KnifeCenter FAQ #31: DCA’s EDC? + BBQ Knives, How To Store Automatic Knives, LIGHTNING ROUND, More! 

Hey David C Andersen! Thank you for your honest response! I understand that. Greetings as always.

David, you handled the EDC Q (your weekly carry) with impeccable professionalism. Nailed it.

So many great aspects of the video quality here at KnifeCenter--- the chapter marks in the progress bar, the honesty about why no DCA daily EDC display, the lightning round, the fact that everyone is welcome no matter sir-madam-otherwise and pink scales or otherwise. Excellent work.

I am in full agreement about the everyday carry, and the fake feeling. You ARE genuine. You're an enthusiast. That's why so many watch you. Just keep being yourself, and doing exactly as you mentioned. Talking about your EDC in context when it happens to come up organically.

Honest answer regarding your own daily edc! Neither making it a commercial nor a repetitive topic is appreciated! Would have liked to know it though 😊

Ahhhhh, finally someone who says Opinel without messing it up with english prononciation, perfection !

Thank you very much for the recommendation! Definitely buying this MKM Clap in the nearest future!

That was a great answer about disclosing your EDC. Very classy sir!

Integrity. Outstanding my man. DCA leading the way once again, thanks for the latest helping of advice nuggets! Mmmmm nuggets 🤤

I have a Spyderco Catcherman. It's definitely great for filleting.

David seems like the kind of guy i wanna drink beer with and discuss everything from knives to ’how to survive a zombie apocalypse’! :) Awesome dude! 😆

Love the dry interaction with the camera guy....makes me chuckle.

Instead of showing your edc every week, it would be interesting to devote a show to your collection. I enjoy hearing your take on things!

Hey David I really appreciate your standing on you not showing your edc. Kind of tired of everyone on Instagram needing to flex, just to make themselves feel good about themselves. I carry my edc to enjoy for myself and not to be flashy~!

I always look forward to these videos

I would have to agree with you on the most iconic American knife choices, I have started carrying my Buck 110 (along with another pocket clipped EDC) it feels good to go old school with a great, strong 110.

Most iconic- 1) Ka Bar USMC fighting knife 2) Case Old Timer 3) Buck 110...imho

Most Iconic American Knife Both, KaBar and the Buck 110. I have and carry both quite often.

"Anything can be a bottle opener", YES, this! Exactly. Your channel is a blessing, that bluehq channel is just too cringe to bear. Thanks DCA for keeping it REAL, also, would love to see some Finnish blades on the table 😉😉😉🤘

What an excellent episode. Lightning round is a winner! Can't wait for next week!

Thanks for answering my bbq question. Really appreciate it.

Great video - as always! I love the KAQPDQ round.

The mora companion makes a decent BBQ knife.

Hey David and KnifeCenter crew! I recently started a new job and I find myself needing a knife I can quickly lock and unlock, 3-4 inch blade flipper/assisted maybe or crossbar lock/button lock. Also something with a decent pocket clip is a must. Serrations perhaps?! Not too heavy either. I'm PICKY I know David of all people can answer this call lol. Looking to spend around $100~ but flexible I'm working at a soda bottling shipment and quality control, so lots of plastic, lots of plastic wrap, cardboard etc. Will see daily use.

Close your knives folks, has table full of open knives in front of him 🤣 DCA you are the knife master, always enjoy how you try to answer peoples questions with the most logical and economical fit to their needs

Buck 120 most iconic. And has been killing people in horror films for decades

Out of this video i found a gem. 11:03 ArtisanCutlery Archaeo oh my what a beauty

I appreciate your authenticity sir.

Thanks for including my question! I havent had a lot of luck with that price range, so I'll probably end up making it a bit higher. I'd love to buy a condor if that happens. Love the vids!

A good middle ground for your edc I think at least most people could get behind is not to share every week but only when you change something up that you feel is worth talking about. A middle ground between every week and only when it applies to a specific question.

