I just turned 57 and I treasure my Buck 110 that my dear old dad bought me when i was 13 because Bo and Luke wore theirs on their belts. Thanks pop, I miss you and I still have “our” knife. Thanks for this video.
How have I NOT known about your channel? Rich, contextualized, historically based, scientifically grounded, and all made perfectly plain and simple. You're an exceptional teacher sir. Thank you.
@@TheApostleP Hey Rich, I been carrying for 60 something years and watched this processs unfold. I can verify these facts and wholeheartedly agree. Nice to see the Skaha and Grim's finally nail the side lock detent too! Keep it sharp! Peace
Rob ... I came across this video by accident 8 months ago and it turned me into a knife collector ... Before the Video I owned 2 pocket knives in the bottom of my bureau drawer ... Thanks for a great hobby Pal ...
I LOVE The Buck 110 Folding Hunter, I've always been a fan of buck knives and the 110 has always been one of my favorite folding knives in my entire collection, well done piece.
+Claude Legaye Mussolini made the trains run on time and Hitler restored Germany's national pride. If a person is only concerned with "how does it benefit me" things like honor and dignity can be strewn aside without concern. For some of us, things like honor and respect are still important.
I am 57, I got a Buck 110 in 1970. It was "the" knife to have. I still have that 1970 one, 440C steel. I just got a new Custom Shop one, S30V steel. Small wonder Buck has sold over 15 million.
The best knife review I've seen in a long time. I had hoped someone would do a history review from the invention of the Buck model 110 to the Spyderco and beyond. This video is a must for people getting into knives. It would be great if you, even went back to the peasant knife. I've ironically been getting back into traditional folding knives, that I had grre up with. Anyhow, congratulations on a great video. It made me subscribe.
I agree with your list Rob. You nailed it! You mentioned it when going over the Endura, but the introduction of the pocket clip by Spyderco was a huge innovation. One could argue autos and assisted knives could certainly be on the list, but due to legalities, may not be applicable to all. Honorable mention to Emerson in the tactical realm for the wave feature.
I purchased that very knife back in early 90's, until it was stolen. I remember being shocked by it's innovations. The pocket clip, serrated blade and finger hole. I was thinking the Buck 110 had just been defeated. I knew folding knives were in a new exciting era. I ended up hating the serrations, because I couldn't sharpen them, I never used the pocket clip and the "plastic" handles were disappointing. Boy, times have changed.
I don't think they changed the world in the same way, but if I were to add a sixth it might be OTF, though due to legality they just aren't as popular and don't fit as smoothly into the evolution of the knife. I've never thought of an OTF as a hard use tool
Spot on Rob! Awesome choice of five folders that influenced the folding knife world.....historical in every sense. Your an excellent teacher and I felt I was getting a thorough history lesson, very impressive. 👍🏻
Cannot possibly argue with your asessment ! You tell it as it is. I own them all. I fell in love with the Buck 110 in 1971, when I met a guy from California in Europe while I was travelling back then. Insisted upon him telling me how to get one, & as soon as I came back to Canada I ordered one from the EL Cahon factory. Still have it.
hey ApostleP I'm a fan of the channel and I love collecting knives. I'm a full fledged knife guy, I even started my own RUclips channel about knives and I owe it all to you and this very video. thank you so much, you changed my life for the better. keep it up!!?!!
I bought my first Buck 110 in 1979 at the age of 11 from my local Woolworth. Still have it. Along with the box. It's crazy to think a kid could walk into a dime store and walk out with a knife like that.
Got my first Buck 110 up on Montana back in the early 70's. Everybody carried one. I have the 50 year anniversary one today. I don't carry it, just had to have another 110. Today, the Recon-1 is in my pocket every day. That thing is baaad to the bone.
Your comments are good overall, but I believe you need 6 in this category. The FLIPPER AND SPEED ASSIST are probably one of the most popular features that collectors want.
I am a new collector and want to learn the basics before I act like I know anything. I really loved your breakdown and learned an awful lot. In fact, I already own 2 of the knives mentioned.... so perhaps I have been a good student. Anyway, thank you for the history lesson and thank you for the knowledge. Just understand that your efforts are not in vain. There are those of us who still have much to learn and people like you make it all the more enjoyable.
I agree with your technical analysis of the knives you feature here, the evolution of folding knives has come a long way and you have traced the advancements quite nicely. However, there is one aspect that I think distinguishes four of these knives from the oddball: price. Each of the knives you discuss, except the Chris Reeve, have prices which make them accessible to the everyday user. As the saying goes, the best knife is the one you have with you, and at $400.00, the Chris Reeve is out of reach for most folks who need to carry a knife, either as a tool for work, or for defense. Chris Reeve did make a real contribution to folding knife design, as evidenced by the fact that most, if not all, significant makers offer at least one model which incorporates the lock mechanism he invented. But, the makers who contributed the other four knives did the same, and they also were thoughtful enough to do something more for the common man who uses these wonderful tools: they offered the tools at prices that end users could afford. But your video is very well done, sir. Hats off.
Having said that what makes the Sebenza special is the fact its a frame lock WITH a Titainium frame which makes the locking mechagnism from a structural poit of view the best in the world - the materials warrant the price tag. Titainium is very expensive
A lot of detailed knowledge here, far better than the usual spouting of macho opinion from the uneducated. Thanks you very much, ApostleP, it's been an education.
Great video as always! Awesome topic and knife choices. I've got 'em all except the 110, I'll have to change that soon. Thanks for the history lesson too.
Very good vid. I really enjoyed it. I have all of the knives on your table, and I agree with your assessment. I am 65 years old and have collected knives for 55 of them. Still have my first one. Thank you
Andrew Wow! May I ask how many knives you possess? And I'm also curious which is your favorite and most expensive. I'm 60 and only caught the bug about a year ago. Am up to 20 with no signs of abating. But I guess you could say I'm a late bloomer since I began shooting only three years ago and began riding a motorcycle a year ago. My thought process is that since I've probably got one quarter of my life left to live, I'd better start doing the things I've wanted to before I'm too decrepit to do them. I only own four firearms and was able to stop at that. A shotgun, an ar-15, a .380, and a 9mm. But the knife thing is very strange obsession. You must have a magnificent collection. Have a great day!
Once again great video , thank you . Enjoyed it this morning while enjoying a couple cups of coffee . I have the Sebenza , 710 , 110 , And agree with those choices .
just picked up my first buck 110 an hour ago at walmart. Had to because it was on clearance for $17. It will go in my "all American made" camping gear.... along with usgi poncho, usgi skeeta tent, m1966 hammock, ontario sp2 knife, usgi canteen and cup, and medium alice pack. For every day carry i use cold steel tuff lite, but for camping i want some American pride.
