Demko FREEREIGN, The Burly Bushcrafter - Comprehensive Review
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- Опубликовано: 25 авг 2023
- Demko Knives FreeReign
demkoknives.com/collections/f...
MSRP $149.99
Specifications
OAL 9 3/4” - 247.65mm
Handle Length 4 5/8” - 117.47mm
Blade Length 5” - 127mm
Blade Height 1 1/4” - 31.75mm
Blade Thickness 3/16” - 4.76mm
Blade Steel AUS10A 60 HRC
Handle material Kraton
Design
Drop point / American Tanto
Full tang with over mould handle and protruding 1/8” pommel
High sabre with secondary bevel - .030” thick above cutting edge
Handles are flat on the sides to prevent rolling in the hand
Stainless steel lanyard tube
Manufactured in Taiwan
Sheath
Can be dismantled for maintenance
Ambidextrous
Nylon sheath panels to reduce scratching of the blade
Grivory frame for strength and rigidity
Removeable nylon belt loop with dome snap
Retention strap with dome snap
Options
Drop Point:
Grey Handle with Grey / Black sheath
Blue Handle with Blue / Black sheath
Tanto:
OD Green handle with OD Green / Black sheath
Black Handle with Black / Grey sheath
About Demko Knives
"If you can't depend on your knife, what good is the knife."
- Andrew Demko
Demko Knives owner and founder, Andrew Demko, first began forging chisels in 1988, when he was in the seventh grade. He instantly realized this was his passion and began forging knives almost immediately. Like so many bladesmiths, Andrew began his journey from his garage, hammering out blade shapes and sharpening them on a small but manageable grinder.
While pursuing his dream, Andrews passion for engineering and attention to detail was noticed by Cold Steel. With Cold Steel, Andrew went on to engineer some of the most innovative, strongest locking mechanisms in the industry. The legendary Tri-Ad Lock, the Scorpion Lock, and most recently, a one-handed operator's dream, The Shark Lock.
Since the sale of Cold Steel, Andrew has grown his business to include his brother John Demko. John brings expertise to custom manufacturing, sales and fabrication.
Also joining the team is long-time friend and fellow knife maker, Mike Wallace.
Both John and Mikes knife designs are being manufactured and distributed throughout the industry.
Regarding corrosion, I'd treat it like all my finish carbon steel, stick tang knives. I'd put some oil right where the handle ends and let capillary action work oil into the handle. It has worked well for me for many years.
Good advise. Thanks for commenting
Your presentation is very objective and interesting. You clarified points where I had doubts and helped me in the decision to acquire Demko. You gained another subscriber. Thank you and hugs from Rio de Janeiro - Brazil.
Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting
Nice knives and review Mark, thanks for sharing, God bless !
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Hello 👋 Mark, thank you for sharing this informative video. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 🤗
You are most welcome. Thanks for commenting
This is the best knife review I’ve ever seen. Good job, sir.!
Thank you for your kind words. Review of the Demko Armiger 4 coming soon
Great review as usual.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
Great review of some impressive knives. I never think I need another knife until I watch one of your reviews and think ‘maybe I do!’ 😊
Hey George. Testing these knives is a real rabbit hole. The more I test, the more I want. Thanks for commenng
Thanks again George
Great Demo On Both Blades, I'm Not A Fan Of The Tanto But Fairly Priced, Thanks For Your Demo, Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks for commenting Terry
Hello Mark,
Thanks you for taking the time to review the FreeReign knives from Demko Knives. It was a pleasure to watch you put the knives to work and see what they are capable of.
You have a great design here Mike. Looking forward to what you come out with next. Thanks for commenting
Thank you Mark. Andrew Demko gets all the design credit. I’m sure you meant “Mike great design” in general I just didn’t want it to seem like I was taking credit for Andrew’s work.
