Spyderco rocked my world with three new features for me. I had the first FRN clip Spyderco Endura, still buying them today. That Gerber LST is a top quality knife for mini-small survival kits, will cut your cord, make your feather sticks, and skin your critters, all for almost no weight.
Hey DCA - we’ve seen significant tech jumps in metallurgy- not visual, but just as significant as the mechanical tech jumps. My prediction: metallurgy is where the future knife tech jumps will take place. Great vid.
I bought a Spyderco Worker with the plain edge back in the 80's. I still have it and it's in excellent shape. At first I didn't like the clip and carried it unclipped down in my pocket because that was how I'd always carried knives my whole life. lol
I've collected about 50 pocket knives of all types, many more fixed blades, but I ALWAYS seem to go back to using the Buck 110...When its time for hard use...I go to Buck 110. Its a classic work horse
Thank you very much for the master class in folding knife history innovations. My wife is now very upset with you, as I intend to build my collection around many of the examples you spotlighted!
That was a great question, between this and the "How To Collect Knives Without Breaking the Bank" video, there is so much for a newbie like me to dive into!
Loved this edition on folding knife history. It's often really difficult to have proper perspective on events and products so recent, so thanks DCA for such a balanced viewpoint. A joy to watch as always.
I could be wrong, but in my experience with the first Spyderco back in the 80’s, not only were they the first to put a pocket clip on, and first with the thumb hole (Spyder hole), but I believe they were the first to take the back lock from the very rear of the knife (like Buck) and move it closer to the front… just a little past midway. They were certainly the first I’d seen in the early to mid 80’s.
@@The4cp Only if they get rid of the clip on it. The clip adds about a half inch of width to the the handle and actually doesn't actually clip to anything. there is a gap between the the end of the clip and the handle.
I too was around and using pocket knives back then (in the early 80s) and I'm pretty sure you're right! At least they're very likely the first to do so on a large production level, Spyderco is. There weren't really a ton to choose from back then, not like now. And being so the Spyderco really stood out to me and I'm sure many others for that exact reason.
Hi DCA, I just purchased my first house! I previously lived in a condo, finally I have a yard, trees, gardens, driveway all the good stuff that comes with a house. I say finally because I recently turned 57. Naturally I have to commemorate the occasion with a new knife. What would you recommend? Budget about $400 and if a combo of 2 items under that price would suit better that’s great! Thank you and everyone at Knifecenter!
Other innovations might be : compression lock, button lock, Emerson wave, seat belt cutters, glass breakers... On fixed blade I'd say kydex sheaths are innovative
Great video as always DCA, I would like to add one to the list; the Gerber Gator folder of the early 90s. I know that there had been "plastic" or "synthetic" handles on knives for a long while but the Gerber Gator 650 had the rubber grip which didn't seem too common back then. Had a friend who carried an original 650 for a long time. Hunting/trapping he'd carry the Gerber 650, SS Ruger Single-Six, and drove a Dodge Dakota 4x4, whereas I carried a Buck 180 Crosslock (which I lost and found so many times and still have in a B+ condition after nearly 30years), SS Ruger Mk II 22/45, and drove a Chevy S10 4x4. Lot of good memories of my youth...
I just got the Benchmade mini adamas for my 40th birthday. It's such a great knife! Feels great in the hand. I haven't used it to any significant degree but I can tell it's amazing quality.
Spyderco knives were highly innovative, with others finding ways to incorporate the pocket clip, one hand opening, and serrated edges, which were all the rage for a while. As for Sting, I'm sure that Tolkien himself would find favor in that A.G. Russell design.
I think there should have been a bench made butterfly knife there they are really the ones that brought it to the mainstream and introduced it to a lot of people
Thanks for the history lesson. I have a Buck 110 that I bought in 1975. It was the first knife 🔪 that I bought with my own money. It was the knife that started my knife disease. It was the only blade I carried for years. It’s too heavy for today’s usage, but I still use I every once in a while.
Bless y’all for breaking the video up into labeled segments. I’m sure it’s a ton of extra work that doesn’t feel like it’s rewarded but man it makes such a difference for all of us that consume your content to be able to jump around to knives we’re familiar with and want to know about immediately and then to come back to the rest later on. Going the extra mile never backfired on anyone, in this case it’s what separates you guys from the rest and I’d like to teammate-slap y’all on the ass for it 🫡
Cool video. You should do another budget challenge with Seth, like the one with the civivi badlands vagabond vs the ka bar dozier. I actually bought the civivi because of that versus.
Hey DCA, my 10 year old son wanted me to ask " if you are in a dark alley with a bunch of gangsters who want to fight you, what pocket knife would you want for self-defense "? Thanks for helping me introduce him and my daughter to the hobby👍🏿.
I very much appreciated this video, thanks, I consider the '80 and '90 a golden age for knives, in USA you produced really badass knives!! Times changed, now are not so interesting.
Thank you for your work David, thanks to your conversations about knives, especially in the FAQ series, I delved into this world, even if it was timid because of the lack of a budget, it was certainly with great curiosity, thanks to the passion with which you talk 😁
0:54. “Et al” is usually pronounced “et all“. It’s used in academic papers to refer to a team of authors of a work. Really a great video. I really enjoyed learning about this hobby.
