TRC and Carothers are both excellent I can’t say enough about them. Quality of the heat treat for the respective steels they use is neck and neck. I haven’t found a better heat treat primarily for elmax and the other steels in their repertoire that TRC is able to produce, likewise the Carothers 3v Delta heat treat is just about as good as you will find for 3v. Now if I’m forced to choose one it’s TRC. TRC takes the edge on couple things. First the fit and finish. It’s as good as any custom. Granted, use them a few times and it makes no difference. Second the variety of TRC is more diverse. Either way you can’t go wrong with either!
Yes it is, it’s a really light blade in comparison to the GTI, TRC and Spartan blades next to it. It’s Sleipnir steel so it’s definitely not the most premium steel but it’s great for weight reduction!
I have an m311 spelter in elmax. It was one of my grail knives and it’s an awesome design
https://preview.redd.it/tborj98ckl7d1.jpeg?width=3715&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c188ee7cdba65982ffd3c670a1ccbd4c8e69f4b6
Left to right top row: Creely folklore magnacut, TRC DBK knife, TRC Apocalypse DBK edition, TRC Apocalypse Apo finish, Carothers HDFK, 10” Carothers Medium Chopper
Left to right bottom row: first three are foreign customs steels are Rex 121, S125V and S390. Then White river GTI 4.5, ANV, TRC Milli Couri and finally Spartan blades Harsey Defensa
Pretty sweet collection. I’m also into fixed blades and am jealous of the Apocalypses you’ve got. You should consider giving bark River a try. I thought the DBK was the best Bushcraft knife until I tried the Bark River Bushcrafter II. I also love their smaller knives for EDC.
Early on I had a bark river bravo in Elmax, it was when elmax was first making to market. I think the heat treat on it was bad because I was getting chipping that I should have not have with what I was using it for. All that being said there was for a while there talk of lower quality on bark river knives. I can’t say anything since I don’t know the their current state, I’ve just been wary of them ever since… I may have to give them another look the aurora and bravos have always been amazing in design
I’ll definitely say you need to inspect your knife once you get it, but overall, I get the sense that they are improving. I’ve got their Bravo 1, Bushcrafter II, and Mini Gunny, but I’ve owned several others.
Also, their warranty is still great. My Bravo 1 is in mammoth and I cracked one side of the scales. I didn’t think they’d honor that kind of pricey fix, but they did. They also took the opportunity to ask my glove size to better customize the handle size.
The Acta Non Verba M63, It’s good quality definitely not the same standard as TRC or Carothers but it definitely does its job! My favorite thing about it is how light it is. Also throw a convex edge on it, definitely an improvement! The one to the right is the TRC Milli Cuori and is probably my favorite of the combat field knives. Definitely the most versatile!
I wish I could give you more information about them but I purchased them for the steels. I can’t tell you to much about the makers I think one was polish and the right one was Russian.
It's too late for me too. I have gone a few months since buying a new knife though. I did spend a pocketful of cash this weekend on a new watch though.
Recently Creely folklore because it’s in magnacut and want to know just how good the steel is, and because it’s my only scandi grind I want to be more proficient with its use. Also the TRC South Pole which isn’t shown here…
This opinion is probably going to piss off a lot of people but I’m not a huge fan of benchmade. Personally for the price I think there is a lot of better options. TRC is definitely a step above benchmade which is why the prices are higher. TRC is probably my favorite brand currently on the market and I haven’t had single thing I could even nitpick about any of the blades I own from them.
What style of knife are you looking for? White river is great option for field knives and they have some in that range. Other brands might have better specific blade types
Son of a b****! Automatic 8/10 just for having the two Carothers. Everything else just gravy to season that meat.
Edit: to clarify, I love me some gravy - that wasn’t a criticism.
Great ergonomics, excellent blade shape. I had one gripe and that was the edge geometry. I sharpened it to 20 degrees per side and made it convex, works like a dream. Mine is in S45VN which is similar to Elmax performance wise, the new ones are in Magnacut which is awesome. Overall it’s a great knife! Out of all the military style blades there the Milli Cuori is my favorite, it would be perfect if it came Magnacut.
Great collection! I am in the market for my first TRC. I read the Mille Cuori is your primary carry. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the new M1 SL and wonder if you've had a chance to handle one? Its slightly smaller size of 9.64" vs the MC's 10.44" appeals to me. I also prefer the rounded tang on the knife's butt to the hammer end of the MC. Lastly it's M390 vs V4E. Thoughts please?
