My 5 favourite fixed blade utility knives

Here i show you my 5 favourite smallish utility knives, correct as of july 2021.

[@brothersfromotherslb]

I discovered your channel last week while searching for bushtools, I’m hooked now 😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Excellent thanks

[@eugeniovaldez7205]

Love your choices! Great knives Sir Rob!

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Good advice at the end, humble honest advice.👏👏👏

[@lynella6073]

Ta-ra!! Have a great weekend!!! Thanks for making the videos!

[@hillbill79]

Love the Pukko, fancied one myself at one point.

[@johnbartlett9826]

The thing about choice is to you can't be wrong as what suits you may not suit others. Great vid and as always lots of info from someone who clearly know far more than I do and that is how you learn !!!!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

thanks john

[@lancedyck3730]

Nice line up of utility knives! Gotta get a Malanika puukko one of theses days!

[@adbraham]

Knives AND watches! 👍😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't buy as many knives as I used to but I do like a quality watch these days

[@Trevelyon006]

A beautiful collection of blades there. I would Love to see your own made top 5, I have never found your vids anything other than entertaining 😎

[@jenkinsmig]

I agree I really like the idun May pick one up in the future, really stunning

[@1valg]

I´ve got a Master Hunter in San Mai as well, love it. Great knife!

[@janvanoverdijk8116]

Hey Rob, a very awsome video ... thxs for sharing grtz janneman

[@omadon7331]

Glad to see that "top 5" will be regular. 👍

[@simonridley9333]

really nice Rob, very sage advice on PSK especially if by some misfortune you end in the water lost your main kit and are pissed wet through in your PFD would definitely come in handy fire on first , warm up calm down and sort your self out knowing my mates probably be hurling abuse as they rescued me

[@lancedyck5398]

Always a pleasure watching you ramble on Rob😎

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I have a talent for rambling on....

[@williamgates1128]

I'd love to see a video about your favorite knives that you have made.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I can do that but I only have a handful, my mates have a few so I could probably get them and do a little video, not sure how many people would be interested.

[@williamgates1128]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I know from your past videos that you didnt want to show them specifically, but a dedicated video showing them off would be fun. But hey mate, dont go out of your way if its troublesome!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't mind mate. I still have the first knife I ever made.

[@brothersfromotherslb]

I would love that!

[@BjørjaBear]

That puukko is a thing of beauty. Lovely looking knife. The H1 must surely be made with dressing animals in mind.

[@Woodswalker1965]

Interesting choices, I'm going to look into a Master Hunter. My brother has the Mini Pendleton. Cool little blade.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

remember what i said about the 3v i had, too thin.

[@barrybaldwin5535]

As I age, I'm carrying more knives at a time of different use blades; food prep, fire making, splitting, etc. Some of the food prep & general camp task blades that I own are: Tops Frog Market Special Combo ( 2 different size knives of the same design but also 2 thicknesses, .093" & .063", Condor Bush Slicer ( like a Chinese Cleaver, but beefier for some wood working, Messermeister Adventure Chef 3 pc Basecamp Set ( folding cutting board, Folding Chef's Knife Western Style, & Zippered Pouch with extra pockets for other prep knives or peeling tools, etc ). I enjoy preparing meals for my 3 Adult Children & my 3 Grandchildren. I like cooking, but only for a couple of hours!!!

[@RandoCalrisiann]

Nice knives, but I love the Metallica shirt!!!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

🤘🤘

[@rhettoracle9679]

Waiting for Rad Brad to show the knife he made from a lawnmower blade. Cheers

[@TheDavewatts]

Defo more interested in the knives you make, I've actually made my first couple of knives this year, even bought a small forge, not doing bad, my first one I done was a kephart style knife with a Zero scandi I was absolutely buzzing with it. Not in the same league as your self but getting better.😁👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

If you're forging then you're past my talents mate.

[@tankdiesel9738]

Nice blades Rob.... I would be interested to see Rad Brad’s top five blades🤣... keep up the great work 👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

kbar, esee, becker, buck and gerber

[@oldfart9287]

Oh no looks like I gotta buy a cold steel master hunter, I am bloody addicted to spending my pension money on blades, I recently got a ranger grip 58 then went and got the 57 cause I wanted the corkscrew not the philips, love your collection and like some others would love to see the ones you made, cheers Rob great stuff as usual

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Don't get the 3v MH unless you are skinning moose!

