Can you get a 3-knife combo for under $100 to meet any expectation? Plus, some premium knives designed to take a beating, which blade steel can take the best edge, and how to be happy with an ordinary steel.
Best EDC Knife & Gear Combos Under $100: • Best EDC Knife & Gear ...
Watch David Sharpen while Blindfolded: • KnifeCenter FAQ #145: ...
Featured Knives
Morakniv Basic 511: kcoti.com/4bedpfO
Boker Kihon DC: kcoti.com/3w8WSLs
Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet: kcoti.com/3U94GVq
Cold Steel SRK: kcoti.com/4bdvPO0
Schrade Divergent: kcoti.com/4bedmAE
Petrified Fish Forward: kcoti.com/4b9tvaD
CJRB Ria: kcoti.com/3wkUtx7
Chris Reeve Sebenza 31: kcoti.com/4dfgf68
Demko AD20.5: kcoti.com/4aS0ArW
Spyderco Sage 5: kcoti.com/4dbRSWV
Spyderco Naive 5: kcoti.com/4ddAi50
CIVIVI Vision FG: kcoti.com/4dfghLi
Case Laramy Miller Sasquatch Skinner: kcoti.com/4deShYC
00:00 Intro
00:47 EDC Combos Under $100
13:06 The Premium Knives Built for Hard Use
16:10 Spyderco Sage vs Native
18:26 Which Steel Takes the Best Edge?
20:09 Is Sharpening Skill the Secret to Happiness?
21:05 Sasquatch’s Coming to Dinner
Slightly Larger that Average Patches: kcoti.com/3IXcovQ
Need a Tek-Lok? Get them here: kcoti.com/2MaMxqJ
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Who would not love to see a collection of fixed blades to use in the kitchen? Such as: A utlity, paring, peeler, and steak knife, but are not marketed as kitchen knives.
Just out of curiosity? Yes, I would. But I probably wouldn't get them for that. Still... interesting.
Why would you ever use a fix blade in the kitchen instead of a chef's knife or those designed for the kitchen if you could? Fixed blades dont stand a chance
@@MrAhuraMazda Good question. Perhaps CJRB Silax for utility, Artisan Sea Snake for peeling, CRKT Biwa for steak knives. Your choice of steels beats out the majority of "knives designed for kitchen use" in both steel and price. A Chef's knife is still a Chef's knife however.
@@LonestarTaoboycjrb silax for the win bud
I think a 3 knife collection should include a traditional slipjoint/SAK. They can be taken anywhere, fit anywhere and are up to most tasks.
I'm not at all a slipjoint fan. But even so, I would agree with "add a fourth for slip joints".
511 might be the cheapest Mora, but they have much better knives for hardly any more money.
So many great budget knives out there these days. Makes collecting and using so much fun!
Those petrified fish are so nice for the price!
Cold Steel SRK 3v best fixed blade for the price.
True, I had to get one when they were on sale for $109, some people got them when they were $100! Just have to keep checking for those sales.
@@rnkmode1876 I picked up the compact for $60. Definitely look out for the sales.
To thick for the finner things . Not saying you can't just that it makes it harder than it need be .
I like the blade grind on the Petrfied Fish
Enjoyed the thought process behind this video!
Dear DCA/Thomas: I enjoy restoring old, rusty, banged-up slip-joints, usually Imperial, Camillus, etc. I look for knives that are abused past usability, then I take them apart, clean up the hardware, sharpen the blades, make new brass liners and micarta scales, resulting in a kinda new knife. One of my favorite moments is revealing the make of the knife under all the grime: those old stamps really hold up. I've noticed that very few modern knives feature stamped manufacturing information-it's almost always lasered. This means that, when these knives are rusty and banged up in the future, someone restoring them will run the risk of removing information as they sandpaper and buff away the goop. Question: why do modern knivemakers almost never stamp the tang? Is there something about supersteels that makes such a process difficult? Thanks!
I have some older slip joints in good condition but old. They are not my cup of tea but I appreciate them. If you are interested I’d sell them to you at a low price. I have very low tech skills and not sure how to contact you here without giving out the entire world my phone number and email. Anyway, just giving you info. Take care.
