Underrated comment “And as you can see from my physique, I’ve never actually seen combat but I do know a good knife when I see one”. Same my friend, same.
You didn’t know that Roman gladiators were like Sumo Wrestlers? They looked nothing like buff Spartacus Series or Movie. They want more fat around the belly so they could take a sword slash without severing their intestines, That injury is certain and agonizing death. If you ever had gastrointestinal surgery you find out you don’t eat for a weeks. If your lucky you can survive with IV a glucose.
Was about to say the same thing. I would listen to this dude review toilet paper man!...lol...(My youngest son has the Gerber LMF and it IS a fine and economical choice for sure. I just bought my oldest boy a Ken Richardson Deer Antler handled Bowie (??) for X-Mas....not much in way of utility...but a true work of art for sure. Absolutely gorgeous knife...and hand-tooled sheath as well! Beautiful collectors items!
I carried a kbar in Vietnam, I still consider it to be the best combat knife, I brought mine home and later put a an elk antler on it with finger grooves oorah semper fi
There is more useful, solid, credible information per minute packed into this video than in any other knife video I have watched on RU-vid. I learned so much about the details of a combat knife. I am proud that so many fine knives are made here in the United States. Thank you. Thumbs up.
As I've mentioned in past vids, your testimony is done in your usual fluent, understandable & informative fashion. I really enjoy your style in talking up one of my favorite addictions!!!
" Get to the point " ! 😋 I had more supplies and gear, when I played Army as a kid, than I ever had in the Corps ! And that's a no shitter ! Semper Fi !
In my opinion, the 1918 trench knife is the ultimate fighting knife with the double edge spear point blade, and the brass knuckle handle with a pointed pommel! It is deadly in so many ways!
@@PatTheRiot the reason they changed from trench knives was versatility and they often broke the blades due to their thin stature, also there were less options for grips on the knife with the brass knuckles, as someone who has used both types i actually prefer the minimalist combat style as it accompanies my reverse grip much better but at the end of the day its 100% preference.
I have a K- Bar Marine knife that a friend sold me about 30 years ago , he was a Marine who was in the Pacific and this knife was a replacement for his knife when he broke it . This friend was at Iwo Jima , Tarawa and Okinawa. The sheath has US Navy on it but it is a K-Bar and he was issued the knife on Iwo Jima .
In 1946 I bought a war surplus knife similar to the Kabar, and still have it. All metal is parkerized, but there is no USMC anywhere on it. Sheath does have USMC stamped, and other markings that are worn off. It is still in good condition and that testifies to it’s top quality.
I do not disrespect the FS but I was lucky when young. I served in East Africa and cam across the Bauchop dagger. Much more expensive than a FS but much better. I got mine in 1974.
Your presentations are phenomenal. They are clearly and intelligently worded without repetition. You speak from a font of detailed knowledge. Thank you! It is also great to see and hear about knives made in America.
before I even watch the video I automatically click "like" because Anderson gives the best reviews on youtube. His calm, clear, and concise talk is just as it should be.
@Green Giant I carried 7" and a 9" and still have both with the original handles. They are still stacked and not coming apart. I have sharpened them several times but still great knives.
I love my Ka bar , I used and abused my first one and it passed almost all tests ,from digging (yes digging with a knife its better than doing it with your fingers) cutting off tree branches to hand to hand battle ,only area I saw it a bit weak was when throwing it ,it has the tendency to bend where the handle starts but considering its one hit one kill you dont mind just bending it back into position and do it again ,got my second one ,clean ,sharp and ready on my bog out bag.
I carried 3 knives when i was in military that served their purpose well. A ka bar combat, the ka bar "devil's brigade" double edged dagger, and my Randall. 50 some odd years later i still have them but the Randall is my favorite. Stainless steel makes a pretty blade but give me high carbon 1095 full tang knife anyday.
