I personally have a grail knife that I've been wanting for a couple of years now. I think it's beautiful and highly functional. The Kunwu Padre in Titanium and Elmax. The thing sells for around $279.00 to $300.00, depending on the finish. I wish I could scrape together the money, but that is still a couple of years off.
Things are relative. I am a Namibian, been a craftsman for over thirty years and at the best sallery I have ever made, US$ 300.00 would have been a week and a hallf's pay. Namibian $ 6000.00.
As I've said in the past, at 74, I've been collecting & using many forms of cutlery for decades. "Cold Steel/Special Projects" has always had a special place in my heart, as I have amassed more of their models than any other brand, in my collection. I purchased all of my "Cold Steel" products before the company was sold, so I feel that I have the highest quality because of that. I wear jeans from "Duluth Trading Co." that have very deep hip pockets, so the Expada XL fits perfectly as an EDC, although I don't carry it with frequency.
Any man who rocks an Espada XL has my attention. For grail knives that actually look like classic knives without the modern bling factor Cold Steel has it. I'm with you re. preferring ones pre GSM ownership. Take care.
I think of "grail" as being the pinnacle of something that stands more for personality than cost. For me it's the Spyderco Tusk - innovative interpretation of the classic rigging knife, of well-finished quality materials by a manufacturer who has contributed greatly to advancing modern knife design. It's definitely expensive but more than anything it's peerless for what it is (without being highly adorned which isn't my style).
Hey, DCA and the Knifecenter team! I always carry my Opinel Outdoor No. 8 when walking my Labrador. She is trained to respond to the whistle, which is nice; but after she returns from mucking about in the woods, she is often covered in stickers. I’ve found that I can use the serrated portion of the blade as a field-expedient way of scraping/“brushing” the stickers out of her fur. (I am, of course, careful when doing this, and she is a good girl and will sit patiently while I attend to her coat.) So, my question is this: Do you have any favorite off-label uses or applications for any of your knives? Thanks in advance. I always love the KniFAQ vids.
I always enjoy your content. To be on topic for the algorithm 😆: My grails have shifted as my collection has changed to become more of what I like. At this point I'm pretty exclusively going for smaller maker US knives from the likes of CRK, Spartan, TRM, Holt and the like. TRM is the only one of those brands that play in this sub $300 space, but they make a fantastic product. I have 4 kids and intend to pass on one from each maker of those listed makers to each of them.
That all sort of depends on what a "Holy Grail" knife is for the individual. One of the knives that's currently on my list is the newly-redesigned Benchmade North Fork, which is $207 USD today at KnifeCenter. It would match perfectly with a Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter, $180 USD today at KnifeCenter.
I will say, modding can make a budget knife a grail. I purchased a Hogue Deka Magnacut. I added: some Ti scales from Original Goat, a Lynch clip, Glow Rhino thumbstuds, and purchased an anodization/mod package from Way of Knife. All in I'm just over $300 for a nearly completely USA made one-of-a-kind knife. Could I have soent that money better? Maybe. But it's my absolute favorite knife in the collection and feels special to me
Re: Nitro-V: I have the very knife model DCA showed, albeit in a different configuration, mine has the jade G10 handles. The lock is excellent, the action smooth as melted butter on china, and the Nitro-V steel is excellent. I highly recommend both the steel choice and this actual knife.
A " grail " knife is super objective. Mine is a Ray Mears Woodlore bushcraft knife. But seriously, if your living " hand to mouth " spending even 200 dollars on a knife " just to admire " is a pretty dumb thing to do!! Maybe use it for clothes or food for the kids and wait until you are in a better position financially. But that's just my opinion as a father of 3 boys myself.
I am happy to report I have my grail knives all ready! One is the Karbon Buckhorn, designed by Ken Onion and winner of knife collaboration at blade show 2024. The other is the CRKT Stylus limited edition, Ti frame lock as well, also designed by Ken Onion. Never had the money for Ken Onion knives as a young man, so I am elated to have these as part of my collection. They will accompany down the aisle one day assuming I ever do. New collection goal, Espada XL, for the miles of smiles.
My grail knife for $300 was Boker Vollintegral 2.0 XL. Once KnifeCenter had it as discontinued I panicked and found it in Amsterdam. Great price and wanted it for years. I like it better in person!
My affordable grail knife would be Buck Custom Shop 110 with 420HC steel, since it's a looker not user, and put money in frame filing and one-of-a-kind scales.
