The Applegate-Fairbairn Knife! The ULTIMATE Fighting Knife!

[@alancranford3398]

I have two editions of the Applegate-Fairbairn combat knife plus both editions of the Applegate-Fairbairn folders. I even managed to correspond with Rex Applegate over his point-shooting system adopted from Fairbairn. I have a couple of Fairbairn-Sykes third pattern commando daggers in my reference collection--at least one of them has the broad arrow mark. When I deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a National Guard Signal Corps soldier, my assigned weapon was the M249--not the best melee weapon around. Because I was rear echelon, wearing a Kabar was considered unacceptable--the smaller Gerber-made Covert Folder went everywhere with me until I boarded the airplane for the trip home at the end of my deployment. I count myself lucky that my knife skills were not tested during deployment--the circumstances would have been dire. No pistols were issued to my Signal company. I was permitted to teach a knife fighting class and tutor other soldiers deployed with me. I see in your playlist a video on the Kabar. I went to MCRD San Diego in 1975 and as soon as I could I purchased a Kabar. Problem--as an avionics tech it wasn't appropriate for me to wear my Kabar on duty. I had to get used to being in the UNARMED forces. In my opinion the primary purpose of a fighting knife for modern soldiers is installing a warrior mindset. "Armed" is an attitude. I lost count of the small arms live-fire ranges where we all had guns and ammo but were NOT armed. It was funny that I flew commercial air to the war zone carrying my machine gun and e-tool but had to leave my Gerber multi-tool in checked baggage. Now to check out your Kabar video!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! I never had the opportunity to meet Applegate, but I did study under Michael Janich who was one of his students. Enjoy the Ka-Bar video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

I included in my book about knife fighting an extraordinary story about the Gerber A-F Combat Folder being used in combat.

[@alancranford3398]

@@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso Book title, please?

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

@@alancranford3398 "The Silent Bodyguard" the english version and "El Guardaespaldas Silencioso" the spanish version, both in Amazon or eBay.

[@captainchaos3053]

May I ask why an avionics tech would be issued a M249 section weapon and what you would possibly be doing to end up needing a "fighting knife"? It's not that I doubt your service or experience it's just I'm old and not familiar with how you guys operate these days. In my day signals would not need avionics. There used to be more logic to how things got done that was plain to see but reading your little story just confused me.

[@Monsoonpain]

I have the first folding version of this. I like it alot, comfortable, easy to deploy, and sturdy

[@firstjohn3123]

The Cold Steel Tai Pan in 3V is quite good as well...very similar.

[@herofromthedark]

Where did you find a folder version of this? I'd genuinely like to know! The folder presented in the video does not have a link in the description.

[@Monsoonpain]

@herofromthedark - oh, I got it from a collector who was selling off most of his collection...he was given bad medical news, and I guess he figured he no longer was gonna have use for them. What ever it was, it was a terminal illness. So, I can't give you a link or anything. I'm sorry

[@herofromthedark]

@@Monsoonpain Ah bummer

[@chaddixon5725]

I have one also. A good knife. Not sure if it's the first one made but if it helps my folder was made by Gerber. I gave $60 for it a few months ago from a guy that buys estate sale collections. I think it was a fair price. It's a robust folder if a bit large.

[@3LGAutodetail]

Thank you. This is by far my favorite knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@3LGAutodetail]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I shared the vid far and wide.

[@slappy8941]

Ava why is that? It's usefulness is extremely limited, the grip isn't very good, and the blade will snap easily. I give it a 4.

[@3LGAutodetail]

@@slappy8941 As far as a dagger, it's quite good. I'm not a fan of the 440, or 420 hc renditions, but those are not bad steels for troops. They take edges easily. As for the AF knife blade breaking, its a dagger not a pry bar.

[@mikeblue385]

i have the gerber combat folder i bought in 1998. still carry it every day.