First folding knife I ever saw. I was at a friend's house after school , we must have been about 10 years old (1990) , his older brother decided to scare me , and pulled his knife out !!! After the joke , he let me hold it , I was mesmerised!!! I couldn't close it until he showed me!! The knife?? Buck 110
You cannot speak of knives that changed the industries without including Blackie Collins' Bolt Action Gerber. I bought my first Gerber Bolt Action in 1985 at the ripe old age of 11. It was far ahead of its times and quite worthy of being on this list as the bolt action could be the grandaddy of the Manix ball lock and the bar lock that was made famous by BenchMade. Blackie Collins is truly one of the most innovative knife designers of all time.
The Buck 110 started the industry. The PM2, Benchmade 940 and Cold Steel Recon One set the early standard. Buck also was one of or the first to use titanium. I wish that version of the 110 would return. I dang near got one as a kid.
Great edition. The history of folders is particularly interesting for me because I lived through it. Thanks KCI. In fact, I remember KCI history as well. I wes skeptical and cautious when ordering an early and expensive Benchmade. I had a return on my second order simply because it did not feel comfortable (as the knife was designed). As KCI advertised, returns are okay. You asked if it was defective? I said no, you said, return. No problem.
No Cold Steel Voyager series? I had one of the first in 1993, in High school. Never carried it in school of course, but when you worked on a ranch or as a stock boy. It was your best friend, and under $100 dollars.
My first Cold Steel was a Voyager from the early 1990’s. Pre-Triad Lock with a molded pocket clip. First time I ever seen a Tanto blade. My friend gifted it to me for my birthday. I love that knife. Now I have 2 Spyderco knives and 3 Cold Steel knives. 👍🏽
I still have an original M16-13Z. Spear point, partially serrated, Zytel scales. It's a great knife that served me for so many years. I've since retired it from regular carry for a number of reasons; the blade steel is too soft and requires regular sharpening, the serrations wind up getting in the way most of the time (though occasionally useful), and for a couple decades of use the pivot has worn to a point the blade has some back and forth wobble. Still a great knife, but a Yo2 cruwear has become my daily carry. The blade steel is amazing, the compression lock is fantastic, the blade shape is far more useful for me, and the handle ergonomics are just a little better for me.
I’d have to agree with Thomas, aka (the man behind the curtain), on the having not had enough distance between the 10s and 20s… as patent are starting to run out on things like the crossbar lock, which it seems every knife company has their own version of. Or when the compression lock patent runs out I’m sure there will be a similar surge, which we can’t see staying power till farther down the road. That said it was awesome to learn some knew stuff about the knife world! Thanks for the class!
The compression lock? The tri-ad lock? There were some missing BIG contenders in the list I feel. Loved the video. Great info as always, keep up the great work DCA and crew!
It would be amazing if behind the edge thickness was a spec, but I totally understand why it's a difficult quantity to nail down for each knife. But a blade to handle ratio (or sharpened edge to handle ratio) spec is as simple as dividing one spec by another, and wouldn't be difficult to add. How about it Knifecenter? Want to take the lead?
I think you may be misunderstanding the question about the OTF knife. Some people expect an otf knife to force their way through obstructions and lock open after piercing whatever material may be in front of the blade path especially double edged dagger style knives. I’ve seen auto out / auto retract knives like the benchmade have their forward movement stop after piercing only a quarter inch into a single piece of paper. I think most otf auto knives are designed as a no load system to simply present a blade as rapidly as possible and as such are usually prone to being small or thin and delicate compared to most ordinary working knives. I would believe that a mechanical knife that would be powerful enough to force itself through obstructions up to and including flesh would have to be significantly more heavily built to contain a more powerful spring and to have a handle that would be resilient enough to withstand the impact of the blade on its locking mechanism and is rather impractical as an edc tool
Hey DCA, I have a question/need some recommendations. I need a good EDC knife that can double as a hobby whittling knife. I currently use an Opinel #6 for carving, and carry a separate EDC knife. I'd like to have one knife that does both, at least adequately. A few "must have" stipulations are; a single locking blade, 7.25" or under, and a max price of $150. Some "optional" features are; powdered steel, micarta/wooden scales, one handed action(i.e. crossbar, compression, button lock, etc), and deep carry clip. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you, and Knife Center for all of the great content. The entire EDC community is lucky to have you, and Thomas, creating such great content!
My answer for the Bilbo question would be a knife that is discontinued. The we drakon. Single piece milled titanium handle with dragon scales. Perfect for cutting apples in the undying lands.
DCA: WWIII has just started and the US government is instituting WWII style production controls. They have decided that only 5 folding pocket knives (not multi tools or SAKs) will be made during the war for both military and civilian uses. They have asked for your expertise in picking 5 knives across a variety of price points and styles, with none that are too junky or too expensive ($150 or less). Foreign designs can be stollen and existing designs can be simplified to lower cost. You can also argue for a few more or less than 5, but you must give convincing reasons.
Hey DCA. great vid,as always, but you forgot to mention the tri-ad lock that was also very innovative. Not only for its strength but also that it is “wear and tear proof”.
Dave shows a new knife I like, usually placing my order before the segment is over...G Carta double thumb stud Chris Reeve large Sebenza, KnifeCenter exclusive was my last purchase.
