To caveat on their customer service. I sent an inquiry in at 830pm just asking some questions. I can not believe Bill Koenig responded. Absolutely outstanding service.
Great review. I own a Style 57 Arius with milled handles and just wrote to Bill about buying blue hardware for mine. Fantastic knife and mine will never leave my collection.
Hi Nick. Spoke a month ago. I was going to get a Rockwell, but you suggested a slysz bowie. Great knife.I thought I'd mention that I purchased a torque set of screw's from WE to change on to my 707f. They look so much better. Had a clean up, some nano oil applied in the right places. Mustard action and almost drop shut with a little wiggle.
Also, I find it very interesting that you mentioned how the designer is the same as the Millit Torrent because ever since I got it, I had noticed many similarities in the design language: The handle shape is very reminiscent (including the concave portion behind the flipper tab), the hole on the clip that resembles the blade hole shape, the blade hole itself is similar as well (inverted and ignoring the center pillar), and even the swede is similarly concave (on the Torrent it is very small).
I just got a 5/20/2020 generation 4 2nd batch and wow the Koenig Arius has continued to be refined. I owned and gen 2 full dlc nearly 6 ounce now it’s full titanium with lightening pockets mid 4’s and the carbon fiber full size are near 4 ounce. The mini Arius is going to break the internet! I will get one too! Koenig Knives is on fire. I own a Mini Goblin and it’s amazing also!
Late to the show, but I ordered and just received an Arius in CTS-204p. Many of the nitpicks / negatives were taken care of indeed. The chamfering on the blade cutout / blade hole, and the backspacer are a done now. Also there are "lightening pockets" (internal milling) inside the scales and if you open the blade and peek through the hole that is cut into the pocket clip you can see the inside of the opposite handle scale which has (I assume) some sort of serial number now. For example mine is the AR.KO.4-1. Also the action out of the box was amazing, very smooth flipping action, either by middle finger flick or by using the flipper tab. All in all I am extremely satisfied with the knife :)
While it's "German" it is the spelling of the surname. In German, king is actually König. Koning in Dutch, Konge in Danish and Norwegian (kong), Kuningas in Estonian and Finnish and Kung in Swedish. There are some others as well. This is a gorgeous knife, Nick. Thanks, as always, for the awesome review.
Anyone know what's going on with Koenig now? Been searching for an Arius and it seems to be impossible to find available anywhere and Koenig seems to be inactive everywhere right now.
I love when lanyard holes are done like that...I like how this one follows the curve of the knife too... That's the main thing that steered me away from the ZT0220
I would fall in love with it if the blade shape was more belly, even at the expense of narrowing it a bit up front. I know it's just a personal preference, but with the flipper tab sticking out, belly knives are nicer for food prep.
This is a big $%*& knife for the Nick, so it must be good. Beautiful finish blade on this one. I'd mentioned something offhand on IG when I first got one, and Bill DM'd me telling me to send it in. So he's pretty serious about keeping people happy. _Half a face reveal!_ Thank you Koenig! BTW, they've made some noticeable improvements on the clip and lanyard jimping from the Gen1.
Also, I might sell my 2 and get a CF version, which weighs less than 5oz. Bill has already posted pictures of the "new" blade, I should have known it was Nick's fault. We're all asking "WTF is different? Oh, really? _that_ was a problem?"
I've watched your review on the Arius probably 3 times now in anticipation for my Storm Trooper coming soon. I just can't wait, but I wanted to pose a question to you. If you had to choose between the Koenig Arius and the Olamic Wayfarer 247, which would you prefer personally? It seems to me that the knives fill pretty close to the same role.
Nick which blade steels (assuming they had been correctly heat treated) would you say are your top 3 choices ans why? Would you agree m390 deserves the top spot? or maybe 3v? m4? elmax? s35vn? etc?
Great knife but out of my league.. Impressive the maker listened to you and is actually making changes.. Can you call Benchmade for me ?? I have a big list of complaints and requests..