Great Video, as always. Glad to see the Benchmade AXIS made it in there. IMO, the best lock I have ever used. Nothing better for 1 hand operation, and ROCK solid to boot. Although I'm not a Spyderco fan per se, I see why it made the list. Keep up the good work and God Bless. Hebrews 4:12
Merci. If you will allow me to be chauvinistic, it would have been fair to include the Opinel in your introduction. No questioning your first two choices at the point where I am at watching the video and your speech delivery is very good to listen to.
I agree with your list. And I'm looking forward to new knife designs in the future. Mankind is using blades for more than 10,000 years now. And even the first appearance of pocket or folding knives was over 2,000 years ago! It is very remarkable what happened in the last 50 years to improve this kind of tool!
Really good history lesson. Never owned a CRK, but I believe you are spot on. Great video, thank you for taking the time to make this. I grew up with 4 of the knives you mentioned. I love my AUS8 Voyager, but I keep coming back to my 110. I'm old and traditional, plus life these days aren't very tactical. God Bless, Stay Safe!
Great video.Nice to see someone with a lot of knowledge about their subject making unbiased points about knife designs.My very first knife i owned was a buck 110 knockoff.
Great video!!! Took a dry subject and kept it interesting and informative. I would also say that based on the premise, your choices were not only relevant but accurate. Your explanation was on point (no pun intended) and you backed every bit of it with logic and first hand experience. Again, nice job!
Great video, I think you laid out an excellent case for each of the knives and designs. Some people might not like a certain knife in the bunch but when you look at the knife landscape today you can certainly see the influence of these five. One that wasn't mentioned that I'd really like to try is a Spyderco with the compression lock.
You can now buy omega springs to replace yourself or to have on hand in case of breakage, although I have never had to replace one. There are two of them in each knife, and I think the lock will function with one of them broken, at least for some time.
TheApostleP I'm excited that Cold Steel released their 2015 lineup with the CTS-XHP steel with their folders containing the TRI-AD Locking system. I never did mind AUS8 and a lot of people bash it, but this new steel will be a nice addition. What is your take on the locking system in the Manix 2 from Spyderco. I own one and love it. Looks similar to the Axis lock but slightly different from the Benchmade.
William Kister I like the Caged Ball Bearing Lock for its strength, and I think the coil spring is a better design than the omega springs in the benchmade. But for me, it's a bit more difficult to manipulate than the Axis Lock.
I bought my first knife in 1987. Used it every day for many years until I inadvertently started collecting knives by buying a knife here and there. That first knife was a Buck 112. I still have it, but now it is a jewel in my collection along with another 112 with finger grooves, a 110 50 year anniversary, and a just acquired 1989 110 with finger grooves, along with many Spydercos, Benchmades, Coldsteels, and many many others. That 112 is and will always be one of my favorite knives.
I highly agree with your list... All though I would have a hard time not adding more to it... For example the Paramilitary 2, it did not make any massive strides in innovation, but it is the perfect combination of many great and innovating parts. It has become such an icon to the knife community that it would have to find a place if the list had more spots. Also the Hinderer XM-18... for teaching us that not all knife people are perfectly sane, and in some cases would spend over 4 times the sticker price for a knife despite an obvious impending price ceiling and crash. lol Great video as always. BTW what grit/strops do you normally finish at? I have been messing with my WE lately; by making sure the bevels perfect at 1000 grit, and making a "X" scratch pattern with my 1200/1600 ceramic(after not cleaning them for a sharpening), and 5/3.5 micron strops, I have been able to get edges that appear mostly mirror polished from all angles. But upon very close inspection I can still make out the scratch pattern.
- very grateful for having found your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the knife community. I just gave my girlfriend the venerable Buck 110, and we really enjoyed your video. I have slowed down my collecting quite a bit, and was unfamiliar with Cold Steel ' triad locking mechanism. I found the information about the custom Buck 110 sheaths to be quite interesting. I would like to nominate the Camillus Cuda Max 5.5, as the folder, in my collection, that most resembles a fixed blade. ( with the frame lock causing a slight point reduction ) Thanks again, brother.
Rdog785 Glad to have you aboard, my friend. Thanks for mentioning the Cuda Max! What an awesome blade it was. You know a blade is special when it defines the career of a maker / designer, and the Cuda put Mr. Ralph in the hall of fame for sure!
Thanks to Sal's pocket clip, I can carry a 6oz knife in my front pocket and barely feel it or a 1oz knife and never have to go diggin through the change and lint to find it. Now That's an innovation! Also - folks were getting stabby with stilettos long before the buck 110 ;)
Thanks for making this very informative video. I caught the bug only about a year ago so this was a great learning experience. The buck 110 has been on my list and now knowing it's historical importance I'll be picking one up soon.
Really good video. I notice that you never said, or even implied, that any of these knives is the "best". That would be absurd. The best knife is the one you pick up when you've got a particular job to do. As for "significant"? I think you nailed it.
I've had my spyderco endura for a year and the handle is perfection. It's the little things like how your hand doesn't slip when pulling the knife out your pocket but smooth when reaching your hand into the knife.
Very well done.. I purchased the Buck 110 when it was released followed by the Buck folding Ranger and followed that with the new Ti model 110.. Benchmade was 2001 for me with the axis lock model first then I followed that by the model 750 Liner lock ( Ti scales ) love that model .. Followed that with the 940 model axis lock, love that one too... Four more models followed .. Cold Steel I have never owned but read good reports on that model folder, I have read about Lynn Thompson and his hunting adventures, seems an interesting fellow with a sense of humor... Spiderco I have handled but never owned mostly I do not like the loop hole for opening the blade just never did .. I have friends that love them.. Well done video..
Great video Rob. only knife not acquired yet, a benchmade, although the 940 is on my hit list, even got the recon with horrible black coating removed, and the endura laminate.I was going to pull the trigger on a 710 a while ago, but decided I had enough killer blades, for the moment. The two knives I would class as my best loved knives, maybe not my most used are the Sebenza and the lovely old heavy 110 and if I had to choose what knives I would keep, those two would be the last to go, although if it was about pure survival it would have to be the bad boy recon. Another classic video brother. God Bless us all.
Laurie Campbell Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Laurie! It's always good to hear from you, brother. By the way, I'm starting on your pile o' knives this evening!
Pile o knives, great expression Rob. Looking forward to them, hope they arrive before the 9 december, I will officially be an old age pensioner on that date, 65yrs of age, the Lord has certainly looked after this ol carcass, had a few scrapes with the pale rider in my time. still here brother. I put it down to HM Forces training and prayer.
