After 5 years in this hobby and around 100 knives, mostly folders, I prefer a fixed blade in a horizontal front draw on my belt. Easy to get to (even with gloves), and it doesn't take room in my pocket. As long as my shirt is untucked, it is pretty subtle.

Hello DCA! I want to share my experience about your cold steel suggestion regarding the first question. I'm an archaeologist and for about two years I carried my cold steel AD10 in the field. I thought this was the best choice because of the Tri-Ad lock, but I was wrong. Because of the significant dust accumulation in the knife, even sitting in the pocket, the surfaces on the locking mechanism didn't engage very well and the knife developed vertical blade play when is locked. Then in some cases the tip of the blade was sticking out a bit of the handle while sitting in my pocket. In open position there was no problem, the lock was strong. When I open the knife and thoroughly clean it the problem disappear. I was carrying another backlock knife and it start to develop the same problem. In contrast my PM2 never had an issue with the lock despite the dust. Now I carry my White River Backpacker on the belt and Spyderco Bow River or WTG Tayal in the backpack. I wear a folder too, but not as a main and only knife. Along with the trowel we use Mora knives for digging and cleaning archaeological structures and for the more delicate work we use scalpels and other small instruments. I hope my experience helps a little.

Running zip ties through your kydex sheaths can make any knife a scout carry. It worked perfectly for the Razel.

Thanks DCA for your comments on action types for kiddos. Again, fixed blade is a good idea to look into. Thanks again!!

Many Mora knives can easily be carried in a pocket

Hi DCA! Great video! My first thought when I saw the first question from the archeologist, was “Large Wharncleaver Honey Badger”. Then you said, washers not ball bearings because of dust and dirt and thought, “Ok, CRKT Large Pilar”. I love the wharncleaver/modified sheepsfoot/modified cleaver (whatever we call it now) because it gives you a broader area toward the tip and they are very robust. Then you brought out the Razel and I was like, “Well, that’s why he’s the expert”. Fantastic! Thanks for the great videos!

Most serious question. As barbecue season approaches, neighborhood dads all start sharpening their cool backyard carving knives. I’ve got my requisite cargo shorts, white new balance sneakers, and apron with a kitschy saying, but now I need the ultimate suburban dad knife. (Carcass splitters need not apply)

No Boker Mermaid?!!! to scare off the sharks!

As an amauture archologist, 100% smaller fixed blade.

Maybe an hori hori for the archeologist

Another great video DCA & Thomas!

"I think they'd really dig that" That man needs a raise. The line itself is gold but the timing? Lordy. Just fantastic.

Damn!! Thomas is on fire!!

If you can rock both I suggest just that. But definitely love my fixed blades more than my pocket knives.

Fixed blade in the field and a folder carried just for minor camp duties and backup, also to save the fixed blade's edge for more important work than cutting paracord and opening packages. The best advice for someone who doesn't want to bother cleaning their knife is to clean their knife and take care of your tools if you want them to take care of you. The Boker Cop Tool or Boker Pry Pro would be decent hard use tools for a dig, as secondary blades. I was given a nice brass bolstered pocket knife as a young teenager that resembled a Buck 110 but was not a Buck 110. For a less expensive version that's still reliable, the Buck Slim Select 110 gives you a good knife if you're on a budget.

13:05 showing and praising Civivi SOKOKE but DCA would go with the EKKO. Thomas is getting to your mind be careful. Really enjoy watching your videos. Love from INDIA ❤❤❤❤❤

The Sokoke with the green burlap micarta is one of my favorites. It just feels more special in the hand.

4:53 Thank you Thomas! lol

I was thinking on the Archaeology knife that you'd want something more friendly for international travel. Assuming you're not Indiana Jones with a sword and a whip, what are the most common international restrictions for knives. I looked on Wikipedia and it seemed to be under 2.5", no one-hand opening and non-locking, there was vagueness on folding versus fixed. For a folding knife I think the Begg Knives small slip-joint for under $50. They use 14C28N which is tough and corrosion resistant. They're under 2.5" and they have multiple patterns for blade shapes. For a fixed blade I think the QPS Canary for $50. Yes, it's supposed to be a neck knife, but you can pocket the sheath. I think DCA even said a tek-lok would work.

Thomas is extra quick this week..