Hey DCA, I got a question about Micarta. Some Micarta handles seem to soak up liquids like a sponge. Especially the ones from the Izula 2, I remember. Why is that? I understand the canvas/paper/etc. is soaked in phenolic resin in the process and should, therefore, not being porous? Thank you, and keep up the great show!
I've never operated a button lock knife, but in my inexperience they appear to be a very nice mode of operation, with little competition in ergonomics. I'd love to hear your take on the pros and cons. Why doesn't every company offer such an easy use lock mechanism?
Hey DCA, can you please give a quick rundown of the difference between the “reverse tanto”, Wharncliffe/sheepsfoot and sax (saex) blade designs? Would it be fair to say that the sax inspired the others?
Hey DCA, I have been finding myself decreasingly interested in modern knife designs. They just seem to lack something to me. What knife would get me feeling excited about new knives again?
Id say forget about the new ti frame lock flipper world and rediscover some older models. Go fondel some AFCK’s or old Axis lock Osbournes Maybe some older micarta Goddard spydercos
The Spyderco Para 3 is an awesome knife. A very popular trend is to modify the knife with custom scales. To take it even further there are knife modded who customize pocket knives. They could stonewash the blade or mirror polish the blade, anodize the handle. You end up with a truly unique piece
I like older style knives, but I did purchase a Demko AD20.5, with the 3v blade, it locks up super tight, the blade design is classic and understated. I really enjoy the action of the knife and how it feels in my hand. I have done quite a hit of work with it, I’ve batoned some decent thickness branches with it, done quite a bit of feather sticks, wood carving, cut 1000’s of zip ties and cardboard and lots of tasks when camping, working, fishing and the knife has held up amazingly. I’m not a fan of “busy” looking knives or “tactical” knives. The blade steel is heat treated to perfection, it is built amazingly well and the Shark lock is my favorite of all the locks on the market. It’s completely finger safe, gives the knife a very strong detent, I can open and close my knife very quickly with one hand, it feels like a really smooth revolver or an winding well broken in watch when opening and closing it. The sounds it makes and the mechanical feeling is really something to experience. I’m currently looking for some milled aluminum or micarta handle scales for it but there is nothing wrong with the factory scales. I don’t usually modify my knives but I love this knife so much that I want some scales to make it more comfortable for me, or let’s be honest to look cooler to me lol.
Chris Reeve Knives, Shirogorov, Rockstead are all amazing knife brands. Something really popular now is buy a regular production knife and upgrading the handle scales. The Benchmade Bugout, and Spyderco Para 3 are popular models to upgrade with new scales
Grandfather had a circa 1970's pocket knife with a pocket click, so have doubts Spyderco invented that. I'd have thought Victorinox would have warranted a mention? Also curious if flipper design was inspired by old style (Roman) friction folders? ie: take a knife like a Svord, and keep grinding down the arm until you get a nub, and you've got a flipper. I've got a Tod Cutler medieval-design friction folder, and you can flip it open, but obviously lacks modern flipper nuances.
Hey DAC, question: I have about 40 knives now, mostly budget. I’d like to buy a knife to hopefully end my endless purchases. Is there a knife that is fantastic in the $500-800 price range that will become the “one?” My criteria include one hand pulling out of my pocket, deploying, closing and putting back in my pocket; 3 ish inch blade; light enough for dress pants or shorts; thumb stud as a deployment option; not a front-flipper; all-around blade shape.
Same here. When I started liner, frame ,compression, and were everything. Now axis, and button locks have really came to the to. My favorite is still the Cold Steel Triad lock. It's NEVER failed.
I don’t know if it has been omitted because it’s of a different class but no mention of the Victorinox or Swiss Army Knife? Had one when I was a kid. It was my very first knife and MacGyver was a really popular show back then so I’m betting a ton of folks had them.
Hi, DCA! I like your videos very much. They seems to be very comprehensive for me, at least! One short question: why folders with two or even three blades? Some of them have almost the same blades' shapes. Thanks in advance for your answer! All the best to all of you out there!
Thanks for all your stellar work, DCA and Thomas. So, yesterday I received the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Mini KC exclusive, and like so many knives I've bought lately, it came with a nylon carrying case. All of them will fit at least a couple of knives, or in my case, a knife and a candy bar. Why do they send these, they gotta add a few extra $$ to the price, and does anyone actually use them??
Hey DCA, first off I’m a huge fan of the channel. Second, I’m needing a folding knife that can stand up to some specific abuse. I live in Alabama, where it gets humid and where there is red dirt everywhere. In the summer I like to fish in backwoods ponds where I need my knife often. I need a folding knife that can stand up to the mud and grit and humidity without failing on me. Thoughts on this?
I'm really fond of them too. When I realized none of my immediate colleagues were knife guys and they were struggling with crappy gas station knives, I got them each an M16 as a duty knife.
I think we are seeing a game changing "moment" right now! Since more and more living space is getting urban, and knife laws are often being quite tight in many more crowded places, there are a few companies out there who are taking that possibility and who are conquering these new markets. For me it is especially one-handed opening slipjoint knives, and OTF knives that are so small, that you can legally own them because they no longer fit the OTF criteria. There are probably some other knives like that out there, but what comes to mind for each is the Böker Plus Urban Spillo Flipjoint (slipjoint flipper), and the Micro USB OTF, emphasis on micro, which will be legal to own even in Germany! We kinda got 2 legal OTFs right now, the other one is the Rescue OTF, also by Böker Plus, but that's more for work and less for the pleasures. Looking froward for many more to come! Hell, I would even buy a non-locking OTF that could be bigger and still have a tip, if it wouldn't lock. Someone please make it!
