Great advice there. I would add to one point that you shouldn't let other people tell you how to enjoy the hobby. There are a lot of different approaches to knives and EDC and some people are very vocal about disliking opposing philosophies. You have money and want to collect bougie knives that match your shoes? Good for you. You see knives as a tool to be used and not collected? Enjoy. You're broke and your collection so far is mainly what you've won in GAWs? Congrats on your wins. There's room in this community for everyone!
Gotta admit, this affected me way too much in the beginning. I always wanted a CRK, Small Sebenza to be exact, but hated the studs. For a bit I just tolerated the studs, because of the "purists". It wasn't until recent that I realized, I worked hard for the money to buy the Sebenza, I love everything about the knife besides the studs, and it's my knife not others. So now it's off to a modder to replace studs!
This video should be mandatory for any collector, especially RU-vid rookies, regardless of experience. I've owned knives over 60 years and started collecting hard core over 50 years ago. Excellent, excellent, excellent video Kevin.
I've been collecting knives for something like 50 years now and I can tell you that as materials improve and blade styles change it has affected my preferences. I have my safe queens that I will never part with, despite the blade steel or locking method. But I've recently (within the past 3 years) have gone in and thinned out my collection bringing it down to a third of its previous size. I really like what you're saying in this video and can relate. Good advice for a newbie or someone like myself who might have lost sight of why they are collecting in the first place. Thanks for sharing this wisdom.
I've been "collecting" for around 40 years. All good information and for me, it goes in cycles where I spend a few years getting folders then a few years on fixed blades then OTF'S then back to folders or whatever. Same with blade shapes. Then even a period of time within that getting use specific blades like outdoor fixed blades or whatever. I'm in my higher quality US folders and lefty specific or ambidextrous cycle at the moment. Part of that, I think, comes from getting the "perfect" knife in a category that I keep trying to best but nothing beats it.
I see this as wonderful advice for anyone. I've followed your channel for awhile now, and I have to say that you have grown alot and have a great way of sharing your experience! Thanks, Kevin!
You're not wrong about the "give it a cpl weeks"...I can't tell you how many knives I hated right out of the box(for various reasons) but ended up being some of my favorite knives after carrying them for a few days to a few weeks...
after all these years I still say the SAK Compact is dollar for dollar and best bang for the buck best most optimal EDC out there. There is so much function and good quality and top notch warranty,that nothing can touch. The reviews substantiates this knife. There must be over 25 reviews of this knife and they are fantastic for all that you get. The Compact just makes since for domestic EDC use and that is what most are in the realm of. I've tried to find things as good or better and as functional and I keep coming back to the SAK Compact. There is a reason why it's become a legend amoung EDC carrier's. It just makes since for domestic EDC use
Great points! Especially on the budget stuff relating to RU-vidrs and just buying loads of them in general. Over time the more you learn and understand the more your preferences will hone in and the less you will want to buy. Also I’ve seen a number of people jump in head first and buy so many overseas made budget knives and then a year later they decide they only wanna buy and support US made brands or whatever and they now have a bunch of knives they almost despise in a way. One thing I don’t think I heard you mention was sharpening. Obviously learning to sharpen is a good idea but I understand that not everyone wants to dive into that rabbit hole right away. That said, sharpening will give you a much greater respect for good heat treatments and also help you really understand edge geometry. Also it doesn’t even have to be hand sharpening because there are so many great options for guided systems as well. Furthermore sharpening adds a whole other layer to the hobby even for those who aren’t brand new to the hobby.
