I've watched maybe 200 knife video's this month. This one is by far the best I've watched. Watching all the videos in "batch style" lead me to a very similar conclusion. Nice to see it verified by someone who actually knows what he is talking about. A great big thanks for posting.
You've touched on several universal truths that are intrinsic to human nature, which partly defines the singularity of the Nick Shabazz channel. Wealth is not having more than others - it is being thankful for the life you have and sometimes even the material things that bring you joy. Wonderful Sunday sermon, sir.
This is the best knife video on TH-cam. I'm 55 and I've never spent more than 100 on a folding knife. I use my knives and I don't want a bunch of knives I'm afraid to carry. I do appreciate great design and quality but I get what I need under 100. I can always see the expensive stuff on youtube. You have a new subscriber!
Great video Nick! I'm a knife maker and I still carry everything from the low end of the curve to the high end. An appreciation of the knife for what it is helps me enjoy it all! I really think that past the $400 mark you start buying into the special factor along with marginal increases in quality; meaning the makers story, personality, and popularity of the knife. Past $500 starts getting into exotics for me.
Agreed! Past $500, there has to be art, or some other joy there. Some unique factor. The Mechanism on the Norseman or NeOn. The materials. Maybe it's a rare piece by a desirable maker. Or it's uniquely "You". Very interesting to play around in that territory, but fundamentally different than the rest of the curve. Also, checked out your channel, nice! If you ever want me to take a look at your work, either on camera or off-the-record, you know where to find me!
i just started on my journey in the knife collecting world and im so glad i subscribed to your channel. you put everything into a reasonable perspective that translates to the real world and many other facets of life. "It's beautiful thing"...lol
I need a t-shirt that says "I've been hugged by Nick Shabazz" on the front and "Nick Shabazz Z-Hunter Fan Club" on the back to wear around knife shows. This is my new grail t-shirt.
Nick, this is why I rate you as one of the best knife reviewers out there. As someone who was at $0-$50 range for awhile I can really appreciate your experience and frank honesty. Thank you so much for your insights.
I learned this lesson very early. I lucked into ownership of a knife that was way above my price range. I was working 3rd shift at a gas station. One of my regulars, a bouncer at a local bar, had asked to borrow some money to cover some trivial stuff; a couple packs of cigarettes, a couple energy drinks, and some snacks. Total value, maybe $30. I had no problem with it, as he was a really cool dude and I figured he wasn't the type to dodge such a small amount. A few weeks later, and he comes in with the biggest shiteating grin. Turns out, after they'd closed for the night, one of the (female) servers had found a knife that one of their customers had apparently lost at the bar, and she gave it to my bouncer friend. He whips it out, and it's this black automatic with partially serrated edge. I fell in love at first sight. I offered to completely forgive his loan for it, but he was reluctant to part with his new toy. So, I sweetened the pot with a baton that I got from Bud-K for like $15. He accepted. When I got home, I looked up the knife online. It turned out to be a Benchmade Presidio Auto 5000 SBK. It's been my EDC ever since. Something about getting something so well-made for so little made my perception of its value basically infinite.
This makes a lot of sense to me. Don't buy the absolute best and don't buy the worst... buy something in the middle. And love what you have. That includes family and friends too. 😊
This message is for Nick, I just wanted to say thank you very much for making this video. It's very much appreciated sir. I was definitely beating myself up, I have a lot of ZT knives, a lot of Spyderco, I love your big names. But for some reason in my little brain, it's always told me that all of your knives are no good because you do not have a Norseman. So thank you sir, I hope your holidays are well and here's to many more.
You are right nick, watching this 5 years later... my Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31 came extremely dull and difficult to disengage the detent. While my bestechs were so sharp that I always accidentally poked or cut something I never intended too and with little effort.
An interesting perspective (complete with graph even) . It's always good to step back and appreciate what you have , to enjoy it and cherish it . Sometimes watching all these videos on high end and mostly unattainable knives is akin to self flagellation . Especially if you're comparing your collection to theirs , which is irrelevant and self defeatist . The cost vs loss comfort factor is especially relevant the higher you go in collecting . I still want to add to my collection, but you have made me realize,that my collection as it is,is quite nice. Thank you , Mr Shabbaz .
