spydiechef is sufficiently ugly and blade shape weird enough for me not to even want to pick it up, like a flaming bag of poo fugly. that said i love nick reviews!
This is hands down one of the most entertaining and enjoyable videos I’ve ever watched on CZcams. Hearing Nick’s audible panic at eliminating knives made me laugh so hard.
I just got my Ontario Rat 2 in D2 steel yesterday and I love it. I know they aren't the very best quality and I'm still fairly new to the knife life, but it's great for what I need. It definitely won't be my last knife, considering that I only have 4. My oldest but not my first knife is a Bermuda Green Case medium stockman that was passed to me from an old family friend that had it for a few years before, and then I bought a CRKT Burnley Squid and Morakniv Pro S last year, and now the Rat 2. I know it's not much of a collection by a long shot, but the Rat 2 brings me a lot of joy. It flies right out when I flick it and it feels great in my hand and I've already started customizing it. Thanks for all of the content and for helping me to learn more about knives, steels and what tools/gear are best for me
That pain you went through picking through the last three was so real and so relatable. And whenever I feel that kind of affection and passion for my gear... I see the face of Nick Shabazz.
Mr. Shabazz, I'm a new subscriber to your channel and doing my utmost to get all caught up, but just wanted to tell you I'm really enjoying your insight and wit. Moreover, your earnest effort to offer fair reviews is both rare and appreciated. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort.
The segment from 19:40 on, was the most entertaining portion of any of your reviews I have seen thus far. We could hear your anguish going back and forth between the final 3. I've never heard so many syllables uttered in such a short time span. Good stuff.
Spiderco? Never heard of 'em. Also, kind of a dumb name, kinda childish , don't you think? Like, they'll put some big round spider in their logo and on every one of their knives? ridiculous.
Gotta have a multi tool. No matter what other knife I carry. I feel undressed without the multi tool. I carry a Leatherman Wave and a Rat 1 with D2 blade for the same or less money than the Leatherman Charge. The multi tool gives me tool options that help me avoid abusing a knife blade and the Rat 1 gives me a bigger more comfortable handle (big hands) for longer cutting tasks. The wave also has a serrated blade which means I am carrying 3 blades. This gives me a lot of extended cutting time. But who said knife choice had to be logical? Nick taught me to carry what brings me comfort and joy. I think Nick enjoys the pain of forcing himself into making these decisions. Kinky!
Stuck with a choice of only one blade, it would have to be a Leatherman. I carried a Wave for years but now it's the Signal for the hammer. Also the pocket/belt clip comes already on it. That and a compact razor blade utility knife is REALLY all you need, (but I still carry more...)
LarryEMorse I liked carrying the Wave with a pocket clip but recently had the tool open in the pocket on a number of occasions. Not sure if this was due to the wear and tear on the tool or the fact that I scramble over machinery all day but was proving dangerous in certain situations. I now carry it on my belt using a RAE sheath which carries secure and easy to deploy but Is prone to scratching paint if you get too close to objects. Something to keep your eye on as the tool ages. Stay safe brother!
@@kevola5739 I was carrying the wave on my belt using only the clip and never had it open, but that's aNOTHER thing I like about the Signal. It can be locked shut so there's no chance of opening. I like the tan color from Cabelas better than the shiny silver Wave too.
Is it any wonder that a Spyderco wins this contest? I'd choose either the PM2 or the Manix 2... I have been thinking VERY HARD on which of the two I would finally choose for about four days now and I simply just can't decide. I really would have to flip a coin... hoping that it landed on the PM2. Or the Manix 2. Or the PM2... Or the Manix 2. 😅 Thanks for making the last 27 minutes of my evening very entertaining, Nick. Knife on safely, my friend! Knife on, indeed...
My choices, broken down by price point: Kershaw Pub Kershaw Blur Spyderco PM2 Spyderco Kapara ZT 0470 Spyderco Slysz Bowie CRK Mnandi CRK Large Sebenza Due to its size and its ratio of class to scariness, and the fact that I'm an office drone who avoids manual labor whenever possible, if I absolutely had to pick one, it would be the Mnandi.