I have been carrying a MOKI knife for 20+ years, as my "Sunday go to meeting" knife and I love it. Fit and finish is amazing while the heat treat of the blade is superb ! Was fortunate enough to be able to buy a couple more MOKI knives and the quality is still world class. So well made and so overlooked. Cannot say enough about the brand.
I'm almost 50 yrs old. I've been a slow "knife collector" since I was given my first Swiss Army Knife (SAK) when I was a kid in the 80s and enamored by MacGyver and his SAKs. I used to swear I would never spend more than $50 on a knife. Then I did, and it was awesome. Then I swore I would never spend more than $100 on a knife. Then I did, and it was awesome. Then I swore I would never spend more than $200 on a knife. Then I did, and it was awesome. Now I swear I'll never spend more than $300 on a knife... but... yeah... Two suggestions: because of my love for SAKs, I have a ton of them, and bought a Cybertool Lite when it came out. I love it. I've used it to repair so many things from car, to computers, to radios, to an AC unit, to a washing machine, to my furnace... it;s a great tool, not only to use, but to look at and admire. Secondly, a few months ago, I bought myself the CRKT Redemption for $200, which I've wanted since it came out. It's a sweet Ken Onion design in Magnacut, modeled off his custom "Dead Man's Hand" old west gambler's boot knife/dagger. I haven't used it for a darn thing except flipping it open and closed and admiring its beauty and engineering, and I'm completely satisfied with my purchase. Long story short, the definition of a "grail knife" is obviously subjective, but it's always nice to finally get one. Some of them you use, some of them you just play with and admire.
David, you are the reason I will be buying from Knife Center, really. I appreciate your style and demeanor. Just wanted the company to know your value; I'm sure they know full well. 👍👍
I think a combination of scarcity, quality, and provenance can make for more of a grail than price. If you can get in on a drop from Great Eastern Cutlery, the acquisition alone will be an accomplishment, and the knife will be beautiful and rare.
Laredo in 3V is def a grail. I have one in micarta and 01 and I lurves it. But you gotta get some good aftermarket sheaths made. PS Knifecenter's price for the 3V Laredo is ridiculously good.
Hey there! I think fallkniven would also make some good "grail knives" for less than 300. I believe Moki is making them but they do get some better blade steel... I like the elforyn ones. Just a thought.
Moki makes the knives to the specs Fällkniven order. Moki have made knives for several other brands too. Moki makes the best quality out there, short of bespoked custom works.
Another grail knife, though admittedly a bit more expensive - Boker Barlow M4 Sherman Damascus. Any knife with Chad Nichols Damascus truly meets the definition of a grail knife!
I bought a Benchmade 940bk-03 $270 this knife is so mesmerizing to me. Even though it was the most expensive everyday knife I have bought. I carry it every day. I also have the Benchmade blade hq Osborne with m4 blade $234. And an original 940 green aluminum (eBay deal $145 )that is dressed out with titanium screws and clip. But ole copper 940 is my favorite. Just the history of the Osborne
Benchmade 940 in magnacut isn’t necessarily a grail knife but it sure is awesome to carry and use every day. The Spyderco Kapara is also a gorgeous knife that is highly functional as well as beautiful
My WE Makani with flamed titanium scales and back spacer was about $300 and I consider it my grail knife. It sits proudly in my display case and is the only knife in my large collection that does not get used.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend the Buckhorn. The detailed, contoured scales, the slanted thumbstuds that meet the bolster upon opening...titanium, S35vn steel, are premium, but it feels and looks like a $500 folder
Great topic and approach. “Grail” for me has less to do with raw cost and more about the personal journey. Does something about your grail cause it to stand out from your “regular” collection? Is it relatively rare or otherwise difficult to obtain? Do you find yourself daydreaming about it and admiring it in pictures and videos online? I’m sure I’m not alone when I admit the premium Espada was one of my grails. I ended up getting a Large in XHP and I feel so lucky to have it. It’s definitely pushing what I would consider “pocketable!”
I personally think anything from Moki would make a great grail knife. I have several including the Large Kronos and I adore them. In my opinion its as close as you can get to some of vintage Japanese produced Al Mar knives like the Falcon, Eagle, and Hawk. You really cant go wrong with anything from Moki. I love the Blackiston's Fish Owl, the Quince Wood covered Pliant, and the Mother of Pearl covered Pliant.
