I don't think you can call it a "Grail Knife" since it's still readily available for purchase, but my all time favorite knife is the BK-9. I love the shape, the shape of the handle and the fact that you basically just pay for a slap of steel. Everything else is up to you. When I'm done with mine, it'll have rosewood handle scales, a mirror polish and a lovely leather sheath. Not gonna happen anytime soon, but I'm not in a hurry. It's going to be a project of love.
BONUS VIDEO! Hint: If you don't see it, I probably no longer have it. I can't give the details of every knife I've sold, traded, it been forced to sell due to circumstances over the last 5 years. Even now I still have way more than one person can actually use.
Oh, what a Trip down Memory Lane! Actually, I've had my Grail Knife since the early 90s, and it's a Blackjack from Effingham Illinois. I got the 1-7 (the Clone of the Randall #1). For all you young people, back then, Blackjack was the BOSS! Thanks for letting me know about the Bark River Warranty. My 1-7 needs a touch up and some Sheath repair. Take care. Yeah Ohio.
Back in the 80's Tramontina released a series of "Rambo-ish" knives (Commander I, II &III) that just made me drool. Finally, around 2012 I found a store that still had a few of them, and bought all three models. Those were my grail knives. As well as you, I spent about 30 years pouting over them, and was overjoyed when I finally got them. Nowadays, the closest thing to a grail knife is a Benchmade 940.
My Father bought my cousin, me, and him one each. A funny story this was like 20 years ago, he should up to the job site we both were working on, and tells us to be careful with them, we both kinda laugh as we both were operating heavy equipment, well a few years later we were all together and somehow that came up about the knife we each got, no one over those few years had ever mentioned it, but we all went home that night and of course had to check them out, all three of us ended up cutting ourselves. I can't tell you how much we laughed at that
We all have our fav's, that we don't dare use, but like everything in life, we are just custodians of these items we collect, when we die they are sold, so now I use my favourites and have cut down on the collecting side, this passion can and does control your life if you don't keep a lid on it. Great video and great knives.🏴👍
My current grail knife is my Cold Steel Marauder serrated 9-inch blade knife. Coming Saturday will be my Cold Steel Luzon large 13-inch knife and Cold Steel Bowie Spike...so that's my top three grail collection as of tomorrow.
My Grail Knife. Would be a Cold Steel Sanmai Khukri. Would be my adventure survival defense knife. The Sanmai would give it extra sharpness with a toughness to last several lifetimes. It has been way too expensive but will get one when I thin down my herd collections.
Custom Dundee bowie. Found a custom maker in Arizona and he forged it and made a beautiful leather sheath as well. Owned it (safe queen) for several years now!!! One of a kind!!!
You reviewed the Condor Discord. I saw it and bought it, Saplings and pine trees tremble in fear, as I walk towards them, great chopper and great blade, it is my go to for every task. Thank you for reviewing swords like that, and keep on keeping on Sir
If you're a fan of Blackjack knives from the 80's, try searching out the Moran Bowie Knife. Designed by the legend Bill Moran it imitates one of Bills most iconic designs without the $ 15,000 price tag. They are few and far between but are well worth the effort in locating. The dual angle Moran edge really sets it apart when heavy cutting is required. Next to my Cold Steel San-Mai Bowie and the Randall Smithsonian Bowie knife, they are my Holy Grail knives.
SNAP my grail knife was indeed the Blackjack Anaconda II at exactly the same time frame,my only knowledge of it was from the article in Knives annual book of the appropriate year my problem was A) I couldn't afford it B)I lived in England which made it even harder. I did however over a few yrs obtain some of the smaller knives in the range. A lightweight folding Mamba, a pocket version of a largish fixed blade model with a recurve blade a pocket or folding Kukri with about a four and a half inch blade and a smaller slim bowie style which I believe was called the Archangel all of which alas, I seem to have temporarily misplaced (ah the curses of time and a bad memory)
You are absolutely right! Just saw this video. Blackjack Anaconda 2 Bowie Knife! Awesome! Can still hold its own with any Bowie knife today! Gonna try to find me one! Thanks for the video Man! Kenneth Smith.
I want a really nice antique German hunting cutlass from the imperial period. Preferably with the bi knife still included. They are extra rare since those usually always get lost.
Hey Chris, nice vid with a cool topic. Being a DTBer obviously my modern grail knife is anything big and custom out of Peter shop but your reminiscing reminded that I’ve wanted an authentic Nepalese Kukri since I first heard about Ghurkas as a kid ...Thanks for the memories ... I’m going to get one now😁
Mine is the BUSSE TGLB, the same one that you posted a pic of at Survival Tactics a ways back. So thank you for the heads up! If you would like to review it let me know I'm local, and with lifetime warranty you can do what you want with it just as long as I get it back in one piece.
I've just got the same knife my brother had one in the 80s I wanted it so bad and it came this week mint condition massive bowie so happy awesome knife
Mine, was the Buck Seal Knife. From like the mid 90's if I remember correctly, I recieved it from my mom an dad, an after several years of my daughter begging me for it, I gave it to her. An she will pass on one day. Love love love that blade!
It's tough. My grail knife is probably a Microtech Combat Troodon Bounty Hunter or the Benchmade 940-1801 with the Odin Works blade. Was waaaay too expensive and I couldn't read German so. Also, I really want a midtech Kodiak from Pete
I got my grail knife in the late eighties. It was the Black Jack Warner/Moran Rio Grande Bowie. Absolutely fell in love with it and bought two. Sadly, hard times set in and I had to sell them both. I regretted it from the moment I did it. Years later I decided to search for a used one. The god of knives smiled upon me and It turned out that the factory that originally made them still had some original ones and were selling them. So I bought two more. I’ll never make that mistake again and those two will be buried with me. Thankful for second chances.
