i am watching those videos as a kind of therapy. You come home from a long day at work, make a tea, put all your knifes and your sharpmaker on the table and then sharpen your knifes and watching that video
Like many here I often get asked about 'buying a good knife'. My 'go-to' blades for recommendations are RAT 1/2 (AUS-8 or D2), Delica, Cold Steel Finn Wolf & more recently Feldspar (large & small). In addition to being good value and offering reliable performance they also have good quality, various colours & come sharp out of box. When recommending a blade my primary consideration is to make sure the person has a good experience. Buying a cheap knife that comes dull, has blade problems etc. helps no one. Thanks for the vid - some good options to think about.
I have gone from Hinderer to CRK to Strider, and am now carrying a Delica in dark green ZDP-189. Great steel, small and light weight. The others are cool, but currently I am into small.
My dad hasn’t carried a pocket knife in years. He is a lefty, so I wanted an ambi knife. I bought him a bugout, and he has carried it and loved it for a few months now.
Great selection. Another one I’d like to add would be the Feldspar from CJRB. Won’t break the bank, decent steel, on bearings, great clip, and it’s not scary or confusing for people who maybe don’t have as much knife knowledge.
@@mdubb4855 The action is so smooth. And even though I am not a lefty, I can left-handed flick the thumb stud for deployment. Doesn't take up room in the pocket. The micarta is beautiful and gives it an aged or more traditional "heirloom" quality. CJRB's proprietary steel seems to be decent at the price point. Great blade geometry and comfortable in the hand. Not as clunky as a Leatherman Micra and not as vanilla as a Swiss Army or Case. I'm not crazy about their logo on there but I get it. Not as obnoxious as other makers, but it reminds me that I am not using an Andre de Villiers Barlow or Chris Reeve Mnandi. But for the money and what it offers I think it's pretty compelling.
I bought my girlfriend who didn’t know anything about knives a Ria. Got her interested in knives something fierce. Definitely would be my first recommendation.
I'm still pretty new to knives, but of the little bunch I've gotten so far, the Delica with the Wharncliffe blade is usually the one I pick first. It is a box KILLER. And honestly, I'm a leftie and don't find right-sided liner or frame locks to be that big a pain. I would say that being able to switch the pocket clip to the other side (or remove it altogether) is a bigger deal because it affects grip while using the knife.
I just came across a knife from a brand you carry though you don't have that model and it's a huge surprise ! The Grohmann featherweight. It's just under three inches, Weighs nothing, can be opened with one hand, spearpoint versatile high grind great slicer 4110 is a dream to sharpen, it's cheap... I got it to get free shipping from an online retailer and thought it was going to end up in a glove or tool box. Man, i just love this thing, it spends a lot of time in my pocket !
I am a knife guy and just got a Delica, it's a great knife. The KaBar Dozier is my wife's favorite Knife. Tangrum Vector is a great starter knife and so is the Demko Knives AD20.5
I bought a dragonfly 2 (stainless steel handles) and I feel like this model is underrated. For my needs (a fifth pocket knife and fits well with in a professional setting), I couldn't ask for a better knife. Perhaps the sub-2" blade is what keeps this gem from getting recommended more often? KC has this version for *under $90*. Give it a look if you have not already.
Got the Dragonfly in K390, carry it everyday along with a fixed blade I made. Knife is little beast. And K390 Cuts for days. Love it. Would love to blade awap it from the cheap feeling frn over to the g10 model with steel liners, than it would be damn near perfect. Weird but I never was really a fan of Spyderco just solely on the fact their knives are straight up ugly however the Dragonfly is the only knife by them that I actually love the look
I agree with Soslan. After watching a few more, you find yourself waiting for a free shipping weekend to order some. And then you will likely say to yourself, "Myself, I only need to order another $40 worth to get to the magic $95 free shipping total," Run while you can. It's worse than the tar baby.
I have been collecting knives since roughly 1990. I have over two hundred knives (none of which were over about $175 because I can’t stop buying the less expensive knives, which prevents me from being able to afford the higher end knives), but I still love the forward finger choil without the over grind. The little bump Spyderco puts on the leading edge gives me peace of mind. New or not!
Same i buy some walmart knives for the concept and not dor quality or utility. Like smartknife found at hardware stores. Its a nice concept that it has all these tools yet it doesnt really hold up well.
No matter how many knives I own I always come back to the Spyderco delica serrated.. this is my favorite EDC.. so thin.. so light.. so simple to open and close.. and a reasonably priced Spyderco in VG... If I were needing a larger knife I would go with the endura... My favorite knives for snorkeling and diving and fishing are the salt.. and Pacific salt.. you're basically delica and endura Gen 2..on H1steel
For a non-knife person or someone new to knives, I'd recommend the Civivi Badlands Vagabond. Yes it's over 3 inches and liner lock, but will work for most people. For someone willing to spend more, a Benchmade Bugout (Mini Bugout if length restrictions) is always an easy recommendation.
I disagree with the easy to sharpen steel. Usually when I give someone a knife they're not going to sharpen it and if they want it sharpened they come back to me to ask. So in general I'd rather give them something with better edge retention so the edge lasts longer and I have to sharpen it less. Plus, it introduces them into what better knives can do and might turn them into a knife nut instead of just thinking every pocket knife should be less than $40. D2 is a great starter steel and easily corrosion resistant enough unless you live in a particularly humid area.
I gave my friend a tanto Elementum cause green is her color and I knew she’d like it. I had the same logic.. I had sharpened it and it’s a well done D2 by Civivi, so the edge should last someone who will use the knife once a week possibly years before they need a full or sharpening. All that and knowing she has a solid and sage knife for $50 is hard to beat. I like the original Elementum, the new one is to thick.
@@MetoxetronI had that issue til o got a pen tube of Tuf-Glide. Shit works amazing. You put like three drops on each side of the blade and get a corner of paper towel and make sure it goes all over. Let it dry overnight and wipe it off again and boom.. no rust. Also is a great lubricant in the pivot that drys and keeps gunk out while lubricating. It’s mineral oil with additives that bind to the steel making it impossible to corrode. Pretty neat. A pen is $9 and lasts me about a year and does 20-25 pocket knives and lasts years in between applications
For anyone struggling to learn to properly sharpen. Worksharp.. either the field system with the Diamond plate or the Worksharp clip in system with the angle-arm. Those kinda solved the problem. I cannot freehand on a wet stone and pull through sharpeners ruin most knives edges.