I loooove your finish btw, handles and Blade and the blue is freaking sick!😷 it makes me feel “ blue” 😱 I didn’t order mine this way! Lolol that was a nickshabazz special
Perfect review. I have found the Garden of Eden of knives. Love all knives have so many for so many reasons. I’d give them all up for this Holy Grail. Love it . The carbon fiber and lighter cut out handle much lighter and soooo smooth every detail is appreciated with ever flip. Thanks for the review
Great review of a great knife. It seems to me that this knife is about as good as you can get for a high end, functional tool, without crossing over into just throwing money away for a name or a snazzy add on land..didn't you do a video on the cost-carry-comfort-curve once?? or something like that? It seems to me that this is the pinnacle of that curve.
The gimping is for reveres grip use they thought of. U just happened to feel it helped flip it. Hmmm 🤔 that should never be an issue on any flipper 🙊🙉☯️💯
Hopefully they don't chamfer that blade hole too much.I almost exclusively " Spydie flick" it open, and I think it's because of that little edge that it's possible... Hopefully Bill, Krista, and Cam are all ready to work overtime, now that it has been dubbed a "shining frickin'(friggin'?) gem"
I have one and although the edge of the blade cutout is not sharp, you barely touch it with your middle finger and it shoots out. It's much easier to open than any Spyderco I tried. It's also not as abusive on your finger/skin.
AMEN - I get upset when people with delicate hands keep complaining about opening holes with square edges. I personally dislike it when they are chamfered.
Took me two years to finally find one on DLT trading. And the price really went up since this review was posted. I paid $605 and another $30 for the blue five screw set. Mine has a bead blasted finish on the blade in M390. No doubt it's a fine piece, but at $180 more than a sebenza, I feel it's overpriced. No regrets though, really enjoying it.
Another one for the "One day... Maybe" wish list. The only thing stopping me is the price, it's almost $100 bucks more than my Olamic or even my Matt Degnan Custom Kane
You never had a very long day fighting the crime and forgot you have the mask on until you're sitting on the toilet and see your reflection in the mirror? It happens me a lot
Any maker willing to consider and act on CQI earns deep respect, well done Koenig! the Arius is also too big for me (mostly too tall), though I do love the handle, blast and your choices (polished stonewash and blue hardware). I’ll keep my eye on Koenig for something more size appropriate for me.
Nick: you really need to start hammering these makers on the external lock bar cut outs. They need to land on both the Bad and the Ugly. Ugly? Without question! Also, in my experience, they impede pocketing functionality. I really can't think of a great reason for them to not make these cut-outs internal!OK, I feel better. Thanks.
You surprised me!! I thought the weight was gonna have to not calling this a 💎 gem! I find myself wishing it had internal millling also like my shirogorov jeans and munroe sigil mk4, both of those knives are 2k 3k respectively so if they can pull off an Arius for a fraction of the cost in CTS-204p I agree this would be a super gem!!! Once they run out the 2ndary market it gonna explode with this one I’m guessing rapey prices of 1200.00, once the Koenig stop making- I hope they don’t.
You know you're in a peculiar subset of society when this is "good value" :D Check out the Cedric & Ada video where Pete's "normal person" wife assesses his collection and shows remarkable equanimity at the "reasonable" prices.
Beautiful knife... Worth every penny... Except the fancy stone wash is a bit pricey... Curious what the process is that they use to make that finish so dang expensive...
The price seems very fair to me. Watched an interview with Tim Reeve and when asked who he thought was doing great work in the industry, he said Koenig and that he would love to do a collaboration. Would be cool to see something like the Shiro x Chris Reeve collabs even. or... a flipper Sebenza-esque knife (blasphemy) imo
NitrousFox after that z hunter live stream last week, he's had enough z hunter for a long time... But I'm looking forward to the next terrible knife a month box 😂
Do budget knives ever do well on this channel, especially with a Nick-picker like Shabazz? Rarely does beauty come with a low price tag. Budget reviews usually go the first half of the video makes me want it, second half turns me off from it. Use the videos you’ve watched to inform your decision. I look at knives now online and I can tell if it’s going to be shit or not just by the criteria that Nick has given us. Look at Nicks table, what has stuck around over the years and what hasn’t, use the good/great when looking for a knife, use the bad/ugly when assessing that knife. But what do I know, I’m just some random jackass
Last time I was this early, nutnfancy was actually still slightly fancy
"nutn"=nothing
To caveat on their customer service. I sent an inquiry in at 830pm just asking some questions. I can not believe Bill Koenig responded. Absolutely outstanding service.
