Combat knife reality check: Combat knife means a knife that a soldier takes to combat. Multi tool is by far the most useful and used. Anything more is gravy. I would and have carried, used and given away lots of knives in the military. Low weight, low profile, low cost is the (my) way to go . At the large end Sog seal pup and Air force pilot knife,Esse3, to the smaller and loved by Infantry guys Esse Izula and BK14. In my experience , the further away from the line you went, the bigger and fiercer the knives became. Just my 2c.
" Combat knife means a knife that a soldier takes to combat. Multi tool is by far the most useful and used. " That is true but the multi-tool is used more as a tool than a knife. "Soldiers" (Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians) have a wide-range of missions. And as we know, mission drives gear. Probably 95% of "combat" knives are used for cutting stuff open. So what does your mission have you cutting open?
Can anyone give me a mundane, every day, civilian use for “stabbing and piercing” with a knife? Killing chickens and hogs? What does the average person do with a combat knife? Seems like these are safe queens for most of us who don’t have some kind of fantasy about walking down the street and getting into a knife fight. Every US Marine I asked about what training they received on knife fighting just laughed at me. They use their “combat knives” to slice open (not stab or pierce) their MRE bags. That’s it.
@@JohnSmith-gs4lw "Can anyone give me a mundane, every day, civilian use for “stabbing and piercing” with a knife? Honestly, I use an old Ontario SP-1 Combat Knife that has been abused and regulated to my garage knife. It has been used to cut vehicle hoses, breakup root balls, cutoff tractor tires and open thousands of bags of mulch, fertilizer and the like. I have left this thing outside over an entire winter, found it, sanded off the rust, sharpened and oiled it and it was back to business. The sheath was an old cardboard thing that has long disintegrated but I replaced it with a new "kydex" Ka-Bar one that fit.
@@papimaximus95 Fair enough, sir. But I do the same kind of jobs with a stainless Mora 511 and a SMKW house brand fixed blade in 440C. Several of the blades Aaron showed were super steels, with super prices. If we are just collecting, good to go. Say no more. But it sounds like you have some “user” knives and I’m right there with you. Just don’t think either of us need CPM 3V to open feed bags.
I bought my first strongarm because of your reviews on that exact knife, blade hq was absolutely amazing and I have enjoyed the knife for several years now. Thanks for keeping us updated on what products are affordable and worth the price.
Carried the Ka-Bar 1217 during my years in Iraq and, quite frankly, I've still to find a proper replacement as a combat knife. The amount of abuse my beloved Ka-Bar took unimaginable! I still carry it today, and it proudly shows its scars... ;-)
Try batoning with it lmfao, the Kabar has the shittiest tang ever with its right angles going into only a third of it. As long as you keep in mind its weak tang, you should be fine.
Mine has worked fine all over the world for over 40 years. Probably because I did knife stuff with it, not pry bar, axe, and saw stuff with it. Don't make your knife work harder, think smarter.
@@mikeorick6898 that new fulltang kabar is "need to have!" overall combat knife is supposed also to throw on target, my old kabar usmc just bent where blade goes to handle after successful hard throw stab hit on dead tree... now i have glock 78 and it holds even full force missthrows with handle to tree... both has rat tangs but kabar has right angles and only leather handle there is weak point, also kabar's pomel is fixed by one small pin, it will be loosen after few hits on hard target... glock 78 has curved corners to tang plus hard plastic around it it is like combat mora, glock is also 1/3 price of kabar and what to say glock is just better designed, eventhough kabar is effective pure stabing tool. Peace and cheers to all knifeholics o7
I have a few combat knives kabar fighting knife benchmade infidel fixed blade and CRKT Shrill daggers but if I had to pick a blade that’s not an axe tomahawk or machete I’d go with my cold steel recon scout bowie great piercing tip sharp edge great size and weight with a great grip and guard and a good length with a 7 1/2 inch blade which is a a hair longer than the kabar fighting knife and available in numerous steels like vg-10, SK-5, O1 tool steel and 3v.
Having owned many a quality combat and survival knife, the best one is the one you're most practiced and comfortable with providing it's up to the task. Good steel proper dimensions dimensions dimensions
Aaron, you introduced me to the Tops Prather War Bowie years ago and it's my go-to bushcrafter, with a piggybacked Esee Izula in custom AZWelke sheaths. The War Bowie does it all and is my favorite tool when camping. Plus, if I ever needed it for defense, its superior reach and piercing ability is excellent. Thanks for your great vids over the years!
Would love to see a review of the Peltonen Sissipuukko, it's a combat knife designed by a Finnish army veteran based on traditional pukko but with very modern features and unique sheath. Also very inexpensive.
In 23 yrs. of military service, I never fought with a knife, nor was taught how to fight with one. The rifled bayonet being the exception. Daggers have no other use than to stab. Taking out guard dogs or sentries was done with silenced hand guns. The Finns used the puukko to remove Russian guards. My Camillus was used to cut rope, straps, pry C-rations, cut nylon/canvas, fuses, stab tires, build hides, cut sausage, etc. I eventually went to a khukuri, 9.5 inch for my field activities.
The Devil's Brigade (the original special forces) were the only American soldiers I know of that would rely specifically on daggers (the V-42) to silently kill enemies (mainly when they were sleeping or not expecting an attack). It was very risky but that's how they fought in WW2.
The Devil's Brigade was the mix of American and Canadian soldiers who started training in Helena, Montana. Known as the 1st Special Service Force and stationed at Ft. Harrison. The Germans called them black devils, because of their numerous raids at night and blackening their faces, hands etc. I served with the 20th Special Forces and trained at Ft. Harrison one summer. Capt. RW Bieschke MSC USA ( ret.)
A knife no one thinks of that has a great sheath and is highly underrated that I think would make a great combat knife is the Esee CM6. It’s kind of over shadowed by the Esee 6 however I think the CM6 is much more suited for a combat knife and the price is fairly decent. You can also get aftermarket scales if you want to.