Good advice. I’m pretty new. Really started with an LC200N Native 5 Salt which I never used. Then I bought a Baby Banter which I did use and it is good for what it is but it wasn’t really what I wanted. I’d wanted a small Sebenza for a while so next up I went for it, and grabbed a DP DLT exclusive a few months ago because I couldn’t find the version I really wanted in stock (small insingo with black canvass micarta). Loved the build quality so I grabbed a plain titanium insingo double lug when one turned up. While it was great, I never used it because I knew it wasn’t really what I wanted. Didn’t like the titanium texture and I still really wanted the micarta. It also made me realise I much prefer double lug and the glass blast finish on the DLT exclusive I had too, so I sold it and lost very little. Then a glass blasted small insingo with the inlay I wanted came up. I bought it and had it sent directly to CRK and had them install double lugs before sending it to me and I love it. Once it gets some real use I’ll know if it’s exactly what I was hoping but impressions so far are good. Certainly much better than buying half a dozen $100 knives that feel pretty average in comparison. I just wish I could get the double lug upgrade on my drop point... it’s an expensive excercise having to ship it back to America from Australia and back. Maybe one day if it needs a spa service. Probably going to pick up a Delica wharncliffe in K390 next, and then something a bit bigger (3.5-4inch blade) that is a bit higher end , maybe an Arius or something like that, and I’m done. It’s tempting to collect but really I just want a handful of really nice users. May get a couple of used lower end knives just to practice sharpening on too.
The Native is a fantastic design, but FRN isn’t for everyone. (There’s now aluminum scales available for it, if you still have it.). K390 is a great steel. Cruwear as well (you might like one of Spyderco’s cruwear-micarta specials). You’re definitely going about it the right way… the classic designs by respected brands are popular for a reason.
@@FreedomFox1 It wasn’t that I had a problem with the FRN so much, more that I hadn’t spent that much on a folder before and I bought it for the steel so I could take it fishing without any issues, but then I was worried about getting it dirty and having to worry about resharpening it. That and being a back lock, and I couldn’t get it to flick open easy without some serious wrist action I was a bit underwhelmed at the time. I did really like that big forward choil and that blade was pretty slicey. I’m somewhat over the getting it dirty and concern about sharpening now and almost wish I’d kept it. Next Spyderco will get used for sure and I chose the K390 Delica wharnie as I figure for what I want a small knife with that blade for cutting a bit of cardboard and opening packages, so pretty light duty stuff and shouldn’t need sharpening too often so I can pretty much use it and put it away somewhere that it’s always handy, especially if I keep it stropped.
@@adamzappia2213 I can middle finger flick the Native and Delica. The key is lubrication and technique. You begin the flick by pushing towards the pivot, building pressure that then propels the blade when you “break” away from the pivot (it becomes a fluid motion, once you get used to it). That Delica is a great choice for your use case. I’ll just say (major digression incoming)… The Delica is not nearly as hand-filling as the Native. It really depends on pushing your thumb against the Spydie hump to get a secure grip, at least for me. For that reason, I actually find it less compatible with different hand grips (the opposite of what you would expect, from looking at it). But maybe that’s just me… Also consider the Dragonfly wharncliffe in k390… it’s even smaller, but I find it is fantastic at accommodating different grips, particularly pinch grips and grips where you index the point with your finger for utility cuts. I feel like the dragonfly can almost do detail work that you would normally need an exacto knife for, along with utility cutting, box opening and some light cardboard work. The dragonfly is super light, almost feels too light clipped to a pocket, but a bit too big for a keychain knife…. But if you liked the Baby Banter, you might be fine with that. It’s an impressive design. Lastly, the Spyderco Byrd budget brand is great for trying different blade styles. It borrows from Spyderco’s exceptional design and even the 8cr14mov steel is pretty good (similar to the 14c28n that’s all the rage in budget knives). The hawkbill Meadowlark is a unique blade shape… good for clam shell packages and yard work. Also the Cara Cara rescue is a huge, but not bulky, sheepsfoot that is great in the garden as well.
I'm 8 months into collecting and I wish I discovered you sooner. I definitely got caught up in some hype and picked up a fair number of $50-$150 knives I really don't enjoy. But I found some I really love using and carrying, and figured out the feel, form, and fidget factor I'm keyed into. I'm focusing now on sticking with a small number of brands and designers, and saving for a grail or two I have my eyes on. Thanks and looking forward to diving into your vids!
