Thank you so much DCA for the kitchen knife shout out. I've been waiting around all year long to stumble across a quality and affordable chef knife and I'm glad you showed the Mercer Zum. I placed my order for the 8" thirty minutes ago. Really looking forward to getting the knife and using it when making dinner for the family.
Enjoy and see above, we're lovin' on Mercer real hard up there. That Zum's a looker, no doubt. Very stylish. KC has a pretty good selection of kitchen knives.
The LionSteel T6 in person is gorgeous. I have it in that same handle material and I'm looking forward to how it changes overtime as G-10 doesn't and micarta does.
My favorite fixed blade this year was the Condor Darklore. Its a beautiful knife with 1095 steel and cost just under $100. I got mine a few days ago and love it.
I have their Headstrong for a great hunting knife. 1095 is great. People act like it's a bad steel now but as long as you Oil it you are fine. I got mine for 60
@@jw-vx8imcondor has god awful quality control, there’s like a 50/50 chance you buy one of their knives and it has a problem, especially a heat treat problem . there’s a reason they’re so cheap when every other brand charges more for the same general things. if you want ‘budget’ outdoor knives scandinavia is your best bet. any brisa, the m95 ranger puuko, some helle knives, mora, etc all have much better quality control, fit and finish, materials, heat treats, etc and usually just as cheap if not cheaper than a condor.
With the up coming hard times that many perceive, I prefer to spend my money on knives with US knife companies. The Lionsteel knives are from Maniago, Italy. Any input on current US made knives is welcomed by this old veteran, lol. PS: I have nothing against Italy. I was stationed in Sicily in the early 80's.
Benchmade continues to alienate their customer base. Literally NO ONE who would use this knife for its intended purpose can afford it, any that could wouldn’t even consider it. I’ve owned dozens of benchmade, and love them. That said I’ll be quite sad to see them implode during the next recession.
Yeah, Benchmade has to be the most over rated knife maker on the market. Especially now that their golden goose, the axis lock, is out of the bag. I’m a Cold Steel fan boy unless GSM ruins them but so far so good.
I threw away a bugout the other day and swore off Benchmade. Had it for a few months, never carried it because I always planned on putting new scales and hardware on it. Blade rusted, and both omega springs snapped. I guess I’m not swearing off Benchmade entirely, just any axis style lock. I’ve got a bunch of different knives with a bunch of different locks and that’s the only style of lock that has ever broken/failed. Not worth the headache in my opinion.
This year I purchased the Lion Steel T5 . I absolutely love this fixed blade from Lion Steel. I did re- profile the blade angle and it now performs superbly for deer field processing and skinning. Fits my hand perfectly and keeps a good grip in all conditions. Holds an edge really well. Big thumbs up 👍 for the T5 I'm sure the T6 is just as impressive.
Got that LT Leather neck (thank you KC btw) and it's turned out to be one of my favorite Bowie's! Can't wait for the all black one to come out. A great knife...
I saw it for the first time on this video and it was the most compelling on the table since I already had LionSteel T6. I love when DCA shows me something I didn't know about!
I can attest to the quality of Mercer kitchen knives, best Christmas present I've given my parents in years. The set I bought is the Mercer Genesis 6-piece set in a glass block. Still roughly the same price at $160 as it was a couple years ago. Still razor sharp after some touch ups, and the rubber handles are great for kitchen work.
Take a peek at CRKT, cheap enough to try several blades to figure out what sort you like, solid enough that you dont have to replace it if you dont want to and know how to sharpen. I found that like the Obake, so when I upgraded, I got the Boker Kwaiken fixed.
I bought a lot of EDC fixed blades before I ended up with the Creely Mako. I absolutely love it and carry it all the time. KC currently has one in stock with Cruwear, same one I got.
That chef knife is the same German steel as my messermister. I'm a chef. I was very happy with the edge retention and overall performance with it, right below that price. I can use it for a solid month all night long and have it sharpened by then. I'd highly recommend it.
I'm gobsmacked in LOVE w/my Civivi Elementum in Damascus w/Ebony grips! A pretty little thing that's impressed hell outta me as a de-packaging tool, it's apparently the sharpest knife I own with the exception of when I put a new DeWalt blade in my utility knife...
Surprised none of the Brisa knives made the list. Really love the Trapper 95 with scandi grind and the Elver and Necker with flat grind. I've been getting my kid the Uncle Henry fixed blades with staglon scales. Excellent budget knife and they look really nice too!
My favorite fixed blade knife is my camillus 9.5 titanium bonded 420 stainless steel camp fixed blade knife. With a 4.75 inch 420 stainless steel blade. $20.00 Dollars at Walmart.
I usually agree with most of your ‘best of…….’ videos, HOWEVER, I just received a knife from you guys that I believe should have DEFINITELY been on your list (if not WON). It’s my new pride and joy, the Ontario RAT 6. What’s not to like? It is made out of S35VN steel, it has BEAUTIFUL micarta handle scales, it can easily flex from a survival/ camp knife to a tactical blade AND it arrived at my door for UNDER $170 bucks. It’s a serious tool here folks. Sure, the sheath is only slightly better than the RAT 7 sheath, but it’s ok enough for now. It has a useable finger choil and a decent grind. I don’t have anything bad to say about this knife.
Very good presentation & explanation of your thought process. However… just when I had my mind made up about a fixed blade I’ve been wanting for a long time, you go and show off that Reiff Knives F4 Bushcrafter.