DCA! I am in the need of a light, nimble, stainless, field sharpenable small fixed blade to pair with a more robust field knife. I m thinking a bird and trout in a pocket sheath but could be persuaded otherwise. Suggestions?
I am a big fan of flipper knives and also finger safe locks. I find very few examples of cross bar type locks on flipper tab knives. Is this because it is difficult to construct? I think the SOG Kiku XR is a rare example, though? PS. Not so much a fan of thumb studs, since they often limit both the usable length of the blade and also often make sharpening more cumbersome.
It is hard to get the "detent" tuned properly on a crossbar-locking knife with a flipper. Have you looked at button-lock flippers? There is a new version of the Civivi Elementum that people really seem to like.
@@Ericstraordinary Yes, I own a Civivi Conspirator with Nitro-V blade and wooden handles. Great knife. Still, I find the cross bar type locks more intriguing than the button lock (probably because I don't own one ... yet)
Hey DCA, love the series! Question: If George W. Sears were alive today, would he feel the need to design the Nessmuk knife? Or would he be satisfied enough with one of the plethora of outdoor knives available on the market? Which one would best meet his needs?
Thiers Issard Paddle Strop...? Please expalin.! Also "A few swipes in the morning, a few swipe at night helps maintain DCA day at Knife Center so Bright". Poetry in motion when DCA speaks about knives. A walking encyclopedia. Perhaps in the future Knife Center can do "Imported Knives" where they were designed & crafted in another country. Happy Easter folks.! Warm greetings from Australia.
Hey DCA, love the series. I know you are quite into kitchen knives as well, but do you have any japanese knives in your collection? Some fancy carbon steel maybe?
The Spyderco "Worker" reminds me of the Short Nosed Sturgeon species that I catch quite often while nighttime Catfishing in the Connecticut River In my section of Western Franklin County, Massachusetts.
Person I’d say a game changer in the knife industry would be magnacut, or any other steels for that matter. S30V, cruwear, rex45, rex121, even older steels like O1, AEB-L, and so on.
DCA seemed flabbergasted about being referred to as having a 'learned' knife opinion. DCAs humbleness is refreshing. Never change. DCA, Seth & Thomas has gotten me through some ugly times. I found a great hobby & art that made living outside in Vermont winters (as a #CatchAndKill victim of Epsteins partners-in-crime in both Ds & Rs) a lot of fun. Keep up the great work, gentlemen.
Personally, I am not a folder fan as such. Fixed Blades are my weakness. I DO carry Buck 110's and have since they became available, as well as SAK Huntsman's and have since they became available. The advances in metallurgy, imho, are the real innovation in pocket blades. For the most part a folder is a folder is a folder and a pocket knife is meant for the pocket.
Spyderco rocked my world with three new features for me. I had the first FRN clip Spyderco Endura, still buying them today. That Gerber LST is a top quality knife for mini-small survival kits, will cut your cord, make your feather sticks, and skin your critters, all for almost no weight.
You forgot the Tri-Ad. It revolutionized the strength of folding knives forever.
Hey DCA - we’ve seen significant tech jumps in metallurgy- not visual, but just as significant as the mechanical tech jumps. My prediction: metallurgy is where the future knife tech jumps will take place. Great vid.
Something to watch for in this vein is that @knifesteelnerds next book is about the history of knife steel
I bought a Spyderco Worker with the plain edge back in the 80's. I still have it and it's in excellent shape. At first I didn't like the clip and carried it unclipped down in my pocket because that was how I'd always carried knives my whole life. lol
1964 was a great year..... Buck 110, Ruger 10/22, and the Beatles..... All of them game changers.
The buck 110 is the 1911 of the knife world.
no, the DTK 1911 is the 1911 of the knife world
The Delica is the Glock of the knife world
Agreed.
@@roybokelman4215 Ya'll got any clips for my delica?
FACTS 😀
I've collected about 50 pocket knives of all types, many more fixed blades, but I ALWAYS seem to go back to using the Buck 110...When its time for hard use...I go to Buck 110. Its a classic work horse
Spyderco's ball cage lock on the Manix is impressive.
Blade steel is the innovation of the 2Ks tho...
Thank you very much for the master class in folding knife history innovations. My wife is now very upset with you, as I intend to build my collection around many of the examples you spotlighted!
Well said! DCA seemed flabbergasted about being referred to as having a 'learned' knife opinion. DCAs humbleness is refreshing.
That was a great question, between this and the "How To Collect Knives Without Breaking the Bank" video, there is so much for a newbie like me to dive into!
Loved this edition on folding knife history. It's often really difficult to have proper perspective on events and products so recent, so thanks DCA for such a balanced viewpoint. A joy to watch as always.
I could be wrong, but in my experience with the first Spyderco back in the 80’s, not only were they the first to put a pocket clip on, and first with the thumb hole (Spyder hole), but I believe they were the first to take the back lock from the very rear of the knife (like Buck) and move it closer to the front… just a little past midway. They were certainly the first I’d seen in the early to mid 80’s.
Buck also had a titanium 110 way, way, way ahead of its time. I really wish they would bring that back.
