I recently got into knife making, and it really made me understand the value of the small pocket fixed blade. A well designed small fixed blade is a joy to use, isn’t much bigger than a folder, and it’s impervious to the grit and dirt I encounter at my job. Plus, since I’m making them myself, I can treat them like disposable tools - I’m talking prying, opening caustic chemicals, screwdriver duty, all that good stuff.

@donalddicorcia2433

9 ай бұрын

Since you’re a knife maker I’ll run this by you. I also favor fixed blades but don’t like using any knife I can’t get a full four finger grip on. I think the pinkie is important for maximum control and guiding a knife for finesse cuts. What are your thoughts on a knife with a 3.5-4” handle and a 1.75-2.25” blade. The proportions would be similar to the classic Stanley razor knife but would be much stronger and sharpenable.

@cavemandanwilder5597

9 ай бұрын

@@donalddicorcia2433 The proportions you’re describing are pretty similar to the very popular Civivi Baby Banter (if you count the finger choil area as part of the handle). I actually made a Baby Banter inspired fixed blade awhile ago just to see what the fuss was about, and I do like it. It’s great for anything you’d typically use a utility razor for, PLUS a few things like wood carving that require a stouter blade. The downside of course is that having such a short blade does limit you a bit. If you’re going to go this route, learn from my mistake and keep the edge fairly straight like a utility razor (very little or no belly) so that you have the aggressive tip and so that the blade doesn’t fall away from the cut quite so quickly.

@donalddicorcia2433

9 ай бұрын

Good point. (no pun intended) A sheepsfoot might fit the bill. Checked out the baby banter and yes, the proportions are about right, but it would be a fixed blade, of course. The other option would be a “reverse folder” where the blade and most of the handle would be one piece and if you needed a bit more handle for extra control or leverage, an extra piece would fold out of the handle and provide a place for your pinkie.

@cavemandanwilder5597

9 ай бұрын

@@donalddicorcia2433 An extendable handle does sound interesting. For a simpler option, you could instead attach a substantial lanyard as the optional fourth finger grip. It’s not rigid so it doesn’t transfer delicate twisting forces, but it does provide better grip and control.

@lukecrafford6544

9 ай бұрын

​@@donalddicorcia2433 check out Very Good Knife Company. They're usa made 80crv2 blade steel with micarta handles and very affordable. they have one that fits your description called the splicer it 75$

I found this channel about 20 episodes of this back and watched all of them now. As far as I’m concerned this guy and Thomas are the face of the company. Y’all better give them a raise! Great presentations and great humor.

@seanchupp7455

9 ай бұрын

Same here I love their videos! Actively looking forward to knife advertisement!

@The_RC_Guru

9 ай бұрын

Thanks to them I bought one of the knives off this list today lol

Your a bad influence i went on the knife center web site and bought 3 knives so when my wife finds out I'm blaming you 😅

@Zx2Solomon

9 ай бұрын

One of my favorite things I've seen on r/knife_swap is when sellers say, Can include a note saying: Congrats on your free knife. Hahah.

@surfingonmars8979

9 ай бұрын

I blame him for everything: new surfboards, new motorcycles, new knives, new pistols! It’s all DCA’s fault! Plus drinking too much beer! Plus smoking cigars. He is a very very bad influence.

@FrankCastle-he8fl

9 ай бұрын

@@surfingonmars8979 I will do the same especially the cigars going to the cigar bar Tuesday Tobacco Haus in New Braunfels go and I'll really get the wives mad

@surfingonmars8979

9 ай бұрын

@@FrankCastle-he8fl Ah, I miss the European sensibilities of leisurely and sane use of tobacco - not chain smoking disgusting cigarettes, but slowly enjoying an occasional cigar…….

@phantomshtter

9 ай бұрын

You can blame yourself for marrying in the first place.

The thing about both frame locks and liner locks is that they are simple locks that give you a nice strong detent for not that much effort. They are not my favorite either but I certainly appreciate a good liner or frame lock.

