Don't you remember being a kid in the 80's and having one of these with the compass in the pommel? And wasn't that the best thing ever? There ya go. Kids knife.

$8 worth of imagination for a kid! I was also playing war and Rambo with mine, teamed up with a 22 cal pump up Crosman pistol, I WAS a force to be messed with. Thanks for the great memories!

I keep one of these under the back seat of my truck. With the hollow handle, it would also make a very good spear mounted on a pole or sapling.

What do you expect for 8 dollars. For 8 dollars i say it's pretty good.

I keep one in my car, who cares if someone steals a 10 dollar knife.

The M9 bayonet that we carried in the infantry was easy to break. It wasn't a full tang would snap at the handle. When you used them on the actual bayonet range you had to be really careful to pull straight back after you stuck the blade in the bags because they would snap off if you twisted even a little bit sideways. I think uncle same was paying over $300 for them.

I did some improvements, fine tuning to mine. I took a diamond hone to the entire edges, got it razor sharp. I took a die grinder and ground a lead cutting angle, and relief angle on alternating teeth, went opposite direction on other teeth. made the saw cut like a hand saw! Installed in handle shortened allen wrench, kitchen matches, variety of different fishing hooks, some fishing weights. On the scabbard I installed magnesium fire stick also from Harbor Freight. You can take the blade off from handle and take to a shop that sharpens skill saw blades. They can put a grind on it with precision! I put lock tite on the screw threads of the allen wrench and in the receiving hole, this stopped the allen screw from loosening. In the marine corp they sale a $150 knife with marine corp on it, in the PX. But just to expensive for daily use for me. This knife is perfect for me, once you do some needed improvements. Also a great gift as long as you do the fine improvements, before you give them as gifts for a survival situation! For under 10 bucks, its worth it.

I bought one a few years back knowing exactly what I bought,... I noticed a gap where the blade meets the handle so I made sure it was tight & then pushed JB Weld into the gaps ;)

This knife can be a decent one with a few minor modifications. Sharpening being one of them, replacing the small pin holding the blade with something more durable, and make your own survival kit for the handle.

Harbor freight will be sold out of these by the weekend 😁

I'd sure rather have this chipo knife for 8 bucks than a sharpened stick.

I've had one for over 10 years now and it's holding up great. I had to sharpen it when I bought it, and I put a chunk of inner tube over the handle for grip.

I have one and it’s held up well since 2012 can’t beat it for $8

The one I had in the 80's had a snap pouch on the sheath that held a small sharpening stone.

Thumbs up for your persistence, optimism and humor. I didn't expect that much from the Harbor Freight quality Chinesium of the blade. (Gotta keep the maintenance tool close by, though.)

I have two of them, I am realistic enough to not try to take on a major survival event, but I like them. They came out of the package sharp and after touching them up seem to hold an edge. they make for a fun conversation starter as well. I have wrapped the pommel with paracord, and modified the contents as well, a striker, dependable matches, waxed cottonballs, etc.

I got mine around 2015. Glad i watched this, i thought the compass didn't work but when set down on a flat surface it works great! My blade stock seems to be a tad longer inside than the one you showed. I haven't had any lossenung problems but haven't tried wood chopping, glad i got one!

I imagine the steel is fairly soft, so it should be easy to sharpen. Put a good edge on it, Loctite that screw, and fill the bottom portion with some decent strike-anywhere matches, and honestly it seems like a pretty good bang-for-your-buck 3-night survival knife.

Thanks for the fun, Bryan! Your cander and sincerity is always appreciated. XO

Years ago when I first bought this knife I did a simple facelift. I took the set screw and blade out and superglued any suspect areas and let it dry. Then I put the blade back in and filled the areas where the blade gets fitted back in with clear superglue. That also keeps dirt out. I also superglued in the set screw. I may have superglued some other others as well, I don’t remember. I also wrapped the handle with white tennis grip overwrap, “taped” it with Yonex tennis tape at the screw-in cap end, and tightened a metal hose clamp outside the bottom of the handle, near the guard. I also removed the compass, inserted 4 nickels and held them in with a rubber o-ring. I put a small piece of plastic inside the tip end of the sheath so the blade wouldn’t accidentally rip the sheath open. I also removed the snap clasp for quicker access. I’m not really super into knives though I have several. Most probably won’t do what I did, but I just wanted to make the knife stronger and more personal. I have to say that the knife has held up really well. Oh, the superglue facelift I do to a lot of things I buy if they seem kinda on the cheap side. The tennis wrap keeps my hand from getting cold against the metal, looks cool, and makes the handle beefier for my big hands - (I’m 6’5” tall and 260 lbs.). By the way, the hose clamp is mostly just for looks and for the way I like to hold the knife. It is by no means necessary, though it does hold the tennis grip on really tight. Inside the handle I put a quarter in first, then a clear plastic storage tube (O.D. 3/4” x 3” - though I plan on moving up to an even more useful storage tube with O.D. of 15/16” x 3” - available on Amazon, though it may need to be slightly smaller because of the end cap ), then of course the rubber o-ring and 4 nickels in the end cap. Inside the plastic tube I have: hurricane matches (wind proof and waterproof) with a long striker, some fishing line and hooks, a miniature magnetized flathead screwdriver for my eyeglasses, a bobby pin, a nail, and a small device that tightens a camera flash unit cord. Also inside is an even smaller plastic storage tube O.D. approximately 9/16” x 1” for some lip balm - though I may look for an even smaller tube for the lip balm. Of course the contents are ever changing as needs change. Lastly, both storage tubes also have end caps.