I've always been a huge fan of both the ESEE-4, 5 & 6 & the Ka-Bar BK-2 & BK-9... if price doesn't matter the Bark River bravo knives, and the Bark River JX5 (not really a combat knife... but I wouldn't want to get hit with it)
I was deployed twice with my ASEK. No clue if it's rated highly or not but I trusted it with my life. I dug things out of the dirt, cut playdough with it, pried green cans open and beat things with it. It is within arms reach most every day still. That Chimera looks a tad longer and would probably work well.
The Ka-Bar Turok is another outstanding option with a great sheath. It lends itself well to both combat and utility/field use. Also makes an outstanding camp knife for the civilian market.
The clip point profile has existed before the bowie was even a vague dream. That doesn`t change its effectiveness as a butcher/hunting and/or fighting knife, tho.
It’s complicated. Bowie carried what was called a butcher knife, which simply meant any large knife that could be used to butcher an animal. Such knifes could be used for self-defense and were sometimes specifically carried for that purpose., but they were tool knives. After Bowie got famous for defending himself with a knife against people with guns, the Bowie knife was created. The first Bowie was a version of the butcher knife that looked like a large Spanish hunting knife. The Bowie knife with a double edged clip point derives from that first Bowie knife. In WWII most soldiers disliked knives that were designed specifically for combat. They would sometimes trade them for something more useful. The Ka-Bar was a big success because soldiers felt it was useful tool. So although Bowie knifes were marketed as fighting knives, they were always very similar to tool knives.
Hello after serving for six years in the U.S. Infantry and searching for 30 years I finally found what I consider to be the apex of combat knives in the TOPS Operator Seven.. at six millimeters, or just over a quarter inch thick, 1075 high carbon steel, perfectly tempered blade, Kydex dangler sheath, G-10 and Micarta combo handle it is pricey. Yet once you have it on your rig it becomes priceless. It is the blade I will gladly and confidently pass to my son becoming our family’s legacy blade. Couldn’t recommend it enough.
Not to mention my personal favorite Tops US Combat knife,I own 2 ,one is signed by its designer,Laci Szabo and it's a beast,just like the operator 7 but a bit thinner and longer
I have grandpas knife he used in the pacific theater it’s a cattaraugus 225q. It’s still sharp as hell and has enough steel to make a car out of it lol. Not sure if he ever had to use it in defense of his life but I assume that he did as he never once mentioned the war and when we asked about it he would clam up and walk off. Any way nice vid man
That generation got a belly-full of war and killing, just wanted to move on with their lives afterward...so many of our dads just never talked about it
Brother every time I watch your show I always end up buying something new, your a awesome guy and a huge part of the knife culture, merry Christmas my brother
The cold steel osi is great for the outdoors I cut the sub hilt off so I could adjust my grip, the blade is razor sharp and east to keep and edge on I’ve done everything for fillet a fish, camp tasks, it will baton but I like using my tomahawk for tasks such as that. I don’t like kydex so I had my buddy make me a leather sheath with a whetstone pouch.
I've owned a K-Bar for 30 years and a Buck 119 same time . Some times I went out with the K-Bar and some times I went with the Buck . Never felt the need to up grade .
I have a custom-made Ek (SN # 075) that was given to me as a gift upon graduating Ranger School back in 1987. It went on every deployment with me, up to 2004, when I had to track it down and get it back from a thieving Afghan. After that, it just hangs on my wall. I need to get another, which I willl do shortly. Glad to see they are still being produced. I, also, am in love (or lust) with the Hogue. Will be getting that tomorrow. I need to find a company who can make me a sheath (Leather, "Randall Style", or Kydex) for the WWII Cattagurus and also for the Model RH36 knives. Would like high-carry, too. But, 'custom' sheath makers also want 'custom' prices, for which I could get between 2-4 other fuggin' knives! Then, on top of price, they want me to send them the knives so they can make the Kydex sheath for each!!