I’ve heard (I’m no expert, mind you, and can’t even really remember where I heard this from) that stamping is by its very nature more likely to create stress points in blades, which lasering almost completely works around However, I highly doubt there was ever an epidemic of old production folders snapping exclusively due to fractures stemming from stamped info on the blades, so it could also be down to a cost/convenience factor on the assembly line
I guess its cheaper to use a laser. Plus the production can be easily adjusted to any changes like logos, serial numbers or even other knives and so on...
@@wattsmichaeleHi. I wanted to give the original comment poster a chance to reply first. However, if he doesn’t respond to you, I’m also in the same boat and absolutely love to restore old slipjoints. They always end up in my pocket getting carried on new adventures. Lol. My grandpa and a friend of his got me into them almost 50 yrs ago and I def feel a kinship with them. They speak to me. So again, my friend, if the original comment poster doesn’t reply, I’d be glad to see what you have. I live in Canada but I’m sure we can work something out. Have a great day. Thanks you.
@@wattsmichaele Thanks for the offer! But I'm usually looking for knives that are in pretty poor condition: lots of rust, failed pivots, snapped-off tips. That way I'm bringing them back to life. I'll pass priority to the commenter from Canada who expressed interest. Thanks again!
Hi DCA and company! My kid (8 years old!) loves your videos and always wanted to ask a question since he saw one of my questions answered in one video. So he came up with the following one: "why are most of the knife sheaths made of leather?" My son Oier! Thanks a lot!
For a small edc for a fair price…Check out the QSP Canary folder. I also picked up a M390 Kizer Yorkie for $45 on sale. Kizer has some awesome sales right now.
DCA, an expensive knife I put through the ringer would be my Osborne 940-1. I carry it everywhere and the edge retention of the S90v is superb.
I would like to se a similar three knife challenge but only US made under $250
Three knife combo - Mora Companion ($17), Sencut Serene ($47), Real Steel Luna Lite ($35). Total - $99
$99; great choices none-the-less.
@@mondohotrods7384 My bad. Still under $100
That Böker Kihon is an amazing knife! My 100$ trio would be: Miguron Moyarl Crossbar, Petrified Fish PF719 and a Mora… and I would still have some money left for a nice cup of coffee. ;)
Hi, DCA! I always appreciate the deep cuts you occasionally sneak into these videos, like today's 4 Non Blondes reference slipped int without comment. ANYWAY, on to my question. I'm signing up for SCUBA diving classes, and one thing I'll need for actual diving is a diving knife. I've looked at a bunch of recommendation on scuba sites, and I don't love them. (Maybe I just haven't learned enough yet!) There are two knives that I'm familiar with (but do not own) that each cover *some* of what I (think) I want. 1. The Cold Steel SRK-C. - Pros: inexpensive, reliable, no moving parts, secure sheath that can withstand salt water - Cons: no high visibility handle, steel is "ok but not great" on corrosion resistance, very stabby tip, no serrations 2. The Spyderco Assist Salt Rescue - Pros: high-visibility handle, incredibly corrosion resistant steel, rounded tip to avoid accidental stabinating, serrations for cutting through lines and straps quickly - Cons: pricey for something that won't get used often and could end up at the bottom of the sea, opening and closing under water whilst wearing gloves could be an issue, no strong sheath Can you recommend something that has the best of both? Or that you think is a compromise that is better than either of these? (I'm actually considering getting the SRK-C and just grinding down the tip, getting a better smith than I am to put in some serrations, and then just being very careful to take proper care of it once out of the water. And yes, I realize you'll likely edit this whole thing way down. That's okay.)
Gents knife: SZCO Harvest Fruit Knife $8.00 / fixed blade: Old Hickory Hunting Knife $24.17 / EDC folder: Kershaw Strata $52.95. With the leftover money: an Olight i3EOS Keychain light: $9.99
I have a Boker Kihon DC that I bought after you featured it. First purchase from Knife Center, and first crossbar lock. Unbeatable for the price, I use it every day.
My three knife combo for $100 that I current carry. Mora Kansbol $36.99, Camillus LK-6 $24.99 and Sog Tellus FLK $39.99 for a grand total of $101.97. These knives have served me well.
