Top 5 Outdoor Pocket Knives & Why?

[@EarlyMist]

And this is why I love my CS Ultimate Hunter in CTS XHP is my hiking folder. Perfect ergos and excellent steel. Light but extremely solid. Lockup till the sun comes up and goes down 👍

[@invadertrig]

Code 4 for the same reasons

[@hawkknight4223]

Having owned every single knife on that table with the exception of the Opinel’s. I’ll stick with my Finn wolf any day of the week. And every day of the week. And at least two if not three times on Sunday. I love that knife. And I carry it as a secondary pocket knife while I work in construction.

[@maxgotts5895]

I've carried the Kershaw Clash for the past 4 years, including on two backpacking trips, and it's never failed me. Nice and thick, and just a beautiful knife.

[@dan5087]

I've had a Gerber gator for 15 years, and it's a great knife! One of the most solid locking knives imo

[@koga8100]

Triad lock: “allow me to introduce myself”

[@jamesreese1999]

VERY well done videos! Such a refreshing difference from the KZbin reviewers who roll a knife around in their hands for 15 minutes without doing anything with them!

[@chriscon8463]

Cool video, Aaron! I never really thought about the differences between EDC knives & pocket knives intended for heavy use. The pocket knives I regularly carry are my Victorinox “Tinker” (Small), Old Timer “33OT” (the old kind made in the USA), & Case “Mini Trapper”. I guess my Opinel should get some pocket time now, too. When choosing, It’s really hard for me to NOT carry a SAK; their weight to utility ratio is huge.

[@ROE1300]

Good display. I like my Opinels and love my Buck 110s. Plastic does not belong on sporting firearms or knives so my Buck 110s are the original steel and brass versions with stag, Ram’s horn, buffalo horn, and exotic wood scales. Having said that I did think your selection was interesting and informative.

[@charlescollier7217]

Good options! You're so right about the importance of the handle ergonomics . Even some knives that I think are really comfortable for EDC quickly become problematic when you have to make a few feather sticks.

[@dennisleighton2812]

In this regard Leathermans are disgusting and can wreck your hand with hard use!

[@charlescollier7217]

​@@dennisleighton2812 That's precisely why I no longer carry a Leatherman (or any other pliers-based multitool) in the woods. If I'm headed into the bush, I'm taking a Victorinox with a saw function. These days it's usually my Work Champ, because it has such a full tool set, but I sometimes carry one of my Ranger Grips, or my One-Hand Forester. These all have pretty slicey locking blades and really efficient saws, which I think are the most important tools to have on a bush-focused multi-tool. Every last one of them has much better ergos than any Leatherman, so you can carve all day with no problem.

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@charlescollier7217 Thanks for the support man! Appreciate it.

[@Sleep_SDE1979]

My favorite outdoors/hiking folder is my old Cold Steel Voyager large clip point (AUS 8 version). Good, thick handle scales for maximum purchase, Triad lock and lightweight aluminum liners for dependability, and nice weight vs blade length ratio at a good price. The steel isn't the best obviously, but gets extremely sharp and has decent toughness for a stainless the way they heat treat it.

[@lobobbybobalot]

you make me wanna buy knives every time i see your videos.

[@playeah1]

Redd Metzger thanks for watching

[@emmarowley1096]

Opinel number 7 always in my pocket. A true old friend been with me the last 15 odd years

[@daryooshfatemi]

I do agree with all your points, concerns, recommendations, but I prefer Victorinox Hunter Pro (wooden one and orange rubber one) over them all when it comes to outdoor activities. Great handle ergonomics and super effective blade in this range . 🔪✨

[@charlescollier7217]

I finally got a Hunter Pro earlier this year, and yes, the ergos are great!

[@whiteroseproject7207]

That benchmade is absolutely gorgeous I need it.

[@georgeb9408]

Good video Gideon but I have to disagree with the Benchmade Freek. It has an Axis lock which is hard to clean when you prepare food or clean game. If you use your folders properly, it really does not matter how strong the lock is.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Cold steel ultimate hunter should be on list imo.