One of mine is my Wessex custom that was a gift while I was in the hospital.the other is my swamp rat,I also have a black water gear,I got a Spyderco military . And my 1st knife cold steel Bush ranger Bowie also ASU8A STEEL.
My grail knife is Jess X with the original saber grind! It was nearly impossible to find with the saber grind because Schrade effed up. I contacted Schrade directly, and found that they are discontinuing this knife, but did have one last run with the saber grind ‘without’ Chris’s name. They didn’t have them for sale, but gave me the names of 2 companies that they shipped the very last ones to. One of those companies does not sell to regular folks like you and me (retailers only), and the other had only 7 left. I say they ‘had’ them because they no longer have any. I may post one of my 7 saber grind Jess X’s on eBay one day, but maybe I will just hold on to them. Shoutout to Chris for designing an amazing blade.
Like you, I also had a Grail knife that I lusted after for a looong time! The Cold Steel Trail Master San Mai III came along and I could no longer resist! Recently I took delivery of the latest rendition and I must say it is everything I dreamt about, and then some. As the sheath is a bit of an embarrassment, I had Rob Evans (see his RUclips channel Rob Evans Woodsman) from Wales make me up a really top notch leather sheath for it. I'm in knife heaven. While I'm sure there are knives out there that can outperform the Trail Master in various aspects, it does just about every task to a superior level. And it costs a fraction of what a Busse will cost. So, there's my Grail knife!
Minimum wage was $2.65 when I was in high school, but gasoline was 29 cents a gallon. I could fill my tank and drive all week for less than the current price of a gallon.
I’ve already owned my grail knife and regrettably sold it, a Randall model 12-8 big bear Bowie in sambar stag, I did however use that money towards a smith and Wesson 629 44 magnum revolver that i still and forever will own, maybe some day I’ll get another Randall but not any time soon
Ah, still very relevant, brother! Welcome to the Quarantine 2020! Grail Knive(s): The Randall Hand Made Knives model #14 Attack Knife, specially built for the troops in the Korean Conflict's beginning sparks, one heavy duty Randall! The second, the lighter, faster in the hand Model #16 Special Fighter. All Randall's have a sharpened false edge, and then some, like fighting knives should all have! Real, hand stitched leather sheaths from saddle leather. No ballistic nylon cop out sheath!
I really wanted a Buck 110 as a young kid, and additionally a 119 special as I got older. Got the 110 years ago for my highschool graduation gift, and bought a 119 back in December. I'm a lefty and stubborn so I had to wait till Buck came out with the lefty leather sheath for the 119, because I wanted a factory sheath for it. For my current grail knife, what I really really want is a turn of the century hunter bowie. If you don't know what that is, basically it's a smaller version of the classic Sheffield Bowies. 7" or less blade, straight brass guard, and straight and narrow tapered handle with pinned scales.
I know you will laugh, but I would add your Froe, It is my favorite tool! The narrow handle let me do three Wilson wraps and lots of layers of plasti-dip. I stripped and duracoated it. Takes so much shock out. Burns through wood. Great tool.
Some great stuff. I like the Collins Brothers 1903 machete for a bus killer. That Bowie was outstanding. Loveless subhilt fighter. Randall Smithsonian bowie is pretty sweet too.
Finally got one of my grail knives that I never thought I'd even see in person, let alone ever own one. Scored a Junglee Hattori Fighter in MVS-8 made in Seki Japan. I'm the second owner of this blade, and managed to get it by a huge fluke/ dumb luck. It's a blade I'll never get rid of.
Buckmaster 184, I used to want the 184 so bad as a kid and never got one, now they are stupid $$$, I did end up getting a rothco ramster, which is a knockoff of the 184, not near the quality, but it has the look I guess, my favorite knife i own is the Tops Bob, it's just a beast for outdoor bushcraft stuff.
My was the cold steel voyager xl because in my country this knife are very expensive! And for the first time that i had a normal job i finally bought it, this happened 2 years ago.
Enjoyed the video. They were interesting choices. Mine was a TOPS Steel Eagle 117A. But, I settled for the Ron Hood designed TOPS Anaconda 9" tanto point.
I'm still after Andy Tran's Tahoma Field Knife, my grail knife however I was lucky enough to get courtesy of my wife, she sweet talked a retired Gurkha Army Captain, and persuaded him to give up his original Gurkha Kukri, its a thing of beauty.
Only one knife to own and carry into battle.The #1 Randall.My father sent me mine in 1968 to Vietnam and I still have it and it carries a razon sharp edge.
My grail is the Usmc fighter knife by Medford. It’s my next knife . Being a marine vet it’s a must have . Just got the Spyderco darn dao and love it as a big knife for SHTF .
Mine was the 940... then last summer I bought one... no regrets. Not sure what's next, I am not as big into the fixed blades... more the folders. Only time will tell...
I got my Grail Knife this year after six years on a list: Randall Made Number 9, Sportsman bowie, number 14 grind. Micarta 14 grip, 14 brass hilt and brass butt.
I just recently fell for the knife addiction. My grail knife is the Fox kukri fx-658 machete, which I affectionately renamed the Fox kukri fx-658 Redemption Day machete. And yes, I bought it. Love on first sight.
One knife I had when I was a kid, but was lost after I moved out, was the Gerber Blackie Collins Buddy System 1. It was my first necker, wasn't worth much and I bought a Buddy System 2 and it was completely different.
