You guys rock! I'm 50 and I have been into knives since I was 10. You guys have taught me more about knives in a few months than I ever knew!!! I consult you guys on knives before I ever make a purchase!!! Thank you for all you do!!!
I love knife banter for what it is, and I always watch it, but lately I've been seriously appreciating the humor and interaction that Jamie has/gets. Gets me every time
I edc a 10 inch fix blade on a belt about 4 days out of the week. The other days, I've had a old swiss army I found in a drawr when I was 7. Had it ever since. Definitely not scared of a big knife.
Of all your videos over the years, this is one of my favorite. We all have fond memories of the special people and the special knives in our lives. Thank you for sharing yours with us. It would be awesome to have more of these personal stories, maybe from additional Blade HQ employees who are interested?. Personally, my dad who was a Marine (and is passed away) left me his old Marine Corp KBAR (served from ‘60-64). I remember him telling me he would give it to me later when I grew up. I have a few knives from him that are very special but unfortunately my dads KBAR got stolen from his car when I was about 15 years old. My dad passed away shortly after I was out of college. I remember he kept the sheath so pristine that it turned completely black with the oil. He showed me the knife a few times and I always remember it covered in oil from head to toe. It was a reflection of who he was as a person, always keen to take special care of the few things he had on life. I miss my dad and the times we shared, like when he let me peer into his world when I was too young to have those things. I think this video epitomizes what we all really love about knives, and it’s really about who we love and memories from those times. Zac, don’t ever get rid of these knives. Pass them on to your kids.
My brothers and I all have the North Fork and I absolutely love it! The recurve is nice and it looks amazing. It's easy to maintain and it's really nice overall
I just did my firsg ever leather project, i found a crazy knife at an antique shop, but it had no sheath, so i made one, and it came out great, im so proud of myself, hahaha
For a guy who's going to use his knife, I feel like washers are the way to go over bearings. That would rule out the ZT. Between the north fork and shaman, I think the shaman is a better value. Spyderco just puts out a more consistent product and I think as someone who likes the axis lock, you should give the compression lock a try. I prefer to he axis, personally
Alec Kenny I carry either a Paramilitary 2 with compression or a Benchmade Mini Barrage as my daily, and I cannot pick between the two locking mechanisms cause they're both so well executed. I love both.
562, it's going to be a bit stronger than the shaman, and the other ideal would be the North Fork, but I'm pretty sure that's the one Kenton has. I was the only one that carried a 562 while I was there as far as I'm aware, you should totally carry on the legacy because it's criminal that nobody else carries that one
In the last 2 years or so I have become a large Benchmade fan- I enjoy purpose build, American made, high quality knives and I truly believe that is what you get. I own a north fork in the G-10 and absolutely love it. I actually returned a Buck Vantage (Cabelas version with the S30V steel) for it because I was disappointed with Bucks fit and finish. I love the S30V blade steel and you cannot go wrong with their customer service. The Boker is also a great looking knife... overall it's not just your preferences on a knife... sometimes it's also what's behind that knife.
I've been wanting to get a kizer vanguard vigor since I started getting into knives, it was my first dream knife and I finally got one when it went on sale and it feels so good to have it in my hands after all this time.
I love the videos that come out. I had a knife addiction before I saw blade HQ on RUclips . After that I’ve been ok with my knife addiction. With the knowledge given it’s helped me purchase my new EDC. Keep it up!
Benchmade. I have the same knife and carried it for at least 2 years. Kept an edge almost the entire time. Only dulled when I had to cut a bunch of rope. Great knife and I highly recommend the benchmade
I think the Spyderco is the answer! You already have an axis lock in the collection, which eliminates the benchmade. The boker is a bit ok the cheap material side. The ZT is really large which is not a problem, but it's heavy. And the Kizer is the obvious budget option.
I've used my Benchmade North Fork daily as an electrician for about a year now and it's a pretty damn tough knife for what I put it through. The forward jimping and the recurve are super comfortable to cut with/strip wire etc.
My dad has that same exact buck 120 in our kitchen right now behind a bunch of old stuff we don't use... it is duller than a butter knife, but still interesting to know it is that old, he can't remember when he got it. Just says he had it forever.
