Top $50 Companion Belt Knives Update 2018

[@lexboegen]

The *last* thing in the world that I need is another knife, so I ordered the Gerber Strongarm.

[@jayminer9416]

You wont regret it.

[@aldenbarbieri]

Strong arm doesn’t fit the list anymore at $70 no matter where you go now

[@automan206]

aldenbarbieri yep....doesn’t make the list, now that it’s $70. I looked everywhere...$70

[@Sparkfly88]

Just bought two coyote fine edge strongarm from ebay. $51 each.

[@jeremysteckman6234]

I replaced mine with the prodigy when it got stolen I love the prodigy I've bought four two drop points and two tanto one each plain edge and one each serrated I'm getting a rat7 next and cold steel recon tanto I also have a bk9

[@charlescollier7217]

Very solid list. I was a little surprised that the Cold Steel SRK in SK5 didn't make the cut. I'm guessing you classify it as a survival knife. Also surprised that you don't like the Kansbol for food prep. That's where I find it shines over other Moras, because the tip slices way better than a Scandi grind does.

[@HarveySpectre415]

Gerber Strongarm is still probably my favorite knife I own. I was very recently able to order another for $41, that was a no brainer.

[@harrisquicksilver6595]

I couldnt agree with u more on the strongarm, i had a bear grylls survival knife & broke the tip off in about 2 weeks of use. I was not abusing it either... now the strongarm, i have been freely using it for any & all tasks & it just will not break & i dont ever want it to. I love that knife. Great video, thanks for being a great source of information.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Pulling out the OG Strongarm made me smile. I beat the hell out of that knife for the Gauntlet review. I own all of those knives except for the CRKT. They are great picks.

[@jayminer9416]

I bought my Strongarm based on the Gauntlet trail it went through....it's the one I always seem to fall back on. I test out new ones for my own entertainment...the Gerber ALWAYS comes along.

[@sawdust6968]

yeah that gerber is one of my go to camp knives,battoning,fire making food prep it does it all, and one of the best production sheaths ive yet to use.Thanks Aaron:-)

[@danofiremano]

Great video! I have the Gerber Prodigy on my day hike system & it's also a $50 USA made 420HC knife that works well for the chosen applications.

[@alanwilliams5836]

The Gerber Strong Arm is in each emergency car kit (go bag/get home bag) within our family. That, with a small folding saw (Laplander) are the focus of getting things done in an emergency. We trust both products highly, and won't be changing them out any time soon.

[@gideonstactical]

Amen Alan, great reliable choices.

[@crkt]

gideonstactical - Great video! It was fun to watch. We're happy to see the Humdinger made the cut. Glad it has been performing well for you.

[@johncarpenter5415]

Only 1 like

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

Cold Steel SRK in SK-5 is currently $35 shipped on Amazon...

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

SRK is a great knife, but they need to thicken that tip up on the SK-5 version. The SRK made in Italy atm, the CPM-3V version is the best SRK that Cold Steel has made to date and yes, even better then the Carbon-V version. Also, it's tip is reinforced and thicker.

[@CedricAda]

I watched this entire video and enjoyed it, thanx man

[@dagthewog6290]

Great video! Strong arm went past $50.00 though. About $69.00...

[@MRGHOST955]

Yes

[@poisonousbadge126]

The 69 doe :)

[@GutiTheJ]

No terava jaripuukko? You should check it out when you get the chance, 42 USD shipped, it's way tougher than just another puukko

[@MrFomhor]

GutiTheJ That must be 42$ without the leather sheath. But anyways, it'll beat the snot out of the Gerber.😋

[@someoneguy6855]

GutiTheJ I thought the same thing

[@someoneguy6855]

E cep I think the gerber is beast

[@ringingsteel2432]

I belt carry a ESEE 4 from time to time, and it’s great. Over the 50 dollar price point though.

[@jhaev05]

1:11 The knife is getting heavier and you may not wear it all the time. That sounds like a crappy survival knife. I mean, survival situations are nothing you plan and the best survival knife is the one you have with you.

[@joshuaritzheimer1382]

I just bought the Strongarm for my brother's birthday because of your recomendations in your videos. He loves it! Now I need to get one for me lol!

[@rickkerans8485]

I was surprised not to see the Trevara Jerrapucko check spelling. Same people that made the Skrama. Good video.