I've had my ideal pocket knife since I purchased it for 20$ with a small fixed blade in 2008 at walmart. Its a stainless steel 4 inch handle with wood panels, 3 inch uncoated pointed, tapered, strait edge blade with agressive gimping and dual thumb studs. Liner lock, but very tight and short 3mm thick metal on metal with no play and has never threatened to collapse (even stabbing trees as a dumb kid). Lanyard hole (unused mostly but relevant in boating especially) and thin belt clip. It holds its edge very well, looks and functions exactly as it did the day I purchased it even after thousands of uses, and can be instantly deployed or closed by either hand, which it fits perfectly. My perfect pocket knife.
Great list! One I would add, the Steel Will Cutjack is an all-around worker knife. It's just really well designed and fits almost all of your categories. It is D2, but if I had to recommend a hard worker knife to a newbie, this is the way I'd go. Either size works great.
I completely agree, the cutjack was my first "real" and my EDC for the past 3 or so years until recently when I got a rat 2 and civivi elementum. All three great knives. And yes I managed to go 3 years without buying a knife and then got one and immediately got another plus in about to get another one, I have a problem.
I don’t like any of them for edc, I have carried lamb foot or sheep foot pocketknives over forty years, prefer lamb foot. And none of those silly slightly curved ones either !
If you're going to recommend a knife with S35VN recommend the UK Pen Knife in S110V for $123. Yes it's hard to sharpen except with a diamond stone, but it will stay sharp for a year.
Kershaw didn't have anything ambidextrous that fit the rest of the criteria I laid out. CRKT came close - the Kith is a cool knife but the pocket clip isn't reversible. Almost included it anyway but the Wraith is similar enough that I didn't feel the need to expand the list. The BT Fighter Small hits the requirements but the styling felt too "out there" for the purposes this list was trying to serve. -DCA
These are some great picks for the first time buyer. The only place where I respectfully disagree is with the Small Archaeo pick, first because it's pretty small for a first time knife, and second because I would never recommend a non locking slip joint to a first time knife buyer. I would've swapped out the Small Archaeo for the Civivi Baklash. The black G10 handle/black blade/blue anodized liner version has been my work EDC for several months now. I was so happy with it after just a week's use I ordered the black ebony wood handle/satin blade version for my collection. Depending on the version you get, the price ranges from only $42 to $55. And wow do you get a ton of awesome knife for the money. Beautiful ergonomics on the handle, and the blade is a classic shaped clip point, a design that's instantly familiar for a first time buyer. The Baklash has great build quality, great flipping action, and a wow factor straight out of the box that just shouldn't happen on a knife this inexpensive. And they're always in stock at KnifeCenter.
The best knife for me on the table is the Dozier, a large version with 4inch blade would be perfect for my uses. I have some expensive folders, but I found myself using my budget folders the most, I feel more free to use them without worrying and it gives me more joy. I would add some larger knives for those who prefer longer blades, like Victorinox Sentinel, Buck Spitfire, 110 slim, Opinel n. 8 or 10 and so on, the list can be very long. Thanks you DCA and Stuff.
For me it’s about the person who is asking and there needs. My initial go to is para 3LW or if they need something little bigger & heavier blade stock the BM 550. For me key things for someone new to knifes is grip and closes without fingers in front of the blade. For me I see people recommending knifes to small for someone new. Most New people don’t know different grip techniques.
Spyderco Pacific Salt with H1 corrosion proof steel, G10 scales, mid-length back lock, and one handed opening checks all of the boxes for a price of about 78.00 (when I bought it).
I've got a lot of knives but my delica gets carried more than anything else because of the weight. You can carry it wearing gym shorts or whatever you wanna call shorts with elastic waist bands. A good many knives I have has to be carried wearing a belt and myself I can do without all that especially here in AL during the summer. It's gotten to where we really don't have much of a winter
Awesome recommendations David and another great video all round. Am just about to head to my local post office to pick up the new Civivi Altus and can't wait! Great to see it recommended so highly in the video.
Agree. My old Delica is always on me, not matter what. Such a light weight and thin slicey blade. It solves 98% of my needs, and i do not even notice it in my pocket. Take it from my dead hands, not before. ;)
For a first knife I suggest a victorinox or opinel , pretty cheap knifes easy to take care of. I suggest the paramilitary series of spyderco great pocket knives with a wide choices. now I’m carrying a para 3 camo cpm-s30v excellent edc but sometimes too small one day probably I will by a paramilitary 2. as a backup i use ZT 308 for bigger jobs, beautiful knife and very solid balde, works great as a skinner and is easy to clean
DCA! As far as the knife sellers youtube channels, you guys are busy far the best. I appreciate you looking out for us Mollydookers. Great stuff as always.
I only just got into to knives myself, but out of what I have so far, my AD10 is probably the one I'd keep if I could only have one. Blade is sharp enough to do whatever I've thrown at it so far, and the handle just feels perfect for my hands. The high weight that most reviewers complain about, I actually like. It makes it feel less fragile. When I compare it to my American Lawman or Para 2, it just feels like it can handle so much more. If it were lighter, I doubt I'd still feel that way. The only compromise is the space it takes up in my pocket, but frankly, I can live with that. I ordered a (Super) Freek, and I should have it in a few days. We'll see whether or not it can dethrone my AD10. It cost me about $100 more so I'm hoping so lol😊, but my para 2 was also more expensive but I still prefer the AD10 over it so we'll see.
The Buck 112 Slim Ranger is my go-to recommendation for a good first knife. The Buck Bantam series is a good second choice. Both are good choices for Scouts first knives too. Great video.
I carry a Promithi Hunting Rainbow Colour Outdoor Camping Folding Knife. It looks really cool, with it's iridescent finish, and it takes an edge easily, and holds it well. I did remove the pocket clip, because I don't like them, and prefer my knife deep in my pocket.
Such a great video! I like how you show A good high end knife and then move down the list…. I own a lot of good knives and a lot of good cheap knives. It gets so annoying how a lot “knife guys” act like if it doesn’t cost 100$ or more it’s a crappy knife.