Hey, Nick, have you tried the Cold Steel Code 4? It's indistructable, CTS-XHP and you can forget it's in your pocket(it's light and slim). It's a bit wide, but so is almost every Spyderco.
If I had to pick one it'd probably be the ZT 0562 -- I live a few miles from KAI, so I know it'd be maintained/taken care of, and it can do a lot of work while also being a slicer grind. Plus the deep-carry clip is great on it.
For me it would have to be my Sebenza or Umnumzaan. When I consider one knife for the rest of my life, I have to think about availability of replacement parts, longevity of the company/model of knife, and things like spa services to keep the knife serviceable. In that domain, CRK is unrivaled.
Hey Nick, nice picks! But on an unrelated topic if I can get ya, I have a W.E. 617 that I love, it's that $100 standard We, not sure if they make it anymore, but I was wondering if you know if I can get replacement hardware for it? Maybe even torx replacements?
The spit was foreshadowing. The depth of your writing and plot development is staggering... Well done, as always. I was glad to hear my new favorite mentioned... Kapara ftw.
It’s not original at all but I’d go with my PM2 in M390 steel. It’s a workhorse, easy to maintain....it’s just great :) Plus side is the blue on the scales.
The chaparal lw - is the lightweight frn similar to the delica frn? Since Spyderco introduced a new, much harder frn on the Para3 LW i just got to ask... on the para3 it feels very cheap in comparison to delica/endura/stretch. Thx
It tore my heart out when you chose anything over the doppler sebenza, but then you tortured yourself for our entertainment in the elimination round, so I guess we’re even and all is forgiven.
I have a 7 knife collection. If I had to pick one of them to keep for the rest of my life, it'd be my large Sebenza 21. Not just because it's high quality, but because of the excellent warranty.
As my collection has grown in number, sizes and prices, I continue to view the Chaparral Frn as an EDC masterpiece. I have custom knives I treasure but the Chappy is the EDC choice you can take anywhere, anytime and it operates easily and efficiently everytime. And it's easy to replace without too much trauma. Mind you the Mnandi is a stupendous knife but so much cash as to cause fear of losing.
Start off by saying I've been watching you for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoy. With that being said, your voice always sounded familiar to me and I never could quite put my finger on it till just now. You sound like Timon from the Lion King!!!
Nick you are a gem I would not could not pick only one thanks a lot man now I have to buy a spiderco chief . You are either a great actor or felt some serious pain there. Excellent channel thank you
Nice choice! From my personal collection, i would choose the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2. I have 2 of them, one being stock, and the other fully modified by Way of Knife (sharpening choil, acid sw blade, bead blasted liners, lockbar access, Lynchnw clip, and sharp dressed knives micarta scales. Its glorious.
Mine is my bark river fox river 2. I got it for my birthday last year and it cuts better than anything else I own. I've carried it almost everyday since and the funny thing is I quit shopping for new knives! It does everything from kitchen prep to working in landscaping everyday.
Every time I have seen that Slysz in your videos, I have thought to myself... I think that might be my favorite syderco knife and I have never even held one. It just looks like a good quality piece and I love the design.
Will the Titanium on the SSB ‘s lock not degrade over a lifetime? Or is it reinforced? Also, if the Chapy was such a strong contender, why not the CF version, it would definitely satisfy the inner Shnob (see what I did there)? My personal Chapy is a CF version that has been retrofitted with Custom Snakewood Scales.
Ive owned hundreds of knives, custom, mid tech, all production companies in the book, but my all time favorite would probably be a Spyderco Sage 1. My other absolute favorites were my Emerson mini commanders, ZT 0550, Benchmade 943, and my Striden SnG CC
Color me shocked that the Nick Shabazz would choose the Slysz Bowie. My choices below. Under $50: Rat 2 d2 Under $100: Spyderco Stretch 2 Under $200: Spyderco Manix 2 marbled cf/4v Under $300: ZT 0562cf Over $300: tough choice but Shiro Hati on washers
Sir thank you that little microtech jem wow wicked knife i love it my spyderco ronin2 the only one i have now carried a cs ti lite for 20 years and a bench made vintage spike for 10 years thinking about a Smock now and a yo jimbo2
An additional advantage to the Bowie may be that it looks robust enough to use the handle as an improvised hammer. Metal seems to be the better option over plastic in most cases.
