Underrated comment “And as you can see from my physique, I’ve never actually seen combat but I do know a good knife when I see one”. Same my friend, same.
You didn’t know that Roman gladiators were like Sumo Wrestlers? They looked nothing like buff Spartacus Series or Movie. They want more fat around the belly so they could take a sword slash without severing their intestines, That injury is certain and agonizing death. If you ever had gastrointestinal surgery you find out you don’t eat for a weeks. If your lucky you can survive with IV a glucose.
Was about to say the same thing. I would listen to this dude review toilet paper man!...lol...(My youngest son has the Gerber LMF and it IS a fine and economical choice for sure. I just bought my oldest boy a Ken Richardson Deer Antler handled Bowie (??) for X-Mas....not much in way of utility...but a true work of art for sure. Absolutely gorgeous knife...and hand-tooled sheath as well! Beautiful collectors items!
There is more useful, solid, credible information per minute packed into this video than in any other knife video I have watched on RUclips. I learned so much about the details of a combat knife. I am proud that so many fine knives are made here in the United States. Thank you. Thumbs up.
I carried a kbar in Vietnam, I still consider it to be the best combat knife, I brought mine home and later put a an elk antler on it with finger grooves oorah semper fi
" Get to the point " ! 😋 I had more supplies and gear, when I played Army as a kid, than I ever had in the Corps ! And that's a no shitter ! Semper Fi !
As I've mentioned in past vids, your testimony is done in your usual fluent, understandable & informative fashion. I really enjoy your style in talking up one of my favorite addictions!!!
Glad my wife actually likes knives. I just paid 552.00 bucks for a Busse Ultra Light Combat Gemini and Mrs. Bluegrass had zero problems with it. That's what I call a keeper boys.
I've always been a huge fan of both the ESEE-4, 5 & 6 & the Ka-Bar BK-2 & BK-9... if price doesn't matter the Bark River bravo knives, and the Bark River JX5 (not really a combat knife... but I wouldn't want to get hit with it)
In my opinion, the 1918 trench knife is the ultimate fighting knife with the double edge spear point blade, and the brass knuckle handle with a pointed pommel! It is deadly in so many ways!
@@PatTheRiot the reason they changed from trench knives was versatility and they often broke the blades due to their thin stature, also there were less options for grips on the knife with the brass knuckles, as someone who has used both types i actually prefer the minimalist combat style as it accompanies my reverse grip much better but at the end of the day its 100% preference.
The clip point profile has existed before the bowie was even a vague dream. That doesn`t change its effectiveness as a butcher/hunting and/or fighting knife, tho.
It’s complicated. Bowie carried what was called a butcher knife, which simply meant any large knife that could be used to butcher an animal. Such knifes could be used for self-defense and were sometimes specifically carried for that purpose., but they were tool knives. After Bowie got famous for defending himself with a knife against people with guns, the Bowie knife was created. The first Bowie was a version of the butcher knife that looked like a large Spanish hunting knife. The Bowie knife with a double edged clip point derives from that first Bowie knife. In WWII most soldiers disliked knives that were designed specifically for combat. They would sometimes trade them for something more useful. The Ka-Bar was a big success because soldiers felt it was useful tool. So although Bowie knifes were marketed as fighting knives, they were always very similar to tool knives.
@Shit Show I can remember fifty cent cigarettes and gallon of gasoline at our cut rate gas station in the '50s :- ( ...............yes I am older than dirt !
I do not disrespect the FS but I was lucky when young. I served in East Africa and cam across the Bauchop dagger. Much more expensive than a FS but much better. I got mine in 1974.
@Green Giant I carried 7" and a 9" and still have both with the original handles. They are still stacked and not coming apart. I have sharpened them several times but still great knives.
I have grandpas knife he used in the pacific theater it’s a cattaraugus 225q. It’s still sharp as hell and has enough steel to make a car out of it lol. Not sure if he ever had to use it in defense of his life but I assume that he did as he never once mentioned the war and when we asked about it he would clam up and walk off. Any way nice vid man
That generation got a belly-full of war and killing, just wanted to move on with their lives afterward...so many of our dads just never talked about it
I have a K- Bar Marine knife that a friend sold me about 30 years ago , he was a Marine who was in the Pacific and this knife was a replacement for his knife when he broke it . This friend was at Iwo Jima , Tarawa and Okinawa. The sheath has US Navy on it but it is a K-Bar and he was issued the knife on Iwo Jima .
The difference in edge retention of higher quality steel, difference in finish, corrosion resistance, scales, sheath and heat treat method all come into play. Quality control is also watched much closer on the finished product of a more expensive piece as well. However, I do agree that there is a price point that will get you a fantastic knife and anything past that point is fluff or mark up. Example: Randall model 7 vs Black Jack model 7, I actually prefer the fit and finish on the cheaper Black Jack. Randall cost $600 and Black Jack cost $230. I sold my Randall because I wouldn't use it but kept the Black Jack and take it with me in the woods always.
Modern warfare has changed the way we select our cutlery, as better firearms and tactics may lead to smaller more compact blade sizes depending on Situation specific. Good video Thank you !
Ain't it funny how the veteran owned knife makers make knives soldiers would have take a car loan out to own. To me if i paid $400 id be to scared id lose it to ever use it. I personally see no reason a production knife should cost more then $150 dollars tops. All else is paying for branding. Knife center love you guys you do a great job
I see you have extensive knowledge of all facets of the manufacturing process.... Hell, look into a SINGLE facet of knife manufacturing and youll see how ignorant it is to assign arbitrary values to goods youd never buy anyway. Theres plenty of production models out there with blades that cost more than $150 for the company to buy in bar or sheet form. I recently modded a Dodo with a Z-Max blade. Just the blade stock cost me $86. The titanium cost me $48. The belts other consumables cost me ~$50. Even if you halve those prices, taking into account the much larger scale a production company would work with, doesnt leave much room for r&d, warranty, labor, rent, electricity............ But, hey, some clown on RUclips wont buy it if its more than $150 so lets sell at a loss and go out of business in a day. BTW, im a USMC vet with many, MANY $400+ knives i use all the time. Im not scared to lose them(lol) because im an adult, and no financing was needed.
