KnifeCenter FAQ #72: What is a Grail Knife? + Wood Handles and Heat Treatment
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- It’s time to talk about those almost-unobtainable knives; those we refer to as “Grail Knives.” Plus, we dive into the merits of wood handle materials, the abrasiveness of cardboard, and how we learned to stopped worrying and trust the heat treat.
Watch us find the best knives for breaking down cardboard: • Cardboard Slayers - Th...
Featured Knives
Spyderco Pakkawood KnifeCenter Exclusives: kcoti.com/3HHQo5U
ArtisanCutlery Centauri (and more exclusives): kcoti.com/3CcbhVy
Fallkniven Embla: kcoti.com/3KfluTX
MKM Clap: kcoti.com/3CfK2d1
LionSteel BestMAN: kcoti.com/35th11e
Benchmade Adamas: kcoti.com/3pBZcnA
Zero Tolerance 0562: kcoti.com/35tD6gg
Rockstead HIGO: kcoti.com/3MyIS0W
Greg Lightfoot Custom Empire: kcoti.com/35OWtAn
CJRB Crag: kcoti.com/3ChKjfh
Casstrom Lars Falt Bushcraft: kcoti.com/36WB2xD
Cold Steel SR1: kcoti.com/3tnkh6o
Gerber Axes and Hatchets: kcoti.com/3732Twi
Hults Bruk Axes: kcoti.com/35pKnxN
Fremont Farson Hatchet: kcoti.com/3pCydIO
0:00 Intro
0:48 Wood Handles on Knives
6:20 Why Heat Treat Matters
9:36 What it Means When We Say “Grail Knife”
15:03 Is Cutting Cardboard Bad for Your Knife?
17:54 Best Bushcraft Knife Money Can Buy
19:24 A Folder as Good as a Fixed Blade?
21:11 How to Keep Excited About Knives
22:36 How DCA Shaves
Interested in a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/34YqPM0
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Not a question - I just want to thank you for the warmth, wit, and knife geekery. Be well, gentlemen.
Just bought the Rockstead holy grail. What a masterpiece! So gorgeous!
😊
Congrats bro!! Which model? I would love a Higo with the carbon fiber. That's definitely one of my grails.
@@frankiejdwm_edc1037 Rockstead higo 2. Same one in the video except with blue liners 😍
@@cam8157 that's one of my grails for sure too, either the blue, or the silver/gold but need the CF don't want the wood. Congrats bro
What do you use it for?
just got my launch 1 in the mail thursday and man i love this thing. thanks for the great service guys
Hey DCA, it's been many a years since I became addicted to your suggestions n evaluations of blades.
Gotta say...you just made really big big contribution to my knowledge about blades, steel, n everything about knives...
I just can't stop thinking about your next episode.…
I really enjoy watching you show the knives David . You really know a lot about the knives. I just started watching the knife center about three weeks ago. And now I've bought three knives. And Iam sure I'll be buying more! All because of you thanks a lot.
You guys are awesome. Really enjoyed watching this after a long day of looking for excuses to use my knife at work lol. Love seeing the hatchets and axes too.
That Rockstead was amazing! What a beautiful knife
Always Watching the Best Channel Knives 🔥💯👍👌💪🇺🇸
Last month I bought a LionSteel M4 ST M390 bushcraft fixed blade with Santo wood handles and love it.
I loved the question about bringing back the inspiration. After wanting (and buying) a lot of different models, i kind of burnt out as well and could not find any more excitement in the latest releases.
That's when i started making my own knives. They are far from perfect for sure, but they are unique and fit my expectations quite well. This really fueled my interest for knives.
Thanks for answering my question about a grail bushcraft knife.
You guys are awesome. Thanks for the great videos
There was a time where a KNIFE is just a knife to me but after watching all your shows I am now like a Connoisseur of cutting tools. Knife Centre is very educational & informative. We now know about metallurgy, limitation of processed wood or scales, quality of forging & tempering. We understands Productions & Customs knives and a lot more. So DCA, when do we get our Knife Centre certificate for completion of this courses? Great show as always mate. Greetings from Australia. Stay safe matey.