[@petrhege3163]

Terävä Jääkäripuukko you're welcome

[@soxfourtyfive7582]

I ended up getting a Gerber prodigy tanto because someone was selling it for $30 new in package and I love it. The grip is great (but the strong arm looks like it might be better), it's a tanto which I like but probably not as good as a spear point for bushcraft. I love the sheath that came with it all except the digicam. I used a punch and removed the rivet at the bottom of the sheath and removed the polymer sheath and spray painted the digi OD green over the digicam and now the entire sheath is OD green. I then used a kydex sheath mounting screw and widened the hole for the rivet and used the screw to re-attach the sheath. I might get a Strong arm down the line as I really like the looks of the knife, like the plain edge coyote version as it looks like a knife to use and abuse and always have in a bail out bag. Thanks for the review.

[@kittrainbow7]

Interesting video. If you apply specific liquid resin on the paracord wrap it will not absorb moisture and should be more wear resistant but it can loose a little bit of gripp. CS forged 👍

[@ed5042]

oh, and I re profiled my 70's issue Air Force Survival knife for the exact reason you mentioned in one of your reviews,

[@johnfuller6338]

Aaron, I know your looking to show economy knives, but sometimes the best economy is to save up an get one knife that can do all your testing an survival skill set, so I took all of your suggestions an put my money away an got the northern bushcraft survival knife by Abe Elias from Diving Sparrow Knife Works in Canada, I agree a lot of people can't afford a $300.00 plus knife, but with the total of what was spent on all these others, you could get a superior product that will last a lifetime an get passed down to the next generation.

[@HeyStevie100]

I like the strongarm's grippy handle and sheath system.

[@micahschaefer8211]

I have the schrade schf42d. I used a wood burner and stippled the handle and dyed it black, then put a convex edge on it. I only paid $17, it was on sale. I absolutely love it

[@youtubename1234]

The Kansbol setiously might be the best value knife out there...! Good update video!

[@rock-zx8ix]

I think it will be better to carry 2 knives: one for woodcrafts (scandi grind like mora) and other for food prep or strong tasks ( shrade or cold steel). Thanks for videos, you are really helping me decide what gear is best for me.

[@don0giorgio]

Thats just a great vid Aaron. Totally agree with your choice, IMO Cold Steel SRK in SK-5 steel is a good option as well.

[@tomastovias622]

Love your channel I live in the mountains of New Mexico I carry on a daily basis about 3 or 4 cutting tools while horse back I add a machete and a hatchet also have a set in the truck since i would never use my primary fixed blade to baton wood I carry daily a 4 to 6 inch fixed blade a 3 to 4 inch pocket knife a multi tool Gerber or leather man and a tiny Swiss army with scissors and a one inch knife and file we don't do minimalist here we don't call it Bushcraft we call it survival and around here it's not a hobby but way of life and every knife or tool I carry is precious and never abused I carry a 4 to 6 inch fixed for large task dressing game or farm animals and survival pocket knife for cutting chores like hay cord feed bags ect to multi tool repair things quickly or cut wire when needed my tiny Swiss army for peeling apples cutting small things removing splinters etc so one knife for me would not be enough still love your channel would never trust my life to a mora I have snapped 2 that I won at a local gun shop raffle I'm 57 and maybe too rooted in the old ways but I have seen too many hobbyist come out here and suffer or needed to be rescued after serious injuries using cheap equipment or minimalist gear quick example today IAM carrying my favorite cold steel bush ranger carbon v Bowie my Gerber diesel a rat 1 folder and my tiny Swiss army I'm liking that crkt

[@road_runnerstunes2887]

Fantastic video, I just bought the Gerber Prodigy, now I want more knives.Hope to see many more reviews like this.

[@MadM0nkey]

Around USD 55, buck 119 special, terava jakaaripuuko 140 are great options and they come with great looking leather sheaths too

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Cold_Steel Drop Forged Hunter look BadAss!

[@franciscotellechea8974]

Hi Aaron from Argentina. I've bought all those knives because of your videos but unfortunately I couldn't wrap the handle of the cold steel because I've picked the one with leather sheath and doesn't fit. Thank you for your deep and honest reviews.

