Awesome video Wayne. As a lefty I really appreciate the axis lock style knives showcased here. The budget options of true ambi or true lefty knives are slim so my next purchase will likely be $100+ to get something good. This helped me a ton. Keep it up my dude 👏🏼

Great video. Several of my personal grails on this list. Appreciate you sharing your favorites.

Benchmade AFCK full size is the best knife I’ve ever owned. Using knives on the farm all my life it is the best knife I’ve ever owned!

Thank you Wayne. I am new to your videos. This was great. Take care.

Very respectable list Wayne!

The 0640 is on eof my favorites of all time. Very underrated knife if you get a different pocket clip. I've customized all of it and I love it.

Great video bro. Very in-depth. Can tell a lot of work went into it. Lots of great knives. Thanks for all you do. 🍻☘️

Great list Wayne!!! There are a few on your list that I already have and a few to purchase when funds are available, haha. I couldn't agree more about the kizer genie, is actually in my pocket today, I love that knife. Most knives I have to tinker with to get them the way I like but action out of the box is perfect, I am going to take it apart soon but only to clean out the pocket gunk. Who knows maybe I'll end up making the action even better in the process.

Good choices, definitely agree on Bugout, spidiechef and Socom

Solid choices, especially the Manix 2 and Giant Mouse, two of my favs. Also own the Bugout but not a favorite of mine. I've gotta check out the Socom Elite, it never grabbed my attention except in the fixed blade. My favorite of all time is the WE Malice in blue bronze titanium.

Great video! Your comment at the beginning about how we all had to start somewhere when it comes to using or collecting knives really had me thinking. I myself have come a long way when it comes to how much im willing to pay for a good knife, and what I consider to be a good knife. I started as a kid with the classic victorinox as a lot of us do, went to gas station knives from there. Eventually as an adult I bought my 1st gerber. My dad always had a gerber on him. Buck was the only other knife company I knew about at the time so I picked up a small gerber paraframe and within a couple days, I couldnt get over the bad blade centering and overall weak feeling it had. That was like 15 years ago and have since found a bias with spyderco knives(pm2, manix 2, para 3 etc. I've got some benchmades and esees too.Im a lot more picky nowadays.We all have a knife story I guess.

👍 A fantastic grouping of pocket knives...every one of them, a keeper!

Good stuff wayne. I got two Benchmade fixed i like. Oh Thursday I get my s45vn spanto hinderer

Benchmade 940 series

Cool video! That’s a great list, I have most of the knives on the list and love them. I think I would add a Hinderer xm-18 3inch non flipper and and the Hinderer Firetac. Also a Chris Reeve Umnumzaan, Sebenza or Inkosi.

Love your reviews man! Keep it up. I trust your reviews over all online. Just getting into knives and purchased a elementum and then the stinger ferrum forge. Looking at going a step up now and I like 2-3 on this list. Which would you recommend as a step up above the stinger but has the same sort of feel? Thanks man

The best knife I purchased in 2020 was the TRM Atom. It was my first knife in 20CV which I know love that steel. Great video with a lot of great knife picks! I would love to checkout the spydie chef, a griptilian or a 940.

Hell yes - The 0640 is by far my favorite ZT! I know I’m late but great video, really enjoyed this one 👍🏼

Can't go past the good ol Para 2..... This knife does it all with proven reliability over years of use. Special mention goes to the Cold Steel TuffLite and Mini TuffLite.. best ergos I have even seen... The serrated version is extra special and is pure evil in action. Combine both the above and you covered for anything and everything. Ooops two more, the Spyderco Chaparral. This knife i feel is sooo underrated.. it fits like a glove and cuts like a light Saber. Perfect pocket size to match. Last but not least, the TwoSun S90V Carbon Fiber Titanium Flipper. The dynamo is absolutely full of awesomeness! This knife may be little, but it's a cutting machine, is built like a tank and made of quality materials that far exceed the cost of the knife. Absolutely love this knife