The Harsey/KaBar feels like it was made for my hand. The only change I would recommend is to use a higher grade steel for rust resistance and better edge retention. Check out the Ontario RAT 6 w/ S35VN steel. Zapata33
Thanks for another excellent video Aaron. Very informative and interesting. The Ontario RAT-6 is my new favorite outdoor knife. It can do everything I need a knife to do. My previous favorite outdoor knife was the Tops Longhorn Bowie but it HAS TO BE KEPT lubricated with an oil AT ALL TIMES bc it rusts like crazy. The RAT-6 hasn’t shown any signs of rust and holds an edge pretty good.
Great Video to pump me up before my hike this morning. Ya made me drag out a bunch of my knives and re-think my blade of choice...the Fallkniven S1 was put away in favor of the Lionsteel T5. And dang, you got me itching for the SOG Pillar again...
What lovely stuff you have shared, Love the compersion you do, you cover almost everything. Dont get me wrong but this is one of the best videos for multi-knife fixed-blade knives after a long. A good knowledge base person like me accesses the globe. Keep it up and stay blessed.
You know i'm in the great smokey mountains right now around bryson city, For our anniversary.And I have my buck 119 with me. I also have a few other knives with me .Believe me bryson city is not a City. It is a very small town. Really enjoyed this!
One of the biggest surprises I've gotten in a knife purchase lately was the Top's Hazen legion .boy would what a comfortable comfortable capable self defense blade .and it can put in the work also
For all in 1 for combat and field utility. Similar to the cold steel. Knife with a tip so you can jab jugulars. Maybe add a small serrated section at the bottom of the blade for cutting ropes etc easier. The serrated section is not friendly for cutting people if you are into that. Something durable you can sharpen a decent amount without killing the knife. A decent strong lip. The one on the cold steel you can hammer as it is square and your hand wont slip onto the blade though the handle itself is boring. (I have used it before).
What a great video! LOVE all of the comparisons. A great variety of blades for almost any task! For a city boy like me, the Harsey, Turoc, Esee 6 are my preference. That particular style is what I find myself gravitating to. It suits my needs but you pretty much covered more bases here that are way beyond my needs! LOTS of food for thought... This is one of those videos that I'll be coming back to from time to time, it's excellent!!!
I think Aaron you forgot to mention the Buck G.C.K. with for me the best seath from all there , and one of the best at the market. Also the 5160 steel with the great Boss heat treatment, and the strong as a truck tip, is a rock star .
All fun knives and I have many of them. But for it’s my BRK Bravo in 3V. One may make an argument that on combat knife a guard or quillion comes in handy when stabbing.
My favourite combat knife is the Gerber LHR as my main-stay with my Fox CQT Magnum 747 Tanto tipped folder for backup. For Camping, the BK9 or BK7 with the Fox CQT Magnum regular blade as my backup.
I knew I was in for a good vid when I saw the table full of fixed blades. # Fixedbladelove. Never been in combat so I find it hard to comment (shout out to all who have served) but when I worked law enforcement my goto fixed blade was the Cold Steel SRK. I found it offered the versatility and strength I needed while being good value. Sharp blades all.
For me as an military dude a combat knife is 98% a knife you use in the field, and in the field you open boxes, open cans, cut rope, pick your teeth, making a fire and scratch your ass with it. You carry so much weight in combat gear so you must stay with one blade and maybe a pocket knife or a multitool. A good combat knife is an all use knife. A dagger is only more weight and when you are like me ,52, you hate extra stuff:).sooo, what do i think is great then? gerber prodigy, cold steel SRK, Fällkniven F1, Gerber strongarm,Mora 2000, Ese 3 and 4? .Knives with an 12 to 13 cm blade and strong made is an perfect combat blade. Thanks for a good video.
My favorite is Cold Steel SRK (survival rescue knife) in VG10 sai mai ll laminated STEEL ! Virtually unbreakable... The standard srk is used by many seals for buds training.... I like the added strength and rust resistance of laminated steel I picked mine up on knifecenter years ago for $120 new
The Buck GCK is an excellent all around combat/utility knife. Id prefer that to a strongarm. The WTG 7" Puzon Wilderness bowie would be a good choice too.
@@gideonstactical Makes me glad I got one when I did. I feel like that line was one of the best things they had going. Looked at their new catalog and wasn't impressed. WTG is definitely on a roll though lately.
I have the Turok and with heat shrink grip tubing it's very grippy when wet. Would love to have the Harsey but was wondering how it compares to the Cold Steel Leatherneck which I have. It is in direct competition with the Harsey. Either one would be a great choice IMO.
I gotta define/Say: you are doing/have done "The Best" In Depth Comprehensive Detailed Comparisons all around... of "Tactical/Combat/Survival Blade/s on RUclips! Thank You, J
For me, the primary job of a "Combat" knife, is for enhuming an enemy. Second, anything else. So blade length is very important to me. I have just acquired the Buck 124 and in my mind, yet, its a combat knife, that can do other things. I also have a Kabar, and several Khukuri's, and some very large Bowie knives. Any ways, you are doing a very good job.
I proudly possess the S.O.G Pillar and Gerber Strongarm as well. It's a matter of pride because a handful of Indians like me are into knife enthusiasm. I would also like to inform you that Cold Steel Kobun which I possess, also is a good combat knife. I like your videos brother. Love n respect from INDIA.😊
As far as Survival/combat there's so many options, the CS SRK is always in the mix, just got the Spartan Harsey Fighter, i have a LionSteel T5 for more Survival/Camping & also an excellent back up for anything, my other personal (backup) options are the Sog Pillar, CS Kobun & Sog Seal Pup Elite. Also, i just pulled the trigger on that Steel Will Argonaut 800 from a recommendation in the comments and watched your older review on it, it seems excellent for a Tactical/Survival blade, plus for that price hard to beat. That Work Tuff company is killing it by the way, i need to get one of their blades ASAP, Have great day 🙏🔊❤️🗡
TRC Mille Cuori. Nice knives there,but none is half close to the TRC Mille Cuori.Only good about Lionsteels, is the comfortable handle. Their bevel geometries are a big joke.Their heat treatments are not good either.
So just a quick question or 2 and my curiousity? what combat knife did you carry actually carry in combat? Or which Branch of the military did you serve in if you did not deploy to combat?Or have you ever even served in the military? Just curious what your real world experience is with actually using a (combat knife) in a combat situation over just going out in the woods and using it? As a combet veteran of Iraq myself a few of the guys I served with carried the gerber not sure which one it was at the time it was like the strong arm though and some of us carried diiferent types of Ka-bar knives like the TDI law enforcment style blade.. Me personally I carried 2 Ka-bar mule foding knives one on my riggers belt that held up my pants and one on my plate carrier in the front as well as a CRKT folder clippied in my pocket. all served me well and I still have them all and they are still going strong.