I’m a lefty, and now that I’ve learned a trick, liner locks are easier for me as a lefty than using it right handed. Keep the knife in a standard grip, use your left pointer finger to disengage the lock and let the blade drop and then close it with your thumb as you re-pocket it, or move your pointer finger to the spine and close it. This is actually easier to do, and more ergonomic than using a thumb on the lock. I don’t consider liner locks a knock against ambidexterity because of this… but I know that’s just me.
I live in the PNW and carry a SOG Terminus XR in D2 everyday. I've had the knife for 2 years and have had zero problems with rust. Honestly, if you're not using a D2 steel blade on the beach, you'll be fine.
I tend to agree the delica with the double edge have serrated and even though I no longer purchase serrated with my first higher end knife I'm glad I did.I haven't carried it much lately but summer is here and 8yrs later it's still performing as well if not better than day one absolutely love my delica and wish I'd just get another
I've got a mini-Dozier, and while it's okay, the blade dulls very quickly for what I've used it for (mainly cutting fishing line.) It's one I threw in my tackle box as a beater knife, and it works for that.
Glad you showed us the Byrd Meadowlark 2, a great compromise I'll be taking advantage of. I've always wanted to own a Spydie and specifically the Delica, but loathed the nearly $100 price:) Not that it isn't worth it necessarily, but for me, so many more better choices if the budget is $100.
Other than the artisan...I think you absolutely nailed this one...in fact..I need to check out that Ontario. I may come back and add a few others to the list..but the Demko AD20.5 is actually very intuitive
I am a budget only collector and do not own any grails or exotic steels. I get asked frequently why don’t I just save up and buy one expensive knife instead of having twelve or so different cheap knives, because I can’t use all of those at the same time anyway. All of my knives do get used aggressively, so maybe that’s why I don’t go there.
The CJRB Scoria is kinda my go to recommendation. It’s fairly standard but it’s got a level of quality that a non knife person might take notice to and appreciate.
Can we do recommended knives by jobs? Firefighter, EMT, Mariner, Farming, Industrial, Driver, Woodworking, Forestry, Gardeners, cooks, retail, Adventure Guide, tailor, CEO
I want them all. I would like to see a cold steel 1911 or a honey badger. QSP make some really good quality reasonably priced knives, you won't be disappointed with any of these knives.
@@knifecenter Perhaps for the list, but not my pocket. The Elementum is a wonderful knife. The Case Sodbuster is a good choice. I have the CV, but it is available in Tu-Sharp stainless.
I'd give the Cold Steel Tuff Lite an honorable mention as a budget option. Feels good in the hand despite its small size, very easy to sharpen (both due to the steel and the straight edge) and you of course also have the trusted Tri-ad lock.
As always, a great vid with great presentation. I, too, didn't quite get the ambidextrous requirement precluding frame and liner locks, but it does condense the field a bit and keep the vid length reasonable, and I think most of understand that if we are the ones making the recommendations, we can assess whether the leftie recipient would accept/adapt to a liner or frame lock and expand the field accordingly.
I bought Kershaw Epistles for my band mates, inspired by the entertaining marketing from Knife Center. It's such a useful EDC knife and takes up very little pocket space. The Wraith has a similar silhouette but slightly larger. I really enjoy the blade shape on these knives.
There's now a larger range, I live in the Uk and have a number of them, great knives. I have a collection of Bucks but am unable to legally carry any of them (except the "3" series)
If you include assisted knives, I always recommend the blur. 14c28n is a great steel for the price, way better than 8cr imo, and its USA made for sub 70 bucks. Hard to beat. If they don’t want assisted, or want to go even cheaper, I always recommend the elementum. Really a lot from the Civivi line is a great first knife. Cool list though, appreciate the content!
Great video by someone who obviously knows his knife stuff , it is nice to know it is acceptable to buy z budget priced knife that can still do a lot of good work !
Thanks for your work! In my experience CTS BD1N has performed much better compared to VG10 in terms of both edge retention and corrosion resistance. I quite love it on my Para 3 Lightweight
11/12. I have the Ka-Bar Dozier. I hated it when it arrived and I have not warmed up to it all all. I had the same feelings about my Benchmade Bugout, but I have warmed up to that one a bit.
i found myself recommend the delica, dragonfly or a baby banter, all verry good and i own all 3 and they are all verry non threatening giod steel and dont need any maintnence
Very interesting and well seen criteria. I understand the choice of the Mini-Griptilian, but clearly my first (rather expensive) choice for a first knife for a non-knife people would be the Orange Mini-Bugout. Almost the same as the Mini-Griptilian, but very innocuous and people friendly.
I actually had a Mini Bugout just off screen when we filmed. In the end, picked the Mini-Griptilian for the final lineup based on the lower price. -DCA
I notice that almost every single one of those knives uses thumb studs, which are my preferred openers. They are relatively more scarce as we climb the price ladder, until you can hardly find one! Which is to say, most high end knives are flippers.
I can't believe you left out the Para 3. It's a little higher than the Hoge and the mini grip but imo it is the best knife for the money that you can buy. CPM S 45VN and the ergonomics are perfect. I own several 2,3 and 4 hundred dollar customs along with many, many other knives and the Para 3 is the most carried knife I own.
I have the Hogue Deka, among other knives, and I replaced my fiancé’s misplaced Emerson opening Delica with an exclusive Para 3 in Rex 45. She’s had no problems with rust, and I ok not sharpened it once after she cut boxes that had dried clay on them (art major)
As a lefty, I would argue that liner-locks and framelocks are essentially ambidextrous. Perhaps I am in the minority, but I have no difficulty operating them smoothly and safely with my left hand. In fact, I have much more trouble doing so with my right hand. IMHO, there is no need to shy away from liner-locks and framelocks when picking an accessible knife for someone who might be left-handed.
The guy is a salesman, not a user reviewer. I think most people left/right users have no problems in operating closing a knife despite the locking mechanism.
Anytime someone near me needs a knife, I hand them my Spyderco Dragonfly 2, and without fail every single one of them has made the same two basic mistakes: They confuse the swedge on the back of the blade for the cutting edge, and they can’t figure out how to disengage the lockback. Because of this, I think slip joints- and their younger cousin the double detent- done in a traditional blade shape are the most accessible to non-knife people who simply want a tool that cuts.