[@willem2099]

You carry a combat knife every day? :S

[@mikeblue385]

in my purse. with my gun.@@willem2099

[@LeonardGarcia-yn2ej]

I have 2 of them I don’t leave home without it peace of mind (so cal.) 5:13

[@LeonardGarcia-yn2ej]

@@willem2099 Like American Express ; Don’t Leave Home With Out It My Good Friends Times have Changed ; The Devils On The Loose! 👀👹. Take Care My Friends C ya ; Live and Let Live : It Don’t Get Better Than This . Lenny G. So.Calif. 562 area 😮‍💨420🍀🍀🍀

[@ryanjordan7268]

I've been carrying the Covert folder for over 25 years. I luv it!

[@jjh9355]

I have three, two of the "full size" folders and one of the smaller versions for EDC. I love them. Thanks for the video and info.

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

In my humble opinion, the Fairbairn-Sykes is an excellent thrusting tool. The first design (the 1st Pattern) was the dagger that Mr. Fairbairn wanted to be produced, with a usable ricasso and a long guard that could be used by the wielder and his index finger. The X-Daggers made out of bayonets (specially the Lee-Metford M1888) are the original design including a 7" triangular blade, a long ricasso and a 3" S guard. If you employ this type of tool for other than killing the enemy, most probably you will end with a broken tip or something worse, the blade snapped from the handle. I remember that Applegate asked Bo Randall to make one of his prototypes way before Yancey enter the game. After the daggers made by Harsey, and before Boker knives started the production of them, Al Mar and Blackjack also made them. The problem with the original A-F daggers is the lack of a useful ricasso, a very short guard and a handle not supported by the tang at the pommel area. Also, in my opinion, the blade is too thin (4mm or so). On the other hand, the A-F Combat Folder (the original) is a great tool. I carry one every day. If you want to see the best dagger made since WWII, just check the Randall Model 2.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I also agree that the FS is an excellent thrusting tool. Thank-you for the additional information on the additional makers!

[@SoldierDrew]

Col Rex Applegate and William E. Fairbairn reviewed reports of failures and interviewed Soldiers whom had experience using the F.S. dagger in combat. So William E. Fairbairn and Col Rex Applegate considered all the failures and problems of the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger then created an improved fighting dagger by correcting all of the flaws in the Fairbairn Sykes dagger. The improved dagger was the Fairbairn-Applegate design in this video. But the second world war ended before they field tested the improved dagger on the battlefield. Interesting historical trivia: Applegate, while researching incidents and interviewing men during the war to help create a reliable program for the O.S.S. , Colonel Applegate discovered the most kills by one man using a knife during WW2 was by a Fin commando who used a common utility Puukko knife with a 5" blade. So a historical fact, a Fin commando using a common 5" blade Puukko knife killed more men in close combat sentry removal than any other documented case in WW2 by other soldiers using specially designed fighting knives and combat daggers. Lesson learned: It's not the weapon so much as they man behind the weapon.

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

@@SoldierDrew I never saw any document that proved the involvement of Fairbairn in the design of the Applegate-Fairbairn dagger. In my opinion, Applegate included Fairbairn name for marketing purposes only. About the F-S feedback I read was that the original 3" guard was too long and got caught everywhere, and that is why they reduced while producing the 1st Pattern. Also it is known that Fairbairn was not happy when the factory change the design to the 2nd Pattern and obviously to the 3rd Pattern, specially because the ricasso and the long guard was very useful when you need to withdraw the knife from a dead soldier and also it was more difficult for your opponent to knock off the knife from your hand when using the "index finger around the hilt grip"

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

I prefer the Randal number one tbh big I can't have a fighter that I myself have made.

[@TerryCollins-m2b]

Ek

[@robertqueberg4612]

This is a very interesting history lesson about the “cutting edge” development of a very useful tool. I still have a knife quite similar to the second version. It is a 5” knife that Grandpa was using as a hog sticking knife, long before I was born in 1948. I would guess that it is a new life for a dull file. It does speak well of the basic design. Thanks again for the great presentation.

[@robertlehnert4148]

Sounds like an Old Hickory double-edge sticker and hog-killing was it's exact intended purpose.

[@hob976]

Man, I don't know. The original Gerber Mark 2 might be the most well thought out murdery-murder knife. It was shaped like a saber to be a stabber and a slasher. The cat tongue textured grip was amazing. And the original even had a 15 deg angle to make it duplicate a fencing rapier while fighting. The Gerber remains my number one combat knife. And MAD MAX had one... how can you argue with that?