I've been watching for a while now, but I just now happened across this gem of a video. Your thoughtful, absurd energy transcends the EDC world. Thanks for sharing this friendly philosophy.
This is a wonderful video. I've watched many of Nick's reviews, and enjoyed virtually all of them. However, here, Nick, who appreciates knives at virtually all levels, has rightly offered a valid and supportive perspective for all enthusiasts, whatever their means and preferences. Well done.
also I recently fondled a rockstead shin at a knife show in sydney, now I understand the "grail knife" terminology. I know I will always want it but I know if I owned it I would never "EDC" it, what a huge leap it seems between a user and a collector. great little video Nic, love your work
I was using a couple of Convoy flashlights last night (a $15 S2+ and a $30 L4) and kept thinking how ridiculously good they were for the money and that I honestly didn't need any more than they were capable of. Personally, I generally buy around the value/price sweet spot. The fun part being figuring what that is and which brands and models buck the trend.
So I realize this is a super old comment - but I just wanted to relate. I had a couple of super cheap coast flashlights, and they were awesome. Then I ended up picking getting a cheap Olight for only $10 more, but it's definitely better in about every way. Streamlights, they're pretty good as well, beastly and bombproof, it's awesome to see what a light with some serious throwing capabilities can do! But they're too big to pocket carry, so I got a smaller Thrunite; whooa, what's this???? Variable brightness! Warm LED's! Crazy!!! Couldn't put it down for days. What a fantastic deal for $40. I went down a rabbit hole today, and I've been looking at lights that are absolutely too expensive, I would like to carry them, but I couldn't replace an $80-100 light easily. Gotta stop myself at the $50 mark on EDC lights I think, any further than that seems to be pretty excessive and pointless.
Fantastic video! The first knife that I purposely seek'd out and bought was the Spydero, Dragonfly 2. Awesome knife. Although it's not quite as nice as a few of my subsequent purchases... It'll forever hold a special place in my heart because it introduced me to a world of some great knife manufacturers. Again, great video.
I think back on all the knives I've owned, I realize that the ones I carried the most were cheap stuff that happened to be better than their price suggested. A simple Case, slab-side drop-point, pocket knife (found in a tool box) was my favorite hunting blade for 10 years. A Box-cutter (key chain size) was my daily carry knife for years. The cheapest possible Buck knife (got out of a junk box at a show for $2) is currently within reach when I need it. Inexpensive seems to be alright with me.
Anderton's has a similar video about electric guitars. The difference between $100 and $200 is huge. Difference between $200 and $300 isn't as big, but still considerable. Over $500 it's a matter of single-digit percents, and the curve may actually invert once you get up to artist-specific custom models as they may be designed to do very specific things that may only appeal to a very niche audience.
So that's why I wasn't overly impressed with my Large Sebenza 21. I had ordered a Manix 2 and Sebenza at the same time and actually preferred the Manix. 2 weeks later and I still prefer the Manix. The curve is real
BUT, at least you have a large sebenza 21. most expensive knife i have is a microtech ultratech. that novelty wore off faster than the blue anodizing. id rather carry my manix 2 over it these days too haha! BUT i have it, and i wont sell it. damn sure know because ill never buy one again. it scratched the otf itch. now if one day i can get a sebenza or something of my own...i can see myself preferring to carry the manix 2 over it as well but at least ill have it! lol
+jacob manalang Trust me Jacob the Sebenza is nice but it's definitely not worth the hype or cash. Unfortunately I fell for the illusion but with that being said I'll never sell it.
Great vid. Thats actually why i have sold 75 percent of my collection. I figured out about a year ago that i probably am in the top tear of production and even custom knife world. I dont see myself going into many customs. Just dont care to. I will stick to what i have unless i fall in love. Eventually i will show a pic of my entire colkection. I bet most people will be surprised at how few i actually have left, as well as what i chose to keep. Nice job Nick. Keep it up!! .
Great video! You have made me feel leaps and bounds better about my collection. I recently acquired the ZT0566BW and was kind of feeling like "well this is my grail I guess " my z hunter is an old smith and Wesson Tanto tip with about 50% of serrated. Coincidently I also have a PM two and rat 1 in AUS8. Thanks for the therapy session. it's greatly appreciated. Keep fighting the good fight.