The spring answer is correct just like gun "clipozines" keep them them full you never know when you'll need them

Hi David. Not going to drop a question here, just wanted to commend you with that “being genuine, being fake” thing. That’s the main reason why I followed you on IG, both the Knife Center and Nordsmith, and check every new video of yours here on RU-vid. Not only you speak very clear, and provide very decent amount of information about a certain knife, but I always feel that “super genuine” personality of yours every time I’m watching. Your number one fan here from the Philippines 🇵🇭

Another awesome video! Always entertaining and educational! Win/Win!

Thanks David for the info On the folding fillet knife I love your channel keep up the great work👍👍👍

Love these videos. David, is it possible to include in these videos "Your Pick Of The Week" ? For example, A knife you are are excited about or one you want to show case for said video. It would be cool to get to see more of what intrigues you. Thanks David and Knife Centre. Best videos on the internet. Truly appreciated. Have a great day.

Great video as always, David you're the best!

Nice job as always David.!

When it comes to iconic American knives I usually think of a Case folder or a classic Bowie knife.

Fantastic answer about your EDC!

Gerber makes an excellent folding fillet knife as well!

Lol... David. Very convincing "close your knives folks" and immediately thereafter you put the knife down on the table blade open ::)

Most Iconic American knife is, without a doubt, the Ka-Bar.

Entertaining as always, thanks.

the length restrictions regarding blade length in germany apply to fixed blades. a locking and two hand operating or non locking knife can have any blade length. if you go fixed blade (non-weapon designated!) you have to keep it sub 12cm (~4,7") blade.

David - can you speak about pivot lube? I want my folders to open smoothly but I'd rather not introduce anything too poisonous for when i slice up my PB&Js and so forth. Thanks for a great bunch of content and darn you for making me spend too much money. Keep up the great work!

K-Bar. Most iconic American knife.

Great show as always! I agree that if you show your EDC in every Ep it'll get stale, and if you think about it to much it'll cause you to doctor it for the needs of the show and not for YOUR needs. As far as the Ka-Bar or Buck 110; They are both American Icons but for different reasons/uses. The 110 is an Every Day User in which you'll carry it around the house, work, farm, hunting, grocery, or the Mall(back when those were still a thing). It's your "Father's or Grandfather's knife". The Ka-Bar is a great blade but not suitable for an EDC anymore. You can carry it on your belt around the house, farm, and hunting but work is questionable depending on what you do and at the grocery or mall is just asking for annoyances these days, Sadly.. The 110 being known as "My Father/Grandfather's knife" by the majority of the population in the USA would make it the Most Iconic in my opinion.

Hey man! Love your reviews. Viva the knife center!!! Could you do a episode on s35 folders/fixed blades under 200.

I'm so glad you're not doing the pocket check thing. What's a line of knife with multiple colors and blade finishes where you can buy a few of them and interchange some parts to make them a little customized? I love this channel!

A commercial fisherman I knew kept the big Opinel for beheading cod ! Striven !! the i3t eos by Olight !

Hi, DCA! Great content, as always! Would you happen to have a recommendation for a dedicated fighter along the lines of the Recon Tanto, which I have and love. I need to put together a separate get-home bag, so a new fixed blade is in order. Thanks again, and stay sharp!

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. That opinel is Ludacris, i love it.

Best BBQ knife is a espada XL. Thats what I use. Chops through bone like butter.

I agree with your Iconic american knife picks. I would add a Case Stockman to the list however.

Thanks for the recommendations on the small tac light, and thanks to all your viewers who suggested lights, too. I read them all. I'd love to see a segment where your viewers send in 1 minute videos of their EDC, and why (like, in Knife Magazine). You and the cameraman could make comments on the videos (ala: Mystery Science Theater 3000). Perhaps, viewers could vote for the best one, and a prize could be awarded. Need more contests. Come on knife manufacturers, don't be cheap, cough up the booty!