I'm glad you finally recommended a Mercer after I recommended them to you many times. Their mid-range lines are made in Taiwan and use X50CrMoV15, which is a basic steel, but its heat-treated well.
I've always appreciated Mercer's quality, but I have a somewhat particular set of desires I look for in my "default recommendable kitchen knife" that their lineup has never really fulfilled for me. This Zum however is absolutely fantastic. I've been using it in my kitchen for the last couple of months to make sure I can stand behind the recommendation, and I would honestly take this Mercer over a Wusthof. -DCA
@@knifecenter But the Zum line has been around since at least 2017. Their cheaper Genesis line uses the same X50CrMoV15 steel and has basically the same forged construction, but uses rubberized handles over a hidden tang. The reason I like the Genesis line is that for the same price as a Victorinox Fibrox Pro, you can get a more upscale feeling knife. Plus they offer a 6-inch chef's knife.
Actually didn't realize the Zum has been available that long as we just started carrying them at KC not too long ago. That is my mistake!! As for the meat and potatoes of why I like the Zum more (way more) than the Genesis line isn't about the quality because they both have it... the Zum blade simply rocks better on a cutting board... partly because of the shape but also because of the lack of bolster. I have handled a Genesis chef knife where the heel of the blade couldn't make contact with the board surface because it was sharpened enough so the bolster stuck down lower and prevented contact. And that was straight from the factory. Even if it wasn't, the same thing will happen eventually with home sharpening, meaning you'll have to deal with grinding down that bolster eventually, and as such it is just not a feature I like to recommend at all. -DCA
@@knifecenter Every Mercer Culinary Genesis model with a bolster is also available without a bolster (They call it a short bolster). Like the ZuM line, the Genesis line has also been around since at least 2017.
That Boker Micro Tracker looks really cool, but I admit I wouldn’t know where to start trying to sharpen that thing. I have a brush axe/machete kind of thing with a complicated convex-concave edge like that, and unfortunately it wasn’t very sharp out of the box. My attempts to sharpen it only made it worse… I’ll stick with straight or convex blades.
I bought the nomad EDC early this year and it is my vehicle knife. It feels so much bigger then it is. Not in a bulky bad way but in a way that it can take on almost anything with ease. It really is a great all around knife.
For me , hands down , the Lionsteel T6 is the best. 3V blade , excellent blade geometry, 3D micarta handle, reasonably priced....what more do you need??
Could be because of availability. Bohler (the maker of K490), as I hear it, has a really long lead time on steel orders right now, whereas the Crucible steels (such as 3V) have better turnaround on their production right now. This is just conjecture on my part as to the reason for the switch though. -DCA
YEAH! The way I heard it was K490 obviated choosing between M4 better edge holding compared to 3V and 3V better toughness compared to M4. There are tougher, more edge holding alloy of steel, but out of what businesses run on those ( M4 and 3V) have wider availability. I think to each their own: one's personal choices don't have to mirror popular opinion. I could see somebody wanting sharpen ability over edge holding and toughness and there's a huge percentage of the population that only cares about cool factor and low price over higher value.
I started my knife career with always going to the big and heavy knives. The bigger the better. Now I became mature. No need anymore to build a big blockhouse in the Forrest. I stay now with small knives. I love my MKM Nomad and the Boker Daily. Just enough to cut a Salami sausage and French cheese. I was forced to buy both knives, because the sheets (?) and the way to carry my knive at the belt became more important to me, than the question about the steel.
You wrote an interesting comment! For a year and a half I considered pocket fixed blade EDC knives. Seeing other's. My favorite carry is magnetic neck sheath. Carter Cutlery neck knife designs are appealing. I EDC Esse CR 2.5 but I enjoy LionSteel T6 more. T6 is much less practical and doesn't have the range of useful tasks. I just like it better!
The Tellus is just delicious in design, but if what they want is budget stainless in a robust fixed blade, 14C28N would seem to have been the better choice than 440C. Toughness is through the roof, stainlessness is great, and if I have to sacrifice a bit of edge retention for that, I'll take it in this particular use case.
I personally think Spyderco’s Swick 5/6 and Subway Bowie are some notable small fixed blades. The Swick is weirdly comfortable despite the odd handle and is really easy to carry in your pocket. Both are Salts with LC200CN, so no rust. Perfect small and slicey fixed blades for someone like me, here in Florida. I own the Swick 6 and, like I said the hole is the right size for me and it’s really comfortable. I climb and move around the water a lot so it’s handle is nice and secure. The finish is also really nice and it’s made in Colorado.
I’d like to mention that their Aqua Salt and Fish Hunter fixed blades are fantastic, but they’re discontinued soon so I recommend anyone should try to grab them if they can. I like serrations personally, but a nice aggressive edge seems to work well on plain edge H1.
Also I’m looking at that Lionsteel and it’s cool, but Spyderco was recently making their Province in 4V. A 6-7 inch bowie in 4V for $280. So even less than the Lionsteel, although you had to buy the Kydex/boltaron separately if you didn’t like the leather. Unfortunately that knife was also discontinued recently, which I’ll never understand, so I’m never going to stop begging them to bring it back.
I know it’s pretty clear I like Spyderco’s by this point, and I really do. I just think their fixed blades deserve a bit more recognition and popularity, because they absolutely hang with the best.
H2 on my radar for over a year and still haven't pulled the trigger on it. Strange, but went for T6 first. LionSteel is known by me and friends for giving value for alloys and craftsmanship for price. I'm crazy about the one piece handle.