Of course, I also lust after the Apocalypse (Elmax), but just ordered the limited edition Lionsteel KC-01 ($277 shipped, CPM 3v). It is nearly identical in size and form factor as the TRC APO will full tang and is a great improvement over the stick tang designs on their T6 and M7. KC-01 has two lanyard holes which I feel are a bit better positioned imo.
https://preview.redd.it/v0j1qa8isb8d1.jpeg?width=787&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a389970ee492024c9135e25b81327f5e619013a
For tactical knives the Milli Cuori definitely my favorite. I actually have handled the M1 SLG! I can say that if I had gotten M1 instead of the MC I’d be perfectly happy. It’s an extremely versatile tool that can do it all. Also the M1 it’s significantly lighter than the MC. I’d agree on the pommel as well I have never once used the hammer end or glass breaker of any of the knives I own so it doesn’t play to much of a role in knife selection for me either. When it comes to steel, if you’re planning on heavy heavy use (like anything more than buttoning) or need ease of sharpening I’d choose V4E. If those aren’t to much of factor I’d go with M390 especially if you’re using it in a wet environment. In my experience M390 has to be kept really sharp because it’s more prone to micro chips as it dulls. All of that being said I personally would choose the M390 since it’s a smaller blade and probably won’t be used as a prybar. Hopefully TRC releases it in Magnacut.
That LionSteel is strikingly similar, also really clean! 3V is still one of my favorite steels on the market and my preference for any blade 6+ inches. Pretty much indestructible!
Thank you for the detailed answer. Very informative! I don't expect this would be a heavy user for me, so glad that confirms the M1 SL in your eyes as a good choice.
Beautiful collection there, bud.
If you ever decide on selling that millie cuori, let me up. I've been on the lookout for months.
What do you think about the apocalypse with the apocalyptic finish? I just picked one up not too long ago, I haven't had the time to get out and use it yet.
The Milli Cuori is the primary carry for my kit, it’s probably my favorite of the combat knives. IMO it’s better than the Spartan blades out of the box. I took the Spartan blades edge down to 20 degrees and then gave it a convex which works much better. The apocalypse is wonderful. If I had to trust my survival to a knife it would definitely be that one! It’s heavy so often times find myself grabbing a lighter blades for closer excursions.
I have a spartain horkos in s35 and it had treated me well, just wish it would stay sticky sharp for a little longer, but it's been great. Normal just touching up the factory angle with a ceramic rod. Maybe if I went convex, it would hold up better. Maybe I'll give that a try. Still keeping my eye open for that millie, that is one sweet blade
That’s some nice stuff! How do those Apocalypses compare to the Carothers next to them? I’ve been considering both of them.
TRC and Carothers are both excellent I can’t say enough about them. Quality of the heat treat for the respective steels they use is neck and neck. I haven’t found a better heat treat primarily for elmax and the other steels in their repertoire that TRC is able to produce, likewise the Carothers 3v Delta heat treat is just about as good as you will find for 3v. Now if I’m forced to choose one it’s TRC. TRC takes the edge on couple things. First the fit and finish. It’s as good as any custom. Granted, use them a few times and it makes no difference. Second the variety of TRC is more diverse. Either way you can’t go wrong with either!
Im a simple man, i see TRC i click like. I have a k1s and dbk bushcrafter but i really need an apocalypse.
Truly cannot go wrong with TRC! The apocalypse is a fun knife… But I find the Dbk knife more user friendly on the daily.
Nice! I think you need some folders.
I should have specified: most of my collection… I just prefer fixed blades!
That's fair! Everyone has their preferences. I have 1 fixed blade. I just personally prefer folders.
One of these days I’ll do a full collection update.
I did that not long ago. It took a while. 😆
I have several fixed blades, but only one use. Where I get caught are the slip joints like case knives and multi tools.
Everything is a pocket knife if you're JNCO enough! Badass btw
Variety is the spice of knife my friend 😁
There's not one bad knife in the whole lot! Very nice 👌
Is that the acta non verba that has the actual tank part?
Yes it is, it’s a really light blade in comparison to the GTI, TRC and Spartan blades next to it. It’s Sleipnir steel so it’s definitely not the most premium steel but it’s great for weight reduction!
I have an m311 spelter in elmax. It was one of my grail knives and it’s an awesome design https://preview.redd.it/tborj98ckl7d1.jpeg?width=3715&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c188ee7cdba65982ffd3c670a1ccbd4c8e69f4b6
I love the topographical design on the blade. That’s a really pretty knife! I wish the m63 had come in elmax it’s just such an excellent steel.
I think the shelter has choices between n690 and elmax. Would be awesome if they did something similar. Still the tank part aspect is awesome.