I picked up a few Kizer's from you for Christmas presents (and one for me) because of the sale, and they are absolutely stunning. If I was Zac I would seriously consider the Kizer.
I suggest the Spyderco Shaman, it's a strong knife but not exaggerated overbuilt. It's got a stonewashed finish that will hide well the wear, a fun locking mechanism, spydie hole, great size and ergonomics.
My dads buck 120 was given to me, bought in the early 80s. I was clearing some brush and the dam blade broke rite in half. I still have it ,and have yet to send it back to buck.
Ben- I love modifying my knives to make them my own unique item. My current EDC is a Byrd Meadowlark with a zip tie mod and stone washed deep carry titanium clip I got for USA knife makers and had to modify to fit the holes. This made it something special to me as I made it something unique that I am much more proud of then if I and just purchased a more expensive blade. My vote Spyderco Shaman. You make those scales Zac. Make it your own.
Shaman would be a great first large size EDC. Compression lock is amazing functionally and for fidgeting. Anytime you want to customize a knife it means you are really interested in it.
I said the ZT0562 in the poll, but I think you should get the ZT0562BLK. 20CV steel is awesome, and you would be able to create an awesome patina with the DLC finish.
Zero Tolerance 0562! I own two of them along with many other working knives. I try to rotate my edc knives but, if I know I’m going to be in the shop or the woods, an 0562 is what I’m most likely to grab for the day. It’s not just a good looking knife. It will do work!
For Zac, I'd go with the Benchmade. It's thick and designed for use in a variety of unusual grips, so it would accomodate all his fiddling and prying and reaching into odd spaces.
I daily carry the ZT 561. I have many more that cost twice as much but for some reason the ZT is my goto. so with the 562 being on the table I would say that is your best bang for the buck. I would suggest going with the carbon fiber option but it's all in what you like. Cheers from California
right now zt562 is at 30% and the spyderco is at 33%. so I am ordering the spyderco on monday. Dan I will get back with you on Friday and let you know what I think ( like you really care lol) on a different note you should give the benchmade 942-2 a look. just ordered one to replace the 942 I lost a few years back. great knife and at $170 it's right where your looking at. also I am a lefty and benchmade has there locks dialed in for both hands.
I personally would choose the Benchmade North Fork it’s one hell of a good looking knife!! ,But if I were Zac and had his budget I’d definitely buy the Boker plus save a little cash and get a killer knife Awesome of you guys to use my comment made my day !
I've heard pretty much nothing but good things about ZT, but if you want to really beat stuff up I think the Shaman may be the way to go. It has the compression lock, decently thick blade stock for an EDC, chamfered scales, and the spyder hole (which I personally really enjoy). But at the end of the day, I hope you enjoy whatever you get!👍🏼
I really like the Shaman and feel like it would be a good fit because of how the blade sits lower down from the handle and frame. I feel like it is a real tool knife, it has some real utility being able to completely sit the blade edge down on what you’re cutting without your hand hitting, kind of like a chef’s knife that’s able to be folded but without it looking ridiculous. It also has a strengthened tip, which is hard to find on certain Spyderco products, like the PM2.
So I would go with a couple options. My first choice and it is what I voted, is the Benchmade North Fork. You’re used to the axis lock and the operation of benchmades, the wood matches your style, and it’s in your size range. This being said, if you want a bigger knife I would go with either of them. The ZT is a nice knife but it seems very tactical for your purposes, however, the nice grind, action, and deep carry clips are wins. The Shaman is nice, except it’s pretty heavy and doesn’t have a great clip. If you really put your mind to it, I assume you could make micarta scales for both the ZT and the Shaman. So I would recommend either the North Fork for your small carry, or ZT with your custom micarta scales for large carry
That barlow is sick man. Gramps was a good man I can tell by that knife lol. I'd like to make one but the only barlow knives I have are VERY old and I could never see myself hammering the pins out of them haha
I daily a Benchmade Northfork and i put a deep carry titanium pocket clip on it with a custom Benchmade logo on it from Amazon for like $40 and it's the perfect edc knife and I really love the wood look
With regards to the discussion about buy and immediately modifying knives, I'm not sure I agree. I bought a Boker Urban trapper recently, and I love it, but I decided to clean up the edges of the liners, as they had a fairly rough finish, and colour the pocket clip. I love the knife overall now, and I bought it knowing I'd probably make some changes.