Love my new gen 3 textured carbon fiber, wieght fixed 4oz. Clip slanted so no contact with lockbar. I like it more than my Norseman. Wonderful knife.
Great review. I own a Style 57 Arius with milled handles and just wrote to Bill about buying blue hardware for mine. Fantastic knife and mine will never leave my collection.
Frank Salem we're you able to purchase blue hardware? I've got the same knife on the way and am very excited!!
Hi Nick. Spoke a month ago. I was going to get a Rockwell, but you suggested a slysz bowie. Great knife.I thought I'd mention that I purchased a torque set of screw's from WE to change on to my 707f. They look so much better. Had a clean up, some nano oil applied in the right places. Mustard action and almost drop shut with a little wiggle.
Congrats Nick you just made the basic model $50 more expensive lol
Wish the Grimsmos would use 204P family steels.... and had a sharpening choil
and reduce their pricing to be competitive.
lol slower production, higher pricing, lesser steel, and no choil.
Also, I find it very interesting that you mentioned how the designer is the same as the Millit Torrent because ever since I got it, I had noticed many similarities in the design language: The handle shape is very reminiscent (including the concave portion behind the flipper tab), the hole on the clip that resembles the blade hole shape, the blade hole itself is similar as well (inverted and ignoring the center pillar), and even the swede is similarly concave (on the Torrent it is very small).
I just got a 5/20/2020 generation 4 2nd batch and wow the Koenig Arius has continued to be refined. I owned and gen 2 full dlc nearly 6 ounce now it’s full titanium with lightening pockets mid 4’s and the carbon fiber full size are near 4 ounce. The mini Arius is going to break the internet! I will get one too! Koenig Knives is on fire. I own a Mini Goblin and it’s amazing also!
what gen is this one, you know?
Late to the show, but I ordered and just received an Arius in CTS-204p. Many of the nitpicks / negatives were taken care of indeed. The chamfering on the blade cutout / blade hole, and the backspacer are a done now. Also there are "lightening pockets" (internal milling) inside the scales and if you open the blade and peek through the hole that is cut into the pocket clip you can see the inside of the opposite handle scale which has (I assume) some sort of serial number now. For example mine is the AR.KO.4-1. Also the action out of the box was amazing, very smooth flipping action, either by middle finger flick or by using the flipper tab. All in all I am extremely satisfied with the knife :)
I was a little surprised that you didn't mention the small fuller. Collect a bit of gunk in that speed groove.
I’m definitely in the minority here but I actually prefer a heavier knife, in fact I’m getting tungsten scales for my PM2. Any others out there?
While it's "German" it is the spelling of the surname. In German, king is actually König. Koning in Dutch, Konge in Danish and Norwegian (kong), Kuningas in Estonian and Finnish and Kung in Swedish. There are some others as well. This is a gorgeous knife, Nick. Thanks, as always, for the awesome review.
Anyone know what's going on with Koenig now? Been searching for an Arius and it seems to be impossible to find available anywhere and Koenig seems to be inactive everywhere right now.
Best 2 places I’ve seen for Koenig is EDCFoundry and DLT trading!
That mirror stonewash is incredible.
I agree that it can use some internal milling. Other than that its a perfect knife and a good value for a US made high end prod knife.
I love when lanyard holes are done like that...I like how this one follows the curve of the knife too... That's the main thing that steered me away from the ZT0220
"We're gonna need a bigger pocket..." Big, beautiful, badass blade.
nick best way to show hollow grinds (or any non-flat grinds) is to put a straight edge against the side, just a suggestion ( :
These are really excellent reviews. Thanks, and keep up the great work!