Eyedea315 bet you probably own a benchmade knife to an that ain’t all branding .seems funny you can buy a kershaw cv20 for $70 but a D2 benchmade is $150 but you know more than me how about my espada xhp $150 for a 5.5 blade find me any other knife you can get that big an that much steel that cheap. This is the reason America lost many manufacturers stupid make up for no reason
ScalpingYour TP- the best part is whenever the owners of said companies say they are "here for the Soldier"...when in reality, they are just there to exploit and take advantage of the Soldier...usually the lowest ranks, who buy aftermarket equipment, and which, just like the used car lots outside the bases that price cars at top dollar, with ridiculous payment plans, are just there to take advantage of, and exploit the Soldier, not to really, honestly, help him by putting quality gear in their hands for a good price! No, its about stuffing the owners pockets with cash. They are bottom-feeding scum.
The whole goal of fighting is winning. There are some exelent knives made in the USA however if you simply want the best gear place of manufacturing can never be a objective selection criteria.
@Tsukoyomi Light I agree that they most TOPS models are great workhorses, but there are tons of knives in their catalog that are seriously dedicated combat blades. I would go as far as saying that they have arguably the best production fighting knives one can buy. I have huge respect for SOG Seal (but the AUS-8 steel needs an update) and the Ka-bar USMC is legendary, but I just don't think they can beat TOPS differential heat treat on the 1095, and really wicked aggressive profiles
Tops knives are cool, but mostly too heavy in a real knife fight. For me a perfect combat knife should have an 7 to 8 inch blade and a weight of not more than 12 or 13 oz.
In 1946 I bought a war surplus knife similar to the Kabar, and still have it. All metal is parkerized, but there is no USMC anywhere on it. Sheath does have USMC stamped, and other markings that are worn off. It is still in good condition and that testifies to it’s top quality.
Contrary to popular belief, the average "combat" knife is used far, far more for such mundane jobs as opening boxes, scraping, chopping, digging, and generally abusing it in countless different jobs. Very few troops would use a $4oo knife for something like that when something costing $50 or less will do the exact same job. Even the specialized units like Force Recon and Seals rarely wasted their money on something that you might take into the field once and lose before they finished that one job. Other than Kabars and their generic variants made by Camillus, Utica, and such, Buck 119's and other various inexpensive hunters were just about all any of us ever used back in Viet Nam, and I doubt that things have changed all that much today.
The cold steel osi is great for the outdoors I cut the sub hilt off so I could adjust my grip, the blade is razor sharp and east to keep and edge on I’ve done everything for fillet a fish, camp tasks, it will baton but I like using my tomahawk for tasks such as that. I don’t like kydex so I had my buddy make me a leather sheath with a whetstone pouch.
I carried 3 knives when i was in military that served their purpose well. A ka bar combat, the ka bar "devil's brigade" double edged dagger, and my Randall. 50 some odd years later i still have them but the Randall is my favorite. Stainless steel makes a pretty blade but give me high carbon 1095 full tang knife anyday.
Your presentations are phenomenal. They are clearly and intelligently worded without repetition. You speak from a font of detailed knowledge. Thank you! It is also great to see and hear about knives made in America.
I love my Ka bar , I used and abused my first one and it passed almost all tests ,from digging (yes digging with a knife its better than doing it with your fingers) cutting off tree branches to hand to hand battle ,only area I saw it a bit weak was when throwing it ,it has the tendency to bend where the handle starts but considering its one hit one kill you dont mind just bending it back into position and do it again ,got my second one ,clean ,sharp and ready on my bog out bag.
I have a custom-made Ek (SN # 075) that was given to me as a gift upon graduating Ranger School back in 1987. It went on every deployment with me, up to 2004, when I had to track it down and get it back from a thieving Afghan. After that, it just hangs on my wall. I need to get another, which I willl do shortly. Glad to see they are still being produced. I, also, am in love (or lust) with the Hogue. Will be getting that tomorrow. I need to find a company who can make me a sheath (Leather, "Randall Style", or Kydex) for the WWII Cattagurus and also for the Model RH36 knives. Would like high-carry, too. But, 'custom' sheath makers also want 'custom' prices, for which I could get between 2-4 other fuggin' knives! Then, on top of price, they want me to send them the knives so they can make the Kydex sheath for each!!
Hey brother, 11B 87-91.Look up Atlus sheaths on FB. You would have to send him the knife but I've gotten several 6 to 8 from him, never any issues, reasonable prices. Hit me up on FB and can show you some pics of mine he did.
I'm glad you were able to track down your knife man. After I left the Corps I had a break in and my issued Strider DB-L that I had carried in Iraq was stolen along with other stuff and some guns. Local PD did a great job and eventually busted the kids and I got my knife back. Too bad I didn't get my Benchmade Auto Stryker back
Hey Dave, you forgot or for some reason didn't choose to show the "TOPS fighting Infantry knife"🤯 (you know that 7 plus inch one)! BTW, Ka-Bar, Ontario, Camillus, Gerber AND TOPS are the knives issued to our military (at least those I know had been)😮. Besides IMHO, TOPS beats most if not all others I've mentioned and they've quite a diverse line of knives from ANY other of today's companies that make knives (at least that I've looked at anyway)🤔. Be safe and take care, "God Bless", sincerely Randy. 👍👍🙏😇👊 P.S.: It's very difficult to be a "certified knife-aholic" (having champagne tastes, living off of a soda pop budget)! Oh btw, there isn't any 🔪 addict meetings to attend to get help from 😖!!!
I would beg to differ, TOPS, has not held an NSN and are not an issue knife. While commands individually can purchase items, TOPS are not issued but an open purchase item bought at the command levels.