Also, not trying to be sexist here, but my girlfriend freaks out trying to manipulate either liner locks or a lockback. Her fingers aren’t strong enough to open the locks and still maintain what she feels is safe control over the knife. That could be another reason to go with a double detent knife that has no springs to struggle against.
Man I love watching your videos. Here in the Netherlands, all those knives are unfortunately much more expensive. the 25/35 dollar range costs 50/60 euro. An Civivi Altus €92,50 euro's vs 72 dollars. Man I don't know what to choose, will take a look at more European brands as well. Keep it up!
I returned my SOG terminus. The pocket clip and the edge of the scales really dig into my palm during opening and especially closing with the XR lock and it's super uncomfortable. I should note I have the updated pocket clip from this video, too so it hasn't been fixed in newer versions. I bought it for hard use but also as kind of a fun fidget with the XR lock and it is anything but fun when your hand is raw after 5 mins of use. I have many knives in my collection, so I don't need one that I don't like and unfortunately I was very disappointed in the Terminus XR. I really wanted to like it, I heard so many good things.
Small Archeo, the lock pin needs to be on board. Magnetic hold would work. Think sak tweezers/tooth pick. Even a storage hole by lanyard hole. Cool knife.
Thank you for considering the left handed, we are often dismissed by the knife manufacturers. Linerlocks and frame locks can be manipulated by us so we can cope, but are still designed for the right handed. You are correct in excluding them. The biggest thing stopping me buying a knife, however desirable, is the pocket clips that can not be moved for left handers. It seems left handers are excluded just for the sake of aesthetics. I also think slip-joints are much less dangerous than people seem to think. I wonder if this is a sales ploy by the knife manufacturers, creating a problem that never used to exist and then selling the solution which has now become dogma. Once you have released the locking mechanism, any knife can close on your fingers. I rarely cut myself, but when I do it is not the fault of the knife, only my carelessness. Incidentally, finding a truely “ambidextrous” slip-joint is even harder because the nail nick is only on one side, the only exceptions I have found are the Fallkniven knives. Sadly these are prohibitively expensive for most. I enjoyed the video.
As a lefty. When I built my AR15 to be 100% ambi. First time ever did a rifle actually feel like it was mine. Using right handed tools feels like using someone else’s tool. I got my first lefty knife little over a year ago. Now own Spyderco’s lefty knives, Kalashnikov’s auto lefty, and a couple ambi knives. As I mentioned, these feel like they are mine. I used to carry righty knives in my right pocket. Open right. Pass to left to do work. Pass back and close. Again this makes one feel like they are using a borrowed tool. The three lefty grail knives I want. However it will take years to obtain them. CRK Umnumzaan, Hinderer XM-18, and JG Custom Knives. What sort of left handed knives do you have?
DPx Heat left handed, Fallkniven tk4 and U2, Spyderco delica4 and dragonfly Benchmade mini grip are my most carried truely left handed knives. My favourite is the Spyderco PITS. As long as I can put the clip on for left hand carry I'm usually OK - the paramilitary and para 3 are often in my pocket, but their back locks are a little trickier than a liner lock. I live in Australia where the rules are strict about what I can put in my pocket, so a simple slip joint is my only legal choice. I have no issue with this and in may ways I prefer a slip joint anyway because I don't have to fanny about with a lock. Swiss army knives are always in my pocket along with a larger knife like the Spyderco pits, Fallknivens or the spyderco Urban. @@Owens_Racing
i am watching those videos as a kind of therapy. You come home from a long day at work, make a tea, put all your knifes and your sharpmaker on the table and then sharpen your knifes and watching that video
Like many here I often get asked about 'buying a good knife'. My 'go-to' blades for recommendations are RAT 1/2 (AUS-8 or D2), Delica, Cold Steel Finn Wolf & more recently Feldspar (large & small). In addition to being good value and offering reliable performance they also have good quality, various colours & come sharp out of box. When recommending a blade my primary consideration is to make sure the person has a good experience. Buying a cheap knife that comes dull, has blade problems etc. helps no one. Thanks for the vid - some good options to think about.
I have gone from Hinderer to CRK to Strider, and am now carrying a Delica in dark green ZDP-189. Great steel, small and light weight. The others are cool, but currently I am into small.
My dad hasn’t carried a pocket knife in years. He is a lefty, so I wanted an ambi knife. I bought him a bugout, and he has carried it and loved it for a few months now.
Great selection. Another one I’d like to add would be the Feldspar from CJRB. Won’t break the bank, decent steel, on bearings, great clip, and it’s not scary or confusing for people who maybe don’t have as much knife knowledge.
I was going to say the Ria, but for an import budget entry I agree that CJRB would be a great recommendation.
@@sethlange7613 The Ria may be even better for folks.
I vote for the Ria as well. It's so non-threatening.
@@mdubb4855 The action is so smooth. And even though I am not a lefty, I can left-handed flick the thumb stud for deployment. Doesn't take up room in the pocket. The micarta is beautiful and gives it an aged or more traditional "heirloom" quality. CJRB's proprietary steel seems to be decent at the price point. Great blade geometry and comfortable in the hand. Not as clunky as a Leatherman Micra and not as vanilla as a Swiss Army or Case. I'm not crazy about their logo on there but I get it. Not as obnoxious as other makers, but it reminds me that I am not using an Andre de Villiers Barlow or Chris Reeve Mnandi. But for the money and what it offers I think it's pretty compelling.
I bought my girlfriend who didn’t know anything about knives a Ria. Got her interested in knives something fierce. Definitely would be my first recommendation.
I'm still pretty new to knives, but of the little bunch I've gotten so far, the Delica with the Wharncliffe blade is usually the one I pick first. It is a box KILLER. And honestly, I'm a leftie and don't find right-sided liner or frame locks to be that big a pain. I would say that being able to switch the pocket clip to the other side (or remove it altogether) is a bigger deal because it affects grip while using the knife.
I agree, something fairly budget at first, like a Honey Badger large wharncliff.