You should try the Walter Koenig model. It doesn't have the over-the-top flair of a Takei, but is a gem none the less.
I would fall in love with it if the blade shape was more belly, even at the expense of narrowing it a bit up front. I know it's just a personal preference, but with the flipper tab sticking out, belly knives are nicer for food prep.
This is a big $%*& knife for the Nick, so it must be good. Beautiful finish blade on this one. I'd mentioned something offhand on IG when I first got one, and Bill DM'd me telling me to send it in. So he's pretty serious about keeping people happy. _Half a face reveal!_ Thank you Koenig! BTW, they've made some noticeable improvements on the clip and lanyard jimping from the Gen1.
Also, I might sell my 2 and get a CF version, which weighs less than 5oz. Bill has already posted pictures of the "new" blade, I should have known it was Nick's fault. We're all asking "WTF is different? Oh, really? _that_ was a problem?"
I've watched your review on the Arius probably 3 times now in anticipation for my Storm Trooper coming soon. I just can't wait, but I wanted to pose a question to you. If you had to choose between the Koenig Arius and the Olamic Wayfarer 247, which would you prefer personally? It seems to me that the knives fill pretty close to the same role.
Nick which blade steels (assuming they had been correctly heat treated) would you say are your top 3 choices ans why? Would you agree m390 deserves the top spot? or maybe 3v? m4? elmax? s35vn? etc?
I do alot of food prep with my pocket knife. I eat everyday so it happens often
Hi Nick, quick question; Will you also make a review about the Massdrop Ferrum Forge Falcon? What are your thoughts? Thanks, Ruud Netherlands
I will, eventually! It's a decent little choice.
Hey Nick. I have a CF Arius coming soon. Think you might be interested in checking that out as well?
nick do a review on the spyderco silverax. I just bought mine and want to see you're thoughts on the compression lock flipper
that's a beauty! another great review, thanks for showing!
Great knife but out of my league.. Impressive the maker listened to you and is actually making changes.. Can you call Benchmade for me ?? I have a big list of complaints and requests..
I loooove your finish btw, handles and Blade and the blue is freaking sick!😷 it makes me feel “ blue” 😱 I didn’t order mine this way! Lolol that was a nickshabazz special
Perfect review. I have found the Garden of Eden of knives. Love all knives have so many for so many reasons. I’d give them all up for this Holy Grail. Love it . The carbon fiber and lighter cut out handle much lighter and soooo smooth every detail is appreciated with ever flip. Thanks for the review
Nick, did you try the carbon fiber version? that could fix your heavy issue. eventually i may get one of those.
You could say this knife has a “Tab of the Tiger”.
Rawr.
Maybe I’ll pick a future version up if it’s 204P and milled out internally. And BLUE #yeahwellyouknowblueismyfavoritecolor
I've never seen one for 460 ?
I appreciate a polished/mirror stone wash, kind of like the Slysz Bowie.
Hey Nick, how does this knife compare to the Ferrum Forge Archbishop overall and in terms of the details?
This is miles ahead of the Archbishop, honestly. Both in cutting, in details, in build quality, and in value.
With the angle of the pivot screw hole, the width of the knife spine to back, and the "rar" of the flipper tab... It reminds me of a sad penguin...
Oh, and with the blade open, its an angry cockatoo.
Great review of a great knife. It seems to me that this knife is about as good as you can get for a high end, functional tool, without crossing over into just throwing money away for a name or a snazzy add on land..didn't you do a video on the cost-carry-comfort-curve once?? or something like that? It seems to me that this is the pinnacle of that curve.
Oh, forgot to mention that a batman review is always a gem!
Wow , that mirrored stonewash is absolutely beautiful ....
Love to have it . When's the giveaway ?
I'll throw it in if you buy a Z-Hunter for $590...
The gimping is for reveres grip use they thought of.
