc magnacut is garbage for the money.