The 4 inch Voyager may be the best knife under $100.

5:38 Both! Not even kidding. Folder for cleaner and more personal tasks, and fixed for the dirtier and harder tasks.

With athletic pants on the larger looser pockets are easy to carry fixed blades in. I carry a buck 102 or a buck 105 regularly this way. Comparable size wise to lots of other models. Just get sheaths without belt loops or take them off yourself so there is no extra pocket room being taken up and they slide right in like pocket slips. I like to be able to eat with the knife I carry and a folder is much less practical for that purpose. Harder to clean etc.

DCA I have been collecting knives for about 2 years now. I enjoy carrying 1 if not more knives on me every day. However, I do not own a serrated blade or partially serrated blade and I don’t really see the use or need for one. What are your thoughts on serrated blades? Are they useful? Is there anything a serrated blade can do that non serrated blade can’t do? Would love to see this highlighted on a future episode.

Should I carry a fixed blade, or folder? Well, there is only one answer, carry both!

Fallkniven & lionsteel fixed blades rule

That little razel makes great sense in the back pocket

Thanks DCA!

I have that crkt razl and it’s actually really useful.

Hey DCA! Thanks to your influence I've gotten into collecting knives, specifically USA made edc folders. I don't currently have any 'fun' knives, like the Rike Hummingbird or the CRKT Ritual. Can you recommend a fun USA made knife to add to the collection for under $200?

Go with the CJRB Ekko 100%. The RPM9 steel is so underrated! It sharpens so well and easy. Holds a great thin edge and the design of the knife is awesome. Personally I’d buy the button lock Ekko though.

Hey DCA, What are some ultra discrete pocket fixblades/sheathes? I'm a big fan of the idea of carrying an EDC pocket fixblade but they don't get nearly as invisible as a deep carry wire clip.

Hey DCA, how about the SR1 lite for digging? I've used might so badly, it's almost cruel!😂 Take care Graham 😊

The CRKT Razel was a great choice for that question, it should be good for scraping and digging.

What did the folding knife say to the fixed blade knife. "How come your back is not broken?" What are five folders that are begging to made into fixed blades.? What are five folders that have been made into fixed blades?

Got my 8yr old daughter a Dessert warrior clipper, oh the joy of carving while camping ⛺️ last weekend 😅

A folder for a kid because the blade can be put away without worrying about a kid losing the sheath. You know how kids are. The thing about knives with one handed capability is they can still be two hand opened or closed. You can still teach safe techniques on them. For my son though when he is old enough I think I will get him a k390 delica. Safe lock back with a steel that will hopefully require sharpening less often than a vg10. Plus I know he already likes spydies.

Both!!! One multitool and one fixed blade 👍🏼 GTG

I totally agree with DCA on offering a Mora 546 for first knives. [I gave 10 of these away this year as Christmas gifts for my customers.] 👍

I’m guessing the protruding tang on the CRKT is so it could be hit like a chisel?

Carry both;) I like my primary folder in the front left pocket, secondary folder in the right back pocket, and my fixed blade is horizontal front carry. All my bases are covered 👍

When it comes to size, medium is premium.

In the Sokoke vs Ekko, DCA is saying he'd go with the Ekko, but appears to be relishing the Sokoke. Misspoke?

For the most serious question, I would say the Demko Shark Cub!

Always better to have a fixed

MORA 100%

For the last knife, they should make the inlays symmetrical so you could simply switch them to carry on the other side.

Hey DCA and Thomas, I was wondering what are your recommendations for some heavy pocket knives. I really enjoy the weight of the buck 110 and the feel in the hand it gives. I’ve tried the 4max and other cold steels and even the benchmade Adamas andother larger knives but nothing seems to give the same weight to size ratio as the 110. What are your thoughts?

My city doesn't allow me to carry a fixed blade without a professional reason, like being a chef. Silly law!

After years of research, watching and collecting, I feel comfortable in the knife space. However, I find myself in the market for a camp hatchet for campfire prepping. What should I be looking for and any suggestions? USA made is my only requirement. Thanks for all the great content!

Fixed or folder is like pistol or rifle?

@DCA You should have shown the CRKT Ritual as an alternative folder for the archeologist!

