KnifeCenter FAQ #76: Lightest Strongest Knives
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- Where do you set the priority when it comes to a thin, strong and lightweight knife? Plus, we’ve got more on pocket clips, the best knife for fidget factor, and heavy-duty meat processors. We’ve even got a folding knife fit for the King of the Britons.
Featured Knives
Fallkniven F3z: kcoti.com/3LwBTEn
TOPS Camp Creek: kcoti.com/3K3KNZt
TOPS Kitchen Knives: kcoti.com/3tZeVjj
Dragonfly Blade Works Spitfire: kcoti.com/3iWz5UF
Benchmade Arcane: kcoti.com/3j2NgHH
Benchmade Bugout: kcoti.com/3uMRF7p
Benchmade Bailout: kcoti.com/3qUCsju
Demko AD20.5: kcoti.com/35zgDhW
Cold Steel Air Lite: kcoti.com/3v6ZwwP
Cold Steel Code 4: kcoti.com/3K6ASm3
Spyderco Manix 2: kcoti.com/3qVRup8
Cold Steel SRK: kcoti.com/3qYDfzN
Morakniv Knives: kcoti.com/3uLteHi
KA-BAR Kraton-Handled USMC Fighter: kcoti.com/3J1wQtZ
Boker Exskelibur: kcoti.com/3IZY8Rr
0:00 Intro
0:59 Best Blade for Cutting a Lot of Meat
4:27 One Blade Steel and Handle Material Combo for Life
7:04 Thinnest, Lightest and Strongest EDC Folder
14:50 Best Fidget Factor that Isn’t Obvious
16:54 Pocket Clips: Why Deep Carry?
18:26 Soft Rubber Grips on Fixed Blades
19:09 AXIS Locks: One Side or Both?
20:37 A Pocket Knife for Arthur, King of the Britons
Interested in a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/34YqPM0
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"Come see the knives inherent in the system" got a laugh out of me.
Yes! My perfect specs for the perfect EDC. Hope this video has a part 2. Really curious about some hidden gems out there. Thanks!
Thanks DCA for the expertise. Great answer for the lightest/thinnest/strongest knife recommendations (and great approach to the alternatives with the strategy "pick two of three" due to the 'triometry'). I'd consider the Sandrin Torino (Tungsten Carbide / Carbon Fiber) and the Asher Nomad/Spiro options. Exskelibur ... the obvious choice!
Hello DCA, greetings from good ol'Germany just 15 kilometers away from Solingen. You showed now again the Boker Exskelibur. And because of one of your previous shows I finally bought a Boker Exskelibur Titanium. (Although I don't like Böker so much. I am totally a Spyderco and Benchmade fanboy.)
But the Boker Exskelibur with metal ball bearings is REALLY nice. It can be opned one handed just on the nail clip! Nice fidget.
spyderco endura 4 sabre grind in full stainless steel, not lightweight but super super thin, built like a tank and the fit and finish on it is so incredible, a work of art.
I’ve been carrying the Becnmade Bailout since it came out and I love it. I’ve bought many knives since and none have managed to replace it in my pocket. I’ve got my eye on a Demko next
Benchmade Arcane is top notch. One of my first knives (I have 50+) and it’s still one of my go to knives. Love it.
As always tons of good information thank you and keep up the excellent work I always look forward to these reviews
I know I'll get pelted with rocks but my EDC thin pocketknife for the last 45 years has been a K55K. Not strong, not light but the thinnest I could find in the '70s. And not bad for a 155 year old design. My caveat is that it's been the backup to my work knives, but also that it's ALWAYS in my pocket.
I love my new Case SparXX Smooth Blue Pearl Kirinite Slimline Trapper Pocket Knife, which I bought on your suggestion. Its very thin and classy and makes a great letter opener.