Thank you for your work. Good stuff as usual. Gerber Suspension multi tool here at high mountain desert plateau hideout NM. Or.... Skeletool sometimes. Pliers handy!
Wood handles are beautiful.
Awesome vid as usual! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 keep em coming!!
Talk about shaving and Mr Anderson reaches for not one but three axes 😄 not surprised that I enjoy every video I've watched on this channel.
Awesome video DCA, truly. I've found that my Grail Knife goalposts are always on the move. I don't think I'll know what my one true grail is until I stop collecting them. My current Grail Knife is a Zero Tolerance 0462 Sinkovich custom anodized by JD Cutlery. Show side is a black/burgundy carbon fiber weave unlike anything I've ever seen, and the clip side is titanium with an eye popping super storm treatment of so many different colors. It's not the most expensive knife in my collection, but it has a beauty and uniqueness all its own and it's my go to carry for social events.
A lot of Aussie timbers are quite hard and do fine without stabilisation too. Gidgee, Redgum, Mallee are all good examples.
Got African rosewood scales on my Damascus Elementum and love them. No issues so far.
Finally found a CRK Sebenza after 3 years of searching that got delivered today, they are difficult to find where I am. What an absolutely stunning functional piece of art. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to a full custom. Maybe one day when circumstances are more suitable.
Congrats!!!
Just got my edge angle guide 😉👍🏻 SWEET. A MAN HAS GOT TO KNOW HIS LIMITS.
Great description on heat treating. I work as a metallurgist for a huge metals distributor in the aerospace industry. Would love to chat to you guys more if you ever want a little more information on the technical heat treating processes and what can go right/wrong!
DCA, I have to say man, I honestly have not bought from Knife Center before, and mostly use that other place...bhq. That being said though, I love the videos you do. They show some nice stuff but never get nearly as detailed as you do. Also, they tend to pander to the masses vs showing and informing from a personal stand point. Keep it man!
The rockstead higo has been my grail knife since the first time I saw it.
OTTER KNIVES!!! Time tested and value. Great grail knife!!!
I'm actually getting one of My Grail knives Pretty soon !...it's a CAROTHERS PROFORMANCE KNIVES SHIV 2.0 in Delta3V where as the OG Shiv was made in A2 instead of 3V with the Delta heat treatment protocol so it's a better steel and a better heat treatment process!...
I have the Lars Fält, it's incredible in every aspect, beautiful curly birch, nice big blade, my recommendation for any bushcraft knife and this aswell, get a dangler and treat the handle with food grade countertop oil (like ronseal)
Hey Sam Llovejoy you can't go wrong with BenchMade and ZT 2 of the best warranties in the industry. These guys will last a lifetime, they both do reblades, and BM will do new handles as well. Only issue I see is that have these guys you're definitely gonna end up moving up to Hinderer in no time. Good luck buddy.
No doubt the fact that my local dealer doesn’t have hinders ever, is the only reason I don’t have atleast one other than my two zt’s
Hey DCA & Thomas! Love this series; keep up the great work!
Question: How do you recommend picking or choosing an appropriate machete type and/or length for a particular task? Thanks!
Aesthetically, that MKM Clap is amazing. The design is just gorgeous
I love the clap it's a beautiful blade.
I never thought I'd get away with saying "DCA got the Clap!", yet here we are...
Rude jokes aside, thanks for another great episode! Keep up the good work! 👍
Very funny. I thought the same, just didn't say it!
For cutting cardboard.... Spyderco Manix II with a S110V blade.... yes it takes a bit to put a proper edge on it.... But then its a once a week strop and its good to go. Best knife for that job.
Hi DCA! Great videos, love your content! I think we all enjoy Thomas's often implied sarcastic comments and was wondering what are his top 5 favorite knives?
Hey David! Love the content, thank you very much. Question: what would you recommend when asked for "Opinel but fixed blade"? P.s. show the face of your cool sounding camera man some time 😁 cheers, stay well!
Hey DCA, what is an inexpensive knife to experience a convex grind. Thanks for all that you and the crew do, keep up the great content.