Great list. Alot of great knives quite a few I would love to have one day. Great video 👍

Manix 2 is my favorite I have four so far, a standard s30v, a lightweight rex 45, a lightweight s90v, and a m390 I added new cage and scales to, such an amazing knife and can't wait to keep collecting! I think next up is maxamet or s110v not sure yet

Solid list. There's a few I have and love, a few I don't have but would like to. I loved my Bugout, but it was going through Omega springs about every 2 weeks, so I dumped it, but loved the hell out of it when it was working. I might add the Benchmade Super Freek. Great knife, M4 steel, which I know some don't like because of how easy it can rust, but it's cerakoated so I don't see a big problem there. I love M4 anyway..one of my favorite knife steels because of how well it performs. Anyone who doesn't like M4 could go with the Ritter MSK, which is very similar but with 20cv, which also could easily be added to this list. Another one might be added is a classic, the Cold Steel American lawman. Bottom line is, there are so damn many great knives on the market, it's hard to narrow the list down to just 15. Even 30 would be hard to squeeze them all in, but you did come up with a solid list. Good job.

Ace Biblio is probably my favorite edc overall. Great list!

Great video! I own several of your picks and agree with you that they are just GREAT! I appreciate the $100 and over. Lots of under $100. This video is long and well worth watching every minute. You coulda held me for two hours.

Would have been cool to see a group shot or have keep the knives in view as you went through them. Great list...

I’ve spent far too much in my hinderers. Titanium hardware, aftermarket micarta, a regrind and I love the hell out of my Teflon washers because of the saw dust I come in contact. I use it as my work knife. I’m a cabinet maker. I have the battle black slicer and had a satan full flat regrind on it. It’s crazy slicy now. It’s m390 also.

I couldn't agree with you more about the Kizer Genie! It is way under-rated and doesn't get enough love in the knife community. I picked one up on sale and then used a discount code and got mine delivered for $124. It's got a 3.4" blade, only weighs 2.2oz, and is a knife fidgeters dream! I really didn't expect to enjoy as much as I do. My TRM Atom & Skaha II have been collecting dust since I received the Genie.

I was a little surprised that you of all reviewers didn't have a infraction or sebenza on that list, but that's cool, you mentioned up front you were doing this list with entry level, as well as enthusiast so I can understand why especially the infraction may be left out. I can't argue about your choices because I own the majority of knives on your list and if I were just entering the knife world , your choices would be a solid base to start at. Good job Wayne!

Thanks for the video!

Very nice video man.....big like!

I think my favorite lately is my WE Subjugator Marbled CF and Titanium in satin 20CV. Sounds sooo sweet when it locks up.

I really like that Kizer Geni

Hey Wayne! Great list! Hope you are doing well! Greetings as always! We almost hit the 3k! Congratulation

One interesting thing to note about knife laws and the 3 inch blade length is that while some state laws allow the carry of any size you'd like your County laws may not. Here in Nevada you can carry basically anything unless you are in Clark County. 70% of Nevada lives in Clark County and they cannot carry anything over 3 inches, or any blade shaped like a Kurki style. lol

940 best benchmade hands down. Sales do not lie. I own 4 different benchmade knives with different steel, scales etc. However I think based on sales the 940 is king

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the zt 562 uses S35vn now. Before it came in 20cv , or 204p, like I got. Idk if it’s worth the price with s35vn. Just checked,they are still being offered in 20cv

I really like this list Wayne- great picks, would enjoy seeing an updated version see what if any would get knocked off and if so by which knives. My 15 would be: 1-Chaves Ultramar,2- CRK- L Sabenza21, 3-Spyderco PM2/PM3, 4-Kizer T1 titanium, 5- Hogue RSK, 6- Protech Godson red fat carbon, 7- Protech Malibu, 8-Twosun TS 190, 9- We Esprit, 10-Ochs Werx Orca (drop), 11- Spyderco Native Chief, 12- Hogue Deka magnacut, 13- Spyderco Shaman, 14- ZT 0801, 15- ZT 0095.