Hey brother, 11B 87-91.Look up Atlus sheaths on FB. You would have to send him the knife but I've gotten several 6 to 8 from him, never any issues, reasonable prices. Hit me up on FB and can show you some pics of mine he did.
I'm glad you were able to track down your knife man. After I left the Corps I had a break in and my issued Strider DB-L that I had carried in Iraq was stolen along with other stuff and some guns. Local PD did a great job and eventually busted the kids and I got my knife back. Too bad I didn't get my Benchmade Auto Stryker back
Quickly becoming my favorite knife review channel! Bought my first KA-BAR USMC fighter in 1987 from KA-BAR for $25, and the swedge was sharpened out of the box. Five years later the CORPS issued me another one. Sadly, I didn't get to keep it when I got out.
The difference in edge retention of higher quality steel, difference in finish, corrosion resistance, scales, sheath and heat treat method all come into play. Quality control is also watched much closer on the finished product of a more expensive piece as well. However, I do agree that there is a price point that will get you a fantastic knife and anything past that point is fluff or mark up. Example: Randall model 7 vs Black Jack model 7, I actually prefer the fit and finish on the cheaper Black Jack. Randall cost $600 and Black Jack cost $230. I sold my Randall because I wouldn't use it but kept the Black Jack and take it with me in the woods always.
Modern warfare has changed the way we select our cutlery, as better firearms and tactics may lead to smaller more compact blade sizes depending on Situation specific. Good video Thank you !
I worked at camillus cutlery from 199o until they closed in 2003 from foreign competition. Best job I ever had I was being grinder. Not putang grinder lol. I lived right behind the cutlery I had to go through the country parking lot to get to my backyard that's how close I was it was awesome.
Randall #14, "Old" SOG Pentagon, Victorinox Champion, Terzoula ACTF, Leatherman Crunch were the knives I carried in EOD ........ All were scary sharp and served me well for 22 years ......
I carried a K-bar back in the 80s as an aeroscout in the Air Cav. Still have it and love it. I also have the Gerber fighting dagger. The blade is 8" with a black leather serial number 8187. Still with its factory edge, sharp as a razor.
SP-1 actually deserves more credit IMO. It isn't just an Ontario version Mark 2 with a rubber handle. The knife is actually a little thicker than the original. It's point is more in line with the center of the handle. The shoulders are rounded as opposed to right angles, i.e.; eliminates stress riser at the blade / handle junction and it's POB is neutral at the hand guard as opposed to the handle heavy originals. It is almost like someone took the constructive criticisms offered by Bill Bagwell in the old Battle Blades articles and slightly altered the design to fit. I think it is an excellent update of the original knife and very underrated.
I have the k-bar good choice showing it first it screams American. It's a good knife owned it for years. Watched the whole video all the knives are nice. I still only need my k-bar great video good articulation.
Dillard Johnson used the LMF II to cut power to a building in Iraq, it blasted a half moon out of the blade but he was totally fine. He sent the knife in hoping for a new one and they didn't send him one back LOL
I love KABAR. My cousin is a USMC vet and he was in about 8 years before me. When he got out he found out me and my friend signed up for boot camp. He said I have something for you if you graduate boot camp. If you survive you little bastard. After I got my EGA he actually was at my graduation. He went with my parents. I want you to have this you little bastard. He gave me his USMC KABAR. He said a good Marine always has a good sharp knife. Keep it sharp. Keep it oiled. I still have that knife til this day and that was 2007 that I graduated. They honestly last forever. I did get a knew sheath though. Im gonna give it to my son when he gets older. After that I bought the TDI and D2 from KABAR. I also have the USMC M9 from Ontario. Its an awesome and very sturdy bayonet. Its the exact same as when I was in. It fits on stard size ARs. It also is sturdy enough to be used as a fighting/combat knife. I want the EK 4 from KABAR next
I’m a former US Marine, the Marines nowadays don’t issue KA-BARs. I purchased one from the MCX because I wanted one, I’ve seen many marines carrying a gerber strong arm pro.