DCA is the only person that gets a immediate like after hitting play.
The best Bushcraft knife made today is the Jacklore Classic, but even raerer than a Woodlore. Took me three years of hard work to get one!
I got a BigIDesigns TPT Slide for doing utility tasks like cutting cardboard and what not.
I cut cardboard with my 20cv, 4v, and xhp spyderco knives. I must say though...my cutting experience was soooooooo much better then my 8Cr13Mov and BD1N counter parts. Money well invested in better steels on your favorite models in my opinion :)
I believe the question meant what folder designs would work well as fixed blade designs
Hi David, love your videos. I’m still looking for an “ideal for me” edc … recently, I bought a Spyopera, and I really love the quality, size, and the finish of it; I love the handle material, the Italian made details, the steel, and the price … however, it is a lockback knife! Do you have any suggestions about a similar knife (between $150 -$250ish)? I have looked at the Viper Turn, again a lockback knife! It does not have to be Italian made, it similar quality and details, with either compression lock or AXIS type lock, prefer handles that are not FRN/GRN or Grivory. Appreciate all your help!
Hey DCA, hoping you can provide your unique input on this; can you help distinguish the most popular steel types by their actual usefulness (not just their metallurgic properties that we're all familiar with)? Would love to see you organize some groups of the popular steels by their real-world functions, and help us visualize these with a perfect steel/function/design example. (Bonus points for pointing out which steels are essentially identical) Thanks!
What two knives would you pick if you were dropped in the wilderness and had to survive as long as possible? Part 2: throw a multi tool in there as well.
Becker BK9
Mora Companion H.D. Carbon steel
Leatherman S.T. 300
ESSE 6 as large main blade (although it won't take the place of an axe, it would do enough)
ESSE Izula 2 as a small fixed blade for game prep, specific small tasks and backup.
Leatherman Wave for a multi tool with a sharpener and pliers and tools.
Has worked for me up in the North Woods of Maine for bird camp and moose camp for years!
Some really solid combos there. I would go with an Esee junglas 2 and a Benchmade 200 puuko. And a Leatherman wave cannot be beat!
Varusteleka Skrama 240
Fallkniven F1
Victorinox Multitool
Knifecenter hasn't had the benchmade Adamas in stock since before Christmas
Also, 9:18, knives have been being made for a long, long, long….. long… long… time. And it’s an ungodly competitive business if you are producing any kind of larger numbers. Thanks to all the knife journalists out there for helping spot garbage as well as gems
Hey DCA, please order the importance of these characteristics in order of importace: Ergonomics, blade geometry, blade length, steel choice, handle material, lock choice, heat treatment, and opening method. (Kind of a trick question as context is everything! Choose your own context 👍)
Hey David. Love the series. Where do you research the value of a knife? Especially if the knife is older and discontinued by the manufacturer. Any help in pointing me in the right direction would be great! Thanks for your help.
Recommendation for a FAQ - Weird knives that actually work. There are some knives out there with weird designs and are often just thought of as collectables, however, some of these actually make good users. For example, about 2 years ago I bought a Cold Steel Black Talon with a massive hawksbill blade on a whim. To look at, this knife looks aggressive and overdone. However, I now regularly use it in the garden to open bags, cut up shade cloth, pruning etc. The blade works a wonder. My grail knife is a Chaves Ultramar Redencio - very hard to come by in Aus & very $$$. Thanks heaps.
Chaves are made by reate in China.
Hey Knife Specialist, Med'sMan here :). Can you do war combos, like a hawk, a larger fixed blade and a folding one? Mad Max style or survival gear in war scenarios. Urban or nature. U can include flashlights, fire starters or lighters, maybe a saw, things to help you survive in case of an invasion. It's kind of trendy right now, unfortunately. If u prefere nail clippers, i understand :)) Good luck!
People have a misconception that a grail knife is supposed to be this expensive near unattainable thing. It's really not. It's that knife you want so badly regardless of price and are super proud of owning. Sometimes it's just your go to for every day or just a certain situation.