Women's knives represent a specialized market segment. While there are many discussions about gentlemen's knives, understanding the characteristics and options for a gentlewoman's knife is equally important. These knives typically feature a sleek design that can be discreetly carried, are functional without unnecessary complications, and blend well with a variety of outfits.

One of the questions today made me think of a question. I historically have sharpened our Zwilling Twin knives by hand. We live on a homestead and I sharpen everything from our chainsaw to axes and my personal knives. Would a quality brand pull threw sharpener like those sold by Zwilling and Wustoff sharpen the kitchen knives easier and to a similar sharpness? Great content and thanks for the continued education.

Hi Dave, do you have any recommendations for a premium folding beater knife? No budget, just a knife you wouldn’t hesitate to use for anything and everything. Not because it’s cheap and replaceable, but because it can stand up to it.

I prefer a folding knife with a blade 3” to 3.5” long and the only fixed blade that I carry EDC is the Izula in sheath in my front pants pocket.

And one for the AlGoreRhythym!💪☝️🤙🇺🇸

Been collecting knives for a while, but seldom pull the trigger on anything too expensive. That said, with a budget of $300 what knife would you choose for the money (folding and/or fixed). Thank you for your time.

Hey DCA and team, I’m looking to expand my collection of full convex pocket knives. My favorite ones are the Fallkniven PXL (elmax) and Rockstead Higo (ZDP), both I carry and use(!) regularly. Can you recommend me some other examples, preferably convexed to zero? Thx. Maarten

Mora 546, the answer to everything 😍

On the money for Archeology/Geology knife but better yet Cold Steel Grik Folding Knife 3″ AUS-8 Plain Blade, Black GFN Handles, Tri-Ad Lockback - shallow indent in the spine useful for better purchase on cordage or wire, polymer clip won't scratch, break, or tear other things you work with or finds. Name, shape, colour all fits on sites somehow.

for my godson, I bought the Opinel for beginner with the rounded tip.

What are five good two bladed knives locking knives?

Detonation Technologies makes a digging knife (not a folder) that works perfectly for chipping away and cutting dirt. It is a great tool for under $40 that I use on the job as a military contractor.

Or you can meet halfway and be wise with a locking mech like a tri ad and boom! You’ve yourself the best of both worlds! 🔥

Mr. DCA I’m looking for a field dressing knife for deer. I will not be skinning the deer just field dressing. What steel is easy to sharpen and also gets “sticky” sharp. I’m not worried about edge retention or corrosion. Thanks

Would like to see a video on good defensive blades.

I have a question: What folding knives do you think would be awesome as fixed blades? For instance, I think the Kabar Dozier would make a great fixed blade. I think the Ontario Rat 1 would as well. Heck, even the Honey Badger Medium Wharncleaver. What do you think?

I own the Voyager and the Razel; If I were an archeologist, I would choose the Razel for field work. The Voyager is a great knife for the price, but the Razel doesn't have washers to get fouled when it gets covered in dirt. For any kind of prying or digging, the Razel is the clear choice.

Which pocket knife for a surfer/scuba diver to use in salt water, (beside the obvious Spyderco Salt Series) for bait prepping, fish dressing and a little self defense.

Hey DCA, you recently did a video on the virtues of S35VN . Is there any *significant* difference between that and similar steels, like Elmax, SPY27, or the older S30V (which oddly is still used is some top-end knives)?

I would go with Ray Laconico Kizer Gemini, Raffir handles. Got mine around 85.00$ with S35VN blade. Killer deal

Hi DCA & Thomas, You mentioned in a previous video how a particular knife had a lower blade-to-body ratio (i.e. blade length is longer than the handle). I've got probably larger hands than DCA, and thus I need a longer handle to get a full-four-finger grip. Are there any fixed blade, four-finger grip, less than 3" (closer to 2" preferably), pocketable EDC knives that you would recommend with a high blade-to-body ratio? A lot of the Moras are too thick in the handle; a lot of the shorter fixed blades have 3 finger (or less) handles; a lot of the skinning knives are skeletonized (or only have paracord). Something like the QSP Canary would suffice if it had a slightly longer handle. The DoubleStar Ahab-X looks a bit too thin and has a finger ring, but could be theoretically long enough. In this case, blade shape and material don't matter as much. Priced under $150 is ideal.

Question: hey David, how well you like the mkt defense Terzoula knife?