[@davidcarson7855]

I would also include the Voyagers

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour So which one is the best ?

[@KellyRobinette]

I have a question about the axis lock. I am assuming that there is a spring in the axis lock. Wouldn't this be a potential point of problem when using it for outdoor stuff? I can't help but think of dirt, debris or just that spring breaking and making the knife almost useless. Am I wrong about that?

[@brianhill4284]

To get extra grip on thin or smooth handle grandad but glue on handle then a sprinkle of sand eg non slip ???

[@ericmollen5667]

Is the grey opinel with the lanyard hole a No. 07?

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

The Victorinox 1 handed Trekker is another great choice.

[@koga8100]

Victorinox is not for knife people. I want the steel to be defined on my knife and I want it to lock for gods sake.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

@@koga8100 You're a knife person, but you don't know what the steel victorinox uses is or that the trekker they mentioned is a locking knife???????

[@koga8100]

@@grizzlycountry1030 if they don’t put it on the blade or mention it in on the box it’s not my job to look into it. And yes the one handed trekker is nice but most leathermans will outclass it. Let’s be real here.

[@godforever27]

Cold steel survivalist for heavy duty use and Kershaw link 20cv, petrified fish pf818 and pf878, and ganzo fh91 are the pocket knives id choose. Checkout outpost76 test on the Kershaw link 20cv and comparing pf818 d2 to civivi d2.

[@mattb2179]

I would love to see a list like this for deer skinning / cleaning knives

[@bobsanchezz8211]

Matt Brautigam outdoor edge by far hands down beat knifes for skinning.in the 90 s the made a 3 inch gut hook knife beat knife in the world almost

[@hardthornedoutdoors7961]

Esee 3 TOPS BOB Anything kabar Or just buy an old timer and a sharpener and gut skin and quarter your deer.

[@RubleInnawoods]

Buck 110 S30V or Buck 557 Pro. Easy

[@marklawrence855]

Hard to beat the bugout, what do you think about neck knives as a Edc ?

[@gideonstactical]

I have a whole video about that. I have not ever carried a neck knife around my neck.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

What about the OKC RAT-1 with the D2 blade?

[@gideonstactical]

Ironically Vague the rat-1 is much more a jack of all trades Knife. It’s decent in the outdoors, but these other Knives will have better ergonomics.

[@germanicus5066]

I had to go with the Rat II, the I was just too big for EDC

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

+Darren Hanson Me too, it's one of my all time favorite folding knives.

[@blackforestgrizzly]

Jeremy Baker I personally like the RAT-1. But I kinda like bigger folding knives. For me, a folder that has around a 3.5 inch blade is perfect

[@matt2of366]

Have the right one rat to and the esee knives Zancudo and Vespa and I kid you not the Essie are a bit better

[@thomasdenton132]

Love the channel Aaron, although I often disagree with your choices/views I get where you're coming from. After years of collecting knives and hiking across the US my staple trail folders been refined down to these - Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter in CTS-XHP All the same reasons you like the Gerber Gator, but in my opinion it does better in all areas. Benchmade Bugout - For the lighter jobs. I use the Bugout as my 'on hand' pocket knife riding in my pants on the trail and it does 99% of jobs beautifully. It keeps the edge on the CS from taking on any unnecessary wear so that should the SHTF the CS is ready to come out of the pack and take over for bushcraft/survival tasks and is at it's optimum. The Bugout is so light that you get that benefit at almost a zero weight gain. I also carry a lightweight skeletonised and wrapped custom fixed blade in Elmax (made by JimmyPie in the UK) as a backup should everything go wrong. Those three knives together come in about the same weight as one typical bushcraft fixed blade and the capability, convenience and redundancy is off the scale. My test for a good trail knife - It must be light, have a strong lock, run a good steel that is field serviceable and you must be able to take it down for repairs/maintenance using a pocket size torx tool option. It's funny how peoples view of what's important varies, often it can be down to things as abstract as the environment you're in. I added the takedown criteria after hiking in areas with fine dirt/dust for the first time. Prior to the Ultimate Hunter I was running the Finn Wolf so agree with you on that one. In fact I think I bought that off the back of your video. :-)

[@amberfreeman1368]

Is the CPM-S30V steel hard to sharpen back up? I have recently started to buy only carbon steal knifes because the edge I can get it much better. I've owned one gerber in my life it was a pocket folder that I couldn't ever get sharp no matter what I did.