Bro. Can you do a video explaining the history and name behind "Gideons tactical "? That would be rad. And ive been watching you for years. You hooked me up with a very nice company called Utica years back. They sent me 3 new knives on top of a new sheath!!
Awesome, I just might do that! The reason I named it Gideonstactical is because Gideon in the book of Judges in the Bible did not have any experience, and was not a great military commander, but God used him to do great things. I have no military, law-enforcement, or survival, prowess outside of what I’ve learned myself. And the word Tactical means to have a strategy or plan and the goal with each video is to give you guys strategies and plans for your outdoor adventures and how your tools are going to serve you in those different adventures.
@@gideonstactical that is cool story behind the name. Sometimes, all it takes is a sling shot and a few stones. GOD will honor that and giants will go down! Thanks 4 the info and great reviews!
Just got the Cold Steel SRK in 3v. I think it’s the best choice for me and I love the way it looks. I just wish it had a full thickness tang and handles similar to Esee.
The tang is as strong as it needs to be. The maximum stress on a knife would be on the tip if you pryed with it. The tang is strong enough that the tip will break before the tang.
I live in a state, that unless you are out in the woods, or coming back from hunting. Carrying a fixed bladed knife with a blade longer then 3 inches, will get you arrested. That is if some one takes the time to do so. But if its in my pocket, and no one can see it, but its easy to pull and deploy. My new Espada XL, with G10 scales and a 7.5 inch blade, is the knife I will carry as my EDC self defense knife. And yes its big for a pocket knife, but it fits in the pocket of my jeans. Lynn Thompson, actually designed Espada as a fighting knife. I hope I never have to deploy it to defend myself. But if I have too. I could open carry a firearm, but those attract too much attention. Besides, it makes a very nice CLICK, when the blade locks into place when pulling it from my pocket. Its over all length when the blade is open, is 14.5 inches. So I have reach. It is good for both slashing and thrusting.
@@DL-ij7tf Not really. It has a nice curve/belly coming off the tip and widens pretty good. This creates lots of drag (surface area) when stabbing. This is why daggers/straighter blades are much better at stabbing. It is a better slicer and chopper. Remember, you have to get through a lot of clothes/gear to get to the flesh in "combat".
As good is the Spartan is i have to go Becker BK 7 that extra 2 inches in a combat knife means a ton. If SOG made a 7 inch Pillar that would win by a landslide.
If you know the limitations of knives...I would probably go with a Buck 119 with new steel...Cuts like a scandi grind knife and with a pointed blade, can be good for self defense. It's good enough for me and for almost the same price as the spartan.
I wish Spartan would put out the Harsey Fighter in Magnacut now that they offer the Ka-Bar fighting knife in Magnacut. Harsey Fighter is just a better modern design.
What do figure a swedge is for specifically? To help create a piercing point? Is it weight reduction? Is it cosmetic? It sure ain't wind reduction. I like the looks of a swedge, but it's not a good feature when you want to baton wood.
Hi Aaron, great information as always. One thing i would like to know is what would your pick be Between these three? Tops Silent Hero Lionsteel T5 Joker Nomad? Thanks man
How does the spartan compare to the steel will dark angel? I know the dark angels are hard to get, but I own one. In fact, I bought it based on the review that you did on that knife, and I love it. But are there aspects of the spartan fighter that I might like better?
Curious why the TOPs Moccasin Ranger didn't make the "cut" in your assessment. IMHO, the perfect all around combat knife. As the dude on the TV show says.."It will keel".
1) Thank you, Aaron, for a thoroughly enjoyable fixed-blade knife geekout (and that's definitely a compliment) video! Most fun I've had all week! 2) You omitted one of the best budget combat/field knives that you've showcased on your channel - the Steel Will Argonaut 800. I would put it up against the Spartan in a hurry, for it's ergos, toughness, blade length, piercing capability, functional and durable sheath, and multiple carry and lashing options. Add to that, it is stainless (AUS-8) which is very important for me in my always hot always humid, often salty environment. I got one, based on your shining and effusive review, and I was NOT disappointed. It's GREAT! 3) However, COMMA, I would choose it's brother, the Steel Will Argonaut 810 over either one, any day! The 810 is sort of the hunter variant of the Argonaut series, and is better suited to woodworking, hunting/game dressing, camp cooking, and general camp use. The blade is slightly shorter (6.02"vs. 6.3), slightly broader, and has a higher grind than either the Spartan or the Argonaut 800. The blade is slightly thinner than the Spartan too (.18" vs. .195") and has a slight recurve and a much more pronounced belly than either the Spartan or the 800. The effect of all this is that it is WAY more slicey than either its sibling or the Spartan. It also has a longer swedge that isn't too thin, so it pierces VERY well, but retains a lot of strength at the tip. Additionally, it It also has a finger choil, unlike its sibling or the Spartan, so you can choke up to get even more control when carving. It has the same kind of versatile polymer sheath and attachment capabilities as the 800, the same comfortable, ergonomic TPE handle, and the same tough, stain resistant AUS-8 blade steel. My Argonaut 800, Gerber Strongarm, and Ruike Jager all get play, but the Argonaut 810 is the easy favorite for me. Also, if you can find one, it's much more budget friendly than the Spartan - about $85. The bad news is that Steel Will seems to have folded, so the challenge is IF you can find one.
G'day Charles, I instantly thought of you and our recent conversation. Yep the Argo(s) would have to fit the bill. Btw; I wonder if Steel Will was bought out and perhaps some of their models could return under a different logo, ... though I cant see anything even suggesting that on the web .... we can still live in hope mate. Also btw; the 3 variants are still advertised here under a few different supplier's websites, though I'm almost certain they're not in stock and any order would end up going nowhere. But I will try contacting one or two directly, ...... for our old mate, "Just-in Case". Cheers Duke.
