Like the design but I can't get past the price. For what youre getting I can't see it costing more than $150.00.but they can charge whatever they want I'm just not gonna pay it.
Yep. Well that and its ugly as politics. Thats like the whole common man routine...well the common man can't afford 90% Of the tools. D2 used to be super steel. Then people who don't know how to heat treat treat it right got a hold of it...oh...its junk...no its not. Its the HT. ALL THAT ASIDE...how many bark rivers can you buy for that much money??
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THATS WHAT I FEEL TOO. I bought a custom knife that exactly was made the way I designed it for around 180$... I can't see the 500$ tag to be honest. That's the price of a custom knife. It is D2 and even if it would perform the way 3V does, the production Price would be lower than 3V. So the performance for me is not really something that helps me understand the price...
I still say there's a possibility of military applications for this for Air Force and Marine and army Pilots. As for me know, but I don't like the Tom Brown tracker either but I would take this over the Tom Brown tracker if I had to have one. And it does cost too much it's not a common man's knife. And a lot better options out there for a common man. There were only three knives designs I do not like and those are two of them.
I thought the same thing but a friend of mine let me borrow it and the knife itself at $300 is very appropriately priced for quality, even when measured against other similarly priced knife, this one accels
Bottom line - everyone expected a fair-priced knife from him and instead got D2 steel at a super steel price. We all understand the pricing issues for USA made products but no one expected a $300 knife. I was thinking $169-189 when he first introduced it and would have bought it at that price point. Secondly, I think everyone gets tired of people getting the knife for free and telling us on YT it is not a bad value after all. Well, if you didn't spend your own money then you can't really speak objectively about its value. It is a nice knife but not a $300 knife.
Know what I get tired of? People whining about shit without watching the video to see what's actually said. One of the last things I said was "Would I personally spend MY own money on this?" And I said "No". It's not my particular style. Doesn't make it jumk though. I've been at this too long. I know what you're going to say before you say it. That's why I make sure I cover these objections in my video. Let's me know who comments without watching the video.
@@preparedmind101 I watched the video. You are just automatically on the defense I guess. I assume you realize several others have reviewed this knife as well but maybe you don't. My comment did not reference you specifically but "people". I made that comment BECAUSE of what you said, most people don't acknowledge that. Geeez!!
Chris, I watched the video and thought it was a fair assessment. The price is too high for what you get. That doesn't make the knife junk, just over priced. Maybe for $150-$190 range. Accesories could be optional at extra cost (which I'm guessing they already are).
Well chris,if you wouldn't buy that knife and it's not your style, why don't you give it to one of your minions that think it's the greatest thing the blade world has to offer and not get your panties in a wad?
A knife that size should probably be CPM 4V at 62hrc. With that kind of geometry it will be plenty tough above 60hrc. I'd rather have my Cold Steel AK-47 in CPM 3V (paid $90). Better wear resistance, better touch toughness, and a handle made for chopping.
*Posting this on August 10th 2020 ~* 1- Those who hated the steel: David has switched over to 154cm. 2- Those who hated the price: As of 2 weeks ago, David has made it clear that the Primitive is fully ready to go. $150 for what we were all expecting the first time around. Wood handles, no black coating on the blade. Honestly, looks much better than the original. The Primitive is the knife we should have gotten in the first place. 3- For those who still want something easier to maintain or re-sharpen than 154cm or D2 (can't blame you guys one bit on the latter), the much better looking and half the price Primitive is made from 1075 carbon steel in Central America by skilled knife-makers, at least according to the info. David released on his channel 2 weeks ago. 4- Will the Primitive be worth it at half the price: Well.... 1075 carbon steel, Central America, skilled knife-makers. Translation = *Condor Tool & Knife.* That's the most obvious answer. That Condor is making the Primitive for David, and just leaving off their brand name and the words "El Salvador." I have no proof of this. Just a very educated guess. Condor would be the most obvious, most likely, and best guess. That's all it is from me though. Wouldn't be the first time Condor has done something like that. They make a nice machete for ESEE, sold under the ESEE name. So, for $150, it _might_ be worth it. No, you don't get the kydex sheath with the Primitive. But you can get an aftermarket one, and the total would still be around just under $200. There's a good chance I'll realistically pick one up at the end of the year, and later review it on my channel. 5- It looks like a Kabar Warthog: Fair enough. There is a resemblance. Though David's design seems stronger. 6- David abandoned his channel for quite awhile when he was working on the knife's design: Yeah, he did. He should have made an Update Video when he realized he'd be away longer than expected. Also, when he did return, he looked seriously p!$$ed off! Wasn't smiling as he usually does. Looked like an evil, angry, serial killer. Okay, true too. But I got the impression he was just severely stressed out from bringing his design from Concept to Reality. I think both issues contributed to the resentment that some feel against this knife. Let's give it a fair chance. Especially with the Primitive version. Which again, I feel is the knife many of us were expecting the first time around. Especially in terms of price. 7- One tool survival option: I can't lie. I'd prefer something along the lines of a 12-inch bladed machete with a useful, narrow tip. Or, a slightly larger than average Bowie knife. As good as David's design is, you can't make up for a short blade with a great design.
Quote: -7: A larger bowie: Exactly. The idea should be how to make a big knife more efficient at chopping, not how to make a small knife a chopper. I've just bought, for $50 at Canadian Tire, a Huntshield 8.3" flared blade "survival knife", looking like a slightly enlarged SOG Creed. Making a flared chopper out of a 8" blade is an interesting but already quite borderline idea. It is so well executed on the Huntshield however, with an excellent Sabre Hollow Grind, and, even better, my favourite steel, 420 (the stainless that sharpens like Carbon!), that I am mildly enthused over it... An 8.3" blade flared to chop, this enhanced with a hollow grind, a proper handle shape and a stick tang isolating the hand from vibration (apply a lot of thin crazy glue to stabilize the leather though), shows a surprising amount of genuine knowledge, if the handle's buttcap construction is not inherently problematic (to be seen). Sabre Hollow Grinds, stick tangs and 420 steel are all things completely at odds with current knifehead survival dogmas, and all of them are not only good things, but the very best, if done right.
I have several Look LT Wright knifes that are D2 that have been through hell and back and are still in great shape. Good D2 is also very easy to take care of in the field. I personally have no issue with well made D2 knifes
But the performance doesn't mean that the price is ok. It is just a fact that D2 is much cheaper the 3V or other high end steels. So if you use a D2... No problem BUT adjust the price!
@@thetschoni3813 I made no comment about the price. I was only defending good quality well made D2 knifes. As far as price something is worth what people are willing to pay for it. As far as value some of my best investment have been in D2 custom knifes that are now worth many times what I paid for them. I dont have any supper steel knife that have come close to gong up in value as they have.
A WCSK is 270 dollars, an he is a custom knife maker, the MSK-1 400 dollars for a production gimmicky knife? You tell me what is going on with you tubers calling this a good knife, worth the cost??? Only positive review of this knife is coming from mostly high production you tubers. Most are claiming a friendship with this guy David, that has no doubt video production talent, well most men of his lifestyle will do better at such things then say William Collins type of men. One being a outdoor type of guy the other being a video production type of guy, just saying!
I would be interested too know how many of these knives actually sold? I do not in any way want to stop people from making a living, yet I would say if you promote crap that will not help in the long run. Outside of that this Tanner guy seems okay, maybe a bit citified but who is perfect?
Here you go... ESEE-6 $120, Council Tool Boy's Axe $40, Mora Companion $20, Silky Gomboy $45, Tool Maintenance Kit (axe file, puck, diamond rod, sharpening block, etc...), $75. and you still have enough left over for a MOLLE II Pack to carry it all in. Someone tell me that they can chop, buck, split, saw, slice or cut better with that knife than against all these tools for significantly less money? 👍
I am a retired Marine Aviator, and in our survival kit, we had and Applegate and Fairborn (spelling) folding knife, which was about 4 of blade, partially serrated. It had some utility features but was basically a fighting style knife. We also had a smaller folding knife with a very basic Swiss army feel, with a basic blade, can opener, awl type tool, and bottle opener/large head screw driver. That combo would not chop and process wood, or easily hunt with, or build a shelter, or essentially SURVIVE, if shot down behind enemy lines...which is likely the very worst survival situation imaginable. Jessica X, would not be easily accommodated in an aviator survival kit. The MSK-1 knife set would be the ideal solution, based on size and functionality. If I may, constructively, if you don’t define a clear and worst case perspective for which each knife or other tool is meant to be considered, then you invite a never ending debate for or against EVERY CONCEIVABLE SCENARIO. I watch your channel for exposure to equipment but not as much for advice, guidance...not enough focus and perspective. If I was somehow trapped in a fold of trees and branches, and couldn’t escape...sure, give me an axe and/or Jessica X (kukri) blade!!! What David has created with his MSK-1 package, is provide an extremely versatile and capable tool, that represents virtually ALL survival needs with genius level minimization of compromise in each vital area. I joined the armed forces in 1981, and still serve in retirement as a contractor, unbroken through 2018 (present). I would offer that no survival kit we have ever been issued, on land, sea, or in the air, has ever been as well thought out and designed to purpose as the MSK-1. $400-500 bucks is worth the investment in its potential to give an American serviceman the best chance at survival. Admittedly, I am offering the “trapped behind enemy lines”, as basis for my “scenario”. I do so, on the premise that it is probably the very worst a person could experience. There is no “bug out” bag in the cockpit. You have only what can be strapped into the pockets of your flight vest. Beretta M-9 with 3 magazines, radio, and a little water, inflatable life preserver, chlorine tablets, maker dye, survival blanket, etc. And...some kind of Knife? Which one? I bet most aviators would chose the MSK-1 kit, after learning of its attributes, if they had a choice!!!