[@invadertrig]

Compared to cheaper steels yes. Standard stones don't sharpen it for shit. You really need a diamond sharpening stone to sharpen s30v and other similar powder metallurgy type steels

[@chancelorolsen5903]

Pro tip: use the swedge on the Buck 110 as your ferrocerium rod striker. Works like a charm!

[@TrustNoOne88]

I’m likin that buck 110 lite version just wish they would add a pocket clip to it instead of that nylon sheath. I like to have that belt room saved for my fixed blade.

[@cleverkitsune4302]

Pocket clips lead to lost knives...sheaths are far better, and that nylon one carries well without snagging

[@RubleInnawoods]

Buck 110 slim or slim pro.

[@vensheaalara]

I really like the finn wolf. The tri-ad lock convinced me. I had a kershaw blade close on my finger once, when i wasnt actively pushing down on the spine. A crippling injury in the wrong circumstances

[@chrisreuther4546]

One of the first knives I ever bought for myself was a Gerber Gatormate at my first job in a hunting and camping store back in 1998... still have it... still a good knife... some companies have tried to copy that texture... including Buck but none have held up as well as the Gator Grip

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

Those are some great choices. I carried an old gator for awhile when they first came out. I brutalized it and was neglected for years but I found it awhile back and it's still good as new. Like you I find the grip to be one of the all time greats. I don't have that Cold Steel knife but I've owned lots of their knives and they too are rugged and worth what they cost. I picked up a CRKT Hammond Cruiser several months ago and have been using daily for just about everything. I think it would be a good one to add to this list for a budget blade. It's got a nice fat grip, a very useful shaped blade that holds an edge fairly well and is easy to sharpen. Plus a very secure locking system and a nice action. All this for around 20.00 which imo makes it one of the better deals around for a very functional outdoor blade. Great channel by the way!

[@Drpermer]

Nice video! Any time I see the word “tactical “ I either won’t open, or close, a video. Having said that, you’ve done a nice job reviewing some practical pocket knives! Not just a “this knife flips open in a cooler way than that one” video. Keep up the nice work!

[@kristianappel6676]

Where is the swiss army knife of a kind? A pocket knife in the outdoors is secondary tool to the fixed blade, so it should have - tools.

[@67cuda38]

Those are never very strong, so your tool folder should be just a tool folder.

[@locolopelocolope]

Good point Kristian. I carry a folding pocket knife as "the knife", since most of my hiking / camping time is done within areas where a hunting knife would simply be an overkill. For a simple task just like cuting a rope, opening a pack or just cutting some meet, an old-school type pocket knife is more than enough. I also carry a swiss army style or a multitool for the reasons you mentioned.

[@koga8100]

Non non! I love my sak as a backup for edc, but they are absolutely shit for outdoors

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@koga8100 I suggest you read books by Felix Immler (or view his videos). That should give you a better insight into what can be done with them! Very good reads.

[@8608films]

Hey Aaron love your channel what do you think of the bk 40 folder i think that would be great on this list

[@georgeseriani2482]

I just ordered the cold steel Crawford model 1 it really seems like a good knife for the money I paid under $32.00 for it on Amazon it has the Japanese 4034 stainless steel with a 3.5 inch blade it was designed by Wes crawford.

[@MusicalWeasel]

If I’m not mistaken, aren’t opinel actually convex ground? It’s slight but it’s there.

[@mozzberg590]

The Gerber Gator was my EDC forever, I forgot about it until this video. I have no idea where she went. Thanks

[@benewell4162]

You were enthusiastic about the Gerber Gator knife. I know you can always go buy another knife, but many people get attached to their 'keepers.' How long do you think the rubber grip is going to last in a real use setting?