Didn't know where you were going with this when it started, but I like your approach. I think I would have to agree with your choices. And my first folding knife was a Buck 110 circa 1978. Still have that 110, and in fact sent it to the factory for a refurb; it was in quite rough shape. Knife came back with highly polished brass, blade re-profiled, and the walnut oiled. Buck did not charge me a penny for the refurb job. Thanks for sharing, God Bless.
If anything, it niche was the tension on the lockbar just a bit, which would only improve the action. Sebenzas usually ship with an abundance of lockbar tension.
Awesome Video, Stumbled on to it by pure accident.... Been collecting knives since I was a kid and own a few of the 5 you listed... Thanks for the history lesson..... Mahalo's
Great video Rob, I can appreciate each and every one of your choices. Just one thing though: at 14:40 you mention that the Caly 3.5 is Taiwan produced - the Caly series has always been made in Japan, in fact you can even see the word 'Japan' on the knife you're holding ;)
Hi TheApostleP, great video brother! It's really nice to see a fellow lefty that really knows his stuff! =) As for locking mechanisms, I'm not sure if you remember this or not, but Cold Steel used to use Benchmade's Axis locking mechanism on many of their knives. The older generations of the Recon 1 series is a big one that comes to mind. Cold Steel called their version of the axis lock the "Ultra Lock" and they used that locking system in their recon 1 line (as well as others) all the way up until they released the Triad Lock you show here. Both _were, and are_ great locking patterns in my eyes! As much as I love my Buck 110's (I have a 1970's version my Dad gave me, and a new 2013 model) like you said, my gripe is that I need to remember that this type of lock is suseptable to failure with enough negative pressure, such as spine whacks. Still a timeless piece and one of my absolute favorites nonetheless. This knife has been around for 50 years now, and I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. As for Spyderco....Well as I'm sure you've probably read some of my other comments on youtube on other videos regarding Spyderco; you probably know I'm not a fan of Spyderco. As for why, well, I had issues with their customer service. If you want to read the whole story, just check out my review of the Spyderco Bushcraft on Amazon. You'll find my review in the 1-star section! I didn't always hate Spyderco though. Truth be told, they were pretty much my first foray into the quality knife market, quickly followed by my first purchase of a Cold Steel. But aside from my feelings on their customer service and how I was treated, I guess I really just don't understand where Spyderco's fit into the world of knives? What I mean is, when we're talking about arguably their most popular model knife, the Endura, it's fact that the Endura's locking mechanism is not the sturdiest design. It's probably on par with the Buck 110. Also, I never understood the point of using all these high performance steels on such a thin, uncomfortable knife. If the knife is designed for tactical use, it's not like you need a blade with high performance steel to stab someone! The grip is also so thin in cross-section that it renders this knife utterly unusable in situations requiring extended use, or hard use such as for use as a bush knife or whittling knife. So I guess I'm just not sure what category of use this knife is supposed to fall in. Personally I found the Endura to be one of the most uncomfortable handles I've ever used! It's only redeeming quality in my mind, is it's light weight, that's it. I personally find Spyderco blade patterns to be extremely ugly as well, and have had problems with functionality with their newer Endura 4 models. At the end of the day, I really think Spyderco knives are grossly over-priced, most are made over-seas yet sold at _made in USA_ prices, and they're ugly as hell! The only thing I like about Spyderco being a fellow lefty, is the opening hole. But Spyderco is apparently unable to do this AND retain an aesthetically pleasing blade design. Lastly, you get back to my main reason for no longer purchasing their products; their customer service! Just horrible. Anyways, I didn't mean for most of that to sound as though I was doing nothing more than trashing on Spyderco. Like I said, they did do some great stuff, like the round opening hole, and I believe they were one of the first companies to make most of their knives with 4-way option clip carry as well! That was a big win for lefty's like you and I. =) And finally to finish up here. I just also wanted to say that I took note of the mirror polished edges that were on your knives. As a professional blade sharpener myself, I am certainly aware that those are *not* the factory edges that came on those knives. That is some nice work my friend! Those knives appear razor sharp, and seeing as you own a Sabenza, I would expect nothing less! hehe =P What is that? An 8k waterstone polish on those blades? Maybe some chromium oxide polishing as well? ;) Rock on my friend!
***** Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Dan. I agree with most of what you said about Spyderco and the Endura specifically. It's not one of my favorites either. I've also had some less than satisfying experiences with their customer service department. But for some reason, I continue to love Spyderco, although like all knife companies, they have their aggravating qualities. All in all, I've grown to love the quirky design necessitated by the opening hole, because I love the opening hole, and Sal's philosophy of starting with a cutting edge and building a knife around it works more times than it doesn't. The edges you saw in the video, with the exception of the Buck 110, were done by me on the Edgepro Apex, with standard water stones, 2000 grit polishing tapes and then gray and green rouge on a strop. I prefer the polished edges over toothy ones, for their appearance, but more importantly for their durability. Tiny teeth bend and break, whereas a polished edge is well supported. I'm completely with you on the standard lockback / midlock design. It was a hugely significant innovation, but has been eclipsed by better designs, the Tri-Ad Lock being the most direct and dramatic improvement. Regarding the Ultra Lock -- I hated it. It didn't handle nearly as well as Benchmade's Axis Lock, and the Recon 1 in that form was a heavy, unwieldy beast. The lighter Tri-Ad Lock second version, IMHO, is a far superior knife. Thanks again for the comments, my friend. Merry Christmas!
Hi Apostle, Interesting philosophy indeed! The only area that I have a difference of opinion is on customer service. See for me, poor customer service is probably my biggest pet peeve and probably the quickest way to turn me away from a company, *permanently!* I'm the type of guy that believes that no matter if a company like Spyderco was infact selling the _best_ product in the world, I would *STILL* not buy their products if they demonstrated poor customer service! I guess I'm a little old-school in that mentality but like myself, if others held strong in that believe, then companies like Spyderco would not be able to afford to give poor customer service or else they would quickly suffer from lack of sales! As it should be! I feel we as the consumers need to take the market back and speak with the almighty dollar. And it's people that fluff off things like bad customer service that allows companies like Spyderco to continue to walk all over the comsumer. Anyways, I'll jump off the soap box now! LOL Have a Merry Christmas Apostle!
