Hi, thanks for taking the time to stop by... I’m Gus and I’m all about helping you make the right choices on your new EDC Tools, Kit & Equipment, Bushcraft + Travel Gear - by giving you honest, INDEPENDENT reviews!
It's not JUST about reviews... Sure, I'm going to have a weekly review + 'Monthly Specials' and a heap of other stuff to help give you extra, value-added insights into the GEAR - you actually need!
That's why I'm going to cover a TON of 'Tips & Tools' to help you further, get the most out of, your essential everyday tools + you can join a ‘second family’ - our EDC 'Band of Brothers' in future 'Podcasts' and we'll have some fun along the way - RESULT!
Sounds for you? Then hit that SUBSCRIBE 🔔 button and I’ll see you in the comments! ✅
ABOUT: I've been a Carpenter/Multi Trader in the construction industry for over 30yrs. Ex. serviceman in the 131 Commandos RE - who has acquired first hand knowledge in survival 🆘 & bushcraft 🔪 skills 🔥
Cracking looking knife, especially as a budget option! Very useful looking blade shape and the handle shape allowing for a pinch grip to open 👌🏻 Great review buddy 😁
Brother, Stu 💪🏼 It's definitely worth picking one up 👌🏼 Otherwise, I wouldn't have given it the time of day 😉 They even got horn, as well as various woods, which can be a bit rough & ready, but hey. A fantastic value UK Legal EDC - hard to beat! Thanks for the positive feedback - always appreciated, buddy 🫂 Have a good one, ATB Gus 🍻
Raaaaannddy!!! 👊🏼 Thanks, brother 🫂 🙏 Your positive vibes are much appreciated, my friend, as it shows I'm doing something right 😁 😉 Hope you had a good weekend, buddy, ATB Gus 👍🏻
Gus .....the very definition of a budget banger ! Nice to see genuine budget knives buddy ! 👍 Don't own a Joker but people seem to like them ! Hope you're doing ok mate andhope to catch you on a live soon ! A T B Tony ! 🏴
Brother Tony 🫂 ♥️ I like that 😁 To some people, their budget is between £60-£100 pounds, I respect their opinion, but I don't necessarily agree with it because it all depends on life experiences & affordability. Where we sit, Is how we see... I'm doing okay, thanks, buddy 💪🏼 We will meet up soon, my friend, and have a proper catch-up over a beer & some food 😉 Be well, ATB Gus 🍻 🏴
@tonysponies.2007 Brawd Tony 👊🏼 HH, are now out of stock with the above EDC, so I did some research and found a quality outdoor shop 🏕 🌳 🪓 🪵🔥 called 'Pro-Adventure' - based in Llangollen - NE Wales 🏴 ⬇️ I would normally contact the owners a few times to build an overview of who they are, how they operate, and their type of service before recommending them. However, it was Saturday evening, so I trusted my instincts and embedded their link to the product, and it's cheaper than HH! 😉 I shall be speaking with owners Pete & Leslie Carol, who seem very nice people, as I wish to promote them, and perhaps they may wish me to do some reviews... ATB Gus 🏴
Brother Gus….!!!!!! Fantastic review…. Absolutely love the look of these and keep meaning to pick one up….!!!! Hard to beat at that price point…🔥🔥🔥😎👊🏻 Hope you’re keeping well… and I’ll catch you soon brother…😎👊🏻❤️
Sean!!! 👊🏼 Thanks, brother 🫂 Probably best go for the wood or horn, the green fibre is fairly good overall. However, for a few more pounds, you get wood! 🪵😜 We will meet up soon, no doubt, my friend ♥️ Be well, and God bless 🙏 Hang tough 💪🏼 Cheers! 🍻
These caught my eye a while back I have this one and the beechwood , my olive green one came with near on perfect fit and finish a the pins are flush , it looks like pot luck on what you get . The beechwood one for me is the better of the two with a slightly stronger pull and better fit and finish.
@rachael5177 Hey buddy 👊🏼 Thank you for the valid insight - much appreciated, my friend 💪🏼 I'm definitely going to get another, but it's a tough choice between horn & wood... 😉 As a carpenter, most of my life, my instincts, is to go for beech, as it's the second hardest hardwood, so always makes a good choice. Thanks for watching, and have a good weekend, ATB Gus 🍻
Brother Will 🫂 You're on it tonight, buddy - appreciate all the valid comments, my friend 💪🏼 It's a very useful keychain, for sure, and makes a great gift for family & friends... 🎁 Have a good one, ATB Gus 🍻
@kathleensmith370 Thanks, Kathleen ☘️ I'm glad you like it, though it's cheap, it's surprisingly capable 😉 Appreciate you stopping by, and have a lovely weekend 😎 ATB Gus 🍻
@MikeyNewman1974 Mmmmiiiiiiikky... ma.. MAN! 💪🏼 For sure, even though I had one in horn, many months ago, I forgot how good it is and at a fantastic price! Agreed, it's a no-brainer. I'm glad you got one 😉 Have a great weekend, brother 🫂 ATB Gus 🍻
@Stans_Cutlery_Universe Hey Stan 👊🏼 The Spanish have their own unique designs, which are very nice, and then all at an exceptional price too - COM'ON! 💪🏼 I'm glad you found the video helpful 😉 Have a great weekend, ATB Gus 🍻
@mattsabourin6674 Hey Matt 👊🏼 I hear you, buddy 🍻 Q. Bro, is that a Loudmouth Bass? 🎣 Nice catch! 👌🏼 I am reviewing the Handyman soon, if that helps... 😉 Thanks for stopping by, ATB Gus 👍🏻
You can tell how lovely it is by how many times he runs his finger and thumb along the length of the blade. This is actually a proven, scientific way of measuring the loveliness of a knife blade. Rumour has it that Sylvester Stallone is still lovingly looking after his bowie knife the same way, even more than 40 years later.
