Best knife reviewers

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Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors --I used to like this channel, but eventually I just realized the whole methodology and comparison was wrong on many levels--one of the biggest mistakes is how he ranked all the knife steels' edge retention performance based solely on how many times an edge can cut thru ropes, while ignoring geometry and other factors.

For example, one could say Spyderco FFG Delica in VG10 is able to make 5 more cuts than a Mora Survival in Carbon steel, but it is just wrong to conclude that all VG10 can make 5 more cuts than all Carbon steel, since Spyderco and Mora are so different in geometry.

Don't get me wrong, I do have nothing but huge respect for Pete, all the great work for complying the data and doing the tests over the years, but the way the data is being interpreted contradicts with I've learnt from Larrin's article about geometry affecting the edge retention.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Pete himself says he's not fully scientific and I've seen him test same steel several times but on different knives. While he does try to sharpen some knives to same angle - you can't change entire geometry. So, yes, exactly as you said. Full flat grind Spyderco will cut longer than some other knife in saber or scandi grind despite using the same steel.

As opposed to pure edge retention videos, his reviews about knives do serve the purpose if you want to buy that particular knife. Because you don't just see edge retention of that same knife, but you also see him use it for some general purpose tasks.
 
Ones I started watching recently are West Coast Bushcraft (Norway), Survival on Purpose, and PreparedMind 101 because they were among the few reviewing the fixed blades and machetes I was interested in buying lately.
 
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Pete himself says he's not fully scientific and I've seen him test same steel several times but on different knives. While he does try to sharpen some knives to same angle - you can't change entire geometry. So, yes, exactly as you said. Full flat grind Spyderco will cut longer than some other knife in saber or scandi grind despite using the same steel.

As opposed to pure edge retention videos, his reviews about knives do serve the purpose if you want to buy that particular knife. Because you don't just see edge retention of that same knife, but you also see him use it for some general purpose tasks.
The blade grind shouldn't have an effect on the type of testing that Pete does. He's just testing the edge apex. so as long as the he's using the same edge angle, the results should be valid. OTOH, what's fairly subjective is his use of a paper cut test to terminate the test.
 
I'd like to throw in NemoKnivesReview. It's been some time since he's posted, but I've enjoyed and learned from his efforts. Hope he's well.
 
The blade grind shouldn't have an effect on the type of testing that Pete does. He's just testing the edge apex. so as long as the he's using the same edge angle, the results should be valid. OTOH, what's fairly subjective is his use of a paper cut test to terminate the test.
True. While not perfect, it does give some insight in what to expect from that steel or particular knife.
Pete is an enthusiast that does his best to test knives, steel and do some kind of contribution to us by sharing the info.
He even does some corrosion resistance testing which might not be the most scientifical, but is definitely entertaining to watch.

If I want to buy a knife I'll first go ahead and watch review. And out of all of them, I'll click on Pete's video first.
 
I don't seek out reviews and I can make my mind up about knives. Not many have have the knowledge, skill set and personality to get my attention. When someone like Shawn /BBB writes something about a knife or steel I am going to pay attention. He is a knifemaker himself and one of the most knowledgeable ones at that so he doesn't just review knives given to him by a company looking for an "Opinion leader" or "Influencer" or whatever they call it now. There are several more here and most of them have knifemaker or similar with an established body of work and knowledgeable customer base. Most of the bloggers and youtubers I have seen or read know less than I do and if I am going to use my time I'm going to find someone worth learning from.
 
Good thread idea - will be checking out some new names.

There’s a channel I’ve started watching recently and have grown to like that I don’t think has been mentioned called Choirboyz Outdoors. The host has a rough edge but you can tell he’s a real fixed blade enthusiast and he’s got some degree of systematic testing which I appreciate…
 
Good thread idea - will be checking out some new names.

There’s a channel I’ve started watching recently and have grown to like that I don’t think has been mentioned called Choirboyz Outdoors. The host has a rough edge but you can tell he’s a real fixed blade enthusiast and he’s got some degree of systematic testing which I appreciate…
I forgot about Choirboyz, I actually like that dude.
 
I mostly watch Metal Complex and Cedric & Ada. Pete is just plain hilarious, as well as providing some practical use and cutting tests. I watch MC for general design discussion, and to see what’s out there. I’ll check his channel for reviews on whatever I’m interested in, as I find I have similar tastes.

I do really appreciate Shabazz for his honesty on what really is ugly about a certain design, but I just don’t watch him much.
 
I’ve watched all of them at one time or another. I’m far enough along in my knife addiction that I pretty much know what I’m gonna like and not like. I’ll just use their channels to see the knife up close.

Ones that have sponsored content, ie get the knife for free or got paid to do a review, I usually just tune out.
 
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For those of you who are interested in knife sharpening I will recommend Stefan Wolf. Sadly this young guy passed away diring COVID. He made many videos of short and full sharpening sessions with talking from time to time to describe what he is doing, or why he is doing it, but he never did the annoying to me review of common mistakes, or teaching basics of keeping the angle, time to change the stone, appropriate preasure etc.
 
It's usually easier with all reviewers to understand what knives to avoid, rather than what knives will suit your needs specifically. Everyone lives pretty unique lives being all individuals and such, and while certain knives will appeal to a wider audience than others, different knives will suit different people differently.

When it comes to reviewers I tend to lean towards the lesser viewed YouTubers. I like those that actually carry and use their knives, and don't have financial incentive to push for views or to sell a product. A few I like are:

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Dr Frunkey
 
I'm a fan of Marco from Knives of the Roundtable. He's honest, knowledgeable, and seems down to earth. Makes me want to have a beer with him.
 
DBK

Look forward to watching every week. Very entertaining and at the same time good reviews!
 
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