I've got a lot of these and have carried them often but have gone back to the 110 lately. As recently as 1999 there was a man in Kodiak Alaska who was feild dressing a deer when a Kodiak brown bear charged him out of nowhere. With his rifle too far away to grab he fought the bear with his fist and his Buck 110 and stabbed it multiple times during separate charges. The 69 year old man was badly injured but the bear collapsed and died after having an artery cut. He had the bear made into a rug and the knife was framed to hang on his wall. Many would argue that the 110 is now outdated in today's world of super steels, one handed operation, etc but it has the rare distinction of stabbing a brown bear to death without breaking so that's good enough for me.
Best thing about Spyderco was the Clip. Never was a big fan of their knives, but the clip, yes. As I recall the first Spydercos had a smooth stainless steel body and got scratched all to hell. Great vid though.
Rob, great video. I think if I did a top ten list, I'd have to include the scouting slip joint knives and the Swiss army style knife. I suspect far more people own these types of knives than own Spydercos and the other locking knives. We knife junkies may prefer locking knives, but most people's experience with folding knives begins and ends with scout knives and swiss army style knives. I think your list would have to be included in my top 10 list. Great job.
I bought a SpyderCo enduro in the early 90's after reading about it in SWAT. It was one of the best early purchases I made. I still haven't found a knife I like better, except maybe my Swiss Army.
Love your videos Rob (bought the BM 940 on your recommendation), please keep posting. I noticed you didn't include the compression-lock knives (Paramilitary 2) in your list. Are you not a fan..?
paul greenwood I am indeed a fan, and it was very hard to leave out the Para 2, which may well be the best EDC blade ever made for under $150. What kept it off this list is the mechanism... As much as I like it personally, Spyderco uses it quite sparingly and it's relatively new. It also takes a rather unorthodox, albeit easy and fun, lock release method.
great video, I edc the 110 for years because I kept breaking or loosing them. When I managed to take care and not loose one for a sufficient amount of time I moved on to a Recon 1. Don't see any reason to spend any more money than that on a knife. . The best knife is the sharp one.
i picked up a puma 970 this afternoon at a smaller pawn shop in town, i got it for 5 bucks from a sales girl who said she knew knives, but i really don't believe she knew what she was talking about. she was all about the buck knives and the folding gerber's that you can get at wal-mart. she pulled out what she had under glass i have a 110 so i was good with that one, the gerber is on sale at home depot then there was what she called a cheap buck copy. a 1982 970 game warden with the etched blade. i asked her what she wanted for that "fake buck" she said give me 5 dollars so i did and just about ran from the store before her boss could come out and stop the sale. i think i made out i just hope she doesn't get fired for it
1980 to 1995 I carried a Buck 110, everyone had one on their belt in Colorado. 1995 to present i carry a spyderco. The 110 is a camping/hunting/backpack knife for me now a days. My “fancy” knife is a CRK. I think you are spot on the the top 3.
cool video, also the knives looks so much more elegant with the mirror polished edge on them compared to the normal rather unimpressive looking factory edge that comes on basically every production folding knife. Also Wish I was old enough to like knives when the benchmade model 42 was in production. Not many knives I want more than a model 42.
Looking for a pre-1964 folding self defense knife? How about the one that started all the fuss: the 17th century spanish Navaja. It's the oldest folder still in production (I think they had folding knives even during Classical Era in Rome but they weren't good until the Navaja) Closer to the 18th and 19th century they got spring steel and it locked firmly enough for combat and became quite a bit more useful. I have not had the good fortune of handling one of them in person so I cannot be sure how sturdy the locking mechanism or the knife was or how it would fair for heavy tasks but sure enough they bear the except shame shape and size of other fixed blade spanish fighting knives from that period and were used and intended for killing.....they became probably the most popular tool for self defense in between the banning of carrying swords and the popularity of the revolver in much of the world.
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I just turned 57 and I treasure my Buck 110 that my dear old dad bought me when i was 13 because Bo and Luke wore theirs on their belts. Thanks pop, I miss you and I still have “our” knife. Thanks for this video.
How have I NOT known about your channel?
Rich, contextualized, historically based, scientifically grounded, and all made perfectly plain and simple. You're an exceptional teacher sir.
Thank you.
Shoto Kido Thanks, my friend! I appreciate the kind words.
@@TheApostleP Hey Rich, I been carrying for 60 something years and watched this processs unfold. I can verify these facts and wholeheartedly agree. Nice to see the Skaha and Grim's finally nail the side lock detent too! Keep it sharp! Peace
Kinda surprised you skipped over the Benchmade 800 “AFCK”… early Benchmade combat folder, some say it set the standard in the early 90s
Rob ... I came across this video by accident 8 months ago and it turned me into a knife collector ... Before the Video I owned 2 pocket knives in the bottom of my bureau drawer ... Thanks for a great hobby Pal ...
I LOVE The Buck 110 Folding Hunter, I've always been a fan of buck knives and the 110 has always been one of my favorite folding knives in my entire collection, well done piece.
2:58 - Buck 110 | 6:56 - Spyderco Endura | 16:09 - Reeve Sebenza | 20:44 - Benchmade 710 | 26:52 - Cold Steel Recon 1
Honorless liars like Strider deserve no recognition.
+Claude Legaye Mussolini made the trains run on time and Hitler restored Germany's national pride. If a person is only concerned with "how does it benefit me" things like honor and dignity can be strewn aside without concern. For some of us, things like honor and respect are still important.
Thank you for time stamps
Maybe in top ten, but even strider will acknowledge that they could never exist without the sebenza.
Thanks for saving me 1/2 an HR of my life
The best knife video I've ever watched. Thoughtful, concise, informative and entertaining. Thank you!
+Paul Taegel High praise indeed, Paul! Thank you!
For someone relatively new to the knife community, this was a great summary of the evolution of what I have come to love. Thanks for the education.
Great Video, Beautiful Knife Collection. Thanks for Sharing.
♥️💚🖤
I am 57, I got a Buck 110 in 1970. It was "the" knife to have. I still have that 1970 one, 440C steel. I just got a new Custom Shop one, S30V steel. Small wonder Buck has sold over 15 million.
The best knife review I've seen in a long time. I had hoped someone would do a history review from the invention of the Buck model 110 to the Spyderco and beyond. This video is a must for people getting into knives. It would be great if you, even went back to the peasant knife.
I've ironically been getting back into traditional folding knives, that I had grre up with. Anyhow, congratulations on a great video. It made me subscribe.
I've always loved knives. I'm just starting to collect now. Wish I'd done it for years. Thanks for sharing this, it was very educational.
I have noticed a big evolution in the last twenty years and you don't need to spend a lot of money either .
I agree with your list Rob. You nailed it! You mentioned it when going over the Endura, but the introduction of the pocket clip by Spyderco was a huge innovation.
One could argue autos and assisted knives could certainly be on the list, but due to legalities, may not be applicable to all. Honorable mention to Emerson in the tactical realm for the wave feature.