Good points. It's a lot easier to have spent $100 or so to find out that after a few days or weeks of use that a knife doesn't exactly suit you than it is to have spent $200+ for something to eventually just sit in a drawer.
For me it's a balance between cost, value and perhaps most importantly confidence to carry. I need to feel that I can carry it without fear of loss or damage..
Thank you Nick for being a sane voice for me lol. Gonna favorite this vid and watch it when the "lil voices" start trying to talk me into buying something I don't need
Case in point, I've worked in the bush, including a bunch of military training, for the last 17 years, and all I've ever really needed was the Leatherman Wave I carried for 14 years and more recently my Leatherman Surge. Yeah, occasionally a better, more specific knife would have been handy, yeah maybe one day I will find myself in a critical situation where my Leatherman won't "cut the mustard", but really a lot of people could live a lifetime and need nothing more if you are willing to adapt a little. Having said all that, in recent years the internet has shown me how much my equipment sucks and I am now wholeheartedly chasing that dragon!
Love this video. It's funny because I was just thinking about this concept this morning. After about $200 on a knife, what am I gaining in function?? Fancy or upgraded materials are nice to a certain point. After that point it is just art. My knife is a tool and I use it as such. It is not a status quote for me. I wouldn't pay $300 more for a ratchet just because it is pretty. In fact, sometimes a $50 blade is good to use to beat on. Especially one with a good warranty. What if you loose your knife or it gets stolen. Also, yes it is nice to have super steels... But sometimes having a softer steel is nice because it can be sharpened quick and easy in the field. For example my Victorinox blades. People like to think of knives like, a survival, Tactical, or self defense tool. But really what do we use our blades for on a daily basis. For me, I use my blades more than the average person. But the majority of what I cut is still packaging or food prep. That's where my blades see the most use. For that I don't need a $500 limited addition piece of art. Or more expensive customs. No. They would be nice to own but are not necessary. We need to be happy with what we were able to get our hands on instead of focusing on what we don't have. That's how I feel anyway.
I'd add that the curve looks different for different people. as someone who values mechanical precision (lockup and centered blades, etc) more than most people do, my curve doesn't rise as fast as the one you pictured.
this was a fantastic video and I'm glad it was made. I use to run around buying up "the best" of this and that with my gear but chilled out and realized what I had wasn't exactly worse than things that cost more sure I love my surefire lights but hell I use my led mag solitaire more than I usually need 1000 lumens from my fury light. and to be honest I love high quality stuff that I can rely on but I don't think there is a knife out there that will ever make me more happy that my first production Benchmade Rukus. I know it cost me $200 but I would drop 200 on it hands down if I had tons of money and the option of a microtech or custom because I love that knife and it is my gem over every knife I've owned even if it cost less than some of them. I always wanted one went for them when they were all gone and years later found one in the back of a gun shop in a dusty cabinet with the original price. to me it's the most beautiful knife I've ever had or held. keep up the great vids Nick.
Well, you're right, I knew this. But then again, I didn't. I knew it - like many things in life - instinctively but not on a conscious level. That's why I'm always looking for the next knife. Tomorrow I'm going to the customs to get my new Spyderco Chubby. And what am I'm doing tonight? I'm watching TH-cam videos about knives. Purely for entertainment and information you say? Yeah right. No! I'm already fishing for inspiration for the next order. My new knife isn't in my hands yet, and I'm looking already for the next step. And the next one will probably not be a cheapo knife. It's crazy. I know it, and so do you. Thankfully your "knify" evolution is a fast one. After so many practical views on knives you're already in the theoretical realm. Or the philosophical as you put it. And it means a lot to me because that mirror you hold up works as an important stop sign on the busy rush hour highway of collecting: "Think about what you are doing once in a while; reflect about it and use common sense in doing so!" Thanks for these reminders every once in a while. Who would have foreseen that the most important instrument for your lesson in self-observation would be this - the Z-Hunter.