Of all my knives currently, I think the one I'd have to choose is my Ti Chaparral. I got it on clearance when they were discontinued, and it has all the advantages of the FRN Chaparral I had before and loved but smoother and fancier. It feels the best in my hand, better than my CM1 Smoke, Kizer T1, or Native 5 LW, the three runner ups for me. The T1 is smoothest because I've had it longest and it's very ergonomic, but I like the Chaparral more in fanciness and sliciness. My smoke is great and the steel is better, and it's so much better to fidget with, but it's a bit long for me and not as slicy or ergonomic just because of its fundamental shape. My Native 5 is probably the most utilitarian knife I own and it'd be my choice if I did more hard work, but I mainly open up packages and cut yarn rather than carving wood or whatever, and I don't care for the feel of the FRN in the hand. The Ti Chaparral has beauty, function, and longevity, and seems almost tailor made for my life.
I agree on the Slysz Bowie...but it would be my #2. Only cuz of legality. My #1 would be small plain jane Sebenza insingo. The warranty, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and size make it the perfect choice. I would be very comfortable having and using that knife everyday for the rest of my life.
I wanted the FRN Chaparral, but the wholesaler I have access to does not stock them. What was in stock was a slightly beefier version of the Chaparral - the Native 5 Lightweight. I really like it! Unfortunately they switched from S35VN to S30V in the last 12 months, but S30V is still a fancy steel for me. I can be happy with this knife for a long time.
Nick! If you could order your own custom knife to every spec what would it be like? Mine would be wild. 3.5” front flipper drop point (think Shamwari) in polished REX 121. Full timascus integral handle with double picture frame inlay of abalone in marbled CF on the show side. Sometimes more IS more 🤷🏼♂️
Nick, this was a fun topic to discuss and read through the comments. Thankfully most of us are able to have the luxury of having more than one knife. Under $30: SAK Under $50: ESEE Candiru or Izula Under $100: FRN Chaparral Under $150: Spyderco PM2 Under $200: Spyderco Military Above $200: Grimsmo Rask or Norsemen I would be fine with a PM2, it is a great knife, is fun to flick/fidget, and an be personalized with easily obtained accessories. Because I only get one knife in this senerio, I may want something nicer. The Grimsmo has been very impressive, I like the easy disassembly.
Nick, I'm picturing you spending an hour caressing your collection and whispering that you love them all.
"my precioussss. My ggeeemmsssss"
Lotta nonlung sputum going down
NO NICK, YOU’RE WRONG!
spydiechef is sufficiently ugly and blade shape weird enough for me not to even want to pick it up, like a flaming bag of poo fugly. that said i love nick reviews!
Ken Sheffield - or a CRKT Wrinkle #2? If you don’t know why I’m thinking about that, look up the Full Shabazz review on that 😉
I am sad I only have one like to give. Nick needs to know he's wrong!!
This is basically how you torture nick
Nick has more knife price brackets than boxing has weight classes
Nick's very personal, own, subjective opinion is wrong
How can he be wrong?
@@davidb9323 bruh, he definitely wrong
Hahahahahah
@@TheMillieSmalls Many people were wrong about the 940 CF, I just got it and the Hogue DR and I love the feel of the DR.
Aaaahahaha 4 years later I found this gem good one!
The moment the Bowie hits the table, we all knew what was coming 😉
Before we even clicked on the video, we knew
This is hands down one of the most entertaining and enjoyable videos I’ve ever watched on CZcams. Hearing Nick’s audible panic at eliminating knives made me laugh so hard.
It's a specter, of course we can't see it.
You just tacked on thirty bucks to the Slysz price.
I just got my Ontario Rat 2 in D2 steel yesterday and I love it. I know they aren't the very best quality and I'm still fairly new to the knife life, but it's great for what I need. It definitely won't be my last knife, considering that I only have 4. My oldest but not my first knife is a Bermuda Green Case medium stockman that was passed to me from an old family friend that had it for a few years before, and then I bought a CRKT Burnley Squid and Morakniv Pro S last year, and now the Rat 2. I know it's not much of a collection by a long shot, but the Rat 2 brings me a lot of joy. It flies right out when I flick it and it feels great in my hand and I've already started customizing it. Thanks for all of the content and for helping me to learn more about knives, steels and what tools/gear are best for me
The Ontario RAT is a total gateway knife haha. Good tool, pretty cheap. Next thing you know you're up late looking at $300 knives on bladehq.