Appreciate the review, Mark! Don't think these are knives I'll be looking into in the near future, but I have to say I was surprised at how well some of the tasks went with knives that large - especially the feather-sticking. For some reason I expected that to be more difficult with a knife blade that deep, but it seemed to go pretty smoothly. The Tanto blade shape is not one I would expect to be particularly good for woodworking - I'll look forward to your separate video on using that one. Thanks again!
I will likely make a video in using the tanto style blade for bushcraft. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark,,,,,Love These Knife Videos,,,,,Mostly Cause I Am A Huge Knife Enthusiast & Got Quite The Collection !!
I Do Gotta Say Though My Friend,,,,,,,I Miss Your Stove Videos Especially The DIY Versions You Do.
Take Care Mark.
👍
Thanks for commenting Derek
Thanks for this, Mark. Given the price point, and given how I know AUS-10A behaves in my always hot, always humid tropical rainforest environment, I'm definitely paying the price difference and going for the Magnacut version, whenever it's available again.
I am hoping to get a magnacut version as well. Thanks for commenting
Both knives and their sheaths are good looking. I have a tanto knife, and with a little practice, you can use the smaller part of the blade for scraping and feather sticking. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️
I will likely do a video on using a tanto for bushcraft. I find it more useful than I thought I would. Thanks for commenting
The Tanto is an interesting knife for sure but if I were choosing one it would be the spearpoint. They both appear to be heavy duty knives for sure.Thanks for sharing Mark!
Overall, the tanto is not as versatile as the spear point but it does have more utility than I originally thought. Thanks for commenting Steve
I've had AUS10 turn yellow with rust in my sweaty pocket but it's so minor it doesn't affect the integrity or usability of the knife.
A good, fair review as always, Mark 👍
All steels will rust over time. AUS10A a bit faster than some but not as bad as others. Thanks for commenting
The Blue one reminds me of S1, I’m a fan of the Fallknivens. So I may get my first Demko
These Freereigns are great knives. Thanks for commenting
Mark, your fellow Canadian YTer AvE usually calls that kind of material in the sheath glass fiber reinforced nylon. I don't know that that is a "correct" term or not but it might be a way to refer to it without using the term fiberglass.
Random thought, but it just occurred to me that I watch a lot of Canadian YTers...you, AvE, KallmeKris and Glen and Friends.....all of you guys and gals seem incredibly nice and are making your country proud!
Thank you for your kind words. I struggled with that in the video. The correct way to say it is "glass filled nylon" although I have heard other ways of saying.
First off, as always, great knife review. You come across as honest, fair and concise. And you use an economy of words that I appreciate.
I love Demko's Cold Steel designs...
I like these knives, based on what I've seen. They look amazing to me, actually. They do seem a little overbuilt in relation to their blade length. Almost like a SS Becker BK2 or Joker Nomad. I say that because their bulk puts them, for my tastes and use, firmly in the "survival knife" category. (I generally prefer a lighter and more nimble knife for the woods.) However, to me, a survival knife must be able to delimb evergreens for boughs, chop poles for shelters, split/pry open wet wood for fires and so on. These kind of blades, while stout, seem too short for that, imho. (And thats why I recently moved up to the 6.5 Joker Nomad over my regular Nomad. In survival, I feel size matters.)
Agreed that they are heads and tails over the SRK (of which I have both models) but again, that's not really an ideal survival knife either, imho. (In fact, today you have made me wonder why I even have my SRKs....🤔)
(Of course, all the above assumes one carries a designated survival knife and isn't relying on a more woodsy knife to survive.)
I'm not sure I'd spend the money on this blade. Especially not the US magna cut. Man, THAT will be spendy! If they get you one, I'll look forward to seeing the review, but only as an interest in these things.
Thanks for sharing!
I was not aware of Andrew's knives until I received these. I would love to test more. Thanks for commenting
G'day Mate, great comment. To go on with, when it comes to "survival" knives/tools; a machete, parang, seax, axe/hatchet, or at a minimum a BK-9 or similar, for the reasons you mentioned, is mandatory IMO. Personally I'm a strong advocate for pairing at least two cutting tools, (and with a saw, make that three). As well as finer tasks, your secondary "blade" still needs to be able to get you out of strife, should your primary big fella be lost or fail; that's where, what many term as a survival knife, comes in. Yes its a bit more to carry, but be real, what would you rather have to make shelter, cut a good supply of firewood etc. Cheers Duke.