That's fair. I've had several knives that I've wanted, but I think about grind down the blade a half inch and making major mods to it. When I step back from it I realize it's just not what I really want-- it doesn't actually meet my needs. So, smaller changes, sure. Huge, functional changes, not for me. -Ben
The Benchmade North Fork is awesome but I had Benchmade send me the "new" mini clip from their Bugout knife. The mini clip totally changes the ergonomics with how the handle feels in hand- less clip = better/smoother grip. With the Dynawood- as rugged as the man with beard yet classy for those black tie occasions. Besides, every knife guy needs a Benchmade!!!!
While picking up a larger knife could be nice, it seems to me you would prefer a knife with a smaller blade profile to get into tight spaces (working on bikes, etc.) so I would recommend the ZT0450/cf! Right in the middle of your price range, great size, ZT quality, check it out!
I have a ZT 0562CF and a Manix 2 in M4. Given your tasks, interests, etc., I would recommend the Shaman ( based on your choices.) Consider a Steel Will Cutjack in D2 as a beater. My next knife will be a Steel Will Modus in M390 and CF scales.
Zac is on that fine line between a guy who takes care of his tools and a guy who abuses them. Here's what he should do: 1) Yes, send the HK for repair 2) Send the Buck for repair, with instructions to please return the knife if it can't be repaired. (they might surprise you) 3) Before either of the above two knives come back, quickly buy another, or his window of opportunity will be lost. 4) Just realized this video is old and it's a moot point. Dam. (ha!) As for comments on the channel, I really like it. I like how you solicit others' viewpoints and point out realistic concerns about the knives. How about your video editor making some videos? We sure like his interjections. Here's a fun idea: solicit user videos on a certain topic, and have your guy video edit them and post them on your channel. (with author permission, of course)
Outside suggestion from what I’ve seen of your collection. You have sentimental values and use your blades. I think the Al-mar Eagle g-10 might be something you’d like. It’s a sleek pocketable 4” rocker lockback system and classic vg -10 steel. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with its ability
That Buck 119 is a keeper, even though I prefer the 124. As far as a good blade for him? I thing he'd do great with two. The Esee Avispa and the Case Tribal Lock. You seem to be doing good for him though.
It seems like Mr. Zac needs one good modern do-everything tough use literally EVERYDAY carry knife. His H&K is still functional but a little broken. He can dip his toe into collecting later; i think for a real heavy duty reliable tough knife the ZT is the one to beat. No regrets to be had there. Close call for the Shaman. I dunno about the Boker or the Kizer.
The Spyderco Shaman is the way to go. And if you're going to pry with your knife, get a Cold Steel tanto -- maybe a Recon 1. The CTS-XHP steel is great and the tanto has a great tip. And if you want to baton with it, go right ahead. Check out the *Ultimate Hunter* or the Large *Recon 1* or even the *Code 4* tanto (if you want something small). Of these, take a close look at the Ultimate Hunter.
I’m watching this in 2020 just thinking about zacs’s knives then and now there’s a few more now
hahaha same
I’m watching this in 2021, Zac is now, unfortunately gone :(
Fall of 2021.
Where has the time gone, I remember getting the notification for for this video. 😞💥🔫
You guys rock! I'm 50 and I have been into knives since I was 10. You guys have taught me more about knives in a few months than I ever knew!!! I consult you guys on knives before I ever make a purchase!!! Thank you for all you do!!!
Buck will fix that Canoe for you, 10$ blade replacement at the most.
Its just an excuse to get another knife for the content.
Finally, after 3 years you have 69 likes on your comment
Life isn’t complete without a Boker mermaid in the rotation
You look like you carry that on a regular basis lol
Main Man Trevor
That Buck 120 is like the Remington 870, or the Estwing framing hammer......an iconic American workhorse.