Totally man. Knives are addictive!
@@dfailsthemostthose damn $300 ones are the worst because givrn time I can figure out an excuse for that
Don't worry Nick, Spyderco would be absolutely stupid to hold back on a Bowie V2. It's just a matter of waiting now.
and waiting...
@@chris5590 lol
And waiting….
If Im paying over $500 for a knife it better be a gun.
That pain you went through picking through the last three was so real and so relatable. And whenever I feel that kind of affection and passion for my gear... I see the face of Nick Shabazz.
Come on Spyderco, bring back the Slysz!
Yes. It's the only knife I would justify paying that much money for.
Will buy if brought back
That would be great!
I bought the Spydiechef, I like it but now I really want a Bowie.
I was torn between pm2 and spending a bit more for slysz...decided to go with pm2...i made the wrong decision.
Tho pm2 is a great knife.
Good news folks! You don’t have to keep just “one” knife.
Under $10 would be Opinel knife. Only knife I actually use at this price point.
Wrong, Gordon Challenger is far superior. /J
Which Opinel is
moraknive
Bingo for opinel
Well hello Commander Keen
Nick getting through the last 3 knives like Zapp Brannigan trying to tell Leela they were on Earth the whole time
This was terrific ! Well done ! Like Henry Royce said "the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten". My choice the Magnitude
Under 30 SWAK
Under 50 Tenacious
Under 100 Mini Griptilian
Under 150 Sage 5
Under 200 Osborne 940
SWAK???
@@Hapfletcher swiss army knife (victorinox )
Under 300 Osborne 940*
For Canadians :(
Bruh benchmade fan boi
@@koga8100 lmao he has 2 Spydercos on his list too but he's a benchmade fanboy?
Mr. Shabazz, I'm a new subscriber to your channel and doing my utmost to get all caught up, but just wanted to tell you I'm really enjoying your insight and wit. Moreover, your earnest effort to offer fair reviews is both rare and appreciated. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort.
The segment from 19:40 on, was the most entertaining portion of any of your reviews I have seen thus far. We could hear your anguish going back and forth between the final 3. I've never heard so many syllables uttered in such a short time span. Good stuff.
Huge fan of you! Just found your channel. Love it! Great content. Subscribed
Nick, you should look at Spyderco knives. I hear they are pretty good.
Spiderco? Never heard of 'em. Also, kind of a dumb name, kinda childish , don't you think? Like, they'll put some big round spider in their logo and on every one of their knives? ridiculous.
Spyderco placed 4 of the 6 knives on the table. I think he considered them. Get your sarcasm.
terrywho22 I think maybe he caught wind of them?
not as good as the price!
@@MJFallout please tell me your joking... Spyderco is one of the top knife and cutlery companies in the world lol.
Gotta have a multi tool. No matter what other knife I carry. I feel undressed without the multi tool. I carry a Leatherman Wave and a Rat 1 with D2 blade for the same or less money than the Leatherman Charge. The multi tool gives me tool options that help me avoid abusing a knife blade and the Rat 1 gives me a bigger more comfortable handle (big hands) for longer cutting tasks. The wave also has a serrated blade which means I am carrying 3 blades. This gives me a lot of extended cutting time. But who said knife choice had to be logical? Nick taught me to carry what brings me comfort and joy. I think Nick enjoys the pain of forcing himself into making these decisions. Kinky!
Stuck with a choice of only one blade, it would have to be a Leatherman. I carried a Wave for years but now it's the Signal for the hammer. Also the pocket/belt clip comes already on it. That and a compact razor blade utility knife is REALLY all you need, (but I still carry more...)