In that case I consider my paragon Warlock a grail
I disagree. I think a grail being expensive is part of what makes it special. I believe a grail is not a common knife. That Rockstead was amazing. Imagine all the time that went in to polishing that blade. That knife would look good in any collection.
THANK YOU
I got a good challenging question for you, what is a good fixed blade knife in the sequence of priority list and can do them all. I would be very surprised if you found one to fit all
1) food prep ( very good at slicing, stainless only)
2) tactical / hard use / basic camping tasks ( feather stick and firemaking included)
3) completely water resistant ( h1, lc200n, magnacut, vanax)
4) bushcraft
Need some sharpening advice. Which sharpening method is best for sharpening the recurve part of recurve blades? Ceramic rods, flat stones, or leather strips? Thanks
Love the KniFAQ!. My question is, all things being equal, why not a finger choil on every folder? Seems to add versatility and other benefits without any cost. Elucidate me on the pros/cons. Thanks!
Hey David! To bounce off the wood handle question this week, why not more hard rubber handles? It has a lot of natural grip, more than G-10. Thanks
Hi DCA & Thomas! Help man to sleep. It's over midnight all I can think of is what sharpening tool should I get on the road for large survival knife like BK9 or RTAK II? Extra points for the tool that I can count on if I never find away back to civilisation. -Tapio from Finland
Hi DCA. This is a follow-up to the question regarding why there are so few production knives with wooden scales. I have a custom fixed blade with Zebrawood scales. What is the best way to care for it? Mineral oil? Beeswax?
saludos desde tijuana amigo tienes un muy buen programa y muy bun material lastima que yo este muy lejos.
I have a BK77 Xtreem made of S30V when no one knew what S30V was. I didn't know it was a grail knife when I bought it new over 10 years ago.
20* years. S30Vs been around for 22? years now but I'd hang on to that one 👍
Would love for you guys to do a bit on Ulu's and/or other not necessarily mainstream cutting tools.
Question: For sharpening a Scandi grind, what would you recommend for a simple/approachable method or tool that keeps the bevel uniform-looking and free of marks from the stone? I have a Spyderco sharpmaker and a 400/1000 grit pocket stone, and while I'm able to keep the edge performance good with these tools, it doesn't look good. If one does need to use a heavier grit stone for taking down a chip on a Scandi grind knife, what's a good method for getting it back to a good surface finish, and ideally still keep the bevel transition looking sharp and defined? (I've had trouble doing this by hand with using successive sandpaper grits).
Any fixed blade recommendation under 3” with a premium steel and slicy profile (preferably in a Kydex sheath)? I just got the Bradford g-necker and it’s awesome but the spine is a bit chunky.
Question for DCA... I have the carbon fiber bugout and want aftermarket scales. What is the breakdown of what the blade is worth vs the scales, so I can have an accurate value for the knife with the new scales.. Thanks!
i started my collection last year, i currently have 8 knives ranging from a kershaw leek to a benchmade super freek. when i got them all out for a 'family photo' i realised i dont own a Tanto shaped blade. could you recommend a tanto shaped blade, 3-4 inch blade, preferably a flipper within the 75-100 dollar range. Thanks
Hello DCA and Thomas. Absolutely love the series keep up the great work. Question have you guys ever put together a list of the grind angles of the different manufacturers? I know there are general guidelines but it would be great to get the same crisp edge as the factory. Again outstanding series. Thanks for all you do.
Check out the first question in FAQ #71: czcams.com/video/K9FzsNDrics/video.html
Question I have an orange frn Spyderco pingo and the scales glow under UV light are there any other Spyderco knives or other brands that do this? Thanks Jason
Hello DCA, I’ve been a fan for about 6 months now and have bought “quite a few” knives after watching your videos. I’m asking you to revisit the bench made bug out alternative question from about a year ago but a lil different. I like everything about the bugout (blade shape, thin profile, etc) except I want a slightly larger blade. Preferably around the 3.4 in to 3.75 in range. Suggestions?
Love the work you and your minions do, and glad I am a customer. Who plays the mandolin in the background of your excellent videos? Does Thomas have a musical side to his many talents? Keep up the great work.