Holding the Sokoke and saying i prefer the echo🤣

DCA, because I know you love an "um actually" as much as the next guy - you said you'd choose the Ekko, but I think you were meaning the Sokoke! That's the one with the drop point, the Civivi.

Jello v Pudding: some questions man was just not meant to answer!

IMO that SHELP should have been recommended a thinner pointier knife because they are better for manipulation with the tip. I thought Civivi dogma d2, or spyderco salt catcherman. You have to be careful with knives anyway and once you are a good thin knife will do a lot that a thicker knife will struggle with.

Hey dca, did you ever mod that marbles from #143? Also was looking for a knife like your canteen knife, only thing I saw that was similar was the white river fc5 or camp cleaver. Thin and tall enough for cooking, thick enough for camp tasks. Went with the fc5, impatiently waiting 😊

Have you tried opening the front flippers with your index finger instead of thumb? I find it much easier and feels safer personally.

We are only allowed slip joints in UK as folder option. So it’s fixed blade for me

Can you show some knives with fat carbon , green and multi colour .... love the stuff, and one apocalypse knife episode please , and how about a convex episode folder and fixed . cheers guys

9:38 Touché!

What are good options for knives that can be used as a spear head?

Question, you’ve shared your picks for a gentlemen’s folding knife; what recommendations do you have for a gentlemen’s fixed blade? Thank you.

Thomas is rolling!!!!

fixed blades are the best

I started out with folders, but then knife laws changed in Germany and I went for fixed blades for legal carry, since I can easily operate them onehanded. haha Knife laws trying to get knives off the streets merely for populism, turns out the knives on the streets got more because of it. lol (Since I use a two hand opening locking folder and a fixed blade at least for legal carry by now.) These knife laws even made me buy more knives, since I had to get so specific. At least the knife industry profits, gotta see the good in things lmao. Sometimes I wish Germany also had a NKA, National Knife Association.

@knifecenter wrong the best archeology knife has to be the crkt fossil lol😂.

Could u do a video on a benchmade meatcrafter alternative

I carry my folder in the right back pocket of my jeans. That way I don't have to scrape up the back of my hand getting my keys or whatnot out of my right front pocket. (I carry my wallet - when I carry one - in the back left pocket). I would like to expand my carry options and include a pocket fixed blade or two in my rotation. But the back pocket of my jeans aren't as deep as the front pocket, right? (I think, typically, the back pocket is about 5 1/2 inches deep.) But it's hard to figure out which fixed blade sheaths are short enough that sheath won't hit the bottom of the pocket and such that the clip (included or after-market) will engage the top of the pocket securely. I think your cool new Tango fixed blade leather sheath will do it, but any other suggestions?

For the last question the anser is Boker Mermaid!!!! 😁😁😁😁

Hey DCA, and crew, I need some help. I’m sure this has been asked and answered in some form or another, but I’m turning 40 in a couple months and I need help narrowing down the new knife I’d like to splurge on for myself and be a little showy as well. I’m thinking an edc with a super steel around $300-$500 with edge retention at its core.

In the knife market of today, is there still place for friction folders?

Dig that! So good!😂

Help, DCA, I don’t know where to start! I’m looking for a fixed blade knife with a MOLLE webbing compatible sheath. The knife can be any length between 4-7” in the combat (or survival) category, but I’m really looking for a factory sheath that has MOLLE capability without any rattle. I’ve found that a Tek-lok moves around too much for my personal taste. All-black blade and sheath are preferred with the pack I’ll be attaching it to, but any earthy tones are fine as well. The blade is more than likely never going to be used, as this is meant as more of an emergency escape/evade bag, but I’m also a knife collector, so can I get a couple examples within both the budget (sub $100) and average price point ($100-$250) to maybe help out my weirdo-prepper compatriots that may also be watching this. Thanks for the help, love the content

Q1: fixed blade and a whip like Indy. Q2: I started carrying a Buck 110 in 3d grade. Been a knife guy ever since and still have all my digits

Sokoke vs. Ekko? Just do what i did - buy both.

Is it true that 14C28N was developed by Sandvik on behest of Kershaw?

Still hoping for a bushcraft knife/axe/folding saw deep dive master class. Best steels, best grinds, best warranties, best lengths etc…