I purchased that very knife back in early 90's, until it was stolen. I remember being shocked by it's innovations. The pocket clip, serrated blade and finger hole. I was thinking the Buck 110 had just been defeated. I knew folding knives were in a new exciting era.
I ended up hating the serrations, because I couldn't sharpen them, I never used the pocket clip and the "plastic" handles were disappointing. Boy, times have changed.
I don't think they changed the world in the same way, but if I were to add a sixth it might be OTF, though due to legality they just aren't as popular and don't fit as smoothly into the evolution of the knife. I've never thought of an OTF as a hard use tool
Spot on Rob! Awesome choice of five folders that influenced the folding knife world.....historical in every sense. Your an excellent teacher and I felt I was getting a thorough history lesson, very impressive. 👍🏻
Cannot possibly argue with your asessment ! You tell it as it is. I own them all. I fell in love with the Buck 110 in 1971, when I met a guy from California in Europe while I was travelling back then. Insisted upon him telling me how to get one, & as soon as I came back to Canada I ordered one from the EL Cahon factory. Still have it.
i have watched a few of your videos at this point and i just cant get over how absolutely beautiful all of your edges look. your videos are great ^.^
hey ApostleP I'm a fan of the channel and I love collecting knives. I'm a full fledged knife guy, I even started my own RUclips channel about knives and I owe it all to you and this very video. thank you so much, you changed my life for the better. keep it up!!?!!
Awesome to hear that, my friend! I’ll have to check out your channel!
I bought my first Buck 110 in 1979 at the age of 11 from my local Woolworth. Still have it. Along with the box. It's crazy to think a kid could walk into a dime store and walk out with a knife like that.
Love this Video, Great Info!! I just got the 710's little brother the 707 today and I love it! Keep up the good work!
Got my first Buck 110 up on Montana back in the early 70's. Everybody carried one. I have the 50 year anniversary one today. I don't carry it, just had to have another 110. Today, the Recon-1 is in my pocket every day. That thing is baaad to the bone.
Your comments are good overall, but I believe you need 6 in this category. The FLIPPER AND SPEED ASSIST are probably one of the most popular features that collectors want.
Great video. You are a great teacher. Thank you for teaching me something tonight. : )
before the 110, in addition to slip joints, there was the Opinel
The video deals with the last 50 years. The Opinel predates that.
The opined is not a slipjoint
@@Joe-jj3oh the smaller ones are slip joint
Imo slip joint is better than ring lock
@@MrLeonardee How is slip joint better? Opinel has locking mechanism witch makes it better..
My first authentic Buck 110 knife was purchased in the Summer of 1976 at the local hardware for a whopping $26.00.
David O'D - That's about $110 in today's money
A lot of money back then , in 1978 I bought a Buck " General " for twenty two dollars .
This video is more important than most people realize. This is basically the documentation of the epitome of all modern metallurgy.
I am a new collector and want to learn the basics before I act like I know anything. I really loved your breakdown and learned an awful lot. In fact, I already own 2 of the knives mentioned.... so perhaps I have been a good student. Anyway, thank you for the history lesson and thank you for the knowledge. Just understand that your efforts are not in vain. There are those of us who still have much to learn and people like you make it all the more enjoyable.
What an awesome review! I keep coming back for your vids...Keep it up !
I agree with your technical analysis of the knives you feature here, the evolution of folding knives has come a long way and you have traced the advancements quite nicely. However, there is one aspect that I think distinguishes four of these knives from the oddball: price. Each of the knives you discuss, except the Chris Reeve, have prices which make them accessible to the everyday user. As the saying goes, the best knife is the one you have with you, and at $400.00, the Chris Reeve is out of reach for most folks who need to carry a knife, either as a tool for work, or for defense. Chris Reeve did make a real contribution to folding knife design, as evidenced by the fact that most, if not all, significant makers offer at least one model which incorporates the lock mechanism he invented. But, the makers who contributed the other four knives did the same, and they also were thoughtful enough to do something more for the common man who uses these wonderful tools: they offered the tools at prices that end users could afford. But your video is very well done, sir. Hats off.
Great point, Roger. I never thought of it, but it's an important one.
Having said that what makes the Sebenza special is the fact its a frame lock WITH a Titainium frame which makes the locking mechagnism from a structural poit of view the best in the world - the materials warrant the price tag. Titainium is very expensive
You are spot on. Excellent time spent on youtube.
Thank you, Sir!
A lot of detailed knowledge here, far better than the usual spouting of macho opinion from the uneducated. Thanks you very much, ApostleP, it's been an education.
Awesome. The 110 was my 1st serious knife, back in the 70s. I never really considered its influence or history much. Thanks for the education...
Great video as always! Awesome topic and knife choices. I've got 'em all except the 110, I'll have to change that soon. Thanks for the history lesson too.
Very good vid. I really enjoyed it. I have all of the knives on your table, and I agree with your assessment. I am 65 years old and have collected knives for 55 of them. Still have my first one. Thank you
Andrew Wow! May I ask how many knives you possess? And I'm also curious which is your favorite and most expensive. I'm 60 and only caught the bug about a year ago. Am up to 20 with no signs of abating. But I guess you could say I'm a late bloomer since I began shooting only three years ago and began riding a motorcycle a year ago. My thought process is that since I've probably got one quarter of my life left to live, I'd better start doing the things I've wanted to before I'm too decrepit to do them. I only own four firearms and was able to stop at that. A shotgun, an ar-15, a .380, and a 9mm. But the knife thing is very strange obsession. You must have a magnificent collection. Have a great day!
Once again great video , thank you . Enjoyed it this morning while enjoying a couple cups of coffee .
I have the Sebenza , 710 , 110 , And agree with those choices .
All great knives! Thanks for sharing!
just picked up my first buck 110 an hour ago at walmart. Had to because it was on clearance for $17. It will go in my "all American made" camping gear.... along with usgi poncho, usgi skeeta tent, m1966 hammock, ontario sp2 knife, usgi canteen and cup, and medium alice pack. For every day carry i use cold steel tuff lite, but for camping i want some American pride.
The buy of the century...
had to watch this video a fifth time because its so good and im working my way towards collecting all of them
Great Video, as always. Glad to see the Benchmade AXIS made it in there. IMO, the best lock I have ever used. Nothing better for 1 hand operation, and ROCK solid to boot. Although I'm not a Spyderco fan per se, I see why it made the list. Keep up the good work and God Bless. Hebrews 4:12
RevHiker Amen, brother!