Great video. I think you really nailed it with this one. If I could add a flip side to this conversation. I think that people are generally at odds with wanting what they don't have and finding a way to justify not having what they want. Far to often that turns into cynicism and you end up with needless comentary about how, for example, " I could buy 5 spyderco Tenacious for the cost of that Zt 0452". Yeah you could. But that doesn't mean that the 0452 isn't worth the cost. If the only metric for purchasing knives was it's value against the cost of other knives I would have like 300 Tenacious's. I think at some point you have to realize that while knives like the Tenacious are amazing, our collections are less about cutting things and more about joy of ownership. I have paid way more for knives than I should have based on the sum of if it's parts( I replied about that Rockstead loan btw) but I recognize that the only joy I find in knives anymore is getting what I want. I think pride of ownership and expression are far more valuable than blade steel and locking mechanisims will ever be. Wether it's $20 or $2000, I am sure whatever you buy will be great. Love what you have and buy what you love. Spending a dime otherwise is foolish.
You're very correct!! Then you have those like me, I buy more expensive knives not because I want to show off, but because I know they're worth it. I carry a good $1000 in my new edc from my recent buys and trades. I know my strider can take anything I throw at it, rather my zt 0801 probably can't. You get what you pay for, and I've come to find more expensive items worth it. But that's just my $0.02
A nice view in the perspective of a collector, I do work with my pocket knives, mostly agricultural work, and as an EDC item I cut things. If you look for a tool to cut things and that an be serviceable to keep cutting the curve is somewhat steeper because I can't see many of the high end owners using them, let alone to scruff them around dirt. Most of those knives don't cut 400 dollars better than my Spyderco tenacious that i pick up everyday among a bunch of similar priced knives in my "collection". A friend owns a sebenza, and once, for a heavy cut, he was asking me for my knife, this became an inside joke among us but I belive it's more common than we think. Please do a video comparing cutting tools, a different rank from sharpened bling.
Wise words to live by, Nick. Thanks! I'm very hard pressed to think of an instance where the principles of the curve don't apply.....cars? A Rolls Royce is certainly fancier than my Accord but either will serve my needs; houses -- no one NEEDS a mansion (nice as it may be); pens (fountain, roller ball, ball point), clothes? shoes? pistols? the curves vary but not the existence of same.
I totally agree. I've always thought that above $150, you're not paying for any meaningful functional improvements in knives, you're paying for design, exclusivity, tolerances, etc, which is fine if you value those things, but those things don't make a knife better at being a knife. A collectible, yes. A piece of functional art, yes. But not a knife
I think this is an important reality that all collectors or enthusiasts should know. I would argue that at $80, a person can buy a great knife that 99% of people will think is fantastic. I also think that often high end factory knives, like ZT Hinderer designs, are often better built than the actual custom knives.
I think the sweet spot for a great knife is about 150$ you can get a nice titanium frame like with great action and steel or what ever you want pretty much. Watches I would say around 400$ you can get a great automatic watch sapphire crystal and great build. If your spending more it's for slight improvement and name brand in my opinion
I definitely buy a lot of knives in the $50-$100 price range. I have knives that are in the $250 range but the knife really has to be attractive to me in some way for me to want to spend even that much. My Benchmade 940 is my favorite knife but despite it looking fantastic to me and having a very useful blade shape it took me over a year to decide to buy it.
i remember i walked into rainier arms to finally handle a zero tolerance in person and was making the debate on purchasing a 0350. the guy asked me what i had and i had been a hardcore spyderco endura fan for the last 10 years. he was like pfffffft thats....okay....but then he has me try out a ti lock, and YEAH NO WONDER you'd say pfffffffft. i think he had a zt or sebenza on him. but i felt like that forum guy with the rat and dragonfly that needed a hug haha. actually i was kind of mad. i didnt buy a knife that day, actually i think i bought some ar parts. speaking of chasing the dragon haha, i love these videos and im happy with what i have. i keep lusting after the latest, greatest, largest, smoothest action, with expensive materials that im comfortable spending money on. this video spoke a lot to me. $250 is about my max on a knife right now and i dont even have it at the moment. truck started making some weird grinding noise when shifting but there goes my doooo i want a military, 452cf, or 562cf ive been mulling over. been wanting a victorinox spirit and a wave. looking to dump off both of my leatherman wingman's but ill probably just throw one in my car, and the other in my truck. while i really love the d25a ti and d25c ti, i love turbo mode and these guys get hot so fast! i may be going back to a single 18650 light and im looking at zebralight. i dont mind the length of a 2 aa or pen light but i want more power. gonna be getting colder and darker soon. i do have a tn12, a surefire g2 clone, and a fury (run 16650's and a pocket clip on it) but i have a surefire titan plus on my keychain and a thrunite t-01 on my car key. point of diminishing returns. be happy with what i have. always changing my edc to suit my needs. ahhh chasing the dragon! and they say cocaine is bad hahaha. great vid
Wonderful. My goal now is to get knives with different locks. Then I'll go higher with what works for me. Example: I'm sure there are very good liner lock knives. I bought a cheap one then I'll never buy another one after I tried it for several days.