LarryEMorse I liked carrying the Wave with a pocket clip but recently had the tool open in the pocket on a number of occasions. Not sure if this was due to the wear and tear on the tool or the fact that I scramble over machinery all day but was proving dangerous in certain situations. I now carry it on my belt using a RAE sheath which carries secure and easy to deploy but Is prone to scratching paint if you get too close to objects. Something to keep your eye on as the tool ages. Stay safe brother!
@@kevola5739 I was carrying the wave on my belt using only the clip and never had it open, but that's aNOTHER thing I like about the Signal. It can be locked shut so there's no chance of opening. I like the tan color from Cabelas better than the shiny silver Wave too.
"Slysz bowie 2 electric bugaloo"
Is it any wonder that a Spyderco wins this contest? I'd choose either the PM2 or the Manix 2...
I have been thinking VERY HARD on which of the two I would finally choose for about four days now and I simply just can't decide. I really would have to flip a coin... hoping that it landed on the PM2. Or the Manix 2. Or the PM2... Or the Manix 2. 😅
Thanks for making the last 27 minutes of my evening very entertaining, Nick. Knife on safely, my friend! Knife on, indeed...
I respect your choices. I prefer the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 over every other knife.
I love this channel
this is the 4th time ive watched this video and its still great.
My choices, broken down by price point:
Kershaw Pub
Kershaw Blur
Spyderco PM2
Spyderco Kapara
ZT 0470
Spyderco Slysz Bowie
CRK Mnandi
CRK Large Sebenza
Due to its size and its ratio of class to scariness, and the fact that I'm an office drone who avoids manual labor whenever possible, if I absolutely had to pick one, it would be the Mnandi.
We need a updated 2023 version of this video
I would go with the Sebenza because of its versatility and the spa treatment
Nick, I want the " Top 5 knives to bring to a gunfight" episode. PLEASE....
Great idea!
that really big halo otf
Angelo Ralph I would take katana any day lol
Nice list. I see some nice edges, what sharpener(s) do you use?
Hey, Nick, have you tried the Cold Steel Code 4? It's indistructable, CTS-XHP and you can forget it's in your pocket(it's light and slim). It's a bit wide, but so is almost every Spyderco.
I was already a subscriber but "go back to talk radio" just made you my freaking favorite!!!!!!!!!!
If I had to pick one it'd probably be the ZT 0562 -- I live a few miles from KAI, so I know it'd be maintained/taken care of, and it can do a lot of work while also being a slicer grind. Plus the deep-carry clip is great on it.
Great video. I love it. That spyderco chapparal is speaking to me. I like the working look of it. Subscribed. Thank you!
Great video! Just wondering, have you seen Supersteel Steve’s testing on the Rats? The AUS 8 did surprisingly well and the D2 did surprisingly poorly.
If i could only keep one, it would be my Victorinox Huntsman.
I'm blown away by that custom Protech it's freaking gorgeous!
That was hilarious listening to you agonize over "The One".
As always, I really enjoy your videos.
What would you recommend for the knife enthusiast looking for something more... insubstantial?
For me it would have to be my Sebenza or Umnumzaan. When I consider one knife for the rest of my life, I have to think about availability of replacement parts, longevity of the company/model of knife, and things like spa services to keep the knife serviceable. In that domain, CRK is unrivaled.
Hey Nick, nice picks! But on an unrelated topic if I can get ya, I have a W.E. 617 that I love, it's that $100 standard We, not sure if they make it anymore, but I was wondering if you know if I can get replacement hardware for it? Maybe even torx replacements?
The spit was foreshadowing. The depth of your writing and plot development is staggering...
Well done, as always. I was glad to hear my new favorite mentioned... Kapara ftw.
😂
It’s not original at all but I’d go with my PM2 in M390 steel. It’s a workhorse, easy to maintain....it’s just great :) Plus side is the blue on the scales.
You think that’s better than a PM 2 in S110V? Just curious as I’m in the market for a PM2 myself
Yes I believe so. S110V is harder but could chip. Plus those purple scales are not for me :-)
Thanks for driving up the price of a slysz Bowie even more
I had a big feeling that it would be a Spyderco of some ilk. You have a lot of them. lol!
