Selecting Your First Tactical Folding Knife

[ldsc2005]

This review really helped me get started. I have bought a few to start... the tenacious, SOG Salute, and a beast of a folder known as the Timberline Tactical folder. The Timberline is like holding a war sword! Thanks Israel for your review!

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@ldsc2005 - Thank you, I am glad it helped.

[charlesburton95]

My first serious tactical folder is a Cold Steel AK-47. Since it has the thumb-plate that can be used to wave-open the knife, it deploys VERY fast, and can be found on Amazon for about $60, which is half the MSRP. Definitely worth it since there's NO blade play in mine whatsoever, and it is a VERY intimidating knife, which is something that I look for. The Aluminum strike plate isn't too shabby, either :P

[SUPERSPARTA41]

i use a sog trident, it has been very good to me and it is very affordable

[DJdestropath]

my first knife was the smith and wesson black ops

[happymark1805]

always go for a full black knife as a tactical, they can be as cheap as a buck bones and keep it sharp.

[ibesteadymobbin92]

Where did you find an al mar sere for $130? Bladehq has them for roughly $190-$210

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@ibesteadymobbin92 - The price has gone up since 1-2 years ago, sadly.

[CannabisDelux]

No spyderco byrd cara cara 2 in your lineup? also cheap an mt TF for the last few months.

[Psychoticalchoholic]

the cold steel Spartan is perfect for me, I'm very confident in it

[unaffiliatedperson]

i actually used a cheapy smith and wesson CK70 from autozone i chose it because its the biggest knife i could find for open carry in las vegas. 3.75 inch long drop / spear point sorta good reach. held up even though the liner lock was way thin, and the thumb stub/ stop fell out and had to be glued in with gorilla glue too bad metro confiscated it though

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@unaffiliatedperson - That's cool, I have their Homeland Security Spearpoint, the biggest size one, it is cheap but effective and is large enough to be used as a bludgeon when closed.

[unaffiliatedperson]

@WeAllJuggleKnives in hind sight the tip down carry was a miss but i actually was able to juggle the knife into an over hand position and get my assailant in the back while he had me pinned down. it did deploy fast though.

[cawesome88]

dont go folder go hand made survival knife a lil more expensve but thats the way i would go

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@cawesome88 - u have convinced me

[scoobydoo6906]

I think people confuse inexpensive and cheap a lot of times. I think and operator or a swat member would be just as well served with something like a spyderco resilience as like an emerson. even in outdoor applications I think no matter what steel your knife is you have to be prepared to re-sharpen it. thats why I am not fan of anything 189-zdp. its flat out to hard to sharpen.

[scoobydoo6906]

I am a huge fan of spyderco's and kershaw's low to mid rage knives for tactical folders. I think people tend to over think blade steels to much. if you take care of your knife or knives you'll never have a problem with them. I contend if you didn't stamp the steel type on the blade about 90% of us (me included) couldn't tell the difference.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@scoobydoo6906 - I agree, I mean for tough outdoor work steel matters, but for light utility or use as a weapon, expensive steel isn't mandatory.

[frankgon4]

Looking at cols steel knives at the moment: Rajah iii, Sparta, AK-47, and Lawman models. Trying to decide on one.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@frankgon4 - I really like the Cold Steel G10 Espada, with the 3.5 inch blade.

[driftworld86]

i've had that smith and wesson spearpoint knife for a while now, but all's nice and all... but one thing that stops me from carrying it is THE WEIGHT.... IT'S HEAVY.

of course it's aluminum but the weight is substantial. and heavy knives aren't gonna be in your pocket or with you all the time (or in my case, NONE at all!), i carry spyderco resilience for tactical if i need but seriously, now that i've bought and used it, S&H homeland is a buy that i wanna undo. moral of story -- get lightweight!

[RevolverPhantom]

I've gone through about five knives, carrying daily, using for all kinds of every day tasks, and have finally settled on a CRKT Carson for $30. It ended up having everything I needed in a knife and I can't think of any reason to ever replace it right now.

[2448956217]

My first was a schrade nitro switchblade. paid $50. Great knife.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@2448956217 - Switchblade FTW!

[2448956217]

@WeAllJuggleKnives It's a great knife. You should review it!

[LegateFredrick]

The most expensive knife I own is the Buck 112 Hunter with the gripped handle. I think it's an awsome knife, can you tell me what you think?

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@LegateFredrick - It is true classic knife, not designed for fighting, but for all kinds of outdoors and utility tasks.

[Foohydude]

What is the 2nd inexpensive (the 4th knife he shows) called? I looked it up. but I cannot find it. I think I mistyped it.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@Foohydude - That is the CRKT Hammond Cruiser.