I have yet to break the $200 limit in knives (maybe $110 was my max so far). I think $100 is really a good target for trying to obtain highest quality. Probably will go for my first Spyderco in a couple of weeks which will be the FRN Chaparel. Collection to date includes three Kershaws, 1 CRKT, 1 Ruike, 1 Bear Ops Butterfly 1 Boker switchblade, an old Boy Scout knife and a 20 year old Leatherman wave.
It is a bit sad when every knife, watch and everything else starts to look the same. I remember when buying a new knife could get me a couple months of happiness, instead of a couple days. About $100 per day of happiness these days. If I go out camping, and get to use my camp knives/axes/saws, then I get excited again. Other than that, it is going to take a grail knife to get me excited. A Bark River with a pinecone handle maybe, that'd keep me happy maybe for a month. Glad you busted out the ZT0452CF, that one is my EDC almost every day. I need a Rockstead, Marfione or TuffKnives; It'd give me longer temporary life fulfillment. I disagree on the watch chart, but it is a more expensive hobby. $5k is the drop-off on that one for me.
Great video Nick. I had this conversation with a friend of mine just a few days ago. It seems that after $200 in the knife world you really aren't making any improvements unless you really sift through and find the really great ones.
That's great! Half the battle is finding a reviewer whose tastes and interests and ideas you usually agree with. I couldn't, back before I started posting. Now there's this one jackass posting on TH-cam who I always seem to agree with 100%. But ugh, that voice.
Nick, great video, really explains well how the curve works and it is so, so true of all things in life. I am frankly astonished by how much goodness a small amount of money buys for knives, flashlights, and even mechanical watches (by the way there are some great Seiko 5 automatics for under $200, classic style, Seiko quality and attention to detail, and movements that don't need to be serviced for 10 years! ). New subscriber, love your accent and your perspective.
This ^ being understood I guess it would be like trying to explain why faith in something is good or necessary, as to explain why the Rockstead is worth it and must be in my pocket.
Wonderful discussion. I notice you are a bit ambiguous about what the vertical scale represents. I know you have posted about EDCing the Norsman and other high end knives, but for most of us, if the y-axis measures Utility in Cutting Things, then the curve drops off pretty quickly after, say, $200. When you have a knife so expensive that you don't want to lose it and so beautiful that you don't want to ding it up, you've just bought a piece of art to look at and fondle. Like you I am a light user, and have to admit that the first knife I bought as an adult (an A. G. Russell FeatherLite with Aus8) is all the knife I will need. And like you I have over a dozen knives of widely varying cost, and have been anxiously waiting for my Grimsmo Rask for nearly a year. But will I dare use it?
Plato, Socrates,
Nietzsche, Hawking,
and Shabazz.
Great Video!
Shouldn't you have listed Shabazz first?
Who are those other losers??
I've watched maybe 200 knife video's this month. This one is by far the best I've watched. Watching all the videos in "batch style" lead me to a very similar conclusion. Nice to see it verified by someone who actually knows what he is talking about. A great big thanks for posting.
+Jb429421 Hey, thanks for the comment!
this guy has a pdh is pocket knives. he's got graphs and everything lol
"Who is a rich man? He who is content with his lot." --Ethics of Our Fathers
You've touched on several universal truths that are intrinsic to human nature, which partly defines the singularity of the Nick Shabazz channel. Wealth is not having more than others - it is being thankful for the life you have and sometimes even the material things that bring you joy. Wonderful Sunday sermon, sir.
Well said. :-)
You stated, quite eloquently, exactly what I was going to try and say and did it without sounding like a complete nutter. Well done!