[@jonmueller2117]

I bought my Gerber M2 45 years ago as a 15 year old, one of my first knives, and it is still amazing.

[@1sakguy]

I have all three sizes of AF folders and the AL Mar version of the dagger. Great video about this knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@bones10145]

I love the look of that knife. I need to get one someday.

[@ddhh6552]

Very cool history on these fighting knives

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@christophwilhelm6431]

Good editing and restrained production. I'd say this is another improvement.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

I was lucky enough to get one of the Effingham Blackjack versions of this knife from the early ‘90’s, which is pointier than the later Boker versions. The Bokers went from reasonably priced to ridiculously over priced, so I stuck with the Blackjack. Mine was one of the first made and had no handle issues that some of them had with mating the handle halves. Great design.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@powerplay4real174]

👍 A well thought out knife design and it has good quality materials but it has been through some issues up until Boker began to manufacture them for The Col. Applegate. The Applegate Fairbarn Combat Design Dagger is a phenomenal collectors piece. 😊

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is an excellent blade and a favorite of mine as well!

[@apexairsolutions]

Had the Gerber folder version in the 90s and it served me well for years.The sheath was nylon and went lateral on your belt for CCW.the best at time period.😮

[@ahmaudarberywasaviolentkle8094]

I liked that version even more than the automatic. It had a better handle, and it was quieter.

[@apexairsolutions]

@@ahmaudarberywasaviolentkle8094 If my memory serves me when I bought it it was their first version and it was considered the weapon of choice for silent dispatch.☠️

[@mikeremski2102]

Good stuff, thanks. I think it hammers home "have more than one knife" for different uses. Or just have more than one knife.

[@KrugerrandFarms]

I bought a Klien Tools duct knife. It resembles the AF to a great degree and for less than a double saw buck it is hard to beat. That said the sheath sucks and I would prefer the Milwaukie with the plastic sheath. both can be used as a utility knife and serve other functions when the chips are down. The Klien Tolls will stay in my truck but the Milwaukie will live on my belt.

[@tirednsleepy44]

It’s a nice looking knife, very obvious to see where it’s evolved from. Be interesting to watch it over the next few years.

[@wamps3370]

A great alternative to these knives is the current version of the Cold Steel Tai Pan.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

The Tai Pan is a step above the Boker made knife.

[@BabyBitchBlue]

My Japanese taipan is just about perfect

[@michaelcohen9740]

At less than half the price and bigger blade

[@michaelcohen9740]

Agreed and mine was half the price of the Gerber and the steel is San Mai and sharper ,my Joker Lince is an exact copy ,fits the Gerber sheath and was a third the price and the quality is superb,love the Gerber but imo is way too expensive for what it's made out of

[@Ash__7]

Lucky enough to have a UKSF-K sat behind me on the wall, was thinking throughout the vid how similar the blades are, so I loved the cameo at the end - will have to check out your review. Subbed

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Im a custom smith. While i give this design a good solid eight out of ten there is one glaring drawback. Blade length. Its too short. A good combat knife has a seven to seven and a half inch blade. The reason for this is that it must be able to reach the heart through heavy winter clothing which can include many layers, harnesses, load bearing vests, the ever popular chest rigs and even soft armor. If the blade was seven and a half inches I'd give it a nine. Jmho.

[@PubliusRutiliusLupus]

what combat knife design would you give a 10/10 to?

[@TheASM196]

I have the folding version of the A-F knife. It was made by Gerber... and is of extremely high quality contrary to some of their later offerings. The knife steel is ATS-34, which 10 (15?) years ago was considered a knife supersteel. The liner lock has a closing protection that is optional to use but that prevents effectively the knife to be closed accidentaly during handling. Solid and tight construction with a non-slip grip. Thanks for this video! I am a new subscriber!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@normthompson923]

Caried hundreds of different blades over the years. My all time favorite is a gaucho knife with a 6.5 inch high carbon steel blade. Cheap,very light,razor sharp,and so comfortable to carry, though more of a slasher than stabber it can do both.