[@Macovic]

I just got a Fallkniven H1 lam CoS and I got mine from a Swedish website. It has a sharp spine and scrapes ferro rod and wood very well. I am so happy! With my F1 V10 from aroind 2012 it also has a sharp spine but is much less comfortable for bushraft and survival. The H1 also carves pretty well and makes thin wonderfull feathers. The handle on the H1 is wonderful and mich better than other Fallkniven, in my opinion. I find H1 is a great for cold/boreal early winter use. I think H1 is a great bushcrafter or more a bushcraft-utility-survival hybrid. With extra large hands the handle might be somewhat thin, but it is at least a lot better than handle than the F1 and it is better in various bushcraft and woodcraft grips. However a 3 mm thick scandi carver for detailed carving should acompany. But as rule, one knife is no knife and two knifes is one knife. One can easily be lost. So carry two is good. Btw I have a spare brown leather pouch or taco style sheath which is pretty good, but pretty cheap.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I totally agree with you on the H1👍👍

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

My Master hunter in 3V was actually thick and also thick behind the edge. Had to grind away quite a bit. Maybe the measuring guy was sick for a while :-)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Quality control on vacation that day!

[@robertlawrence7958]

Very interesting to see a person's selection of knives. I thought I'd do my own top 5 but then remembered I only have 3 knives.... Oh bugger!!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

You poor man, get your wallet out 😜

[@robertlawrence7958]

@@RobEvansWoodsman unfortunately Rob, I had to have a couple of days in hospital this week and left my wallet at home. When I got back the wife had cleared it out! However, the good news is I have found a stanley knife and an old pocket knife so yaaaay I'm up to 5 🔪🗡️😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@robertlawrence7958 🤣🤣👍

[@Daniel.Liddicoat]

My oldest (also favourite) utility knife would be my orange G-10 ESEE-4 in S35VN. My TRC K-1s is new and can fit into my hip pocket, I think it will be nice. I have a PKS Kephart XL that I will use one day, but it's carbon steel.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Some great utility knives there my friend 👍

[@blaserlongrange7616]

Great video, i know that you love good handels on knives, you need to try a bark river bravo knife ,they have the best handels in the business, i have a bravo 1 ,1,2 ,1,25 and 1,5 😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Nice knives but the handles don't suit my hands, too slim for me.

[@jaalgr]

Good stuff as usual Rob I have a few knifes that you might like to do videos on give me a shout and we'll get something organised

[@daemonharper3928]

I'm currently making a chef knife for my mother - first time using a stainless san mai with cobalt core from Takefu steels. Man it's a tough metal...I've killed a couple of cobalt drill bits drilling for the pins....and its not even hardened yet. I think its the same material Fallkniven call their COS steel? I'm very impressed and a bit gutted it's not a knife for myself 🤣

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Practice run , when you've ironed out the problems make one for yourself.

[@SCQT]

My man you have such solid taste and insight into bladeology that has obviously been well refined over the years. Dont find myself disagreeing with you pretty much ever, and always getting to see stuff i think id like. A Malanika is top of my list of absolutely do not need, and absolutely will buy eventually. It just looks like exquisite knifing pleasure(is there an O face emoji?) I like the look of that H1, but i really feel like i would like it a whole lot more with the stock taken down to the 3.5mm arena and the grind brought up a bit. 5mil just seems silly in a knife with such a slicey profile, i dont really get it. Really like the blade shape, and the handle design looks much more appealing than my A1, which ive never really loved. Then again, im not really much of a hunter, and maybe that girth offers you something beneficial geometry wise. Do you feel some of Falks are overly thick? Some of the models definitely benefit from it, but i just feel like they are overly married to it across the entire range. Just picked up an Elmax Trapper 95 to tide me over until the BHK is done, still just have so little experience with scandis. Love the idea of having a wood scalpel, but being so used to convex i just cant wrap my head around how an apex like this holds up in use. I noticed when you strop you apply a lot of pressure, is that an effort to convex the edge a bit more than usual? Are you biasing the pressure towards the edge at all, or directly on the flat of the bevel? Whatever you are doing, it works. Wish the grip was a bit girthier, and there were some stupidly sharp edges where there shouldn't be, but overall seems like a really solid factory design. Should get to wring it out properly next weekend and see if my worries are based in reality. Doesnt seem like you are too into folders, but picked up a Spydiechef a couple weeks ago for a camp knife. Nice to have something small and super slicey, that is solid at food prep, so i can nix that criteria from the other knives. Such a great design, and being all Ti with LC200N, corrosion is a non issue which is much more of a concern down in this fucking salt swamp. For being basically corrosion proof, the LC takes a very nice edge, and seems to hold it fairly well. A good example of something that looks so wrong, but works so right. I kind of feel like maybe you have already done it... but would love to see a vid on knives(or any gear really) you bought that you liked in theory, but hated in practice(or the inverse). Still trying to decide if its even possible to avoid losing so much money of stuff i end up hating that sounded so right, or if that is just the reality of the right process. Maybe spending money is my real hobby and all this bushcrafty stuff is just a pleasant byproduct? Damn... sorry for the essay...