The WTG 'Nomad EDC' is my overall "Fixed Blade of the Year" this year. It's an absolutely brilliant knife in my hands, and my favorite to straddle the line between EDC and outdoors capable. Zeke killed it on that design. When I don't have it loaned out, it's always in consideration for daily carry. I am glad to see them back in stock again. Thanks for your thoughts on these, DCA!
I mostly agree with your picks, my go-to would be the SOG Tellus. The WorkTuff Nomad is very interesting, but for me too expensive, I'm not in for expensive knives - could be an option at 70$ with a 14C27 / or 14C28N steel. Other than you I absolutely insist on a crisp 90° spine for making shavings, if they don't come with one from the factory, I'll take them to the grinder. Happy New Year
In regard to DCA's 2022 pick, i.e., Work Tuff - my vote for all-time "mid-size survival knife" - Cold Steel Master Hunter in 3V - superb steel, 4.5 inch blade length and excellent ergos - for well-below $200.
The Micro Tracker looks awesome. I’d like to see a durability test of that SOG. Every SOG I’ve owned (I think 5 now) has taken damage when it shouldn’t or outright failed. Never again. I’d rather go with Cold Steel personally.
I spent 6 months dealing with Sog (GSM OUTDOORS) trying to get two (2) of their XR knives fixed or replaced (they don’t “have” spare springs). I’m still waiting on a nearly $200 Kiku XR…never again is right. For those wondering the Kiku and Terminus both had lock failures after 2 months of on and off use. Roughly 15 emails and 3 hours of phone calls.
I got a Sog Trident AT this year and it rusted incredibly quick even though I didn’t use for anything I didn’t use other knives for that were fine. Both the blade and internals. Then the hardware stripped incredibly easily when I wanted to disassemble and address it
Scales that aren't bolted/riveted or injection molded sound sketchy. If they're thoroughly glued/expoxied they could be sufficiently skookum...but are they?
The Tracker series from böker looks great but this knives are very fragile. If you are disappointed with the sog's you would be horrified by the quality of this knives. I know people who bought them and they broke, literally broke in two pieces, on the first use. I'm not stating that sog makes great knives and it was first outdoor / bushcrafting use but this bs is literally called Tracker... Lionsteel makes awesome knives for really fair price, so does Foxknives.
For everyone's benefit, I have LionSteel T6. I tried JRE INDUSTRIES model U sheath and it's ideal! If you want an aftermarket leather sheath. I would have picked this knife for top choice of what was on the table.
That lion steel is nice, I prefer it over the Fox knives based on the sheeth. Fox knives are nice but I don't want a leather sheeth let alone having a really nice one that essentially I'm paying more for the knife because of the nice leather. Lionsteel it is!
I was hoping Cold Steel would have gone 1095 or SK85. I went Lion Steel. It just does something. Price, appearance, value. I like it. Is there going to be a top selling fixed blade video?
OMG! If Leatherneck Bowie was in 1095 or 14C28N I couldn't buy it fast enough! D2 or S30V always disappoints when it's the single option on a knife model or design. SK85 would have been off the hook! I have Boker Komondor and it might as well be 1085 steel for toughness and edge holding. If I'm going to give something up, I'll take corrosion resistance. I can guard the knife against rust.
Hi Mr Anderson, I have rhumatoid arthritis and my hands are not closing as well as i would like, therefore I like bigger handles (ex: the bk2 feels pretty good). I'm looking for a fixed blade, with more finesse than the bk-2 with big handles. The purpose would be general purpose for camping, hunting small game and fishing. So something that could process game/fish and do camp chores and even baton if need be. Stainless is a must because the fishing part and idealy a premium steel would be nice. Thanks a lot for your knowledge and entertainement!
Really diggin that QSP neck knife! I remember 30 years ago you could walk into Walmart with a $20 bill in yr hand and walk out with an American made sharpfinger.
Would you know a technical reference manual for different blade steels? ( hardness, corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, Edge retention, etc.} Thanks much.
It was fun to watch! I enjoy thinking about best of knives. When there are ones I don't have and DCA is doing the talking then it's very relevant content for me
I agree with your pick, mostly because it looks like the Dawson handyman made from magnacut which is a beautiful EDC fixed blade. I feel if you had that knife in this lot your first pick might be different. Great review I enjoyed it a lot.
Me too. But honestly I don't see how the Zum materials are any better than existing lines that use X50 with comparable prices. Updated look, which is nice and is probably the real selling point.
@@mfreeman313 I agree, just meant their brand as a whole vs. other premium brands. Even Mercer's Millennia line is great for the price and for someone looking for a decent set but wont take the best care of them.
@@scoogs026 Huge and total agreement. A couple years ago I had a bit of a windfall and said, "Self, you've used very modest knives for decades. Time for a proper chef's knife." So I watched an American's Test Kitchen roundup and they rated one of the Big Two as best but offered the Mercer Renaissance as a budget option. Not yet habituated to spending three figures on a knife, I ordered one, and when it came I loved it. Said "gotta maintain this right," learned to sharpen, and whoosh down the rabbit hole I fell. Great hobby and doesn't do your cooking a bit of harm. What's my point? Just that Mercer is the best value in western-style knives IMHO and has a perfect knife for everyone and every task. Bought a Millennia slicer just today for the holiday roast beast, and for those summertime Thai salads garnished with slices of beef or chicken.
We picked exactly the same as DCA with each knife's grip blends with the palm while in usage. Bought it & put it through field test. Also love the new intro, definitely a step up matey. Is it Thomas's idea.? Warm greetings from Australia.