Thx, it seems to perform reasonably well and certainly didn't fall apart... and wonder if folks are often so hard on these things just 'cuz they are 'cheap' to own? Would love to see a sorta 'blind test' done on knives like they once did with wine snobs... who couldn't see what they were drinking, and often liked the 'cheap wines' _better._

I got a cheap Rambo style survival knife when I was 8 (thing were different in the 80's 😂. I had about 15 knives - SAK, pocket knife, bushcraft, hunting by the time I was 10) Edge was crap so my dad put it on a grinder and got a real good edge on it. Used it & abused for several years with hunting and just general bushcraft and camping. Compass was perfect even though it was cheap and added my own little "survival" back up kit in the handle. I was really happy with it and it performed pretty well with the home mods

Dude! Several years ago, I was subscribed.We even commented back and forth a few times. I recommended you to everyone I knew. Yet, just now, when this vid came up in my recommendations, I realized I hadn't seen you for years... And lo and behold it showed me to NOT be subscribed any more. How did that happen? I didn't do it. Well, subscribed once again.

Hey man really good seeing you love your videos you have a great platform thank you for sharing you always keep me enthused and what's new and what's coming out really cool 👍 keep making these videos thank you

Got my nephew one, he loves it, it’s a great trainer and actually has been used a lot to do little camping tasks...

Worked better than I would have expected. I always felt the weakness of those hollow handle knives would be the lack of a decent tang, and that seems to jibe with your experience. As for feathering and such, I don't think I would ever expect a knife to work well straight out of the package without some sharpening.

A friend of mine bought me one from a Pawn Shop we were browsing through and had it for years. When my Grandson turned 18 I gave it to him and he still has it.

I had this harbor freight knife. I've always had a knife. Got my very first Swiss army knife the day I was took out Canada. I got my first Rambo knife from my US Army stepdad in 1980's. So when my brother in-law got me this knife, I put it to work. It's amazing 👍

My "survival knife" is, and has been since 1991, a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Ranger Model. I carried it through 10 years of US Military Service, 6 years of Law Enforcement, Camping, Hunting, Craftwork, and General Pocketknife use. It has served me well.

Heh...I have that same knife...took one look at the edge and had a friend of mine who sharpens knives professionally take a whack at it...it will take a good edge..😁

I have watched this video several times. It's surprisingly entertaining.

Rambo knife performs well even in his most dishonorable form. That shows how great it is!

I love watching you test cheap knives. It's like watching a comedy special. Have you ever tested the Harbor Freight Gordon Buck 119 clone?

I had 1 of them knives.....some years ago & I got pissed off with TRYING to keep a sharp edge on it so I TRIED my hardest to intentionally DESTROY it !!!! It NEVER broke or fell apart whatsoever. I just gave up after awhile and gave it away to a buddy of mine !! Tougher knife than I gave it credit for !! 😎👍

I gave mine a full flat grind, did a little honing, now its razor sharp, not bad for a cheap knife

Maybe you could add a segment in seeing how easily you can sharpen it, and if holds an edge..... ;)

I bought one of these a couple years ago. I removed the blade filled the slot with epoxy pressed the blade back back in and locked down with the Allen screw. That seemed to fix the loosening blade.

youtube algorithm brought me here great quality video pretty cool how everything just worked out with the shelved knife

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this video. I purchased that same knife at Harbor Freight one year ago. I use while car camping. It is a little big for backpacking. The price when I purchased it in December of 2018 was $9.99. Take care out there, be safe and have fun. 🤗

There's a beaver somewhere in the woods watching you, feeling sorry for you....lol

Love the video, it brought back some memories from when I was a kid.

i bought one of these 5yrs ago. Used thread lock on setscrew and epoxied tang to handle no loosening issues at all.Use it when metal detecting has held up great.

Good video. Equal and fair evaluation. I enjoy your videos. Thanks.

Jimmy Lile would be rolling in his grave if he thought Rambo was fooling around with anything from Harbor Fright.

I had one when I was a kid. Back then it had a nut in the handle holding together. Lol even in the 80's it still came lose.