Chris I like the fact that you are genuinely honest in you're knife review's And I agree with you on a lot of the subject's in you're review's you are straight forward honest unlike other RUclips reviewer's keep up the good work
Price on just the knife with the kydex sheath is $299 USD...that's a Bark river price with S30V or some other super steel....the whole setup with the nylon cover and the small knife is $492 USD....both prices are ridiculous. I don't mind the design....just think for the price, you can get a lot better set up...it's not a good knife for the money.....
Randy Yeager I agree but it is a custom knife bark river is a relatively big company so they can have cheaper knives also I don’t think they use s30v they use s35vn
Randy Yeager: Dude you are on every video complaining about something... Ok it may be a bit over priced to some people so I would point you to a piece to a Schrade or even better a MORA.
No it's not. custom O1 can be $250. So a mid teck D2 (which is better than O1)can be round $250 to $300 without sheath. Let's say it's simple kydex, it's bout $30 to $50. So the price itself hit's that ballpark. Throw in the survival kit ($50-$100?), a me-teck neck knife ($100?) and an outer sheath ($30?). The price do hit that range.
@@bp-hx9ts I don't see it as a custom knife....it's no more hand made than a bark river, and you have no choice in what yer getting....they won't "customize" it for you...
Damn. Apparently I missed this whole controversy. Personally, I’ve always thought the UST guy came off as a wannabe clown. He’s the Shamwow guy of high speed low drag survival posers. He’ll talk up anyone that pays him even if it’s garbage, which to me is dishonest and can be dangerous. Then there’s this thing that’s three hundred freakin’ dollars. Come on. You have got to be kidding me. If his fans are dense enough to buy it then that’s on them. People that know gear and have common sense will buy far superior knives for significantly less money. That thing is 100% marketing and that’s that.
@@MichaelTravis12c27 WCSK have 'tanto like' tip for the extra point. MSK1 has a rounded belly. You cannot do 3 finger hold with the MSK1 due to the hawkbill shape at the end of the handle. So I think WCSK will be a better light chopper. And don't forget Randy's leather/kydex sheath.
The objections ? (1) Hollows in the handle to house the survival kit will weaken the "full tang". (2) Having to unscrew the scales to get to the survival items could result in lost screws when you most need them and delays access to those items. (3) The survival kit feature is a gimmick and an inadequate kit. Simply carry a belt pouch containing : Emergency rain poncho, emergency space blanket, alcohol prep pad, aluminum foil, coffee filter, square of inner tube rubber, booby trap wire, dental floss, thread, saber saw blade, piece of hacksaw blade, toilet paper, safety pin, small ferro rod, matches in medicine vial wrapped in Gorilla tape power bar, needle, whistle, button compass, band-aid, moleskin. Notice the many flat items that pack easily. (4) The design looks unnecessarily heavy and maybe unwieldy for bushcraft tasks. (5) It looks suspiciously like KaBar's Warthog, which is bigger and cheaper.
I'm no knife guru by any standards of measure. Have owned a busse mean street, several moras , a few shrades and bucks, fallkniven f1, s1, a1 an a few random gerbers. Currently i have an CS Srk in Cpm3v, a solingen damascus bowie, a shrade folder, a mora bushcraft black, a CS survival knife in all orange. After being an outdoorsmen all my life, am still a big believer the best knife you have, is the one on you with the muscle memory between the ears for skilled usage. The 60.00 basic mora black is a good knife. It's not a pry bar, log cabin builder, tree processing chunk of steel, man killing instrument. However it skins good, batons well, holds a good edge, very tough, feather sticks, makes wood carved utensils with ease, a good 90' angle for shooting sparks, doesn't chip out, roll, is light for carrying, can chop trees with a little use from a baton, etc. If your worried about the apocolypse or armageddon, why not just practice your skills instead? That will carry you much farther then any single knife will, regardless of the price, the steel, etc. Just my few cents.
Hey PM101, love the knife. I do wish there was a it 1-2 inche longer version. The design is fine with me for its intended design purpose..Love it David!!!
For me it's the price. Period. No complaint about the design. Don't know if it's worth the price or not but it doesn't matter. The cost is simply too high for the average person to pay. I have a similar design in a Ka Bar Heavy Duty Warthog that gets the job done for a fraction of the price. Not comparing the two except for the blade shape design, just the price. To me it's laughable to pay that much money for the MSK-1. The first time I saw it I was interested until I saw the price and then my jaw dropped. I can't believe these knives are big sellers at that price. And Chris, I enjoy your videos, keep up the reviews, but you seem to be going to the more expensive knives. Out of most people's budgets or hard to obtain. How about going back to the more affordable options out there. I think the expensive knives are great but if I can't afford them what's the point?
I think David's knife would make a perfect get home bag knife. If I didn't already have the Becker bk2, to fill that role, I would get it. Now of course, I have the JX5 Vengeful 1 for my primary bugout bag. That thing will get it done!
Two thoughts come to mind. 1) Navy Rule #4: If it’s stupid but it works, it isn’t stupid. I haven’t seen or used the knife, but if it works, and does what you need it to do, then that’s all that’s important. Right? 2) Different strokes. My favorite knife is a classic Bushcraft knife. The Adventure Sworn Classic. You do you. That’s why God gave us blondes, brunettes and red heads.
so here it is 2021. I bought this knife in a pawn shop while I was stationed in Fairbanks Alaska shortly after I watched this video when it first dropped. honestly, I was not going to buy it because 1, the price was out of control. 2, I absolutely hated the dude who designed it. but because I saw it for $85.00 in a pawn shop I grabbed it. I used it a few times while training in the field, but never had the confidence to bring it in the Alaskan bush while backpacking or hunting, or hiking, for that I stuck with my bush tool. I'm now back in Texas and I haven't touched it in years. Even for $85.00, I wouldn't buy it again. And I am referring to the survival aspect of use. I found it to be another "tracker" gimmick. EDIT: I did chip the very tip after throwing it at a ptarmigan. Something I often do with success.
I get the "don't like it don't buy it" sentiment. I really do. But.. you can't expect not to get backlash when you charge $300+ for what should cost maybe $100 given the materials. Then you have the hype leading up to the release. And I just can't stand the dude from Ultimate Survival tips. He's a huckster.
I agree...costs a lot more than I'm willing to pay. A lot of other quality knives that can do just as well for less money. This knife is primarily for those who need to fill that niche for a tool like this.
I think a lot of the controversy is as much about the claims made about the knife, or more, than about the knife itself. From what I've seen and heard, it's not the knife, it's the over the top claims about it that have a lot of people upset. For instance, obviously, it's too thick to be a good slicer (yes, it takes a good edge, however, there's a reason kitchen knives have a thin blade) and it's too short to be considered a great chopper. IMO, it's overpriced regardless. BTW, I have several folders in D2 and I like it for those knives.
Which is why I specifically talked about "If you picked it up knowing nothing about it... Hype, steel, etc..." May still not like it, but I think more people might be interested if they got past their biases. At least... Until they say the price tag.
I like the design and the geometry....just not enough for me to pay that much. I'm surprised David didnt go through a different knife manufacturer like Tops or Kabar, ect. Probably could of made it just as good but a better price tag...then again I also realize that he maybe did try but was declined.
It took some online sleuthing but I've found out how the D2 Steel is so much better on this knife. It was forged by Goblins, like Harry Potter's sword. I think it's quenched in dragon's blood too.
some people would pay more for the exact same thing just because it costs more. perceived value or something like that. really common marketing strategy to have a "high end" option where the main or only difference is the price point
Your reply Hit the Nail on the head! For “people with more money then sense “ 😄🤣. This video is borderline pathetic defending his high price. It’s a bit heAvy, looks strong, I’d buy $140-160
My only concern about the knife is, the grind. I've seen msk-1 knives with a saber grind (witch I prefer) and some with a hollow grind. So if I buy the knife, I don't know what I'm going to get.