Yep I have the Leatherneck Bowie just for the awesome factor. It's a beast of a blade feels good in hand. If you get jumped by Sasquatch this blade will give you a chance. Or just hang it for looks.
Excellent video, Mr. Andersen. I'm especially pleased that you chose the Nomad EDC! It absolutely deserves a Knife of the Year Award. I would recommend that you use the knife for food prep a couple of times and see what you think of its capability in that role.
I am partial to SOG but your choice is very well thought out AS Always!!!!! BTW just made my first purchases with KC and will be back for more. Back to flicking!!! God its fun!!!
What would you call the handle shape of that work sharp (aka the winning knife) sway back? It reminds me of an old horse with a sway back and big belly hanging down. Like an old work horse that has retired and is just living out its golden years in a pasture somewhere.
I'm happy to see when anyone tries something non generic, I should say. I like open handle designs, but after holding Ed Fowler Pronghorn, if a knife favors right hand, for me it's more than double better
That work tuff is sick. The rag horn is cool too. I know it’s pricey but I can’t IMAGINE what making premium knives in America must cost in 2022??!! I run a business and my prices have increased by 40%, sometimes more and I run a small operation. They are competing with knives mass produced in China for Pennie’s on the dollar and made in China ain’t what it used to be. They are producing world class quality these days.
I like Mercer kitchen knives, but I like the series that looks like a Wusthof. Like the Zum, they're forged blades, not just stamped steel like the Victorinox and others of that ilk.
Not long ago i bought myseld for the kitchen a CJRB Silax. Just a very sharp good knife for my daily cooking tasks. But could someone say what the sharpening angle is for that knife, i can't find any information about that. Probably 20 degrees but i wanna know for sure.
Thank you so much DCA for the kitchen knife shout out. I've been waiting around all year long to stumble across a quality and affordable chef knife and I'm glad you showed the Mercer Zum. I placed my order for the 8" thirty minutes ago. Really looking forward to getting the knife and using it when making dinner for the family.
Enjoy and see above, we're lovin' on Mercer real hard up there. That Zum's a looker, no doubt. Very stylish. KC has a pretty good selection of kitchen knives.
I've come to love edc'ing a fixed blade thanks to an Esee Izula. I love Italian knives so I have to go for the MKM Makro. Gorgeous.
The Work Tuff & LionSteel T6 are both frigging gorgeous.
The LionSteel T6 in person is gorgeous. I have it in that same handle material and I'm looking forward to how it changes overtime as G-10 doesn't and micarta does.
Lionsteel is a sleeper that doesn’t get enough spot light. There knives are always super clean and very competitively priced.
My favorite fixed blade this year was the Condor Darklore. Its a beautiful knife with 1095 steel and cost just under $100. I got mine a few days ago and love it.
1095 is great and cinders are affordable unlike Tops
I've used the Woodlore for a number of years, it's a solid work horse thats easy to sharpen and maintain with a great sheath. 100% value..
And I did order the Work Tuff Gear Nomad EDC too. It should be in today. Watching DCA sell KC knives is compelling and addictive.
I have their Headstrong for a great hunting knife. 1095 is great. People act like it's a bad steel now but as long as you Oil it you are fine. I got mine for 60
@@jw-vx8imcondor has god awful quality control, there’s like a 50/50 chance you buy one of their knives and it has a problem, especially a heat treat problem . there’s a reason they’re so cheap when every other brand charges more for the same general things. if you want ‘budget’ outdoor knives scandinavia is your best bet. any brisa, the m95 ranger puuko, some helle knives, mora, etc all have much better quality control, fit and finish, materials, heat treats, etc and usually just as cheap if not cheaper than a condor.
Hi DCA! I couldn't agree more with you about the top three fixed blade knives. However, the Lionsteel is just awesome! For sure I would give it the #1
With the up coming hard times that many perceive, I prefer to spend my money on knives with US knife companies.
The Lionsteel knives are from Maniago, Italy. Any input on current US made knives is welcomed by this old veteran, lol.
PS: I have nothing against Italy. I was stationed in Sicily in the early 80's.
@@larrymenard7626preventing possible “hard times” by discouraging imports with allied nations is a strange take.
Bought a Hogue Extrak this year. The lightness and sharpness of the blade get my vote for best new fixed blade.
Benchmade continues to alienate their customer base. Literally NO ONE who would use this knife for its intended purpose can afford it, any that could wouldn’t even consider it. I’ve owned dozens of benchmade, and love them. That said I’ll be quite sad to see them implode during the next recession.
I won’t be said to see those sellouts go out of business
But it's got "great geometry for breaking down cardboard boxes."
Yeah, Benchmade has to be the most over rated knife maker on the market. Especially now that their golden goose, the axis lock, is out of the bag. I’m a Cold Steel fan boy unless GSM ruins them but so far so good.
I threw away a bugout the other day and swore off Benchmade. Had it for a few months, never carried it because I always planned on putting new scales and hardware on it. Blade rusted, and both omega springs snapped. I guess I’m not swearing off Benchmade entirely, just any axis style lock. I’ve got a bunch of different knives with a bunch of different locks and that’s the only style of lock that has ever broken/failed. Not worth the headache in my opinion.
I love the geometry of that new blade, but the price is insane, and I don’t like supporting Benchmade since they are anti-2nd Amendment.
Micro tracker FTW! Light,master of none design. Love it!