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Hi that was an interesting read! Stroping, I define don't want to convex it , lots of pressure on the flat. There's a few things I loved in theory and disliked in use No 1 is the tops tracker knife. Folders I like but not as much as a fixed blade.

[@SCQT]

@@RobEvansWoodsman hahaha Alright guess i will just wait and see how it does when i actually use it properly. Often find my mind tends not to match reality...

[@Wastelander13]

Your Fallkniven IDUN hasn't been used much, which is a shame cause its a great blade. I have one for nearly 20 years now. Nice and interesting video. Take care.

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Nice vid Rob, actually these choices surprised me🤷‍♂️

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

There's a lot of great utility knives out there which I haven't tried or owned unfortunately.

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

@@RobEvansWoodsman 3 hunter models,a puukko and the garberg,I consider them to be great knives by your opinion indeed , was expecting it more in the direction of cold steel srk and fallkniven S1 and A1 range, definitely no puukko and as you mentioned already about the garberg not what I consider as a utility knife at first sight🤪🤷‍♂️

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@jurgenkrebbekx4329 the knives you just mentioned are in my survival caragory!

[@lewisward4359]

That profile on the new Falkniven plus looks different from the Falkniven F1 In VG10. Rather like the new design. Can you list the five knives and the knives you mention later? Not sure I got the names right. Thank you

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

cold steel master hunter in san mai 3, mora garberg stainless, fallkniven idun, fallkniven h1 3g, malanika pukko 4v.

[@RT-jf9pp]

you have very soft voice great accent, so please list the knives out.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cold steel master hunter San mai Fallkniven H1 3g Fallkniven Idun Malanika pukko Mora Garberg

[@seanthomasdowd]

The master hunter is a bit out of my price range, as a backup/utility knife I would go for an old surplus kabar

[@Wolf-viking]

Well you cleary havnt had one. Try it out m8, and you will quickly see its such an amazing knife for outdoor, fish/hunting it will beat any k-bar by far. Own both. And most knives he shown in this vid. And tbh. The master hunter is always my go to. Just use an axe for the chopping and splitting. It has no problem making the small base for a fire.

[@jongjoorhee931]

Great choices, Rob. Your sixth choice or runner up if you pick, Coldsteel SRK or SRKC? Enjoyed your vid.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

srk is in a diffrent catagory, the C is ok but id probably put my F1 in sixth place.

[@jongjoorhee931]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Respect!

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

What was the puukku's name? Sorry rob, you rad accent distracted me. Love the t-shirt. Man you have some awesome knives.👍👊🤘🥳👏👏👏👏 thanks for sharing brother.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

malanika pukko

[@reddeath1176]

Never mind the knives, loving the metallica T

[@adelazzer]

Rob, really enjoy your videos on balance and of course the knife commentary in particular. Hard not to always thinking about what else might be nice to add to the collection! With regards to your gushing commendation for the CS Master Hunter; have you experienced any issues with the sheath blunting the edge. There have been claims here and there that the sheath contacts the edge when stowed thus dulling the edge. Seems pretty far out that this would be an issue to begin with and that it wouldn't be quickly resolved. Anyhoo, a comment if you could. Like many, waiting with bated breath for the release of your Tribute Knife at a "touchable" price. :) While we're here, could you kindly exposit on your affection for a zero scandi? Why does that hold the high water mark that neither a micro-beveled scandi edge or the vaunted convex come close too? Is is not so much more fussy and tend to dig in?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

What's a touchable price, please bear in mind that it's a hand made knife and everything has gone up in price over the last year.