@@The4cp Only if they get rid of the clip on it. The clip adds about a half inch of width to the the handle and actually doesn't actually clip to anything. there is a gap between the the end of the clip and the handle.
Also Al Mar
I too was around and using pocket knives back then (in the early 80s) and I'm pretty sure you're right! At least they're very likely the first to do so on a large production level, Spyderco is.
There weren't really a ton to choose from back then, not like now. And being so the Spyderco really stood out to me and I'm sure many others for that exact reason.
Hi DCA, I just purchased my first house! I previously lived in a condo, finally I have a yard, trees, gardens, driveway all the good stuff that comes with a house. I say finally because I recently turned 57. Naturally I have to commemorate the occasion with a new knife. What would you recommend? Budget about $400 and if a combo of 2 items under that price would suit better that’s great! Thank you and everyone at Knifecenter!
Other innovations might be : compression lock, button lock, Emerson wave, seat belt cutters, glass breakers... On fixed blade I'd say kydex sheaths are innovative
Great video as always DCA, I would like to add one to the list; the Gerber Gator folder of the early 90s. I know that there had been "plastic" or "synthetic" handles on knives for a long while but the Gerber Gator 650 had the rubber grip which didn't seem too common back then.
Had a friend who carried an original 650 for a long time. Hunting/trapping he'd carry the Gerber 650, SS Ruger Single-Six, and drove a Dodge Dakota 4x4, whereas I carried a Buck 180 Crosslock (which I lost and found so many times and still have in a B+ condition after nearly 30years), SS Ruger Mk II 22/45, and drove a Chevy S10 4x4. Lot of good memories of my youth...
I just got the Benchmade mini adamas for my 40th birthday. It's such a great knife! Feels great in the hand. I haven't used it to any significant degree but I can tell it's amazing quality.
Spyderco knives were highly innovative, with others finding ways to incorporate the pocket clip, one hand opening, and serrated edges, which were all the rage for a while. As for Sting, I'm sure that Tolkien himself would find favor in that A.G. Russell design.
"The knife circle of life"... THE CIRCLE OF KNIFE
I think there should have been a bench made butterfly knife there they are really the ones that brought it to the mainstream and introduced it to a lot of people
Thanks for the history lesson. I have a Buck 110 that I bought in 1975. It was the first knife 🔪 that I bought with my own money. It was the knife that started my knife disease. It was the only blade I carried for years. It’s too heavy for today’s usage, but I still use I every once in a while.
I've collected knives since I've been a kid.I really like these shows about knife history and the way designs and features have changed.
Bless y’all for breaking the video up into labeled segments. I’m sure it’s a ton of extra work that doesn’t feel like it’s rewarded but man it makes such a difference for all of us that consume your content to be able to jump around to knives we’re familiar with and want to know about immediately and then to come back to the rest later on. Going the extra mile never backfired on anyone, in this case it’s what separates you guys from the rest and I’d like to teammate-slap y’all on the ass for it 🫡
I wonder if, rather than physical features, the defining inflection point of the 2000s and 2010s is proliferation and variety of supersteels?
Im a simple man..i see KnifeCenter new videos pop up..i click...i love watching DCA and cold blooded stone cold Thomas 😂 🤘🏻
Love the spyderco worker it was the knife I carried the most. Until I broke the tip and then lost the knife.
Cool video. You should do another budget challenge with Seth, like the one with the civivi badlands vagabond vs the ka bar dozier. I actually bought the civivi because of that versus.
Hey DCA, my 10 year old son wanted me to ask " if you are in a dark alley with a bunch of gangsters who want to fight you, what pocket knife would you want for self-defense "? Thanks for helping me introduce him and my daughter to the hobby👍🏿.
I very much appreciated this video, thanks, I consider the '80 and '90 a golden age for knives, in USA you produced really badass knives!! Times changed, now are not so interesting.
Thank you for your work David, thanks to your conversations about knives, especially in the FAQ series, I delved into this world, even if it was timid because of the lack of a budget, it was certainly with great curiosity, thanks to the passion with which you talk 😁
0:54. “Et al” is usually pronounced “et all“. It’s used in academic papers to refer to a team of authors of a work.
Really a great video. I really enjoyed learning about this hobby.
First folding knife I ever saw. I was at a friend's house after school , we must have been about 10 years old (1990) , his older brother decided to scare me , and pulled his knife out !!! After the joke , he let me hold it , I was mesmerised!!! I couldn't close it until he showed me!! The knife?? Buck 110
You cannot speak of knives that changed the industries without including Blackie Collins' Bolt Action Gerber. I bought my first Gerber Bolt Action in 1985 at the ripe old age of 11. It was far ahead of its times and quite worthy of being on this list as the bolt action could be the grandaddy of the Manix ball lock and the bar lock that was made famous by BenchMade. Blackie Collins is truly one of the most innovative knife designers of all time.
The Buck 110 started the industry. The PM2, Benchmade 940 and Cold Steel Recon One set the early standard. Buck also was one of or the first to use titanium. I wish that version of the 110 would return. I dang near got one as a kid.
The knife industry has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. The Beatles didn't invent music.
Ken Onion is the man.
If CRKT would have kept their production in the USA I think they would have a larger market share.
Hey DCA,
Great episode, but what about the powder metals?