I am sold, Mark. I will get the drop point one now and will wait for the magnacut version. That will mean I will forgo the SRK CPM3V version. Thanks, Mark.
I hope to get the magnacut version myself. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for the review Mark you are very informative which I appreciate. One note, I think the rust test should have been 6 hours exposure minimum, if not overnight for a stainless. I love the look and stout nature of this knife. It's like my ESSE LaserStrike in a good stainless steel. I'll save for this knife and see if the trigger ever gets pulled. I have several knives and it's hard to justify another cutting tool to myself or the wife. Thanks again!!
Yes, I could have let the rust test go longer. You may want to save a bit more and het the Magnacut version. I hope to. Thanks for commenting
Excellent review Mark, I'm a huge fan of the cold steel SRK and master hunter, the drop point knife has got me excited, this looks to me like the perfect mid size utility/ survival knife. It is available here in the UK but it's considerably more expensive and unfortunately I have to pay for it myself but I think it's worth it.
Not sure if I can wait for it in Magnacut.
All the best Rob
Hi Rob. This is a heavy duty knife for sure. I am hoping to test the magnacut version when it becomes available again. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I bought one of these, I'm looking forward to trying it out.
@@RobEvansWoodsmanI will be interested to hear your thoughts. BTW, do you have a website where I can see your knives?
you are too cool man
Thank you
I like the design of the knife. Like many knifes it is on my wish list. I am unsure if I will move it to my "To buy" list.
There is one modification I want from this knife. I want a 6 inch version.
I am a massive fan of 6 inch knives. My favorite knife is 6 inches, and I am used to said knife size.
That would be an interesting knife for sure. Thanks for commenting
Impressive blades for sure! Hope they come out with different handle color options in the future. Gray or blue wouldn't even be on my list for handle color choices. ;-) To be fair, the blue would stick out on the forest floor if dropped or left on the ground for some reason so I'll give it that. But still, not my cup of tea.
I understand what you are saying. I chose the blue for that reason. I would have taken orange if they had it. Thanks for commenting
G'day Mark, I really do like the design as an all rounder, (I will always take at least one sabre, of some desctiption, on the trail for that reason), and together with the sheath, probably worth the dough, but I wouldn't pay anymore for it, and as is, I'd be looking for a sale price.
Though I've only a couple of examples, I haven't had a problem with AUS-8 or 8A oxidising, (incidentally, they used to make dive knives from it back in the day).
Without looking it up, not sure about the specific chemical differences of 10A, but its supposed to be an improvement, ..... on that basis you'd reckon it'd hold up.
I have seen a few SRK handles chewed up from batoning and I have also seen Companions suffer from seepage and snap under the handle; so possibly an area of concern over the longer term.
Be very interesting to see what the asking price is for a magnacut version.
Cheers Duke.
I have read that the higher carbon of AUS10 over AUS8 makes it a bit more rust prone. A bit more so than VG10 but less than 440C. Thanks for commenting
Great content brother i started my channel 4 5 months ago and love sharing my hobby. What type of watch are you wearing sir?
Glad you liked the video. I am wearing a Timex Expedition. This is my second. My first last over 20 years of patrol work. Thanks for commenting
Excellent review !
You should take a look at the new swiss army bushcraft knife by Felix Immler (Victorinox Venture)
It looks interesting
I am planing on buying the Venture as soon as I get home from my travels. Just the basic version as it is the knife I want to test. Thanks for commenting Alex
@@MarkYoungBushcraftbe sure to watch Felix's video on sheath retention problems.
Awaiting stock for this knife. Also want Coldsteel SR1lite clipoint
Do you have a link for your coldsteel reveiw? Can't find it.