I have the M4 bailout it’s badass got rid of the back space with the glass breaker and put an anodized purple titanium back spacer that doesn’t stick out
Benchmade makes kitchen cutlery now. And can always go old school with the tried and true Ontario Old Hickory knives which are 1095 and have crazy good edge retention. The only caveat is needing to oil your blades after cleaning them up for storage. Can use cooking oil or coconut oil works too for food safe oils.
Good talk! I've got my eye on that cold steel air lite and the Benchmade bailout
Hey staywoke - A button lock like the non-autos from Pro-Tech are great, but they're also almost never in stock. Luckily, that fantastic lock is catching on. I have two Civivis - the Button Lock Elementum and the Cogent. The Cogent is my current favorite EDC. They also have a couple new models, the Altus and the Conspirator. My next order to Knifecenter will include a new Conspirator with Cuibourtia Wood handles. The action on the Cogent is awesome.
Hi David (and Seth),
My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question:
I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features:
1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard")
2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong)
3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it...
4) About 3" or more Blade Length
5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly.
6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip
7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each.
Thanks so much!
Love my 535BK-4 . My microtech Dirac and 535bk-4 are my daily knifes I use back and forth .
RE: Thin, strong, light knives... I love the Code 4 series. I have one of each (clip, drop, tanto), and I think they are some of the most under-rated knives ever made. As far as the fidgety knives question, I've always found a good, well-made flipper-frame lock to be pretty fun to fidget with. I play with my ZT 308 all the time. Also, I've been using my axis lock with one finger for years, haven't had a spring break yet.
great team, covering all the bases.
Regarding bulk meat cutting tasks, I've recently discovered the Benchmade "Meatcrafter" in the "Hunt" series; thin, high quality steel, edge retention, comfortable handle & 14° grind. I haven't found a better meat cutter yet.
I live for this- you guys should do a video about spike or very accute knives! For example the Boguszewski benchmade spike!
Hi DCA. When I am thinking thin, light and strong, the ANV A200 comes immediatly to my mind. It is really strong, very light and thinner than most full size folding knives.
Cold Steel Airlite is one of my favorites. Light, good handle size, large and strong blade, Aus10 steel is good (like VG10). Plus, at the $60-ish price, if you lose it you won’t cry as long
DCA , You and Thomas are doing a great job! I’ve been watching some of your previous videos. A lot Of them reference knifes for less than $100. I’m a little perplexed. It cost me over $150 to fill up my truck, which will just give me just part of a day driving. I think I would want to spend more and $150 for a knife that’s gonna last me years. Why not do a video on folders and fix blades from say $150-$500.
I got a TOPS Camp Creek for $149 a few years back, that knife is awesome camping fare and the sheath is prime, I got a Blackout Bugout s30v for $99 bucks, that thing is awesomely slim and the Grivory is fine, I got a Cold Steel Code 4 CTS-XHP for $70 in the drop point, and that is a beast. Great stuff... but we are still waiting on the KC exclusive Olive Drab Alox Victorinox Huntsman!!
Camp Creek is amazing. Surprised there isn’t more talk/hype about it. Sheath is perfect too
"Come see the knives inherent in the system!" 😂😂😂 Priceless, Thomas!
Thank you, as always gentlemen, for a fun and informative bit of knife nerdery.
Mr. Andersen, I'm trying to choose an affordable, durable, versatile knife that will work for extended use in very cold weather. The Immediate thoughts were the Gerber Strongarm and the Cold Steel SRK (because tough, enclosed tangs, versatile sheaths). Mora Buscraft Survival (stainless + ferro rod) occurred to me as well, but I'm not sure how it would fare in frigid weather. Are there others you would recommend? Also, any particular recommendations on sheath material or type, when faced with extreme cold? Looking to keep it under $100, if that's possible, given the needs.
The Benchmade Bailout: a knife soo nice, you'd buy it twice! Seriously, I use this knife every day at work and am always surprised at it's design, comfort, and function. It's light but feels absolutely solid in hand, has no hot spots (once changing the thumbstud out), and it slices like a beast. The two points on the reverse-tanto are actually quite useful for piercing/scoring at different angles. You can't go wrong with this one, unless you're allergic to tiny glass breakers near lanyard holes (but that's not a big deal to me imo).