U just happened to feel it helped flip it. Hmmm 🤔 that should never be an issue on any flipper 🙊🙉☯️💯
Hopefully they don't chamfer that blade hole too much.I almost exclusively " Spydie flick" it open, and I think it's because of that little edge that it's possible... Hopefully Bill, Krista, and Cam are all ready to work overtime, now that it has been dubbed a "shining frickin'(friggin'?) gem"
I have one and although the edge of the blade cutout is not sharp, you barely touch it with your middle finger and it shoots out.
It's much easier to open than any Spyderco I tried. It's also not as abusive on your finger/skin.
AMEN - I get upset when people with delicate hands keep complaining about opening holes with square edges. I personally dislike it when they are chamfered.
West Senkovec that sounds really nice, not sharp but not overly chamfered.
Imagine a mini Arius. That would be perfect.
They're real and will be hitting shelves soon
Yeah price definitely went up base model is 900+ tax and shipping and they go up over 1200 for the others.
Despite the fact that I prefer smaller knifes and I would probably never have the money to spend on it... I'm in love... :D
They should have milled out the handle like the sanenmu land 9103.
Took me two years to finally find one on DLT trading. And the price really went up since this review was posted. I paid $605 and another $30 for the blue five screw set. Mine has a bead blasted finish on the blade in M390. No doubt it's a fine piece, but at $180 more than a sebenza, I feel it's overpriced. No regrets though, really enjoying it.
That's the one I have. I love the bead blasted finish.
Another one for the "One day... Maybe" wish list. The only thing stopping me is the price, it's almost $100 bucks more than my Olamic or even my Matt Degnan Custom Kane
Just watched this video what a great knife!
i always wonder why an internal lockbar relief is less common. Looks tons cleaner.
Jack Dauley I personally prefer to lay my finger on the cut out.
what like middle finger?
Jack Dauley I place my ring finger on the cutout when I open a knife. Some of the knives I own with the internal cutout tab can be slippery.
Why dont you review the mini goblin Nick? Its more your size i think
I meant to say you should review the gen 4. I’m certain you have handled one. Lol
What the difference between a 55 and 57?
did you get to handle the Koenig Zenaida at blade show? tool free disassembly, little knife made by people who give a damn. i love mine.
+Patrick Batemare Nope, sadly.
I wish I had enough money to buy one of those or any custom knife
My gen 4 Arius is 4 ounces. It feels like 2 ounces. Check it out.
Picked up one of these in a trade, all I can say is the asking price is cheap for what you get.
Do you have a batman mask on?
Do you not?
Nick Shabazz good point!
I saw goggles like steam punk style
You never had a very long day fighting the crime and forgot you have the mask on until you're sitting on the toilet and see your reflection in the mirror? It happens me a lot
Any maker willing to consider and act on CQI earns deep respect, well done Koenig!
the Arius is also too big for me (mostly too tall), though I do love the handle, blast and your choices (polished stonewash and blue hardware). I’ll keep my eye on Koenig for something more size appropriate for me.
Nick: you really need to start hammering these makers on the external lock bar cut outs. They need to land on both the Bad and the Ugly. Ugly? Without question! Also, in my experience, they impede pocketing functionality. I really can't think of a great reason for them to not make these cut-outs internal!OK, I feel better. Thanks.
I've seen them done well, but you're right, it's often not a great plan.
You surprised me!! I thought the weight was gonna have to not calling this a 💎 gem! I find myself wishing it had internal millling also like my shirogorov jeans and munroe sigil mk4, both of those knives are 2k 3k respectively so if they can pull off an Arius for a fraction of the cost in CTS-204p I agree this would be a super gem!!! Once they run out the 2ndary market it gonna explode with this one I’m guessing rapey prices of 1200.00, once the Koenig stop making- I hope they don’t.
Any chance this guy is from Alabama? (Typing with my INFANT FINGAS) LOL... Love the review for real Nick. Much love homie
Astonishingly awesome knife can't wait to maybe someday own one if I save up for a year and a half 😂😂 tres magnifique
Not a huge fan of that blade finish, but damn that knife is handsome.