Brother, my grail knife is the Bark River Bravo III. I can't possibly over emphasize how much I love that thing. I stopped buying knives after I got it.
I got my grail knife two years ago its a 5 chira khukuri its amazing it chops does close up small stuff with the top of the blade in my hand i do skinning and cleaning skins it does everything...
I think we are close to the same age - I graduated High School in 1989 - and back in HS my 'grail' knife, which I never got, was a Buckmaster. Now I look at them and think, "Well, if someone GAVE me one I'd keep it just for nostalgia but I wouldn't buy one." I remember looking at them in the magazines, etc. at the time and nearly drooling. Then a buddy of mine got one for Christmas one year meaning I actually got to hold one in my hands. I was pretty envious at the time. Now, I honestly don't know that I have a 'grail knife'. There are lots of nice knives out there but something that would constitute a 'grail knife' for me would probably also be something priced well beyond what I am willing to pay for what is basically a piece of steel with a handle on it especially since it would probably be a safe queen that would never get used. I'm not saying others shouldn't pay whatever they want for a knife just that I wouldn't.
I don't have my grail knife yet. I'm still looking and trying. My friend has a Parry Blade... he calls it HIS grail knife. I've used it, and will agree that if there is a "Ramboish-like" knife that I'd like to get, it is that Parry Blade. Still too pricey for me though. I went through the entire Summer of Jess-X without winning one... then, by chance both my son and daughter each purchased one for me that next Christmas. One I do use, one is still in the box. I'm planning to get a Yellow Hawk sheath for it. I like the one they did for you. Probably keep that Jess-X for a collector item.
Grail knife for me (not a huge knife savvy fella) The Down Under Knives The Outback Bowie. Always loved the Crocodile Dundee movies and always wanted one. I finally got one a couple months ago and have the 1095hc version inbound. Haven't really used the 440c version but plan to use the crap out of the 1095hc model.
Still bummed that Schrade ruined your design of Jess-X, I really wanted one. Guess I'll have to keep saving to pick up one of your other great knives from Bark River. The JX-5 looks and performs awesome. Keep up the great work Chris!
Seriously nice knives Chris in particular your JX5 ! I remember in the early days, big ole bag of budget knives. So glad to see you have got into knife designing and higher end customs.
Hey Chris my name is PAUL MONAHAN and you can verify what I’m about to say with Mike At Bark River/Black Jack Knives. I will give you a very short version of a very long story. Back in the 80s when Mike was in California Mike and I designed a knife called the Monahan Stanger that MIKE produced under Black Jack. That was just the beginning. It was obvious to me that Mike was in financial trouble. And so was Black Jack as well so I bought up everything that wasn’t nailed down from Black Jack in order to help MIKE make his month from time to time. Therefore I have a fairly extensive blackjack collection some of which you have never seen or heard of before. I have been watching you since nearly day one and have thought of contacting you many times not necessarily about Black Jack but I just want to thank U for your Innovacion and diligence to your craft. I have several projects that you maybe interested in that would bring more recognition to your channel and also would benefit some of our heroes that continually never get the recognition they deserve. I should’ve contacted you several years ago but life took a turn. My dad who just died a couple months ago has been very ill for the last seven years so I never completed several projects. Maybe now is the right time to strike up a conversation and friendship with you that would benefit others. My phone number is 713-825-7400 if you would like to discuss this with me. There is also something I would like to do for MIKE before we both get off this planet I would like to brainstorm with you about. In any event I am an avid fan and I would like to thank you for your efforts to bring great content to RUclips and for the giving spirit that you have so well demonstrated. Blessings, Paul
Mine is a original marble ideal, 13in bowie with leather handle and stag pommel. Used it pig hunting couple times and now I just look at it and remember.
Nice choices. I like your designed one. My grail knife is one I didn’t know until I got it. I was very skeptical of large blades being anything other than collector blades. I got talked into trying the Becker Bk9…it is my favorite blade. I try other designs, but always come back to my bk9
I just acquired a 1983 White Hunter and a 1961 White Hunter. There’s quite a few on eBay but depending on condition you’re going to pay a premium for them.
Probably something adventure sworn. Not about the price but I probably wouldn’t use much so I haven’t gotten one yet. But I love the way their stuff looks. Top quality
You sent my grail knife back to Peter, since I can't get that one I'm enjoying immensely, my Junglas with Wilson wrap and his little brother the Esee 6HM in an AZ Welke kydex sheath with TekLock.
I recently got a buck Kalinga in the box that was my grail growing up , I also have my hooligan which is my grown up grail.I also have the Jx5 on pretty order they didn't have my original handle material .Thanks for the video and all you do
The authentic knife from Rambo first blood part 2. That thing is my grail knife......its so difficult to justify paying $2000 for but at the same time when I'm not saving for guns and ammo I want to sock money away for one.