Unless you do any prying. The handle just bends.
@@Savage.Doomer good to know actually
@@Savage.Doomer maybe on the bugout but not the bailout
@@Savage.DoomerM4 Bailout with Aluminium scales does not bend whatsoever. With that being said, I'd never use a small EDC for prying... maybe with Adamas...
Magnacut & micarta fills my needs really well. May be something better in the future but right now it's an easy answer
Lots of Japanese kitchen knives do come in steels like; R2, ZDP-189, HAP-40. But I do take your point about VG-10 as a core steel in not too expensive knives that can be kept sharp quite easily.
I have an old Cold Steel SRK with CarbonV steel from about 20 years ago. Amazing workhorse knife.
AEB-L and Nitro-V have become my absolute favorite steels. They strop back really well and are tough as nails.
Cheap steel that doesn’t keep an edge.
Hi DCA, make a video on knives for saltwater and fresh water fishing , Elmax better than Magncut or LC200n , S35Vn maybe ?
Love the videos and thank You I have learned a lot watching your videos
Only answer I found for that was the Spyderco Salt series, and there are a lot to choose from.
Got a Benchmade Meat Crafter the other week. My wife took it and says that it is the best thing she has ever used for processing meat. Does lots of birds as well as venison.
got one for my sister with a Dexter quote she loves it
Great videos! Ive been looking for a fixed blade edc for construction that uses a sheath that can be clipped onto a hammer loop, ive been using the Mora companion and its been good but im looking for something more premium that uses a similar style of sheath thanks! :)
For thin, light, and somewhat strong edge I’d suggest the KA-BAR dozier in d2. It works for me as edc folders go. Wouldn’t wear it with a suit, but I live on a really rural hobby farm.
I really liked your cardboard slayers video. What would be the best FIXED BLADE cardboard slayer?
Love the content DCA. Thank you.
I'm considering getting a custom Buck 110, or 112. The only thing that makes me hesitant is that they have no pocket clip. I'm not used to wearing a sheath, but could be convinced. Do you ever wear them, and how do they compare to the pocket clip?
DCA, from DI, I've had and carried a Benchmade Rift for years and yes it is true about if you only use one side of the Axis lock. Granted it will take YEARS for it to effect it but the side you pull on over the years will break. I'm only saying because it happened to me.
Hey DC! Thanks for all the great content! You've taught me a lot, and encouraged me to spend way more money than necessary on redundant cutting devices. But hey... it's healthier than whiskey, right?
Anyhoo... I have a question: What do you think is the fastest-deploying non-auto knife? I recently bought a Spyderco Ikuchi and I love the way it snaps out. Thwak! It got me thinking... what's my fastest knife? And what does DC think is the fastest knife?
And exactly what factors make a non-auto fast? Hmmm...
For a thin strong folder I would recommend the A.G. Russell One Hand Knife. The handle is made from a single piece of metal.
For strong and light under $100 I'm surprised David didn't mention their KC exclusive Denim Micarta CJRB Scoria with AR-RPM9 steel. It's an awesome feeling slim knife, extremely slicey, but still feels like you have some power behind the good-sized blade. The handle is very slim in the pocket but wide enough to provide good grip, the denim is soft and feels great, the golden hardware is beautiful with a great titanium clip, and if you have a G10 Feldspar, this is even slimmer since the Scoria micarta is contoured down to the edges. Very highy recommend it, as it's my co-favorite knife at the moment (along with the Kizer Justice, which is fantastic but about twice as heavy).
What is the most bizzare blade shapes have you seen?
Hi DCA. OMG !!! AEB-L is becoming my favorite steel (but 1095 carbon steel is such an awesome all around steel) and (burlap) Micarta is my favorite handle material 😅
A Kershaw skyline. A classic knife , hard to be disappointed with it.