I have an older Gerber Guardian II. I have owned if for almost 20 years. It could use a sheath upgrade and possibly a blade coating I still find it a quite serviceable combat knife. It is double edged with a 7" blade. I did like your presentation and you seem to be very knowledgeable on the topic.
I have the Gerber Guardian Mk1 in Camo finish, which I've had since the early 80s. Excellent as a boot knife or yolk carry backup to my main blade when I served Still razor sharp but due to military service the sheath has taken a beating. I have repaired the sheath in a way that still makes it highly usable.
Glad my wife actually likes knives. I just paid 552.00 bucks for a Busse Ultra Light Combat Gemini and Mrs. Bluegrass had zero problems with it. That's what I call a keeper boys.
I got the Kabar EK 5 last year while shopping for a rugged chopping knife. I never even handled it, just saw a picture and I wanted it the minute I saw it. It doesn't have any crossover uses. It came from the factory razor sharp. I put it someplace safe. Then I went back to shopping and got a Kabar BK 10, which is closer to what I originally wanted. I'm glad I got the EK 5, though.
The whole goal of fighting is winning. There are some exelent knives made in the USA however if you simply want the best gear place of manufacturing can never be a objective selection criteria.
@@mason3vze740 I agree about the serrations, just wouldn't be the same blade without them. I have one as well, I bought it over thirty years ago and it has never been used. My blade is not black by the way.
Extremely well presented, very educational. I might add that knife Center has been a reliable source for several knife purchases I have made over the years.
Ain't it funny how the veteran owned knife makers make knives soldiers would have take a car loan out to own. To me if i paid $400 id be to scared id lose it to ever use it. I personally see no reason a production knife should cost more then $150 dollars tops. All else is paying for branding. Knife center love you guys you do a great job
I see you have extensive knowledge of all facets of the manufacturing process.... Hell, look into a SINGLE facet of knife manufacturing and youll see how ignorant it is to assign arbitrary values to goods youd never buy anyway. Theres plenty of production models out there with blades that cost more than $150 for the company to buy in bar or sheet form. I recently modded a Dodo with a Z-Max blade. Just the blade stock cost me $86. The titanium cost me $48. The belts other consumables cost me ~$50. Even if you halve those prices, taking into account the much larger scale a production company would work with, doesnt leave much room for r&d, warranty, labor, rent, electricity............ But, hey, some clown on RU-vid wont buy it if its more than $150 so lets sell at a loss and go out of business in a day. BTW, im a USMC vet with many, MANY $400+ knives i use all the time. Im not scared to lose them(lol) because im an adult, and no financing was needed.
Eyedea315 bet you probably own a benchmade knife to an that ain’t all branding .seems funny you can buy a kershaw cv20 for $70 but a D2 benchmade is $150 but you know more than me how about my espada xhp $150 for a 5.5 blade find me any other knife you can get that big an that much steel that cheap. This is the reason America lost many manufacturers stupid make up for no reason
ScalpingYour TP- the best part is whenever the owners of said companies say they are "here for the Soldier"...when in reality, they are just there to exploit and take advantage of the Soldier...usually the lowest ranks, who buy aftermarket equipment, and which, just like the used car lots outside the bases that price cars at top dollar, with ridiculous payment plans, are just there to take advantage of, and exploit the Soldier, not to really, honestly, help him by putting quality gear in their hands for a good price! No, its about stuffing the owners pockets with cash. They are bottom-feeding scum.
My brother has my Dads KA-BAR from WWll. I have my original issue U.S.M.C. KA- BAR and a D2 KA-BAR qith the kraton handle. Such a great knife, timeless design.
The ka/bar was sold in a box that had the old fractonal blue print on the box .on the print its called{ blood groove } 5/8 ball endmill. Thats why people call it that . its on the print.