For big blades..for big hands check out coldsteel!

DCA. My knife has rust on the blade! What is the best way to care for my knives while in storage? What are some good oil options. What is a best practice for maintenance and keeping my collection in tip top shape? Love the Chanel sir! Thanks - Timbo

Like the honest EDC answer. What about what are you testing now and then?

Thanks David!

Mr. Anderson, you mentioned you liked hunts so here we go... I am looking for a new EDC. I currently use a S&W SWATB. I want to make a major upgrade in blade steel as well as overall quality in knife that I carry. While the SWATB has been there when I need it, its not exactly a quality blade and its a bit on the short end at 2.5". I would like an upgraded stainless steel like a S35/45VN or comparable metal. Looking for a blade that is roughly 3 - 3.5". Something with a handle the size of a gentlemen's knife (I'm not fond of holding bricks), but thick enough that it can still get down and dirty when needed. I was hoping for a lockback (like you I am partial to lockbacks in the middle of the handle) but will accept a frame lock or a crossbar lock. I'll leave the pivot to you (washer or bearing). My wife's budget is ~$100, but mine is $150-200 considering the quality I hope for (Max $250 if its my glass slipper). Handle material isn't as important for me as long as its comfortable and durable. Extra bonus if it has an additional manual lock that will keep the blade closed or open as needed like the SWATB. I like flippers but the opening mechanism can be up to you as well. I would like a deep carry pocket clip. Lastly I prefer either a drop point, spear point, or a straight clip point. I hope that was enough info to help in your search. I appreciate any and all assistance. Thanks in advance! Edit: After watching some more of your videos I think I do want a more upgraded handle, maybe titanium. Also, really liking the milled titanium pocket clips.

I just love cold steel's magnum tanto... what other tanto's are similar if not better? Price wise and or steel wise?

Hello DCA. In your opinion, how useful is the type of compound grind found on the mora kansbol for camping/bushcraft tasks?

Hi from Germany to you guys from the Knifecenter! DCA and the Team are doing an awesome job! Love your videos and your Store. Maybe you can help me out finding a new knife. I am looking for an EDC in an all day urban/office/home environment. No outdoor use. I’d like to have a more or less modern look maybe something with titanium/aluminum/carbon. It should be a flipper with a drop-point or spear-point shape with not too much belly and not too slim, preferably with a flat grind (I like the blade shape of a BM Bugout). The blade length should be something around 3”. Blade steel should be solid with good edge retention. Should not be too tactical, but nothing with wood on the handles. I would prefer an axis or frame lock. The knife should be under 200$. Is there something you can recommend me? Thank you for your help. Stay healthy and continue your good work!

Most iconic American knife IMO is..fixed blade=the classic WW2 Ka-Bar fighting knife(as shown In video) and Buck 119..folder=Buck 110,Buck 112,and the Case Trapper

Hi David. Wondering if you can recommend a leather sheath for the Boker Plus Little Dvalin tanto? I'd like something snug enough for retention, but short enough to leave some of the handle of the knife accessible. Would prefer a horizontal or scout carry belt style, but traditional would be fine as well. Just not crazy about kydex type sheaths. Thanks, and love the show!

Hi David. 2 things. Best sub 100$ fixed blade for everyday carry? Most premium feeling and or looking folder under $75.00? Keep up the great work!

@ the :30 mark in the intro when DCA threw up his "slightly larger than average hand" to say "thank you" I actually ducked....(jk) Great series guys! I haven't missed one yet and enjoy the info and the fun you guys have!

First question. Easy answer. Large hands hard use Cold Steel Voyager 4 inch or AD 10

Hey David, I’m looking for a knife suggestion. I want something to put on a strap. Something like the Sog MacV bite bottle opener. I wear suspenders and want something to hang off of them. Mostly just for kicks as I carry plenty of other knives. Preferably small but any suggestions would work.