@@RobertCude Hello, isn't "hindsight" wonderful, since when I was doing my 12.5yrs., that type of information wouldn't have been available, and that if you'd served you didn't know anything then either. It wouldn't really matter about the NSN's when they were still available and used by our military (since the men couldn't have afforded to buy them individually, or in such quantity and just happen to be the same blades, right?). They were there then and now, and how they got there well, does it really matter? Just sayin'. Be safe and have fun, sincerely, Randy. 🙏😇👊
Dillard Johnson used the LMF II to cut power to a building in Iraq, it blasted a half moon out of the blade but he was totally fine. He sent the knife in hoping for a new one and they didn't send him one back LOL
the usmc ka bar is personal go to for shtf, tough right size for fighting (duh) good blade profile for skinning and gutting i've took down trees with mine no problem small trees obviously
Being a bit overweight doesn't mean you didn't see Combat !! Lol I served in the Marines and I can assure you after 10+ yrs most of us have gain some good old boy American weight from Bareque's and other fine dinning !! Lol Semper Fi
@Don Baumann It's Saturday today, I will be eating some BBQ today after some shooting fun at the range with my friends Lol !! Have to keep the skills up especially in today's climate !!! Semper Fi
I have the k-bar good choice showing it first it screams American. It's a good knife owned it for years. Watched the whole video all the knives are nice. I still only need my k-bar great video good articulation.
The Ka-Bar Turok is another outstanding option with a great sheath. It lends itself well to both combat and utility/field use. Also makes an outstanding camp knife for the civilian market.
Get rid of that last kabar because the guard starts wobbling, unless you’re trying to be a “tactical rattlesnake” then yeah just shake that knife and you’ll be good lol. Replace it with any TOPS or Esee which have more than earned a spot in this video but yet weren’t featured
I worked at camillus cutlery from 199o until they closed in 2003 from foreign competition. Best job I ever had I was being grinder. Not putang grinder lol. I lived right behind the cutlery I had to go through the country parking lot to get to my backyard that's how close I was it was awesome.
Hello after serving for six years in the U.S. Infantry and searching for 30 years I finally found what I consider to be the apex of combat knives in the TOPS Operator Seven.. at six millimeters, or just over a quarter inch thick, 1075 high carbon steel, perfectly tempered blade, Kydex dangler sheath, G-10 and Micarta combo handle it is pricey. Yet once you have it on your rig it becomes priceless. It is the blade I will gladly and confidently pass to my son becoming our family’s legacy blade. Couldn’t recommend it enough.
Not to mention my personal favorite Tops US Combat knife,I own 2 ,one is signed by its designer,Laci Szabo and it's a beast,just like the operator 7 but a bit thinner and longer
Their Carbon V knives were made in the USA by Camillus. When Camillus went out of business in 2007 Cold Steel no longer had a US manufacturer and they also had no access to Carbon V. IIRC "Carbon V" was the same steel Camillus used in their Becker knives.
USMC combat vet here. Trust me when I tell you that you will love the Mark II and it sinks in like going through warm butter. Just bevel a better blade on the top end. Always Faithful Always Forward and Lay Some Hate!!!
420 HC has gotten a bad rep because of cheap knives with poor heat treatment or a fake 420 HC stamp. But 420 HC is an excellent choice for a knife that will actually be used. It's stainless, tough for a stainless steel, holds an edge reasonably well, and is easy to sharpen. Many 'luxury' steels perform less well when it come to large knives. I've seen expensive knives with supposedly high performance steel chip, or even break. And some of them are almost impossible to sharpen in the field.
Have you ever heard of tops knives? I guess Gerber is still a great choice for non knife junkies. The doo doo soft heat treat they do means you can resharpen on a blade of grass.
lmao............i can't sharpen this 06 auto, my nighthawk is a monster(that i love) and grass can cut you so... i know what you mean though. i also buy a knife to be a knife/tool for the purpose of which it was "created". why don't i ever see benchmade knives used like the $50 gerbers, schrade's...etc to cut down trees(forests) and build bridges, houses, cut diamonds, concrete, wire fences, car engines, stop bullets, time, old age...
Combat? The cold steel 11 inch rondel dagger with the three edged blade. Of course it's only good for one thing. Stabbing. Okay so if you hit someone hard with the blade you're going to leave a nasty mark.
@@mason3vze740 I agree about the serrations, just wouldn't be the same blade without them. I have one as well, I bought it over thirty years ago and it has never been used. My blade is not black by the way.
Quickly becoming my favorite knife review channel! Bought my first KA-BAR USMC fighter in 1987 from KA-BAR for $25, and the swedge was sharpened out of the box. Five years later the CORPS issued me another one. Sadly, I didn't get to keep it when I got out.
got me a kabar, considering I've won every knife fight I've ever been in with it (0), I think it's pretty damn good at its job. makes one hell of a can opener though
With todays huge list of super steels and even former super steels that are much much more affordable than they used to be, 420 has no busines being used for anything other than butterknives.
I've owned a K-Bar for 30 years and a Buck 119 same time . Some times I went out with the K-Bar and some times I went with the Buck . Never felt the need to up grade .
I was deployed twice with my ASEK. No clue if it's rated highly or not but I trusted it with my life. I dug things out of the dirt, cut playdough with it, pried green cans open and beat things with it. It is within arms reach most every day still. That Chimera looks a tad longer and would probably work well.
The ka/bar was sold in a box that had the old fractonal blue print on the box .on the print its called{ blood groove } 5/8 ball endmill. Thats why people call it that . its on the print.
really in the 'new world', the basic knife design for hunters and combat knives has not changed much since 1830 with the development of the bowie. the loveless knife which is still somewhat bowie like. The exceptions i am aware of are the still very old kukuri made known in the west in 1810 and the FS Raider stiletto. there are some german world war 2 era knives that are beautiful and non-bowie like but make me hesitate to forge because the nazis were the users of them....although I do kinda want to make some with the star of David on them as a FU to that group of people.