[@allenvasher5358]

I know I'll get some s#!t for this but Baer Gryls Ultimate Survival knife about $35 on Amazon had mine since the 2nd run no problems

[@pepanos0]

For my, favorite Cold Steel drop forged hunter or Mora Kansbol,.. ;)

[@rock-zx8ix]

I agree. One for woodscrafts, other for other tasks.

[@Sherrodja]

I must be living right. I have 2 of these knives (SCHF 42D and Gerber Strongarm) I'm going to order the CS Drop Forged Hunter... Great steel and sheath. I was thinking of dipping the handle in vinyl that you can get pretty much anywhere. Made for replacing worn out coatings on hand tools which this is. Comes in a variety of colors and shouldn't interfere with the retention strap due to being pretty thin. Great review.. enjoyed watching .. as usual.

[@robo52]

The wife packs the Mora but I can't part with my StrongArm. Everybody has "one of those knives" that just draws you in and becomes family. As you noted, the knife may not be the best in any category but it's so well rounded out and the sheath(s) is fantastic. I'm seriously considering buying another just to stash away in case I lose one of the others.

[@jasonfryer7002]

I can and often find some of the best knives EVER made in pawn shops throughout Houston....handmade heirloom pieces made in damascus .(..not laser etched )...just incredible stuff out there to be found for less than 50.00....

[@jessetthompson37]

The Schrade schf 59 is a good choice as well I picked mine up for under $40 Canadian it comes with a ferry rod and a thermo plastic sheath

[@Springfield_7.62x63mm]

My favorite is the Cold Steel drop forge hunter, it's like the poor man's KA-BAR Becker companion

[@charlescollier7217]

Better, really. The BK2 is too thick to do decent slicing, especially with soft things, like food, but the Drop Forged Hunter handles that well too.

[@JuandelaCruz001]

"Fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch along the way. . ." 😜 Lol! I'll be stealing that!

[@Scashod]

Glad to see the Gerber still made the list. I love mine.

[@barrybueler3356]

Manly knives has some great d2 knives made in Bulgaria full tang g10 handles for $50 mora bushcraft black the terra pukko those would be my top 3 at least what I can think of at the moment.Not usually a schrade fan but a big full tang 1095 knife for $50 can’t go wrong with that and I do like the kansbol but I like the bushcraft black better.Not a fan of knives without handle scales yuck love the 52100 steel if they raised the price $10 to $20 and put some scales on it I’d probably own it great video 👍✌️.

[@bayleyanderson9848]

These are always my favourite videos. Watched every single one now.

[@maysdogus]

Great stuff. Yeah I've gotten the kansbol and bdz1 version strongarm and they're both awesome. I still want one of the coyote ones too.

[@Midnightrider1177]

It’s really funny how we all have our preferences. Right before you starting going on about how good looking that CRKT knife is, I was like “damn, that thing is ugly” 😂😂

[@williamburr3519]

That Cold Steel looks like a great day pack knife, to attach to a shoulder strap.

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Great knives. I really like my Mora Kansbol. 🌳🔪🌲

[@ed5042]

I have found myself just ignoring videos suggesting knives over 100 bucks. What I do with knives in the woods No custom fancy pretty knife should deal with! Except MMHW bowie, beast, however, this video is definitely more along my purchasing desires, thanks again!

[@sharpie249]

Hey Aaron. Love ur vids. The strongarm is now around the $70 price range and I'm considering the US made Ontario rat 5 which is around $55. I know you liked it when u did the review. Would you consider this knife close or on par to be on this list? Thanks a bunch!

[@billyhooks99]

Great video. I like schrade knives but I am not a fan of the recurve design. It looks like a pain to sharpen. My next knife purchase is going to be the Gerber Strongarm.

[@obliviontactical9183]

I really like my Mora Kansbol but I would never use it as a one knife option. Very thin tip but it would be a perfect compliment to a larger blade. I pair mine with an Ontario 8689. I love my Gerber Strongarm. Zero complaint! Which is rare. I do want to get my hands on a Mora Garberg in High Carbon.

[@justice4all603]

I have 2 Gerber prodigy knives and i love them. I also have an OKC air force survival that a friend got me i keep it in my truck but I'm not impressed by it. I also have a couple of uncle henry hunting knives that have been good and a old timer sharp finger thats 40 years old ,have had it since i was a kid

[@007twm]

Thank you Aaron for this video. I concur the StrongArm is the winner in this class.