[@adelazzer]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Rob, no judgement whatsoever. Fair is fair and your time and expertise ++ needs to be compensated for accordingly. As I'm sure you can appreciate there are LOTS of things I can't afford! :) Nothing to do but save or find an alternative! As it is, I have no idea what you're listing them for or even how anyone might go about purchasing a knife that doesn't live close by. Perhaps that in itself is an indication I'm not ready. All the best with their release...I know, I know, VIPs first. I'll look for more information in a video soon I'm sure.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@adelazzer there are two videos on the MK2 tribute knife.

[@crux314]

Hello and thanks for sharing. What steel do you recommend for the cs master hunter? Vg-1 or 3-v steel? Thanks

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That's up to you. My vg1 model is thicker than the 3v model I purchased then sent straight back as it was too thin for woodcraft and general use , it really was a dedicated hunting knife.

[@martindunwell6099]

Hello rob the garberg the most talked about knife that's ever existed the one knife that does the lot you are not wrong about the comfort of the handle but the the handle is a massive plus the mora film cutting the birch tree down was and is very impressive task you could try with a 110 or a f1 and all you would have left is the metal it is not my favourite knife but christ that knife is some boy

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I can do that with my bushtool or MK tribute knives, seen a Skookum do it too. It's a bad ass knife but still not as good as a hand made tool.

[@markmaloney5146]

Rob how would feel about trying one off my knives 👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Email me mate [e-mail]

[@ShoahBiz]

Do you have any videos showcasing how you clip knives onto your belt?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It's probably on a video or two but I can't think of any, I'm currently using a "key keeper" by Journeyman handcrafts, I bought a load of them from him, check them out on his website.

[@daeholm]

Cold Steel's website says that both the 3V and San Mai Master Hunters have a 3/16" spine which is pretty thick. Did you maybe get a clone or something?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I bought it from the biggest knife dealer in the UK, it was thinner. Trust me, my buddy Scott has an old carbon V model which is also thinner than mine.

[@voodoosausage4137]

Big question in my mind is Master Hunter or (more expensive) Fallkniven S1X (satin, not black)?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Fallkniven is tougher but the handle is too small, its probably down to personal choice.

[@clivedunning4317]

Another great video Rob. Question, do you have an e-mail address? I've got a great story about Eddie McGee, and why you should have 50 ft of fishing line in the desert !

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

[e-mail]

[@carlwoods4564]

You certainly know your stuff with knives. Whats your view on the Condor Bushlores?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't like Condor knives.

[@carlwoods4564]

@@RobEvansWoodsman oh. Any main reason? I have the Bushlore and the Hudson Bay. Though tbh not used them yet. I have various Moras including The Garberg stainless, the robust, a Ray Mears signature one and clippers. I must admit i like the feel of the condors. Are they badly made? They seem solid enough

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

They are solid and definitely worth the money , but uneven grinds, badly fitting sheaths, handles that are too round and painted coatings just make them a no go area for me , I've had quite a few over the years including the double bit large axe , I won't even start on that one,!

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

My bank account is happy I didnt give into Fällkniven. Cant really see what the fuzz is about. That Melanica puuko looks gorgeous.😄

[@Wastelander13]

If you dont own a Fallkniven dont talk about. I own 3.

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

@@Wastelander13 ok so to have an opinion on a brand, I must own it..right gotcha.😆

[@Wastelander13]

@@mikeinthewoods2193 How do you want to get an opinon otherwise? By reading and repeating other peoples bullshit comments?

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

What bullshit comments?? I have My opinion on that brand after using it a couple of Times. I find it sad you get so easily triggered just because of some one posting a different opinion..

[@Wastelander13]

@@mikeinthewoods2193 Ok. Have a nice weekend. 👍

[@daemonharper3928]

How can you choose a favourite child?? 😃 don't your other knives feel left out? The leather stacked Fallkniven do look beautiful....I've got a couple of leather stacked knives and they're great but I wouldn't want to skin with them, they can get a bit slick with blood. Personally I think an all round knife needs to be 3mm or less (unless its a proper full flat to zero then your spine can be thicker) because its mainly for cooking and slicing rather than bashing....no harm in taking a pair of knives with you, or a small axe and an all round knife. Or 4 knives, a hatchet, an axe and a saw. And a wedge. And a spare saw.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

A folder, muilti tool and carving kit!!!!!!

