Knives of Alaska: Defense Survival blade Nutnfancy review

Published on February 7, 2014
Duration: 18:26

This review of the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) model highlights its performance as a lightweight, all-around camp and hiking knife. While not ideal for heavy chopping or tactical fighting, its D2 steel blade, comfortable handle, and robust construction make it a capable tool for various outdoor tasks, including batoning wood and food preparation. The reviewer, Nutnfancy, emphasizes its surprising effectiveness despite its lighter weight compared to larger woods blades.

Quick Summary

The Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife, featuring a 6-inch D2 steel blade and comfortable Micarta handle, is highly recommended as a lightweight, all-around camp and hiking tool. Despite its lighter build, it performs well in tasks like batoning and general outdoor use, with a strong tip and durable construction. While the nylon sheath is criticized, the knife itself is praised for its quality and US origin, priced around $165-$170.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Knife Testing In Progress
  2. 00:40Initial Impressions
  3. 01:51Introducing the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival
  4. 02:20Surprising Liking for the Knife
  5. 02:28Philosophy of Use: Woods Blades
  6. 03:00Weight and Dimensions
  7. 03:24Acronym: DSM
  8. 03:37Testing Footage
  9. 04:04Preferred Wilderness System
  10. 04:23Camp Tasks and Shelter Creation
  11. 04:50Comparison to Larger Woods Blades
  12. 05:12All-Around Survival Tool Recommendation
  13. 05:31Batoning and Finding Dry Wood
  14. 06:01Handle Storage Compartment
  15. 06:37Practicality of Handle Storage
  16. 06:55Tactical Fighting Knife Assessment
  17. 07:15Reach and Blade Length
  18. 07:22Primary Use: Camp and Hiking Knife
  19. 07:27Skinning Big Game Discussion
  20. 08:06Balance and In-Hand Feel
  21. 08:17Delimbs Tree Task
  22. 08:23Blade Steel: D2 Quality
  23. 08:46Edge Performance After Batoing
  24. 09:00Out-of-Box Sharpness
  25. 09:03Cardboard Cutting Test
  26. 09:11Cutting Performance Comparison
  27. 09:25Relief Edge and Steel Quality
  28. 09:34D2 Steel Properties
  29. 09:43Bead Blast Finish and Lettering
  30. 09:48Appreciation for KOA Blades
  31. 09:56Made in USA and Price Point
  32. 10:28Tip Strength and Durability
  33. 10:46D2 Brittleness Reputation
  34. 10:51Testing Conditions (Summer)
  35. 11:01Marred Blade Aesthetic
  36. 11:07Grind Type: Not Flat Ground
  37. 11:19Grind Details and Spine Strength
  38. 11:31Weight and Grind Design
  39. 11:35FFG vs. DSM Grind
  40. 11:50Relief Edge Quality
  41. 12:05Woods Blade Angle Considerations
  42. 12:14Overall Blade Satisfaction
  43. 12:21Handle Design and Material
  44. 12:38Exposed Tang and Full Tang
  45. 12:43Ideal Tang Cap Design
  46. 13:29Impact of Tang Cap on Balance
  47. 13:37Hammering with Exposed Tang
  48. 13:53Handle Length and Likability
  49. 14:16Sheath Review Introduction
  50. 14:20Sheath Likability Score
  51. 14:27Nylon Quality Critique
  52. 14:53Comparison to High-Quality Nylon
  53. 15:06MOLLE Integration
  54. 15:12Hex Wrench and Plastic Sheath
  55. 15:17Sheath Fit and Retention
  56. 15:26Flap Closure Security
  57. 15:30Sheath Flap Use Case Speculation
  58. 15:48Securing the Sheath Flap
  59. 15:57Sheath Pluses: Water Retention, Weight
  60. 16:03Sheath Improvement Suggestions
  61. 16:08Overall Quality and Durability
  62. 16:12Blade Durability: No Failures
  63. 16:17Potential Chip Location
  64. 16:32Durability Test Results
  65. 16:40Competitive Options
  66. 16:44Glock Field Knife Comparison
  67. 17:07Reach and Splitting Ability
  68. 17:13Spine Strength
  69. 17:16Price and Origin
  70. 17:21Alternative Options
  71. 17:30Cool Factor and Uniqueness
  72. 17:39Knife Toughness Summary
  73. 17:45Whacking the Knife
  74. 17:52Final Branding
  75. 17:59Location and Project Mention
  76. 18:02Lightweight Knife Summary
  77. 18:05Not a Hacker
  78. 18:07All-Around Camp Knife
  79. 18:14Potential Fighter
  80. 18:21Review Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary intended use for the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife?

The Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife is primarily recommended as an all-around camp and hiking knife. It excels at tasks like batoning wood, food preparation, and light shelter creation, making it a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

What type of steel is used in the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife, and how does it perform?

The reviewed Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife features D2 steel, which the reviewer praises for its quality. Despite D2's reputation for brittleness, the knife's tip proved strong after extensive batoning, and the blade showed no chips or failures during testing.

What are the key design features of the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife?

Key features include a 6-inch D2 steel blade, a comfortable Micarta handle with a removable storage compartment, a full tang with an exposed pommel, and a robust spine. The handle length is particularly praised for comfort and usability.

How does the reviewer assess the sheath for the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife?

The reviewer finds the included nylon sheath to be of lower quality, describing it as "cheesy." While it is MOLLE integrable and lightweight, the flap closure is considered potentially insecure, suggesting users might need to add extra fastening.

What is the price and origin of the Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife?

The Knives of Alaska Defense Survival (DSM) knife is made in the USA and is priced around $165 to $170. The reviewer considers this a fair price for a US-made knife of its quality.

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