I swear one of the best parts of these videos are how the editor calls you out when you're wrong ON SCREEN. IMMEDIATELY. Its nice.
Who else was ready for Matthew to put in a three hour flying peacock montage with ambient music?
I love knife banter for what it is, and I always watch it, but lately I've been seriously appreciating the humor and interaction that Jamie has/gets. Gets me every time
Natalie M agreed
I’m pretty sure Jamie doesn’t edit these things anymore
Awww :( well if that's true, whoever IS doing the editing is still speaking to me on a hilarious level
Natalie M they say it’s some guy named Matthew in this episode
I'm just a dumbass in that case 😂😂😂
I love that all of his gear has a story and a history that means something. That sentimental value brings so much more meaning to EDC gear.
I edc a 10 inch fix blade on a belt about 4 days out of the week. The other days, I've had a old swiss army I found in a drawr when I was 7. Had it ever since. Definitely not scared of a big knife.
I love the edits that are always thrown in 👌 you should take the best ones and make like a spoof video of them😏👍
Yes do this asap!
End of the year special maybe... -Matthew
The mailbag edit was from a channel called kitty0706, he died from cancer. Seeing the edit reminded me of him. Thanks blade HQ
Of all your videos over the years, this is one of my favorite. We all have fond memories of the special people and the special knives in our lives. Thank you for sharing yours with us. It would be awesome to have more of these personal stories, maybe from additional Blade HQ employees who are interested?.
Personally, my dad who was a Marine (and is passed away) left me his old Marine Corp KBAR (served from ‘60-64). I remember him telling me he would give it to me later when I grew up. I have a few knives from him that are very special but unfortunately my dads KBAR got stolen from his car when I was about 15 years old. My dad passed away shortly after I was out of college. I remember he kept the sheath so pristine that it turned completely black with the oil. He showed me the knife a few times and I always remember it covered in oil from head to toe. It was a reflection of who he was as a person, always keen to take special care of the few things he had on life. I miss my dad and the times we shared, like when he let me peer into his world when I was too young to have those things. I think this video epitomizes what we all really love about knives, and it’s really about who we love and memories from those times. Zac, don’t ever get rid of these knives. Pass them on to your kids.
Before this vid, I didn't know peacocks could fly! The more you know🌠
My brothers and I all have the North Fork and I absolutely love it! The recurve is nice and it looks amazing. It's easy to maintain and it's really nice overall
I just did my firsg ever leather project, i found a crazy knife at an antique shop, but it had no sheath, so i made one, and it came out great, im so proud of myself, hahaha
For a guy who's going to use his knife, I feel like washers are the way to go over bearings. That would rule out the ZT. Between the north fork and shaman, I think the shaman is a better value. Spyderco just puts out a more consistent product and I think as someone who likes the axis lock, you should give the compression lock a try. I prefer to he axis, personally
Alec Kenny I carry either a Paramilitary 2 with compression or a Benchmade Mini Barrage as my daily, and I cannot pick between the two locking mechanisms cause they're both so well executed. I love both.
Benchmade north fork 💯🦋 ...then pair that with the Benchmade proper in green canvas micarta and ask Santa for the 05562. #nailedit
That fixed blade Buck knife is really nice. I love the shape of the blade and the "blood groove" on the sides.
562, it's going to be a bit stronger than the shaman, and the other ideal would be the North Fork, but I'm pretty sure that's the one Kenton has. I was the only one that carried a 562 while I was there as far as I'm aware, you should totally carry on the legacy because it's criminal that nobody else carries that one
I like those 3 second movie clips you guys throw in the middle of the video. Quite a few of them in this particular video. Good job guys.
In the last 2 years or so I have become a large Benchmade fan- I enjoy purpose build, American made, high quality knives and I truly believe that is what you get. I own a north fork in the G-10 and absolutely love it. I actually returned a Buck Vantage (Cabelas version with the S30V steel) for it because I was disappointed with Bucks fit and finish. I love the S30V blade steel and you cannot go wrong with their customer service. The Boker is also a great looking knife... overall it's not just your preferences on a knife... sometimes it's also what's behind that knife.