Ever held a Canadian belt style hunting knife? I Highly recommend the *Knives of Alaska- Yukon belt knife*. Get one in hand, use it & you'll understand, don't let the odd shape fool or disuade you. Best ergonomics for use in a hunting blade I've ever found. Grohmann produced the original Canadian Belt Knife, which is a trappers skinning/processing design. It's wildly popular in the north, but has yet to gain popularity here in the USA. I prefer the KOA version.
Hey. Great video. Just subscribed. Have you ever thought of doing a video about the differences in the steel that these knives are made out of, or just make like a Top 5 steels for knives video? I know some steels are better for maintaining sharpness. Others are better for durability. Etc. With so many different types of steel its a bit confusing. Or is it always just a matter of the more expensive the knife - the better the steel?
Underrated comment “And as you can see from my physique, I’ve never actually seen combat but I do know a good knife when I see one”. Same my friend, same.
It is good to know oneself :) -DCA
Hey! I'm in shape- Round IS a shape!!
The competition is fierce out there!
My bros build worse but seen a lot of shoot shoot bang bang. Beer did it.
You didn’t know that Roman gladiators were like Sumo Wrestlers? They looked nothing like buff Spartacus Series or Movie. They want more fat around the belly so they could take a sword slash without severing their intestines, That injury is certain and agonizing death. If you ever had gastrointestinal surgery you find out you don’t eat for a weeks. If your lucky you can survive with IV a glucose.
this guy has the smoothest commentary I've heard. Well done.
Yeah i love this cat! He like's knives almost as much as i do.... lol
I agree with you
Was about to say the same thing. I would listen to this dude review toilet paper man!...lol...(My youngest son has the Gerber LMF and it IS a fine and economical choice for sure. I just bought my oldest boy a Ken Richardson Deer Antler handled Bowie (??) for X-Mas....not much in way of utility...but a true work of art for sure. Absolutely gorgeous knife...and hand-tooled sheath as well! Beautiful collectors items!
Good voice for Audible books too
There is more useful, solid, credible information per minute packed into this video than in any other knife video I have watched on RUclips. I learned so much about the details of a combat knife. I am proud that so many fine knives are made here in the United States. Thank you. Thumbs up.
I carried a kbar in Vietnam, I still consider it to be the best combat knife, I brought mine home and later put a an elk antler on it with finger grooves oorah semper fi
Love it! -DCA
I’m sure those blades are worth a fortune
@@tenebrislupus3928 Tops knives are in the 150 to 250 range on many models, so definitely not the most expensive in this lineup
@@knifecenter t
Semper Fi
whens knives cost more than guns its time to budget lmao
Buy guns instead that's what I've been doing..
Yea I cringe if I spend over 60 bucks on a knife I know I’m gonna beat the hell out of
😂 I agree 100%
@@jimyocum9556 What are you going to do when you run out of bullets?
495.00 for a 2015 Case V42.. I don't think I got hurt. 2nd one.
Dude. You have a great delivery. Easy to understand and easy to listen to. Have you ever considered recording audio books?
😅
" Get to the point " ! 😋
I had more supplies and gear, when I played Army as a kid, than I ever had in the Corps !
And that's a no shitter !
Semper Fi !
D Gray ...same here ...well outfitted as a kid ...bring what you got ...
"That's not a knife, this 🥄 is a knife!"
I see you've played knifey-spooney before.
That's not a knife, that's a spoon.
Warvvolf Wooosh
@@prestondoring2640 its part of the joke
*knoife
Benchmade “we’re chopping up guns” knives.
Somebody has to do it. What bothers me more is the fact that they donated to anti-gun politicians.
Never buying from the sellout “Benchmade”
Don’t ever support Benchmade
They donated over a million dollars to pro gun charities but k...
TheAZchambers after getting caught pushing anti gun politicians
As I've mentioned in past vids, your testimony is done in your usual fluent, understandable & informative fashion. I really enjoy your style in talking up one of my favorite addictions!!!
Only, the video's are over too soon!
Thank you Barry! Sorry Craig!
Unfortunately, the next knife I buy will cost about $60,000 [ divorce settlement ] and annual expenses as well. Doesn't hurt to look.
My wife said it was her or the knives. I sure don't miss her. Bonus is she had to give me money. Sorry guys.
Glad my wife actually likes knives. I just paid 552.00 bucks for a Busse Ultra Light Combat Gemini and Mrs. Bluegrass had zero problems with it. That's what I call a keeper boys.
I feel ya brother, good luck.
I've always been a huge fan of both the ESEE-4, 5 & 6 & the Ka-Bar BK-2 & BK-9... if price doesn't matter the Bark River bravo knives, and the Bark River JX5 (not really a combat knife... but I wouldn't want to get hit with it)
In my opinion, the 1918 trench knife is the ultimate fighting knife with the double edge spear point blade, and the brass knuckle handle with a pointed pommel! It is deadly in so many ways!
I was going to say that. Nobody fights with rambo knives.. lol
@@PatTheRiot the reason they changed from trench knives was versatility and they often broke the blades due to their thin stature, also there were less options for grips on the knife with the brass knuckles, as someone who has used both types i actually prefer the minimalist combat style as it accompanies my reverse grip much better but at the end of the day its 100% preference.
MK II Gerber, much later a Kabar was issued so I stuck in the ruck. These days the Gerber is still primary.
I destroyed a Gerber LMF in like 3 months in Afghanistan. Replaced it with a Pohl Force Alpha 3 and still carry it 10 years later.
A combat knife without a guard is just a glorified kitchen knife
A bowie was not descended from a hunting knife. A Bowie knife was made as a fighting knife from the beginning.. unless I read the wrong book.
Dwight McLemore says differently in his Bowie book, that the first Bowie was a large butcher knife.
Broken Man
I would say every knife is a compromise but the first knives were all hunting knives.
I want me one of those booies.
The clip point profile has existed before the bowie was even a vague dream. That doesn`t change its effectiveness as a butcher/hunting and/or fighting knife, tho.