Hey DCA, you guys should do a video about Emerson and his influence on knife making with his wave opener and other innovations.
Guess I go back to my BM 940-1 for light, strong and thin. Carbon fiber, titanium and S90V 2.44oz
Axis lock question, in my sog terminus xr, when using just thumb/one side of lock, the bar inside comes crooked and doesn't look or feel quite right. But the one on the bugout, it works great.
Can we see a DCA knife collection? Partial, whole, favorites, oddities. Anything to be honest. He’s a pillar of this community and I know we’re all curious!
Kershaw dividend - aluminum handle, super thin, i like the CMP D2 composite blade. Super nice for 90$
Hey DCA. I’m looking for a folding EDC with a wire pocket clip specifically. In the 3-3.25” range, sub $100 preferably. Any recommendations?
Hey DCA, really enjoy the videos and thank you for all the updates. I have a question for you at which maybe you could be able to help?
Fishing season is upon us and I was looking for something in LC200N (I do own the spydie chef but I think it’s a little bit expensive for me to throw in a tackle box and use purely for fishing) what other blade steels and knives : pocket or fixed (under 4 inches) would be a go to purely to take fishing. I own a few bark rivers but they are all in 3V… It would be fresh water, I take care of my knives and I am looking for something between $70-$170. I know spyderco has the salt line up but I hear the H1 steal can’t hold an edge for long even though some are in the LC200N now.
Thank you
Interesting topic, I have a Slipjoint (with adjustable hardware) where the backspring is incredibly strong, so opening and closing it is a chore. Was wonder if there's a method or trick to make it easier to open or is it only when it "breaks in". Was also wondering if it does "break in" will it actually become easier to open and close?
I thought it might be fun to take a walk through history and examine the knives of famous and infamous people. From the small pocket knife that was found on Abraham Lincoln the night of his assassination (or the knife Booth yielded the same evening) to The Sword of Mars- Attila the Hun's legendary weapon. Thank you for all you give us. Peace.
Spirit of the question!!? You re awesome bro
Hey DCA! I saw a beautiful pair of special Skipjacks over at the Pout House. Would love for you to show them off! Thanks!
I do agree with the Cold Steel Code 4. beautiful knife for the price. solid tight lockup top quality steel. if you want a little lighter I would suggest the Cold Steel American Lawman. same S35VN steel. all in the $100 price range.
Serations are a pain to sharpen but sometimes it’s convenient to have a knife with full serrations. What is the best steal for serrations? Is it better to have steal that has has high edge retention but difficult to sharpen or easy to sharpen but dulls easier?
I like the video a lot, coming from kitchens I would definitely recommend Japanese steel. They typically feature harder steels in VG10 or VG max. Similar price, little more dynamic quality.
I've always found that I have to use both sides of a sliding lock bar for it to work. If I use one side, it binds and feels like it's causing undue wear.
For the thin light edc that has to be strong definitely the Cold Steel Airlite. Would go the drop point over the Tanto shown in the video.
Let me explain the benefit of the deep carry pocket clip: its purpose isn't only to conceal the knife. It also makes it far more comfortable to sit down, and it more easily fits in pants like slacks that have more vertical pockets.
What do u think about fixed blade edc and what blade profile would u recommend? Personally I’m stuck between a drop point or something…. Upswept?
Are there any large choppers (larger than the Esee 6 for example) that use high end steels? Thanks
What is the best blade grind, profile for general use folders and are easier to sharpen?
Thanks. DCA for your hard work. 🔪🎸🍺
People should look at Boker. Their new catalog is quite impressive and has a wide range of knives with great price points. Spyderco has gone off the rails with MAP pricing and I think many people would enjoy a cool Barlow or a tactical in D2 or N690. I scored an Boker Atlas in brass in Sandvik 12c27 and it's really cool for the money. I like some Cold Steel blades. My daily carry is a Air Lite drop point in AUS10, which is awesome and kills the Bugout for the money and is easy to touch up on a ceramic rod.