That was a big game changer in the knife industry,
at least to me.
Spyderco also popularize serrations on pocket knife blades.
Great edition. The history of folders is particularly interesting for me because I lived through it.
Thanks KCI. In fact, I remember KCI history as well. I wes skeptical and cautious when ordering an early and expensive Benchmade. I had a return on my second order simply because it did not feel comfortable (as the knife was designed). As KCI advertised, returns are okay. You asked if it was defective? I said no, you said, return. No problem.
Hahaha Great answer to TMSQOTD ,enjoyed the whole episode so thank you fellas. Happy holidays to you and everyone at TKC.
No Cold Steel Voyager series? I had one of the first in 1993, in High school. Never carried it in school of course, but when you worked on a ranch or as a stock boy. It was your best friend, and under $100 dollars.
My first Cold Steel was a Voyager from the early 1990’s. Pre-Triad Lock with a molded pocket clip. First time I ever seen a Tanto blade. My friend gifted it to me for my birthday. I love that knife. Now I have 2 Spyderco knives and 3 Cold Steel knives. 👍🏽
I remember buying a lockblade Gerber in the late 80s ...cool stuff at the time
I still have an original M16-13Z. Spear point, partially serrated, Zytel scales. It's a great knife that served me for so many years. I've since retired it from regular carry for a number of reasons; the blade steel is too soft and requires regular sharpening, the serrations wind up getting in the way most of the time (though occasionally useful), and for a couple decades of use the pivot has worn to a point the blade has some back and forth wobble.
Still a great knife, but a Yo2 cruwear has become my daily carry. The blade steel is amazing, the compression lock is fantastic, the blade shape is far more useful for me, and the handle ergonomics are just a little better for me.
I’d have to agree with Thomas, aka (the man behind the curtain), on the having not had enough distance between the 10s and 20s… as patent are starting to run out on things like the crossbar lock, which it seems every knife company has their own version of. Or when the compression lock patent runs out I’m sure there will be a similar surge, which we can’t see staying power till farther down the road. That said it was awesome to learn some knew stuff about the knife world! Thanks for the class!
Agree on the Sting! Thanks for sharing it was a very interesting and informative FAQ. Have a blessed day!
The WinterBladeCo "Factor"... That was a pretty good mechanical jump.
I would put the Cuda Max by Camillus as one of the greatest knifes also designed by the great Darryl Ralph.
The tri-ad and demko locks too
The compression lock? The tri-ad lock? There were some missing BIG contenders in the list I feel. Loved the video. Great info as always, keep up the great work DCA and crew!
It would be amazing if behind the edge thickness was a spec, but I totally understand why it's a difficult quantity to nail down for each knife. But a blade to handle ratio (or sharpened edge to handle ratio) spec is as simple as dividing one spec by another, and wouldn't be difficult to add. How about it Knifecenter? Want to take the lead?
I think you may be misunderstanding the question about the OTF knife. Some people expect an otf knife to force their way through obstructions and lock open after piercing whatever material may be in front of the blade path especially double edged dagger style knives.
I’ve seen auto out / auto retract knives like the benchmade have their forward movement stop after piercing only a quarter inch into a single piece of paper.
I think most otf auto knives are designed as a no load system to simply present a blade as rapidly as possible and as such are usually prone to being small or thin and delicate compared to most ordinary working knives.
I would believe that a mechanical knife that would be powerful enough to force itself through obstructions up to and including flesh would have to be significantly more heavily built to contain a more powerful spring and to have a handle that would be resilient enough to withstand the impact of the blade on its locking mechanism and is rather impractical as an edc tool
Hey DCA, I have a question/need some recommendations. I need a good EDC knife that can double as a hobby whittling knife. I currently use an Opinel #6 for carving, and carry a separate EDC knife. I'd like to have one knife that does both, at least adequately. A few "must have" stipulations are; a single locking blade, 7.25" or under, and a max price of $150. Some "optional" features are; powdered steel, micarta/wooden scales, one handed action(i.e. crossbar, compression, button lock, etc), and deep carry clip. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you, and Knife Center for all of the great content. The entire EDC community is lucky to have you, and Thomas, creating such great content!
P.S., I forgot to list manual action, and no flippers, in the "must have" section. Thanks for everything
My answer for the Bilbo question would be a knife that is discontinued. The we drakon. Single piece milled titanium handle with dragon scales. Perfect for cutting apples in the undying lands.
DCA: WWIII has just started and the US government is instituting WWII style production controls. They have decided that only 5 folding pocket knives (not multi tools or SAKs) will be made during the war for both military and civilian uses. They have asked for your expertise in picking 5 knives across a variety of price points and styles, with none that are too junky or too expensive ($150 or less). Foreign designs can be stollen and existing designs can be simplified to lower cost. You can also argue for a few more or less than 5, but you must give convincing reasons.
Hey DCA. great vid,as always, but you forgot to mention the tri-ad lock that was also very innovative. Not only for its strength but also that it is “wear and tear proof”.
Funny...I agree Dave, own many of those innovative knives you shown. Thanks, I enjoy your insights and shows.
I'm with you on that 'reverse tanto' thing.
Either it's a 'tanto' blade, or it's not. 😁
In 1983 (give or take a year) I bought a Gerber manual OTF, no pocket clip.