I just came across a knife from a brand you carry though you don't have that model and it's a huge surprise ! The Grohmann featherweight. It's just under three inches, Weighs nothing, can be opened with one hand, spearpoint versatile high grind great slicer 4110 is a dream to sharpen, it's cheap... I got it to get free shipping from an online retailer and thought it was going to end up in a glove or tool box. Man, i just love this thing, it spends a lot of time in my pocket !
The Delica is just perfect for most uses. Thin. Slicey. Light. Durable.
I am a knife guy and just got a Delica, it's a great knife. The KaBar Dozier is my wife's favorite Knife. Tangrum Vector is a great starter knife and so is the Demko Knives AD20.5
Demko starter knife? Idk about that…
My pick would be a ganzo firebird that looks exactly like a spider co but cost $18. Best budget knife on the market.
I bought a dragonfly 2 (stainless steel handles) and I feel like this model is underrated. For my needs (a fifth pocket knife and fits well with in a professional setting), I couldn't ask for a better knife. Perhaps the sub-2" blade is what keeps this gem from getting recommended more often? KC has this version for *under $90*. Give it a look if you have not already.
Got the Dragonfly in K390, carry it everyday along with a fixed blade I made. Knife is little beast. And K390 Cuts for days. Love it. Would love to blade awap it from the cheap feeling frn over to the g10 model with steel liners, than it would be damn near perfect. Weird but I never was really a fan of Spyderco just solely on the fact their knives are straight up ugly however the Dragonfly is the only knife by them that I actually love the look
@@natek1993 nailed it
I’m not even a “knife guy” and I really like watching your videos! Lots of knowledge here. Thanks!
be careful, you may become one before you know :)
I agree with Soslan. After watching a few more, you find yourself waiting for a free shipping weekend to order some. And then you will likely say to yourself, "Myself, I only need to order another $40 worth to get to the magic $95 free shipping total," Run while you can. It's worse than the tar baby.
I have been collecting knives since roughly 1990. I have over two hundred knives (none of which were over about $175 because I can’t stop buying the less expensive knives, which prevents me from being able to afford the higher end knives), but I still love the forward finger choil without the over grind. The little bump Spyderco puts on the leading edge gives me peace of mind. New or not!
Same i buy some walmart knives for the concept and not dor quality or utility. Like smartknife found at hardware stores. Its a nice concept that it has all these tools yet it doesnt really hold up well.
Also have the .5inch knife. Not usefull but cute.
No matter how many knives I own I always come back to the Spyderco delica serrated.. this is my favorite EDC.. so thin.. so light.. so simple to open and close.. and a reasonably priced Spyderco in VG... If I were needing a larger knife I would go with the endura... My favorite knives for snorkeling and diving and fishing are the salt.. and Pacific salt.. you're basically delica and endura Gen 2..on H1steel
For a non-knife person or someone new to knives, I'd recommend the Civivi Badlands Vagabond. Yes it's over 3 inches and liner lock, but will work for most people. For someone willing to spend more, a Benchmade Bugout (Mini Bugout if length restrictions) is always an easy recommendation.
The BV 'tis an excellent knife for sure -DCA
I disagree with the easy to sharpen steel. Usually when I give someone a knife they're not going to sharpen it and if they want it sharpened they come back to me to ask. So in general I'd rather give them something with better edge retention so the edge lasts longer and I have to sharpen it less. Plus, it introduces them into what better knives can do and might turn them into a knife nut instead of just thinking every pocket knife should be less than $40. D2 is a great starter steel and easily corrosion resistant enough unless you live in a particularly humid area.
I have a lot of D2s here in Florida, on the coast. They are well. Perhaps its the mineral oil. I certainly agree with your ideas here.
Man, my D2 knives get rust spots from my sweat in the TN summer
@@Metoxetron do you treat them with oil or edci or anything? Just put it on every once in awhile and it keeps it protected
I gave my friend a tanto Elementum cause green is her color and I knew she’d like it. I had the same logic.. I had sharpened it and it’s a well done D2 by Civivi, so the edge should last someone who will use the knife once a week possibly years before they need a full or sharpening. All that and knowing she has a solid and sage knife for $50 is hard to beat. I like the original Elementum, the new one is to thick.
@@MetoxetronI had that issue til o got a pen tube of Tuf-Glide. Shit works amazing. You put like three drops on each side of the blade and get a corner of paper towel and make sure it goes all over. Let it dry overnight and wipe it off again and boom.. no rust. Also is a great lubricant in the pivot that drys and keeps gunk out while lubricating.
It’s mineral oil with additives that bind to the steel making it impossible to corrode. Pretty neat. A pen is $9 and lasts me about a year and does 20-25 pocket knives and lasts years in between applications
From the edge testing I've seen BD1N has a better edge retention than VG10 and it sharpens just as nice.
Thank you for considering the Left Handers.
Very helpful!!!
For anyone struggling to learn to properly sharpen. Worksharp.. either the field system with the Diamond plate or the Worksharp clip in system with the angle-arm. Those kinda solved the problem. I cannot freehand on a wet stone and pull through sharpeners ruin most knives edges.
I've had my ideal pocket knife since I purchased it for 20$ with a small fixed blade in 2008 at walmart. Its a stainless steel 4 inch handle with wood panels, 3 inch uncoated pointed, tapered, strait edge blade with agressive gimping and dual thumb studs. Liner lock, but very tight and short 3mm thick metal on metal with no play and has never threatened to collapse (even stabbing trees as a dumb kid). Lanyard hole (unused mostly but relevant in boating especially) and thin belt clip. It holds its edge very well, looks and functions exactly as it did the day I purchased it even after thousands of uses, and can be instantly deployed or closed by either hand, which it fits perfectly. My perfect pocket knife.
Where and what is it?
Great list! One I would add, the Steel Will Cutjack is an all-around worker knife. It's just really well designed and fits almost all of your categories. It is D2, but if I had to recommend a hard worker knife to a newbie, this is the way I'd go. Either size works great.
Meh
I completely agree, the cutjack was my first "real" and my EDC for the past 3 or so years until recently when I got a rat 2 and civivi elementum. All three great knives. And yes I managed to go 3 years without buying a knife and then got one and immediately got another plus in about to get another one, I have a problem.
I don’t like any of them for edc, I have carried lamb foot or sheep foot pocketknives over forty years, prefer lamb foot. And none of those silly slightly curved ones either !
Say the line, cutjak!