G'day Chris, Well, my 'Grail' knife was the blade that started me on serious knife collecting. I've lusted after this particular make and model for over 35 years and never was able to find a genuine example. Why? I wasn't in the British Army and, more specifically, I am not a Ghurkha soldier in the British Army. You see, I once was on a course with some British soldiers and a few of them were from a Ghurkha regiment. On dress parade, of course, they wore their Nepalese, hand made MoD pattern kukri. There are hundreds of Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Asian kukri style knives but only one produced exclusively for the British Army Ghurkhas. They showed me their kukris and I was knocked out by the perfect balance; the exquisite heft and grip of these knives plus the truly terrifying level of sharpness at which they were maintained. Just last year, after a decade or so of part-time investigation I finally tracked down a Nepalese gentleman who knew one of the gentlemen who made a meagre living producing the genuine articles for the MoD. Of course there are companies over there that claim they make the British Army kukris but, in fact, do not. They make knives that are similar but not the real deal. Pleading emails were exchanged over a long time up to a point that I had my emails translated into Nepalese to remove any misunderstandings. Monies were expended... and I'd made it quite clear that I was willing to pay for the knife and pay the gentleman go-between and the man who would make my knife a little extra for their generosity and kindness. Secretly thinking I would never see the knife or my cash ever again, I waited, and waited. Then out of the blue without any further communication my MoD pattern Ghurkha kukri appeared in the mail. My life as a knife collector is now complete. I'd purchased well over 100 knives just to fill in the time and my lust for interesting, beautiful knives. Before I knew it I was hooked and then got into the history and stories behind nearly every type of knife. But my work is not done, thanks to you. While watching this it suddenly dawned on me that I don't actually own a 'Bowie' knife. Rats! Back to the collecting board! Great video, Chris. Cheers, BH
I'd like to have a lot of the Blackjack knives. Mike is not making them and has discontinued several that I want. I was to busy buying his Bark River brand knives and now I can't find the Blackjack's I want. Also I will never, ever get rid of my Becker BK-7 and BK-9 knives. Good video, interesting PM101.
Hey Chris, I' m new to knives, but I saw and ordered my grail knife ( TOPS OPERATER 7 ), from smoky mountain knife works. It was about $100 less than ordering it straight from TOPS .😀😀😀
He was looking at knives. I was checking out the hot gals in the under garment section. Haha! I own so many knives and have collected pretty much all I can think of. There however was one that I had when I was younger that I ended up trading off. And a few years ago I started looking for another. It was a early Puma White Hinter stag of course. And I found one made in the late 60's in dang nice condition. Payed through the nose and now it is contained in one of my many drawers with other knives. I also picked up a vintage Al Mar Sere and 4X4. I did look at the recent release and they just are no where near the quality and I believe another company is producing Al Mar knives ? Oh and a Blackjack vintage Mamba my wife picked up for me a few years back as well. I could talk and show off knives all day long. Same with firearms classic cars and fine Swiss auto's.
I don't think you can call it a "Grail Knife" since it's still readily available for purchase, but my all time favorite knife is the BK-9. I love the shape, the shape of the handle and the fact that you basically just pay for a slap of steel. Everything else is up to you. When I'm done with mine, it'll have rosewood handle scales, a mirror polish and a lovely leather sheath. Not gonna happen anytime soon, but I'm not in a hurry. It's going to be a project of love.
BONUS VIDEO! Hint: If you don't see it, I probably no longer have it. I can't give the details of every knife I've sold, traded, it been forced to sell due to circumstances over the last 5 years. Even now I still have way more than one person can actually use.
PREPAREDMIND101
This is gonna sound crazy but the M-18 is my favorite PERIOD(sue me I like what I like lol)
PREPAREDMIND101 at first I thought it said bogus video
PREPAREDMIND101 Time for a GAW
What do you think of the Svord Von Tempsky Bowie?
Ahh the U.S. Calvary and Brigade Quartermasters catalogs. You gave me an 80's moment with mentioning. Drooling over the stuff in U.S. Cavalry.
Rambo Rocks. I love every movie he made and every night he uses
Right on, me too.
@@waynecampbell9714 I love all his knives commissioned in the states. foreign ones are another story....
The Rambo lll was my grail knife in the early nineties, felt invincible walking around out in the woods with that thing on 😄
That's a beauty. I own it as well.
Yes! The Rambo 3 knife was so sick.
Joey Jones yep bought a used one in excellent shape in a pawn shop for 30 bucks about 15 years ago and still have it and love it
@@JustinLodes Mr. Rambo sir, i love your movies. You are a badass, and i strive to be as cool as you.
Joey Jones 😂😂
After 20 years I got a Timberline Specwar. It is new, never used or sharpened. I love that knife!
Oh, what a Trip down Memory Lane! Actually, I've had my Grail Knife since the early 90s, and it's a Blackjack from Effingham Illinois. I got the 1-7 (the Clone of the Randall #1). For all you young people, back then, Blackjack was the BOSS! Thanks for letting me know about the Bark River Warranty. My 1-7 needs a touch up and some Sheath repair. Take care. Yeah Ohio.
Leslie Kovacs All of my Effingham Blackjack Knives... in stag of course!
Back in the 80's Tramontina released a series of "Rambo-ish" knives (Commander I, II &III) that just made me drool. Finally, around 2012 I found a store that still had a few of them, and bought all three models.
Those were my grail knives. As well as you, I spent about 30 years pouting over them, and was overjoyed when I finally got them.
Nowadays, the closest thing to a grail knife is a Benchmade 940.
.
I have had a of those Tramontina bowie and the blades are as good as any of the expensive customs. Sorry guys but the blades are fantastic.
I can’t find a image of them
@@valdavis4474are you interested in selling
As a kid, I remember hearing good things about the "Ginzu" line of knives.
They sliced.
They diced.
They cut through a tin can, then a tomato!
LOL
And slice ham so thin your relitives will never come back .