For 200-250 what knife/knives would you pick up? I just picked up a Buck 110&841, Kizer sheepdog XL, Civivi Imperium w/Damascus, benchmade bugout carbon fiber s90v, protech Godson, microtech LUDT 135-2RD and I’ll have a benchmade Adamas, got those all in the last month. I’m getting back in to the knife game a little bit and want to grab a few more good knives. I’ve been eyeing up the Ritter Hogue

I just bought the Benchmade grizzly ridge I love the knife but I would give anything to have micarta or g10 scales this rubber handle covering is just not doing it for me they make no aftermarket scales for this particular knife can anybody help me

I also really like the Spyderco Shaman.

they also made a tanto griptilian, idk if it was only from the custom shop since I haven't had to look for one, but I love mine and thought it might be worth mentioning

Good video I have 5 of your 15.

Benchmade FACT is my number one.

I have a bunch of great knives but my Manix 2 with M390 blade is awesome.

Recon 035 is an amazing otf 👍🏽

Hello from a fellow Michigander. Great videos, keep it up.

Guess it’s all preference I have pretty large hands Three finger grip on Manix 2 as reference but love my mini Bugout. It makes a great beater that just disappears in the palm. Agree about the factory scales being horrible though Great list; I now have a few new wants I didn’t realize that I needed Lol

Yellow jacket. Great review

urban edc and jesper vox f5.5 is a great knife.

I’m sure hindered, Chris reeve, olamic and many others are terrific pieces of equipment but I could never dump that much money on a pocket knife when there are so many other options for less than $200 ie hogue Deka

I've got aTr3 and I think the Malibu is next on my list from Protech. When I can find one.

Great list I would have added mbk old guard, smock, ace grand, we banter as well

You mentioned about wanting to use the glass breaker, be careful if you do. Applying the pressure to bust out the window is kinda tricky. I've done it with a few tools I've had and what you have to beware of is applying to much pressure and as the glass breaks out your hand has a chance of following through the window and getting cut from the breaking glass.

Manual Microtech Socom Elite should be on any production knife list. I don’t like big knives but it’s close to perfection. I don’t know if some people shy away because it’s aluminum. But, it’s one of my favorite materials, plenty strong and lighter then titanium. If it was jewelry, titanium might be better but aluminum is fine for a knife. I don’t like flippers but should have kept my 0562. I still have the 0801Ti, 0393, 0640. The 0640 quality feels a bit better then other ZT’s, great knife.

ZT 308 is the best ZT ever made. Got it in my hands at a show and couldn’t believe how good it was. Seriously rigged with high build quality/precision and smooth opening/closure. If you like big knives, this can’t be beat. I would take it over my Socom any day.

The ZT 0640 is a sexier BM 940. I love the design so much. Unfortunately it's too big for my tastes. I PRAY they make a 3-3.3in blade. 😭

great vid

Great list. Was hoping that TS262 made the list, also kizer genie in cf is a much better knife than the Ti version. Hope protech would do a micarta or g10 malibu. Really hate aluminum for wear and can’t pull the trigger on it.

ive never gotten jealous about someone having a malibu until now wow like stop talking about how amazing it is. I KNOW!!!

Big hand here and ergonomics are critical for me. Plus in SW Florida sweating is an issue. Any general comments on that would be appreciated! Thank you

I would have kept the hinderer as well lol.

That 0640. I think you’re the only person that loves that as much as me.

I got for my birthday the Boker F3 2 by Vox carbon fiber and titanium.. huge sale at knife center...