The Reiff Knives F4 Bushcraft is the clear winner here. The only one I would want from all these shown.
I forgot all about the nomad EDC, I have the nomad camp knife and it is awesome
This was great! I love your insight and opinions on anything knife related.
Will there be a “best fixed blade” video based on sales?
This year I purchased the Lion Steel T5 . I absolutely love this fixed blade from Lion Steel. I did re- profile the blade angle and it now performs superbly for deer field processing and skinning. Fits my hand perfectly and keeps a good grip in all conditions. Holds an edge really well. Big thumbs up 👍 for the T5
I'm sure the T6 is just as impressive.
Same bro, just bought my T5 this year and by far my favorite fixed blade from my collection. By the way, what angle did you re-profile yours?
More on kitchen knives please. It’s the one knife I use every day!
Got that LT Leather neck (thank you KC btw) and it's turned out to be one of my favorite Bowie's! Can't wait for the all black one to come out. A great knife...
I saw it for the first time on this video and it was the most compelling on the table since I already had LionSteel T6. I love when DCA shows me something I didn't know about!
I can attest to the quality of Mercer kitchen knives, best Christmas present I've given my parents in years. The set I bought is the Mercer Genesis 6-piece set in a glass block. Still roughly the same price at $160 as it was a couple years ago. Still razor sharp after some touch ups, and the rubber handles are great for kitchen work.
Let's go!!! Only fixed blades my favorite kinds of knife videos
HELL YEAH!
I love the color on SOG sheath!
I agree! I'm bored of black. This knife/ sheath pair is something alternative in a good way
Love the sharpfinger…wish they made it in a more premium steel.
Im going to pick one up, my hunting buddies have ChiCom made, and im very pleased that there making them US again.
Cool. I'm looking around for my 1st fixed edc blade.
Bradford guardian 3 in magnacut. Esee 3 in s35vn. You can obviously go cheaper, but those are my pics for best EDC fixed
Take a peek at CRKT, cheap enough to try several blades to figure out what sort you like, solid enough that you dont have to replace it if you dont want to and know how to sharpen.
I found that like the Obake, so when I upgraded, I got the Boker Kwaiken fixed.
I bought a lot of EDC fixed blades before I ended up with the Creely Mako. I absolutely love it and carry it all the time. KC currently has one in stock with Cruwear, same one I got.
@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 Appreciate yah
The new KHDaily pocket bushcrafters, though from a small custom shop are incredible!
Agreed! -DCA
LionSteel T6 is my fav!!!
That chef knife is the same German steel as my messermister. I'm a chef.
I was very happy with the edge retention and overall performance with it, right below that price.
I can use it for a solid month all night long and have it sharpened by then.
I'd highly recommend it.
Ooh-la-la! That Tellus looks really nice. I think I finally found my budget hiking knife. Thanks!
I'm gobsmacked in LOVE w/my Civivi Elementum in Damascus w/Ebony grips! A pretty little thing that's impressed hell outta me as a de-packaging tool, it's apparently the sharpest knife I own with the exception of when I put a new DeWalt blade in my utility knife...
The Canary, with 14C28N looks like a sweet little knife.
Surprised none of the Brisa knives made the list. Really love the Trapper 95 with scandi grind and the Elver and Necker with flat grind.
I've been getting my kid the Uncle Henry fixed blades with staglon scales. Excellent budget knife and they look really nice too!
My favorite fixed blade knife is my camillus 9.5 titanium bonded 420 stainless steel camp fixed blade knife. With a 4.75 inch 420 stainless steel blade. $20.00 Dollars at Walmart.
ENJOY!
I usually agree with most of your ‘best of…….’ videos, HOWEVER, I just received a knife from you guys that I believe should have DEFINITELY been on your list (if not WON). It’s my new pride and joy, the Ontario RAT 6. What’s not to like? It is made out of S35VN steel, it has BEAUTIFUL micarta handle scales, it can easily flex from a survival/ camp knife to a tactical blade AND it arrived at my door for UNDER $170 bucks. It’s a serious tool here folks. Sure, the sheath is only slightly better than the RAT 7 sheath, but it’s ok enough for now. It has a useable finger choil and a decent grind. I don’t have anything bad to say about this knife.
28:15 - Speaking of your Nordsmith knives, when will we see a restock of your models?
That work tuff nomad has it hands down for me, I'm ordering one right now infact.
Work Tuff puts out some great cutlery! The Nomad full size and small is just bad ass ⚡⚡🗡️⚒️⚔️👍
Very good presentation & explanation of your thought process. However… just when I had my mind made up about a fixed blade I’ve been wanting for a long time, you go and show off that Reiff Knives F4 Bushcrafter.
I'm glad you finally recommended a Mercer after I recommended them to you many times. Their mid-range lines are made in Taiwan and use X50CrMoV15, which is a basic steel, but its heat-treated well.
I've always appreciated Mercer's quality, but I have a somewhat particular set of desires I look for in my "default recommendable kitchen knife" that their lineup has never really fulfilled for me. This Zum however is absolutely fantastic. I've been using it in my kitchen for the last couple of months to make sure I can stand behind the recommendation, and I would honestly take this Mercer over a Wusthof. -DCA
@@knifecenter But the Zum line has been around since at least 2017. Their cheaper Genesis line uses the same X50CrMoV15 steel and has basically the same forged construction, but uses rubberized handles over a hidden tang. The reason I like the Genesis line is that for the same price as a Victorinox Fibrox Pro, you can get a more upscale feeling knife. Plus they offer a 6-inch chef's knife.
