Spyderco Round Table: New Knives, Best Steels

This review of the HX Outdoors Rock Apex survival knife highlights its robust construction, including DC53 steel and a full-tang design, making it a capable tool for outdoor tasks. The reviewer, demonstrating high expertise, praises its value under $100 and the functional hybrid sheath, while noting its weight might not suit ultralight backpackers.

This review of the Spyderco Shaman (C229) highlights its robust S30V blade, comfortable G10 handle with excellent ergonomics, and effective compression lock. The reviewer compares it to other Spyderco models like the Manix 2 and discusses its suitability for both everyday carry and defensive use, noting its 5.2 oz weight and 3.6-inch blade length. The US production quality from Golden, Colorado, is also emphasized.

This review focuses on the Kershaw Skyline XL, a larger variant of the popular Skyline model, highlighting its suitability as an EDC knife. The reviewer praises its hollow-ground blade, G10 handle, and the value offered by the 8CR13MOV steel, especially at its price point. While acknowledging the lack of jimping as a long-standing criticism of the Skyline design, the reviewer finds the XL version to be a significant improvement for those who found the original too small, making it a capable tool for various everyday tasks.

This video from Weapons Education showcases new Spyderco knife releases, including the Salt series Caribbean, Para 3, Q Ball, and Delara 3. Instructor Tom discusses Spyderco's product lifecycle, explaining why popular models are discontinued to make way for new innovations and address shifting market demand. The presentation highlights the materials, locking mechanisms, and intended uses of each featured knife, offering insights into Spyderco's design philosophy and product line expansion.

This review of the Benchmade 15020 Bone Collector highlights its strengths as a collectible and utility knife, particularly its G10 handle and sheepfoot blade. However, the reviewer finds the blade too heavy and thick for tactical use, and the ergonomics squared off for his preference. The D2 steel is noted as good but not his favorite, and the "Bone Collector" motif is considered overplayed.

This review of the Al Mar Nomad highlights its suitability as a mid-size EDC knife, praised for its lightweight design (3.4 oz), VG10 steel blade, and excellent ergonomics. The reviewer, Nutnfancy, notes its collectible appeal due to its rarity and stylish design, making it a potential gift item. While not a budget option, its quality construction and performance are deemed worth the investment.

This video documents a raw encounter in the wilderness where a weasel attacks a ground squirrel. The footage, captured by Nutnfancy on his iPhone while riding a motorcycle, offers a philosophical perspective on the food chain and the harsh realities of nature. It highlights wildlife observation in a natural setting.

Nutnfancy provides an in-depth comparison of the AK-47 and AR-15 platforms, analyzing weight, ease of operation for beginners, recoil management, accuracy, modularity, and historical track records. He highlights the AR-15's advantages in accuracy and modularity, while acknowledging the AK-47's superior simplicity and ruggedness in adverse conditions. The analysis is based on extensive hands-on experience.

Nutnfancy, a recognized influencer in the tactical community, presents a multi-part series addressing the common issue of over-accessorizing the AR-15 platform. He emphasizes that many additions do not align with a realistic 'Philosophy of Use' and can negatively impact rifle performance. The series aims to educate shooters on making informed decisions about gear selection based on practical application rather than trends or aesthetics.

This guide synthesizes Nutnfancy's expert advice on selecting the best AR-15 scopes, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to value and utility. It details how to match optic selection to engagement ranges, prioritizing critical features like eye relief and field of view while cautioning against unnecessary weight and complexity. The advice is grounded in extensive field testing, offering a clear framework for shooters to make informed decisions without succumbing to brand prestige.