Glad you heard me yelling PF for the folding knife. Was afraid I wasn’t loud enough. That is my go to gift knife. Was Kizer. Now PF. Everyone loves them and I’m always thinking to myself that I should have kept it for myself. Thumbs up on the SRKs. Got those all over the place. Morakniv robust is usually tucked away with them. 👍 Expensive…ish knife beater is Benchmade Griptilian in 20CV and aftermarket scales. Got 3 of them on sale from you guys. 😉hated the cheap scales and upgraded. Love that knife. Zero rust issues here in the southeast. Great ergos.
I will use and do use my Demko 15 for absolutely any task. Great slicer. Hefty for carving. Literally any use it excels in.
I like the Benchmade freak for and expensive beater knife
My Spyderco Caribbean has been extensively abused and has held up really well. Same with my Manix 2 XL.
I love the feel of a folding knife with a contoured handle. Yet, I've never seen a comprehensive list of which knives actually have a contoured handle or which are the best ones. Can you put together a list of contoured handle folders or recommendations of knives with this feature?
Petrified Fish is so good. I've got that Forward, the Terra, and the sandalwood 719 and they're all just fantastic knives for the price.
100$ cap: Gentleman- victorinox bantam alox (24$) Fixed blade: cold steel recon tanto (40$) Edc folder: buck 110 slim Also, my most expensive knife is the TOPS operator 7 which is also my zombie apocalypse beater knife.
Hey DCA/Thomas, I have a weird one for you! Because my job involves opening a ton of boxes, my ideal EDC is actually a box cutter (I daily carry a Chaves CHUB flipper), so I am looking for a 5th pocket knife specifically for the occasional small cutting task that is just too tough for that thin little utility blade to handle safely (think super heavy duty zip ties, etc). Budget isn't much of a concern and I don't need a lot of cutting edge or versatility as this is only a backup blade while I'm at work, so I am just looking for a stout little tank that can handle a little bit of hard use while still feeling secure in my own slightly larger than average hands. Any help would be very much appreciated, and thanks for all the great and informative videos!! Note: I got super excited when I saw the new CRKT Minnow as it looked shockingly perfect for my somewhat unusual needs, but was super disappointed when I saw the way the pocket clip is lazily mounted because it looks like the the screws stick up enough to prevent the knife from sliding down into the pocket and out of the way. Any truth to this?
I LOVE your videos. Keep making them. What are the toughest steels used in machetes? Mine is in 1075. It takes an edge well, but it chips badly. I'd like to try one that's less prone to chipping; I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of sharpness.
The knife that I have put through the wringer the most is the Demko 20.5 with 3v steel it has never let me down and is still my daily carry
Hi there, Not sure if you’ve done this previously, I wondered if you could do a top 10 knives 3 inch or less for us frustrated knife lovers in Scotland UK. Cheers Iain
Can I add to that non locking. Iain Scotland
Spyderco UK Pen Knife
In California, the school zone laws are similar to your laws in Scotland, so I have to switch to carrying these knives when I know I have to go to a school zone.
Hello DCA and crew. I’ve really been enjoying the KniFAQ series. A question for you on folding knife lock styles: With all of the locking styles out there these days, which one would you pick as having the most functional longevity? By this I mean, what will still be locking up safe and strong after 20+ years of carry and use? My lock backs have seen the most use over the decades and are still going strong. I’ve been into button locks lately, but I feel like they won’t be as reliable long term.
Hello DCA (and Thomas). Looking to purchase a fixed blade for hard use, but wouldn't look out of place in an EDC scenario. Lots of good looking knifes do not have handles/scales (like the Benchmade adamas fixed blade). My question is: what is the benefit to purchasing a fixed blade with just a steel handle, if any? Is there a time where this kind of fixed blade is preferred over a normal fixed blade with micarta, g10, or wood handles? Thanks, and appreciate the consistent content :)
Hard use expensive folder- the Spartan Harsey Folder!
The Hinderer XM-18 is definitely also an expensive hard-use knoife!
Mr. DCA, I'm currently looking at either the zero tolerance 0308blkts or the microtech amphibian as my next hard use folder to replace my aging zt 0303. Could you do a video segment comparing the two? I'm interested in how the steels and edge geometries compare. I love my old 0303 and have carried an 0301 and 0303 for about 12 years, but I just want to retire them.