[schopenhauer1962]

fast deployment, razor sharp, reliable locking mechanism are my major concerns. I like serrations to cut easily through clothing (I know that plain blades can do that too, but better be sure than sorry). My first tactical was the S&W ... but now I go for a Spyderco and the cold steel Raja II.

[Bredli37]

I spent $35 on my first knife. Smith & Wesson.

[matthias66]

I'm a strong advocate of wave opening, pocket snag style knives. They work, and they are quicker to open than spring assist knives, switchblades, flippers, and thumb-stud opening knives if used correctly.

Unfortunately, pocket snag style knives aren't cheap. The only ones I know of having those designs are Cold Steel, Spyderco (Wave Endura/Delica), and Emerson knives.

But for a cheap pocket snag folder, I'd go with a Spyderco Resilience with a zip tie modification. Overall cost: $45-$50

[CrowPollock]

I'm trying to decide between a Spyderco Resilience, CRKT m21-14sfg, or a Cold Steel large Voyager.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@CrowPollock - I'd pick the Voyager, but everyone is different.

[CrowPollock]

@WeAllJuggleKnives I settled on a CRKT m21-14dsfg, but thanks for the advice anyways!

[aldaman8]

@CrowPollock imo the voyager. (great list by the way)

[nakedcomputing]

I can't find that Buck anywhere...what's the model?

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@nakedcomputing - They sell it now on amazon under the name "Buck BuckLite Max Folding Knife" large size, around $22.

[BlackAngusYoung]

I love the gun intro and all the stuff about self-defence. I hadn't even thought about that. I'm looking for a knife like this to use mostly to cut tape. Something like this is so much better for working retail than an x-acto/boxcutter.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@BlackAngusYoung Thanks BA!

[Forlackofspace]

Thumbs up at 3:40

[rafterrs]

One of your best videos in my opinion. You are the man! informative and again tempting for us knife collecting addicted to buying more than one should.

[Fosg8]

my first was a buck ghost rider, $40, cant really afford a knife for $100+ right now

[jonthamo]

Which SanRenMu is the copy of the Al-Mar? I can't find it on SanRenMu's site. I'd like to pick one up from somewhere though.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@jonthamo - It is the Navy K-622. Navy is a Chinese brand similar to SRM.

[jonthamo]

@WeAllJuggleKnives Great, thanks. How's the quality on "Navy" brand knives in comparison to SRM? I've had 2 good experiences with SRM, but I'm not so familiar with Chinese replica companies.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@jonthamo - Very similar quality. I think Navy, Bee, Enlan, and SRM are all closely related, they might be branches of the same company.

[wnmme]

@WeAllJuggleKnives Hi, Got the Cold Steel counter point 2 as My First tactical folder after watching your review on it as that the max size I could go for, it was pretty costly for me after the import duties and conversion rate to Indian currency. Love the knife and love it more after looking at the Al Mar. Thanks for your videos. Please let know if you still like your Counter Point 2.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@wnmme Hey, glad you found some equipment that is useful for you. Yes it is a good knife for the price, I'm going to try the larger model when it comes out too.

[JDYTC]

Despite all the correct and valid arguments: my first ever knife was a Spyderco Military and it is still my use-for-everything always-carry EDC and no other knife that I bought after it could replace that. So despite what you say makes so much sense, IF people are really up for their very first ever knife and do NOT already carry some smaller EDC, I think you can never go wrong with a Military: a first class light weight tactical blade with a lot of EDC-capabilities.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@JDYTC Thanks, well, there are always exceptions to every rule :]

[driftworld86]

so the question is...where to get these knives....from where i am (toronto, canada)....yea...you can't buy anything nearby...

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@driftworld86 Sporting goods stores, or, the internet!

[driftworld86]

@WeAllJuggleKnives lol yea city i live, i call it "city of business and trades"..cuz it's HQ of lots of banks or trade stores...i ended up going to knife-depot (dot) com and bought few knives....

[KeirnTheGreat]

@driftworld86 hey bud, i live in toronto too, bass pro is somewhat near, its right by canadas wonderland and they have a whole section, its awesome.

[SubDisease]

Thanks for the video, I'm more comfortable with karambits at the moment. But it's really hard to find one with the finger hole up carry, and even harder to find one with the cut outs that tug on your pants to quickly deploy it without it being 70$ and up. Any suggestions? Also, as a side note I would love to see a video about the legal side of even using a knife to defend yourself and the implications people need to know. keep up the good work

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@SubDisease Ah yeah, good folding karambits are really expensive now - 5.11, Fox, and Emerson all pretty expensive. There is such a high demand too, you would think some manufacturer would come out with workable budget one. The closest thing would be the Byrd Crossbill, but it is not a true karambit, just a hawkbill.