[@boommcstick1153]

I feel like a good belt knife complements a good axe or hatchet really well

[@sasquatch885]

Great video. The Strongarm would be my pick.

[@sski1971]

Man I just picked up an Ontario TAK1 for $49.99 on Amazon. Can’t beat the TAK1 exp for the price

[@MoosesGearGooReview]

Good variety of recommended blades. Always good to see a Mora on the list. Thanks man

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate! Please do a updated one.

[@mattiasagren3422]

I still think that the mora bushcraft black is the best belt knife

[@bowlofrice8]

sluda ron sluda try out a Russell Green River hunter knife. They out perform mora and only cost about $10 more. Favorite knife by far

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

@@bowlofrice8 I have to agree with you on that. I have the 4 1/2 in Green River butcher. Wonderful knife

[@scoundrel1680]

But... does it featherstick...? Haha love it, thanks Aaron !

[@someoneguy6855]

Landon is that a djent joke?

[@martinwhipkey9343]

Loved the video, as usual! However, its a shame that the very lowest I've seen the Strongarm these days is just under $60. I got mine for $49 back in early 2018...I guess Gerber finally realized what they had and raised the price.

[@jnzupka]

So far my favorite belt knife is the OKC Hunt Plus

[@Roberthurz]

I bought the Mora and will probably by the Cold Steel. Stop it!... LOL! ... Oh yeah, the Gerber too!

[@tumbleweed5958]

Thank you for doing this video I really needed it! Well done and very informational! Keep up the good work

[@gideonstactical]

Thank you!

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Was looking at a Buck 105. But that Gerber Strongarm is awesome.

[@geemac7267]

Good review. I've got the Schrade and I'm going to make some micarta scales for it. Hate that handle for some reason. I've got to get a Strongarm though.

[@AYellowPepper]

caviat... the Strongarm is alot more expensive in other countrys.. here in germany the Strongarm is 100 bucks!

[@Andromacky]

AYellowPepper yea I'm Canada stores sell it around $100-120 but amazon usually has it for $75 including the bdz1. So I have 2 lol

[@swampdonkeyoffgrid190]

Hey aaron, thanks for another outstanding vid. There are many great budget blades out there but i agree entirely with your opinion on the strongarm. Has the sex appeal to me with the swedge and “survival profile. It is by far my favorite budget knife.

[@don0giorgio]

Another good thing about your channel - videos edited well, you put in indoor/outdoor usage, intertaining to watch

[@shaneorrison956]

Love your videos, Aaron! I've got quite a few products based on your recommendation. Most recently a Manix 2. Went with the Blurple G10 in S110v. It's a near perfect blade! Thanks!

[@Shorty_Lickens]

You can get basic Moranives for about 9 dollars these days. I think I'd rather have two or three of those if I were running around in the woods, as opposed to a single 50 dollar knife.

[@Sparkfly88]

I found coyote strongarms on ebay today for $52 a piece. Needless to say, I ordered one for myself and one for my father for his bday. I've seen all the tests Yall did on that poor knife and it's still kicking, I was sold on it, just had to find it for that magic price.

[@rickmcdonald7836]

Thank you for the outdoor advice and knifes compared very educational.and great to see the difference.

[@9999plato]

The Cold Steel SRK should be on that list.

[@pyrosmoak53]

I've been considering kansbol and strongarm for a bit now. Definitely putting on my then on my list now

[@LTT.Official]

So the strongarm is what I need to get, can do it all and tough as hell to last a lifetime of moderate use.

[@Dan-sq5cv]

I don't always agree with you but, I have to agree about the Strong arm, it is a great honest knife that you can trust. You know it;s funny how there are certain knives you always reach for ad depend on, they may not be the prettiest, or even have the best steel but, they work, do the job and generally you bash the crap out of them were your $300 knife is always at home. I have the Strongarm coyote brown and love it, Surprisingly Gerber must have there 420HC heat treat very tuned in cause for 420HC, mine holds an edge pretty darn good, I also like my Mora knives, almost any of them, and my Condor Bushlore but the king is still the Strongarm.