For slicing lots of meat, something like the Victorinox Sabre is a good choice for blade design.
Although Victorinox steel won't last that long.
And smaller/lighter knives aren't ideal either. With lots of cutting, the extra weight really helps.
Hello. Looking for your advice. Im looking for an edc fixed blade. 3.5 to 4 inch blade with a good sized handle and kydex sheath for scout carry or pocket carry. Under $100 preferred
Like the branding or not, the Cold Steel Broken Skull is one of the strongest, lightest, thinnest knives made, if you can still find one.
Cold steel is who got me into collecting
@Jesse Robinson not even remotely close to being true. Cold steel is cheap knives for cheap people.
It was my first (quality) brand I got my hands on. Started with those crappy unknown Walmart brands from the early 2000.
Broken Skull is an animal. 5 years as a work knife and the pocket clip paint is the only thing worn.
@@talisikid1618 That's not true at all. Lol
What is a good pocket knife with carbon steel blade which locks open, quick opening, & pocket clip?
Lightest, thinnest, strongest? Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight: 2.0 oz, .32" handle thickness, CTS-XHP steel, lockback. Either the Bailout or the Deka would be my personal preference because they're more fun, but the Chaparral is objectively lighter and thinner than any of these, and holds its own in the subjective strength category.
The Chaparral is very nice. That was my opinion before and after I purchase the knife.
I agree with your choice of the Chaparral. This knife has numerous handle materials to choose from and all of them have skeletonized stainless steel liners and CTS-XHP blade steel.
The Benchmade meatcrafter is absolutely amazing for processing
I’ve used the code 4 for hard use, can definitely recommend
For large meat processing, I use a 10" MAC chef knife. Works wonders 👍 About $120
Ive had a omega spring on two different knives break when using the axis lock on only one side. Benchmade replaced it no problem but since ive been using both sides of the lock together i haven't had any problems!
I have only ever used both sides to open/close my bugout: I've had three sets of omega springs break (different sides at different times), stock, aftermarket, and home made (music wire), all broke the same. After market lasted longer, home made lasted the longest. But I'm convinced that the Omega design is going to break eventually. Benchmade needs to switch to the coil spring used on the Anthem.
Which knife would you recommend for bushcraft? I recently got a huge chip in my current bushcraft knife and need a replacement but can't decide. Thank you
Deep carry pocket clips are arguably more secure and/or likely to hit anything if you work in tight quarters.
DCA,
I have been daily carrying a ZT 0450 since 2018 and am looking to replace it. I've considered the Manix 2, but wanted to ask for your opinions on knives that are folders that have at least 3.25" of blade length and is tougher than S35VN, but with similar edge retention. Fidget factor is also a consideration. If it can cost less than $225 pre tax I'd also appreciate it.
Thanks!
Dear DCA! What blade would you say has the most edge retention per dollar? I’m looking for a folding knife primarily for food prep… very sharp slicing with good edge retention that can handle acidic food and occasional washes… I prefer value over budget, thank you!
Interesting topics this week, but your comment on Thomas fidgeting with autos actually reminded me of a question I’ve had for a while. What is the quietest locking knife / lock? I love fidgeting too but others around me aren’t as keen about it. Thanks
Hmm...gravity knife i would guess. Interesting question.
Meglio Knives 8 inch Gyuto in MagnaCut. Had mine for a couple of months, use daily, a real slicer with great fit/finish and edge retention.
Hey there! Question: lets say the Opinel No. 9 carbon is your favourite folder. Which fixed blade would you choose for similar sliceiness, blade geometry, easy of sharpening? Cheers
I've tried doing one side of an Axis Lock, doesn't seem to disengage for me.