I read your comment and went back to RUclips, saw the older video of the review on the Argonaut 800, right up my Alley, so I just ordered one lol I'm glad they're still in stock! Looks like a great budget option. I've always loved Aus 8 steel. Good all around steel, plus Joe X proved how durable and tough it is. So thanks for your good suggestion 👍
@@eyeofthetiger4184 Hey Duke! No harm in trying - literally won't cost a thing to se eif they have 'em in stock. I like that fantasy - that someone else will bring them back. I'll keep my fingers crossed for it!
My combat knife is a paring knife, $5 flat. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine to discuss what people think to be combat knives. I train in Scott Babb's libre fighting system. So for me, in the western world, where i life, smaller is better. To put it in Scott Babb's words: i don't care about the blade, what shape it has or what steel it has. Has to be sharp and somewhat sturdy. I care about the grip. Best grip is what a butchers knife or a chefs knife has, it's comfortable in a hammer grip, edge in or edge out, and it's comfortable in an ice pick grip, edge in or edge out. For combat, everything whit excessive finger groves or a ring like those carambits have, is a deal breaker at once. Has to be concealable, has to come out REAL quick, and shouldn't cost much money, bcs if you have to use it, god forbid, as a civilian, you either throw the thing away or the police takes it from you. IF i would take one somewhat more expensive knife for fighting, it would be the El pionero from tops knives, in collaboration with Ed Calderon. He is also the guy that brought my mind to cheap paring knives.
Great video! I like the Spartan but not convinced that it could outperform my favorites that I use already (which you compared on here): TOPS Prather Bowie, TOPS Apache Dawn, and Cold Steel SRK SK5. #opinion
clip point cold steel voyager yes it's a folder but you can at least pocket it even if it's big unlike these bad boys I'm a fixed blade person but I'm giving that triad lock some love now, especially becuase the blades break long, long before the lock gives out
September 5, 2023. I received in today the Buck discontinued combat knife with a tanto blade, at a significant discount. I give it 5 stars. I give the sheath 5 stars. Is/was there any room for improvement? I wear xlarge gloves. I would have appreciated if the grip had been 1/4 longer. It would have fit better in the hand and given better balance. September 5, 2023. I received in today the Spartan Harsey fighter. Another 5 stars. The retention is outstanding because rather than relying upon a friction fit, it has an easily reachable pushbutton release. I have many of the Cold Steel military issue fixed blades at less than 1/2 the price. However, this knife and sheath, should be considered for military issue as the sheath can readily be modified for multiple carries. Again, I wear xlarge gloves so I would have liked a 1/4 inch longer grip. However, the balance is excellent. One of the currently available and manufactured fixed blade, shtf knives of essentially the same size that sits in my office next to the computer will not be replaced. It is the J.P. Peltonen fixed blade that is issued by Finland and Estonia. It fits my hand, has excellent balance. The sheath design was not for me So, it sits within an old fashioned Ontario leather sheath with a restraining strap.
Combat knife reality check: Combat knife means a knife that a soldier takes to combat. Multi tool is by far the most useful and used. Anything more is gravy. I would and have carried, used and given away lots of knives in the military. Low weight, low profile, low cost is the (my) way to go . At the large end Sog seal pup and Air force pilot knife,Esse3, to the smaller and loved by Infantry guys Esse Izula and BK14. In my experience , the further away from the line you went, the bigger and fiercer the knives became.
Just my 2c.
" Combat knife means a knife that a soldier takes to combat. Multi tool is by far the most useful and used. "
That is true but the multi-tool is used more as a tool than a knife. "Soldiers" (Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians) have a wide-range of missions. And as we know, mission drives gear. Probably 95% of "combat" knives are used for cutting stuff open. So what does your mission have you cutting open?
Enemy combatants and the so called heros who don't want to speak when spoken to.
Can anyone give me a mundane, every day, civilian use for “stabbing and piercing” with a knife? Killing chickens and hogs? What does the average person do with a combat knife? Seems like these are safe queens for most of us who don’t have some kind of fantasy about walking down the street and getting into a knife fight. Every US Marine I asked about what training they received on knife fighting just laughed at me. They use their “combat knives” to slice open (not stab or pierce) their MRE bags. That’s it.
@@JohnSmith-gs4lw "Can anyone give me a mundane, every day, civilian use for “stabbing and piercing” with a knife?
Honestly, I use an old Ontario SP-1 Combat Knife that has been abused and regulated to my garage knife. It has been used to cut vehicle hoses, breakup root balls, cutoff tractor tires and open thousands of bags of mulch, fertilizer and the like. I have left this thing outside over an entire winter, found it, sanded off the rust, sharpened and oiled it and it was back to business. The sheath was an old cardboard thing that has long disintegrated but I replaced it with a new "kydex" Ka-Bar one that fit.
@@papimaximus95 Fair enough, sir. But I do the same kind of jobs with a stainless Mora 511 and a SMKW house brand fixed blade in 440C. Several of the blades Aaron showed were super steels, with super prices. If we are just collecting, good to go. Say no more. But it sounds like you have some “user” knives and I’m right there with you. Just don’t think either of us need CPM 3V to open feed bags.
I bought my first strongarm because of your reviews on that exact knife, blade hq was absolutely amazing and I have enjoyed the knife for several years now. Thanks for keeping us updated on what products are affordable and worth the price.
Carried the Ka-Bar 1217 during my years in Iraq and, quite frankly, I've still to find a proper replacement as a combat knife. The amount of abuse my beloved Ka-Bar took unimaginable! I still carry it today, and it proudly shows its scars... ;-)
Try batoning with it lmfao, the Kabar has the shittiest tang ever with its right angles going into only a third of it.
As long as you keep in mind its weak tang, you should be fine.
Mine has worked fine all over the world for over 40 years. Probably because I did knife stuff with it, not pry bar, axe, and saw stuff with it. Don't make your knife work harder, think smarter.
@@mikeorick6898it’s not even a using it wrong thing. it’s design is just inherently flawed and weak at the cross guard.