Merci. If you will allow me to be chauvinistic, it would have been fair to include the Opinel in your introduction. No questioning your first two choices at the point where I am at watching the video and your speech delivery is very good to listen to.
I agree with your list. And I'm looking forward to new knife designs in the future. Mankind is using blades for more than 10,000 years now. And even the first appearance of pocket or folding knives was over 2,000 years ago! It is very remarkable what happened in the last 50 years to improve this kind of tool!
Really good history lesson.
Never owned a CRK, but I believe you are spot on.
Great video, thank you for taking the time to make this.
I grew up with 4 of the knives you mentioned. I love my AUS8 Voyager, but I keep coming back to my 110. I'm old and traditional, plus life these days aren't very tactical. God Bless, Stay Safe!
Great video.Nice to see someone with a lot of knowledge about their subject making unbiased points about knife designs.My very first knife i owned was a buck 110 knockoff.
One of my all-time favorite videos from you Thanks and Happy Easter my brother
Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday, brother!
@@TheApostleP
Resubscribed somehow disconnected
VERY knowledgable and informative video. It's a pleasure to watch! Thanks for the lesson!
Great video!!! Took a dry subject and kept it interesting and informative. I would also say that based on the premise, your choices were not only relevant but accurate. Your explanation was on point (no pun intended) and you backed every bit of it with logic and first hand experience. Again, nice job!
Great video, I think you laid out an excellent case for each of the knives and designs. Some people might not like a certain knife in the bunch but when you look at the knife landscape today you can certainly see the influence of these five. One that wasn't mentioned that I'd really like to try is a Spyderco with the compression lock.
You can now buy omega springs to replace yourself or to have on hand in case of breakage, although I have never had to replace one. There are two of them in each knife, and I think the lock will function with one of them broken, at least for some time.
Great video! Loved how you backed up your findings with great explanations as well.
William Kister Thanks, William! This was a fun one, largely subjective to be sure, but I think it made sense for the most part.
TheApostleP I'm excited that Cold Steel released their 2015 lineup with the CTS-XHP steel with their folders containing the TRI-AD Locking system. I never did mind AUS8 and a lot of people bash it, but this new steel will be a nice addition. What is your take on the locking system in the Manix 2 from Spyderco. I own one and love it. Looks similar to the Axis lock but slightly different from the Benchmade.
William Kister I like the Caged Ball Bearing Lock for its strength, and I think the coil spring is a better design than the omega springs in the benchmade. But for me, it's a bit more difficult to manipulate than the Axis Lock.
This is a must watch for anyone interested in folding knives. Thank you for sharing the information.
I bought my first knife in 1987. Used it every day for many years until I inadvertently started collecting knives by buying a knife here and there. That first knife was a Buck 112. I still have it, but now it is a jewel in my collection along with another 112 with finger grooves, a 110 50 year anniversary, and a just acquired 1989 110 with finger grooves, along with many Spydercos, Benchmades, Coldsteels, and many many others. That 112 is and will always be one of my favorite knives.
I highly agree with your list... All though I would have a hard time not adding more to it... For example the Paramilitary 2, it did not make any massive strides in innovation, but it is the perfect combination of many great and innovating parts. It has become such an icon to the knife community that it would have to find a place if the list had more spots.
Also the Hinderer XM-18... for teaching us that not all knife people are perfectly sane, and in some cases would spend over 4 times the sticker price for a knife despite an obvious impending price ceiling and crash. lol
Great video as always. BTW what grit/strops do you normally finish at? I have been messing with my WE lately; by making sure the bevels perfect at 1000 grit, and making a "X" scratch pattern with my 1200/1600 ceramic(after not cleaning them for a sharpening), and 5/3.5 micron strops, I have been able to get edges that appear mostly mirror polished from all angles. But upon very close inspection I can still make out the scratch pattern.
The 940 is better than the pm2
- very grateful for having found your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the knife community. I just gave my girlfriend the venerable Buck 110, and we really enjoyed your video. I have slowed down my collecting quite a bit, and was unfamiliar with Cold Steel ' triad locking mechanism. I found the information about the custom Buck 110 sheaths to be quite interesting. I would like to nominate the Camillus Cuda Max 5.5, as the folder, in my collection, that most resembles a fixed blade. ( with the frame lock causing a slight point reduction ) Thanks again, brother.
Rdog785 Glad to have you aboard, my friend. Thanks for mentioning the Cuda Max! What an awesome blade it was. You know a blade is special when it defines the career of a maker / designer, and the Cuda put Mr. Ralph in the hall of fame for sure!
Thanks to Sal's pocket clip, I can carry a 6oz knife in my front pocket and barely feel it or a 1oz knife and never have to go diggin through the change and lint to find it. Now That's an innovation!
Also - folks were getting stabby with stilettos long before the buck 110 ;)
Great video, truly informative and entertaining at the same time : )
Simply the best history of knives video ever. Liked, subscribed, and thank you :)
Thanks for making this very informative video. I caught the bug only about a year ago so this was a great learning experience. The buck 110 has been on my list and now knowing it's historical importance I'll be picking one up soon.
Really good video. I notice that you never said, or even implied, that any of these knives is the "best". That would be absurd. The best knife is the one you pick up when you've got a particular job to do. As for "significant"? I think you nailed it.
I've had my spyderco endura for a year and the handle is perfection. It's the little things like how your hand doesn't slip when pulling the knife out your pocket but smooth when reaching your hand into the knife.
Very well done.. I purchased the Buck 110 when it was released followed by the Buck folding Ranger and followed that with the new Ti model 110.. Benchmade was 2001 for me with the axis lock model first then I followed that by the model 750 Liner lock ( Ti scales ) love that model .. Followed that with the 940 model axis lock, love that one too... Four more models followed .. Cold Steel I have never owned but read good reports on that model folder, I have read about Lynn Thompson and his hunting adventures, seems an interesting fellow with a sense of humor... Spiderco I have handled but never owned mostly I do not like the loop hole for opening the blade just never did .. I have friends that love them.. Well done video..
Some edit to make that list 'more' perfect
1. Buck 110 (Classic Knife)
2. Replace Spyderco Endura -> Spyderco Paramilitary (Invention of Compression Lock)
3. Reeve Sebenza (Frame Lock + Luxurious knife brand)
4. Benchmade 710 (Axis Lock)
5. Replace Cold steel recon1 --> Kershaw Blur (Speedsafe assist opening + Color combination + Cheap high quality knife)
You do the best knife reviews!!!!