[@ColdFuse96]

That Benchmade. Man, that’s one hell of a pocket knife. Fixed blades always beat folders when it comes to bushcraft and survival, but that Benchmade looks like an excellent secondary/EDC to have.

[@Mr_Santo5]

Nice to see three USA made knives on your list. I agree, that Gerber Gator Premium does have amazing ergonomics. Bought mine 2 yrs ago and have yet to find something that feels as comfortable in the hand.

[@bohay33]

Great Vid. I JUST PICKED An OKC Rat 1 folder n can't wait to get it out in the woods. The Finn wolf and an SAK Huntsman have been my go to for hiking. It seems fit for the woods. I have a zancudo D2 on the way

[@griff7749]

Don't forget the good ol victorinox. Even if I carry a larger knife, that one at least is going on every overnight trip. For backpacking, that's the only knife I carry.

[@carrolllaw]

Never thought I’d want to buy a Gerber, but that Gator Series (USA made, non BG branded) with better steels looks interesting. Thanks for the heads up!

[@watchmanjg]

Good review now that I've found your channel. So what would you change now in 2024?

[@gideonstactical]

Gator, voyager, Finnwolf, Benchmade Adamas,

[@watchmanjg]

@@gideonstactical I assume you mean cold steel voyager? Given the choice would you take that or the finn wolf? I'm hearing the Finn Wolf has such a tight lock now it is chancy it won't close. Are you familiar with that? What's your opinion of the CS Recon 1 in s35vn?

[@metalknight6344]

What are the ones with the blue handles called?

[@Rubear916]

Love the reviews , thanks for taking time to do these . How is the Benchmade freek holding up over time ?

[@jimbolxvi6428]

Primary blade is my ESEE 4 but my folder edc and hiking/camping/hunting has not changed since 1976 my Buck 110. On my third one but I still absolutely love that knife.

[@Godspeed_Survival]

How do you feel about the Victorinox trekker

[@wynandkoegelenberg5659]

Thank you for an informative video. I would however choose one of two other knives: either the Spiderco Para 2 or the Ontario Rat1. Either of these are far superior to your choices in terms of: performance, durability, price and versatility.

[@michaelroutson1751]

Buck 110,Spyderco Paramilitary 2,Benchmade Contego,

[@OfficialJoeKingOne]

Michael Routson Add Byrd Raven 2 as a workhorse.

[@MikeRimkus_]

what kind of backpack is that at the beginning that you have your child in?

[@CanadianCuttingEdge]

Great video concept. I might have to copy it, with my own style... I don't see a link for the thumb studs that you have on the BUCK 110, but I think they are "KWIK Thumb Studs", is that right?

[@commanderkid7]

Are spyderco g10 a knife good for outdoors?

[@jamesreck8476]

I've receintly started carrying the Milwaukee Fastback and it's a great pocket lock blade knife for under $20, got it at Home Depot. Like it so much I ordered the Milwaukee 4 inch fixed to try out and see how tough it is, (also only $20 BTW).

[@kevinschmith9379]

I like my Ontario rat is it 1 or 2 I got it at Walmart for 30 after Christmas a few years back it does food and carving. One time I got stock out in the rain and even batons a little

[@MoSportsUSA]

These may be good as backups, but your primary bush blade should always be a full-tang, fixed knife.

[@zafar3430]

Not always

[@Anna-tc6rz]

@@zafar3430 if you can, you probably want a fixed knife as well. Unfortunately they're illegal in some places

[@eliasburgstaller4544]

I'd choose the ColdSteel Voyager clip point(:

[@fourbirdsadventures7673]

Surprised that you didn't include a One Handed Trekker - seems to check all the boxes

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

Great knife

[@greekveteran2715]

IMHO two handed Forester with black handles,is the best for the outdoors.

[@yaboyjosh3023]

For the Opinels, what's better? Stainless or Carbon?