Zac is awesome on the show! really enjoying knife banter recently
I've been wanting to get a kizer vanguard vigor since I started getting into knives, it was my first dream knife and I finally got one when it went on sale and it feels so good to have it in my hands after all this time.
Also the shaman with micarta would make that knife flawless!! Great idea!!
You both have great chemistry I could watch you guys talk about anything. Maybe things you do daily that you use your knife.
My favorite part of these videos is the added editing and funny add ins😂
North Fork is classy and that handle is beautiful. I think the wood fits him well. Plus you can't go wrong with the axis lock.
It makes my heart warm that Zac does charity work. It seems like everyone at this company is a good person
I love the videos that come out. I had a knife addiction before I saw blade HQ on RUclips . After that I’ve been ok with my knife addiction. With the knowledge given it’s helped me purchase my new EDC. Keep it up!
Benchmade. I have the same knife and carried it for at least 2 years. Kept an edge almost the entire time. Only dulled when I had to cut a bunch of rope. Great knife and I highly recommend the benchmade
I have that same exact bowie!!! It was my grandfather's originally but my dad has since given it to me!!!
I think the Spyderco is the answer! You already have an axis lock in the collection, which eliminates the benchmade. The boker is a bit ok the cheap material side. The ZT is really large which is not a problem, but it's heavy. And the Kizer is the obvious budget option.
Caleb Speck the zt really isn't heavy at all
ZT looks like a winner
I still carry the Buck Canoe. It is an awesome knife. Everyday for seven years. Given to me by my son in law.
I've used my Benchmade North Fork daily as an electrician for about a year now and it's a pretty damn tough knife for what I put it through. The forward jimping and the recurve are super comfortable to cut with/strip wire etc.
The Benchmade. You get that wonderful axis lock, Benchmade quality and it looks gorgeous
That's a beautiful story about your Dads Buck knive!
As a working man my self you can't go wrong with benchmade I love those wood handles
My dad has that same exact buck 120 in our kitchen right now behind a bunch of old stuff we don't use... it is duller than a butter knife, but still interesting to know it is that old, he can't remember when he got it. Just says he had it forever.
Do a budget knife series
Best $50 and under... I just bout the Snakry by CRKT
Get the Shaman and then make a video or a series of videos on the process of making the custom micarta handles. Love the show guys!
Looking at his collection he is OBVIOUSLY a North Fork kind of guy. Love that knife
I picked up a few Kizer's from you for Christmas presents (and one for me) because of the sale, and they are absolutely stunning. If I was Zac I would seriously consider the Kizer.
More episodes with Zac! He's so cool I wish I was related to him!!!
I love the Buck 119! It's my 2nd favorite of my fixed blades right after my KA-BAR! 😀👌
You would do well with the Shaman, cool name too!
You guys are just great together! Keep up the good work!
I suggest the Spyderco Shaman, it's a strong knife but not exaggerated overbuilt. It's got a stonewashed finish that will hide well the wear, a fun locking mechanism, spydie hole, great size and ergonomics.
Zac is awesome I love how he has a cool story for most of his knives
My dads buck 120 was given to me, bought in the early 80s. I was clearing some brush and the dam blade broke rite in half. I still have it ,and have yet to send it back to buck.
I agree. Shaman, and put the micarta on and let us see!! Now I want to do the same!
Ben-
I love modifying my knives to make them my own unique item. My current EDC is a Byrd Meadowlark with a zip tie mod and stone washed deep carry titanium clip I got for USA knife makers and had to modify to fit the holes.
This made it something special to me as I made it something unique that I am much more proud of then if I and just purchased a more expensive blade.
My vote Spyderco Shaman. You make those scales Zac. Make it your own.
I have to say the shaman all the way! I have quite a few knives and I pick the shaman 9 out of 10 days. Super strong work knife with great ergonomics!
Shaman would be a great first large size EDC. Compression lock is amazing functionally and for fidgeting. Anytime you want to customize a knife it means you are really interested in it.