It was performed by "Stock Music" -DCA
DCA - think the fixed blade question was what folder design would you like to see turned into a fixed blade (alla the examples given).
And Boss Heat Treatment from Buck, to get the most out of a basic carbon steel.
I’m about positive you misunderstood the question at 20minutes. He’s talking about designs that’d also be good fixed blades as in the models he said that have a fixed and folder version
Hey DCA, I was wondering if you could recommend a knife roll. At present I have pocket knives all over the house. Thanks
Hi DCA ! I have modded an Opinel n°10 (making it a tanto, milling the handle to have a seatbelt-cutter and thinning the handle) and I'm not satisfied with its handling. The blade is really slicy but lack edge retention. I EDC a beater fixed blade (Real Steel Cormorant), and I need a slicier folder. The Opinel is 2.1mm thick (0.082 inches), so I think I need a thin high full-flat grind, 3.5 inches to preferably 4, if possible in D2 or upper in edge-retention. Budget is 70 dollars max, give or take. But it can be way lower (D2 can be a bargain these days) ^^
A french fellow knife beater
Love your videos DCA! What are the last 5 knives you and Seth bought?
Hey DCA, I don't wear a neck knife, but I find a lot of the newer neck knives like the CRKT minimalist Katana really intriguing. What are the best neck knives for someone like me who just likes small fixed blades?
Going to add on top of the cardboard cutting question. When you cut things, you’ll quickly realize certain objects will roll/dull any knife edge, regardless of how nice a blade steel is. Hence why I’m not super into blade steels anymore. Cardboard, ceramic plates, bone, metal, etc. will roll 8CR13MOV and M390. However, the softer steel will have a more noticeable roll, but will be easier to resharpen. A dull edge or a rolled edge is nothing to worry about if you sharpen your knives. Chipping is the only thing to worry about. Although still repairable, a chipped edge takes significantly more time and metal removal. Similarly to a broken tip.
Love Rocksteads, I have several, such beautiful knives. What I don't like is their warranty. For what I have paid, I should be able to transfer the warranty.
First off, before my question I wanted to say thanks for all your other videos. I had purchased a Kershaw 1776 Link in 20CV, and must admit that I have never (before) been afraid of the sharpness of a knife, but this one concerned me. Then I ran into your video’s about Cross Bar Locks (wish the entire industry would just go with that moniker rather than all the proprietary names)… anyways I decided to exchange the Link for one of Knife Center’s Exclusive Griptilian’s and have really enjoyed the knife thus far, the only hang up is that the Griptilian did not arrive quite as sharp as the Link
In FAQ #72 you mention “maybe learn to sharpen better” I Watched your video on how to use a Strop, and found it really useful. My question is, “To Strop or Not to Strop, When is the question”. When should a more abrasive stone be used, and when is simply stropping going to be enough?
Glad you are enjoying the Griptilian! As for when to use a more abrasive stone, if stropping isn't keeping it as sharp as you like or expect, then back it up to the finest stone to lightly sharpen, then strop. Hope that helps! -DCA
@@knifecenter Thanks! And thanks again for carrying the 20CV version of the Griptilian
Hey DCA, Love the series. Do you ever buy a knife with the sole intention of customizing it? e.g. I bought a Buck Spitfire just to make micarta scales for it. And can you show us one you impressed yourself with? Thanks.
Bought a couple of Svord Peasant knives to do that and make them into rustic steak knives.
What about Curly Birchwood? I also wonder if there are ways to help keep the wood handles in tact over time?
Heya DCA, looking for a "buy once, cry once" knife.
Needs to be a "do everything" knife. I dont use a pocket knife much day to day, but it needs to be able to handle anything i throw at it- EDC uses, camping/bushcraft uses, even some self defense if needed.
What you do recommend for under $250-ish
Ive been eyeballing the Spyderco Shaman and the Benchmade Adamas, but im open to suggestions. Thanks!
My Umnumzaan was a grail for me but Ive also put it through pure hell I know not all grail knives can handle the abuse but the Umnumzaan definitely can fill both shoes !