My Father bought my cousin, me, and him one each. A funny story this was like 20 years ago, he should up to the job site we both were working on, and tells us to be careful with them, we both kinda laugh as we both were operating heavy equipment, well a few years later we were all together and somehow that came up about the knife we each got, no one over those few years had ever mentioned it, but we all went home that night and of course had to check them out, all three of us ended up cutting ourselves. I can't tell you how much we laughed at that
We all have our fav's, that we don't dare use, but like everything in life, we are just custodians of these items we collect, when we die they are sold, so now I use my favourites and have cut down on the collecting side, this passion can and does control your life if you don't keep a lid on it. Great video and great knives.🏴👍
I have two grail knives. one is the Esee Junglas. The second one is the Tops Steel Eagle E without the saw back. Love them.
My current grail knife is my Cold Steel Marauder serrated 9-inch blade knife. Coming Saturday will be my Cold Steel Luzon large 13-inch knife and Cold Steel Bowie Spike...so that's my top three grail collection as of tomorrow.
Recently got my "Grail" knife ........ Randall Model 18 Attack 7.5 stainless blade , 440B Stainless Steel , this was truly a terrific video Chris !!!!
My Grail Knife. Would be a Cold Steel Sanmai Khukri. Would be my adventure survival defense knife. The Sanmai would give it extra sharpness with a toughness to last several lifetimes. It has been way too expensive but will get one when I thin down my herd collections.
Custom Dundee bowie. Found a custom maker in Arizona and he forged it and made a beautiful leather sheath as well. Owned it (safe queen) for several years now!!! One of a kind!!!
GLB Woodsbum 256 pictures. I got one from a maker in Canada. It’s awesome
@@nunyabizznas9051 May I ask who?
Guilliame Cote of Cote knives.
@@nunyabizznas9051 Oh yes, I've seen his work. Nice knife you've got there.
My grail knife, my grandpa military issued Ka-bar. My most useful knife bk-14.
Wow, U.S. Calvary catalog. Does that bring back memories! My grail knife is a top tier Italian switchblade. Guess that's not real woodsy!
Ikr. I use to snoop thru that magazine
What make???
Thanks Chris! My dream/grail (for now...wink) knife is still available to purchase....Bravo Survivor, antique ivory micarta handle CPM-3V steel.
My edc for over 20 years was a Benchmade ACFK. Still have it but it’s been well used. They are now a collectible if you can find one.
like the bravo machete to your grail knife tough sharp and light you can clear vegetation and chop hard wood at the same time
King of the 80’s Bowie knives it’s the SOG Tigershark. It has no equal
Indeed, you would know.
your joking right ?
Uh, the blackjack bk&t Jerry Fisk magnum camp knife beats it hands down.😆
You reviewed the Condor Discord. I saw it and bought it, Saplings and pine trees tremble in fear, as I walk towards them, great chopper and great blade, it is my go to for every task. Thank you for reviewing swords like that, and keep on keeping on Sir
Soliegen , Germany , Stag handle large blade Bowie , very hard to find , cheap knife , but was beautiful as a kid in the mid 70's .
If you're a fan of Blackjack knives from the 80's, try searching out the Moran Bowie Knife. Designed by the legend Bill Moran it imitates one of Bills most iconic designs without the $ 15,000 price tag. They are few and far between but are well worth the effort in locating. The dual angle Moran edge really sets it apart when heavy cutting is required. Next to my Cold Steel San-Mai Bowie and the Randall Smithsonian Bowie knife, they are my Holy Grail knives.
SNAP my grail knife was indeed the Blackjack Anaconda II at exactly the same time frame,my only knowledge of it was from the article in Knives annual book of the appropriate year my problem was A) I couldn't afford it B)I lived in England which made it even harder. I did however over a few yrs obtain some of the smaller knives in the range. A lightweight folding Mamba, a pocket version of a largish fixed blade model with a recurve blade a pocket or folding Kukri with about a four and a half inch blade and a smaller slim bowie style which I believe was called the Archangel all of which alas, I seem to have temporarily misplaced (ah the curses of time and a bad memory)
You are absolutely right! Just saw this video. Blackjack Anaconda 2 Bowie Knife! Awesome! Can still hold its own with any Bowie knife today! Gonna try to find me one! Thanks for the video Man! Kenneth Smith.
I want a really nice antique German hunting cutlass from the imperial period. Preferably with the bi knife still included. They are extra rare since those usually always get lost.
Happy for you mate. We all have our grail knives, hope we are as lucky as you!
I have that knife I bought it in 88 and still use it. I live in Southeast Alaska and used this knife for everything, I love it. it's my favorite.
I got my grail knife last year and I’m still in love with it, it’s an Adventure Sworn Explorer.
My grail knife is the crocodile Dundee bowie and about 3 years ago I got The outback Bowie from down under knives and I love it
My grail knife is the JX 5. Finally got one coming in preorder!! I know it’s like 3-4 months away but man oh man, cannot wait. Cheers!
Hey Chris, nice vid with a cool topic. Being a DTBer obviously my modern grail knife is anything big and custom out of Peter shop but your reminiscing reminded that I’ve wanted an authentic Nepalese Kukri since I first heard about Ghurkas as a kid ...Thanks for the memories ... I’m going to get one now😁
Love my SXB. Started using a hatchet instead of a chopper, but trying to work it back into the rotation.
Mine is the BUSSE TGLB, the same one that you posted a pic of at Survival Tactics a ways back. So thank you for the heads up! If you would like to review it let me know I'm local, and with lifetime warranty you can do what you want with it just as long as I get it back in one piece.
I've just got the same knife my brother had one in the 80s I wanted it so bad and it came this week mint condition massive bowie so happy awesome knife
Mine, was the Buck Seal Knife. From like the mid 90's if I remember correctly, I recieved it from my mom an dad, an after several years of my daughter begging me for it, I gave it to her. An she will pass on one day. Love love love that blade!