[@zealotzealot4848]

I love daggers!

[@marklawrence855]

Great knife 🔪

[@DylanLey]

Great video as always!

[@toddcarpenter714]

As a Marine, I'll stick with my K-Bar. It served me well in Desert Storm. It's still razor sharp and resides in my nightstand beside my shotgun for "bump in the night" issues.

[@thespectator2976]

i stick with my Esee 6, and fällkniven s1. I respect u as a fellow solider. /airforce from sweden.

[@JakobF369]

Kabars are outdated in my opinion but to each their own

[@toddcarpenter714]

Kabars are timeless. They work because the design is great. They sharpen easily, and hold that edge. You can sharpen the back side of the clip point and deliver a devastating back slash. Marines have their choice of any knife, 9 times out of 10, the Kabar gets the nod. Even some navy SEALs choose it.

[@thespectator2976]

In the end, its a sharpy thingie with and good and a bad end. Who uses it and so doesent really matter :) as long as its sharp after usage :) right? @@toddcarpenter714

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

They are a pos. They bend like rubber when pryed even a little.

[@heavychevy4616]

great video as always, thank u sir

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

My pleasure and thank-you for your support!

[@MASI_forging]

Absolutely beautiful 👏👏

[@colonialdirtdigger3734]

Great content

[@drewnelson3149]

A buddy gave me the Boker version and I carried it my rig for years. Never used it once mind, and later on I replaced the scales and sheath and it's basically brand new.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Andarilho1974]

I have the Cold Steel Peace Keeper 1, in San Mai VG1, made in Japan. When I bought it, it was already very rare. It's basically the same as this knife, but a little longer. Unfortunately, it fell and the tip got a bit damaged and I had to redo the tip. It's one of the knives scheduled to be with me in my BOB, I carry three, but it's 100% intended for defense.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@franklinmills1756]

I have Cold Steel knives also, the recon tanto, and the khukri light. Cold Steel makes excellent knives.

[@cherokeefit4248]

I like this blade a lot. I never knew it existed. EBay has them too. I like my tops ice dagger. It’s basically the same thing but shorter but the tip center of the body is also reinforced.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@walkingcarpet420]

It's a real knife fight out there

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@primealien]

Will you look at the V 42 blade used by the FSSF ? Please and thanks

[@scottangel6462]

One point of correction, Applegate was not a US counterpart of Fairbairn, He was sent to England to study under Fairbairn, in essence he was his student and the American instructor for the OSS. In the film clip that you show of the masked instructor, showing the unarmed components of the system, Applegate is the one standing beside him.

[@sonnysantana5454]

very wrong

[@patrickedwards7107]

I'm missing one in my collection however I've read about it and it's characteristics extensively the handle was meant to allow customized weight inserts some versions had issues with brittle delrin scales it's not uncommon to see splitting at the junture where the screw meets or near the bolster on older ones. It's a great knife I'd love to own as a historian/study of Fairbairn and Applegate but haven't met the right one in the right place. As an aside the Boker contact training knife Mimics it's form.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very interesting! Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@kellywright540]

I have the Gerber Tactical Folder that is based on Applegate - Fairbairn. Not the greatest copy of these but still pretty close, at least in my humble opinion. I think I paid $130 for it from Amazon back in 2007. It's my purse knife and I use for everything from cutting apple slices to opening boxes. It does turn heads when I pull it out, give a quick snap of my hand and there's nearly four inches of blade from out of no where. It popped up in this video towards the end.

[@robertkorsberg18]

I have one, it's a fine blade and one of 2 knives I really trust.

[@timhenry326]

I met Rex back in the early 80's he trained my employer when in the OSS. I had my ass kicked by him showing me some tactics as I did some special projects and you never knew who was going to try some bullshit. I had an EK style 1 which he liked and Rex showed me his AF he was having made but I never was able to get one however I've carried a Gerber AF combat folder for years. He and my boss were the real deal as far as no BS get the fight over now and I've never forgotten them and have passed some of the legend down to my 2 Army kids and freinds

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@WedgeGangly]

Follow this up with the AF Smatchet and down the road, Ek combat knives.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Smatchet is on the list. I'll have to take a look at the EK knives...