Actually didn't realize the Zum has been available that long as we just started carrying them at KC not too long ago. That is my mistake!!
As for the meat and potatoes of why I like the Zum more (way more) than the Genesis line isn't about the quality because they both have it... the Zum blade simply rocks better on a cutting board... partly because of the shape but also because of the lack of bolster. I have handled a Genesis chef knife where the heel of the blade couldn't make contact with the board surface because it was sharpened enough so the bolster stuck down lower and prevented contact. And that was straight from the factory. Even if it wasn't, the same thing will happen eventually with home sharpening, meaning you'll have to deal with grinding down that bolster eventually, and as such it is just not a feature I like to recommend at all. -DCA
@@knifecenter Every Mercer Culinary Genesis model with a bolster is also available without a bolster (They call it a short bolster). Like the ZuM line, the Genesis line has also been around since at least 2017.
Fixed blades all day!
15:33 - The Reiff Knives F4 is 5/32” (0.156”) thick - not 1/8th (0.125”)
Those Reiff knives are phenomenal!! 👌🏼 Handled them at Blade Show West and was very impressed! 🔥
Giving me an idea of what I want to get in 2023. I've had my eye on the Lionsteel fixed blades. This is helping me make an educated decision.
That Boker Micro Tracker looks really cool, but I admit I wouldn’t know where to start trying to sharpen that thing. I have a brush axe/machete kind of thing with a complicated convex-concave edge like that, and unfortunately it wasn’t very sharp out of the box. My attempts to sharpen it only made it worse… I’ll stick with straight or convex blades.
The EDC Nomad is on my list… saving up my pennies now! 👍🏼
I LOVE fixed blades!
Me too! They are my favorite!
That mini tracker actually looks very effective. Plenty of flat edge for batoning 1" sticks to start a fire.
You can break 1” sticks with your hands easily lol why would you baton that wtf this community sometimes man…
Own two of those QSP Canary knives absolutely love them.
I bought the nomad EDC early this year and it is my vehicle knife. It feels so much bigger then it is. Not in a bulky bad way but in a way that it can take on almost anything with ease. It really is a great all around knife.
I totally agree with your choice. It caught my eye at first glance.
For me , hands down , the Lionsteel T6 is the best. 3V blade , excellent blade geometry, 3D micarta handle, reasonably priced....what more do you need??
Is it 3V? Mine is K490, which is an upgraded M4 per Bohler who manufactures it.
The newest versions are 3V -DCA
@@knifecenter did not know that. Do we know why they went to a different steel?
Could be because of availability. Bohler (the maker of K490), as I hear it, has a really long lead time on steel orders right now, whereas the Crucible steels (such as 3V) have better turnaround on their production right now. This is just conjecture on my part as to the reason for the switch though. -DCA
YEAH! The way I heard it was K490 obviated choosing between M4 better edge holding compared to 3V and 3V better toughness compared to M4. There are tougher, more edge holding alloy of steel, but out of what businesses run on those ( M4 and 3V) have wider availability. I think to each their own: one's personal choices don't have to mirror popular opinion. I could see somebody wanting sharpen ability over edge holding and toughness and there's a huge percentage of the population that only cares about cool factor and low price over higher value.
I started my knife career with always going to the big and heavy knives. The bigger the better.
Now I became mature. No need anymore to build a big blockhouse in the Forrest. I stay now with small knives. I love my MKM Nomad and the Boker Daily. Just enough to cut a Salami sausage and French cheese.
I was forced to buy both knives, because the sheets (?) and the way to carry my knive at the belt became more important to me, than the question about the steel.
You wrote an interesting comment! For a year and a half I considered pocket fixed blade EDC knives. Seeing other's. My favorite carry is magnetic neck sheath. Carter Cutlery neck knife designs are appealing. I EDC Esse CR 2.5 but I enjoy LionSteel T6 more. T6 is much less practical and doesn't have the range of useful tasks. I just like it better!
The Tellus is just delicious in design, but if what they want is budget stainless in a robust fixed blade, 14C28N would seem to have been the better choice than 440C. Toughness is through the roof, stainlessness is great, and if I have to sacrifice a bit of edge retention for that, I'll take it in this particular use case.
I personally think Spyderco’s Swick 5/6 and Subway Bowie are some notable small fixed blades. The Swick is weirdly comfortable despite the odd handle and is really easy to carry in your pocket. Both are Salts with LC200CN, so no rust.
Perfect small and slicey fixed blades for someone like me, here in Florida.
I own the Swick 6 and, like I said the hole is the right size for me and it’s really comfortable. I climb and move around the water a lot so it’s handle is nice and secure. The finish is also really nice and it’s made in Colorado.
I’d like to mention that their Aqua Salt and Fish Hunter fixed blades are fantastic, but they’re discontinued soon so I recommend anyone should try to grab them if they can.
I like serrations personally, but a nice aggressive edge seems to work well on plain edge H1.
Most of the knives in the video are pretty cool too and I’d like to try some of them.
Also I’m looking at that Lionsteel and it’s cool, but Spyderco was recently making their Province in 4V. A 6-7 inch bowie in 4V for $280. So even less than the Lionsteel, although you had to buy the Kydex/boltaron separately if you didn’t like the leather.
Unfortunately that knife was also discontinued recently, which I’ll never understand, so I’m never going to stop begging them to bring it back.