Hi DCA -- How about a segment on left-handed (not merely ambidextrous) folding knives. I have lefty Spydercos (Military and PM2) and would like to know what else is available. Thanks.
It's always surprising to me that when I see the knives on the table they sometimes look smaller. Then when there's a close up in the hand I'm like, that's a big knife!
Some other suggestions for sub-$300 grail knives: ZT Hinderer 0562MIC Frame Lock 3.5" CPM-MagnaCut with Micarta & titanium scales at $300, WE Limited Edition Nexusia 3.48" CPM-20CV with titanium handle on sale at KC for $250 instead of $350, Reate Knives ZORO 3.3" M390 with titanium handle at $290, GiantMouse ACE Biblio XL 3.2" Vanadis with titanium handle at $285, LionSteel SR-22 B titanium integral handle 3.15" Sleipner at $280. A totally different kind of grail knife for me which is not so refined was the Cold Steel AD-10 (now in S35VN at $140), maybe some day the 4-Max Elite at around $500. Unbreakable, massive tool knives. The great part of many of these knives, aside from material and fit & finish quality, is the feel of the titanium handles and the sounds titanium knives make when you fire them open. It's special. About Gear For Life: if you look at the site, it is almost surely part of the Sanrenmu/SRM/Ruike/Real Steel conglomerate.
The Benchmade Osborne was my 1st grail knife. Don't let a dollar value define what a grail knife should be. Determine what knife you'd like most for a certain dollar amount and if you can make that happen, then that is your grail knife.
Hey DCA. I'm a law enforcement officer in Tennessee. We've had some rough weather events in our area this year. My knives have seen some harder than average use. I managed to scratch the blade on my DLC Pro-tech TR-3. While the scratch does give the knife character, and it's in magnacut so I'm not worried about rust, I am curious about having it recoated. Do you know of any options?
While not a complete expert, you can try to buff out minor, surface scratches on a buffing wheel with some very fine compound - I would start 8000 grit diamond paste. However, for deep scratches that have cut through the DLC my understanding is that your only option is a strip and re-coat which will need to be done at the factory or other expert. Not sure how much this might cost. Can I suggest that that as it is obviously a user knife that you just let it go - all good user blades have 'war' wounds. Take care & stay safe.
Evening all. Could you give an answer for the UK? Knife specifics would be: under 3”, non locking, micarts handle, magnacut blade, drop point/tanto or sheep’s foot profile would be great. Any suggestion or close representations would be appreciated. Love the channel. Thanks😎
The Spyderco UK penknife series isn't bad. They don't have magnacut to my knowledge but they do have S110V which is pretty good. I bought one cos I'm in Germany where restrictions are similar and I'm very happy with it.
Glad to see the Espada XL on this list! Such an iconic knife. I know it's slightly more than the $300 mark, but I would've included the Quiet Carry Waypoint on this list.
@@davidgarrett5671 They include brands they don't carry, and even custom knives, in plenty of their other videos I've watched. KnifeCenter might be a business, but they're knife enthusiasts first and foremost.
To Chris about his "Grail Knife" on a budget, how about this for an idea? Use $250 of your budget on basic hand tools and knife making supplies, and $50-$100 on blade blanks. You and your sons then use these items and spend time together as a family making simple blade blanks (Condor, Morakniv, Helle, Real Steel, Casstrom and others make some great ones) into "Grail Knives" on your own as a family project? You can keep purchasing more blanks as time goes by, all of your kids can have their own knives, they learn great skills, and you spend wonderful time and experience together.
Re. the grail knife. Taking into account chriswr350's personal situation, perhaps I could put a spin on things. For some different thinking, maybe there's an alternative to putting all your money into one knife. I have 5 children (I know it's not a competition!), boys & girls, and when each of them turned 13 I purchased them a Case knife of their choice - they have lots of styles/options/colours. Perhaps purchasing each child & yourself a more moderately priced but equally special knife might do the trick & you'll have more than one knife to look at. Your choice of course - no shade here. Sharp blades all.
AD20.5 is in the 300s if we’re cheating and not exceeding 400. The smooth titanium is $330. The Microtech MSI,Archer, Amphibian Ram lock, with fluted aluminum (I prefer the natural gray aluminum) 301. The buckhorn came closest to answering his question. I find it hard to believe he was talking about a fixed blade. Also, Quiet Carry Drift L or Quiet Carry Nine or Quiet Carry Rincon. All on the smaller side, but the fit and finish….has to be experienced, Vanax to boot.