[@The4cp]

Just by it being shorter makes it less effective. Knives being too small a MASSIVE problem in todays knife world.

[@sombra6153]

I wonder how many FS were broken in actually wet work or in field utility duties like opening tin cans or ammo cases ? I have an artistic appreciation for my 80s mfg Gerber MkII. It’s sharp as all get out bit has similar weakness at the tang.

[@AldoSchmedack]

Time to try on the channel my favorite dagger, The Spartan George Dagger. Love to see that one done.

[@2adamast]

A SS dagger with a reversed guard, by now Boker calls it a "Swiss Dagger" to keep it neutral. Naming it Fairbairn-Sykes is even better

[@chrisdyck6524]

My absolute favorite is the Voyager Vaquero XL serrated

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll have to check it out!

[@1683clifton]

My dad's is an ag.russel purchase. I love that knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

Please do answer my question. Also the scabbards should be able to open up for cleaning. One more point, the knife smiths must some how make a knife having an automatic locking system once it is put into it's scabbard. Then when u go to pull the knife out, you should just press on some part of the guard to release the knife. Note, some times u have to have your knife in a flash, so the release mechanism must be good. Thank you.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Having a sheath open up for cleaning is convenient. But there is also the consideration of production. How do you make something like that for a reasonable price, and in such a way that it doesn't break easy or come apart? As for the quick release, the sheath for the UK-SFK does have that built in and I hate it. I'm not a fan of retention mechanisms. A properly crafted sheath (Kydex or leather) should be able to retain a knife without a lock.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel ok, remember those cigarette cases or women cosmetic cases that have mirrors on one side, will I was thinking about those angles for scabbards. Yes, I don't know what would go into the production prices/ budget limits Maybe custom made only However, then some examples could be only produced, no large scale productions or large capital needed.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel ok, about the locking mechanism, since I would like mine to work very fast, like as if I am drawing out a katana to defend or attack in a blink of an eye, we are now trying to go Mars, we have made/invented marvels after marvels, haven't we? If kept at it, you will have a mechanism in the scabbard or knife you would love. We just have to keep testing different angles.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel sorry, I am sure it can be made strong. Look at the folding knives, they are making them stronger.

[@dennismccrary7639]

I have the folding version made by Gerber, they only made 1500. It came with a wooden display stand and sits on a shelf in my living room. It is one of my Apocalypse knives, which is not far away.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thats an excellent piece for any collection!

[@Louzahsol]

Sitting on a stand is all gerber knives are good for

[@paulfryejr2918]

Nice review. I’ve subscribed to your channel.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@CFurnace-72]

Could you do a review of EK Commando knives out or Richmond VA. If you touch one it becomes a part of you. Made since 1941. WOW!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I just released a video on the history of the Ek knife, though it focuses on the original WW2 days of the Ek knives.

[@VIV_1271]

I have a small collection of AF knives including a few full sized Bokers, a couple smaller limited run Bokers with Damascus steel, and a couple Gerber folders. My favorite is a beautiful Al Mar made AF I got years ago. I haven’t seen another like it from Al Mar. Does anyone know how many of these Al Mar made and what they are valued at today?

[@3LGAutodetail]

a quick look shows that AZ knife center had one up for just over 3bills

[@shaneharris3402]

Best fighting knife is the one you have

[@PirminZemp2731]

Interesting Video Awesome

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@PirminZemp2731]

@TheKnifeLifeChannel Tanke You So much ❤️ 💖

[@Prob0]

Any advice on where to find a sheath for this? I purchased one of these quite a number of years ago, it had a kydex sheath but a rubber retainer loop long since rotted away.

[@robertkorsberg18]

I would suggest, contact a leather maker and go custom. Or if comfortable, may mold own kydex. My rubber piece also broke, but the og kydex holder it came with has a positive snap in.

[@bakixavirists4561]

Do the gerber mark 2 next!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Noted and on the list.

[@ericcicero5853]

Love my Boker

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@zdan420]

Really cool knife. I've been wanting to get one for years but I fear it's now too expensive. I have the Joker brand version which is a nice alternative if you don't want to pay $250 plus. Does anyone know what model Spyderco is shown at the beginning of the video?