The chaparal lw - is the lightweight frn similar to the delica frn? Since Spyderco introduced a new, much harder frn on the Para3 LW i just got to ask... on the para3 it feels very cheap in comparison to delica/endura/stretch. Thx
“I don’t suffer quietly, generally” ~20:25. 😂😂😂
It tore my heart out when you chose anything over the doppler sebenza, but then you tortured yourself for our entertainment in the elimination round, so I guess we’re even and all is forgiven.
So glad I got one when I did. Great Video, Nick!
One of my biggest regrets about dying is that I can't bring my knife collection with me.
Nick,, have you ever had a frame lock brake? I have but it was a cheap knife but I’ve always been afraid to get another.
Hallelujah! No freaking flippers!!!!
I have a 7 knife collection. If I had to pick one of them to keep for the rest of my life, it'd be my large Sebenza 21. Not just because it's high quality, but because of the excellent warranty.
warranty wont mean shit if your gonna keep it for the rest of your life. The knife would need to perform as such,
Warranties LOL
It's like watching someone choose their favorite child
If it was one knife, it'd have to be a fixed blade.
How did I know you'd pick that. I anodized mine blue and gold while you were deciding and it's beautiful now for the rest of my life Nick!!!
As my collection has grown in number, sizes and prices, I continue to view the Chaparral Frn as an EDC masterpiece. I have custom knives I treasure but the Chappy is the EDC choice you can take anywhere, anytime and it operates easily and efficiently everytime. And it's easy to replace without too much trauma.
Mind you the Mnandi is a stupendous knife but so much cash as to cause fear of losing.
Nick - I’m curious, you said you carried the Slysz Bowie for two years. So what knife knocked it out of your pocket?
Joel Hansen interesting question I think he said it was the graham Razel
We need verification on that one- but you're right- he does love him a Razel;)
james gurr - and yet the Graham Razel was nowhere to be seen in this video of his top knives.
Start off by saying I've been watching you for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoy. With that being said, your voice always sounded familiar to me and I never could quite put my finger on it till just now. You sound like Timon from the Lion King!!!
Nick you are a gem I would not could not pick only one thanks a lot man now I have to buy a spiderco chief . You are either a great actor or felt some serious pain there. Excellent channel thank you
I really wish there was a Nick Shabazz gun channel!
Nice choice! From my personal collection, i would choose the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2. I have 2 of them, one being stock, and the other fully modified by Way of Knife (sharpening choil, acid sw blade, bead blasted liners, lockbar access, Lynchnw clip, and sharp dressed knives micarta scales. Its glorious.
Electric bugaloo 😂😂😂 catching up on your videos nick, just ordered a Ontario rat 2 thanks to you along with a few more
As soon as I saw all your table options I would immediately choose the 3 rivers neutron.
Mine is my bark river fox river 2. I got it for my birthday last year and it cuts better than anything else I own. I've carried it almost everyday since and the funny thing is I quit shopping for new knives! It does everything from kitchen prep to working in landscaping everyday.
Every time I have seen that Slysz in your videos, I have thought to myself... I think that might be my favorite syderco knife and I have never even held one. It just looks like a good quality piece and I love the design.
Good info. It's wonderful we would never really have to pick just one.
Thanks for the shout out! I was feeling guilty every time you mentioned a knife I have on loan. Sorry everyone!
Will the Titanium on the SSB ‘s lock not degrade over a lifetime? Or is it reinforced? Also, if the Chapy was such a strong contender, why not the CF version, it would definitely satisfy the inner Shnob (see what I did there)? My personal Chapy is a CF version that has been retrofitted with Custom Snakewood Scales.
Nick I got the 940 and am trying to decide between a bugout or para 3 lightweight. Love my rat 2 tho thanks to u
I'm amazed the Chaparral lasted as long as it did.
Yeah..... didn't see that coming.
Ive owned hundreds of knives, custom, mid tech, all production companies in the book, but my all time favorite would probably be a Spyderco Sage 1. My other absolute favorites were my Emerson mini commanders, ZT 0550, Benchmade 943, and my Striden SnG CC
Color me shocked that the Nick Shabazz would choose the Slysz Bowie. My choices below.