Its literally meant to gut humans......🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂@@Leftyotism
@@mikeorick6898 that new fulltang kabar is "need to have!" overall combat knife is supposed also to throw on target, my old kabar usmc just bent where blade goes to handle after successful hard throw stab hit on dead tree... now i have glock 78 and it holds even full force missthrows with handle to tree... both has rat tangs but kabar has right angles and only leather handle there is weak point, also kabar's pomel is fixed by one small pin, it will be loosen after few hits on hard target... glock 78 has curved corners to tang plus hard plastic around it it is like combat mora, glock is also 1/3 price of kabar and what to say glock is just better designed, eventhough kabar is effective pure stabing tool. Peace and cheers to all knifeholics o7
Ka-Bar USMC, Glock78, Cold Steel Recon Tanto, that's my favorite combat knifes.
Sweet!!! Good blades
I have a few combat knives kabar fighting knife benchmade infidel fixed blade and CRKT Shrill daggers but if I had to pick a blade that’s not an axe tomahawk or machete I’d go with my cold steel recon scout bowie great piercing tip sharp edge great size and weight with a great grip and guard and a good length with a 7 1/2 inch blade which is a a hair longer than the kabar fighting knife and available in numerous steels like vg-10, SK-5, O1 tool steel and 3v.
Having owned many a quality combat and survival knife, the best one is the one you're most practiced and comfortable with providing it's up to the task. Good steel proper dimensions dimensions dimensions
Aaron, you introduced me to the Tops Prather War Bowie years ago and it's my go-to bushcrafter, with a piggybacked Esee Izula in custom AZWelke sheaths. The War Bowie does it all and is my favorite tool when camping. Plus, if I ever needed it for defense, its superior reach and piercing ability is excellent. Thanks for your great vids over the years!
Thanks for watching James and goes the blade have been working for you!!
Would love to see a review of the Peltonen Sissipuukko, it's a combat knife designed by a Finnish army veteran based on traditional pukko but with very modern features and unique sheath. Also very inexpensive.
In 23 yrs. of military service, I never fought with a knife, nor was taught how to fight with one. The rifled bayonet being the exception. Daggers have no other use than to stab. Taking out guard dogs or sentries was done with silenced hand guns. The Finns used the puukko to remove Russian guards. My Camillus was used to cut rope, straps, pry C-rations, cut nylon/canvas, fuses, stab tires, build hides, cut sausage, etc. I eventually went to a khukuri, 9.5 inch for my field activities.
The Devil's Brigade (the original special forces) were the only American soldiers I know of that would rely specifically on daggers (the V-42) to silently kill enemies (mainly when they were sleeping or not expecting an attack). It was very risky but that's how they fought in WW2.
The Devil's Brigade was the mix of American and Canadian soldiers who started training in Helena, Montana. Known as the 1st Special Service Force and stationed at Ft. Harrison. The Germans called them black devils, because of their numerous raids at night and blackening their faces, hands etc. I served with the 20th Special Forces and trained at Ft. Harrison one summer. Capt. RW Bieschke MSC USA ( ret.)
A knife no one thinks of that has a great sheath and is highly underrated that I think would make a great combat knife is the Esee CM6. It’s kind of over shadowed by the Esee 6 however I think the CM6 is much more suited for a combat knife and the price is fairly decent. You can also get aftermarket scales if you want to.
I've often had the same thought regarding the Esee 6 v. CM6
The Harsey/KaBar feels like it was made for my hand. The only change I would recommend is to use a higher grade steel for rust resistance and better edge retention. Check out the Ontario RAT 6 w/ S35VN steel.
Zapata33
Bought the spartan thanks to this video and could not be happier. My new favorite!
Thanks for another excellent video Aaron. Very informative and interesting. The Ontario RAT-6 is my new favorite outdoor knife. It can do everything I need a knife to do. My previous favorite outdoor knife was the Tops Longhorn Bowie but it HAS TO BE KEPT lubricated with an oil AT ALL TIMES bc it rusts like crazy. The RAT-6 hasn’t shown any signs of rust and holds an edge pretty good.
Organized chaos is great! I know where everything is, so it's not messy to me, but looks like a bomb sight to all and sundry haha!
Great Video to pump me up before my hike this morning. Ya made me drag out a bunch of my knives and re-think my blade of choice...the Fallkniven S1 was put away in favor of the Lionsteel T5. And dang, you got me itching for the SOG Pillar again...
Awesome!!
Enjoy the trail today
What lovely stuff you have shared, Love the compersion you do, you cover almost everything. Dont get me wrong but this is one of the best videos for multi-knife fixed-blade knives after a long. A good knowledge base person like me accesses the globe. Keep it up and stay blessed.
You know i'm in the great smokey mountains right now around bryson city, For our anniversary.And I have my buck 119 with me. I also have a few other knives with me .Believe me bryson city is not a City. It is a very small town. Really enjoyed this!
One of the biggest surprises I've gotten in a knife purchase lately was the Top's Hazen legion .boy would what a comfortable comfortable capable self defense blade .and it can put in the work also
For all in 1 for combat and field utility. Similar to the cold steel. Knife with a tip so you can jab jugulars. Maybe add a small serrated section at the bottom of the blade for cutting ropes etc easier. The serrated section is not friendly for cutting people if you are into that. Something durable you can sharpen a decent amount without killing the knife.
A decent strong lip. The one on the cold steel you can hammer as it is square and your hand wont slip onto the blade though the handle itself is boring. (I have used it before).
All nice blades. The field knives I miss most from my past are the Steel Will Darkangel 900 and the Tops Mohawk Hunter
One vote for the BK18 Harpoon! Greatly enjoyed mine, definitely recommend it.
Super informative video, for those looking for some versatility in a combat - woodsman knife
What a great video! LOVE all of the comparisons. A great variety of blades for almost any task! For a city boy like me, the Harsey, Turoc, Esee 6 are my preference. That particular style is what I find myself gravitating to. It suits my needs but you pretty much covered more bases here that are way beyond my needs! LOTS of food for thought... This is one of those videos that I'll be coming back to from time to time, it's excellent!!!
Aaron has a lot of what I call "encyclopedia videos" or just "notes" i have about 8 of them bookmarked.
There are alot of great knives out there today…and that’s a good thing. I have a bunch, but still love my modded out BK7!
I think Aaron you forgot to mention the Buck G.C.K. with for me the best seath from all there , and one of the best at the market. Also the 5160 steel with the great Boss heat treatment, and the strong as a truck tip, is a rock star .
Ya sucks they discontinued it.