[@ericgarcia5108]

Wait so you didn't put the gerber in this list? You seem to like it a lot the last time you made this list.

[@ericgarcia5108]

Whoops ha, nevermind! I thought you only had four on the list like last time.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Great chooses and a awesome review Aaron. This did help me and i need to get one of those Gerber knifes too.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

The Moras are insane value with high quality. They are light durable and capable. Someone once called them the “disposable knife that you’ll never throw away”. They are ugly, look cheap but anyone who uses them will tell you that looks are deceiving.

[@native9275]

I carry an elite tactical M-1022BK. Great knife but would like an alternative sheath

[@jamesparker6383]

have you ever looked at the Puma White Hunter ? It's a more expensive knife but was just wondering.

[@artthemouse2795]

Good video... but your Strongarm is well over the $50 price point now... and did I see a black handle Kansbol you briefly flashed? Please, tell us more...... must have one.

[@gideonstactical]

The gerber fluctuates but is usually around $50, and the other mora was the Garberg.

[@Tito_Viera]

I will be much grateful if you tell me where to find the compass that you wear on your watch band. Also, great video!!

[@someoneguy6855]

STOP MAKING ME WANT MORAS I LITERALLY JUST BOUGHT ONE

[@ianmoritzkrecic7929]

I hate when American youtubers always say how the gerber strongarm is the best budget fixed blade, because here in Europe it costs around 100 euros, which is about 120 dollars, so the gerber strongarm is literally garbage for the price in europe

[@chrisreuther4546]

Great video Aaron! Thanks for the affordable gear reviews! Have you had the Buck Selkirk in hand at all? Curious about it

[@bryguy4golf]

Ive bought a strong arm for $40 and for $60...itd be worth the price at $100. No love for condor though??? Ive got a couple Condor knives and I think theyre awesome for the value.

[@evolv76]

Nice video, thx. This Cold Steel is tempting, reminds me of Strider MFS a bit. But i think that Terävä Jääkäripuukko 110 or 140 is also not expensive and better that any of those, with better steel obviously ;-)

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

I was expecting to see that little Druid you liked so much.

[@gideonstactical]

cyclist01222 the new mora had great ergos and is stainless, it trumps the Druid for me

[@huejanus5505]

Are you guys talking about the garberg? If so, it isn't in the price range.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Hue Janus the garberg is a mora which they are not talking about. The druid is a steel will knife

[@WolfCross]

For this price range I like my sog seal pup. Or the upgraded seal strike with the deluxe sheath but its pricier.

[@mikegurley6018]

any recommendation on horizontal carry on a fixed blade?

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

The Strongarm. I carry mine on my Combat Vest like that.

[@brucemaxfield7333]

I have the mora and a Gerber prodigy smooth blade same as the strong arm

[@brightargyle8950]

Kansbol handle is ok, but I found I really prefer the 2000, I feel its more comfortable. Basically the same knife for less, but no 90 degree spine. Easy fix though if you prefer that. The highly polished blade is also easier to keep clean.

[@LandonWills]

Can anyone link one of Aaron's vid's where he doesn't mention his large size hands? I'm not convinced it exist's.

[@LandonWills]

[@bobwampler3387]

Excellent choices. I have 5 of them.

[@riledupblades2227]

So question if you have time. I am stuck between the 940-2 and mini crooked river. Mostly edc tasks which i know both excel at. Im just worried about the g10 scales on the 940 and wondering if you have any input.

[@735Secure]

What about the Cold Steel SRK sk5 you've been recommending? Ive been looking for an all around urben GHB LIGHT long blade knife and bought it based on your recommendation! ??

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

Avoid it till they thicken the tip and change that hollow grind.

[@meiowalot7570]

Great video. I'm buying at least one of these. Which of these can be carried in scout carry?

[@pyrosmoak53]

Strongarm, cold steel if you use paracord, and the crkt

[@semco72057]

Many people use all of those knives for survival use and love them. I personally would not invest in any of them for a survival knife or an average belt knife either for camping, hunting, or general use. I have a better knife with the Gerber brand even though it cost more and also have the Schrade brand as well for all of those uses and it is about that price range.

[@jayminer9416]

Hope you see this, I came across a TOPS Mission Team 21 for next to nothing.....whats your thoughts on that blade? She's heavy, but it seems to be a good quality blade.