[@1vjbknife]

Maybe if you get a well constructed model that is properly sharpened, But I prefer a Randall 1-7 or 2-7 or a Terzuola M36 / Gryphon M30A1.

[@wulfbyte]

I'm surprised the v42 and gerber mark II were not mentioned

[@blindfredy6128]

The A-F knife is beautiful knife but bloody expensive.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is both, agreed.

[@grampa243]

still looking for the V-42 Commando Knife video 😀

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm looking at it. I might be able to line up a sponsor for that one.

[@sonnysantana5454]

yes it is

[@andreweden9405]

Could you please talk about the Extrema Ratio ADRA dagger, and the famous military unit that it's named after? Thank you!

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

According to sone threads I've read, it seems that that combat folder version was an issued knife at one time. Perhaps as unit level, batch purchases? I bought mine based on reviews of carrying the folder in combat.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Interesting, I hadn't seen that. I'll have to look into that. Thank-you for sharing!

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

Yes, the Combat Folders was an issue knife. It even has an NSN number assigned to it (National Stock Number)

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

@pdbuttyRTO actually, NSN is NATO stock number, but I didn't know it had one. Thanks.

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

@@EndtheWokeMadness A NATO Stock Number, or National Stock Number (NSN) as it is known in the U.S., is a 13-digit numeric code used by the NATO military alliance, identifying all the 'standardized material items of supply' as they have been recognized by all member states of NATO. Pursuant to the NATO Standardization Agreements, the NSN has come to be used in all treaty countries. However, many countries that use the NSN program are not members of NATO (e.g. Japan, Australia and New Zealand). A two-digit Material Management Aggregation Code (MMAC) suffix may also be appended,[1] to denote asset end use but it is not considered part of the NSN.

[@a.w.1906]

What about Kizlyar KO-1 and KO-2. The penetrating power is much much better than that of my Applegate Fairbairn. It penetrates everything like butter, really incredible.

[@attiliobarcados8178]

finally relevant info.; great viddeoé there was another heavier model almost a small machete

[@brian4407]

$450 for 440C 😂

[@ystar13]

The Boker Harsey AF knife looks cool... but what explains its almost $500 price tag?

[@bronco1199]

The original was affordable. Is this one? Not at all interested if you're looking for 300$ + dollars. Keep it!!!

[@Markt005]

I had the folder years ago. I wanted to get one of these, but as others have said, $300 is insane. A Taurus g3c is less than that and I have a cpl.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@wayneholmes637]

The FS wasn't really a fighting knife as such. It was a specialised sentry removal tool. It was meant for a surprise attack on an unsuspecting opponent and was not meant for anything beyond that.

[@wheelietime7062]

Last dagger I had was a boot knife I got about 3 in blade my father bought me at tools and more. I don't think I was older than 6 or 7. Lost it long ago.

[@tmutant]

M3 Trench Knife, please.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Added to the list. I am currently researching some WW1 trench knives currently, so that may be of interest to you as well in the near future. Thanks for commenting!

[@jamesday7344]

At one time gerber was running really soft steel…That tip will bend like a tab on a beer can. I had the folding version years ago before I knew any better

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@scottdahlberg4890]

What was that Spyderco folder in the B roll in the begining of the video? Having trouble finding it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The Spyderco Euroedge. They have been discontinued for a while.

[@rex8255]

The originals biggest problem: It was a specialized piece of equipment issued to soldiers, who will in short order find 8 or 10 other uses. A classic example is the old "Steel pot" helmet. I was around when they started switching over, and a lot of GIs weren't happy because they used them for digging, cooking food in, and other things.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

You are correct, and thats why the Ka-bar was so effective. It was meant for general abuse by soldiers. I'll be releasing a video on the Ek knives here shortly as well. The Style 1 Ek was designed entirely for combat, but the bevels were so short it is close to being a sharpened crowbar. I expect that may be partially behind the Ek's popularity as well.

[@bradjohnson4787]

Compare with Kbar equivalent (purpose wise).