Hey man I just stumbled across your channel, Everything you said here is so true! I carried a daily cheap beater for years until I realized there were better knives out there. RU-vid sucked me into knife collecting and like you I bought up all kinds of budget knives. So many kizers and civivis. They're all great knives, but like you also said I don't really want them anymore, don't carry them at all. I have a drawer full. Once I handled something higher end I never looked back. The Pm2 changed my life as well, and then again when I got copper scales for it. Now I prefer to carry my Benchmade mini Adamas or a microtech Utx-85 and I really don't touch anything else. Now I have higher goals like a Chris Reeve zaan. Only something like that would steal pocket time. My collection evolved, and also kinda stopped growing once I found what I didn't know I was looking for. Tldr: I agree with everything. Keep up the nice work
My tip is to have an idea what kind of steel to buy depending on your usage. Going to put it away and never use it? 20cv, m390, s90v, brittle stainless steels like this are fine. Want to take it to work, cut some dirty stuff and not destroy your knife? You need cruwear, magnacut, 3v or 14c28n if you're on a budget.
I'm very much on the user side of things and keep hearing "why you bring expensive knife to work?" I think this is a mentality born from nearly all knives being 20cv and m390 for like a decade and everyone brought beater knives to work instead. Meanwhile I'm at work with my nearly indestructible ad20 in magnacut just enjoying my knife.
Great insight into one starting out in knife collecting and to others who have already made decisions good and bad when buying knives. Thanks for such useful information into the world of knife collecting.
I wish I had watched this a year ago. 😂 Drawer full of budget knives. That said- some of them are sentimental because they gave me those knife butterflies. 🦋 🔪 🦋
For me, some RU-vidrs made it seem like you needed a very overbuilt knife and that something like a bugout is not tough enough. The reality is I don’t need something that is super overbuilt. Something basic that slices ends up being better for me. I actually had a strider sng at one point and I wasn’t happy with it. I’m happier with a bugout
Thank you Doody. This is an excellent primer on the knife world. Yeah for me , it was the para 3 DLT exclusive that put me over the edge. This is good advice for newcomers. Keep up the good work man.
Agree on all this, the 2 most important are buy what you want and who cares what is being hyped and find people you can trust to answer questions you have.
i agree, dont overdo the budget knives. get what you need then next step just go premium. i luckily stopped with 5 budget. that i only really like 3 of them. and have 4 premium. which is no question worth it. i dont sit there and think that "wow this is a 200 dollar knife". i think about how much better the quality is. and thats all that matters.
Great advice, especially on being selective and getting nicer knives you really want. The bummer thing is, that by the time someone is watching this video it is probably too late for them!😂 That lesson has probably already been learned the hard way, through a little wallet pain/money lost grabbing up everything cool they see. That’s what happened to me, and many others I’m sure. But, if you save one soul from that path, you’ve nailed it with this video!👊🏼
I’ve never regretted a Spyderco. They retain near retail value. Those in the know like a nicely done secondary edge anyway. I’ve sold many but that doesn’t mean I regret them.
Good video I think we sometimes forget that not everyone is as far into this journey as the rest of us this is good advice for the folks just coming into the community and yes knife steel nerds is fantastic larrin also has a handful of videos here on RU-vid Also blade forums is a good resource for learning
i lost so much money in the last 5 years on collecting knives and using then selling im not even going to admit it on the Internet. they come and they go but it's the journey and what makes you happy
You’re 💯 accurate about these topics brother! Good on you for trying to help others who are getting into this hobby or already involved! Really digging this one! ☝️ been involved for a little while myself now and I definitely appreciate this video! BBR
Thanks, Dood! Good stuff....I'm just over a year into it, and it's like you were telling my knife story! I gotta say, though, I could have really used that advice 200 knives ago! 😂 Peace.
Budget knives that have outlasted their value to you, make great presents for others. Also, funny enough, I finally broke and got the mini tempest, and felt very nervous paying so much for a knife, yet it's one knife I have zero regrets about.
Solid advice, unfortunately I've already learned these lesson the hard way. These days, you're one of the few channels I actually value their opinion when it comes to reviews. If Dood says it's good, it's good 👍
Theese are things that I wish I knew when starting out on my knife collecting journey, although I fell for the " BEST KNIFE EVER " B.S. a couple of times I learned very eairly on that if you save up for your " grail at the time " you will be happier in the long run...also they will hold their value better and be better sale and or trade items.