Great video Rob. only knife not acquired yet, a benchmade, although the 940 is on my hit list, even got the recon with horrible black coating removed, and the endura laminate.I was going to pull the trigger on a 710 a while ago, but decided I had enough killer blades, for the moment. The two knives I would class as my best loved knives, maybe not my most used are the Sebenza and the lovely old heavy 110 and if I had to choose what knives I would keep, those two would be the last to go, although if it was about pure survival it would have to be the bad boy recon. Another classic video brother. God Bless us all.
Laurie Campbell Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Laurie! It's always good to hear from you, brother. By the way, I'm starting on your pile o' knives this evening!
Pile o knives, great expression Rob. Looking forward to them, hope they arrive before the 9 december, I will officially be an old age pensioner on that date, 65yrs of age, the Lord has certainly looked after this ol carcass, had a few scrapes with the pale rider in my time. still here brother. I put it down to HM Forces training and prayer.
Didn't know where you were going with this when it started, but I like your approach. I think I would have to agree with your choices. And my first folding knife was a Buck 110 circa 1978. Still have that 110, and in fact sent it to the factory for a refurb; it was in quite rough shape. Knife came back with highly polished brass, blade re-profiled, and the walnut oiled. Buck did not charge me a penny for the refurb job. Thanks for sharing, God Bless.
Awesome video! full of history and interesting facts. Instant subscribe!
Awesome video my friend, an important history lesson for people new to the hobby like myself
Nice - thanks for posting.
If you remove the Sebenza clip does it alter the knife's function?
If anything, it niche was the tension on the lockbar just a bit, which would only improve the action. Sebenzas usually ship with an abundance of lockbar tension.
Great video! My Buck 110 which is about 26 or so years old has finger grooves in the handle. Is that a newer feature compared to the one you have?
Excellent! Thank you! Will definitely guide purchase of next knife!
Awesome Video, Stumbled on to it by pure accident....
Been collecting knives since I was a kid and own a few of the 5 you listed...
Thanks for the history lesson.....
Mahalo's
I'd say Emerson cqc6 deserves a spot. Also, the first production flipper. Good stuff on the others. Thanks for the great vid!
Well thought out and hard to disagree. Great video Rob!
Thanks Roger. Think I will treat myself to a Buck 110. Just for nostalgia. Great and informative. Greetings from over the pond!
Great video Rob, I can appreciate each and every one of your choices. Just one thing though: at 14:40 you mention that the Caly 3.5 is Taiwan produced - the Caly series has always been made in Japan, in fact you can even see the word 'Japan' on the knife you're holding ;)
GLB Productions Great catch, my friend! Annotation already up :)
I received a Buck 110 for Christmas when I was 13 or 14. It is still one of my favorite knives.
I remember the first time I saw a Buck 110......I was hooked
Hi TheApostleP, great video brother! It's really nice to see a fellow lefty that really knows his stuff! =)
As for locking mechanisms, I'm not sure if you remember this or not, but Cold Steel used to use Benchmade's Axis locking mechanism on many of their knives. The older generations of the Recon 1 series is a big one that comes to mind. Cold Steel called their version of the axis lock the "Ultra Lock" and they used that locking system in their recon 1 line (as well as others) all the way up until they released the Triad Lock you show here. Both _were, and are_ great locking patterns in my eyes! As much as I love my Buck 110's (I have a 1970's version my Dad gave me, and a new 2013 model) like you said, my gripe is that I need to remember that this type of lock is suseptable to failure with enough negative pressure, such as spine whacks. Still a timeless piece and one of my absolute favorites nonetheless. This knife has been around for 50 years now, and I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon.
As for Spyderco....Well as I'm sure you've probably read some of my other comments on youtube on other videos regarding Spyderco; you probably know I'm not a fan of Spyderco. As for why, well, I had issues with their customer service. If you want to read the whole story, just check out my review of the Spyderco Bushcraft on Amazon. You'll find my review in the 1-star section!
I didn't always hate Spyderco though. Truth be told, they were pretty much my first foray into the quality knife market, quickly followed by my first purchase of a Cold Steel. But aside from my feelings on their customer service and how I was treated, I guess I really just don't understand where Spyderco's fit into the world of knives? What I mean is, when we're talking about arguably their most popular model knife, the Endura, it's fact that the Endura's locking mechanism is not the sturdiest design. It's probably on par with the Buck 110. Also, I never understood the point of using all these high performance steels on such a thin, uncomfortable knife. If the knife is designed for tactical use, it's not like you need a blade with high performance steel to stab someone! The grip is also so thin in cross-section that it renders this knife utterly unusable in situations requiring extended use, or hard use such as for use as a bush knife or whittling knife. So I guess I'm just not sure what category of use this knife is supposed to fall in. Personally I found the Endura to be one of the most uncomfortable handles I've ever used! It's only redeeming quality in my mind, is it's light weight, that's it. I personally find Spyderco blade patterns to be extremely ugly as well, and have had problems with functionality with their newer Endura 4 models. At the end of the day, I really think Spyderco knives are grossly over-priced, most are made over-seas yet sold at _made in USA_ prices, and they're ugly as hell! The only thing I like about Spyderco being a fellow lefty, is the opening hole. But Spyderco is apparently unable to do this AND retain an aesthetically pleasing blade design. Lastly, you get back to my main reason for no longer purchasing their products; their customer service! Just horrible.
Anyways, I didn't mean for most of that to sound as though I was doing nothing more than trashing on Spyderco. Like I said, they did do some great stuff, like the round opening hole, and I believe they were one of the first companies to make most of their knives with 4-way option clip carry as well! That was a big win for lefty's like you and I. =)
And finally to finish up here. I just also wanted to say that I took note of the mirror polished edges that were on your knives. As a professional blade sharpener myself, I am certainly aware that those are *not* the factory edges that came on those knives. That is some nice work my friend! Those knives appear razor sharp, and seeing as you own a Sabenza, I would expect nothing less! hehe =P What is that? An 8k waterstone polish on those blades? Maybe some chromium oxide polishing as well? ;) Rock on my friend!
***** Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Dan. I agree with most of what you said about Spyderco and the Endura specifically. It's not one of my favorites either. I've also had some less than satisfying experiences with their customer service department. But for some reason, I continue to love Spyderco, although like all knife companies, they have their aggravating qualities. All in all, I've grown to love the quirky design necessitated by the opening hole, because I love the opening hole, and Sal's philosophy of starting with a cutting edge and building a knife around it works more times than it doesn't.
The edges you saw in the video, with the exception of the Buck 110, were done by me on the Edgepro Apex, with standard water stones, 2000 grit polishing tapes and then gray and green rouge on a strop. I prefer the polished edges over toothy ones, for their appearance, but more importantly for their durability. Tiny teeth bend and break, whereas a polished edge is well supported.