The funny thing is this argument has been around longer than the knife it's in the knife came along and represents all the ideas that everybody already had basically it's like knife racism
For me it is the cost to value ratio. I tried it at the Blade Show but for me it couldn't even feather a stick decent enough to make a fire if I needed to. For me the D2 is a good steel and I like bob dozier and even Knives of Alaska in this steel. The Camp Knife from KOA is $100 and can do anything this blade can do. I guess if you had tons of money as you stated and didn't mind the high cost then so be it if it makes you happy. I would rather have the ESEE 5 in 1095 but that is me. I am not super rich. I would love to see someone go out there and enjoy it was meant to be used. Compare this to the Fiddleback Production Camp Knife and you will choose Fiddleback Camp Knife or even the Duke over this. Glad you enjoy this blade and hope it serves you well if you decide to buy it. People should learn to let folks enjoy a product without trashing it to the ground. I am thankful for all the reviews that you do for the people.
I had one of the originals. Perhaps they had heat treat issues but it chipped with very light usage. I just found it to heavy for what it was so I sold it. Just not for me......
Here is a novel Idea! If you dont like it......DONT BUY IT! Simple right? BTW.. Freeman makes some seriously great knives. I have the 5.0 451 Field in CPM 3V and it is one of my favorite knives I own! I will buy the MSK-1 because I want it. If I didnt want it I wouldnt buy it!
@@preparedmind101 I bet you its the 5.5 Model 451 "Little Beast" or the 6.5 Model 451 Chopper! You should do the review on on of em. It's like there is no reviews on em at all!
I agree. The issue was that David over sell the knife in the advertising videos. Some even claim is false advertising. Than they attack David's integrity as a outdoors man. aka.
@@1968gadgetyo your right! I dont listen to that white noise. He's goofy! A little over the limit I get that! But I dont pay attention to any of that! What I care about is the final product! And the final product is good and it does what its supposed to do! What I love about it is the System! Im a System guy and great Systems are priceless! Plus it reminds me alot of my Kabar Heavy Duty Warthog( which is a pry bar on crack)! Im in with the final product!
"If you don't like it, don't buy it", he says, and with this brilliant statement alone making every knife reviewer obsolete. Please close down your channels, everyone.
That looks like a Ferric Chloride oxidation finish, thats what most use for Stone Washing finish, but it looks as though they didn't tumble it. So it should hold up very well with little rubbing off, it will eventually but they are generally one of the more durable finishes. I could be wrong but thats just my opinion based on looks.
Let's just remember, for a minute, that if Dave had decided to produce this knife in, let's say, Taiwan or some other country, the knife would probably be half to a third of the price. However, Dave chose to do everything made in the USA, including custom parts and survival system components that had never been produced before and, thus, cannot be scaled. That increases cost as well.
A knife is a personal choice so for one person to say hey this knife is for every survivalist is not fair some people drive Dodge trucks and some people drive Ford trucks but in general it comes down to what you feel comfortable with and if you do not have a lot of money then you are not going to get an expensive knife.
Well, basically a bit of a hybrid between a KA-BAR Warthog and a Siebert-ish handle - you could do worse. Between the MSK-1 and the TOPS Tracker, I'd choose the MSK-1 every day of the week.
Nice blade, though, an all in 1 blade for me as far as survival goes, it has to have serrations, I don't care if it's an half inch of serrations, also, I need my survival blades to be 1095 carbon steel. You never know when you may need to (saw) something, as well as slice, hack, etc.
All it takes is the right source for both the steel and heat treat (in some cases) a cheaper lower end steels can perform like higher end steels. As well where I live a knife like that would both work as well as not work because if I go 20 miles south I could get away with just a pocketknife where if I go north I'd wont either one that Chris made or a 5 in knife and tomahawk or small axe, east to west it might work.
Thought this was fair and honest. Still not sure I would buy but I think I am one of those people that needs a knife where someone thought it through for me.
You did a great job with this sit down. Very good points raised at around 12:30 - it's like he tried to design and manufacture a custom survival knife...that happens to be mass produced! Instead of starting with a base model to keep the cost down say with mora style plastic scales and sheath, and offering optional upgrades (kydex, micarta, wood), he is only offering the knife as a top of the line option - with the optional extras being kit, not materials. I have the knife and like it a lot - it comfortably does what a 4" bushcraft knife does and it replaces a light hatchet (although not an axe) - all thanks to its superb balance, the handle and that oversize choil. Like you rightly say, it's my style! As my first D2 knife, all I can say is that it takes and holds an edge, is reasonably easy to field sharpen and I've had no issues with chipping (I put a slight convex on the belly to aid chopping)
The whole point of this knife is to be a discussion item. That is marketing for you. So many people getting hyped up about it inevitably will lead to a fair number of those with too much money to buy one so they can spend whole birthday parties and barbecue afternoons showing it off and talking about it, chopping up a few 2 by 4s with it in front of their more pecuniary challenged friends and brothers in law, maybe doing their own videos on it, and then putting it on a shelf. The price is deliberately over the top because that attracts certain buyers who will only buy stuff that is visibly too expensive for what it is (anyone here feels that even the best handmade leather shoulder bag not adorned with a load of diamonds should carry a price tag of fifty thousand dollars, really? But Hermes constantly needs to build more factories to keep up with demand from the increasing number of rich people on this planet...). Some people just won't buy things because they are too affordable and may also be seen in the hands of plebs. I am not a steel snob, nor do I have a large collection of knives that I hardly use. I think it's fun to find stuff that works, is pretty much indestructable and is very affordable (disclosure, I am not rich to say the least). Less than 8 euros (under 10 dollars) will buy you a Hultafors Craftman's HVK GH knife made from SK5 tool steel, that you can beat up with a steel hammer, stick into a tree trunk and stand with your full weight, sharpen with ease in the field, scrape paint with one day and strike a firesteel the next, split logs, build stuff, drill holes, pry out barbed wire nails from a fence pole, keep those things up for five years or so on a daily basis and yeah, bu then it will look a bit scuffed. That's the one with the nicer rubberized handle, the one with just the orange polypropylene is two euros less. Hard plastic sheath included. Gets the job done and is so light and affordable that you can keep one in every bag and every toolbox and vehicle you own, and then some. Meaning that if anything goes wrong unexpectedly and you find yourself in a 'survival' situation as opposed to just having fun with rough camping, you will have one of those and it will truly be your survival knife - the 500 dollar setup being at home on a shelf. Now, not many of us western suburbanite knife enthousiasts will be very likely to find ourselves unexpectedly in a life or death survival situation, so for most of us it is just play, it'a hobby. Hobbies are activities that we engage in that tend to cost lots of money. The MSK to me seems a hobby knife for make belief quasi survival games. Fine if you are into that. I'm not so I won't ever buy it and I guess David is fine with that, too as long as enough other guys go for it. And given the length of this comment, that proves the point... ;-)
Thats cool. I've owned a LOT of really really cheap knives and they have saved my butt more then once...in this country and others! Thanks for your honesty about it.
I agree on the D2 steel. I have an Enzo Tracker in D2 and that knife has been serving me for some 6 years now and I do baton with it. Even tested it in freezing temperatures. Of course it's more a bushcraft knife and survival knife but not for chopping. I also do agree that the MSK-1 belongs in that same category as the Tracker and the Rambo knives. More movie props and gimmicks. That doesn't mean they do not perform. It kinda means there are way better options also for a one tool option. For a one tool option I would go for the TRCknives model Apocalyps. Probably not available in the US.
I appreciate your honesty but not sure it created much interest in the knife. I personally wouldn't pay more than $75 for the knife because D2 is not an expensive steel. Question in my mind is can you treat an inexpensive steel to perform like a premium steel therefore believing not all D2 steels perform alike.
If you slapped a Cold Steel logo on that knife and sold it for $60 i'm sure we'd be seeing videos about how amazing it is and how everyone has to own it
Great Review! I own and use several mid to high quality knives. Sometimes I like using my BHK other times it’s a Mora bushcraft black or even the kephart Condor. Learning how to use different knifes and tools, be it an axe, saw, knife is an important adaptation to survival in my opinion. I applaud David for trying to create something unique even if I wouldn’t purchase it. Dr David
In my opinion....the only complaint I got is the blade is TOO short for what it is. No survival knife should be under 6 inches, but that's only MY opinion. Thanks & it's a lovely knife. 😀😃
I give the guy credit. He gave it a shot, and tried to make a one-tool-option. I've watched his channel. I like the guy. His style is sometimes more like a TV commercial than I like. I don't much like the idea of a one-tool-option, and I don't much like the knife, and I really don't like the price. But hey, it's U$A-made.