I know it’s pretty clear I like Spyderco’s by this point, and I really do. I just think their fixed blades deserve a bit more recognition and popularity, because they absolutely hang with the best.
Thanks for fixed blades. Favorite ones!
LionSteel T6 handle - the same is available on the LionSteel T5, M7 and H2 - super comfortable, plenty of curb appeal, too.
H2 on my radar for over a year and still haven't pulled the trigger on it. Strange, but went for T6 first. LionSteel is known by me and friends for giving value for alloys and craftsmanship for price. I'm crazy about the one piece handle.
The WTG 'Nomad EDC' is my overall "Fixed Blade of the Year" this year. It's an absolutely brilliant knife in my hands, and my favorite to straddle the line between EDC and outdoors capable. Zeke killed it on that design. When I don't have it loaned out, it's always in consideration for daily carry. I am glad to see them back in stock again. Thanks for your thoughts on these, DCA!
Great minds think alike! -DCA
I mostly agree with your picks, my go-to would be the SOG Tellus. The WorkTuff Nomad is very interesting, but for me too expensive, I'm not in for expensive knives - could be an option at 70$ with a 14C27 / or 14C28N steel. Other than you I absolutely insist on a crisp 90° spine for making shavings, if they don't come with one from the factory, I'll take them to the grinder.
Happy New Year
In regard to DCA's 2022 pick, i.e., Work Tuff - my vote for all-time "mid-size survival knife" - Cold Steel Master Hunter in 3V - superb steel, 4.5 inch blade length and excellent ergos - for well-below $200.
Where??? I can’t find one at all, I have looked. Only thing I can find is fleabay scalpers wanting $400.
i agree with WT nice!!!
Thanks for the video, DCA. But I would like to know which of these offerings had the best sales numbers. Thx.
nice selection ... WT looks a little specialized to me though.
The Mercer Zum brings game - nice shout out DCA!
the lionsteel T6 is a beautiful thing
The Chris Reeve Pacific is my favorite fixed blade but nobody can get one.
The Micro Tracker looks awesome. I’d like to see a durability test of that SOG. Every SOG I’ve owned (I think 5 now) has taken damage when it shouldn’t or outright failed. Never again. I’d rather go with Cold Steel personally.
I spent 6 months dealing with Sog (GSM OUTDOORS) trying to get two (2) of their XR knives fixed or replaced (they don’t “have” spare springs). I’m still waiting on a nearly $200 Kiku XR…never again is right.
For those wondering the Kiku and Terminus both had lock failures after 2 months of on and off use. Roughly 15 emails and 3 hours of phone calls.
I got a Sog Trident AT this year and it rusted incredibly quick even though I didn’t use for anything I didn’t use other knives for that were fine. Both the blade and internals. Then the hardware stripped incredibly easily when I wanted to disassemble and address it
Scales that aren't bolted/riveted or injection molded sound sketchy.
If they're thoroughly glued/expoxied they could be sufficiently skookum...but are they?
The Tracker series from böker looks great but this knives are very fragile. If you are disappointed with the sog's you would be horrified by the quality of this knives. I know people who bought them and they broke, literally broke in two pieces, on the first use. I'm not stating that sog makes great knives and it was first outdoor / bushcrafting use but this bs is literally called Tracker...
Lionsteel makes awesome knives for really fair price, so does Foxknives.
I agree. I need one it looks high quality and different yet usefull
That Mkm Macro is really nice
I love Lionsteel knives but I also love Bradford knives they have really good knives but great customer service, and that is priceless to me.
I bought a Bradford Guardian 3.5 recently, by far one of the highest quality knives on the market.
Yea i was gonna say that the Bradford Gaurdian 3 is fantastic, even as an EDC as it come with horizontal carry.
For everyone's benefit, I have LionSteel T6. I tried JRE INDUSTRIES model U sheath and it's ideal! If you want an aftermarket leather sheath. I would have picked this knife for top choice of what was on the table.
That lion steel is nice, I prefer it over the Fox knives based on the sheeth. Fox knives are nice but I don't want a leather sheeth let alone having a really nice one that essentially I'm paying more for the knife because of the nice leather. Lionsteel it is!
I was hoping Cold Steel would have gone 1095 or SK85. I went Lion Steel. It just does something. Price, appearance, value. I like it. Is there going to be a top selling fixed blade video?
OMG! If Leatherneck Bowie was in 1095 or 14C28N I couldn't buy it fast enough! D2 or S30V always disappoints when it's the single option on a knife model or design. SK85 would have been off the hook! I have Boker Komondor and it might as well be 1085 steel for toughness and edge holding. If I'm going to give something up, I'll take corrosion resistance. I can guard the knife against rust.
Hi Mr Anderson,
I have rhumatoid arthritis and my hands are not closing as well as i would like, therefore I like bigger handles (ex: the bk2 feels pretty good). I'm looking for a fixed blade, with more finesse than the bk-2 with big handles. The purpose would be general purpose for camping, hunting small game and fishing. So something that could process game/fish and do camp chores and even baton if need be. Stainless is a must because the fishing part and idealy a premium steel would be nice.
Thanks a lot for your knowledge and entertainement!
Best of outcomes to you! Could you be served by a regrind in shape and thickness of BK 2?
At least in non fishing tasks?
@@ssunfish Maybe, but at this point it seem more simple to get another knife, no? Also not stainless.
Really diggin that QSP neck knife!
I remember 30 years ago you could walk into Walmart with a $20 bill in yr hand and walk out with an American made sharpfinger.