If you're going to recommend a knife with S35VN recommend the UK Pen Knife in S110V for $123. Yes it's hard to sharpen except with a diamond stone, but it will stay sharp for a year.
My first was the CRKT drifter. Small, cheap, easily replaceable. Great little knife. Kershaw Leek was my 2nd and I still carry it frequently.
Was very surprised he didn't have a kershaw or CRKT on the list.
Kershaw didn't have anything ambidextrous that fit the rest of the criteria I laid out. CRKT came close - the Kith is a cool knife but the pocket clip isn't reversible. Almost included it anyway but the Wraith is similar enough that I didn't feel the need to expand the list. The BT Fighter Small hits the requirements but the styling felt too "out there" for the purposes this list was trying to serve. -DCA
These are some great picks for the first time buyer. The only place where I respectfully disagree is with the Small Archaeo pick, first because it's pretty small for a first time knife, and second because I would never recommend a non locking slip joint to a first time knife buyer. I would've swapped out the Small Archaeo for the Civivi Baklash. The black G10 handle/black blade/blue anodized liner version has been my work EDC for several months now. I was so happy with it after just a week's use I ordered the black ebony wood handle/satin blade version for my collection. Depending on the version you get, the price ranges from only $42 to $55. And wow do you get a ton of awesome knife for the money. Beautiful ergonomics on the handle, and the blade is a classic shaped clip point, a design that's instantly familiar for a first time buyer. The Baklash has great build quality, great flipping action, and a wow factor straight out of the box that just shouldn't happen on a knife this inexpensive. And they're always in stock at KnifeCenter.
Still to this day, I EDC the Kershaw Blurr Ken Onion design. I’ve had this knife for close to 10 years. Still going strong!
The best knife for me on the table is the Dozier, a large version with 4inch blade would be perfect for my uses.
I have some expensive folders, but I found myself using my budget folders the most, I feel more free to use them without worrying and it gives me more joy.
I would add some larger knives for those who prefer longer blades, like Victorinox Sentinel, Buck Spitfire, 110 slim, Opinel n. 8 or 10 and so on, the list can be very long.
Thanks you DCA and Stuff.
Try looking at the Ka Bar Ussf Corser. That is essentially a longer tanto blade Dozier.
You nailed it David. This is a great recommendation. I have one in orange.
I love the Buck Mini Spitfire 🤩🤩 Thanks for the introduction to more modern Buck knives.
Don't know if you get much traction up here, but this Canuck really appreciates your desktop expose of new blades. Cheers
For me it’s about the person who is asking and there needs. My initial go to is para 3LW or if they need something little bigger & heavier blade stock the BM 550. For me key things for someone new to knifes is grip and closes without fingers in front of the blade. For me I see people recommending knifes to small for someone new. Most New people don’t know different grip techniques.
Spyderco Pacific Salt with H1 corrosion proof steel, G10 scales, mid-length back lock, and one handed opening checks all of the boxes for a price of about 78.00 (when I bought it).
I've got a lot of knives but my delica gets carried more than anything else because of the weight. You can carry it wearing gym shorts or whatever you wanna call shorts with elastic waist bands. A good many knives I have has to be carried wearing a belt and myself I can do without all that especially here in AL during the summer. It's gotten to where we really don't have much of a winter
Awesome recommendations David and another great video all round. Am just about to head to my local post office to pick up the new Civivi Altus and can't wait! Great to see it recommended so highly in the video.
I've carried a delica EVERY DAY for years and I wouldn't change a thing.
Agree. My old Delica is always on me, not matter what. Such a light weight and thin slicey blade. It solves 98% of my needs, and i do not even notice it in my pocket. Take it from my dead hands, not before. ;)
For a first knife I suggest a victorinox or opinel , pretty cheap knifes easy to take care of. I suggest the paramilitary series of spyderco great pocket knives with a wide choices. now I’m carrying a para 3 camo cpm-s30v excellent edc but sometimes too small one day probably I will by a paramilitary 2. as a backup i use ZT 308 for bigger jobs, beautiful knife and very solid balde, works great as a skinner and is easy to clean
DCA! As far as the knife sellers youtube channels, you guys are busy far the best. I appreciate you looking out for us Mollydookers. Great stuff as always.
No problem and thanks! Definitely had to Google the term mollydookers though ;lol -DCA
@@knifecenter 👍🏼 that’s a left handed thumbs up BTW.
The mini griptillian was my first premium knife and the blade length was the main reason. Great selection here
The blade length made it a premium knife!?
It depends. I like a small edc, then a medium knife for trails.
For me fixed blades belong in my kitchen.
I only just got into to knives myself, but out of what I have so far, my AD10 is probably the one I'd keep if I could only have one. Blade is sharp enough to do whatever I've thrown at it so far, and the handle just feels perfect for my hands. The high weight that most reviewers complain about, I actually like. It makes it feel less fragile. When I compare it to my American Lawman or Para 2, it just feels like it can handle so much more. If it were lighter, I doubt I'd still feel that way. The only compromise is the space it takes up in my pocket, but frankly, I can live with that.
I ordered a (Super) Freek, and I should have it in a few days. We'll see whether or not it can dethrone my AD10. It cost me about $100 more so I'm hoping so lol😊, but my para 2 was also more expensive but I still prefer the AD10 over it so we'll see.
I used to think like you but now prefer the Ultimate Hunter. A more streamlined AD-10 essentially.
The Buck 112 Slim Ranger is my go-to recommendation for a good first knife. The Buck Bantam series is a good second choice. Both are good choices for Scouts first knives too. Great video.
I carry a Promithi Hunting Rainbow Colour Outdoor Camping Folding Knife.
It looks really cool, with it's iridescent finish, and it takes an edge easily, and holds it well.
I did remove the pocket clip, because I don't like them, and prefer my knife deep in my pocket.
Love my SOG Terminus xr, super knife and a really nice grip
A great week's show of great knives. Thanks, DCA!
Such a great video! I like how you show A good high end knife and then move down the list…. I own a lot of good knives and a lot of good cheap knives. It gets so annoying how a lot “knife guys” act like if it doesn’t cost 100$ or more it’s a crappy knife.
Not at all, "made in China" makes it a crappy knife.