I said the ZT0562 in the poll, but I think you should get the ZT0562BLK. 20CV steel is awesome, and you would be able to create an awesome patina with the DLC finish.
Benchmade North Fork all the way! It's my personal favorite in my collection.
Knife banter is the best banter
Shaman...wouldn't be my first pick but i think it will fit his needs best
I could watch these all day, great videos
Zero Tolerance 0562! I own two of them along with many other working knives. I try to rotate my edc knives but, if I know I’m going to be in the shop or the woods, an 0562 is what I’m most likely to grab for the day. It’s not just a good looking knife. It will do work!
I get criticized with my knife collection by mom and dad but I watch you guys and you make me fell beter
The best knife and the one I recommend to everyone is the Kershaw Filter I’ve had mine for at least six years only has needed to be sharpened
For Zac, I'd go with the Benchmade. It's thick and designed for use in a variety of unusual grips, so it would accomodate all his fiddling and prying and reaching into odd spaces.
Fall of 2021.
Where has the time gone, I remember getting the notification for for this video. 😞💥🔫
the handle on the northfork is beautiful
I daily carry the ZT 561. I have many more that cost twice as much but for some reason the ZT is my goto. so with the 562 being on the table I would say that is your best bang for the buck. I would suggest going with the carbon fiber option but it's all in what you like. Cheers from California
right now zt562 is at 30% and the spyderco is at 33%. so I am ordering the spyderco on monday. Dan I will get back with you on Friday and let you know what I think ( like you really care lol) on a different note you should give the benchmade 942-2 a look. just ordered one to replace the 942 I lost a few years back. great knife and at $170 it's right where your looking at. also I am a lefty and benchmade has there locks dialed in for both hands.
Time for a Spyderco
I personally would choose the Benchmade North Fork it’s one hell of a good looking knife!! ,But if I were Zac and had his budget I’d definitely buy the Boker plus save a little cash and get a killer knife
Awesome of you guys to use my comment made my day !
ZT because you can't go wrong with a big beefy knife. You will not be disappointed.
I've heard pretty much nothing but good things about ZT, but if you want to really beat stuff up I think the Shaman may be the way to go. It has the compression lock, decently thick blade stock for an EDC, chamfered scales, and the spyder hole (which I personally really enjoy). But at the end of the day, I hope you enjoy whatever you get!👍🏼
Awsome show dudes ! find the concept really cool !
I really like the Shaman and feel like it would be a good fit because of how the blade sits lower down from the handle and frame. I feel like it is a real tool knife, it has some real utility being able to completely sit the blade edge down on what you’re cutting without your hand hitting, kind of like a chef’s knife that’s able to be folded but without it looking ridiculous. It also has a strengthened tip, which is hard to find on certain Spyderco products, like the PM2.
Get the spyderco you will never regret it and you will love it forever it's a beautiful knife and would look great with the custom scales
So I would go with a couple options. My first choice and it is what I voted, is the Benchmade North Fork. You’re used to the axis lock and the operation of benchmades, the wood matches your style, and it’s in your size range. This being said, if you want a bigger knife I would go with either of them. The ZT is a nice knife but it seems very tactical for your purposes, however, the nice grind, action, and deep carry clips are wins. The Shaman is nice, except it’s pretty heavy and doesn’t have a great clip. If you really put your mind to it, I assume you could make micarta scales for both the ZT and the Shaman. So I would recommend either the North Fork for your small carry, or ZT with your custom micarta scales for large carry
That barlow is sick man. Gramps was a good man I can tell by that knife lol. I'd like to make one but the only barlow knives I have are VERY old and I could never see myself hammering the pins out of them haha
Benchmade north fork
I daily a Benchmade Northfork and i put a deep carry titanium pocket clip on it with a custom Benchmade logo on it from Amazon for like $40 and it's the perfect edc knife and I really love the wood look
That fixed buck is a beauty
With regards to the discussion about buy and immediately modifying knives, I'm not sure I agree. I bought a Boker Urban trapper recently, and I love it, but I decided to clean up the edges of the liners, as they had a fairly rough finish, and colour the pocket clip. I love the knife overall now, and I bought it knowing I'd probably make some changes.