Hey buddy 👊🏼 That made me laugh 😁 Yes, I do 'caress' it a bit too much, sometimes... 😂 I shall shorten & update this video in a few months, with less stroking of steel! 😉 Thanks for watching, ATB Gus 👍🏻
The other cool thing you can do with the hook is turn the otherwise rather uncomfortable pen into something actually usable. It just goes in the slot and the hook drops on top to lock it in place. Feels as solid as you'd want.
Yes, you're right 😉 I do that quite often with my Victorinox Compact. I remember watching @FelixImmler use the hook for the pen around four years ago, in one of his many videos... Thanks for watching, ATB Gus 👍🏻
The MP hook is actually a pretty good way to add a saw blade. All you need is the appropriate jigsaw blade. Maybe with a bit of heatshrink around the base. Pop open the hook, slide the blade in through the keyring, locate it in the hook's slot, and lock it in place with the hook. As much as I like my Ranger, this solution is lighter and more versatile. You can get a jigsaw blade for just about anything, and lose at least one layer on your Swiss army knife without giving up function. You can stash these blades just about anywhere, they're slim & light. Plus you don't have to worry about sharpening them, since they're so cheap and easy to replace. Unlike the wood saw on my Ranger.
Yes, I agree it is. Though it is overlooked by some, there are quite a few of us who remember Benjamin Balke from Germany 🇩🇪 attaching a jigsaw blade to a SAK a fews ago - great idea! 💡 I nearly forgot about it, so thanks for reminding me 😉
Hey Jeremy 👊🏼 For sure, any model close to the original, two layer frame is always going to have a special place 😉 Thanks for watching, buddy, ATB Gus 👍🏻
Fantastic Review Gus. Enthusiastic as ever... I love the Recruit and bought one each for 3 of my kids and Grandaughter ( aged 9, 10, 12 and 13). Of course even with my safety talk before giving them the knives - within 5 minutes 2 of the kids came to me with cuts on their fingers as all SAKs come supe sharp from the factory!!!🤣 Since then no more cuts - so they learnt their lesson....😁
Cheers, Mark! 🍻 Appreciate the real, positive feedback, buddy 💪🏼 The value for money is fantastic, so makes a great gift for family & friends, as well as ourselves... 😁 A super option for a first knife, for sure! 👌🏼 Kids are kids... ☺️ I remember my grandad showing me how to use a penknife and chisel at 8 years old, and I got my first Victorinox when I was 9. When he was supervising me, I never cut myself, it's was only when I was working with my Dad on Saturdays or holidays and cutting open sand & cement bags or packages that I cut myself, as I was rushing - less haste, more speed... Thanks for taking the time to comment, and getting your unique insight... Have a great weekend, brother 🫂 ATB Gus 👍🏻
Also worth mentioning that the can opener also is an excellent cork opener when a bottle of wine requires it. I almost prefer it over the traditional corkscrew tool. Thus, you are pretty much covered in any social event while carrying the recruit.