I'd say my "grail" knife would be a Gerber coffin handle bowie or buck 188 m9 bayonet.
It's tough. My grail knife is probably a Microtech Combat Troodon Bounty Hunter or the Benchmade 940-1801 with the Odin Works blade. Was waaaay too expensive and I couldn't read German so. Also, I really want a midtech Kodiak from Pete
I got my grail knife in the late eighties. It was the Black Jack Warner/Moran Rio Grande Bowie. Absolutely fell in love with it and bought two. Sadly, hard times set in and I had to sell them both. I regretted it from the moment I did it. Years later I decided to search for a used one. The god of knives smiled upon me and It turned out that the factory that originally made them still had some original ones and were selling them. So I bought two more. I’ll never make that mistake again and those two will be buried with me. Thankful for second chances.
Browning Crowell-Barker competition knife is the favorite in my collection and the one i wanted for years before finally buying it.
One of mine is my Wessex custom that was a gift while I was in the hospital.the other is my swamp rat,I also have a black water gear,I got a Spyderco military . And my 1st knife cold steel Bush ranger Bowie also ASU8A STEEL.
My grail knife is Jess X with the original saber grind! It was nearly impossible to find with the saber grind because Schrade effed up. I contacted Schrade directly, and found that they are discontinuing this knife, but did have one last run with the saber grind ‘without’ Chris’s name. They didn’t have them for sale, but gave me the names of 2 companies that they shipped the very last ones to. One of those companies does not sell to regular folks like you and me (retailers only), and the other had only 7 left. I say they ‘had’ them because they no longer have any. I may post one of my 7 saber grind Jess X’s on eBay one day, but maybe I will just hold on to them. Shoutout to Chris for designing an amazing blade.
I just bought a Blackjack Model 124 hunting knife, It is so nice can't wait to use it
My grail knife is also the Fallkniven Modern Bowie. That carbide laminate can not be beat.
Like you, I also had a Grail knife that I lusted after for a looong time!
The Cold Steel Trail Master San Mai III came along and I could no longer resist! Recently I took delivery of the latest rendition and I must say it is everything I dreamt about, and then some.
As the sheath is a bit of an embarrassment, I had Rob Evans (see his RUclips channel Rob Evans Woodsman) from Wales make me up a really top notch leather sheath for it.
I'm in knife heaven.
While I'm sure there are knives out there that can outperform the Trail Master in various aspects, it does just about every task to a superior level. And it costs a fraction of what a Busse will cost.
So, there's my Grail knife!
Minimum wage was $2.65 when I was in high school, but gasoline was 29 cents a gallon. I could fill my tank and drive all week for less than the current price of a gallon.
My Grail knife was the Black Jack Warner/Moran Bowie. Loved it so much I bought two. They’ll never leave me.
I’ve already owned my grail knife and regrettably sold it, a Randall model 12-8 big bear Bowie in sambar stag, I did however use that money towards a smith and Wesson 629 44 magnum revolver that i still and forever will own, maybe some day I’ll get another Randall but not any time soon
Ah, still very relevant, brother! Welcome to the Quarantine 2020! Grail Knive(s): The Randall Hand Made Knives model #14 Attack Knife, specially built for the troops in the Korean Conflict's beginning sparks, one heavy duty Randall! The second, the lighter, faster in the hand Model #16 Special Fighter. All Randall's have a sharpened false edge, and then some, like fighting knives should all have! Real, hand stitched leather sheaths from saddle leather. No ballistic nylon cop out sheath!
I really wanted a Buck 110 as a young kid, and additionally a 119 special as I got older.
Got the 110 years ago for my highschool graduation gift, and bought a 119 back in December.
I'm a lefty and stubborn so I had to wait till Buck came out with the lefty leather sheath for the 119, because I wanted a factory sheath for it.
For my current grail knife, what I really really want is a turn of the century hunter bowie.
If you don't know what that is, basically it's a smaller version of the classic Sheffield Bowies.
7" or less blade, straight brass guard, and straight and narrow tapered handle with pinned scales.
I currently have the Buck 110, 119, 120, and the 124. With that Bowie knife my knife collection would be complete.👍
I know you will laugh, but I would add your Froe, It is my favorite tool! The narrow handle let me do three Wilson wraps and lots of layers of plasti-dip. I stripped and duracoated it. Takes so much shock out. Burns through wood. Great tool.
Some great stuff. I like the Collins Brothers 1903 machete for a bus killer. That Bowie was outstanding. Loveless subhilt fighter. Randall Smithsonian bowie is pretty sweet too.
Just got my Bear and Son Gold Rush Bowie. 14 3/4" TL.
Finally got one of my grail knives that I never thought I'd even see in person, let alone ever own one. Scored a Junglee Hattori Fighter in MVS-8 made in Seki Japan. I'm the second owner of this blade, and managed to get it by a huge fluke/ dumb luck. It's a blade I'll never get rid of.
Buckmaster 184, I used to want the 184 so bad as a kid and never got one, now they are stupid $$$, I did end up getting a rothco ramster, which is a knockoff of the 184, not near the quality, but it has the look I guess, my favorite knife i own is the Tops Bob, it's just a beast for outdoor bushcraft stuff.
My was the cold steel voyager xl because in my country this knife are very expensive!
And for the first time that i had a normal job i finally bought it, this happened 2 years ago.
Enjoyed the video. They were interesting choices.
Mine was a TOPS Steel Eagle 117A. But, I settled for the Ron Hood designed TOPS Anaconda 9" tanto point.