[SubDisease]

@WeAllJuggleKnives I wonder what the reason is, but anyways I haven't seen a good video on youtube talking about the legal aftermath knives leave behind and about the legal technicality of self defense involving knives in general. It's just a suggestion but I would truly appreciate it if you had any input on that.

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@SubDisease - Well I would stay don't go around stabbing anyone without a very good reason. But anyone who would do that probably isn't going to take advice from me or anyone else, anyway!

[SubDisease]

@WeAllJuggleKnives that's also very true, I guess talking more in depth about that would spark too many unneeded flame wars as well.

[redcat362]

I'm the guy your talking about, no legal gun carry, decided to get a tackical blade instead. I would of went out and bought the Emerson you had there. But the factory is down and won't produce any for a while. So I've been buying allot of 25 to 35 dollar knives. And I'm glad I did it this way. Good video

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@redcat362 Hey thanks bro, I'm glad I'm reaching people out there. ~Israel

[xUlT1MaTuM]

@WeAllJuggleKnives are gerber knives good? i live in nyc and im trying to carry one

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

@xUlT1MaTuM - Hey it depends on the model. If you're on a budget, Smith & Wesson Homeland Security Spearpoint knives ($20) are good, or the Spyderco Resilience ($40). ~Israel

[severinssister]

@xUlT1MaTuM

I'm not Israel, but 'til he gets around to answering: yes, for theire very reasonable prices, Gerbers are good knives.

I also live in NYC and lucked out -- a friend in TX who's upgrading to auto is giving me his Benchmade 553, which is way more than I could have afforded. Until I got that news, however, w/ a $35 budget max, I was strongly considering a Gerber, though I ultimately had decided on the Kershaw Skyline.

[MobbinINda916]

I would reccomend Smith & Wesson knives for people that dont wanna spend a fortune on a knife. they are the best low price knives as far as i know.

[PavlovSandor]

grab that bad guy and stab away. lol. that is a good plan. stick to the plan. i have a strong grip and grabbing ahold of some dudes clothing is second nature. stab away haha. i love playing with my knives. you have some wisdom here israel. you should definitely try out a variety of knives.

[Lucentdawn]

@WeAllJuggleKnives Hell, jump on the 12 if you can find one - life's short right? That would and will be a great score!

[Lucentdawn]

I think you make a great point here, not just for tactical purposes but collecting philosophy also - there's something to be said about gaining experience and familiarity with a variety of affordable options before committing to something super expensive. My idea of an ideal knife is completely different now than when I started collecting and I'm sure it will continue to evolve. What's your next Emerson going to be ? ;)

[AntagonisticEnemy]

@WeAllJuggleKnives My fav so far is the sog a little small but fast and sharp and that blade shape is just nice. I know a few weak spots on the body that is all right now. Most People myself include should not plan for prolonged fights. With a armed or unarmed , trained or untrained assailant. Fight to Flee Or fight to kill. Preferable the first option make the bad guy think twice. Because they are just like predators in the wild the more you fight and hurt them the better your chances

[TacticalAngel86]

"peace out" hahaha that's funny! anyways, you're totally right, when i was a kid, i always wondered why people liked kukri's, now, i want every kukri ever made.

[Rudemustang1]

Great selection of Knives...Great Video!!!!

[RickyBricks86]

1:29 thats a quest i have yet to conquer

[AntagonisticEnemy]

@WeAllJuggleKnives I try to carry a hefty Crkt Notorious with a 420 steel handle for a blunt hitting If I can't deploy I can still whack him with it. Your thoughts ?

[AriesSoprano]

Great Vid

[JimzOnDroid]

i liked this vid. do more like it with knife comparisons. subbed

[tacticalfairy]

Spyderco Endura is very good, for under 60 bucks...its light enough to not notice it and almost 4 inch blade....VG10 steel, solid choice. Lock Back is good for beginners too.

[88arau]

God I love Emerson. I really need the CQC-8 Super.

[ManVsZ0MBiE]

Great video man, I'm sure this is gonna help a lot of people out there, thanks!

[sae1095hc]

Al Mar SERE, an elder statesman of tactical folders, one of the first I believe.

[hku99]

Luv your vids bro

[Tardisius]

Great video as usual, your comparisons show some sensible options to the ultra high price knives. thanks.

[TacticalHadoken]

Valid points bro.

GOD speed.

~ TH

[Carnuss]

I like the smith and wesson one.

[Chriznak]

@WeAllJuggleKnives thx for making videos for beginners like me and other "would be self defenders"

[1IdeaAhead]

That Columbia River (CRKT) Hammond Cruiser Folding Knife is something I had not seen before, thanks for sharing the knife selections. I'm looking to pick up the Cold Steel AK-47 for the pocket catch, solid grip design, good lockup, and chunky blade, however it does have little reach compared to others, I'll figure out if it works when I get it here soon!