Hey buddy 👊🏼 Thanks for that, I appreciate the valid feedback 👌🏼 I have never used the can opener to open a bottle of wine... However, I have used the main blade to open a bottle of wine a few times when a corkscrew wasn't available. Perhaps you could do a video on it to demonstrate the best technique 😉 Cheers 🍻 Thank for watching, ATB Gus 👍🏻
Tks! @@gadgetgus I tried last night making the video but the corkscrew got torn in this particular instance hehe! so I had to run and get my spartan to save the day. Probably I need to get some table top review basic tools, as it is not as easy as it seems hehe! Any gear recommendations is most welcome! Thanks again 👊 Cheers m8! 🍻
@jeremyspaulding7735 Cheers, Jeremy 🍻 He is such a genuine and humble man who has a real appreciation for tools, especially Buck & Case, which is now instilled in me... The 301 is extra special for me, as every time I use it, I think of Tom... I'm glad you enjoyed it, buddy, ATB Gus 👍🏻
Probably yes , it’s a tough job picking from that extensive range. I would love to see say a field master and maybe alox pioneer x , I think 🤔 I would buy any one they choose lol 😜. Nice to have you back mate , God bless
For sure, the Fieldmaster & Pioneer X I often rotate - great pieces of kit! 💪🏼 Thanks again for your kind words, buddy 🙏 Have a great weekend, Mark 😎 ATB Gus 🍻
Gus , did you hear what Jon gadget said on his latest video. Apparently some time next year victorinox may be issuing a better blade steel, I’m sure that’s what he said. Can’t wait 😜
Hey Marc 👊🏼 Yes, I did... that will be great to see 👌🏼 Though, I think I would have asked a lot more questions... 😁 Ie. Would you consider reintroducing the Tinker SM, Executive, Tourist, etc, as a special edition or similar... ATB Gus 👍🏻
Hey buddy 👊🏼 Take a look at the 'Rambler' - great tool! Same size, has a bottle opener + magnetic screwdriver 🪛 If you prefer the Alox scales, then check out the 'Minichamp' or do what I did and custom a Rambler in Alox scales 😉 Hope that helps, ATB Gus 👍🏻
@@gadgetgus thanks, I have an issue with the Rambler for being offered only in red colour. I ordered the simple one in black and additional key chain bottle opener as compromise
Hey buddy 👊🏼 I hear you, it's a great carry and I still rotate occasionally, as I would like to keep it in fairly good condition. I have a feeling they may reintroduce it with or without the Tinker for special occasions... 😉 Thanks for watching, ATB Gus 👍🏻
RRRaaaandy! 🫂 Thank you very much, buddy ♥️ Yes, the serrated blade is useful, especially by the river/sea or indeed on it. I knew someone who carried this type of recruit in a vehicle, etc, in Canada, in case they ditched into one of the lakes... Though, I prefer the serrated Spartan, which I had in 2011, when canoeing in the Rye valley, as a replacement to a fixed blade, as they became illegal to carry on my PFD - Personal Flotation Device. Always useful to carry ICE, if you capsize and get trapped in reeds, etc, so you can cut yourself out while under the water... Though I would now opt for a Spyderco UKPK Serrated Salt version, in hi-vis yellow or green 😁 As someone who has done quite a bit of climbing, I would of welcomed a serrated Climber version, where the scissors are replaced by a serrated blade or perhaps the Mountaineer where the file is replaced with the serrated blade. Personally, I would prefer that toolset when in those environments... Please excuse the long reply... ATB Gus 👍🏻
Enjoyed your look at the Recruit Gus ......a little beauty ! I have one , but don't carry it ..we can't carry them all can we ? 🤣 As you say , a brilliant first knife . Got my ticket ordered buddy ....looking forward to meeting you ! Take care mate , A T B Tony ! 🏴
Brother Tony 🫂 Thanks, buddy, much appreciated 🍻 I'm glad you liked it, as I enjoyed making it 😉 True, true... we can't carry them all at once 😁 I'll be there, Tony - all being well 🙏 As I literally 'escaped' last time, so the nurses may try to tie me down, this time! 😂 It'll be great to meet up, for sure 💪🏼 Be well, my friend, ATB Gus 🏴
Hey Ali 👊🏼 💯% for sure! It's such a classic, and I'm surprised I didn't pick one up sooner... I'm glad you enjoyed it, buddy 👌🏼 Thanks for stopping by, ATB Gus 👍🏻
Brother Sean 🫂♥️ Had to be done!!! 😁🤣😜 I know you, understand... Well, it may be cold to start with, but it'll be hot 🔥 when I'm done!! 😂 I'm may label Jud, 'Snowball' in next week's 'live'... see if he gets it! 🫡
Cheers, Mark 🍻 It is underestimated by some, but I have a special place for it, as it brings back memories... 🪖 It seems YT doesn't agree with, 'Eskimo pussy', etc... so I modified it and uploaded it a third time! 💪🏼 Have a good one, ATB Gus 👍🏻
Brother Gus…!!!! Can’t believe I missed this video….!!!! Apologies my friend….🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Been crazy busy at work…!!! Love these…. I’ve got a Chinese version that I’ve had for several years…. Really need to pick up a USA version though… These are a fantastic carry…. In the Goldilocks zone size wise… and three blades to get you through the day… The different blade shapes really come in handy… and I like being able to choose different blades for different tasks…😎 Another fantastic review my friend..💪🏻👊🏻😎 Take care brother and I’ll catch you soon…!!!😎👊🏻
Brother Sean 🫂 No worries... apologies accepted!! 😁🤣 The Chinese 'Buck' versions - 373 & 371 are good value for money 👌🏼 which I also featured in the video. However, I generally prefer an original, when I can afford it, as it has that authenticity... Richard at HH, had three in stock, yet wasn't happy with sending them out, a possible poor batch perhaps, so he ordered me a new one. Agreed, great size/weight and with three blades - awesome package! 💪🏼🔥 As always, I appreciate the great feedback and positive vibes, my friend 🙏 Hope to meet up at Sharp Show with some fellow creators and perhaps a few regular viewers, that would be cool 😎 ATB Gus 🍻
Hey Sean 👊🏼 YT wasn't happy with that, Recruit 'Short' I did, so I modified it... Unfortunately, it erased any comments. Hopefully, this one we'll be alright 😉