It's confirmed... Nick Shabazz is Batman. Go to 4:54, do a screen shot and flip upside-down. I knew it!
price?
592 with the blue screws
Love it
Another shabazz review, another knife I can't afford.
This is why next week's knives are both under $100. :)
Nice, thanks for that.
That's great thanks for hitting all budgets
You know you're in a peculiar subset of society when this is "good value" :D
Check out the Cedric & Ada video where Pete's "normal person" wife assesses his collection and shows remarkable equanimity at the "reasonable" prices.
Beautiful knife, Just my size. Nice review by Batman no less 😀
Beautiful knife... Worth every penny... Except the fancy stone wash is a bit pricey... Curious what the process is that they use to make that finish so dang expensive...
JS Krawz hand polishing?
You should go checkout the Koenig Knives Instagram.
I have this and a chris reeves sebenza 21 insingo in my shopping cart... Can only get one.... Hmm....
jeremy gunkel That’s a great problem.
Arius.
Peter Galione lol...true
I used to EDC a Sebenza 21 Insingo, It hasn't seen any pocket time since I've has the Arius.
I own a sebenza 21; going to buy the Keonig mirror finish & blue hardware.
The price seems very fair to me. Watched an interview with Tim Reeve and when asked who he thought was doing great work in the industry, he said Koenig and that he would love to do a collaboration. Would be cool to see something like the Shiro x Chris Reeve collabs even. or... a flipper Sebenza-esque knife (blasphemy) imo
I really enjoy the mirror stone wash, you get to review some great knives, Dad!
4:54 you can see a glimpse of nicks face he may yet be human
I have spotted Nick!!! And I think he wares a scuba mask...?
Ariel Sirota Batman mask
The wife would divorce me... but it may still be worth it.
Depends on the quality of the wife relative to the quality of the knife.
Well she did encourage my purchase of a ZT0808, ZT0452g10, and a Spydiechef all in the last couple months. I might keep her around a little longer.
😂
Lord if only I could get her to divorce me over a sub-$500 purchase!!!!!
Mike Karambit Order some custom options and bump up the price into the thousands
Nick Shabazz face review? 4:54
Lars Huijskens I think he is wearing a bat man mask...
You didn't want to show off the batman mask :)
notification squad... WHOS HERE ?!?!?!
I AM!
Nick Shabazz = Bruce Wayne
Don't know what it is, but I see a lot of Kizer Megatherium in this guy.
careful with those mirror finishes
"very thin at the tip" why must you remind me Nick?
lol
Face reveal at 4:59
Batman 4:55
I would have been pretty bumbed if batman didn't make an appearance in the mirror
I'm Batman.
Nick, you're almost exclusively doing knives these days that a lot of us can never afford :( Please don't forget your budget audience!
That's why next week's two knives will both be under $100! :)
Watch it be another Z-Hunter review 😂😂😂
NitrousFox after that z hunter live stream last week, he's had enough z hunter for a long time... But I'm looking forward to the next terrible knife a month box 😂
Do budget knives ever do well on this channel, especially with a Nick-picker like Shabazz? Rarely does beauty come with a low price tag. Budget reviews usually go the first half of the video makes me want it, second half turns me off from it. Use the videos you’ve watched to inform your decision. I look at knives now online and I can tell if it’s going to be shit or not just by the criteria that Nick has given us. Look at Nicks table, what has stuck around over the years and what hasn’t, use the good/great when looking for a knife, use the bad/ugly when assessing that knife. But what do I know, I’m just some random jackass
I've never understood the hype around this knife. I'm not trying to say anything negative about it, I just legitimately don't get the appeal 🤷
Batman!?
Nick, did you have a few extra cups of coffee before this review? Don't think I've ever heard you talk so fast. Beautiful knife btw.
Ayy
Also: “chubby bunny” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 she’s a brick house...
Nick, seduced me with this Keonig, love it & I want one!!
$500
4:55 I see the Nick
Knife reviewer by day, crime fighting bat by night. It appears your taking your work home with you again.