I'm completely with you on the standard lockback / midlock design. It was a hugely significant innovation, but has been eclipsed by better designs, the Tri-Ad Lock being the most direct and dramatic improvement. Regarding the Ultra Lock -- I hated it. It didn't handle nearly as well as Benchmade's Axis Lock, and the Recon 1 in that form was a heavy, unwieldy beast. The lighter Tri-Ad Lock second version, IMHO, is a far superior knife.
Thanks again for the comments, my friend. Merry Christmas!
Hi Apostle,
Interesting philosophy indeed! The only area that I have a difference of opinion is on customer service. See for me, poor customer service is probably my biggest pet peeve and probably the quickest way to turn me away from a company, *permanently!* I'm the type of guy that believes that no matter if a company like Spyderco was infact selling the _best_ product in the world, I would *STILL* not buy their products if they demonstrated poor customer service! I guess I'm a little old-school in that mentality but like myself, if others held strong in that believe, then companies like Spyderco would not be able to afford to give poor customer service or else they would quickly suffer from lack of sales! As it should be! I feel we as the consumers need to take the market back and speak with the almighty dollar. And it's people that fluff off things like bad customer service that allows companies like Spyderco to continue to walk all over the comsumer.
Anyways, I'll jump off the soap box now! LOL Have a Merry Christmas Apostle!
You should have more subs man.. What a quality video.. The history lesson was amazing..!! Sub'd and thank you!!
GTAV4LYFE Thanks for the kind words! Welcome aboard, my friend!
I've got a lot of these and have carried them often but have gone back to the 110 lately. As recently as 1999 there was a man in Kodiak Alaska who was feild dressing a deer when a Kodiak brown bear charged him out of nowhere. With his rifle too far away to grab he fought the bear with his fist and his Buck 110 and stabbed it multiple times during separate charges. The 69 year old man was badly injured but the bear collapsed and died after having an artery cut. He had the bear made into a rug and the knife was framed to hang on his wall. Many would argue that the 110 is now outdated in today's world of super steels, one handed operation, etc but it has the rare distinction of stabbing a brown bear to death without breaking so that's good enough for me.
Thank you for the education. Love this video.
Since the 18th century Spanish Navaja Knives had locking blades, and they were designed for combat use.
Rami Abi Akar Which has nothing to do with the past 50 years, the subject of this video.
What a great history! Thanks.
Very interesting. Well made and informative video. Thanks man, I learned a lot.
Best thing about Spyderco was the Clip. Never was a big fan of their knives, but the clip, yes. As I recall the first Spydercos had a smooth stainless steel body and got scratched all to hell. Great vid though.
i greatly appreciate your time in making these videos . i like your patience in explaining in detail . may the Lord our God be with you. thank you
Your list is spot on. Great content very informative.
Great video! Wondering if you considered the Gerber Bolt Action circa 1980s when you were putting this list together?
Thanks for a really interesting video. I enjoyed it very much.
I also subbed as well.
Thank you for making this video. I will watch and check any I'm not familiar with. Much appreciated.
Rob, great video. I think if I did a top ten list, I'd have to include the scouting slip joint knives and the Swiss army style knife. I suspect far more people own these types of knives than own Spydercos and the other locking knives. We knife junkies may prefer locking knives, but most people's experience with folding knives begins and ends with scout knives and swiss army style knives. I think your list would have to be included in my top 10 list. Great job.
What a great vid Rob❗ I'd love to see more like this again.
I field dressed a few Buck with my Buck 110,I Lost at least 2 of them!
I bought a SpyderCo enduro in the early 90's after reading about it in SWAT. It was one of the best early purchases I made. I still haven't found a knife I like better, except maybe my Swiss Army.
Love your videos Rob (bought the BM 940 on your recommendation), please keep posting. I noticed you didn't include the compression-lock knives (Paramilitary 2) in your list. Are you not a fan..?
paul greenwood I am indeed a fan, and it was very hard to leave out the Para 2, which may well be the best EDC blade ever made for under $150. What kept it off this list is the mechanism... As much as I like it personally, Spyderco uses it quite sparingly and it's relatively new. It also takes a rather unorthodox, albeit easy and fun, lock release method.
great video, I edc the 110 for years because I kept breaking or loosing them. When I managed to take care and not loose one for a sufficient amount of time I moved on to a Recon 1. Don't see any reason to spend any more money than that on a knife.
.
The best knife is the sharp one.
Opinel twist lock has been around since 1955. Not popular here in the U.S. but still a classic in my book.
88PeteZa i love my no. 8
Simple classic design, but had no effect on the development of knife technology.
i picked up a puma 970 this afternoon at a smaller pawn shop in town, i got it for 5 bucks from a sales girl who said she knew knives, but i really don't believe she knew what she was talking about. she was all about the buck knives and the folding gerber's that you can get at wal-mart. she pulled out what she had under glass i have a 110 so i was good with that one, the gerber is on sale at home depot then there was what she called a cheap buck copy. a 1982 970 game warden with the etched blade. i asked her what she wanted for that "fake buck" she said give me 5 dollars so i did and just about ran from the store before her boss could come out and stop the sale. i think i made out i just hope she doesn't get fired for it
1980 to 1995 I carried a Buck 110, everyone had one on their belt in Colorado. 1995 to present i carry a spyderco. The 110 is a camping/hunting/backpack knife for me now a days. My “fancy” knife is a CRK. I think you are spot on the the top 3.
cool video, also the knives looks so much more elegant with the mirror polished edge on them compared to the normal rather unimpressive looking factory edge that comes on basically every production folding knife. Also Wish I was old enough to like knives when the benchmade model 42 was in production. Not many knives I want more than a model 42.
Good list, but I'd start with the Swiss Army Knife, move to the Mercator K55K, the Buck 110, the Endura then the Sebenza.
It seems like the K55K has been around longer than the 110 .
Looking for a pre-1964 folding self defense knife? How about the one that started all the fuss: the 17th century spanish Navaja. It's the oldest folder still in production (I think they had folding knives even during Classical Era in Rome but they weren't good until the Navaja) Closer to the 18th and 19th century they got spring steel and it locked firmly enough for combat and became quite a bit more useful. I have not had the good fortune of handling one of them in person so I cannot be sure how sturdy the locking mechanism or the knife was or how it would fair for heavy tasks but sure enough they bear the except shame shape and size of other fixed blade spanish fighting knives from that period and were used and intended for killing.....they became probably the most popular tool for self defense in between the banning of carrying swords and the popularity of the revolver in much of the world.
Being from Europe I have had the opportunity to buy one of these knives and it's very neat.
I've thought about this a lot and you've made some great choices!