Nick, you did right by me today. The honesty is surprisingly refreshing in a world where it is not the norm.
This is the best knife video on TH-cam. I'm 55 and I've never spent more than 100 on a folding knife. I use my knives and I don't want a bunch of knives I'm afraid to carry. I do appreciate great design and quality but I get what I need under 100. I can always see the expensive stuff on youtube. You have a new subscriber!
This guys a legend . There needs to be a TH-cam hall of fame so we can expect him to be featured.
Brilliant, funny, honest, and sane! Thank you sir!
Excellent video Nick!
Great video Nick! I'm a knife maker and I still carry everything from the low end of the curve to the high end. An appreciation of the knife for what it is helps me enjoy it all! I really think that past the $400 mark you start buying into the special factor along with marginal increases in quality; meaning the makers story, personality, and popularity of the knife. Past $500 starts getting into exotics for me.
Agreed! Past $500, there has to be art, or some other joy there. Some unique factor. The Mechanism on the Norseman or NeOn. The materials. Maybe it's a rare piece by a desirable maker. Or it's uniquely "You". Very interesting to play around in that territory, but fundamentally different than the rest of the curve.
Also, checked out your channel, nice! If you ever want me to take a look at your work, either on camera or off-the-record, you know where to find me!
i just started on my journey in the knife collecting world and im so glad i subscribed to your channel. you put everything into a reasonable perspective that translates to the real world and many other facets of life. "It's beautiful thing"...lol
It's 3 years later, how is your knife journey coming along?
I need a t-shirt that says "I've been hugged by Nick Shabazz" on the front and "Nick Shabazz Z-Hunter Fan Club" on the back to wear around knife shows. This is my new grail t-shirt.
Maybe tweak it a bit. "Touched by the Shabazz" or something on one shirt and a separate shirt that says the Shabazz Z-Hunter Fan Club. I'd buy them.
Hah. Sounds touching.
Wear the Shabazz Z-Hunter Fan Club shirt around England. Watch as Z-Hunter throws you tens of dollars as you're thrown in prison.
"SHABAZZED"
Nick, this is why I rate you as one of the best knife reviewers out there. As someone who was at $0-$50 range for awhile I can really appreciate your experience and frank honesty. Thank you so much for your insights.
I learned this lesson very early. I lucked into ownership of a knife that was way above my price range. I was working 3rd shift at a gas station. One of my regulars, a bouncer at a local bar, had asked to borrow some money to cover some trivial stuff; a couple packs of cigarettes, a couple energy drinks, and some snacks. Total value, maybe $30. I had no problem with it, as he was a really cool dude and I figured he wasn't the type to dodge such a small amount. A few weeks later, and he comes in with the biggest shiteating grin. Turns out, after they'd closed for the night, one of the (female) servers had found a knife that one of their customers had apparently lost at the bar, and she gave it to my bouncer friend. He whips it out, and it's this black automatic with partially serrated edge. I fell in love at first sight. I offered to completely forgive his loan for it, but he was reluctant to part with his new toy. So, I sweetened the pot with a baton that I got from Bud-K for like $15. He accepted.
When I got home, I looked up the knife online. It turned out to be a Benchmade Presidio Auto 5000 SBK. It's been my EDC ever since. Something about getting something so well-made for so little made my perception of its value basically infinite.
This makes a lot of sense to me. Don't buy the absolute best and don't buy the worst... buy something in the middle. And love what you have.
That includes family and friends too. 😊
Your video holds true in 2022. I'm hear based on someone from Reddit over in the EDC section recommending this video. THANKS!
This message is for Nick, I just wanted to say thank you very much for making this video. It's very much appreciated sir. I was definitely beating myself up, I have a lot of ZT knives, a lot of Spyderco, I love your big names. But for some reason in my little brain, it's always told me that all of your knives are no good because you do not have a Norseman. So thank you sir, I hope your holidays are well and here's to many more.
You are right nick, watching this 5 years later... my Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31 came extremely dull and difficult to disengage the detent. While my bestechs were so sharp that I always accidentally poked or cut something I never intended too and with little effort.