What's the best big blade for chopping medium sized logs for a backyard fire? I currently use a ka bar kukri but it's rather small, the handle is uncomfortable without gloves. My first choice is the condor king kukri, i love kukris and theyre nice for chopping and i think the convex grind would be nice but what other options would you suggest?
Just bought the AD20.5 with milled titanium scales and it feel ultra durable and some how also premium because of the tight tolerances I think like you mentioned on the cibenza.
Hey DCA, if you were building multiple "bug out" bags (8 or so), and they were going to be stored in trunks of cars for long periods of time between any sort of periodic maintenance, what 3 to 3.5 inch folder would you suggest? Keeping in mind, there will already be a victorinox classic, as well as a first aid kit in each.
S30 or s35 blade steel. Low maintenance nice edge and good strength . Would prefer the s35vn . But you didn't give a budget and that is a lot of knives . So maybe 14c28n .and there are a lot of good knives with that steel . Civivi in particular.
Ontario Rat 1
@davidandersen5548 never owned one so didn't think about them .. They are probably not as popular outside of the USA.
i always come back to the handle and blade design of the AD demko knives it is the best hybrid between finger guard/ finger chole no other handle on any other knife (maybe some full tangs because they do have choles and manchettes too) so yea its the iconic handle shape/ blade shape and when ever i look at any new knife i keep wanting to go back to the handle as i love the blend/ hybrization of the handle finger guard/finger choile it litterly gives both the finger guard and choile
same with the spyderco knives
Hello DCA. A fellow from Sweden here. The ice is finally breaking of from the river here outside and fishing season is getting closer every day. But I'm missing a good fishing knife for the new season. I do have an old Mora (ofcorse, I'm swedish) and Roxon 803 Elite multitool with a little saw and pliers. They are helpful but I feel the need for a good folder or fixblade. I would like a knife to be able to cut some fish and do some light woodworking done when I'm on the river bank. Would like to see some knifes around 50-160$. Thank you for all your helpfull tips!
Regarding steels and sharpening: The tougher a steel, the better blade it will make - FOR ME - Period. Like David, I can sharpen knives, something I could not do when I was young and impatient. Nowadays, I generally dislike most of the so-called 'Super Steels' because sharpening a damaged edge (and let's face it, eventually almost all knives will take edge damage) is ridiculously difficult with something like CPM-20CV. This is why my Doug Ritter Hogue MK I with a 20CV blade sits in a sheath on my headboard, and my Bestech Ronan or my Vosteed Raccoon with 14C28N always ride in my pocket today. The day someone makes a crossbar locking knife with a blade made from AEB-L (the greatest steel ever used to make a knife) I'll hand over a whole paycheck.
For an expensive beater, I'd go with a Chaves Ultramar Redencion, a Spyderco PM2/ Para 3, or a WE Knives High-Fin.
Hey DCA, what up Thomas. Im not sure if you guys have done this yet, but it'd be fun to watch you and Seth have a 5 knife challenge on an episode of between two blades. With a budget of say... $500 you guys pick any combination of 5 knives based on the usual criteria and compair the results. I know you guys have done similar experiments in the past, but I truly enjoy watching the thought process you both use in your decisions.
My most edc'ed knife is easily my Kunwu Orian. And it lives in my pocket . I have we , civivi, lionsteel, boker and benchmade folders . But that Kunwu, it just feels right . And I have a few good blade steels . D2,14c28n ,vg10, s35vn ,3v,20cv s45vn . But the vanax on the Kunwu is something else .
20.5 w 3v steel is basically indestructible. It’s been my work knife for a while. You could beat it with a hammer and it wouldn’t care.
I also use my Chris Reeve knives for all sorts of things. But I find the blade too delicate for really hard work. For those jobs I would choose a Hinderer or Rockstead.
Well, okay, then. (These are current Amazon prices). 1) Fixie--CS Peacemaker ll--about $28. 2) EDC folder--Either a Flissa 3.5" serrated crossbar folder ($15) or S&W M&P Spec Ops assisted 4" ($17.50 on sale right now.) 3) CS XL Luzon 6" (for gentlemen with extra-large pockets)--about $45. That leaves about $30 for another knife, so--Eafengrow folder, take your pick.