Dear Mr Anderson, I´m not sure if you have already answered a question like this: What is an EDC folding knife option on a "regular" budget that you could recommend that requires as LITTLE maintenance as possible? And I don´t mean only sharpening.. The MUDD is something that I think is just too expensive (especially for us Europeans..) and also imho isn´t the best EDC-friendly shape.. The Delica 4 is a good overall example i think but it still has a lot of tiny parts in regard to maintenance and still looks scary and illegal to many people.. so your take on that would be much appreciated. Thank you for all the good content that you keep providing us with! Greetings from Germany.

Most iconic American Knife is Bowie. Brand wise is Buck! Victorinox Swiss Lite is a good choice as 1st knife for wife as well in Germany. It will more useful than folder, also there's led light too Cold Steel 1917 Frontier Bowie is best for Zombie apocalypse all purpose carry. Cold Steel CRUCIFORM DAGGER or Tokyo Spike will make Bar choice for picking cherry 😂 CRKT Williams Tactical Applications Flashlight or Fenix PD35 Tac Tactical Edition Flashlight Cold Steel SR5 can be Boot carried knife CRKT BT Fighter Compact is another choice alternative to Flipper folder Edit: Opinal No 15 fillet folder ☝️😎

I have a challenge for ya!!! My dad is a hunter, fisherman, trapper and a all around tinkerer. If you had to pick one knife to cover all those bases what would it be? P.S. He needs something other than buck and old timer he has been using for ever.

Looking for a durable fixed blade to keep in my turnouts. It needs to be approx the same size as a standard set of channel locks and I need to be able to get a good grip on it with turnout gloves on (think oven mits). Toughness is essential, a coating or stainless would be nice. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hello Mr Anderson, I would love a suggestion for a well built, bright NON tactical flashlight with classy looks. Something slim like a pen light or any other Chinos ready style. Thanks

350 is good enough. i use 300 lumens for riding bicycle, from a Olight Seeker 2 Pro. it last 5-6 hours, so more then enough for a 2way trip. for edc my fav is Olight S1A baton, AA or 14500, the best feature is strong magnetic tail. being here mean you own a knife as edc too, so outside you can stick the blade in a branch and you have a support for the magnetic tail, in any position you want.

Hi David forgive me if this is been discussed on other episodes but what’s the best gardening knife? Thanks love your weekly specials

Hoping you can either point us to the blade or the bladesmith that will make it. Hoping to find a fixed blade, 5 - 5 1/2 inch, S45VN preferred, protruding full tang, harpoon spanto point similar to the bestech warwolf preferred but a subtle clip point is good too, indigo or dark purple micarta or G10 scales, leather sheath would be cool, but I just learned how to make them so it's not necessary. Budget is $200-500.

Hello DCA, can you do a segment just on 3" and smaller folders for those of us who live in restricted areas? Potential bonus sub categories for

You're the best David! A fun question for you. Who are your three favorite knife designers (fixed ;) or folder) and one of your favorite designs from each? The only rule is you can't choose yourself. Thanks always sir.

Hey DCA and KC Team behind the camera :) greetings from germany. Whats the best Option for someone who works at a warehouse for example where you can only carry a utility knife. Best pure utility knifes would be cool 👍 also love the content, DCA your a walking search machine when it comes to knives. Thx for the knowledge.

I recently purchased an esee-4 and I love the knife, but I’m having trouble figuring out how exactly to use the fabric belt attachment assembly. Looks like it can do a lot of cool things, but how?

Id have to go with the KaBar.

Most iconic without a doubt is the Buck 110. I'd bet there are probably 10x as many owners of the Buck vs. the Ka-Bar. Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Ka-Bar, but from a practical and popular perspective, I'd say the 110 wins hands down.

The Oponel No13 is my EDC

Mr Andersen I'm in the market for a chef's knife, and I'd like to know the pros and cons of a western style vs. santoku blade. I've been looking at the Kanetsune sus410 knives and San mai with a well hardened core steel for under 40 buck seems like a pretty good deal, I gather their saving on the handles. If you could show them and any other good options it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and great work!