Dave shows a new knife I like, usually placing my order before the segment is over...G Carta double thumb stud Chris Reeve large Sebenza, KnifeCenter exclusive was my last purchase.
Hey DCA, I got a question about Micarta. Some Micarta handles seem to soak up liquids like a sponge. Especially the ones from the Izula 2, I remember. Why is that? I understand the canvas/paper/etc. is soaked in phenolic resin in the process and should, therefore, not being porous?
Thank you, and keep up the great show!
No mention on Spyderco compression lock, one of the best locks. Also shark lock is going to rise for sure in coming years.
I've never operated a button lock knife, but in my inexperience they appear to be a very nice mode of operation, with little competition in ergonomics.
I'd love to hear your take on the pros and cons. Why doesn't every company offer such an easy use lock mechanism?
If I'm not mistaken the worker model was the first spyderco to hit the market
Hey DCA, can you please give a quick rundown of the difference between the “reverse tanto”, Wharncliffe/sheepsfoot and sax (saex) blade designs? Would it be fair to say that the sax inspired the others?
Reverse tanto isn't a blade shape. its a Wharncliffe sheepsfoot or a modified version of one or the other
Hey DCA, I have been finding myself decreasingly interested in modern knife designs. They just seem to lack something to me. What knife would get me feeling excited about new knives again?
Id say forget about the new ti frame lock flipper world and rediscover some older models.
Go fondel some AFCK’s or old Axis lock Osbournes
Maybe some older micarta Goddard spydercos
The Spyderco Para 3 is an awesome knife. A very popular trend is to modify the knife with custom scales. To take it even further there are knife modded who customize pocket knives. They could stonewash the blade or mirror polish the blade, anodize the handle. You end up with a truly unique piece
I like older style knives, but I did purchase a Demko AD20.5, with the 3v blade, it locks up super tight, the blade design is classic and understated. I really enjoy the action of the knife and how it feels in my hand. I have done quite a hit of work with it, I’ve batoned some decent thickness branches with it, done quite a bit of feather sticks, wood carving, cut 1000’s of zip ties and cardboard and lots of tasks when camping, working, fishing and the knife has held up amazingly. I’m not a fan of “busy” looking knives or “tactical” knives. The blade steel is heat treated to perfection, it is built amazingly well and the Shark lock is my favorite of all the locks on the market. It’s completely finger safe, gives the knife a very strong detent, I can open and close my knife very quickly with one hand, it feels like a really smooth revolver or an winding well broken in watch when opening and closing it. The sounds it makes and the mechanical feeling is really something to experience. I’m currently looking for some milled aluminum or micarta handle scales for it but there is nothing wrong with the factory scales. I don’t usually modify my knives but I love this knife so much that I want some scales to make it more comfortable for me, or let’s be honest to look cooler to me lol.
Chris Reeve Knives, Shirogorov, Rockstead are all amazing knife brands. Something really popular now is buy a regular production knife and upgrading the handle scales. The Benchmade Bugout, and Spyderco Para 3 are popular models to upgrade with new scales
Grandfather had a circa 1970's pocket knife with a pocket click, so have doubts Spyderco invented that. I'd have thought Victorinox would have warranted a mention? Also curious if flipper design was inspired by old style (Roman) friction folders? ie: take a knife like a Svord, and keep grinding down the arm until you get a nub, and you've got a flipper. I've got a Tod Cutler medieval-design friction folder, and you can flip it open, but obviously lacks modern flipper nuances.
awesome episode, loved learning some of the history behind these lock types!
Hey DAC, question: I have about 40 knives now, mostly budget. I’d like to buy a knife to hopefully end my endless purchases. Is there a knife that is fantastic in the $500-800 price range that will become the “one?” My criteria include one hand pulling out of my pocket, deploying, closing and putting back in my pocket; 3 ish inch blade; light enough for dress pants or shorts; thumb stud as a deployment option; not a front-flipper; all-around blade shape.
Props, David C. Anderson for your Hobbit knowledge.
When we're ball bearings introduced in pivots?
As a relative newbie, I feel like locking mechanisms have changed quite a bit in popularity just in the last five years I've been paying attention.
Same here. When I started liner, frame ,compression, and were everything. Now axis, and button locks have really came to the to. My favorite is still the Cold Steel Triad lock. It's NEVER failed.
Sorry if I missed this, but lets not forget that Bilbo's sword was named Sting as well. So this is absolutely the best fit!
I don’t know if it has been omitted because it’s of a different class but no mention of the Victorinox or Swiss Army Knife?
Had one when I was a kid. It was my very first knife and MacGyver was a really popular show back then so I’m betting a ton of folks had them.
Hi, DCA! I like your videos very much. They seems to be very comprehensive for me, at least! One short question: why folders with two or even three blades? Some of them have almost the same blades' shapes. Thanks in advance for your answer!
All the best to all of you out there!
You keep one of the blades sharp and relatively unused. Also different blade shapes for different uses.
I think the Spiderco Worker is an awesome looking blade.
how about Winter Blade Factor for the revolutionary knife of our time, the magnetic lock with that DING!! oh so good
Thanks for all your stellar work, DCA and Thomas. So, yesterday I received the Boker Plus Kwaiken Air Mini KC exclusive, and like so many knives I've bought lately, it came with a nylon carrying case. All of them will fit at least a couple of knives, or in my case, a knife and a candy bar. Why do they send these, they gotta add a few extra $$ to the price, and does anyone actually use them??