YES!!!! I LOOOOVE fixed blades, I'm so happy youre talking about them today! Im looking to get me a Mini Gunny from bark river, but so many handle options!!!

@johngoodwin2734

9 ай бұрын

I have a mini Gunny in MagnaCut with antique white linen Micarta scales and toxic green liners, such a beauty. made the sheath into a pocket carry. perfect edc size knife, you won't regret picking one up.

@balinoob1837

9 ай бұрын

@@johngoodwin2734 exactly! I think I will do a kydex sheath for neck carry... after that I'm getting the Kitsuné looks awesome as well!

First video i have ever seen from this channel, people keep talking about their "fifth pocket" and what they are putting in there, asking for recommendation what can fit in there. Love it! Have my like 😂

I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. They are comprehensive with logical, sensible, and solid information. All of that is very hard to come by these days especially on KZread; I thank you. The only other KZread presenter of your stature (I was going to say “caliber”) is Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner.

I'm glad you shed some light on all this 😂 love your vids

I’ve taken a seam ripper (a standard sewing tool), opened up the bottom seam of the watch pocket, and let my sheath poke thru the bottom. Also a good idea to use a little seam tape and a hot iron on the open seam to prevent fraying. Allows for a slightly large knife.

The magnetic sheath is key. I carry a Dan Wesson Valkyrie Commander in a JM4 Tactical holster of the same design. The magnet is versatile for carrying adjustment as well as options to stick on any ferrous surface.

Lets go!! I'm a every day fixed blade carry guy. Absolutely love fixed blade dedicated videos

Civivi Midwatch is my choice for a pocketable fixed blade with a finger ring. Slicy and corrosion-resistant, perfect for camping and food prep

The whole episode, I was wondering about the missing light shade 🤣

The frame lock has more security from folding in on you than a liner lock; I have the, Kershaw Filter and I love it, very well made for a great price. Great EDC. Thank you for your review. 😎👍

Intro on these videos of whats happening in your mind cracks me up. Love it.

Hey DCA, Thomas, and Seth! I appreciate you guys very much for all you do to keep the knife community informed! I recently picked up a Victorinox Venture and just love the knife, it does so much right… that sheath though? It has a bit much in the wiggle and play categories for my liking, and the retention is a wee bit soft. Can you recommend some aftermarket sheath options that would work? I got the red one, so maybe some black options? Thanks much!

Small fixed blades… praise the lord. Thank you! Addendum: would love to see best fixed blades under 12 cm blade length for concealed scout carry, again with consideration for ease of mounting them to your belt and discreet concealment. I find that length, handle shape, sheath design, or clip design can all create logistical problems for these carry desires. Prefer to carry up front above the appendix. Under 100 bucks would be nice, but sometimes we can’t have everything… 😋

Thank you for covering my question my friends! I appreciate y’all! Have a great week.

@lotriguitarist

9 ай бұрын

you might also want to look into the lionsteel h2, real steel furrier, tops c.u.t. and kizer cabox. they're all above the $50 mark, but absolutely worth considering!

My favorite knife category!!!!! Thank you, thank you!!!!

I am a big fan of the UltiClip solutions as well. Highly recommend. I often pocket carry a ESEE Xancudo using an UltiClip.

About time we talk fixed blade again 😂.. Thanks for your time and the video as always man 😎🔪👍

Great topic,nice prices ,good variety Thanks

Great episode and very practical fixed blade edc’s.

I EDC a fixed blade - the Hogue Extrak. The M4 steel is sharp and tough. The size is just right for a pocket, and the kydex sheath keeps it small and light. Thanks for talking about fixed blades. If you revisit the topic, please include the Extrak.

@IvIidnight

9 ай бұрын

I absolutely love my Extrak! So thin and light that it disappears in a pocket, scout carry, crossdraw, or as a neck knife. Or in the waistband of basketball style shorts and won't weight them down.