[@invadertrig]

Carbon is stronger steel than stainless but it will rust if not cared for properly. Stainless is more corrosion resistant than carbon but is easier to chip and dull the blade.

[@chriskenmotsu9]

Great heads up video, been watching you for a while, have a cold steel finn wolf for backup in my truck, been carrying a ganzo firebird f754 440c folder, great ideas for fixed and folding knives 👍👍👍👍👍keep up the great work

[@shavefan12]

What are your thoughts on the gerber gator fixed blade?

[@guncotton1950]

the original folding gator also comes in 154 cm clip point and drop point i have the clip - best deal ever on 154 cm -cheers from Canada

[@semco72057]

I have a classic Buck 110 knife and the problem I have with it is the knife not being able to be sharpen easily. I have a Japanese knife in the same category and it is easy to sharpen. The best folding knife I have is one which was issued to me when I was in the Air Force and it was used to rig cargo parachutes and had two blades on it. I treated that knife with tender loving care and have a sheath which was made in the shop and it has held up real well. My Gerber multi-tools have blades the size of those you showed or a little smaller and I love them.

[@dannygannon6804]

Good steal takes a little more Skill to sharpen but is worth it for the durability. The old 110's aren't really a pocket knife brut rather a sheath knife.

[@semco72057]

@@dannygannon6804 The 110's are folding pocket knives, and the 119's are the sheath knives.

[@didiergatez6765]

If you like a handful try a ka-bar M.U.L.E. . Just love the handle and backlock.

[@gustafson74may]

What's your thoughts on Svord knives?

[@agentswipe6662]

that cold steel finn wolf is just a dream come true its perfect 👍

[@DamionJR4923]

I took the thumb studs out of the Finn wolf .so I can sharpen it. It needs a Spyderco hole and 1095 it would almost be perfect

[@rickyfargason8859]

I have the Finn Wolf. Excellent pocket knife with a scandi grind.

[@davidparry7006]

I still have a gerber gator from 1991, when it first came on the market. It’s in mint condition with original sheath etc. Way back then it was well worth the money compared to I would have paid in UK.

[@TruckGuyHD92]

Freek is my edc blade. What is your code for bladehq. Can you do a food prep video

[@michellhambarchian9113]

What's the name of the knife at 1:34

[@stevetqp9152]

NIce and informative video as always, Gideon! My choices for "outdoor" use would be either the Cold Steel AD15 Lite, or the Artisan Cutlery Proponent. Both very heavy duty folders, and the latter even comes with a steel locking pin that can be screwed through the G10 handles plus the D2 ultra-thick blade, turning it into a virtual fixed blade. Of course, both of these guys aren't lightweight, but for outdoor use, would be fantastic. The CS uses a strong scorpion lock, and the Proponent does use a liner, though it's pretty stout itself, even without the steel locking pin. Also, I had a CS Finn Wolf at one point, but regrettably had to return it, as the Tri-Ad lock was simply unable to deploy.

[@zacharychambliss6346]

Mine is the Buck 110 because it's lasted through my abuse and it's easily sharpened I can get it from dull to hair popping in 20 minutes

[@bpmfilms]

My favorite aspect of the Opinel is it's unique thin convex profile (not full flat ground).

[@charlieknibbs6203]

I’d recommend a STANLEY guickslide sport. Awesome little locking knife, thick handle and 2 blades

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Great video. I have always wanted an Opinel. I use a Buck 112 I got as a best man in a wedding.

[@PeterC585]

The Benchmade Adamas is AWESOME at Bush craft knife that's over looked for for this task.

[@wisperingbeard]

Hi Aaron, just curious, how old are you? I’m guessing 30’s?

[@dizocilpine]

have had axis locks fail w vibration, liner and frame are more dependable, good to have it non locked when splitting wood, also rat 1 great price for d2 blade that is strong

[@simon-hn6gm]

Superb as always. Still number 1 on the tube. Keep it up

[@redflag2613]

How about Victorinox OHT or Vic Soldier 08?