It’s complicated. Bowie carried what was called a butcher knife, which simply meant any large knife that could be used to butcher an animal. Such knifes could be used for self-defense and were sometimes specifically carried for that purpose., but they were tool knives.
After Bowie got famous for defending himself with a knife against people with guns, the Bowie knife was created. The first Bowie was a version of the butcher knife that looked like a large Spanish hunting knife.
The Bowie knife with a double edged clip point derives from that first Bowie knife.
In WWII most soldiers disliked knives that were designed specifically for combat. They would sometimes trade them for something more useful.
The Ka-Bar was a big success because soldiers felt it was useful tool.
So although Bowie knifes were marketed as fighting knives, they were always very similar to tool knives.
Save up for a good quality blade, master it, take care of it and make sure you have a very good sheath.
Ka-bar fighting knives used to be 35 dollars all day long. I guess inflation has kicked in?
@Shit Show I can remember fifty cent cigarettes and gallon of gasoline at our cut rate gas station in the '50s :- ( ...............yes I am older than dirt !
Thanks for confirming what sixty some years of experience has taught me...
Kabar and Fairbairn Sykes are my top two choices for combat...
I do not disrespect the FS but I was lucky when young. I served in East Africa and cam across the Bauchop dagger. Much more expensive than a FS but much better. I got mine in 1974.
I carried the Camillas survival 7" knife for 3 tours in VietNam as a helicopter door gunner.
I carried a cold steel sk5 tanto my time in military used to have to tape it up to jump because my strap broke
Thank you both for your service!
@@The4cp thanks for the recognition I hope you're safe during these weird times
@Green Giant I carried 7" and a 9" and still have both with the original handles. They are still stacked and not coming apart. I have sharpened them several times but still great knives.
How many women and children did u kill?
I have grandpas knife he used in the pacific theater it’s a cattaraugus 225q. It’s still sharp as hell and has enough steel to make a car out of it lol. Not sure if he ever had to use it in defense of his life but I assume that he did as he never once mentioned the war and when we asked about it he would clam up and walk off. Any way nice vid man
Marine?
@@RogueAgentX yes he was with the 2nd marine division.
That generation got a belly-full of war and killing, just wanted to move on with their lives afterward...so many of our dads just never talked about it
I'll stick with my original K-BAR, thank you very much.
I have a K- Bar Marine knife that a friend sold me about 30 years ago , he was a Marine who was in the Pacific and this knife was a replacement for his knife when he broke it . This friend was at Iwo Jima , Tarawa and Okinawa. The sheath has US Navy on it but it is a K-Bar and he was issued the knife on Iwo Jima .
You're dreaming if you think a $400 knife is 4X better than a $100 knife. But, if it makes you feel better, go for it!!
The difference in edge retention of higher quality steel, difference in finish, corrosion resistance, scales, sheath and heat treat method all come into play. Quality control is also watched much closer on the finished product of a more expensive piece as well. However, I do agree that there is a price point that will get you a fantastic knife and anything past that point is fluff or mark up. Example: Randall model 7 vs Black Jack model 7, I actually prefer the fit and finish on the cheaper Black Jack. Randall cost $600 and Black Jack cost $230. I sold my Randall because I wouldn't use it but kept the Black Jack and take it with me in the woods always.
@@MrKitty-zv3dl the BK7 will last just as long as any of the upper priced knives in the video.
The same goes for Scotch, cigars & cars.
Once you get to medium priced products, you'll always see diminishing returns with increased cost. Small improvements cost a lot.
Modern warfare has changed the way we select our cutlery, as better firearms and tactics may lead to smaller more compact blade sizes depending on Situation specific. Good video Thank you !
Ain't it funny how the veteran owned knife makers make knives soldiers would have take a car loan out to own. To me if i paid $400 id be to scared id lose it to ever use it. I personally see no reason a production knife should cost more then $150 dollars tops. All else is paying for branding. Knife center love you guys you do a great job
I see you have extensive knowledge of all facets of the manufacturing process....
Hell, look into a SINGLE facet of knife manufacturing and youll see how ignorant it is to assign arbitrary values to goods youd never buy anyway.
Theres plenty of production models out there with blades that cost more than $150 for the company to buy in bar or sheet form.
I recently modded a Dodo with a Z-Max blade. Just the blade stock cost me $86. The titanium cost me $48. The belts other consumables cost me ~$50. Even if you halve those prices, taking into account the much larger scale a production company would work with, doesnt leave much room for r&d, warranty, labor, rent, electricity............
But, hey, some clown on RUclips wont buy it if its more than $150 so lets sell at a loss and go out of business in a day.
BTW, im a USMC vet with many, MANY $400+ knives i use all the time. Im not scared to lose them(lol) because im an adult, and no financing was needed.
Eyedea315 bet you probably own a benchmade knife to an that ain’t all branding .seems funny you can buy a kershaw cv20 for $70 but a D2 benchmade is $150 but you know more than me how about my espada xhp $150 for a 5.5 blade find me any other knife you can get that big an that much steel that cheap. This is the reason America lost many manufacturers stupid make up for no reason
ScalpingYour TP- the best part is whenever the owners of said companies say they are "here for the Soldier"...when in reality, they are just there to exploit and take advantage of the Soldier...usually the lowest ranks, who buy aftermarket equipment, and which, just like the used car lots outside the bases that price cars at top dollar, with ridiculous payment plans, are just there to take advantage of, and exploit the Soldier, not to really, honestly, help him by putting quality gear in their hands for a good price! No, its about stuffing the owners pockets with cash. They are bottom-feeding scum.
Craig Allen agreed
The whole goal of fighting is winning. There are some exelent knives made in the USA however if you simply want the best gear place of manufacturing can never be a objective selection criteria.
How were there no Tops knives?!?
I think some knifes are exclusive 🤔?