I bought my 1st fixed blade about a year ago(?). I almost stopped carrying it completely. Decided to try a custom leather sheath and try again. Fixed my issues with it completely. It's now pocketable and the edges of the sheath don't get caught on everything like the original included kydex sheath. I carry it pretty much every day either in my rear pocket or even the front pocket, now.

Surprised I didn’t see the Esee Candiru on the 5th pocket list: Small blade that shouldn’t have any problem fitting in a small pocket, comes with a pocket clip that can attach to the sheath, and has micarta or G10 handles that can be purchased to add extra grip. I think it’s smaller than the Canary, too

@bmljenny

9 ай бұрын

The "Candiru" always cracks up my inner 12-year-old. A little fish that fits in a tiny pocket.

@nitrorc4life1

9 ай бұрын

I bought one on a whim at a local shop while shopping for another knife, turned out to be more useful then I ever thought.

Just discovered this channel! Love it! Subbed

I've had a fixed blade in my pocket almost since 2008-09. Never in the 5th pocket though. That one is reserved for my Victorinox Pioneer. The TOPS CUT 4.0 has been my edc fixed blade for 5+ years (also answers the second question a bit without sticking to 50$ 'constraint). 5+ years of EDC in India - I'm an outdoorsman by nature and tend to sweat a lot. The knife has never had an issue of any sort with respect to corrosion even with extended iWB carry. Takes a wicked edge and helps me with emergency food prep, gardening and wood processing and general package opening too, wherever needed. Highly recommended. I've already stashed up 2 more in case I lose the current one. It is near indestructible however.

The Gerber Gator is one of the best knives ever made! I've got one I bought around 1992. That things stays razor sharp and takes a beating!

Love the fixed blade specials. For the 5th pocket... the Mini Elementum fixed blade, Spyderco ARK, SOG Instinct and some of the CRKT Minimalist blade shapes should work as well. My most serious question of the day - What knife should DCA be carrying on set to parry Thomas' verbal lunges? 🤺

@stevenstroupe3805

9 ай бұрын

Not a thomas fan. The camera man should always remain silent.

@cylentone

9 ай бұрын

I like their banter... @@stevenstroupe3805

@jayr526

9 ай бұрын

Any knife with a reverse tanto blade.

@jayr526

9 ай бұрын

The Bradford Guardian 3 in Magnacut get some pocket time

@jayr526

9 ай бұрын

​@@stevenstroupe3805sorry. I can't picture that.

2 other options for the 5th pocket fixed blade question are the Camillus Heater II, and the Boker Magnum Lil Friend, they don´t have micarta handles, but fit very well in there

Can you do a whole video on edc self defense fixed blade knives that have at least one ring in them? I searched through your list of popular videos and I don’t see anything like that. In self defense I think the ring part is invaluable to keep a good hold on the knife. Please do this video. Something that can be comfortable in the pocket or on the belt and concealable obviously. Thanks!

I've been strictly a folder carry type, but now I think I need a fixed blad.. knife center does it again!

I picked up a CRKT minimalist drop point neck knife for Christmas '22. Awesome knife and very handy to have. WIll check out what you have here.

Ooh sold on the Gnome. Thanks DCA!

Thin grabbable fixed blade skeletonised / ring like. I just bought a real steel alieneck. It fits really well in my jeans or in my work boots. Can recommend highly, I did do a para wrap for comfort and discretion.

I still have my Gerber gator. Great knife. I used it through all my military time.

Each and every knife I use I carry on my pocket, all of them fixed blades (including the bird and game) and I circumvented all the sheath adaptation or clips by using a paracord static line to my belt. The knife that mostly can be found in my pocket is an SRK Compact, great, great stuff. Although I would like Cold Steel to go an extra level with an SRK Micro.

Spartan blades enyo, tops sneaky Pete mini, white river M1 backpacker are my 3 favourite “edc” fixed blades. For camp, around town and in the bush on a hunt. With respect given to benchmade hidden canyon

Found a Gerber Gator in the woods once, on an old logging trail in Virginia! Good knife!