@@gideonstactical Really?? I don't understand that decision...
love this type of comparison video. Please do another with a step up in class ( steel/features/cost). So glad I found your channel!
Thanks for being a part of the GT family.
As a someone who served in the 90's, I love my K bar, Mora HD companion, and Sog Seal pup.
My favorite is the lion steel T5. The metal, the grip material and fit and the grind are super. It just feels great in my hand!
All fun knives and I have many of them. But for it’s my BRK Bravo in 3V. One may make an argument that on combat knife a guard or quillion comes in handy when stabbing.
My favourite combat knife is the Gerber LHR as my main-stay with my Fox CQT Magnum 747 Tanto tipped folder for backup. For Camping, the BK9 or BK7 with the Fox CQT Magnum regular blade as my backup.
I knew I was in for a good vid when I saw the table full of fixed blades. # Fixedbladelove. Never been in combat so I find it hard to comment (shout out to all who have served) but when I worked law enforcement my goto fixed blade was the Cold Steel SRK. I found it offered the versatility and strength I needed while being good value. Sharp blades all.
With all the amazing combat knifes out there, for the money and absolute abuse. Cold steel srk is still my favorite.
For me as an military dude a combat knife is 98% a knife you use in the field, and in the field you open boxes, open cans, cut rope, pick your teeth, making a fire and scratch your ass with it. You carry so much weight in combat gear so you must stay with one blade and maybe a pocket knife or a multitool. A good combat knife is an all use knife. A dagger is only more weight and when you are like me ,52, you hate extra stuff:).sooo, what do i think is great then? gerber prodigy, cold steel SRK, Fällkniven F1, Gerber strongarm,Mora 2000, Ese 3 and 4? .Knives with an 12 to 13 cm blade and strong made is an perfect combat blade. Thanks for a good video.
My favorite is Cold Steel SRK (survival rescue knife) in VG10 sai mai ll laminated STEEL ! Virtually unbreakable... The standard srk is used by many seals for buds training.... I like the added strength and rust resistance of laminated steel I picked mine up on knifecenter years ago for $120 new
Some videos you just have to see more than once... THIS ONE, being one of them ❤!!!
Thank you so much Jorge! Really appreciate that.
@@gideonstactical my pleasure, literally!!!
The Buck GCK is an excellent all around combat/utility knife. Id prefer that to a strongarm. The WTG 7" Puzon Wilderness bowie would be a good choice too.
Sadly the Buck GCK is no more
@@gideonstactical Makes me glad I got one when I did. I feel like that line was one of the best things they had going. Looked at their new catalog and wasn't impressed. WTG is definitely on a roll though lately.
I have the Turok and with heat shrink grip tubing it's very grippy when wet. Would love to have the Harsey but was wondering how it compares to the Cold Steel Leatherneck which I have. It is in direct competition with the Harsey. Either one would be a great choice IMO.
Wondering the same since the Turok is 120 cad but the harsey is double
I gotta define/Say: you are doing/have done "The Best" In Depth Comprehensive Detailed Comparisons all around... of "Tactical/Combat/Survival Blade/s on RUclips! Thank You, J
Busse Combat in INFI steel for the win. Pricey yes but as close to indestructible as you can get.
anything made in Taiwan is really good in fact I look for that most people are skeptical and they don't know and that's fine helps the price down
Many of Spyderco’s best folders are made in Taiwan.
For me, the primary job of a "Combat" knife, is for enhuming an enemy. Second, anything else. So blade length is very important to me. I have just acquired the Buck 124 and in my mind, yet, its a combat knife, that can do other things. I also have a Kabar, and several Khukuri's, and some very large Bowie knives. Any ways, you are doing a very good job.
I proudly possess the S.O.G Pillar and Gerber Strongarm as well. It's a matter of pride because a handful of Indians like me are into knife enthusiasm. I would also like to inform you that Cold Steel Kobun which I possess, also is a good combat knife.
I like your videos brother. Love n respect from INDIA.😊
Where do you buy your knives from ?
Very nice impressive blade 👍🏼👍🏼, but I’m leaning towards that Apache Dawn 😎🇺🇸🤙🏼
Great video!! This kind of content is awesome. Keep ‘em coming! Let us know how your EDC has evolved from the early days till now! (Knife wise)
As far as Survival/combat there's so many options, the CS SRK is always in the mix, just got the Spartan Harsey Fighter, i have a LionSteel T5 for more Survival/Camping & also an excellent back up for anything, my other personal (backup) options are the Sog Pillar, CS Kobun & Sog Seal Pup Elite. Also, i just pulled the trigger on that Steel Will Argonaut 800 from a recommendation in the comments and watched your older review on it, it seems excellent for a Tactical/Survival blade, plus for that price hard to beat. That Work Tuff company is killing it by the way, i need to get one of their blades ASAP, Have great day 🙏🔊❤️🗡
TRC Mille Cuori. Nice knives there,but none is half close to the TRC Mille Cuori.Only good about Lionsteels, is the comfortable handle. Their bevel geometries are a big joke.Their heat treatments are not good either.
@greekveteran2715 really hmm, so far, so good. Now I haven't tortured the blade like Joe X or anything but, so far it's done great.
So just a quick question or 2 and my curiousity? what combat knife did you carry actually carry in combat? Or which Branch of the military did you serve in if you did not deploy to combat?Or have you ever even served in the military? Just curious what your real world experience is with actually using a (combat knife) in a combat situation over just going out in the woods and using it?
As a combet veteran of Iraq myself a few of the guys I served with carried the gerber not sure which one it was at the time it was like the strong arm though and some of us carried diiferent types of Ka-bar knives like the TDI law enforcment style blade..
Me personally I carried 2 Ka-bar mule foding knives one on my riggers belt that held up my pants and one on my plate carrier in the front as well as a CRKT folder clippied in my pocket.
all served me well and I still have them all and they are still going strong.
Bro. Can you do a video explaining the history and name behind "Gideons tactical "? That would be rad. And ive been watching you for years. You hooked me up with a very nice company called Utica years back. They sent me 3 new knives on top of a new sheath!!