[@philleath-dawson2113]

Hi Mate, Mora Garberg is okay but agree that the handle if too narrow. Don't know how you can pick the top 5 as anyone with an unhealthy interest in Knives has too much choice to pick from. Waiting for DBK and Roger's knife which I believe will feature in my top 5......👍👍 Don't advise when 15 years old covering your girlfriend in camo tape..... lol

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm really hoping that the DBK KNIFE will be as good as I think.

[@oldfart9287]

Sorry Rob I know I already commented on this vid already, but I gotta ask you , I know you are a carpet fitter, but do you have a 100 utility knives and blades for your trade , and yes can you recomend your favourite blades , sorry to go off track a bit but I go through lots of disposable blades in my workshop

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I buy cheap by the 100's Stanley are no better and don't stay sharp any longer .

[@oldfart9287]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Thankyou

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Not a problem mate

[@Tsl4Lf]

H1 elmax or cos or 3g? Which is better steel?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I really don't know, I'm not a steel expert but I'd always pick ELMAX over the other two, it takes a nice edge, reports are that 3g is a little chippy.

[@jenskramer4344]

Hi Rob, was the Idun in normal VG10? Thanks

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Yes the one in that video is VG10, It's an old video made long before they upgraded the steel apart from the cowry X model.

[@jenskramer4344]

@@RobEvansWoodsman By the way you make awesome knives (maybe I'll order one) and thanks for the very interesting content, thanks

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@jenskramer4344 cheers mate

[@dennisleighton2812]

Hi Rob. Crazy Saffer here. The second knife you showed and I couldn't for the life of me make out what you called it ! Some info please? Thanks man.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Mora Garberg in Stainless steel. I prefer the carbon personally .

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Is that only because it strikes better sparks, or are there other reasons? I, of course, much prefer stainless! ;-)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I just don't know , it goes through wood better!!

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Dear me, do I detect just the tiniest tad of prejudice there Rob? 🤣😂

[@zhaomiaomiao]

如果我只挑选一把刀，我应该选择什么？

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

F1x , possibly in elmax

[@zhaomiaomiao]

@@RobEvansWoodsman After taking your advice, I bought this knife and it costs $342 in China, which is a lot more expensive than it costs in Europe, where it costs $212. Hope it doesn't disappoint me :)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I really hope you like it.

[@howardvarley8795]

Surprised you.didnt include your Skookum Or your Bison bushcraft. !! Or even your Robust !!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Two years ago mate, I've sold the Malanika and the stainless garberg lives in work now. No bison bushcraft because I class that as a bushcraft knife and this video is for utility knives.

[@howardvarley8795]

@@RobEvansWoodsman interesting!! My concept of a utility knife is that it shapes wood, cuts cordage, can butcher animals, processes vegetables, scrapes fish scales etc and has a durable edge.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@howardvarley8795 not a zero scandi then.

[@howardvarley8795]

@@RobEvansWoodsman ahhh! Now I see where you are coming from, I have several zero scandi knives, yours, ben orfords, jacklores, SWCs, Alan Woods, Tony Hardings and I have no trouble keeping the edge sharp doing all the 'camp' utility tasks but I understand what you are saying and also your point about field sharpening a zero, in truth I probably put a micro bevel on them but it would be micro, micro! Thanks for your comments.

[@henrymoreland8719]

I couldn't kick any of them out of bed.

[@Tsl4Lf]

Top 3 of your collection in 2024?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Excluding my own designs or including?

[@Tsl4Lf]

​@@RobEvansWoodsmanexcluding

[@Tsl4Lf]

​@RobEvansWoodsman or top 5 including your knives?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That's easy, Bison bushcraft original Ben Orford Campcraft My MK2, FTP and bushtool s,

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It's difficult because of all the categories and knives with different uses, I've stopped buying knives just to test, costing a fortune and at the end of the day I prefer my own stuff and an axe or parang/big knife.

[@Trevelyon006]

After watching Les Stroud for quite sometime I lost most of my respect for him when he went on a survival trip with his son. His boy was able to catch fish & make fire, when Les was not, so Les got in a mood with his son. I didn't respect him after that 😒

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

He's a prat and a show off.