Man, I'm not a knife guy, but I liked your video a lot. The way you expressed your thoughts and honest opinion - just fantastic. Huge respect. Thank you. I want to follow your Chanel
I had the first batch from Freeman and the coating was absolutely terrible. I contacted David and he sent me another one out and its been perfect. Ive had it for years now and has been a fantastic knife. Who cares what everyone says about it...its a bad a$$ knife
I have a original K-Bar from New York state that serves me well. I took the liberty and sharpened the back edge for a bear attack just incase. My Army surplus K-Bar is light weight ,super strong ,and razor sharp. The MSK-1 is in my opinion to pricie for what is given. Prepared Mind 101 i support your channel and have followed you since the Reaver Cleaver review and if i had 400.00 bucks to drop on a knife it would be the Reaver Cleaver 😂
Much the same here. I don't see the need to switch from my bowie blade very much like the one you showed that I started with that size and shape in 1968/69. Yet I would prefer the MSK-1 over a light weight knife. I find no need to question or bash others decisions. They know what they are trying to fill the need of.
Same thing about the Tom Brown Tracker. Many people talk crap about it, but it works. Same with the SXB. But again, it works...however at least one of them was made by a survivalist and used in real life survival and kicked ass to no end.
Like everyone else I can't get over the price. I have no issues with D2. I like the design also. But hey if it ain't your thing it ain't your thing, nothing wrong with that. He did put a lot of thought into the design though. i do feel the knife should have been a bit longer. Some might laugh at this, however; I have had my cold steel Bushman for years and it has done everything I needed it to do in the outdoors. I love that thing.
I came here just to read the comments. I have a KOA Bushcamp knife in D2 that I like a great deal but then again it only cost me $90. I strongly dislike the finger grooves on it but other than that I have no complaints. I have lots of guns and knives but I am far and away much more a gun nut than a knife nut. I think it is in the DNA of an American to be outraged if someone charges more than 30 percent of what a comparable product costs. This is especially true in rural areas where pomp and circumstance are very frowned upon. I am not free of bias myself as I utterly despise Henry firearms company. In my opinion, Henry rifle products are overpriced but cheaply built pieces of garbage. What fuels my bias? My feeling that they are in no way,shape, or form comparable in quality or shootabilty to the greatest lever actions of all time (Winchester). I think that this knife mimics the overall looks of other much maligned American knifes. It seems like a combination of a Rambo Survival knife and a Buck 119 in appearance. Yes, I know some of you like the Buck 119 and I would like it too if I had never held anything other than a cheap farberware kitchen knife. It is one of those knives that looks like a Ferrari but handles like a Mazda. Don’t get too mad Buck fans because I really hold the Buck 110 in great esteem as one of the best designs ever. In my opinion, without having held one, the MSK knife seems like a very solid design that should retail between 120 to 180 dollars based on the materials used.Should you buy one? If you are hemorrhaging money out your ass then I say “Yes”. If you are like the other 95 percent of Americans I say “No.”
Here we go... This knife was funded through Kickstarter from looking at the link. FYI D2 steel is not a bad steel. If heat treated right; assuming the source where the steel comes from is top notch. I worked for Buck for awhile in the heat treat Dept. The issue at hand here, trusting that this knife was made with top quality craftsmamship; the issue at hand is it's PURPOSE. Long story short, as a collector piece or occasional short distance hikes or stationary camping this would be great. Maybe as a BBQ piece to show off to your buddies. Now, as an utilitarian, bushcraft or even camping knife I say 👎 Why? Simple. You want to minimize as much weight as possible on your pack. Even standing at 250lbs and 6'5" I wouldn't carry this knife for more than 3 miles. For a fraction of the price I can get a Schrade SCHF42 with 1095 steel that's more malleable and easier to sharp. I have a Tops Tracker that probably weighs the same as this knife. Would I carry it in my pack? No way Jose. And for the price I can get 1 Mora Kansbol and one Schrade. Change the Schrade's grip to micarta and still have money left. Thank you for taking your time to review this knife. Much appreciated, but my OPINION is NO GO.
Kubey KB238. Similar but a different approach. Too long to explain but an ancient culture with 10,000 years of knife making and artistry vs a two year plan makes a difference. They import their high quality steel from the USA, Europe and Japan. Micarta handles, real kydex, razor sharp. Drop point three edge tanto point is for wood, not skinning a moose. The Handle is work of art. This knife is like Silky vs Bahco, East vs West. Less than $100us and only 10 left on Amazon. I tried for 3 months to get this knife here in Canada. Truly a cut above the rest. I got 10 Kabars from Reinhardt all the way down plus a whole lot more but this Kubey is a Game changer and so is the KU160. 75 Votes on Amazon 5 stars. I wish someone would get and review this different knife.
love your videos, i personally don't like this knife, but you have said the right things about it, as usual. The only time that i've had to disagree completely with you was on the terawa (love the skrama, hate the pukkos)
For people who want them, great. Buy it and be happy. For those who don't, don't buy it. However, whichever choice you make, don't take it personally if someone else has a different opinion. Some people say they'd NEVER pay $300 for a knife. Others think nothing of sending stacks and stacks of Benjamins to Jerry Busse (I plead guilty.) If the maker of the MSK got the heat treat for D2 to something that won't chip when the wind blows, then those people who like this design can buy it and enjoy. My choice would be that for $300 I can get a 3V Jessmuk that'll pound through an MSK and have enough leftover to get a Giordano's deep dish pepperoni.
The knife isnt for me. I have no problem with the price if it had better steel. But really I think the marketing IS the biggest problem with this knife. I haven't seen such "marketing" since "the survivor" knife. I'm still glad he still designed it. More options and choices, not less. Thanks for the review.
One tool option only works if you’re Leatherman, I think I’ve commented here before I have that knife but I waited and I got it in carbon steel I think a bush craft knife should be carbon steel you should be able to pick up a piece of slate and be able to sharpen your knife
I like the design just not the price if he can work the price down then maybe just maybe we'll have a deal i honestly think he can sell way more if the price was changed
Great review. I'm gonna buy it just in case the end is near and looking at today's America I could need this tomorrow. I'm gonna buy the one he has in 154 cm steel
If someone made copies of this knife design and sold it at a more reasonable price it will sell fast cause i think a lot of people like the design but not the price tag
Like the design but I can't get past the price. For what youre getting I can't see it costing more than $150.00.but they can charge whatever they want I'm just not gonna pay it.
I was thinking the same thing; not more than $150ish.
Yep. Well that and its ugly as politics. Thats like the whole common man routine...well the common man can't afford 90% Of the tools.
D2 used to be super steel. Then people who don't know how to heat treat treat it right got a hold of it...oh...its junk...no its not. Its the HT.
ALL THAT ASIDE...how many bark rivers can you buy for that much money??
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THATS WHAT I FEEL TOO. I bought a custom knife that exactly was made the way I designed it for around 180$... I can't see the 500$ tag to be honest. That's the price of a custom knife. It is D2 and even if it would perform the way 3V does, the production Price would be lower than 3V. So the performance for me is not really something that helps me understand the price...
I still say there's a possibility of military applications for this for Air Force and Marine and army Pilots. As for me know, but I don't like the Tom Brown tracker either but I would take this over the Tom Brown tracker if I had to have one. And it does cost too much it's not a common man's knife. And a lot better options out there for a common man. There were only three knives designs I do not like and those are two of them.
I thought the same thing but a friend of mine let me borrow it and the knife itself at $300 is very appropriately priced for quality, even when measured against other similarly priced knife, this one accels
Bottom line - everyone expected a fair-priced knife from him and instead got D2 steel at a super steel price. We all understand the pricing issues for USA made products but no one expected a $300 knife. I was thinking $169-189 when he first introduced it and would have bought it at that price point. Secondly, I think everyone gets tired of people getting the knife for free and telling us on YT it is not a bad value after all. Well, if you didn't spend your own money then you can't really speak objectively about its value. It is a nice knife but not a $300 knife.
Know what I get tired of? People whining about shit without watching the video to see what's actually said. One of the last things I said was "Would I personally spend MY own money on this?" And I said "No". It's not my particular style. Doesn't make it jumk though.
I've been at this too long. I know what you're going to say before you say it. That's why I make sure I cover these objections in my video. Let's me know who comments without watching the video.
@@preparedmind101 I watched the video. You are just automatically on the defense I guess. I assume you realize several others have reviewed this knife as well but maybe you don't. My comment did not reference you specifically but "people". I made that comment BECAUSE of what you said, most people don't acknowledge that. Geeez!!
Chris, I watched the video and thought it was a fair assessment. The price is too high for what you get. That doesn't make the knife junk, just over priced. Maybe for $150-$190 range. Accesories could be optional at extra cost (which I'm guessing they already are).
Well chris,if you wouldn't buy that knife and it's not your style, why don't you give it to one of your minions that think it's the greatest thing the blade world has to offer and not get your panties in a wad?