An interesting perspective (complete with graph even) . It's always good to step back and appreciate what you have , to enjoy it and cherish it . Sometimes watching all these videos on high end and mostly unattainable knives is akin to self flagellation . Especially if you're comparing your collection to theirs , which is irrelevant and self defeatist . The cost vs loss comfort factor is especially relevant the higher you go in collecting . I still want to add to my collection, but you have made me realize,that my collection as it is,is quite nice. Thank you , Mr Shabbaz .
I'm finding my value sweet spot hovers between $40 - 60. Lots of choices to delight in.
This is why almost all of my favorite knives are $50-100. Except for the ZT 0456. That thing has a stranglehold on my heart.
I've been watching for a while now, but I just now happened across this gem of a video. Your thoughtful, absurd energy transcends the EDC world. Thanks for sharing this friendly philosophy.
This is a wonderful video. I've watched many of Nick's reviews, and enjoyed virtually all of them. However, here, Nick, who appreciates knives at virtually all levels, has rightly offered a valid and supportive perspective for all enthusiasts, whatever their means and preferences.
Well done.
Boy he loves that Norseman.
also I recently fondled a rockstead shin at a knife show in sydney, now I understand the "grail knife" terminology. I know I will always want it but I know if I owned it I would never "EDC" it, what a huge leap it seems between a user and a collector. great little video Nic, love your work
I like to come back to this video every so often keeps me well grounded lol.
So much wisdom in your comments. Gratitude for good, not perfect is where it's at.
sometimes a great video pops up to put things in perspective Nick! thanks bud! keep em coming
Thanks for this, I often worry I have a weak collection and it gets me down but after watching your video I feel like I maybe doing OK.
I was using a couple of Convoy flashlights last night (a $15 S2+ and a $30 L4) and kept thinking how ridiculously good they were for the money and that I honestly didn't need any more than they were capable of. Personally, I generally buy around the value/price sweet spot. The fun part being figuring what that is and which brands and models buck the trend.
So I realize this is a super old comment - but I just wanted to relate. I had a couple of super cheap coast flashlights, and they were awesome. Then I ended up picking getting a cheap Olight for only $10 more, but it's definitely better in about every way. Streamlights, they're pretty good as well, beastly and bombproof, it's awesome to see what a light with some serious throwing capabilities can do! But they're too big to pocket carry, so I got a smaller Thrunite; whooa, what's this???? Variable brightness! Warm LED's! Crazy!!! Couldn't put it down for days. What a fantastic deal for $40.
I went down a rabbit hole today, and I've been looking at lights that are absolutely too expensive, I would like to carry them, but I couldn't replace an $80-100 light easily. Gotta stop myself at the $50 mark on EDC lights I think, any further than that seems to be pretty excessive and pointless.
Fantastic video! The first knife that I purposely seek'd out and bought was the Spydero, Dragonfly 2. Awesome knife. Although it's not quite as nice as a few of my subsequent purchases... It'll forever hold a special place in my heart because it introduced me to a world of some great knife manufacturers. Again, great video.
I think back on all the knives I've owned, I realize that the ones I carried the most were cheap stuff that happened to be better than their price suggested. A simple Case, slab-side drop-point, pocket knife (found in a tool box) was my favorite hunting blade for 10 years. A Box-cutter (key chain size) was my daily carry knife for years. The cheapest possible Buck knife (got out of a junk box at a show for $2) is currently within reach when I need it. Inexpensive seems to be alright with me.
Anderton's has a similar video about electric guitars. The difference between $100 and $200 is huge. Difference between $200 and $300 isn't as big, but still considerable. Over $500 it's a matter of single-digit percents, and the curve may actually invert once you get up to artist-specific custom models as they may be designed to do very specific things that may only appeal to a very niche audience.
One of those rare videos where a "love" button would come in handy!
So that's why I wasn't overly impressed with my Large Sebenza 21.
I had ordered a Manix 2 and Sebenza at the same time and actually preferred the Manix.
2 weeks later and I still prefer the Manix.
The curve is real
BUT, at least you have a large sebenza 21. most expensive knife i have is a microtech ultratech. that novelty wore off faster than the blue anodizing. id rather carry my manix 2 over it these days too haha! BUT i have it, and i wont sell it. damn sure know because ill never buy one again. it scratched the otf itch.
now if one day i can get a sebenza or something of my own...i can see myself preferring to carry the manix 2 over it as well but at least ill have it! lol
+jacob manalang
Trust me Jacob the Sebenza is nice but it's definitely not worth the hype or cash.