My very first knife, a gift from Dad, was a Buck. Still love them. Quite fond of my Doziers as well.
I’m a lefty, and now that I’ve learned a trick, liner locks are easier for me as a lefty than using it right handed. Keep the knife in a standard grip, use your left pointer finger to disengage the lock and let the blade drop and then close it with your thumb as you re-pocket it, or move your pointer finger to the spine and close it. This is actually easier to do, and more ergonomic than using a thumb on the lock.
I don’t consider liner locks a knock against ambidexterity because of this… but I know that’s just me.
I live in the PNW and carry a SOG Terminus XR in D2 everyday. I've had the knife for 2 years and have had zero problems with rust. Honestly, if you're not using a D2 steel blade on the beach, you'll be fine.
I tend to agree the delica with the double edge have serrated and even though I no longer purchase serrated with my first higher end knife I'm glad I did.I haven't carried it much lately but summer is here and 8yrs later it's still performing as well if not better than day one absolutely love my delica and wish I'd just get another
Great picks DCA 👍 being from the UK i appreciate you including the UKPK, My other choice would be the Kizer zipslip.
Cheers 🍻
I've got a mini-Dozier, and while it's okay, the blade dulls very quickly for what I've used it for (mainly cutting fishing line.) It's one I threw in my tackle box as a beater knife, and it works for that.
Glad you showed us the Byrd Meadowlark 2, a great compromise I'll be taking advantage of. I've always wanted to own a Spydie and specifically the Delica, but loathed the nearly $100 price:) Not that it isn't worth it necessarily, but for me, so many more better choices if the budget is $100.
There is something undeniably honest and charming about a well-made but affordable lockback.
Other than the artisan...I think you absolutely nailed this one...in fact..I need to check out that Ontario. I may come back and add a few others to the list..but the Demko AD20.5 is actually very intuitive
I love my Mini Griptilian. It’s one of my favorites. 🎸🔪
I am a budget only collector and do not own any grails or exotic steels. I get asked frequently why don’t I just save up and buy one expensive knife instead of having twelve or so different cheap knives, because I can’t use all of those at the same time anyway. All of my knives do get used aggressively, so maybe that’s why I don’t go there.
The CJRB Scoria is kinda my go to recommendation. It’s fairly standard but it’s got a level of quality that a non knife person might take notice to and appreciate.
The Delica 4 was my first edc and it’s still my fave pocket knife
Can we do recommended knives by jobs? Firefighter, EMT, Mariner, Farming, Industrial, Driver, Woodworking, Forestry, Gardeners, cooks, retail, Adventure Guide, tailor, CEO
That would be cool!
Therapist....
Buck Vantage is another good choice.
I don't see a problem with D2
I love my Syderco PM2 with copper scales and blackened blade. 😎
Great list!
Just missing an Opinel
Para 3 lightweight is the best for all around tasks, comfort, carry, sharpening, etc. Period.
I want them all. I would like to see a cold steel 1911 or a honey badger. QSP make some really good quality reasonably priced knives, you won't be disappointed with any of these knives.
No Civivi Elementum? Perfect edc, great price. It vies for #1 with my mini griptilan.
The button lock in micarta is so great. Such a great knife the Elementum.
Very capable knife, but with D2 and a non-ambi lock, there were better options for this list -DCA
@@knifecenter Perhaps for the list, but not my pocket. The Elementum is a wonderful knife. The Case Sodbuster is a good choice. I have the CV, but it is available in Tu-Sharp stainless.
I'd give the Cold Steel Tuff Lite an honorable mention as a budget option. Feels good in the hand despite its small size, very easy to sharpen (both due to the steel and the straight edge) and you of course also have the trusted Tri-ad lock.
I'm carrying that same Mini Griptilian. Great blade. I'd even give it the nod over the Delica that it replaced, but both are indeed very good choices.
As always, a great vid with great presentation. I, too, didn't quite get the ambidextrous requirement precluding frame and liner locks, but it does condense the field a bit and keep the vid length reasonable, and I think most of understand that if we are the ones making the recommendations, we can assess whether the leftie recipient would accept/adapt to a liner or frame lock and expand the field accordingly.
Definitely like the terminus XR. I gave the D2 version to a friend for Christmas and he absolutely loves it
I gave one of those to myself for some unknown and unspecified holiday. What a great gift!
I bought Kershaw Epistles for my band mates, inspired by the entertaining marketing from Knife Center. It's such a useful EDC knife and takes up very little pocket space. The Wraith has a similar silhouette but slightly larger. I really enjoy the blade shape on these knives.
There's now a larger range, I live in the Uk and have a number of them, great knives. I have a collection of Bucks but am unable to legally carry any of them (except the "3" series)
If you include assisted knives, I always recommend the blur. 14c28n is a great steel for the price, way better than 8cr imo, and its USA made for sub 70 bucks. Hard to beat. If they don’t want assisted, or want to go even cheaper, I always recommend the elementum. Really a lot from the Civivi line is a great first knife. Cool list though, appreciate the content!
Another Buck I didn't see on the table nice budget knife... The Buck bantam! ..samemadein USA & 420 heat treated steel
Great video by someone who obviously knows his knife stuff , it is nice to know it is acceptable to buy z budget priced knife that can still do a lot of good work !
Very good recommendations for this question!
Thanks for your work!
In my experience CTS BD1N has performed much better compared to VG10 in terms of both edge retention and corrosion resistance. I quite love it on my Para 3 Lightweight
Informative as usual! Thanks Knife Center!
I have had an Endura combo blade for the last 20 years or so. EDC 😮
11/12. I have the Ka-Bar Dozier. I hated it when it arrived and I have not warmed up to it all all. I had the same feelings about my Benchmade Bugout, but I have warmed up to that one a bit.
i found myself recommend the delica, dragonfly or a baby banter, all verry good and i own all 3 and they are all verry non threatening giod steel and dont need any maintnence
Great selection of knives!
Go for the full size Grip
Very interesting and well seen criteria. I understand the choice of the Mini-Griptilian, but clearly my first (rather expensive) choice for a first knife for a non-knife people would be the Orange Mini-Bugout. Almost the same as the Mini-Griptilian, but very innocuous and people friendly.