Don’t by hype knives. Know what you want and what your budget is. I had to learn what steel was for me and my use and my environment. And trust doodys daggers 😉👊🏽🤘🏽
I just stay away from budget knives pretty much period. I would have to be extremely intrigued to buy one and know that it’s something I’m going to keep keep forever. Like you say after a certain point the hassle isn’t even worth it to get rid of something. I never make sales under $50. The only thing worth while would be to use them as an incentive for someone to make a larger purchase. Best just to just fork over the extra dough for higher quality knives. Imo the only people that should be looking at the budget category seriously are people that are on a strict budget and don’t have a knife, but NEED one. Not just buy just because.
So well said and priceless advices. This video may be pinned above all the knives videos on general youtube. Budget knives are doing great users, most time. But they won't gain value or soul through the time. Buying them all because it's new best one or the new hyped, it's not a wise thing to my eyes. To collect, learn about the classics and the knives makers and the knives that can gain value. It's nice to be aware about the latest new knives but it can be a trap. To me, i think that presenting an expensive bought knife can affect the review too, as some could try to reassured themself about doing the right purchase. Not on purpose, but unwittingly, same as those who got offered knivesaa. Never despise (not sure about the translation) a steel that is not hyped anymore or presented as a good budget steel by many people, especially specialists as Larrin Thomas. It won't become the worst steel on earth in some month. Don't get in a tricky financial situation because of limited selling time knives (small hyped batch). There probably be other knives or other batches of these, maybe not exactly the same, but good enough to be as desirable when the cash is back. Accept you won't be able to buy them all in one year 😁 (talking for me at this point). Maybe later new knives will be better and more desirable. Edit : Adding "don't fall into the scalpers traps".
Don’t order directly from a manufacturer’s website. With some rare exceptions, the price will be much higher than at an online retailer, and shipping will be slower. Also just skip those heavily promoted (paid for) Olight sale promotion videos by some RU-vid reviewers.
When I see a knife that catches my eye I will watch every channel that is reviewing it so I get different views of it. And thanks for putting out this video
Oh man I am screwed! Ive got a bunch of Frost traditionals That I will never be able to sell! Oh well they were only $10 each and they make great gifts! I will keep half. You have some really great Points here! I purchased all my knives! Guess I should mention that in my videos.. Roll down the window before yah spit at it! Haha! Take care Doody!!
My biggest advice: Stay away from clones. You WILL want the real thing down the road and the clone's value is nearly worthless. I have probably hundreds of clones, many of which I have the real deal for now.
Any advice for new reviews any tips I try to be as honest as possible in review of knifes and try and be transparent with with people strait forward no bs thanks in advance dood
It may feel cheap but that’s just the lightweight handle. If you want it to feel more premium you can put some titanium scales on it. The Delica in k390 is one of the best!
@@doodysdaggersthanks I needed that reassurance. Almost returned it cuz the open & close also felt rough. Thought I got ripped off at first with a fake lol love your channel tho 👌
@@Chillygilly88 Hi. I had a rough opening on a Dragonfly 2 and a Delica 4, both K390. Kinda like dust (or tiny metal pieces) inside the pivot, or feeling like the blade is a bit grinding something inside. I don't know if you are talking about the same feeling, but it is disappearing after a while on both knives, just using them. Both are drop shutting (half way as many lock back) now, so they had to breaking in. The K390 steel is awesome, just need to be dry after a "wet use", as it's not stainless. Funny fact, my S30V Dragonfly, M4 Delica, SuperBlue Delica were all totally smooth out of the box. I don't know if the black coating on M4 and Superblue has an effect to avoid the rough feeling. Finally, if you don't like the knife, maybe it can be a good idea to go in a local knife shop to try other Spyderco (Stretch, PM3, Native), to hold them and make your own feeling and choice about the ergo and the action. And choose to keep or sell/swap to another one. Just saying.
@@jvf4608thanks. Yea I have that same issue with my knife. Grinding and stuff. But I do feel it getting better slowly. I decided to keep it tho. I love the steel and I’m sure the rest will break in with time. I mainly was worried I bought a fake cuz I got it off Amazon and I had no experience with these knives. But I’m pretty sure it’s the real deal after taking it to a local knife shop. Thanks for your feedback tho I needed that.