[@juanburgosii2172]

Great video. Could you do a top 5 outdoor fixed blade video? Maybe in the medium size range? Always interested to see what your choices are.

[@tyfitz1999]

I love a lot of benchmade's stuff, and I carried a freek for a work knife for a while, but the s30v is a little more chippy than I would like for a heavy use outdoor knife

[@asullivan50i]

Only one I would consider buying would be the Benchmade.

[@Verus3]

Great video. I have the Opinel and Finn Wolf they seem great although I have only used them a little here and there.

[@bigthunderjohnson7595]

Best outdoor folder I have ever owned is no longer for sale in main market. A British Army issue Shefield multi-tool, mine was won off a brit officer during ww2. Has a flat edged blade, can opener, and a mariners spike.

[@kain88tm]

You can throw sparks from a buck 110 , trust me I know I've done it

[@bearinthewoods3]

I always have 3 knives on a backpacking trip. Fixed blade Folder Utility

[@williamyoung369]

I've had the Opinel & the cheaper Gator for a long time, good knives. I like that updated Gator. Thank you.

[@Cracktower1]

I'm not feeling the possible problems with the Freek getting it out of the pocket if it's that grippy.

[@Seancmccormick]

I like the reasoning behind your options. Decent choices. I personally love carrying the buck 110 drop point in 5160 just because of the thicker handles. Atb Sean

[@safran4588]

Hey does anyone know of any high quality knives as shown in the vid, that can‘t be opened up singlehandedly? In my region jurisdiction is that single handedly oparatable knives are forbidden for any use in non privat places...

[@5angels332]

Nice review Aaron. How easy do you find sharpening the Gator ? I've always struggled to get a really good edge on my old 440 one. Keep 'em coming.

[@davidsalvador6031]

5 Angels I have two Gators (big and medium) but they are in 420HC and super easy to sharpen and get a screaming edge

[@5angels332]

I get mine 80% there, give it a final strop and BAM back to 60%. Drives me nuts.

[@yoderd2080]

Is your shirt available from blade Hq?

[@gideonstactical]

Darren Yoder I think so

[@manuellucero8414]

I have a Finnwolf because of you, and it's awesome. I like the Freek but I don't like that benchmade locking system

[@billphillips9382]

Steel Will Cutjack?

[@gideonstactical]

Bill Phillips The Cutjack is that jack of all trades Knife, it’s not bad out the woods, but these other Knives will have much better ergonomics for extended cutting tasks.

[@southernshop8424]

subbed a while back, I really appreciate your videos

[@willk5413]

Great video! I love pocket knives for edc, but for the bush, my primary blade is I always a fixed blade. God bless!

[@paulstanley8088]

I also carry a folder, but it is a CRKT that has a blade lock, just in case.

[@Breakfast_of_Champions]

There are no outdoor folders... they just get dirty and break. Maybe a swiss knife as backup with the tools, but always take a fixed blade

[@willk5413]

Porki Chili well said. I usually carry a SAK as a back up as well

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

I consider that the FINN WOLF has the two capabilities.

[@jtzoonie2552]

fixed blade no question, swedish

[@dpax7965]

Great vid, good selection. One thing I look for in a woods or work knife, after blade and handle material, is one that's not on a bearing system. I've had bad luck with bearings getting grit, sand, and other debris in them, so I stick with knives that have washers over bearings.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

To all you guys talking about different or better knives I say this. I have a CRKT Hammond Cruiser and the Schrade 503 both of which I am fond of because they have nice full or "fat" handles. They may or may not be outdoor knives, but they are comfortable. I also carry a Gerber Scout all the time, it fits my hand perfectly, but is a slimmer and probably would not be as good to grip tightly for a long time while doing some hard cutting. Much as I love my Opinel No 8, I wouldn't think of it as an outdoor knife because it is light and has a thinner blade, although I also carry it night and day. While I find Arron's review fair and logical based on his criteria and experience, everyone has a different opinion and ONLY YOU can decide what works best for you. It's all good :)