@Tsukoyomi Light I agree that they most TOPS models are great workhorses, but there are tons of knives in their catalog that are seriously dedicated combat blades. I would go as far as saying that they have arguably the best production fighting knives one can buy. I have huge respect for SOG Seal (but the AUS-8 steel needs an update) and the Ka-bar USMC is legendary, but I just don't think they can beat TOPS differential heat treat on the 1095, and really wicked aggressive profiles
Yup, Tops makes some good hard use knives
the steel and heat treat they use. there are a lot of bad ones on this list
Tops knives are cool, but mostly too heavy in a real knife fight. For me a perfect combat knife should have an 7 to 8 inch blade and a weight of not more than 12 or 13 oz.
In 1946 I bought a war surplus knife similar to the Kabar, and still have it. All metal is parkerized, but there is no USMC anywhere on it. Sheath does have USMC stamped, and other markings that are worn off. It is still in good condition and that testifies to it’s top quality.
Soldiers and Marines bought most of their knives in the PX rather than being issued. Early Camillus/Western or Marbles knives were often unmarked.
How old are you?
93, bought it in a western auto store. Recently gave it away.
I carried a Randall model 14 for 20 years. Great knife legendary knife.
Love that Hogue fixed blade. Love the look of their drop points.
Yeah. Gonna have to look that one up.
Yeah, it looks real great....Not that big, but enough for a lot of purposes...
I'm heavily biased towards drip points though.. love 'em.
Contrary to popular belief, the average "combat" knife is used far, far more for such mundane jobs as opening boxes, scraping, chopping, digging, and generally abusing it in countless different jobs. Very few troops would use a $4oo knife for something like that when something costing $50 or less will do the exact same job. Even the specialized units like Force Recon and Seals rarely wasted their money on something that you might take into the field once and lose before they finished that one job. Other than Kabars and their generic variants made by Camillus, Utica, and such, Buck 119's and other various inexpensive hunters were just about all any of us ever used back in Viet Nam, and I doubt that things have changed all that much today.
My most favorite is the M3 Trench Knife.
The cold steel osi is great for the outdoors I cut the sub hilt off so I could adjust my grip, the blade is razor sharp and east to keep and edge on I’ve done everything for fillet a fish, camp tasks, it will baton but I like using my tomahawk for tasks such as that. I don’t like kydex so I had my buddy make me a leather sheath with a whetstone pouch.
I carried 3 knives when i was in military that served their purpose well. A ka bar combat, the ka bar "devil's brigade" double edged dagger, and my Randall. 50 some odd years later i still have them but the Randall is my favorite. Stainless steel makes a pretty blade but give me high carbon 1095 full tang knife anyday.
Your presentations are phenomenal. They are clearly and intelligently worded without repetition. You speak from a font of detailed knowledge. Thank you! It is also great to see and hear about knives made in America.
I love my Ka bar , I used and abused my first one and it passed almost all tests ,from digging (yes digging with a knife its better than doing it with your fingers) cutting off tree branches to hand to hand battle ,only area I saw it a bit weak was when throwing it ,it has the tendency to bend where the handle starts but considering its one hit one kill you dont mind just bending it back into position and do it again ,got my second one ,clean ,sharp and ready on my bog out bag.
one hit one kill my ass people don’t die from one throw that may not even penetrate far 😂
NO RANDALL??????
Or Cold Steel R1 . Blackjack 1-7
I have a custom-made Ek (SN # 075) that was given to me as a gift upon graduating Ranger School back in 1987. It went on every deployment with me, up to 2004, when I had to track it down and get it back from a thieving Afghan. After that, it just hangs on my wall. I need to get another, which I willl do shortly. Glad to see they are still being produced.
I, also, am in love (or lust) with the Hogue. Will be getting that tomorrow.
I need to find a company who can make me a sheath (Leather, "Randall Style", or Kydex) for the WWII Cattagurus and also for the Model RH36 knives. Would like high-carry, too. But, 'custom' sheath makers also want 'custom' prices, for which I could get between 2-4 other fuggin' knives! Then, on top of price, they want me to send them the knives so they can make the Kydex sheath for each!!
Hey brother, 11B 87-91.Look up Atlus sheaths on FB. You would have to send him the knife but I've gotten several 6 to 8 from him, never any issues, reasonable prices. Hit me up on FB and can show you some pics of mine he did.
I'm glad you were able to track down your knife man. After I left the Corps I had a break in and my issued Strider DB-L that I had carried in Iraq was stolen along with other stuff and some guns. Local PD did a great job and eventually busted the kids and I got my knife back. Too bad I didn't get my Benchmade Auto Stryker back
David. The k-Bar is a very good knife. But the troops are now equipped with O.K.C made knife.
I have a Spartan Harsey Difensa and a Rhonin Shinto.
I use the Difensa quite a bit.
Bill is teaching me how to make my own knife.
Bill Harsey knows how to design a blade, I just love the lines and look of them.
The K-Bar s a $50 knife, it's only $85 at the knifecenter. Lol
To be fair, 85 is the MSRP I think. Hard to compete with amazon pricing.
Uh these are $70 plus shipping on Amazon all day so don't know what you are talking about.
I bought if from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. I think I paid around $90.
Wrong. A real, genuine KBAR is around $80-100 US in most places. A shitty cop is like $50. Do not buy a shitty copy.
@@thiscorrosion900 Amazon has legit K-Bars for a little less.
Hey Dave, you forgot or for some reason didn't choose to show the "TOPS fighting Infantry knife"🤯 (you know that 7 plus inch one)! BTW, Ka-Bar, Ontario, Camillus, Gerber AND TOPS are the knives issued to our military (at least those I know had been)😮. Besides IMHO, TOPS beats most if not all others I've mentioned and they've quite a diverse line of knives from ANY other of today's companies that make knives (at least that I've looked at anyway)🤔. Be safe and take care, "God Bless", sincerely Randy. 👍👍🙏😇👊
P.S.: It's very difficult to be a "certified knife-aholic"
(having champagne tastes, living off of a soda pop budget)! Oh btw, there isn't any 🔪 addict meetings to attend to get help from 😖!!!