A knife that size should probably be CPM 4V at 62hrc. With that kind of geometry it will be plenty tough above 60hrc. I'd rather have my Cold Steel AK-47 in CPM 3V (paid $90). Better wear resistance, better touch toughness, and a handle made for chopping.
*Posting this on August 10th 2020 ~*
1- Those who hated the steel: David has switched over to 154cm.
2- Those who hated the price: As of 2 weeks ago, David has made it clear that the Primitive is fully ready to go. $150 for what we were all expecting the first time around. Wood handles, no black coating on the blade. Honestly, looks much better than the original. The Primitive is the knife we should have gotten in the first place.
3- For those who still want something easier to maintain or re-sharpen than 154cm or D2 (can't blame you guys one bit on the latter), the much better looking and half the price Primitive is made from 1075 carbon steel in Central America by skilled knife-makers, at least according to the info. David released on his channel 2 weeks ago.
4- Will the Primitive be worth it at half the price: Well.... 1075 carbon steel, Central America, skilled knife-makers. Translation = *Condor Tool & Knife.* That's the most obvious answer. That Condor is making the Primitive for David, and just leaving off their brand name and the words "El Salvador." I have no proof of this. Just a very educated guess. Condor would be the most obvious, most likely, and best guess. That's all it is from me though. Wouldn't be the first time Condor has done something like that. They make a nice machete for ESEE, sold under the ESEE name. So, for $150, it _might_ be worth it. No, you don't get the kydex sheath with the Primitive. But you can get an aftermarket one, and the total would still be around just under $200. There's a good chance I'll realistically pick one up at the end of the year, and later review it on my channel.
5- It looks like a Kabar Warthog: Fair enough. There is a resemblance. Though David's design seems stronger.
6- David abandoned his channel for quite awhile when he was working on the knife's design: Yeah, he did. He should have made an Update Video when he realized he'd be away longer than expected. Also, when he did return, he looked seriously p!$$ed off! Wasn't smiling as he usually does. Looked like an evil, angry, serial killer. Okay, true too. But I got the impression he was just severely stressed out from bringing his design from Concept to Reality. I think both issues contributed to the resentment that some feel against this knife. Let's give it a fair chance. Especially with the Primitive version. Which again, I feel is the knife many of us were expecting the first time around. Especially in terms of price.
7- One tool survival option: I can't lie. I'd prefer something along the lines of a 12-inch bladed machete with a useful, narrow tip. Or, a slightly larger than average Bowie knife. As good as David's design is, you can't make up for a short blade with a great design.
Quote: -7: A larger bowie: Exactly. The idea should be how to make a big knife more efficient at chopping, not how to make a small knife a chopper. I've just bought, for $50 at Canadian Tire, a Huntshield 8.3" flared blade "survival knife", looking like a slightly enlarged SOG Creed. Making a flared chopper out of a 8" blade is an interesting but already quite borderline idea. It is so well executed on the Huntshield however, with an excellent Sabre Hollow Grind, and, even better, my favourite steel, 420 (the stainless that sharpens like Carbon!), that I am mildly enthused over it... An 8.3" blade flared to chop, this enhanced with a hollow grind, a proper handle shape and a stick tang isolating the hand from vibration (apply a lot of thin crazy glue to stabilize the leather though), shows a surprising amount of genuine knowledge, if the handle's buttcap construction is not inherently problematic (to be seen). Sabre Hollow Grinds, stick tangs and 420 steel are all things completely at odds with current knifehead survival dogmas, and all of them are not only good things, but the very best, if done right.
I'm rocking the Tops sxb
I have several Look LT Wright knifes that are D2 that have been through hell and back and are still in great shape. Good D2 is also very easy to take care of in the field. I personally have no issue with well made D2 knifes
I just ordered a Proelia Defcon TD 006 Looks cool and got good reviews. Kydex sheath...D2 steel...
The only issue i've had with D2 is sharpening it. At least with the knives that I have that use D2, it's difficult to give them a sharp edge.
@@Yogangster1995 My thing exactly. Imagine my surprise when this knife did NOTHING like what I'm used to with D2
But the performance doesn't mean that the price is ok. It is just a fact that D2 is much cheaper the 3V or other high end steels. So if you use a D2... No problem BUT adjust the price!
@@thetschoni3813 I made no comment about the price. I was only defending good quality well made D2 knifes. As far as price something is worth what people are willing to pay for it. As far as value some of my best investment have been in D2 custom knifes that are now worth many times what I paid for them. I dont have any supper steel knife that have come close to gong up in value as they have.
Chris, I think you just did an outstanding job of walking the knifes edge. Well done!
A WCSK is 270 dollars, an he is a custom knife maker, the MSK-1 400 dollars for a production gimmicky knife? You tell me what is going on with you tubers calling this a good knife, worth the cost??? Only positive review of this knife is coming from mostly high production you tubers. Most are claiming a friendship with this guy David, that has no doubt video production talent, well most men of his lifestyle will do better at such things then say William Collins type of men. One being a outdoor type of guy the other being a video production type of guy, just saying!
Right on,l think you hit the nail on the head!
I would be interested too know how many of these knives actually sold? I do not in any way want to stop people from making a living, yet I would say if you promote crap that will not help in the long run. Outside of that this Tanner guy seems okay, maybe a bit citified but who is perfect?
Here you go...
ESEE-6 $120, Council Tool Boy's Axe $40, Mora Companion $20, Silky Gomboy $45, Tool Maintenance Kit (axe file, puck, diamond rod, sharpening block, etc...), $75. and you still have enough left over for a MOLLE II Pack to carry it all in. Someone tell me that they can chop, buck, split, saw, slice or cut better with that knife than against all these tools for significantly less money? 👍
If I'm being honest...I hate everything on that list. Lol
@@preparedmind101 LOL! 😆
Yeah, but it will all outperform that one tool to rule them all.
Dis.. ah. gree
Yankee “ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain” -from the US Military’s SOG circa 1968.
Exactly, that thing is overpriced and for half the money, I can get all the tools I need and tools that will do a better job.
I am a retired Marine Aviator, and in our survival kit, we had and Applegate and Fairborn (spelling) folding knife, which was about 4 of blade, partially serrated. It had some utility features but was basically a fighting style knife. We also had a smaller folding knife with a very basic Swiss army feel, with a basic blade, can opener, awl type tool, and bottle opener/large head screw driver.
That combo would not chop and process wood, or easily hunt with, or build a shelter, or essentially SURVIVE, if shot down behind enemy lines...which is likely the very worst survival situation imaginable.
Jessica X, would not be easily accommodated in an aviator survival kit. The MSK-1 knife set would be the ideal solution, based on size and functionality.
If I may, constructively, if you don’t define a clear and worst case perspective for which each knife or other tool is meant to be considered, then you invite a never ending debate for or against EVERY CONCEIVABLE SCENARIO.
I watch your channel for exposure to equipment but not as much for advice, guidance...not enough focus and perspective.
If I was somehow trapped in a fold of trees and branches, and couldn’t escape...sure, give me an axe and/or Jessica X (kukri) blade!!!
What David has created with his MSK-1 package, is provide an extremely versatile and capable tool, that represents virtually ALL survival needs with genius level minimization of compromise in each vital area.
I joined the armed forces in 1981, and still serve in retirement as a contractor, unbroken through 2018 (present).
I would offer that no survival kit we have ever been issued, on land, sea, or in the air, has ever been as well thought out and designed to purpose as the MSK-1. $400-500 bucks is worth the investment in its potential to give an American serviceman the best chance at survival. Admittedly, I am offering the “trapped behind enemy lines”, as basis for my “scenario”. I do so, on the premise that it is probably the very worst a person could experience. There is no “bug out” bag in the cockpit. You have only what can be strapped into the pockets of your flight vest. Beretta M-9 with 3 magazines, radio, and a little water, inflatable life preserver, chlorine tablets, maker dye, survival blanket, etc.
And...some kind of Knife? Which one? I bet most aviators would chose the MSK-1 kit, after learning of its attributes, if they had a choice!!!
Chris I like the fact that you are genuinely honest in you're knife review's And I agree with you on a lot of the subject's in you're review's you are straight forward honest unlike other RUclips reviewer's keep up the good work
Price on just the knife with the kydex sheath is $299 USD...that's a Bark river price with S30V or some other super steel....the whole setup with the nylon cover and the small knife is $492 USD....both prices are ridiculous. I don't mind the design....just think for the price, you can get a lot better set up...it's not a good knife for the money.....
Randy Yeager I agree but it is a custom knife bark river is a relatively big company so they can have cheaper knives also I don’t think they use s30v they use s35vn
Randy Yeager: Dude you are on every video complaining about something... Ok it may be a bit over priced to some people so I would point you to a piece to a Schrade or even better a MORA.