I remember when they where under 10 bucks and I still have it.
Would you know a technical reference manual for different blade steels? ( hardness, corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, Edge retention, etc.} Thanks much.
That Micro Tracker looks hella fun and legal for EDC in Germany… yes please
That was fun! I think I’d agree with your assessment
It was fun to watch! I enjoy thinking about best of knives. When there are ones I don't have and DCA is doing the talking then it's very relevant content for me
Nice video. Would you mind doing a video on best knife sharpening tool from small edc types to larger at home models?
Took the words out of my mouth I was about to call the work tough a tactical nessmuk
Me like
I agree with your pick, mostly because it looks like the Dawson handyman made from magnacut which is a beautiful EDC fixed blade. I feel if you had that knife in this lot your first pick might be different. Great review I enjoyed it a lot.
Was the CRKT Minimalist Katana new this year or last? That would be my pick.
Good point! I think it was this year. I wouldn't have put it on this table group as it's so specialized for EDC
Mercer knives are my go-to for price to performance in the kitchen.
Me too. But honestly I don't see how the Zum materials are any better than existing lines that use X50 with comparable prices. Updated look, which is nice and is probably the real selling point.
@@mfreeman313 I agree, just meant their brand as a whole vs. other premium brands. Even Mercer's Millennia line is great for the price and for someone looking for a decent set but wont take the best care of them.
@@scoogs026 Huge and total agreement. A couple years ago I had a bit of a windfall and said, "Self, you've used very modest knives for decades. Time for a proper chef's knife." So I watched an American's Test Kitchen roundup and they rated one of the Big Two as best but offered the Mercer Renaissance as a budget option. Not yet habituated to spending three figures on a knife, I ordered one, and when it came I loved it. Said "gotta maintain this right," learned to sharpen, and whoosh down the rabbit hole I fell. Great hobby and doesn't do your cooking a bit of harm. What's my point? Just that Mercer is the best value in western-style knives IMHO and has a perfect knife for everyone and every task. Bought a Millennia slicer just today for the holiday roast beast, and for those summertime Thai salads garnished with slices of beef or chicken.
I think the Mercer Genesis line is the performance winner. The X50CrMoV15 steel is basic, but is heat-treated well.
The materials on the Zum are no different than the rest of their lineup, but it is the design that sets it over the top. -DCA
Hi DCA, how about Ontario Blackbird in s35vn? I think it will be a good addition to the mid section
I’m definitely drawn to that W T knife.
i totally agree with your choice as the winner . i want one my self
You had a Schrade, heritage old-timer, fixed blade for 50 bucks... Best-o-2022
We picked exactly the same as DCA with each knife's grip blends with the palm while in usage. Bought it & put it through field test. Also love the new intro, definitely a step up matey. Is it Thomas's idea.? Warm greetings from Australia.
Yep I have the Leatherneck Bowie just for the awesome factor. It's a beast of a blade feels good in hand. If you get jumped by Sasquatch this blade will give you a chance. Or just hang it for looks.
thank you
🎩
Excellent video, Mr. Andersen. I'm especially pleased that you chose the Nomad EDC! It absolutely deserves a Knife of the Year Award. I would recommend that you use the knife for food prep a couple of times and see what you think of its capability in that role.
I am partial to SOG but your choice is very well thought out AS Always!!!!! BTW just made my first purchases with KC and will be back for more. Back to flicking!!! God its fun!!!
I like that Canary. Could be a nice upgrade.
Lionsteel t6 ❤️
What would you call the handle shape of that work sharp (aka the winning knife) sway back? It reminds me of an old horse with a sway back and big belly hanging down. Like an old work horse that has retired and is just living out its golden years in a pasture somewhere.
YEAH! You'd think a hump would press on your palm and be more ergo than a RECESS there!
I'm happy to see when anyone tries something non generic, I should say. I like open handle designs, but after holding Ed Fowler Pronghorn, if a knife favors right hand, for me it's more than double better
The Lion Steel all the way! Thanks
I agree
I'd go with the lion steel...
That work tuff is sick. The rag horn is cool too. I know it’s pricey but I can’t IMAGINE what making premium knives in America must cost in 2022??!! I run a business and my prices have increased by 40%, sometimes more and I run a small operation. They are competing with knives mass produced in China for Pennie’s on the dollar and made in China ain’t what it used to be. They are producing world class quality these days.
I like the Tellus. Looks like a decent knife for the money.
I like Mercer kitchen knives, but I like the series that looks like a Wusthof. Like the Zum, they're forged blades, not just stamped steel like the Victorinox and others of that ilk.
Not long ago i bought myseld for the kitchen a CJRB Silax.
Just a very sharp good knife for my daily cooking tasks.
But could someone say what the sharpening angle is for that knife, i can't find any information about that.
Probably 20 degrees but i wanna know for sure.
I have the Coldsteel Leatherneck Sf, and I love it. What is the blade steel on the Leatherneck Bowie?
D2, German D2 is written on the blade.
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for that Work Tuff, I’d say beauty is in the eye of the blind man
Thought the toor mutiny would be there. Ontario knives might have popped in too
I would totally buy a smaller version of that benchmade.
I cannot get my fixed blades centered. What do I do?
Try holding it with both hands
Suck less?
Use an edge angle guide and look at your blade as your sharpen. Change which side you sharpen as your eye can tell very closely.
Stop drinking...
Try loosening the pivot and applying pressure to the blade while you re-tighten it.
@@sheltermonkey6065 I have removed all the pivots.