Under $50: Rat 2 d2
Under $100: Spyderco Stretch 2
Under $200: Spyderco Manix 2 marbled cf/4v
Under $300: ZT 0562cf
Over $300: tough choice but Shiro Hati on washers
Hey Nick, just curious, why the RAT 2 D2 over the Tangram Santa Fe?
The real question then becomes: if you where forced to pay what these cost today (including the ridiculous price of the bowie), what would you pick?
Beside the Holt Specter, no flippers or bearings! I approve Nick!!
Sir thank you that little microtech jem wow wicked knife i love it my spyderco ronin2 the only one i have now carried a cs ti lite for 20 years and a bench made vintage spike for 10 years thinking about a Smock now and a yo jimbo2
An additional advantage to the Bowie may be that it looks robust enough to use the handle as an improvised hammer. Metal seems to be the better option over plastic in most cases.
For me as well I like a tough worker knife which is good looking too! My choice would be a Cold Steel Recon 1(Clip point or Tanto) with XHP steel.
how did fixed blades get ruled out?
Hi Nick, might think about adding some colored ano screws to the slysz. I've added blue ano to my chef and techno 2. Nice little customization.
Three Rivers neutron vs atom? Which do you recommend if you had to choose?
Of all my knives currently, I think the one I'd have to choose is my Ti Chaparral. I got it on clearance when they were discontinued, and it has all the advantages of the FRN Chaparral I had before and loved but smoother and fancier. It feels the best in my hand, better than my CM1 Smoke, Kizer T1, or Native 5 LW, the three runner ups for me. The T1 is smoothest because I've had it longest and it's very ergonomic, but I like the Chaparral more in fanciness and sliciness. My smoke is great and the steel is better, and it's so much better to fidget with, but it's a bit long for me and not as slicy or ergonomic just because of its fundamental shape. My Native 5 is probably the most utilitarian knife I own and it'd be my choice if I did more hard work, but I mainly open up packages and cut yarn rather than carving wood or whatever, and I don't care for the feel of the FRN in the hand. The Ti Chaparral has beauty, function, and longevity, and seems almost tailor made for my life.
I would go benchmade just because of their lifetime unlimited warranty
I agree on the Slysz Bowie...but it would be my #2. Only cuz of legality. My #1 would be small plain jane Sebenza insingo. The warranty, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and size make it the perfect choice. I would be very comfortable having and using that knife everyday for the rest of my life.
I knew it! But It was fun to watch you agonize over those last 3 knives. I feel your pain.
If I could keep only one knife it would be the Spyderco Resilience.
‘Go back to talk radio.’ Hahaha 😂
You pronounced Smaug correctly the first time (according to Tolkien at least).
I have watched this episode at least 4 times... and i still feel the pain when you make the final choice.🦉
Watching this was equivalent to watching a cat chase a laser pointer.
I wanted the FRN Chaparral, but the wholesaler I have access to does not stock them. What was in stock was a slightly beefier version of the Chaparral - the Native 5 Lightweight. I really like it! Unfortunately they switched from S35VN to S30V in the last 12 months, but S30V is still a fancy steel for me. I can be happy with this knife for a long time.
Out of my 4 knives, its the ZT 450 Sinkevich.
I love that knife and own it but hate that it's a frame lock.....
Nick I agree 100% it would be tough however the choices make total sense I might have a couple other choices but ultimately I agree. Nice job
I would go with The Chaparral. There is a carbon fiber version if you need to go fancy.
Nick! If you could order your own custom knife to every spec what would it be like?
Mine would be wild.
3.5” front flipper drop point (think Shamwari) in polished REX 121. Full timascus integral handle with double picture frame inlay of abalone in marbled CF on the show side.
Sometimes more IS more 🤷🏼♂️
Nick, this was a fun topic to discuss and read through the comments. Thankfully most of us are able to have the luxury of having more than one knife.
Under $30: SAK
Under $50: ESEE Candiru or Izula
Under $100: FRN Chaparral
Under $150: Spyderco PM2
Under $200: Spyderco Military
Above $200: Grimsmo Rask or Norsemen
I would be fine with a PM2, it is a great knife, is fun to flick/fidget, and an be personalized with easily obtained accessories. Because I only get one knife in this senerio, I may want something nicer. The Grimsmo has been very impressive, I like the easy disassembly.