Awesome, I just might do that! The reason I named it Gideonstactical is because Gideon in the book of Judges in the Bible did not have any experience, and was not a great military commander, but God used him to do great things. I have no military, law-enforcement, or survival, prowess outside of what I’ve learned myself. And the word Tactical means to have a strategy or plan and the goal with each video is to give you guys strategies and plans for your outdoor adventures and how your tools are going to serve you in those different adventures.
@@gideonstactical that is cool story behind the name. Sometimes, all it takes is a sling shot and a few stones. GOD will honor that and giants will go down! Thanks 4 the info and great reviews!
I bought à Buck 891 GCK (Ground combat knife) 2 years ago. Made in 5160 this knife is a beast
Discontinued at the time of this video then they brought it back.
KA-BAR Modified Tanto I think would give a run for the money of any of the knives you mentioned.
Just got the Cold Steel SRK in 3v. I think it’s the best choice for me and I love the way it looks. I just wish it had a full thickness tang and handles similar to Esee.
Yep. Good pig sticker but not the best as a camp/field knife.
The tang is as strong as it needs to be. The maximum stress on a knife would be on the tip if you pryed with it. The tang is strong enough that the tip will break before the tang.
I think the Ratmandu would be a great option as well. but since they can no longer use their propriety steel, they are hard (expensive now) to come by
I live in a state, that unless you are out in the woods, or coming back from hunting. Carrying a fixed bladed knife with a blade longer then 3 inches, will get you arrested. That is if some one takes the time to do so. But if its in my pocket, and no one can see it, but its easy to pull and deploy. My new Espada XL, with G10 scales and a 7.5 inch blade, is the knife I will carry as my EDC self defense knife. And yes its big for a pocket knife, but it fits in the pocket of my jeans. Lynn Thompson, actually designed Espada as a fighting knife. I hope I never have to deploy it to defend myself. But if I have too. I could open carry a firearm, but those attract too much attention. Besides, it makes a very nice CLICK, when the blade locks into place when pulling it from my pocket. Its over all length when the blade is open, is 14.5 inches. So I have reach. It is good for both slashing and thrusting.
I'm not a very tactically oriented guy but this was a very interesting discussion, thanks 👍
Don’t discount the Esee 6 . I’ve dispatched a pile of hogs with mine and have no doubt it would be effective on two legged predators as well .
ANY knife MAY work but the ESEE 6 is probably not the best choice. I like something a little more stout and pointy.
@@papimaximus95 The Esee 6 seems pretty stout and pointy isn't it?
@@DL-ij7tf Not really. It has a nice curve/belly coming off the tip and widens pretty good. This creates lots of drag (surface area) when stabbing. This is why daggers/straighter blades are much better at stabbing. It is a better slicer and chopper. Remember, you have to get through a lot of clothes/gear to get to the flesh in "combat".
I carried a Becker BK-7 on deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. The fat handle, full tang and piercing point made it perfect for, stuff
Great video as always. Wish you would consider J.P. Peltonen m95 too.
As good is the Spartan is i have to go Becker BK 7 that extra 2 inches in a combat knife means a ton. If SOG made a 7 inch Pillar that would win by a landslide.
If you know the limitations of knives...I would probably go with a Buck 119 with new steel...Cuts like a scandi grind knife and with a pointed blade, can be good for self defense. It's good enough for me and for almost the same price as the spartan.
Ya the buck 119 is excellent!
Where did you get the specops sheath ? I only see them with the spare pistol pouch, not just Molle
Just one Amazon about 5 years back
I wish Spartan would put out the Harsey Fighter in Magnacut now that they offer the Ka-Bar fighting knife in Magnacut. Harsey Fighter is just a better modern design.
Aaron, you should check out Offgrid Knives out of Taiwan, especially the Backcountry V2. Cryo D2 steel, kydex, g10 all for ~$90
Yes, I have the tracker X2 and it’s pretty impressive more to come on that brand.
The ZT 0006 vs Spartan Ka-bar? Lets see a comparison between them.
Loving my Spartan Harsay fighter.
It’s sweet!!!! For sure
this is quality old school content. thanks brother.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very cool video! Have to admit though, I am a little disappointed not seeing my Tops Moccasin Ranger knife represented.
Swedges can be sharpened for backslashing. Do he know that?
excellent comparison : compare and contrast :)
Lots of great blades here
Falkniven are also good for just about anything
You're very Lucky in us ...in France thé spartan fighter is about 180€ ...around 200$ in fact ....
What do figure a swedge is for specifically? To help create a piercing point? Is it weight reduction? Is it cosmetic? It sure ain't wind reduction. I like the looks of a swedge, but it's not a good feature when you want to baton wood.
Great vid as always with great information.👍🏾
Hi Aaron, great information as always.
One thing i would like to know is what would your pick be
Between these three?
Tops Silent Hero
Lionsteel T5
Joker Nomad?
Thanks man
Joker for bushcraft, TOPS For general survival, Lionsteel for more tactical/camping
Fantastic thanks for the reply man
How does the spartan compare to the steel will dark angel? I know the dark angels are hard to get, but I own one. In fact, I bought it based on the review that you did on that knife, and I love it. But are there aspects of the spartan fighter that I might like better?
I would probably stick with the dark angel, good grind and ergos with a good sheath. The Spartan is very similar.
If you did some research, you'd know that large daggers have a history as hunting knives in Europe.
You convinced me, ordered.
Great extensive video! Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Curious why the TOPs Moccasin Ranger didn't make the "cut" in your assessment. IMHO, the perfect all around combat knife. As the dude on the TV show says.."It will keel".
1) Thank you, Aaron, for a thoroughly enjoyable fixed-blade knife geekout (and that's definitely a compliment) video! Most fun I've had all week!
2) You omitted one of the best budget combat/field knives that you've showcased on your channel - the Steel Will Argonaut 800. I would put it up against the Spartan in a hurry, for it's ergos, toughness, blade length, piercing capability, functional and durable sheath, and multiple carry and lashing options. Add to that, it is stainless (AUS-8) which is very important for me in my always hot always humid, often salty environment. I got one, based on your shining and effusive review, and I was NOT disappointed. It's GREAT!