It worked for me in deer camp notching the tree for my climber stand n I've used it for hunting and camping.......it's a budget survival knife it gets the job done for a cheap survival knife......ive never had to tighten the set screw

I have looked at this knife every time I have gone to that store. It brought back memories.

I’ve never seen wooden “go-fer” matches before. 😝

I’ve got one of these tucked away somewhere that I bought out of curiosity years ago. For $8 it’s surprisingly good, but that’s not really saying much. It takes a decent edge, holds it reasonably well and the tang is tougher than it looks. It’s not a knife that really has much of a purpose however. The only thing you’d ever use this for are outdoor activities, (camping, hunting, fishing, etc...), and for that there are much better, full tang knives that are also reasonably priced.

I like how you tried to give this $8 knife the benefit of the doubt. What knife I would like to see tested is the “SmittyBilt”chopper. Not sure if it has a specific name but it’s made by SmittyBilt,it’s 11” w/ a 6” blade and was VERY sharp out of box and very heavy as far as choppers go

I know I'm very late. Just watching again. My Pawpaw got me a lil "rambo" knife for my 9th birthday!😆 imagine the outrage! 🤣 I chopped and cut up everything! Spent hours on dulling up the blade thinking it's gonna be razor sharp. Lol! And took friends out in our woods to play. I miss those days. I still have that lil survival knife to this day. With my grandpas engraved signature on one side and my 9th birthday on the other. I have given my daughter the same type of tool to learn. It's different if you want someone to get the basics and move forward. He would've hurt me in giving me an expensive very sharp tool. I wouldn't have learned what I have. Thanks pawpaw! You wouldn't be allowed to just be in these days.

you did broke it on the first hit on the wood, the guard on the edge side

It's up to you to put the finish on that blade. It is sent to you dull so you won't slice your selfe on first blush .

My Ontario SP6 has been a tough piece of kit for over 20 years in my possession. I have abused it, left it outside through the seasons and banged on it cutting wood with a mini sledge and it is still solid. Paid around $40 and definitely got my money out of it with many years of service to come. It takes an edge and is useful in a variety of missions.

Got one of these. Tightened the bolt, sharpened it close to finish. Then, i tempered the edge to 'straw' color (using a simply heat torch and a little time/patience). Finally, I completed the sharpening. Came out ok for the price :)

That knife is so dull, you couldn't cut a fart with it.

I found in the Mojave desert, a Smith and Wesson 5 inch outdoorsman. I pulled off the side of the highway I40 to take care of business and was just kicking around in a ravine looking for my rock collection and this knife was in a scabbard lying there. What i expected was a rusted up piece of junk but when I pulled it out, the blade shined like a mirror. I felt kinda bad for the adult beverage consumer who lost it. I checked it out by the model #on it and it was made by S&W before they started outsourcing the making of it in the early 80s. for150.00 dollars!!

I have one of those knives I've had for 15 years I never have used it very interesting video. Time to get it out and test it

Love the way you go at things Brian. that was a fun vid. I certainly wouldn't entertain that knife up here in Canada. (Ontario) Keep doing what you're doing man. its all COOL

I have this blade the whole handle comes off it just threads on .handles a good sharpening to.

I'm surprised you failed to mention the broken hand guard. I'll agree that what we know about a product isn't always factual so testing is best.

quite often I sharpen up a blade when I see it needs it,this one needs it

I love your choice of chopping music!! Blessings to you and your family 😇

I would like to see this reviewed after a professional sharpening

This vid reminded me I have one of these somewhere. Bought it on a whim about 5 years ago and never used it. Wonder where I put it... 🤔

Good honest review

I found copy of the book and finished it with a few days, enjoyed it.

As to the knife, to be fair, I have never bought a knife that was truly sharp right out of the package. Handmade knives, yes, but prepackaged knives, never. It's a cheap knife, frankly it's better than I would expect it to be. Please don't blame China for making cheap stuff. In all fairness, the companies that sell it here tell them what the price has to be, so they have to make it accordingly. If the buyers for these companies wanted them to make high quality stuff, they could easily make it.

Been carrying this in my car for 3 years. Took it to a professional to get sharpened because it came dull with basically a flat tip but it's pointed and plenty sharp now. $8 for the knife, $15 for the sharpening not bad for $23

Saw a report on FB the other day said HF had recalled a bunch of knives. Reason? Laceration hazard.....wait....what??😂NO joke.

I use the one I have for cutting sod to shape. I never once thought it would hold up to what you did to your. I'm a bit more impressed with it now.

I bought it in June-$12 on sale feels great

Worth every nickle of the $8.00 that you paid for it.

Can’t believe that didn’t fly apart when you were throwing it. Should have sharpened it to show before and after sharpening.