14:39 the only "wrong" thing for collecting as far as I'm concerned is knowingly buying a counterfeit.
Is there a way to try out some of these blades in hand, before purchasing? I was spoiled living so close to a certain knife retail headquarters, but they shut down their storefront since 2019. Now, I prefer shopping with you guys online, but it still isn't the same as in person. I don't know any other stores that carry knives for guys who like knives. They all carry cheaper Gerber, CRKT & the occasional Buck or Leatherman. It REALLY helps being able to hold a knife in my hands. Also, less online sales means less cardboard for whomever has an aversion to cutting cardboard.
...with their knife. 🤦
I would rather have one really nice knife that I love than two very good knives that I like. There is no right or wrong though IMO though.
Will you show the real steel lynx folder please? I would like to know your thoughts on the knife.
Hey DCA. I’m wondering what are the best fidget friendly knives in the 4”+ size range?
Try African Blackwood, it is as dense as Desert Ironwood. Those and Cocobolo are not stabilizable as they extremely oily, dense and when polished very stabile. Ebony is a bit too brittle for me to make a whole handle from, good for spacers though.
D2 is hard to beat as a budget steel for cutting cardboard although some of it seems a bit soft for D2.
SR1 Lite at $56 (!!!) should be in everyone's car and office kit. My vote also goes to the 4" Luzon as a bargain "folding paring knife" for construction site food slicing.
What's the hold up on the TOPS Storm Vector? Any news?
??? When we think about traditional slip joint knives there are many multi-bladed patterns. Two blade trappers, three blade stockmans, 4 blade congresses, etcetera. Why do you think we don't see more multi-bladed modern locking knives, barring some fantasy knives I can only think of a few, the Benchmade Outlast being one of them. Thoughts? Hope you can help.
Hey David, I've yet to see a button lock cleaver knife, do you think there is a reason why that is? Could you give an example of a button lock cleaver (non-auto)? Or maybe nobody has tried to produce one yet? I think if a maker were to produce one it would be very popular
Who does the heat treat of the spring steel better ESEE or TOPS
So what I understand what makes a grail knife is the maker and the artisan process of making it not the materials right?
I have a Higo II and a Hizen and I carry and use them both. If a knife cost my £1k ($1,300), it owes me a shed load of work in return! My only worry is that if I do ever blunt them, I’ll have to send them to Japan for sharpening.
For a Grail Bushcraft knife, look at the Jacklore Classic from Sandy Jack. A very refined evolution of the Woodlore. Unfortunately, they are almost as hard to get hold of. Sandy only produces 2 or 3 per week, most go to friends and existing customers and only a dozen or so per year end up for sale on his website. They go within 5 minutes of being posted. It took me more than three years to get one. It’ll be on my CZcams channel soon.
i cant imagine letting anyone else sharpen my knives
@@dertydan nor would I with any others, but a zero edge, convex grind with absolutely no scratch pattern whatsoever on a 67 Rockwell blade, is well beyond my skill.
I would like to have a smaller American made Magnacut steel folding knife and am wondering if Sharps Brothers knives are good quality.
Use the Rockstead, what else is it for? I use mine!
Hey DCA, I’m looking for a knife for a friend. He’s left handed, he doesn’t like automatic or assisted knives, he also doesn’t like knives with a back lock, and he does work on cars and such, and works in dirty conditions so ball bearings might be off the table but I’m not sure. I would like to keep the budget under 70 dollars if possible, and I’m having trouble finding the right one. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Unfortunately we also have examples of good HT in production knives but they screw it with thick geometry. Btw folders are fun, fixed blades are real deal
But would you cut cardboard with that mirror finish Rockstead knife?
The Rockstead is a hardcore user that’s harder than a file. Yes, the blade finish is awesome, but can easily be restored if somehow it was scratched. Similar to Chris Reeve folders, the Rockstead is impervious to damage.
and it doesn't seem to scratch all that easily either, i know people have been freaking out about messing up the mirror polish but i've seen rocksteads used for a couple of years that still have that edge and finish.