[@Tony_Seed]

It’s a dagger has existed forever

[@sonnysantana5454]

as for the history of the 2' designers top of the line , as for the quality of the steel 100'% , as for the feel of the blade 100'% 1' of the better blades of the late 80's and very early 90's

[@kerberoswxiv329]

While the design is great, the asking price is obscene (the harsey version in particular) by today's standards, especially considering the seriously outdated steel choice and boker's often shody workmanship & QC 😅. I suggest saving a hefty sum and go for the Cold Steel Tai Pan in San Mai or 3V instead. If you want to get a Harsey designed dagger, l would recommend the Spartan Blades Harsey dagger, still cheaper than boker's with top end material and workmanship, not to mention Made in USA

[@Thekulprit92]

The harsey 5" version was 200$+- on amazon for years if you looked and kept an eye on it, now all the bokers are overpriced imo, when they were 150ish, that was the cap for me

[@michaelcohen9740]

I agree 💯 Cold Steel Tai Pan uses better steel at less than half the price,Joker Knives makes the Lince an almost identical copy the sheath is even interchangeable and it's just over $100 , and uses better steel ,I've owned the Boker and just couldn't justify the price once I found cheaper and better alternatives

[@dwynnell]

The AF blade length seems short to me. I’m used to the finesse of the pat3 needle though.

[@davidlewis9572]

I have the folding one …..same blade design n name

[@arcticfox6808]

I have one of the Harsey designed Boker's in a desert camo sheath with an extremely low serial number. Picked it up at a Gunshow over 20 years ago. I can't find any production history online. Anyone know of a way to figure out when the knife was made? If my serial number is under 100 do I have one of the first ones?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

You can reach out directly to Boker. They should have some info. I would expect that a SN under 100 would be one of the first blades made by them.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Its the knife i used the whole time i was with my merc unit in SA. That & a machete got me by in those jungles etc.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

It looks good. Only way is to get one and test it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Have at. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jvin248]

Would have been helpful to dig deeper into the blade to handle tang fractures (could be poor heat treat, manufacturing nicks, or poor design transitions). I'm often surprised how so few of these fighting knives use handle tangs rather than full through blade metal with scales. The diamond cross section blade of the original is carry over from the days of knights and punching through armor.

[@jonkmeister4717]

Just make a video named "The dagger, the ultimate fighting knife!", and go through rondel daggers, bollock daggers, sword hilted daggers (the inspiration for the fairbairn-sykes), and so on. The lineage of this type of fighting knife is incredibly long, going back to the stone age

[@forgedglory]

My unit was issued the combat folder before deploying to Iraq.

[@benjimenfranklin7173]

I don't know i rather have a Kay-Bar it's what i have always used and so far it's never failed me . At least not sense 1969 anyhow.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

To each their own. The Ka-Bar is a very functional knife. If you haven't seen it already I have a video on the story of the Ka-Bar as well! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around again!

[@stolman2197]

Whole on the OSS kick how about featuring the smatchet

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The smatchet is definetely on the list. Its one of the WW2 blades that can really ruin your day.

[@michaeljdauben]

I like the design and provinance of the A-F knife. The only reason I don't own one is I can't justify $300+ for a 440C knife.

[@133rip]

Just because you own a fighting knife doesn't mean you're a knife fighter. Be careful out there

[@franklinmills1756]

My preferred go to knife is the good 'ol khukri.

[@russelldavis8415]

I like all the knives shown however I think the price is ridiculous. I like the wider blade FS design with a blade of about 7inch, the handle (about 4.5 inch) should be one that grips in warm, wet or winter weather.

[@DavidDishington]

Can you do a video about the Sevilliana Navaja?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The Navaja is definitely on my to-do list! I actually planned to do it earlier, but I've had issues getting my hands on good research sources and on a genuine quality Navaja as well. Once I get those then I will make that video! Thanks for letting me know!

[@roypaulcarter4654]

The AF Boker comes dull and you will need to take it somewhere to have it sharpened. But still I like the knife.

[@derfmuff]

The Benchmade 185 is also nice.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@eliasdeleone7059]

It's the unofficial weapon of choice among all underground knife fighters across the US and Nicaraguan circuits.