No it's not. custom O1 can be $250. So a mid teck D2 (which is better than O1)can be round $250 to $300 without sheath. Let's say it's simple kydex, it's bout $30 to $50. So the price itself hit's that ballpark. Throw in the survival kit ($50-$100?), a me-teck neck knife ($100?) and an outer sheath ($30?). The price do hit that range.
Neither
@@bp-hx9ts I don't see it as a custom knife....it's no more hand made than a bark river, and you have no choice in what yer getting....they won't "customize" it for you...
Becker BK2 all day!!! Made in USA Crovan 1095 steel!!! Under 100$!!
I have one best knife I ever owned
Damn. Apparently I missed this whole controversy. Personally, I’ve always thought the UST guy came off as a wannabe clown. He’s the Shamwow guy of high speed low drag survival posers. He’ll talk up anyone that pays him even if it’s garbage, which to me is dishonest and can be dangerous. Then there’s this thing that’s three hundred freakin’ dollars. Come on. You have got to be kidding me. If his fans are dense enough to buy it then that’s on them. People that know gear and have common sense will buy far superior knives for significantly less money. That thing is 100% marketing and that’s that.
deserves more thumbs up....
No kidding. What a Joker.
I’m going to get one and test it and I’ll make a video on it . Thanks for the video Chris.
Did you?
"I don't care! Break this knife!" Haha love it
I'd like to see how it stacks up against my William Collins WCSK. I think the design purpose is pretty similar.
Might want to see what three days of comments look like before signing on for that...
Lol!!!
@@MichaelTravis12c27 WCSK have 'tanto like' tip for the extra point. MSK1 has a rounded belly. You cannot do 3 finger hold with the MSK1 due to the hawkbill shape at the end of the handle. So I think WCSK will be a better light chopper. And don't forget Randy's leather/kydex sheath.
The objections ?
(1) Hollows in the handle to house the survival kit will weaken the "full tang".
(2) Having to unscrew the scales to get to the survival items could result in lost screws when you most need them and delays access to those items.
(3) The survival kit feature is a gimmick and an inadequate kit. Simply carry a belt pouch containing : Emergency rain poncho, emergency space blanket, alcohol prep pad, aluminum foil, coffee filter, square of inner tube rubber, booby trap wire, dental floss, thread, saber saw blade, piece of hacksaw blade, toilet paper, safety pin, small ferro rod, matches in medicine vial wrapped in Gorilla tape power bar, needle, whistle, button compass, band-aid, moleskin.
Notice the many flat items that pack easily.
(4) The design looks unnecessarily heavy and maybe unwieldy for bushcraft tasks.
(5) It looks suspiciously like KaBar's Warthog, which is bigger and cheaper.
Reminds me of a kabar warthog
Ha nice
Exactly. Which one come first?
I'm no knife guru by any standards of measure. Have owned a busse mean street, several moras , a few shrades and bucks, fallkniven f1, s1, a1 an a few random gerbers. Currently i have an CS Srk in Cpm3v, a solingen damascus bowie, a shrade folder, a mora bushcraft black, a CS survival knife in all orange. After being an outdoorsmen all my life, am still a big believer the best knife you have, is the one on you with the muscle memory between the ears for skilled usage. The 60.00 basic mora black is a good knife. It's not a pry bar, log cabin builder, tree processing chunk of steel, man killing instrument. However it skins good, batons well, holds a good edge, very tough, feather sticks, makes wood carved utensils with ease, a good 90' angle for shooting sparks, doesn't chip out, roll, is light for carrying, can chop trees with a little use from a baton, etc. If your worried about the apocolypse or armageddon, why not just practice your skills instead? That will carry you much farther then any single knife will, regardless of the price, the steel, etc. Just my few cents.
Its just a Kabar Heavy Duty Warthog with a finger choil
Wow! I had to look that up and you're exactly right
Lmao true but this has bow drill, pummel, and a mini survival kit inside and mini knife and flint
I was just thinking that. Lol. It's made in the states vs Taiwan but yeah other than that.
No, the warthog is a better knife!
The warthog is a better knife!
Good, honest opinion. Genuine & useful.
Looks like someone just futurized a kabar warthog!
yup
send it to Dutch bushcraft knives for testing
If they want to, they can email me or message me on Facebook.
Hey PM101, love the knife. I do wish there was a it 1-2 inche longer version. The design is fine with me for its intended design purpose..Love it David!!!
Kudos for having the fortitude to delve into ‘The Briar Patch!’ ~ w/ respect to the MSK-1, of course🇺🇸
For me it's the price. Period. No complaint about the design. Don't know if it's worth the price or not but it doesn't matter. The cost is simply too high for the average person to pay. I have a similar design in a Ka Bar Heavy Duty Warthog that gets the job done for a fraction of the price. Not comparing the two except for the blade shape design, just the price. To me it's laughable to pay that much money for the MSK-1. The first time I saw it I was interested until I saw the price and then my jaw dropped. I can't believe these knives are big sellers at that price. And Chris, I enjoy your videos, keep up the reviews, but you seem to be going to the more expensive knives. Out of most people's budgets or hard to obtain. How about going back to the more affordable options out there. I think the expensive knives are great but if I can't afford them what's the point?
@733Rafael why a hollow grind ?dumm
I think David's knife would make a perfect get home bag knife. If I didn't already have the Becker bk2, to fill that role, I would get it. Now of course, I have the JX5 Vengeful 1 for my primary bugout bag. That thing will get it done!
Thanks for being smart and fair Chris, good job.
I have one, no regrets. One tool that you will be happy to have when you only have one!
Two thoughts come to mind.
1) Navy Rule #4: If it’s stupid but it works, it isn’t stupid. I haven’t seen or used the knife, but if it works, and does what you need it to do, then that’s all that’s important. Right?
2) Different strokes. My favorite knife is a classic Bushcraft knife. The Adventure Sworn Classic. You do you. That’s why God gave us blondes, brunettes and red heads.
As long as the capet maches the drapes, then we're good...😂
grab your popcorn everyone, this comment section is going to be a party
WHEELZ: And chips??!! 🙃
Mayson Poe just get both
bp69: ok I will thanks for the great idea!
Meow!
Beer....then you can make wierd funny drunk comments!
so here it is 2021. I bought this knife in a pawn shop while I was stationed in Fairbanks Alaska shortly after I watched this video when it first dropped. honestly, I was not going to buy it because 1, the price was out of control. 2, I absolutely hated the dude who designed it. but because I saw it for $85.00 in a pawn shop I grabbed it. I used it a few times while training in the field, but never had the confidence to bring it in the Alaskan bush while backpacking or hunting, or hiking, for that I stuck with my bush tool. I'm now back in Texas and I haven't touched it in years. Even for $85.00, I wouldn't buy it again. And I am referring to the survival aspect of use. I found it to be another "tracker" gimmick.
EDIT: I did chip the very tip after throwing it at a ptarmigan. Something I often do with success.
Bravo , belle vidéo , une honnêteté sans failles , tout en disant les choses avec beaucoup de respect , merci pour votre sincérité 👍
I get the "don't like it don't buy it" sentiment. I really do. But.. you can't expect not to get backlash when you charge $300+ for what should cost maybe $100 given the materials. Then you have the hype leading up to the release. And I just can't stand the dude from Ultimate Survival tips. He's a huckster.
Then there's the "revolutionary design." He slapped a finger choil and micarta scales on a Kabar Warthog. Wow. Awesome.
I agree...costs a lot more than I'm willing to pay. A lot of other quality knives that can do just as well for less money. This knife is primarily for those who need to fill that niche for a tool like this.
He is the David Koresh of knives..Come drink the kool aid, it's good for! you!
@@waynepalmer6743 Wow,another person with balls enough to say what a lot of people are to afraid to say! ....Well done Sir!!
Another person with balls enough to say what a lot of people are to afraid to!...WELL DONE TO YOU SIR!!
I think a lot of the controversy is as much about the claims made about the knife, or more, than about the knife itself. From what I've seen and heard, it's not the knife, it's the over the top claims about it that have a lot of people upset. For instance, obviously, it's too thick to be a good slicer (yes, it takes a good edge, however, there's a reason kitchen knives have a thin blade) and it's too short to be considered a great chopper. IMO, it's overpriced regardless. BTW, I have several folders in D2 and I like it for those knives.
Sounds like you have it figured out!
Which is why I specifically talked about "If you picked it up knowing nothing about it... Hype, steel, etc..." May still not like it, but I think more people might be interested if they got past their biases. At least... Until they say the price tag.
I like the design and the geometry....just not enough for me to pay that much. I'm surprised David didnt go through a different knife manufacturer like Tops or Kabar, ect. Probably could of made it just as good but a better price tag...then again I also realize that he maybe did try but was declined.
Loved your analysis, thank you!
It took some online sleuthing but I've found out how the D2 Steel is so much better on this knife. It was forged by Goblins, like Harry Potter's sword. I think it's quenched in dragon's blood too.
You may be right...