Hi David, I have a question for a small (less than 4.5” blade) fixed blade knife. It’ll be used to peel fruit but also stab and pry open young coconuts. Traits I’d like for it to have: 1. Thin enough to peel fruit 2. Decent Belly to chop food on cutting board 3. Thick enough to stab a coconut and pry the top off. 4. Some type of Semi stainless, or stainless. Or even like CPM 3V. 5. Comes with a non porous sheath (flexible here as I can aftermarket a custom kydex sheath) I’ve tried the Benchmade saddle mountain Hunter and Hidden canyon in s90v and s30v. They have the perfect shape but unfortunately the steel chips. Especially S90VN. Any ideas? Also the cutting edge can’t be too far away from the handle if it’s too far, it’s hard to peel fruit with. I’m sorry I’m so OCD haha. Really digging these videos! Great job!

Cool y'all have had your logo longer than Walmart!

Im looking for a small fixed blade that has scout carry capabilities something along the lines of an esee izula or the crkt spew as those are in my rotation now thank you

Hey David! I have a question! Two actually! Regarding handle attachments. What are the pro's and con's of methods of handle attachment? For example screws vs pins? What is strongest? What do you prefer? Second question: could you show some of the most comfortable (outdoor) fixed blades? I find handle comfort arguably the most important factor in fixed blades. We all know Mora's are great, but could you show some other brands? Things to look for when shopping online? Thanks!!

Round n°2 Steel, Usage, Heat treatment, hardness, brand, etc.. How do we choose our knives balancing all the above when choosing? Thanks a bunch for the previous answer ..cheerios Ps love the graphic's

Hello DAC I'm looking or good Bushcraft Hawk, $150 max. It's got to be easier to replace a hawk haft than an axe haft.

Hey David, love the videos. Could you recommend a sharpener for a rookie like me that would work well with all different kind of blade steel? Thank you

G'day Mr Anderson looking at an esee cr2.5 as a small food prep and fine bushcraft knife wondering what other options you would recommend to pair with a larger about 6.5" knife

Mr. Anderson, I would like to upgrade my Buck Bantan. Preferably under 100 dollars, American made and a flipper. Any suggestions? Thank you and keep up the great work.

What would you recommend as a small fixed blade that could be wrapped? I was looking at the esee izula, but would like to see if you have any other recommendations… Also, are there any other Cali legal autos with a safety lock besides the calmigo (preferably with good materials)?

That Streamtac is a great little light. I was introduced when I found one in a gas station parking lot. It had clearly been run over at least once and was bent but still worked great. Since the lot was adjacent to a State Trooper barracks I called and happened to get the Sgt that lost it and upon offering to return it he generously told me to keep it and that he dropped it during a traffic stop that turned into a pursuit and he knew he ran over it. Still works to this day and I have since bought a new one because I was tired of fighting with the mangled threads every time I changed the batteries. Still have it for home use.

Most iconic American knife IMO would be the Bowie knife. After that I would think the Buck 110, but I would not disagree with the Kabar. Where I live, I would have no use for any of them, although I admire them.

Hi David. Greetings from sunny South Africa. My question is regarding knife sharpening and maintenance. What is your preferred method of sharpening? I currently use the lansky sharpening system, but I find it to be time consuming and the results are mediocre at best. I’ve tried the Worksharp mk1 in the past as well, but found it rounded my knife tips off and scratched my satin and mirror polished knives. Any suggestions for a system that will give repeatable precise results. Thank you.

Hey DCA I’ve heard you say the top forward lanyard is the best position on a fixed blade, which after trying one I completely agree. Now I want to add one to some of my favorite knives, should the lanyard go in front or behind the balancing point on the blade?

Hi David, There’s a new steel in town, MagnaCut. I know that you are following the first experiment with it. If it was up to you, what would be the first production knife to benefit from this amazing steel?