Hey DCA could you do a video on your top 10 folders with a 4" plus blade? Thanks
Hey DCA, would love to hear your opinion on the following criteria for an edc/survival fixed blade knife preferably under $150. The knife will be carried for self defense, harder edc tasks and outdoor activities.(carving, food prep, and batoning if needed) Should be able to be carried in the waistband appendix concealed carry, with a flat grind, drop or clip point blade around 3 inches in length. Also a comfortable handle (i love g10) not forgetting a reliable finger guard. I currently carry my Esee izula II w/Ulti clip but would love something with a longer edge holding steel, but not comprising the toughness ( maybe CruWear) so it will still be a work horse of a knife. This will be paired with my edc folder. Any suggestions? Thx, keep up the great content.
My folding beater knifes. Is my Cold Steel SR1 Tonto. And Cold Steel recon one Tonto point partial serration. From way back in the day.
I'd love to know your opinion on an EDC folding knife with finger safe lock, either sub 3 inch blade or right around 3 inches, deep carry clip, under or right around $100. I'd prefer micarta scales but they might be making it too particular.
Hello DCA! How are you mate? We are advised to carry three cutting tools for woodcraft or survival. A field knife such as a golock for shelter building or an axe . A belt knife for general purpose and a pocket folding knife for 1st aid and smaller tasks. What is your opinion and choice? Thank you 🙏
Morakniv Mora of Sweden Outdoor 2000 Utility Knife 4.3" and a Civivi Vision. Just two knives as the Vision is both EDC and gentlemanly - no need for a third blade.
I wouldn't hesitate to use my Hinderer XM-18 in any situation. I also wouldn't hesitate to use my Microtech Scarab II, Fallkniven PXL, or Benchmade Adamas.
Best heavy duty beater folder. Cold Steel SR1
Hi David, What is your edc knife steel, or steels?
The best feature of the Sebenza is the pivot bushing. No fiddling around with tiny screws that constantly come loose. Just tighten it and forget about them.
Hi, I recently bought the Black Fox B. Key knife to use as necklace as I was looking for a knife that would not look like a knife? Though I am happy with my choice, what could be other knives that can be used as necklaces but do not look like a knife? Would the CRKT CEO fit that description? Thanks!
I'd go Cold Steel SRK-C (though I've never handled one it seems great for the money) for the fixed blade, Leatherman Micra for the gentleman's knife, and a Civivi Mini Praxis for the EDC. Comes out to basically $100 on the dot. I'd be a lot happier if I had like $150 to spend though.
K bar Dozier, cold steel Canadian belt knife, Victorinox tinker. Boom, didn't even have to think about it. I haven't added it up but I'd bet that's easily under $100, and these knives are going to last.
The CJRB Ria is a fantastic knife
Hi DCA and Thomas, I have a question: what is a folder that is priced higher than you are comfortable spending on one that you have handled and lusted after? I am curious if there is a knife more expensive than the Sebenza that you have been eyeing or is the Sebenza just that good in your eyes.
I really like that Boker.
O1 steel is one of the most popular steels for bushcraft knives and small woodcarving knives. Why is it not used more in folders and other types of fixed blades?
Edit: Subbing out the Kershaw for the Bestechman Ronin: $51.90 so we can keep it under $100 ($93.86 total). This leaves room to pick up a different Mora knife and keeps the same fun action with the crossbar knife. Executive knife-the Swiss tech Gerundet: $29.97 (Daily folder-Kershaw Iridium: $64.95(tanto or gray)) Fixed blade-Mora basic 511: $11.99 that's over by $6 unless we can find these knives for cheaper 🤷. I stand by these picks even if it's a little over budget
Hey DCA, I'm fairly new to the knife world and i don't know that many good value knives or knife brands and was looking for some options. I'm looking for a premium feeling knife around the $100 - $250 mark though if its a bit over that's fine and, due to knife laws in my country, ideally it would have a blade under 3.35 inches. If you do answer this thank you very much and I love your content.
What are some of the thinnest blade stock knives at KnifeCenter?
can you blue a d2 blade, without losing its temper/hardening???