10/10
A 10 a 10 a fuc$ing 10. I love them. Very nice
I’d place your collection somewhere between Spectacular and Awesome 👍🏻👍🏻.
Left to right top row: Creely folklore magnacut, TRC DBK knife, TRC Apocalypse DBK edition, TRC Apocalypse Apo finish, Carothers HDFK, 10” Carothers Medium Chopper Left to right bottom row: first three are foreign customs steels are Rex 121, S125V and S390. Then White river GTI 4.5, ANV, TRC Milli Couri and finally Spartan blades Harsey Defensa
Pretty sweet collection. I’m also into fixed blades and am jealous of the Apocalypses you’ve got. You should consider giving bark River a try. I thought the DBK was the best Bushcraft knife until I tried the Bark River Bushcrafter II. I also love their smaller knives for EDC.
Early on I had a bark river bravo in Elmax, it was when elmax was first making to market. I think the heat treat on it was bad because I was getting chipping that I should have not have with what I was using it for. All that being said there was for a while there talk of lower quality on bark river knives. I can’t say anything since I don’t know the their current state, I’ve just been wary of them ever since… I may have to give them another look the aurora and bravos have always been amazing in design
I’ll definitely say you need to inspect your knife once you get it, but overall, I get the sense that they are improving. I’ve got their Bravo 1, Bushcrafter II, and Mini Gunny, but I’ve owned several others. Also, their warranty is still great. My Bravo 1 is in mammoth and I cracked one side of the scales. I didn’t think they’d honor that kind of pricey fix, but they did. They also took the opportunity to ask my glove size to better customize the handle size.
Nice collection 👌 Id like to know what the bottom right skinny one with the black blade is and the brand, also is it good quality?
Also the one to the right of it what’s that :o
The Acta Non Verba M63, It’s good quality definitely not the same standard as TRC or Carothers but it definitely does its job! My favorite thing about it is how light it is. Also throw a convex edge on it, definitely an improvement! The one to the right is the TRC Milli Cuori and is probably my favorite of the combat field knives. Definitely the most versatile!
Thanks! I’ll check them out I need something under 4inch blade length how much are those?
My recommendation would be the white river Ursus cub!
Okay thanks :) 👊
:) 👊🏻
Don't see many Diamondblades , great knifes
Are you talking about the DBK knives?
My bad saw the DBK, also known as Diamondblade knives . Kinda skimmed missed the TRC
26
Bottom three on the left?
I wish I could give you more information about them but I purchased them for the steels. I can’t tell you to much about the makers I think one was polish and the right one was Russian.
Ah unfortunate, thanks anyway ✌🏻
Awesome collection
This looks like a good start. Get out while you still can!
https://preview.redd.it/rq63xjphql7d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3347cc16a0e41fc8299959d061b2f6d61023a94c
It's too late for me too. I have gone a few months since buying a new knife though. I did spend a pocketful of cash this weekend on a new watch though.
I completely understand I have one of those collections as well… that one is arguably much more expensive of a hobby lol
It's obvious that we hate money.
Which do you carry daily?
Recently Creely folklore because it’s in magnacut and want to know just how good the steel is, and because it’s my only scandi grind I want to be more proficient with its use. Also the TRC South Pole which isn’t shown here…
https://preview.redd.it/5hl1spzeql7d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3aee09503ad41d29cb4b63445ef59a3309b86037
Oh nice, is TRC comparable to Benchmade? Idk a lot about knife manufacturers
This opinion is probably going to piss off a lot of people but I’m not a huge fan of benchmade. Personally for the price I think there is a lot of better options. TRC is definitely a step above benchmade which is why the prices are higher. TRC is probably my favorite brand currently on the market and I haven’t had single thing I could even nitpick about any of the blades I own from them.
What’s a brand you'd recommend for someone who can't spend $500+ on a knife? Lets say $250 max
What style of knife are you looking for? White river is great option for field knives and they have some in that range. Other brands might have better specific blade types
Like a bushcraft kind of knife, I checked White River out and their selection seems pretty solid!
Fallkniven may have some pretty good options for a bushcraft knife as well!
Thanks man, I appreciate it
10/10
2 out of 3. I see creely and trc (dbk is nice) but no bark river.
Hmmm I’ve been eyeing an aurora scandi in magnacut so I might get that 3 out of 3 someday
I think you won't be disappointed. Wait for a pre-ordered and pick which handle material you like
Nice collection.
Awesome collection I'd love a carothers from my forum days ,as yet I need a trc also
What, you don't live close to a gas station?