I could carry my BPS Knives Mini Kiridashi in the 5th pocket with ease, but it's made of 1066 high-carbon steel and a pocket is NOT an optimal space for it. I had its counterpart, the Pry-C, also made of 1066, cover in a layer of rust just after 90 minutes in my pocket... Then it rusted when it was carried as a keychain on a humid day... As for a fixie with a ring - albeit a "ricasso ring" - the Kubey Hippocamp is an awesome option. D2, kiridashi/sheepsfoot/cleaver (depends how you look at it) style blade, impressive sharpness and uncanny looks. Very useful. My go-to fixed knife.

Another small pocket fixie would be the CRKT Minimalist. You may want to get an ulti-clip for it but they are small and versatile.

So I ordered a Gerber Dibs to try out a fixed blade knife. I liked it and carried it in my fifth pocket without issue. Had to adjust when sitting while driving, but was perfect while standing. Honestly the biggest problem was the trash sheath, and I can’t find a kydex sheath online. Considered ordering kydex sheath making kit, but I’ll just wait till someone makes one and order a ulticlip with it. Until then, CRKT Pilar goes in the fifth pocket.

Spyderco Street Beat (VG-10), with cool-smooth, substantial micarta handle: (discontinued) Front-pocket carry; Thumb press pops sheath that stays in pocket; Totally concealed with hand in pocket, sheath popped, blade loosened, edge still covered, handle gripped... all while hidden in pocket. No knife draw is faster or quieter. Autos make noise, slower, needs button-push. Best knives don't have moving parts.

Spydero Dragonfly (steel handles) or Case Texas Toothpick (medium!) as my last resort completely in the fifth pocket since oh so many years. Spyderco with its fat blade and solid back lock good last defense stabber, Toothpick with its long and thin blade excellent slicer. So one or the other, every time, all the time.

Really enjoyed this video.

Hi DCA, Love the videos. Which do you prefer as a pivot lubricant, oil or grease?

DCA, my favourite small fixed blade of the moment is the Ferum Forge “Lackey” - they do a powdered metallurgy Damascus and carbon fibre version built by WE I think. It’s thick stock, but a lovely thing.

Old Curmudgeon here..Mora #1 Classic. I put it back in the sheath the same way every time, so I know where the business edge is. It tucks into pants pocket just fine. Cheers

Thanks guys !

On the Boker Gnome a lanyard with an inline bead will give you more finger purchase. A SHORT static line from the sheath to the belt/belt loop will prevent knife orphaning.

The snake charmer sheath will work in pocket if you want to paracord lash it to a belt loop and don't mind it being deeper in pocket like a sak. I've become quite fond of this method of carrying a pocket fixed blade on my off-hand side.

Good information thank you

Hi DCA, for a "ringed" pocket fixed blade, the KA-BAR 1119 Forged Wrench Knife meets IMHO all the criteria. Under 50$, with a good and easy to "Ulticliped" sheath, for me this is the one.

Crkt’s minimalist would be a great option for anyone looking for this style of knife and it is very affordable.

I’ve carried a cold steel hidden edge as a edc for years now 👍🏻

I've been carrying a lon humphrey "whitetail" in my front pocket since 2018. It was the last run he made of them that I know of, I'm lucky to have got it.

Would it be possible to get a showing of the integral knives available from budget to high end? P.S. keep up the stellar content your knowledge is invaluable thanks!!

David, I’m old, you’re young. It’s a Watch Pocket. “5th pocket” is a new term used by youngsters unfamiliar with pocket watches. A small sturdy fixed blade can be handy. My neck knife is an Ed Caffrey EBK-1.