I would beg to differ, TOPS, has not held an NSN and are not an issue knife. While commands individually can purchase items, TOPS are not issued but an open purchase item bought at the command levels.
@@RobertCude Hello, isn't "hindsight" wonderful, since when I was doing my 12.5yrs., that type of information wouldn't have been available, and that if you'd served you didn't know anything then either. It wouldn't really matter about the NSN's when they were still available and used by our military (since the men couldn't have afforded to buy them individually, or in such quantity and just happen to be the same blades, right?). They were there then and now, and how they got there well, does it really matter? Just sayin'. Be safe and have fun, sincerely, Randy. 🙏😇👊
I do know a good knife when I see one.
USMC Fighter was the first knife I bought. Picked one up after reading E. B. Sledge's With the Old Breed.
Great read!
Very true it is important to buy USA.
This planet needs to revolve around that phrase...
SP1 Marine combat, I've had one (black handle for over 20 years-still going strong!)
same for me..with my SP10
@@fmkfmk3835 These are top dollar models for dependability IMHO.
What happened to ESEE knives? Model 4 with clip point and serrated blade seems to be a formidable weapon and utility tool.
The 6 is more like a "combat" knife.
I was thinking that the very second I read your comment. Yeah I have the 6 too.
Becker BK-7 replaced the Vietnam era Mark II, I used for 30 years and sold to a collector with the original hard sheath. We are all happier.
Forgot Tops Knives, personally my favorite company in tactical and Bushcraft knives
You are missing a company the U.S. Navy Seals still use to this day. SOG Knives.
Great knives, but not US made, which is what this video was focused on.
Dillard Johnson used the LMF II to cut power to a building in Iraq, it blasted a half moon out of the blade but he was totally fine. He sent the knife in hoping for a new one and they didn't send him one back LOL
Woah. Shame on Gerber.
the usmc ka bar is personal go to for shtf, tough right size for fighting (duh) good blade profile for skinning and gutting i've took down trees with mine no problem small trees obviously
The Chris Reeve Pacific plain edge, fde is my go to for s.h.t.f. carry. That or the Bark River Bravo 2.
Chris Reeve Pacific is a really nice knife. I plan on picking one up myself.
Best urban slasher combat knife.
BUCK 120......🧟♂️🧟♂️🧟♂️🧟♂️🧟♂️
These knives look so beautifully designed. But I have to keep a close eye on myself, it's really hard to not want to buy another knife or switchblade.
nice I have a cheap 1 lookalike I fou d at the river.. can be ok for chopping or battoning
Being a bit overweight doesn't mean you didn't see Combat !! Lol
I served in the Marines and I can assure you after 10+ yrs most of us have gain some good old boy American weight from Bareque's and other fine dinning !! Lol Semper Fi
OohRah..Not as lean But still as mean
Semper Fi
@@mapl1964jm Yes most of the skills stay with you !! Lol
@Don Baumann It's Saturday today, I will be eating some BBQ today after some shooting fun at the range with my friends Lol !!
Have to keep the skills up especially in today's climate !!! Semper Fi
@willl 88 Oh I do, and other sports ! I'm doing Ok 6' 0' 207 lbs and a 3 1/2 pack !!
Lol
@willl 88 Lol Like you said, a Wife and Kids !! I hear that.
I have the k-bar good choice showing it first it screams American. It's a good knife owned it for years. Watched the whole video all the knives are nice. I still only need my k-bar great video good articulation.
The Ka-Bar Turok is another outstanding option with a great sheath. It lends itself well to both combat and utility/field use. Also makes an outstanding camp knife for the civilian market.
Nice pick! -DCA
No Tops War Bowie???
Please turn off the music
I've noticed that too, in SEVERAL video's now. It IS distracting...
Do you not care for any Randall knives?
I'm torn between the halfbreed and the arvensis. They're so gorgeous
Same here. I guess buying both is the only option
@@YoungT703 this is the way
@@Baulx138 Yes sir!!!
Buy American
It is a war crime to use serrated blades in combat.
Get rid of that last kabar because the guard starts wobbling, unless you’re trying to be a “tactical rattlesnake” then yeah just shake that knife and you’ll be good lol. Replace it with any TOPS or Esee which have more than earned a spot in this video but yet weren’t featured
I worked at camillus cutlery from 199o until they closed in 2003 from foreign competition. Best job I ever had I was being grinder. Not putang grinder lol. I lived right behind the cutlery I had to go through the country parking lot to get to my backyard that's how close I was it was awesome.
Hello after serving for six years in the U.S. Infantry and searching for 30 years I finally found what I consider to be the apex of combat knives in the TOPS Operator Seven.. at six millimeters, or just over a quarter inch thick, 1075 high carbon steel, perfectly tempered blade, Kydex dangler sheath, G-10 and Micarta combo handle it is pricey. Yet once you have it on your rig it becomes priceless. It is the blade I will gladly and confidently pass to my son becoming our family’s legacy blade. Couldn’t recommend it enough.
yup TOPS r great knifes & not ridiculous priced
Thank you both for responding I truly appreciate a good blade and TOPS is well ..... TOPS ...
Hi can you send link for one off those knifes please
TOPS makes excellent blades.
Not to mention my personal favorite Tops US Combat knife,I own 2 ,one is signed by its designer,Laci Szabo and it's a beast,just like the operator 7 but a bit thinner and longer
I miss Cold Steel!
Rolando canelo They’re still in business, but they’ve never been American made, soooo.
Their Carbon V knives were made in the USA by Camillus.
When Camillus went out of business in 2007 Cold Steel no longer had a US manufacturer and they also had no access to Carbon V. IIRC "Carbon V" was the same steel Camillus used in their Becker knives.
Correct mine are carbon v
USMC combat vet here. Trust me when I tell you that you will love the Mark II and it sinks in like going through warm butter. Just bevel a better blade on the top end. Always Faithful Always Forward and Lay Some Hate!!!
420HC on those not-so-affordable knives...uhm....no bueno.
But it's made in 'Murica!