Joker Lynx in post, partly from your video. Also Joker Avispa. I want the Campero
I love your reviews.
Many thanks for your posts🌞🌼🌻
I have a review for the Cold Steel SRK you can find in my knife playlist. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft thanks 🙏
SOG Seal Team Elite was built for salt water of the sea...made from AUS 8....I can not believe AUS steel is less corrosion rezistant than for example 440 A steel...
I agree. I have no concerns about this steel rusting under normal use. Thanks for commenting
When going through wood with the freereign, I'm careful not to let the wood touch the handle as it would likely tear the rubber handle up. Especially when batoning. I would have gladly paid extra if this knife could've come with g10 or micarta handle.
Have you had damage to your handle? Thanks for commenting
No, Im careful. But I've seen dents and scratches from batoning on other knives with micarta handles. So, it's not difficult imagining what would happen to soft rubber being pounded against splintered wood.
Fair enough. Reason I asked is I have heard that before but I have not had an issue, yet. I have a number of knives with rubber handles and I take care not to hit the rubber as well@@johnnyeas1431
It is a nice sheath, and I don't think many people are going to discard it in favor of a custom kydex one. I recently picked up an SRK with a 3V blade that is a standard saber grind instead of hollow grind, for $140 from SMKW. That is way below the Cold Steel MSRP of $260. If the Freereign can be had for close to $100 rather than the $150 MSRP, I'd find it more interesting than a Gerber Strongarm which I don't think is such a good deal at the typical $90 asking price. The Strongarm sheath system is overly bulky and complex, and the knife's handle isn't very ergonomic being more tactically oriented. Watching this on a big screen, I see small reddish brown splotches on the tanto blade. Looked like rust to me but nothing to get real excited about, with AUS8 and AUS10 I think we can expect staining but not much pitting.
They could be a bit cheaper in price but they are way above either the Cold Steel or Gerber in quality. I was not sure if it was rust or staining from the wood I was processing. Thanks for commenting
Great review,if you done this salt water test with a carbon steel knife
Results would be very different
Yes, for sure and I expect even this one will rust given time. Thank for commenting Steve
They seem like great knives but way too expensive for me. Thanks for the review!
Fair enough! Thanks for commenting
If they're concerned about rust inside the handle then they can apply some silicon at the junction.
I agree. I was thinking if I ever did see rust there I would do something like that. Thanks for commenting
I have the AUS10 gray drop point & quite like it. Wish I would’ve waited & got the Magnacut version instead but it was in green. Yuck
I hope to get the magnacut version myself. I think a bright orange handle would be nice, but that it just me. Thanks for commenting
To bad he didn't make it a 6-inch blade like the SRK.
I really like the 5" but would like to see a 7" version as well. Thanks for commenting
I like Demko, but I'd rather have a Mora Garberg for half the price.
I do like the Garberg but this is a bigger more heavy duty knife all round. Thanks for commenting
Well if they were worried about water getting in and rusting it why not wedge it back a little and shoot a little glue or silicone in it I'll be damned bobs your uncle problem fixed. I feel some look for anything to post shite
I agree. I could find no issue with this at all. Thanks for commenting
Another commercial break
Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Sure, anytime
Tantos…..🤦🏽
I assume you already know. Feel free to share
@@MarkYoungBushcraft my “hot take”, not being particularly friendly opinion. Tantos are for basement ninjas. It’s a fighting knife design for stabbing and knife fighting. I like a knife to use for bushcraft/fire craft. A fighting knife is just pointless. For a self defense role, I carry bear spray and a gun. A knife is a weapon that can be turned against you in a scuffle. I view a knife as a tool, not a weapon. Too many dudes are pretend G.I. Joes in the knife community. I wear bright colors for safety, not camo like I’m on a spec ops mission. Different philosophies I guess.
Did you get a timeframe for U.S. production?
Unfortunately, no. I was advised they would let me know when they are available. Thanks for commenting