That's fair. I've had several knives that I've wanted, but I think about grind down the blade a half inch and making major mods to it. When I step back from it I realize it's just not what I really want-- it doesn't actually meet my needs. So, smaller changes, sure. Huge, functional changes, not for me. -Ben
Shaman! As a guy who likes working with his hands, he's wanting to try working with Micarta. Fun video!
Shaman for sure. It's probably the toughest knife you have on the table and for you I think that would be pretty important.
1:37 “That’s not a knife!”
*shing!*
“THAT’S a knife.”
Knoif
Zac is so wholesome
The Benchmade North Fork is awesome but I had Benchmade send me the "new" mini clip from their Bugout knife. The mini clip totally changes the ergonomics with how the handle feels in hand- less clip = better/smoother grip. With the Dynawood- as rugged as the man with beard yet classy for those black tie occasions. Besides, every knife guy needs a Benchmade!!!!
I carry the kizer v3 every day and i love it. VG10 is awesome, it is a very handsome knife and you can not beat the price.
While picking up a larger knife could be nice, it seems to me you would prefer a knife with a smaller blade profile to get into tight spaces (working on bikes, etc.) so I would recommend the ZT0450/cf! Right in the middle of your price range, great size, ZT quality, check it out!
I have a ZT 0562CF and a Manix 2 in M4. Given your tasks, interests, etc., I would recommend the Shaman ( based on your choices.) Consider a Steel Will Cutjack in D2 as a beater. My next knife will be a Steel Will Modus in M390 and CF scales.
I'd go with either the Benchmade or the Kizer. I have the black Kizer V3 Vigor and it is absolutely amazing.
The 2 best hosts of Knife Banter. Ben and Zac were the best hosts. Definitely miss Ben on Knife Banter.
"You can also deal with it"
The Best!
Zac is on that fine line between a guy who takes care of his tools and a guy who abuses them. Here's what he should do:
1) Yes, send the HK for repair
2) Send the Buck for repair, with instructions to please return the knife if it can't be repaired. (they might surprise you)
3) Before either of the above two knives come back, quickly buy another, or his window of opportunity will be lost.
4) Just realized this video is old and it's a moot point. Dam. (ha!)
As for comments on the channel, I really like it. I like how you solicit others' viewpoints and point out realistic concerns about the knives. How about your video editor making some videos? We sure like his interjections.
Here's a fun idea: solicit user videos on a certain topic, and have your guy video edit them and post them on your channel. (with author permission, of course)
I love Zachs collection
Shaman. The ergonomics of that knife are the best on the table.
Outside suggestion from what I’ve seen of your collection. You have sentimental values and use your blades. I think the Al-mar Eagle g-10 might be something you’d like. It’s a sleek pocketable 4” rocker lockback system and classic vg -10 steel. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with its ability
I would go with the boker, classy looking, but still usable, also love the show guys keep up the good work
For me it would be the ZT 0560. I own it and it hasn't let me down yet it is really pretty tuff also.
Here's an idea for future Knife Banters: maybe showcase different and creative modifications to popular knives (new scales, backspacers, etc.)
That Buck 119 is a keeper, even though I prefer the 124. As far as a good blade for him? I thing he'd do great with two. The Esee Avispa and the Case Tribal Lock. You seem to be doing good for him though.
It seems like Mr. Zac needs one good modern do-everything tough use literally EVERYDAY carry knife. His H&K is still functional but a little broken. He can dip his toe into collecting later; i think for a real heavy duty reliable tough knife the ZT is the one to beat. No regrets to be had there.
Close call for the Shaman.
I dunno about the Boker or the Kizer.
The Spyderco Shaman is the way to go. And if you're going to pry with your knife, get a Cold Steel tanto -- maybe a Recon 1. The CTS-XHP steel is great and the tanto has a great tip. And if you want to baton with it, go right ahead. Check out the *Ultimate Hunter* or the Large *Recon 1* or even the *Code 4* tanto (if you want something small). Of these, take a close look at the Ultimate Hunter.
My vote would be shaman, it’s that heavy duty work knife everyone needs!