I can’t believe you went through an hours worth of knives and did not show and 940, especially to 940 Dash one, Knowing it’s one of the best EDC knives ever

I love it but my magnet it’s no good but it’s mine so buy it love the channel man

I’m looking at the Malibu button lock and I’ve heard rave reviews about it, but I guess I’ll never learn about that myself because they’re never available… but I’m looking at it and I’m not seeing any jimping on the spine of the blade. I like having jimping there to grip my thumb while I’m digging in and using it hard. Just bought a Spyderco Gail Bradley and it’s supposed to be a “Working Knife “ but I’m impressed with everything about it EXCEPT the jimping on the spine of the blade should be grippier, I feel, more like a Manix 2 XL. I THINK???

4:30 before you got to the first knife? 😂

That’s one reason I shy away from Micarta… It wears. Now that can be good, but after a few years, it might very well display a lot of dirt and minor damage, i.e. it won’t look so great. I prefer titanium and copper, because in 10 years, they’ll be better than ever! The titanium survives mostly unscathed, while the copper picks up traces of everywhere it’s been, i.e. it patinates. Both these ways of aging are better than what Micarta gives us. Oh, yes, it WILL be more comfortable in the hand, for a while.

I'm surprised no mention of the Crooked River Mini

Which one of these knives cuts through card board the best?

I feel bad that you have to deal with that crazy governor up there.

I’m surprised being from Michigan that you don’t have a Bark River edc in the list. I wonder if the Spyderco shaman is the knife you said was overpriced, I prefer it to the para 2, it’s just more comfortable for my use.

Shirogorov Neon Zero or Hation Zero are the perfect EDC knife in just too scared to use either

I need custom scales for my Benchmade grizzly ridge somebody help me

How do you not have the 940 in there 😳

A little part of me dies every time I see a list like this and the Benchmade 940 is not included.

No WE knives ?

Shocked not to see a 940 on this list.

I'm guessing the Spyderco you didn't want to mention due to it's outrageous price is either the Shaman or the Slysz Bowie

I would say its missing the 940

Benchmade axis vs hogue able lock?

Could have done wo the merch push, at the beginning!

You can walk through most states with a rifle strapped to your back but not a 3 inch blade ?

How can you have a best ever EDC without an Osborne 940? Wait.... I did a quick search, I don’t see that you’ve ever done a video on a 940 (unless I just missed it)...... you do own a 940, right?

Choices are subjective obviously. We all have different ideas of when we'll need our pocket knives or "regular tasks". "light knives" like the Bugout.....not for me. Even the -3 with Alu/K380 or the -4 CF/S90V...to each his own...heh..

Some good Knives...but what about LoneWolf Harsey Ranger T2. I own one in NOS condition. 😉 And some Cold Steel Models with TriAd Lock.

Did you said lower $100 range of manix 2 ? lol

Deka: bugout w/g10 and 20cv. Same price

Those PM2 scales would be the best with a black blade

Hey man, what happened in your situation with hinderer? I just recently contacted them because I’m missing my stop pin. Long story but I need one and I know they need to be hand fit. They haven’t contacted me yet. I’m thinking about going up to the ranch because I’m less than an hour away, but do you know a better way to get ahold of them than through email?

Giant mouse is slick

I despised my griptilian. Traded for a para 3 and never looked back

The only criticism of the Paramilitary I have is the fact that I have not seen it in a serrated model.

Hinderer xm18 is my edc

Great looking knifes. But the bug out would make a fancy sinker for me.

What the?!?! Where’s the 940, Native 5, Inkosi. Sebenza or Recon 1? 🤔

If anything, the Taichung plant produces Spyderco's very best quality knives

I live in Michigan and always heard 3 inches is the limit.

Hey I'm also from michigan

Demko AD20 Koenig mini Arius Holt Specter XM-18 Gen 6 CRK large Inkosi Protech Malibu Urban EDC 5.5 Vero synapse Gen 2 Vero synapse mini TRM Atomic Ti TRM Shadow Tactile knife Co The Rockwall My 2021 list