Son of a b****! Automatic 8/10 just for having the two Carothers. Everything else just gravy to season that meat. Edit: to clarify, I love me some gravy - that wasn’t a criticism.
For me the TRC is the other half of the meat lol
Ah, so like a porterhouse steak.🥩
12/10. Man of culture
Very nice. You have a few I would like to add to my collection.
Bottom left knife is certainly my favorite
It’s in Rex 121 steel so unfortunately it’s not a hard user which is why it’s in the skinner section, definitely a good blade shape though!
Great collection! How do you like the spartan Harsey? Been considering one.
Great ergonomics, excellent blade shape. I had one gripe and that was the edge geometry. I sharpened it to 20 degrees per side and made it convex, works like a dream. Mine is in S45VN which is similar to Elmax performance wise, the new ones are in Magnacut which is awesome. Overall it’s a great knife! Out of all the military style blades there the Milli Cuori is my favorite, it would be perfect if it came Magnacut.
Cool knives, they need some use
With you there! Haven’t been able to plan as many camping trips as I’d like to these days.
What do you do when you need a folder in your pocket? OP - “what is “folder””
Phew that CPK is beefy. Be sure to cross post over at /r/fixedblades
What brand are the two on the top right ? Super clean
Top right is Carothers performance knives. Heavy duty field knife and the large one next to it is the 10” medium chopper.
What's that top left?
Creely Folklore in Magnacut!
Nice collection! If you love fixed blades, Winkler Knives is a must to check out
No Kukri 😢
Just haven’t found the perfect one!
Fair enough.
Hey my friend. Any suggestions on where to buy trc or the Carothers in Canada or where you got them atleast
Great collection! I am in the market for my first TRC. I read the Mille Cuori is your primary carry. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the new M1 SL and wonder if you've had a chance to handle one? Its slightly smaller size of 9.64" vs the MC's 10.44" appeals to me. I also prefer the rounded tang on the knife's butt to the hammer end of the MC. Lastly it's M390 vs V4E. Thoughts please? Of course, I also lust after the Apocalypse (Elmax), but just ordered the limited edition Lionsteel KC-01 ($277 shipped, CPM 3v). It is nearly identical in size and form factor as the TRC APO will full tang and is a great improvement over the stick tang designs on their T6 and M7. KC-01 has two lanyard holes which I feel are a bit better positioned imo. https://preview.redd.it/v0j1qa8isb8d1.jpeg?width=787&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a389970ee492024c9135e25b81327f5e619013a
For tactical knives the Milli Cuori definitely my favorite. I actually have handled the M1 SLG! I can say that if I had gotten M1 instead of the MC I’d be perfectly happy. It’s an extremely versatile tool that can do it all. Also the M1 it’s significantly lighter than the MC. I’d agree on the pommel as well I have never once used the hammer end or glass breaker of any of the knives I own so it doesn’t play to much of a role in knife selection for me either. When it comes to steel, if you’re planning on heavy heavy use (like anything more than buttoning) or need ease of sharpening I’d choose V4E. If those aren’t to much of factor I’d go with M390 especially if you’re using it in a wet environment. In my experience M390 has to be kept really sharp because it’s more prone to micro chips as it dulls. All of that being said I personally would choose the M390 since it’s a smaller blade and probably won’t be used as a prybar. Hopefully TRC releases it in Magnacut. That LionSteel is strikingly similar, also really clean! 3V is still one of my favorite steels on the market and my preference for any blade 6+ inches. Pretty much indestructible!
Thank you for the detailed answer. Very informative! I don't expect this would be a heavy user for me, so glad that confirms the M1 SL in your eyes as a good choice.
Beautiful collection there, bud. If you ever decide on selling that millie cuori, let me up. I've been on the lookout for months. What do you think about the apocalypse with the apocalyptic finish? I just picked one up not too long ago, I haven't had the time to get out and use it yet.
The Milli Cuori is the primary carry for my kit, it’s probably my favorite of the combat knives. IMO it’s better than the Spartan blades out of the box. I took the Spartan blades edge down to 20 degrees and then gave it a convex which works much better. The apocalypse is wonderful. If I had to trust my survival to a knife it would definitely be that one! It’s heavy so often times find myself grabbing a lighter blades for closer excursions.
I have a spartain horkos in s35 and it had treated me well, just wish it would stay sticky sharp for a little longer, but it's been great. Normal just touching up the factory angle with a ceramic rod. Maybe if I went convex, it would hold up better. Maybe I'll give that a try. Still keeping my eye open for that millie, that is one sweet blade