Uh Buck knives are made from 420 HC and they have a pretty darn good track record.
420 HC has gotten a bad rep because of cheap knives with poor heat treatment or a fake 420 HC stamp. But 420 HC is an excellent choice for a knife that will actually be used. It's stainless, tough for a stainless steel, holds an edge reasonably well, and is easy to sharpen.
Many 'luxury' steels perform less well when it come to large knives. I've seen expensive knives with supposedly high performance steel chip, or even break. And some of them are almost impossible to sharpen in the field.
If Kabar USMC, EK, TOPS, and Gerber ASEK knives can be sold with US-made quality sheaths, why can't Becker?
Why knives are so beautiful 😍. Like a work of art in its unique, way shape and form.
That's why cool people the world over collect them.
Have you ever heard of tops knives? I guess Gerber is still a great choice for non knife junkies. The doo doo soft heat treat they do means you can resharpen on a blade of grass.
lmao............i can't sharpen this 06 auto, my nighthawk is a monster(that i love) and grass can cut you so... i know what you mean though. i also buy a knife to be a knife/tool for the purpose of which it was "created".
why don't i ever see benchmade knives used like the $50 gerbers, schrade's...etc to cut down trees(forests) and build bridges, houses, cut diamonds, concrete, wire fences, car engines, stop bullets, time, old age...
great line up. the RMJ is my favorite on the list!
Combat? The cold steel 11 inch rondel dagger with the three edged blade. Of course it's only good for one thing. Stabbing. Okay so if you hit someone hard with the blade you're going to leave a nasty mark.
man I would love that gerber mark 2 without the serrations.
I have one it’s great but yes the serrations are kinda unnecessary
@@mason3vze740 I agree about the serrations, just wouldn't be the same blade without them. I have one as well, I bought it over thirty years ago and it has never been used. My blade is not black by the way.
Lol I like the sarcasm
Some of those knives were very cheesy
1¹¹
Quickly becoming my favorite knife review channel! Bought my first KA-BAR USMC fighter in 1987 from KA-BAR for $25, and the swedge was sharpened out of the box. Five years later the CORPS issued me another one. Sadly, I didn't get to keep it when I got out.
Tops Operator 7
got me a kabar, considering I've won every knife fight I've ever been in with it (0), I think it's pretty damn good at its job. makes one hell of a can opener though
Surprised no tops knifes, most of their knifes are combat ready. Nice choices though
Tops is way better than all of the options showed in the video
Yeah no Prather War Bowie or Operator 7.
Shi Bo Gao The Difensa is issued to operators and they love it. I love my Tops CUT4.0 and Lioness Elite But my Difensa is better.
Yeah those trash sheaths are totally combat ready.
@@SeanJohnson-qm4pu a lot of them have kydex sheaths
With todays huge list of super steels and even former super steels that are much much more affordable than they used to be, 420 has no busines being used for anything other than butterknives.
The gerber strong arm is a perfect knife for the price
As is the prodigy.
No it isn’t
I have to disagree, the handle and steel are atrocious. Try the Ka-Bar Mark 1 USN. You'll be happily surprised if your hands aren't big.
I've owned a K-Bar for 30 years and a Buck 119 same time . Some times I went out with the K-Bar and some times I went with the Buck . Never felt the need to up grade .
I think the tops combat should have definitely been on there before Gerber.
Both are junk so it dosen't really matter.
I think that Gerbers are under rated. They make many excellent products. I do love my Tops Prather War Bowie!
Spartan makes some beautiful knives, but that's almost the price of a rifle, so no.
I always like the Cold Steel LeatherNeck with D2 and the Recon Scout ...💪
My favorite combat knife 🗡 is the Navy Seal knife!
I missed seeing the Benchmade Nimravus 140 on this list. A classic proven for decades.
The KA-BAR is made by Cutco Knives located in Olean New York.
The Usmc knife is a hunting knife, just not for hunting 4 legged animals...
There is a requirement maid to be a combat knife . Hilt first of all , in front a blade seven inches overall . That's what she said . . .
I was deployed twice with my ASEK. No clue if it's rated highly or not but I trusted it with my life. I dug things out of the dirt, cut playdough with it, pried green cans open and beat things with it. It is within arms reach most every day still. That Chimera looks a tad longer and would probably work well.
The ka/bar was sold in a box that had the old fractonal blue print on the box .on the print its called{ blood groove } 5/8 ball endmill. Thats why people call it that . its on the print.
really in the 'new world', the basic knife design for hunters and combat knives has not changed much since 1830 with the development of the bowie. the loveless knife which is still somewhat bowie like. The exceptions i am aware of are the still very old kukuri made known in the west in 1810 and the FS Raider stiletto. there are some german world war 2 era knives that are beautiful and non-bowie like but make me hesitate to forge because the nazis were the users of them....although I do kinda want to make some with the star of David on them as a FU to that group of people.
Ever held a Canadian belt style hunting knife? I Highly recommend the *Knives of Alaska- Yukon belt knife*. Get one in hand, use it & you'll understand, don't let the odd shape fool or disuade you. Best ergonomics for use in a hunting blade I've ever found. Grohmann produced the original Canadian Belt Knife, which is a trappers skinning/processing design. It's wildly popular in the north, but has yet to gain popularity here in the USA. I prefer the KOA version.
KA-BAR 1266 Modified Tanto is also a very good option.
Gerber Mk 2 was my choice back when but now Cold Steel Recon Tanto is thick, sharp and solid......
I agree I use a Cold Steel Warcraft med. Tanto. A beast of a blade.
KABAR. There. Answered. There is no other combat knife.
Hey. Great video. Just subscribed. Have you ever thought of doing a video about the differences in the steel that these knives are made out of, or just make like a Top 5 steels for knives video? I know some steels are better for maintaining sharpness. Others are better for durability. Etc. With so many different types of steel its a bit confusing. Or is it always just a matter of the more expensive the knife - the better the steel?
I still have, and use, my Dad's K-bar from the 1940's. It's a monster.