Hey DCA, first off I’m a huge fan of the channel. Second, I’m needing a folding knife that can stand up to some specific abuse. I live in Alabama, where it gets humid and where there is red dirt everywhere. In the summer I like to fish in backwoods ponds where I need my knife often. I need a folding knife that can stand up to the mud and grit and humidity without failing on me. Thoughts on this?
The M16 is one of my favorite blades. Wish they made it with better blade steels
I'm really fond of them too. When I realized none of my immediate colleagues were knife guys and they were struggling with crappy gas station knives, I got them each an M16 as a duty knife.
Back in the day it seemed like any back-lock was commonly referred to as a 'Buck knife.' BTW, great video.
Best Channel in the multiverse
Cool walk down history lane. The Gerber LST reminds me of the Kabar Dozier...
Bruh...no Gerber Gator?
Is it possible to get a Buck 110 with shark lock and magnacut blade steel? I'd buy it immediately.
I think we are seeing a game changing "moment" right now! Since more and more living space is getting urban, and knife laws are often being quite tight in many more crowded places, there are a few companies out there who are taking that possibility and who are conquering these new markets. For me it is especially one-handed opening slipjoint knives, and OTF knives that are so small, that you can legally own them because they no longer fit the OTF criteria. There are probably some other knives like that out there, but what comes to mind for each is the Böker Plus Urban Spillo Flipjoint (slipjoint flipper), and the Micro USB OTF, emphasis on micro, which will be legal to own even in Germany! We kinda got 2 legal OTFs right now, the other one is the Rescue OTF, also by Böker Plus, but that's more for work and less for the pleasures.
Looking froward for many more to come! Hell, I would even buy a non-locking OTF that could be bigger and still have a tip, if it wouldn't lock. Someone please make it!
DCA! I am in the need of a light, nimble, stainless, field sharpenable small fixed blade to pair with a more robust field knife. I m thinking a bird and trout in a pocket sheath but could be persuaded otherwise. Suggestions?
That is always the right answer to accusations of being a nerd. Well done, Mr. Yes And-ersen.
I am a big fan of flipper knives and also finger safe locks. I find very few examples of cross bar type locks on flipper tab knives. Is this because it is difficult to construct? I think the SOG Kiku XR is a rare example, though?
PS. Not so much a fan of thumb studs, since they often limit both the usable length of the blade and also often make sharpening more cumbersome.
It is hard to get the "detent" tuned properly on a crossbar-locking knife with a flipper.
Have you looked at button-lock flippers? There is a new version of the Civivi Elementum that people really seem to like.
@@Ericstraordinary Yes, I own a Civivi Conspirator with Nitro-V blade and wooden handles. Great knife. Still, I find the cross bar type locks more intriguing than the button lock (probably because I don't own one ... yet)
Eric nailed it -DCA
Hey DCA, love the series! Question: If George W. Sears were alive today, would he feel the need to design the Nessmuk knife? Or would he be satisfied enough with one of the plethora of outdoor knives available on the market? Which one would best meet his needs?
It’s cool that Spyderco pioneered the pocket clip… but tip-down carry??? Heresy!
Dave, I use a folding tanto blade as a chisel. What are some options around $50 include Budget choices. Thanks
Thiers Issard Paddle Strop...? Please expalin.! Also "A few swipes in the morning, a few swipe at night helps maintain DCA day at Knife Center so Bright". Poetry in motion when DCA speaks about knives. A walking encyclopedia. Perhaps in the future Knife Center can do "Imported Knives" where they were designed & crafted in another country. Happy Easter folks.! Warm greetings from Australia.
Hey DCA, love the series. I know you are quite into kitchen knives as well, but do you have any japanese knives in your collection? Some fancy carbon steel maybe?
The Spyderco "Worker" reminds me of the Short Nosed Sturgeon species that I catch quite often while nighttime Catfishing in the Connecticut River In my section of Western Franklin County, Massachusetts.
Person I’d say a game changer in the knife industry would be magnacut, or any other steels for that matter. S30V, cruwear, rex45, rex121, even older steels like O1, AEB-L, and so on.
You forgot to mention the iconic wave design feature of Ernest Emerson
What about the Winterblade Factor? Do you think we’ll see more knives with magnets?
DCA seemed flabbergasted about being referred to as having a 'learned' knife opinion. DCAs humbleness is refreshing. Never change. DCA, Seth & Thomas has gotten me through some ugly times. I found a great hobby & art that made living outside in Vermont winters (as a #CatchAndKill victim of Epsteins partners-in-crime in both Ds & Rs) a lot of fun. Keep up the great work, gentlemen.
Personally, I am not a folder fan as such. Fixed Blades are my weakness.
I DO carry Buck 110's and have since they became available, as well as SAK Huntsman's and have since they became available.
The advances in metallurgy, imho, are the real innovation in pocket blades. For the most part a folder is a folder is a folder and a pocket knife is meant for the pocket.
The string is a nice choice, what would you select to replace a customized CRKT 2605 Hammond A.B.C. Operator's Model?
Behind the edge thickness highly depend on the grind. For example behind the edge and blade thickness will be the same on a true scandi ;)
Great selection, I would replace the Clairvoyant with the Torngat…