I prefer light folders (under 3 ounces) with short blades (say, under 3.25 inches) and long handles (say, 4 plus inches). I like lockbacks and own Ka-Bar Dozier, Delica, and Buck 112 Slim Select. Others?
What would you suggest for a vine hunter? I want to kill a lot of vines in my woods edges.
Trio: Gerber affinity copper or aluminum (36/49) or Bear and Son liner lock flipper (30); Honey Badger 1004 large flipper (36) or QSP Penguin with carbon handles (39); mora companion HD (20) or Cold Steel SRK compact (33). Most expensive combo is $118; least is $86.
They make a Swiss Army knife with fingernail clippers, in a small knife with the regular Swiss Army knife cool stuff like tweezers and toothpick. The one I have has small scissors. The whole package is small and freaking incredible. Highly recommended!!!!!!
You the man DCA!!!
I just got one of the srk knives with a coated blade for my fishing belt. what would be a better option? must be fixed blade, i prefer serrations (down side to the srk) and must be corrosion resistant (salt water)
Sense! Thanks.
Can you recommend some more budget friendly alternatives to the Sypderco Yojumbo?
I like budget oriented videos just so you know
I could never choose between the native 5 and Sage 5. They are both my favorite spyderco knives. Both the unsung heroes of the lineup in my opinion
Hey DCA! Imagine you can only have 3 traditional knives...1 for edc, 1 for outdoors and one to have as display knife on top of you chimney....what would you choose and keep it under $400
Sage 5 all day long! Sage is basically a perfect user Spyderco.
So if you lost all your knives and had to rebuild your collection, what would be your first 5 knives. 1 being a work fixed blade, a compact fixed blade, a edc pocket knife, a gentleman’s knife, and a multi tool
Gent’s: CKRT Symmetry 19.95 (now on sale) Folder: Buck 110 Slim select 33.95 Fixed: Mora Bushcraft Black 45.99 Total: 99.89
I love putting my hinderer xm18 skinny to some hard use
I'm in the process of making a handle and sheath for a jääkäripuukko 85, and I've totally been bitten by the maker bug! What other knife blanks can you recommend? Any other knife related crafting ideas would be appreciated too! :)
Would love to see a foding food prep top 10
MSI and MKM Hero. I also like all my ZTs as more premium "beaters"
The opinel is a great choice for the gentleman's knife as well.
you guys are Awesom!!!!
If you had to chuck wood with a woodchuck what knife would you chuck wood with?
Hey dca/ t man! In a world where the essie chirp and mora exist lets cut twice and keep going, how close can you get a three knife combo to $75 or even $50 without stooping to sw, shrade or camillius levels?
Heu there. I've got a 100$ trio! I'd go: mora (obviously) outdoor 2000, boker magnum rockstub, and Real Steel Solis lite.
Hi DCA. I am looking for a premium fixed blade hunting knife. I can’t decide between S90V or MagnaCut. Any suggestions? Is there any other steel that can perform better in a hunting knife?
S35VN also 3V more selection lower cost.
Looking for a fixed blade knife with a good sheath for scout carry, leather preferred but not required. Any suggestions?
Check out the Bradford guardian. Not a true about carry but close enough.
Look at Schrade Old Timer.
Buck Knives. 420HC D2 and S35VN all come with leather sheath.
CRKT Hunt’n Fisch by Larry Fischer comes to mind. Beautiful handle and blade w/great file work and jimping. Not to mention the leather scout carry purposed sheath. Mine has even developed a bit of a patina on the sheath.
Beater- AD-10 comes to mind.
Oh btw, those securex sheaths tend to split a little over time.
Yes to the ria. Very underrated.
I’m a huge fan of sharpening RPM9 it’s so easy to remove the burr and it leave a super sharp blade behind.
@@MikeyD8716 I agree. I have gotten screaming sharp.
For heavy use - Zero Tolerance!
Looking for marlinspike knife with premium steels
Which would you choose - a Spyderco Stretch 2 LW in K390 or a Spyderco Leafjumper in K390?
Hi David, If you were invited to a wedding of two knives, the male was 235VN and the female was Magnacut. What steel knife would you bring so as not to offend the marrying couple?