I'm still after Andy Tran's Tahoma Field Knife, my grail knife however I was lucky enough to get courtesy of my wife, she sweet talked a retired Gurkha Army Captain, and persuaded him to give up his original Gurkha Kukri, its a thing of beauty.
I've got a Tahoma I've retired it
Bass pro shop online still has it in stock
My grail knives are: Karesuando Beaver Damask 10 (damasteel rose-pattern) & WeKnives WE604S (dragonscaled scales).
Only one knife to own and carry into battle.The #1 Randall.My father sent me mine in 1968 to Vietnam and I still have it and it carries a razon sharp edge.
My grail is the Usmc fighter knife by Medford. It’s my next knife . Being a marine vet it’s a must have . Just got the Spyderco darn dao and love it as a big knife for SHTF .
Okay, that bowie is beautiful. As for me, I'd like to get my hands on a Dark Timber Kodiak and a Bark River Barong.
Mine was the 940... then last summer I bought one... no regrets. Not sure what's next, I am not as big into the fixed blades... more the folders. Only time will tell...
That Blackjack is seriously badass. I don’t love all your choices but I respect them. You’ve got some cool stuff in there.
I got my Grail Knife this year after six years on a list: Randall Made Number 9, Sportsman bowie, number 14 grind. Micarta 14 grip, 14 brass hilt and brass butt.
Great video there is nothing like finding or getting something you wanted for so long and finally everything comes together.
I just recently fell for the knife addiction. My grail knife is the Fox kukri fx-658 machete, which I affectionately renamed the Fox kukri fx-658 Redemption Day machete. And yes, I bought it. Love on first sight.
One knife I had when I was a kid, but was lost after I moved out, was the Gerber Blackie Collins Buddy System 1. It was my first necker, wasn't worth much and I bought a Buddy System 2 and it was completely different.
Brother, my grail knife is the Bark River Bravo III. I can't possibly over emphasize how much I love that thing. I stopped buying knives after I got it.
I also love the Blackjack but my next knife is going to be the Coldsteel Wild West Bowie and/or the Condor Undertaker..🔥
I got my grail knife two years ago its a 5 chira khukuri its amazing it chops does close up small stuff with the top of the blade in my hand i do skinning and cleaning skins it does everything...
I think we are close to the same age - I graduated High School in 1989 - and back in HS my 'grail' knife, which I never got, was a Buckmaster. Now I look at them and think, "Well, if someone GAVE me one I'd keep it just for nostalgia but I wouldn't buy one." I remember looking at them in the magazines, etc. at the time and nearly drooling. Then a buddy of mine got one for Christmas one year meaning I actually got to hold one in my hands. I was pretty envious at the time. Now, I honestly don't know that I have a 'grail knife'. There are lots of nice knives out there but something that would constitute a 'grail knife' for me would probably also be something priced well beyond what I am willing to pay for what is basically a piece of steel with a handle on it especially since it would probably be a safe queen that would never get used. I'm not saying others shouldn't pay whatever they want for a knife just that I wouldn't.
'91
I don't have my grail knife yet. I'm still looking and trying. My friend has a Parry Blade... he calls it HIS grail knife. I've used it, and will agree that if there is a "Ramboish-like" knife that I'd like to get, it is that Parry Blade. Still too pricey for me though. I went through the entire Summer of Jess-X without winning one... then, by chance both my son and daughter each purchased one for me that next Christmas. One I do use, one is still in the box. I'm planning to get a Yellow Hawk sheath for it. I like the one they did for you. Probably keep that Jess-X for a collector item.
Grail knife for me (not a huge knife savvy fella) The Down Under Knives The Outback Bowie. Always loved the Crocodile Dundee movies and always wanted one. I finally got one a couple months ago and have the 1095hc version inbound. Haven't really used the 440c version but plan to use the crap out of the 1095hc model.
Still bummed that Schrade ruined your design of Jess-X, I really wanted one. Guess I'll have to keep saving to pick up one of your other great knives from Bark River. The JX-5 looks and performs awesome. Keep up the great work Chris!
Seriously nice knives Chris in particular your JX5 ! I remember in the early days, big ole bag of budget knives. So glad to see you have got into knife designing and higher end customs.
Hey Chris my name is PAUL MONAHAN and you can verify what I’m about to say with Mike At Bark River/Black Jack Knives.
I will give you a very short version of a very long story. Back in the 80s when Mike was in California Mike and I designed a knife called the Monahan Stanger that MIKE produced under Black Jack.
That was just the beginning.
It was obvious to me that Mike was in financial trouble.
And so was Black Jack as well so I bought up everything that wasn’t nailed down from Black Jack in order to help MIKE make his month from time to time. Therefore I have a fairly extensive blackjack collection some of which you have never seen or heard of before.
I have been watching you since nearly day one and have thought of contacting you many times not necessarily about Black Jack but I just want to thank U for your Innovacion and diligence to your craft.
I have several projects that you maybe interested in that would bring more recognition to your channel and also would benefit some of our heroes that continually never get the recognition they deserve.
I should’ve contacted you several years ago but life took a turn. My dad who just died a couple months ago has been very ill for the last seven years so I never completed several projects.
Maybe now is the right time to strike up a conversation and friendship with you that would benefit others.
My phone number is 713-825-7400 if you would like to discuss this with me.
There is also something I would like to do for MIKE before we both get off this planet I would like to brainstorm with you about.
In any event I am an avid fan and I would like to thank you for your efforts to bring great content to RUclips and for the giving spirit that you have so well demonstrated.