3) However, COMMA, I would choose it's brother, the Steel Will Argonaut 810 over either one, any day! The 810 is sort of the hunter variant of the Argonaut series, and is better suited to woodworking, hunting/game dressing, camp cooking, and general camp use. The blade is slightly shorter (6.02"vs. 6.3), slightly broader, and has a higher grind than either the Spartan or the Argonaut 800. The blade is slightly thinner than the Spartan too (.18" vs. .195") and has a slight recurve and a much more pronounced belly than either the Spartan or the 800. The effect of all this is that it is WAY more slicey than either its sibling or the Spartan. It also has a longer swedge that isn't too thin, so it pierces VERY well, but retains a lot of strength at the tip. Additionally, it It also has a finger choil, unlike its sibling or the Spartan, so you can choke up to get even more control when carving. It has the same kind of versatile polymer sheath and attachment capabilities as the 800, the same comfortable, ergonomic TPE handle, and the same tough, stain resistant AUS-8 blade steel. My Argonaut 800, Gerber Strongarm, and Ruike Jager all get play, but the Argonaut 810 is the easy favorite for me.
Also, if you can find one, it's much more budget friendly than the Spartan - about $85. The bad news is that Steel Will seems to have folded, so the challenge is IF you can find one.
G'day Charles, I instantly thought of you and our recent conversation. Yep the Argo(s) would have to fit the bill.
Btw; I wonder if Steel Will was bought out and perhaps some of their models could return under a different logo, ... though I cant see anything even suggesting that on the web .... we can still live in hope mate.
Also btw; the 3 variants are still advertised here under a few different supplier's websites, though I'm almost certain they're not in stock and any order would end up going nowhere. But I will try contacting one or two directly, ...... for our old mate, "Just-in Case". Cheers Duke.
I read your comment and went back to RUclips, saw the older video of the review on the Argonaut 800, right up my Alley, so I just ordered one lol I'm glad they're still in stock! Looks like a great budget option. I've always loved Aus 8 steel. Good all around steel, plus Joe X proved how durable and tough it is. So thanks for your good suggestion 👍
@@eyeofthetiger4184 Hey Duke! No harm in trying - literally won't cost a thing to se eif they have 'em in stock. I like that fantasy - that someone else will bring them back. I'll keep my fingers crossed for it!
@@rnkmode1876 Great to hear!
@@charlescollier7217 I was surprised to see that Knife Center sells these. So incase of limited supply I snagged one.
Bussie fighting knives are top tier.
Hey Gideon, do you have any updated thoughts on the benchmade Arvensis?
No still not the fixed blade for me 👍
My combat knife is a paring knife, $5 flat. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine to discuss what people think to be combat knives. I train in Scott Babb's libre fighting system. So for me, in the western world, where i life, smaller is better. To put it in Scott Babb's words: i don't care about the blade, what shape it has or what steel it has. Has to be sharp and somewhat sturdy. I care about the grip. Best grip is what a butchers knife or a chefs knife has, it's comfortable in a hammer grip, edge in or edge out, and it's comfortable in an ice pick grip, edge in or edge out. For combat, everything whit excessive finger groves or a ring like those carambits have, is a deal breaker at once. Has to be concealable, has to come out REAL quick, and shouldn't cost much money, bcs if you have to use it, god forbid, as a civilian, you either throw the thing away or the police takes it from you. IF i would take one somewhat more expensive knife for fighting, it would be the El pionero from tops knives, in collaboration with Ed Calderon. He is also the guy that brought my mind to cheap paring knives.
Great video! I like the Spartan but not convinced that it could outperform my favorites that I use already (which you compared on here): TOPS Prather Bowie, TOPS Apache Dawn, and Cold Steel SRK SK5. #opinion
clip point cold steel voyager
yes it's a folder but you can at least pocket it even if it's big unlike these bad boys
I'm a fixed blade person but I'm giving that triad lock some love now, especially becuase the blades break long, long before the lock gives out
Spartan blades ronin shinto s45vn fobos tier 1bc magnacut cold steel tai pan San Mai YUP ❤❤❤
Rite on true that bro ❤
September 5, 2023. I received in today the Buck discontinued combat knife with a tanto blade, at a significant discount. I give it 5 stars. I give the sheath 5 stars. Is/was there any room for improvement? I wear xlarge gloves. I would have appreciated if the grip had been 1/4 longer. It would have fit better in the hand and given better balance.
September 5, 2023. I received in today the Spartan Harsey fighter. Another 5 stars. The retention is outstanding because rather than relying upon a friction fit, it has an easily reachable pushbutton release. I have many of the Cold Steel military issue fixed blades at less than 1/2 the price. However, this knife and sheath, should be considered for military issue as the sheath can readily be modified for multiple carries. Again, I wear xlarge gloves so I would have liked a 1/4 inch longer grip. However, the balance is excellent.
One of the currently available and manufactured fixed blade, shtf knives of essentially the same size that sits in my office next to the computer will not be replaced. It is the J.P. Peltonen fixed blade that is issued by Finland and Estonia. It fits my hand, has excellent balance. The sheath design was not for me So, it sits within an old fashioned Ontario leather sheath with a restraining strap.
My glove is also Xl.
Do you prefer kabar Turok or harsey fighter?
Great video. Great explanation on all the knives.
Great reviews, definitely hit some of the classics. You have a pretty awesome collection.
Thanks my friend! Glad you enjoyed it!!
Try the Huckberry tin cloth trucker
Nice!!
If you know where everything is, it's an organized mess 😁 and perfectly acceptable👍.
the glock field knife is good too
Why did Gerber stop manufacturing and selling the Silver Trident?
Not sure 🤔
We love KaBar.
Love my work tuff Elbrus
As Tactical Hyve pointed out, 99% of what you do with a knife if you are in combat is normal cutting tasks. There’s a gun for the violent stuff.
Whatareyour credentials to moment on combat? 1:06
I really like knives 😂
Looking for a combat knife with around a 4-4.5 inch blade with a good textured handle and kydex sheath any recommendations.
That is a tight order. Bk18 cold steel srk compact?
I've thought of the bk18 not a big fan of the feeling of the srk compact in hand. Kind of looking for something like the old surefire fixed blade
You seemed to have liked the Zero Tolerance 0006, why was that not included in the list?
Just couldn’t get to all my collection and it’s so wildly more expensive. They didn’t make a lot of sense in the idea of the video.
Fun. Lots of good knives shown.
Ever reviewed any Half Face Blades.
Not yet