12:13 nailed it. People with more money than sense
some people would pay more for the exact same thing just because it costs more. perceived value or something like that. really common marketing strategy to have a "high end" option where the main or only difference is the price point
Your reply Hit the Nail on the head! For “people with more money then sense “ 😄🤣. This video is borderline pathetic defending his high price. It’s a bit heAvy, looks strong, I’d buy $140-160
My only concern about the knife is, the grind. I've seen msk-1 knives with a saber grind (witch I prefer) and some with a hollow grind. So if I buy the knife, I don't know what I'm going to get.
How is this knife different from the Wort Hog by K-bar
The funny thing is this argument has been around longer than the knife it's in the knife came along and represents all the ideas that everybody already had basically it's like knife racism
I think one of the primary issues with this knife is “he didn’t build it for lil ol me”
If you dont like the price or the steel - buy a chunk of 3v and a grinder and get to it ???
For me it is the cost to value ratio. I tried it at the Blade Show but for me it couldn't even feather a stick decent enough to make a fire if I needed to. For me the D2 is a good steel and I like bob dozier and even Knives of Alaska in this steel. The Camp Knife from KOA is $100 and can do anything this blade can do. I guess if you had tons of money as you stated and didn't mind the high cost then so be it if it makes you happy. I would rather have the ESEE 5 in 1095 but that is me. I am not super rich. I would love to see someone go out there and enjoy it was meant to be used. Compare this to the Fiddleback Production Camp Knife and you will choose Fiddleback Camp Knife or even the Duke over this. Glad you enjoy this blade and hope it serves you well if you decide to buy it. People should learn to let folks enjoy a product without trashing it to the ground. I am thankful for all the reviews that you do for the people.
It's a knife for trendy Wendy's with more money than brains
I had one of the originals. Perhaps they had heat treat issues but it chipped with very light usage. I just found it to heavy for what it was so I sold it. Just not for me......
Here is a novel Idea! If you dont like it......DONT BUY IT! Simple right? BTW.. Freeman makes some seriously great knives. I have the 5.0 451 Field in CPM 3V and it is one of my favorite knives I own! I will buy the MSK-1 because I want it. If I didnt want it I wouldnt buy it!
There's one or two others I held I'd love to have, but don't recall the names.
@@preparedmind101 I bet you its the 5.5 Model 451 "Little Beast" or the 6.5 Model 451 Chopper! You should do the review on on of em. It's like there is no reviews on em at all!
I agree. The issue was that David over sell the knife in the advertising videos. Some even claim is false advertising. Than they attack David's integrity as a outdoors man. aka.
@@1968gadgetyo your right! I dont listen to that white noise. He's goofy! A little over the limit I get that! But I dont pay attention to any of that! What I care about is the final product! And the final product is good and it does what its supposed to do! What I love about it is the System! Im a System guy and great Systems are priceless! Plus it reminds me alot of my Kabar Heavy Duty Warthog( which is a pry bar on crack)! Im in with the final product!
"If you don't like it, don't buy it", he says, and with this brilliant statement alone making every knife reviewer obsolete. Please close down your channels, everyone.
That looks like a Ferric Chloride oxidation finish, thats what most use for Stone Washing finish, but it looks as though they didn't tumble it. So it should hold up very well with little rubbing off, it will eventually but they are generally one of the more durable finishes. I could be wrong but thats just my opinion based on looks.
Let's just remember, for a minute, that if Dave had decided to produce this knife in, let's say, Taiwan or some other country, the knife would probably be half to a third of the price. However, Dave chose to do everything made in the USA, including custom parts and survival system components that had never been produced before and, thus, cannot be scaled. That increases cost as well.
A knife is a personal choice so for one person to say hey this knife is for every survivalist is not fair some people drive Dodge trucks and some people drive Ford trucks but in general it comes down to what you feel comfortable with and if you do not have a lot of money then you are not going to get an expensive knife.
Well done sir. I got mine backing his kickstarter. You comments are well stated. Mine is in a bag, just too heavy in my camping world.
Well, basically a bit of a hybrid between a KA-BAR Warthog and a Siebert-ish handle - you could do worse. Between the MSK-1 and the TOPS Tracker, I'd choose the MSK-1 every day of the week.
Terrific video. Totally thought of a bug out bag knife.
Nice blade, though, an all in 1 blade for me as far as survival goes, it has to have serrations, I don't care if it's an half inch of serrations, also, I need my survival blades to be 1095 carbon steel. You never know when you may need to (saw) something, as well as slice, hack, etc.
I would definitely pay around $80.00 for this knife with the sheath.
Finally some honesty and truth! Thanks Chris! Well said! Truth is truth!
Steel Will Roamer 300 in D2 $68.00
All it takes is the right source for both the steel and heat treat (in some cases) a cheaper lower end steels can perform like higher end steels. As well where I live a knife like that would both work as well as not work because if I go 20 miles south I could get away with just a pocketknife where if I go north I'd wont either one that Chris made or a 5 in knife and tomahawk or small axe, east to west it might work.
Videos like this are why I'm a subscriber. I love Tactical too, but he's not discussing use theory and ignoring marketing bias. Thank you Chris.
Thought this was fair and honest. Still not sure I would buy but I think I am one of those people that needs a knife where someone thought it through for me.
You did a great job with this sit down.
Very good points raised at around 12:30 - it's like he tried to design and manufacture a custom survival knife...that happens to be mass produced! Instead of starting with a base model to keep the cost down say with mora style plastic scales and sheath, and offering optional upgrades (kydex, micarta, wood), he is only offering the knife as a top of the line option - with the optional extras being kit, not materials.
I have the knife and like it a lot - it comfortably does what a 4" bushcraft knife does and it replaces a light hatchet (although not an axe) - all thanks to its superb balance, the handle and that oversize choil. Like you rightly say, it's my style!
As my first D2 knife, all I can say is that it takes and holds an edge, is reasonably easy to field sharpen and I've had no issues with chipping (I put a slight convex on the belly to aid chopping)
If you have used it hard and hardly notice wear then, it is not coated but probably anodised.
The whole point of this knife is to be a discussion item. That is marketing for you. So many people getting hyped up about it inevitably will lead to a fair number of those with too much money to buy one so they can spend whole birthday parties and barbecue afternoons showing it off and talking about it, chopping up a few 2 by 4s with it in front of their more pecuniary challenged friends and brothers in law, maybe doing their own videos on it, and then putting it on a shelf. The price is deliberately over the top because that attracts certain buyers who will only buy stuff that is visibly too expensive for what it is (anyone here feels that even the best handmade leather shoulder bag not adorned with a load of diamonds should carry a price tag of fifty thousand dollars, really? But Hermes constantly needs to build more factories to keep up with demand from the increasing number of rich people on this planet...). Some people just won't buy things because they are too affordable and may also be seen in the hands of plebs.
I am not a steel snob, nor do I have a large collection of knives that I hardly use. I think it's fun to find stuff that works, is pretty much indestructable and is very affordable (disclosure, I am not rich to say the least). Less than 8 euros (under 10 dollars) will buy you a Hultafors Craftman's HVK GH knife made from SK5 tool steel, that you can beat up with a steel hammer, stick into a tree trunk and stand with your full weight, sharpen with ease in the field, scrape paint with one day and strike a firesteel the next, split logs, build stuff, drill holes, pry out barbed wire nails from a fence pole, keep those things up for five years or so on a daily basis and yeah, bu then it will look a bit scuffed. That's the one with the nicer rubberized handle, the one with just the orange polypropylene is two euros less. Hard plastic sheath included. Gets the job done and is so light and affordable that you can keep one in every bag and every toolbox and vehicle you own, and then some. Meaning that if anything goes wrong unexpectedly and you find yourself in a 'survival' situation as opposed to just having fun with rough camping, you will have one of those and it will truly be your survival knife - the 500 dollar setup being at home on a shelf. Now, not many of us western suburbanite knife enthousiasts will be very likely to find ourselves unexpectedly in a life or death survival situation, so for most of us it is just play, it'a hobby. Hobbies are activities that we engage in that tend to cost lots of money. The MSK to me seems a hobby knife for make belief quasi survival games. Fine if you are into that. I'm not so I won't ever buy it and I guess David is fine with that, too as long as enough other guys go for it. And given the length of this comment, that proves the point... ;-)
Thats cool.
I've owned a LOT of really really cheap knives and they have saved my butt more then once...in this country and others! Thanks for your honesty about it.
I agree on the D2 steel. I have an Enzo Tracker in D2 and that knife has been serving me for some 6 years now and I do baton with it. Even tested it in freezing temperatures. Of course it's more a bushcraft knife and survival knife but not for chopping.
I also do agree that the MSK-1 belongs in that same category as the Tracker and the Rambo knives. More movie props and gimmicks. That doesn't mean they do not perform. It kinda means there are way better options also for a one tool option. For a one tool option I would go for the TRCknives model Apocalyps. Probably not available in the US.