Blessings,
Paul
Dude don't post your phone number on the Internet
My grail is a dark timber custom. My grandkids will be the first with the chance to be on the waitlist. 😁 edit...tacs 'pit viper' is perfect 👍
Oh my. Love my Case XX Bowie. It’s been mine for 30 plus years ………. Big Tony
I have three grail knives! the first is a big costum from Pete(dark timber knives) an original jess x and the jx5 with blue curly burl handles!
Grail knife: Western Cutlery W46-8 &/or W49
Mine is a original marble ideal, 13in bowie with leather handle and stag pommel. Used it pig hunting couple times and now I just look at it and remember.
I have the I and the II, as well as the Teton Bowie, the Rio Grande Bowie, and a few of the Wasp daggers. Not planning on using any of them either.
The Puma White Hunter is the knife I always wanted, I’ve handled them, rate them but couldn’t afford them, serious knife.
Nice choices. I like your designed one. My grail knife is one I didn’t know until I got it. I was very skeptical of large blades being anything other than collector blades. I got talked into trying the Becker Bk9…it is my favorite blade. I try other designs, but always come back to my bk9
My Grail is a puma white hunter and I will save up and own one soon.
I just acquired a 1983 White Hunter and a 1961 White Hunter. There’s quite a few on eBay but depending on condition you’re going to pay a premium for them.
Probably something adventure sworn. Not about the price but I probably wouldn’t use much so I haven’t gotten one yet. But I love the way their stuff looks. Top quality
My grails BlackHeart Valkyrie Bowie, Miller Bros blades M-8,anything Dark Timber and my Jx5 it's on the way.
You sent my grail knife back to Peter, since I can't get that one I'm enjoying immensely, my Junglas with Wilson wrap and his little brother the Esee 6HM in an AZ Welke kydex sheath with TekLock.
My grail knife is a "pocket" knife and it is a full custom medford praetorean or a todd begg bodega
I recently got a buck Kalinga in the box that was my grail growing up , I also have my hooligan which is my grown up grail.I also have the Jx5 on pretty order they didn't have my original handle material .Thanks for the video and all you do
The authentic knife from Rambo first blood part 2. That thing is my grail knife......its so difficult to justify paying $2000 for but at the same time when I'm not saving for guns and ammo I want to sock money away for one.
G'day Chris, Well, my 'Grail' knife was the blade that started me on serious knife collecting. I've lusted after this particular make and model for over 35 years and never was able to find a genuine example. Why? I wasn't in the British Army and, more specifically, I am not a Ghurkha soldier in the British Army. You see, I once was on a course with some British soldiers and a few of them were from a Ghurkha regiment. On dress parade, of course, they wore their Nepalese, hand made MoD pattern kukri. There are hundreds of Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Asian kukri style knives but only one produced exclusively for the British Army Ghurkhas. They showed me their kukris and I was knocked out by the perfect balance; the exquisite heft and grip of these knives plus the truly terrifying level of sharpness at which they were maintained.
Just last year, after a decade or so of part-time investigation I finally tracked down a Nepalese gentleman who knew one of the gentlemen who made a meagre living producing the genuine articles for the MoD. Of course there are companies over there that claim they make the British Army kukris but, in fact, do not. They make knives that are similar but not the real deal. Pleading emails were exchanged over a long time up to a point that I had my emails translated into Nepalese to remove any misunderstandings. Monies were expended... and I'd made it quite clear that I was willing to pay for the knife and pay the gentleman go-between and the man who would make my knife a little extra for their generosity and kindness.
Secretly thinking I would never see the knife or my cash ever again, I waited, and waited. Then out of the blue without any further communication my MoD pattern Ghurkha kukri appeared in the mail. My life as a knife collector is now complete.
I'd purchased well over 100 knives just to fill in the time and my lust for interesting, beautiful knives. Before I knew it I was hooked and then got into the history and stories behind nearly every type of knife.
But my work is not done, thanks to you. While watching this it suddenly dawned on me that I don't actually own a 'Bowie' knife. Rats! Back to the collecting board! Great video, Chris. Cheers, BH
I'd like to have a lot of the Blackjack knives. Mike is not making them and has discontinued several that I want. I was to busy buying his Bark River brand knives and now I can't find the Blackjack's I want. Also I will never, ever get rid of my Becker BK-7 and BK-9 knives. Good video, interesting PM101.
Grail knife? Crain Life Support system 1. runner up, randall model 18. Don't judge.
I have 2 Grail knives that come to mind: the SOG Creed and the 3 churra Kukri.
Hey Chris, I' m new to knives, but I saw and ordered my grail knife ( TOPS OPERATER 7 ), from smoky mountain knife works. It was about $100 less than ordering it straight from TOPS .😀😀😀
O p e r a t o r
my grail knife ,i found it last year by chance at a surplus store , a gerber bmf 9 inch blade ,in the 90 ' i was 20 years old could not afford it .
Thanks for a great video. I have a love for the "knife" myself. One of the greatest tools ever invented.
He was looking at knives. I was checking out the hot gals in the under garment section. Haha! I own so many knives and have collected pretty much all I can think of. There however was one that I had when I was younger that I ended up trading off. And a few years ago I started looking for another. It was a early Puma White Hinter stag of course. And I found one made in the late 60's in dang nice condition. Payed through the nose and now it is contained in one of my many drawers with other knives. I also picked up a vintage Al Mar Sere and 4X4. I did look at the recent release and they just are no where near the quality and I believe another company is producing Al Mar knives ?
Oh and a Blackjack vintage Mamba my wife picked up for me a few years back as well. I could talk and show off knives all day long. Same with firearms classic cars and fine Swiss auto's.