I've learned a bunch from this series, thanks bro. Where can I find info about the financials of the knife industry, something like an overvall market analysis maybe? Gross annual revenue for large and small makers, total employees and salaries, supply and marketing budgets etc. Also financials for major retailers like yours and a breakdown of what type of products sell at what markups, volumes and what speed. What specific financial info are the decision makers looking at when they decide to manufacture a new model or stock a batch of new models? I know this is not a typical question answered here but maybe you can point me in the right direction very briefly while explaining something more relevent to your wider audience like how many pm2s you sell a month or how much a designer gets paid to put his name on a mass produced version of his custom. Thanks again DCA, tell Seth I said thanks too but please do not thank thomas until he can correctly identify a reverse tanto hahaha.

Didn't know there were so many. I've had an Esee Candiru for a few years now. Similar to the other 5th pocket knives you list, it's tiny, sturdy, and easy to carry. The 1095 blade is coated, which is needed, but my only objection is the coating has too much texture.

@Asher Parker - the ultimate pocket knife rig with a finger ring has got to be the Lionsteel H1 or H2 (got both and prefer the blade shape of the H1), with the newly-released kydex sheath. A bit more than your $50 budget, but something to aspire to maybe?!

@asherparker4631

9 ай бұрын

Thank you my friend!

@del4775

9 ай бұрын

@@asherparker4631 No problem - great question by the way!

Although it has G10 handles, I can't believe that you guys didn't even mention the CRKT Minimalist family. I used the Wharncliffe variant for 2 years and it is imho one of the most practical knives in this price range: Easy to sharpen, somewhat decent edge retention and it sure does not break the bank.

The little Ritter RSK would make a good 5th pocket knife. I like the ESEE Candiru and several out of production little knives that I use as neck knives mostly.

Hi David and Thomas long time watcher first time commenter! I have reached the mid century of my life and have amassed a very large collection. I’m wondering are there any recommendations you could make for parting with items from my collection other than eBay? I have a vast array from customs to production many makes and models. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated keep up the great work!

THAT’s what’s that damn lamp was there for! I definitely didn’t guess correctly. Nice pick on the Gators. Awesome.

Thanks, DCA (and Thomas).

You really gotta bring a pair of jeans out there to show how they sit in the pocket.

LT Wright Apex is a great little fixed blade. It carries a lot smaller than it cuts.

Love that little qsp canary

I Cannot believe you took the wrench knife off your pocket knife list! I know it is probably out of the price range but the pocket strike is awesome.

Tried carrying a Guardian 3, didn't work. I love the knife, love the look, love the feel, sharp. Just was hard to get out the sheathe since only a small part of the handle sticks out, so you have to inch it out a little at a time, you could wrap some paracord into a tie at the base but to me that kind of defeats the point of a pocket knife and increases the profile. I tried 3 different sheathes. It was just longer and wider... Wasn't a good fit for me, especially where in the summer I'm wearing gym shorts a lot. Still have the Guardian 3, but don't carry it anymore,

Love the Mikro. But really would like thinner stock and a sharpening choil. Then I'd probably own a few.

Hey DCA. I hear lots of people from the knife community complain about Itailian heat treat and their overall bad reputation. Is this something you've personally experienced? Or is it just like you mentioned about internet and reality TV. What would you consider to be the best and most consistent Italian knife makers, in regards to the heat treat? Much❤️from🇨🇦

Thanks for posting. I always enjoy your videos on the new knives and try not to miss any. But may I ask, would you mind wearing a white tee instead of the dark? Small point but some of the knives are difficult to see when held in front. It may just be my contrast, but anywho . . . I enjoy your vids. Stay sharp and knifey.

Can you guys do an updated video for pocket fixed blades? I don't know how many more have come out since your last video on it, but it'd be nice to have one that keeps the list updated.

Good video as always, a question; are their any balisong knives with reversible latches and pocket clips that would be good for left handed every day carry? Thanks for any help you can offer.

No mention of the CRKT Minimalist? Right size, micarta, ergos, etc. Readily available and can be found under $20 in a variety of blade shapes and colors. Maybe a bit on the cheap side for daily steel but a surprisingly great knife for the price.