First I got one and the blade did not come loose and it carves like an angel

Hey Brian! Haven't posted in a while......I kinda had a little heart attack......oh and a stroke......Anyway, another great video. I loved how you gave the knife a chance. Shows a lot of the character you have. You're a good man Brian. As always best of all things to you and yours!

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL ON THIS SHARP CONTEST

step one survival did a video on how to improve the knife making it stronger

If you have seen first blood 3 he really puts his knife through a real test

I had one a few years ago and tried many a time to sharpen to no avail. Also i did a torture test on it in my old yard and got the thing to bend at the threads. Threw it away when i moved never will buy another. It was a fun toy as a kid. Hated the saw it might be useful to groove wood sticks for cordage.

Ah I spoke to soon.🤪 I'm impaired lol.

The knife needs tweeking out the box. You get what you pay for but theres always room for modifications

Bryan I saw another video review of that knife a while back. I can't remember who did it. He modified the thing where the allen screw went in and made it stable. I don't remember how. Afterwards it turned out to be a decent knife for what it is. Nice to look at for the Rambo fans but I personally don't own one. Thanks for sharing brother.

I love these cheap junkie knives tests. Makes me feel better about my $50 knives LOL 😁 I believe the back of the knife is Saposed to be for descaleing fish not a wood saw. But I could be wrong. I had a lot of fun waching this. Thanks for sharing. God bless

It's not sharp anymore cus you took the sticker off! Put the sticker back on!

Had one that broke at the handle, first throw...

What a wonderful idea, using the handle, which is normally dead weight, as storage!

I did a wrap on the handle with 550 Paracord. The first wrap I used 100% cotton clothes line about the same thickness of the paracord. I wrapped it tight then I wet it down and put it in the hot sun to dry. The hollow handle is not water tight. You can see light coming in around the tang. I unscrewed the setscrew to remove the blade from the handle and filled the hole with JB Weld then reinserted the setscrew. A Harbor Freight 9 LED flashlight fits nicely inside the hollow handle. I made a little pouch on the sheath to put the survival stuff into. I bought a set of plastic clamp on borders you attach to a poster to hang on your wall. I cut a length long enough to cover the saw back section of the blade. This stops the saw from tearing up the nylon sheath. I found that a 2 sided Diamond Steel plate 450/1000 grit worked quite well to sharpen this blade to paper push cutting sharpness. Harbor freight has these knives on sale till end of December for $6.99.

"Just my little benchmade"......Compared to the $7.99 knife!

This is a far cry from the original Lyle knife.

i carried mine in Alaska while hunting grizzlies. It came in real handy one afternoon when i had to leap from a cliff to escape a startled mamma bear and her cubs ( my bow and arrow jammed). Unfortunately my arm got ripped open pretty bad from the fall i took through the tall trees, but lucky for me, the sewing kit in the knife helped me stitch it back together and I used the matches to cauterize the wound. Needless to say, this knife saved my life. Thanks Harbor Freight!

Hey Brian I love that watch you got one I like that compass it's on the side very impressive looking 👍🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

"His job was to eliminate enemy personnel."

Put an edge on it and do again... don't baby it. Work it like a rented mule. Pry, dig, scrape, cut rope, limbs mine works better than what you're showing... it's still an 8 dollar knife... see ya Bill

When you're in a survival situation any tool will do no matter how cheap or where it's made. I'm from South Africa and often come across the comment "made in USA" as the best. I have many knives and have found Muela knives from Spain the best knife for quality vs price. Recently bought a Schrade SCHF30 from a local supplier, good knife but not quite what I wanted so I ordered another Schrade from Amazon. To my horror the micarta slab fell off when I took it out of the box. Another American great gone to an overseas manufacturer. Enjoyed the video and brought back memories of knives long forgotten.

I fell sucker to buying one of those "Rambo" style knives at Harbor Freight. Took it home and tried out all the "features" that it had. The cutting edge was useless, unless soft butter was the material to be parted. When it came time to baton some firewood, the thing came apart on the first blow to the blade - the handle and blade separated where they were joined by the rivet. So much for my $8 experiment. I was surprised that your example held up to throwing at the target board - several times, in fact. Nice demo, though. Cheers.

You can beat Sportsman's Guide "club prices" practically everywhere and don't have to pay a club fee.

To be fair, you really should sharpen it out of the box...

I own this knife, it is actually better than you would think. I have never once had to tighten it as you did. It was very sharp right out of the package, and holds an edge relatively well. My 2 complaints were that the knife cut the stitching on the sheath no long after I started using it, and the O-ring did not keep the contents of the survival kit dry satisfactory.

Brings back fond memories of my Aitor Jungle King 2 survival knife I had as a kid. Yeah the blade also rocked in the handle coz I used it like a machete but after some apoxy resin around the tang it was a very cool survival knife. Wish I still had it.