Most honest review. Highly intelligent discussion
I appreciate your honesty but not sure it created much interest in the knife. I personally wouldn't pay more than $75 for the knife because D2 is not an expensive steel. Question in my mind is can you treat an inexpensive steel to perform like a premium steel therefore believing not all D2 steels perform alike.
If you slapped a Cold Steel logo on that knife and sold it for $60 i'm sure we'd be seeing videos about how amazing it is and how everyone has to own it
Nice Hurley tattoo
Great Review! I own and use several mid to high quality knives. Sometimes I like using my BHK other times it’s a Mora bushcraft black or even the kephart Condor. Learning how to use different knifes and tools, be it an axe, saw, knife is an important adaptation to survival in my opinion. I applaud David for trying to create something unique even if I wouldn’t purchase it. Dr David
I was always sceptical about D2 until I got a cryo treated Wander tactical Godfather in D2 and it is industructable.
In my opinion....the only complaint I got is the blade is TOO short for what it is.
No survival knife should be under 6 inches, but that's only MY opinion.
Thanks & it's a lovely knife.
😀😃
I give the guy credit. He gave it a shot, and tried to make a one-tool-option. I've watched his channel. I like the guy. His style is sometimes more like a TV commercial than I like. I don't much like the idea of a one-tool-option, and I don't much like the knife, and I really don't like the price. But hey, it's U$A-made.
Man, I'm not a knife guy, but I liked your video a lot. The way you expressed your thoughts and honest opinion - just fantastic. Huge respect. Thank you. I want to follow your Chanel
I had the first batch from Freeman and the coating was absolutely terrible. I contacted David and he sent me another one out and its been perfect. Ive had it for years now and has been a fantastic knife. Who cares what everyone says about it...its a bad a$$ knife
I have a original K-Bar from New York state that serves me well. I took the liberty and sharpened the back edge for a bear attack just incase. My Army surplus K-Bar is light weight ,super strong ,and razor sharp. The MSK-1 is in my opinion to pricie for what is given.
Prepared Mind 101 i support your channel and have followed you since the Reaver Cleaver review
and if i had 400.00 bucks to drop on a knife it would be the Reaver Cleaver 😂
Much the same here. I don't see the need to switch from my bowie blade very much like the one you showed that I started with that size and shape in 1968/69. Yet I would prefer the MSK-1 over a light weight knife. I find no need to question or bash others decisions. They know what they are trying to fill the need of.
It brings to mind the Tom Brown Tracker which comes in at about $225, or perhaps even the TOPs SXB Skullcrusher with a similar price (around $300).
Here is my thing....If you like it buy it if you don't like it don't buy it. Words of wisdom right! Lol
It's never that easy. We're on the internet.
Crap. I just posted the same thing before reading the comments. 😁😆😆
Same thing about the Tom Brown Tracker. Many people talk crap about it, but it works. Same with the SXB. But again, it works...however at least one of them was made by a survivalist and used in real life survival and kicked ass to no end.
Like everyone else I can't get over the price. I have no issues with D2. I like the design also. But hey if it ain't your thing it ain't your thing, nothing wrong with that.
He did put a lot of thought into the design though. i do feel the knife should have been a bit longer.
Some might laugh at this, however; I have had my cold steel Bushman for years and it has done everything I needed it to do in the outdoors. I love that thing.
@Joshua Fields I also have the split handle I've had since the 90's lol I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way about the Bushman
I came here just to read the comments. I have a KOA Bushcamp knife in D2 that I like a great deal but then again it only cost me $90. I strongly dislike the finger grooves on it but other than that I have no complaints. I have lots of guns and knives but I am far and away much more a gun nut than a knife nut. I think it is in the DNA of an American to be outraged if someone charges more than 30 percent of what a comparable product costs. This is especially true in rural areas where pomp and circumstance are very frowned upon. I am not free of bias myself as I utterly despise Henry firearms company. In my opinion, Henry rifle products are overpriced but cheaply built pieces of garbage. What fuels my bias? My feeling that they are in no way,shape, or form comparable in quality or shootabilty to the greatest lever actions of all time (Winchester). I think that this knife mimics the overall looks of other much maligned American knifes. It seems like a combination of a Rambo Survival knife and a Buck 119 in appearance. Yes, I know some of you like the Buck 119 and I would like it too if I had never held anything other than a cheap farberware kitchen knife. It is one of those knives that looks like a Ferrari but handles like a Mazda. Don’t get too mad Buck fans because I really hold the Buck 110 in great esteem as one of the best designs ever. In my opinion, without having held one, the MSK knife seems like a very solid design that should retail between 120 to 180 dollars based on the materials used.Should you buy one? If you are hemorrhaging money out your ass then I say “Yes”. If you are like the other 95 percent of Americans I say “No.”
Here we go...
This knife was funded through Kickstarter from looking at the link. FYI D2 steel is not a bad steel. If heat treated right; assuming the source where the steel comes from is top notch. I worked for Buck for awhile in the heat treat Dept. The issue at hand here, trusting that this knife was made with top quality craftsmamship; the issue at hand is it's PURPOSE. Long story short, as a collector piece or occasional short distance hikes or stationary camping this would be great. Maybe as a BBQ piece to show off to your buddies. Now, as an utilitarian, bushcraft or even camping knife I say 👎
Why? Simple. You want to minimize as much weight as possible on your pack. Even standing at 250lbs and 6'5" I wouldn't carry this knife for more than 3 miles. For a fraction of the price I can get a Schrade SCHF42 with 1095 steel that's more malleable and easier to sharp. I have a Tops Tracker that probably weighs the same as this knife. Would I carry it in my pack? No way Jose.
And for the price I can get 1 Mora Kansbol and one Schrade. Change the Schrade's grip to micarta and still have money left.
Thank you for taking your time to review this knife. Much appreciated, but my OPINION is NO GO.
It does not matter what people think, no one has the same taste
As with any tool one would need to use and learn the tool to be proficient with it. Interesting idea and concept.
Chris, best explanation about the knife so far.
Kubey KB238. Similar but a different approach. Too long to explain but an ancient culture with 10,000 years of knife making and artistry vs a two year plan makes a difference. They import their high quality steel from the USA, Europe and Japan. Micarta handles, real kydex, razor sharp. Drop point three edge tanto point is for wood, not skinning a moose. The Handle is work of art. This knife is like Silky vs Bahco, East vs West. Less than $100us and only 10 left on Amazon. I tried for 3 months to get this knife here in Canada. Truly a cut above the rest. I got 10 Kabars from Reinhardt all the way down plus a whole lot more but this Kubey is a Game changer and so is the KU160. 75 Votes on Amazon 5 stars. I wish someone would get and review this different knife.
I would like to know who is the maker of that knife
Bob Dozier has used D-2 for years.His heat-treat is awesome for this steel!
Does MSK stand for MY SHITTY KNIFE?
love your videos, i personally don't like this knife, but you have said the right things about it, as usual. The only time that i've had to disagree completely with you was on the terawa (love the skrama, hate the pukkos)
@PM101 Dont get mad but I like the JX series of knives the best.
PLEASE make more designs !
Semper Fi
Gunny
For people who want them, great. Buy it and be happy. For those who don't, don't buy it. However, whichever choice you make, don't take it personally if someone else has a different opinion. Some people say they'd NEVER pay $300 for a knife. Others think nothing of sending stacks and stacks of Benjamins to Jerry Busse (I plead guilty.) If the maker of the MSK got the heat treat for D2 to something that won't chip when the wind blows, then those people who like this design can buy it and enjoy. My choice would be that for $300 I can get a 3V Jessmuk that'll pound through an MSK and have enough leftover to get a Giordano's deep dish pepperoni.
The knife isnt for me. I have no problem with the price if it had better steel. But really I think the marketing IS the biggest problem with this knife. I haven't seen such "marketing" since "the survivor" knife. I'm still glad he still designed it. More options and choices, not less. Thanks for the review.
You tried very hard to make that an fair and balanced review and you succeeded.
One tool option only works if you’re Leatherman, I think I’ve commented here before I have that knife but I waited and I got it in carbon steel I think a bush craft knife should be carbon steel you should be able to pick up a piece of slate and be able to sharpen your knife
Chris,I think you hit the nail on the head? It's to the individual's liking,usage, and purpose.
Great video
Cryo D2 isn't bad I love the off grid alpha dog
I like the design just not the price if he can work the price down then maybe just maybe we'll have a deal i honestly think he can sell way more if the price was changed
Great review. I'm gonna buy it just in case the end is near and looking at today's America I could need this tomorrow. I'm gonna buy the one he has in 154 cm steel
I wish it had a longer handle
If someone made copies of this knife design and sold it at a more reasonable price it will sell fast cause i think a lot of people like the design but not the price tag