DCA! What is the 7-inch (4" handle/3" inch blade) drop point, lefty, liner lock knife for general outdoor use? A liner lock Zancodo would be great. The Rat II is out because the large space between the blade and handle makes it close to a 3 finger knife. I've settled on my old Kershaw RJII 1980 which is a tanto, but a modified tanto with curves. Also, the pocket clip is right only. I typically drop it in a pocket when climbing in the Mojave, but also want a pocket clip for a lefty. Thanks!!

Regarding the 5th pocket, I know the OP said fixed blade, but the Boker Subcom has always been my go-to for that pocket.

"Safety third" caption and a cartoon of a jolly fella installing a lightbulb with two knives would be an ace t-shirt!

I carry a freeP2 in my fifth pocket instead of in a holster on my belt, that pocket is surprisingly spacious (at least on my Levi’s)!

I pocket Cary the QSP Canary however the holes on their sheath are smaller than standard size holes. Had to do some creative modifying to get a small Ulti clip to fit.

The pocketable fixed blades with a ring handle should have included the Lionsteel H1 & H2. Yes, they are more expensive, but I have the H1 and it is a joy to carry.

I want that Karbon @ 20:46 but dang, they gotta get rid of that huge TIAWAN on the blade

The Spyderco ARK is the best 5th pocket knife.

That 3 Bros handle is very unique and fascinating

DCAs eyes sparkle with joy when there’s a table full of fixed blades 😂

I had to spend the extra $50 for kydex for my MKM Makro II. The magnetic sheath pulls right out of my pocket when I go to grab the knife. Too expensive altogether, but I do like it!

I call shenanigans on using the Ulticlip with the QSP canary. The screws are too wide to fit through the holes.

The Montana Knife Company mini speed goat is a great knife also. Carry it every day and its super slim and i almost forget im carrying it sometimes

I really wanted a fixed blade to carry at work and went with the neck knife option. I think I wore it for about a week and a half and sure enough the knife fell out of the sheath straight into the toiled during a tik tok break. That was kinda the end of that for me. I carry a Kershaw leek in my back pocket and it does just fine.

I’ve been carrying a Tactile Dreadeye been a really good pickup.

One of my favorite small pocket fixed blades is the Fox FX-553 B Aka. I love symmetrical knives plus it has great steel (Elmax), superb Italian quality, and an UltiClip. Now for a serious question: It's nearly that time of year again, so what knife pairs best with pumpkin spice?

The cure for the snake charmer sheath is to put a lanyard on the hole and loops around your belt, or a belt loop, when you pull the knife out the lanyard will remove the sheath for you.

@paulthelefty

7 ай бұрын

I believe that is commonly called a tether, works well!

Hey DCA and Thomas - love your work, I really love these FAQs, so here's my contribution to keeping them going: Do you have any suggestions for methods of reducing or making scratches less visible in satin or uncoated stone tumbled blades - that an average Joe could do at home? Inexpesive methods preferred, but I'd be interested in hearing any methods that a Joe or Josephine could execute at home.

Lightning round question. What or where in your opinion would the best place to go to buy, trade sell used knives?

You can use a piece of paracord and make a static line. Cheaper then the ulti clip. Use your thumb to push the sheath off, oo for rapid deployment just grab the handle a rapidly pull the whole thing out of your pocket. No ring needed (unless you want the ring). So you would tie a piece of paracord to a hole in the sheath, loop the other end around your belt or belt loop. Stick the knife (with Sheath) in your pocket or tuck in your waistband or belt. Always check local laws

I have never seen a fifth pocket that would accept any one of these knives! Thumbnail says it all! 😂😂😂 Love the knives though.ATB👍👍👍

Same here, Not a fan of frame or liner lock knives. Very early on thats what i had, now i pretty much never carry one. For a folder i prefer a knife with, as David calls it, a "finger safe lock", and easily one hand open and closed.