I actually had a Mini Bugout just off screen when we filmed. In the end, picked the Mini-Griptilian for the final lineup based on the lower price. -DCA
@@knifecenter so happy to be in the same vibe 😉
I notice that almost every single one of those knives uses thumb studs, which are my preferred openers. They are relatively more scarce as we climb the price ladder, until you can hardly find one! Which is to say, most high end knives are flippers.
I can't believe you left out the Para 3. It's a little higher than the Hoge and the mini grip but imo it is the best knife for the money that you can buy. CPM S 45VN and the ergonomics are perfect. I own several 2,3 and 4 hundred dollar customs along with many, many other knives and the Para 3 is the most carried knife I own.
it's too small
Love the knife and I own a couple myself, but it is not as easily ambidextrous as I wanted for this list. -DCA
“HOGUE” -- Sorry, my OCD IS KICKIN!!
I have the Hogue Deka, among other knives, and I replaced my fiancé’s misplaced Emerson opening Delica with an exclusive Para 3 in Rex 45. She’s had no problems with rust, and I ok not sharpened it once after she cut boxes that had dried clay on them (art major)
@@Metoxetron Rex 45 has insane edge retention.
The Mini Griptilian is an awesome beginner knife
My one and done recommendation for most people would be a Civivi Elementum, I have nothing to complain about it
My mom, definitely not a knife person, LOVES her Spyderco Delica.
Linerlocks are still great for lefties. I personally just don’t like framelocks and pocketclips that cant be swapped.
As a lefty, I would argue that liner-locks and framelocks are essentially ambidextrous. Perhaps I am in the minority, but I have no difficulty operating them smoothly and safely with my left hand. In fact, I have much more trouble doing so with my right hand. IMHO, there is no need to shy away from liner-locks and framelocks when picking an accessible knife for someone who might be left-handed.
The guy is a salesman, not a user reviewer. I think most people left/right users have no problems in operating closing a knife despite the locking mechanism.
Anytime someone near me needs a knife, I hand them my Spyderco Dragonfly 2, and without fail every single one of them has made the same two basic mistakes: They confuse the swedge on the back of the blade for the cutting edge, and they can’t figure out how to disengage the lockback. Because of this, I think slip joints- and their younger cousin the double detent- done in a traditional blade shape are the most accessible to non-knife people who simply want a tool that cuts.
Also, not trying to be sexist here, but my girlfriend freaks out trying to manipulate either liner locks or a lockback. Her fingers aren’t strong enough to open the locks and still maintain what she feels is safe control over the knife. That could be another reason to go with a double detent knife that has no springs to struggle against.
The one you missed which should probably be at the top of your list is the Honey Badger knives. I have over 200 knives and still carry it.
Civivi Elementum, best knife for everyone as far as a general knife
Man I love watching your videos. Here in the Netherlands, all those knives are unfortunately much more expensive. the 25/35 dollar range costs 50/60 euro. An Civivi Altus €92,50 euro's vs 72 dollars. Man I don't know what to choose, will take a look at more European brands as well. Keep it up!
I returned my SOG terminus. The pocket clip and the edge of the scales really dig into my palm during opening and especially closing with the XR lock and it's super uncomfortable. I should note I have the updated pocket clip from this video, too so it hasn't been fixed in newer versions. I bought it for hard use but also as kind of a fun fidget with the XR lock and it is anything but fun when your hand is raw after 5 mins of use. I have many knives in my collection, so I don't need one that I don't like and unfortunately I was very disappointed in the Terminus XR. I really wanted to like it, I heard so many good things.
Small Archeo, the lock pin needs to be on board. Magnetic hold would work. Think sak tweezers/tooth pick. Even a storage hole by lanyard hole. Cool knife.
I try to go Rat One or Rat 2 now. The Spider tax killed the Delica
It's really hard to beat the RATs, especially with D2.
Spider tax? Please! 🤣🤦🏻
I'd reccomend the cold steel tuff lite/tuff lite mini, fits the parameters and has a very secure grip
I would’ve put the kershaw leek in here, even though it’s assisted it’s still a really good first knife. It was my first 5 knives lol.
Love my SOG Terminus XR 👤
Thank you for considering the left handed, we are often dismissed by the knife manufacturers. Linerlocks and frame locks can be manipulated by us so we can cope, but are still designed for the right handed. You are correct in excluding them.
The biggest thing stopping me buying a knife, however desirable, is the pocket clips that can not be moved for left handers. It seems left handers are excluded just for the sake of aesthetics.
I also think slip-joints are much less dangerous than people seem to think. I wonder if this is a sales ploy by the knife manufacturers, creating a problem that never used to exist and then selling the solution which has now become dogma.
Once you have released the locking mechanism, any knife can close on your fingers. I rarely cut myself, but when I do it is not the fault of the knife, only my carelessness.
Incidentally, finding a truely “ambidextrous” slip-joint is even harder because the nail nick is only on one side, the only exceptions I have found are the Fallkniven knives. Sadly these are prohibitively expensive for most.
I enjoyed the video.
As a lefty. When I built my AR15 to be 100% ambi. First time ever did a rifle actually feel like it was mine. Using right handed tools feels like using someone else’s tool. I got my first lefty knife little over a year ago. Now own Spyderco’s lefty knives, Kalashnikov’s auto lefty, and a couple ambi knives. As I mentioned, these feel like they are mine. I used to carry righty knives in my right pocket. Open right. Pass to left to do work. Pass back and close. Again this makes one feel like they are using a borrowed tool.
The three lefty grail knives I want. However it will take years to obtain them. CRK Umnumzaan, Hinderer XM-18, and JG Custom Knives.
What sort of left handed knives do you have?
DPx Heat left handed, Fallkniven tk4 and U2, Spyderco delica4 and dragonfly Benchmade mini grip are my most carried truely left handed knives. My favourite is the Spyderco PITS. As long as I can put the clip on for left hand carry I'm usually OK - the paramilitary and para 3 are often in my pocket, but their back locks are a little trickier than a liner lock.
I live in Australia where the rules are strict about what I can put in my pocket, so a simple slip joint is my only legal choice. I have no issue with this and in may ways I prefer a slip joint anyway because I don't have to fanny about with a lock. Swiss army knives are always in my pocket along with a larger knife like the Spyderco pits, Fallknivens or the spyderco Urban. @@Owens_Racing