Arcane is good looking. The best. But the Cold Steel Air Lite 3.5” is one of the very very few Cold Steel knives that isn’t over-built - designed to be very thin and light. The recently released G10 version of the 3” Verdict is remarkably thin. For that matter so is the humble Grivory edition. From Benchmade, my Pardue precursor to the Bugout in G10 was awesomely stiff compared to the flexy Grivory version of the Bugout, and even the GF Elite (name?j version. I wouldn’t have thought at first of the Demko AD 20.5 but man you’re right.
DCA, I recently bought a Kansept Accipiter. l love the knife, but hate the pocket clip. It grabs insanely coming out of the pocket and is a major pain to put back in the pocket due to the hard angle on the underside of the milled titanium clip. Can this be fixed by taking the clip off and taking a dremel wheel to that hard edge?
What would you recommend as a fix for a loose plastic sheath (hypothetically similar to a Wharnie Minimalist)? I can't carry this right now, but it's smaller and lighter than my drop point, so I really want to. Thanks!
How much bur do we ingest from foods processed with knives? What's the safest steel to use for food processing?
You are spot one with the benchmade bail out it’s the thinnest lightest knife I have and the M4 steel stays sharp a long time .If you can spend a little more money look at the Chris Reeve small Inkosi !
I would go with 4v and stabilized maple burl .The thinist lightest strongest knife in my opinion would be the Manix 2 lightweight in Maxamet.
I actually really like the deep pocket clips. It's actually one of the features I've been looking for in a good edc folder. I like that when I sit, crouch, climb, etc., the ass of the handle isn't jabbing into me. The lower the knife slips into the pocket, the better (imo).
Do you have any recommendations for good, strong, comfortable edc folders with deep pocket clips? I'd also prefer it to give the feeling of filling out a large hand. I currently carry a PM2 that feels great in my hand even though it doesn't appear very bulky or ergonomic. I tend to impulse-buy a knife the instant I find one that feels at home in my hand. That's a very important quality to me for a tool that is going with me everywhere and getting used everyday. Any edge dulls overtime... Every pocket clip gets stretched out overtime... Pivots can weaken and screws can loosen, etc. You can give me the most expensive knife made of the most exotic materials in the world... but if it feels like shit in my hand, I absolutely will not waste any energy carrying it around or using it.
How would you rate one of those Tungsten Carbide blades for thin, stong knives.
I would like a general use/Santuko Damascus Steel kitchen knife. Do you have any suggestions in the low, mid, and high price ranges?
Obviously Arthur would use the Toor Knives Avalon as backup for meal prep and general stabbiness.
David J. How do you sharpen the curved in part of a kukri blade ?
Hey DCA
I would like a folder primarily for wood carving/whittling.
I own a few puukkos and I am looking for something with similar blade shape but not necessarily a scandi grind.
Kwaiken blades in my opinion have quite similar blade shapes like puukos but are they any good for carving? Thanks for your opinion and suggestions.
Hey DCA!
What are your thoughts on a "buy once, cry once" knife to do just about everything?
Thinking a $250-ish max budget, and steels in the 4v/m4/cruwear category that are tough and have good edge rentention.
Some edc uses, some emergency bushcraft uses, some self defense uses.
Any recommendations?
Do not forget the Cold Steel Atlas lock coming very soon. The drifter series, maybe engage series. The name has changed in the 2022 Cold Steel Catalogue.
Would love to see "Jimping" addressed. Do you need it, how far should it go along the blade, aggressive vs less aggressive, when you absolutely would not want jimping, when used to add an ornate look, and so on.
Are you really Nutnfancy?
@@banditone00 I consider myself to be a somewhat fancy
Specking if Magnacut any ideas on manufactures besides Hogue coming out with one. To be specific I’m looking for a drop point 3.5 to 4” with one of the strongest locking mechanisms like crossbar or equivalent.
For the thinnest/strongest/lightest EDC folder, maybe a Delica in K390 or Cruwear would fit.
DDCA,
What is the purpose of an asymmetric edge? Both my Buck Sentry and my Kershaw Barricade seem to have edges comprised of two different angles, which makes sharpening a little more involved. What is the advantage to an edge like this?