USMC combat vet here. Trust me when I tell you that you will love the Mark II and it sinks in like going through warm butter. Just bevel a better blade on the top end. Always Faithful Always Forward and Lay Some Hate!!!
Hey Dave, you forgot or for some reason didn't choose to show the "TOPS fighting Infantry knife"🤯 (you know that 7 plus inch one)! BTW, Ka-Bar, Ontario, Camillus, Gerber AND TOPS are the knives issued to our military (at least those I know had been)😮. Besides IMHO, TOPS beats most if not all others I've mentioned and they've quite a diverse line of knives from ANY other of today's companies that make knives (at least that I've looked at anyway)🤔. Be safe and take care, "God Bless", sincerely Randy. 👍👍🙏😇👊 P.S.: It's very difficult to be a "certified knife-aholic" (having champagne tastes, living off of a soda pop budget)! Oh btw, there isn't any 🔪 addict meetings to attend to get help from 😖!!!
I would beg to differ, TOPS, has not held an NSN and are not an issue knife. While commands individually can purchase items, TOPS are not issued but an open purchase item bought at the command levels.
@@RobertCude Hello, isn't "hindsight" wonderful, since when I was doing my 12.5yrs., that type of information wouldn't have been available, and that if you'd served you didn't know anything then either. It wouldn't really matter about the NSN's when they were still available and used by our military (since the men couldn't have afforded to buy them individually, or in such quantity and just happen to be the same blades, right?). They were there then and now, and how they got there well, does it really matter? Just sayin'. Be safe and have fun, sincerely, Randy. 🙏😇👊
Get rid of that last kabar because the guard starts wobbling, unless you’re trying to be a “tactical rattlesnake” then yeah just shake that knife and you’ll be good lol. Replace it with any TOPS or Esee which have more than earned a spot in this video but yet weren’t featured
@Tsukoyomi Light I agree that they most TOPS models are great workhorses, but there are tons of knives in their catalog that are seriously dedicated combat blades. I would go as far as saying that they have arguably the best production fighting knives one can buy. I have huge respect for SOG Seal (but the AUS-8 steel needs an update) and the Ka-bar USMC is legendary, but I just don't think they can beat TOPS differential heat treat on the 1095, and really wicked aggressive profiles
Tops knives are cool, but mostly too heavy in a real knife fight. For me a perfect combat knife should have an 7 to 8 inch blade and a weight of not more than 12 or 13 oz.
Fun fact- the original Mark 2 fighting knife was produced for Ka-bar by the original Camilus knives before they closed in like 2004. Ka-bar didnt become its own company until the mark 2 did so well during WW2. Camilus's IS the original and the oldest knife company in North america
Camillus had around 750 people making K-bar style sheath knives during WW2. They kept their military contract after the war and most all the K-bar style knives issued during Viet Nam were made by them. When they shut down there were only 47 employees manufacturing their knives. Those employees threatened a strike, but management told them that if they did Camillus would go bankrupt and would have to close up shop. They didn't believe it, and the union went on strike anyway. They all lost their jobs and Camillus shut down. I heard that a foreign entity bought them out. Who knows whether they'll continue as before. Doesn't seem likely.
@Shit Show I can remember fifty cent cigarettes and gallon of gasoline at our cut rate gas station in the '50s :- ( ...............yes I am older than dirt !
Their Carbon V knives were made in the USA by Camillus. When Camillus went out of business in 2007 Cold Steel no longer had a US manufacturer and they also had no access to Carbon V. IIRC "Carbon V" was the same steel Camillus used in their Becker knives.
Being a bit overweight doesn't mean you didn't see Combat !! Lol I served in the Marines and I can assure you after 10+ yrs most of us have gain some good old boy American weight from Bareque's and other fine dinning !! Lol Semper Fi
@Don Baumann It's Saturday today, I will be eating some BBQ today after some shooting fun at the range with my friends Lol !! Have to keep the skills up especially in today's climate !!! Semper Fi