I have a question that I don’t think anyone wants to touch… what’s the point of a safe queen knife made of high performance steel if you will never use it… might as well not use waste money on high end steel for knife that will never be used..
Why do people have such disdain for D2 steel? "THAT MUCH FOR D2?!" "I'll buy it when they make a "non-D2" version." I have a few knives in D2, and for the price of knives that feature that steel, it seems like a good bang for your buck.
Because a lot of people in the comments are steel snobs, they do the same thing with other older steels like 8Cr, VG-10, etc. They also think they know how much companies should charge for their products without having any facts and most hate Benchmade.
While there's some merit to not wanting D2 in certain circumstances, however, since most knife owners rarely use their knives for anything more than edc/light utility the point is also somewhat moot. I don't recommend D2 if: 1) you're in a humid environment or will be using the knife in a wet environment as D2 is not stainless. 2) If you are going to use the knife for true hard use purposes as D2 is not particularly tough. 3) Finally if you like fine, keen and/or polished blade edges as D2 can be a pig to sharpen to a fine/keen/polished edge. Note: it's actually no that hard to sharpen, just not the best at taking refined edges. If none of these apply and you like the knife, providing you're not paying too much, just get it! Take care with steel snobs (which I am occasionally!) we often go chasing the newest and fanciest steels and forget that the older steels are still as good as they ever were. As a general statement, steel choice is one of the last considerations when choosing a knife - heat treat, blade design, edge geometry & ergonomics are almost always more important. Have a great day.
@@davidgarrett5671 100%. It's also important to note that there are many steel snobs out there who have no real idea about steels, only the marketing hype they hear about in the latest knife review. Without a label most knife users wouldn't know the difference between 440C & S30V. Also when it comes to pricing, it's all subjective on what you consider to be fair value. Too few people realise that the greatest cost factor when making a knife is labour - not the steel. If a company is going to offer high quality products and pay its workforce a fair wage then this has to be reflected in the price. The hate out there for Benchmade has surpassed all sanity - remember folks, no one is making you buy one. (Full disclosure - I'm not a fan of Benchmade pricing either.) Have a great day.
Personally, I read "grail" as "now that's the cup of a carpenter." Nothing wrong with useable knives. So: Kershaw Bel Air in Magnacut, currently less than half of the $300 figure.
Most serious question. If you happen to own a time traveling DeLorean; what knife would you take with you to the past to prove you were from the future? Or conversely what knife would you take to the future to try and fit in?
The real grail knife is going to be the one dad is using in his job to provide for the kids. It will be the one they draw the most emotion and impact from in the future. So but 4 copies of that knife. One for each kid to have at an appropriate time as they all grow up. Something they can have to always hold a connection to dad
The term "grail knife" is so broad, so it's hard to pin down exactly what a person considers "grail" quality without more details. For me, a grail knife is something that *really* catches my attention [cue drool reaction], that's *just* out of reach, either because of price or availability. Being that this is a knife retailer's channel, I wouldn't expect them to showcase something that isn't available, so that leaves price. Maybe $300-350 is what's just out of reach for the user who posed the question. It really varies person to person. 🤷♂ So thanks for taking a stab at answering!
I’ve been looking for a knife for a buddy who carries a Gerber paraframe with the half serrated blade. Hes stuck on it and it has really low end steel. I want to find another half serrated folder with a skeleton frame like it but for over 6 months haven’t had luck. He adamant he likes the half serrated blades. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks
Grail knives are extremely subjective, so will be different for everyone. So, who's grail knives are we talking about here? I don't see a single knife on this list that would remotely appeal to me as a grail knife.
For that matter, but everyone and yourself a CRKT Tailbone and go on a small hike together, make memories, teach knife safety and create family memories with the Tailbone as a souvenir
Where do you live that 300 is you living expenses monthly??? 300 bucks won't even consider feeding two teens and my self and we are all fit so no splurge eating... Hell my light bill is close to 5 bills a month?
I love having a edc fix blade. I carry a esee izula, crkt s.p.e.w and a few others. I'm looking something that would be could to have while camping but also a self defense backup I really like the style of stroup knives and toor but are out of my budget. And thought on something good for both around a $100