Unfortunately I fell for the illusion but with that being said I'll never sell it.
Great vid. Thats actually why i have sold 75 percent of my collection. I figured out about a year ago that i probably am in the top tear of production and even custom knife world. I dont see myself going into many customs. Just dont care to. I will stick to what i have unless i fall in love. Eventually i will show a pic of my entire colkection. I bet most people will be surprised at how few i actually have left, as well as what i chose to keep. Nice job Nick. Keep it up!! .
Nick, this also could serve as a great foundation for a discussion of "the hedonistic treadmill" ... quality upload bruddah, thanks!
You should check out my video on the Hedonic Treadmill
Great video! You have made me feel leaps and bounds better about my collection. I recently acquired the ZT0566BW and was kind of feeling like "well this is my grail I guess " my z hunter is an old smith and Wesson Tanto tip with about 50% of serrated. Coincidently I also have a PM two and rat 1 in AUS8. Thanks for the therapy session. it's greatly appreciated. Keep fighting the good fight.
I'm glad you felt better! That's the point here. Enjoy your ZT, great knife!
Good points. It's a lot easier to have spent $100 or so to find out that after a few days or weeks of use that a knife doesn't exactly suit you than it is to have spent $200+ for something to eventually just sit in a drawer.
Excellent video and very comprehensive on a topic that is very much overlooked in the EDC community.
This is one of the absolute best knife videos ever!
I think the satisfaction vs price plot would be a bell curve. If you spend allot and get just marginally more, your satisfaction actually goes down.
For me it's a balance between cost, value and perhaps most importantly confidence to carry. I need to feel that I can carry it without fear of loss or damage..
Beautiful video Nick, thank you very much.
This video really hit home with me!! Thank you
Thank you Nick for being a sane voice for me lol. Gonna favorite this vid and watch it when the "lil voices" start trying to talk me into buying something I don't need
A good video for just about ANY phase of human existence. Well-presented.
Sometimes good enough is good enough.
Video about a chart about pocketknives. Liked!
Re-watching all these vids. Just wonderful. I had totally forgotten.👏😊
Wow great video! I recently just go into knives and your channel is definitely one of my favorites. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Case in point, I've worked in the bush, including a bunch of military training, for the last 17 years, and all I've ever really needed was the Leatherman Wave I carried for 14 years and more recently my Leatherman Surge. Yeah, occasionally a better, more specific knife would have been handy, yeah maybe one day I will find myself in a critical situation where my Leatherman won't "cut the mustard", but really a lot of people could live a lifetime and need nothing more if you are willing to adapt a little. Having said all that, in recent years the internet has shown me how much my equipment sucks and I am now wholeheartedly chasing that dragon!
Love this video. It's funny because I was just thinking about this concept this morning. After about $200 on a knife, what am I gaining in function?? Fancy or upgraded materials are nice to a certain point. After that point it is just art. My knife is a tool and I use it as such. It is not a status quote for me. I wouldn't pay $300 more for a ratchet just because it is pretty. In fact, sometimes a $50 blade is good to use to beat on. Especially one with a good warranty. What if you loose your knife or it gets stolen. Also, yes it is nice to have super steels... But sometimes having a softer steel is nice because it can be sharpened quick and easy in the field. For example my Victorinox blades. People like to think of knives like, a survival, Tactical, or self defense tool. But really what do we use our blades for on a daily basis. For me, I use my blades more than the average person. But the majority of what I cut is still packaging or food prep. That's where my blades see the most use. For that I don't need a $500 limited addition piece of art. Or more expensive customs. No. They would be nice to own but are not necessary. We need to be happy with what we were able to get our hands on instead of focusing on what we don't have. That's how I feel anyway.
This is one of my favorite videos that you have made! Great video!
Good video. As a professional musician with almost twenty years in music retail, I can say it’s the same with music gear.
As a personal fan of the Scandinavian countries and CNC machining, I love that Norseman.
I'd add that the curve looks different for different people. as someone who values mechanical precision (lockup and centered blades, etc) more than most people do, my curve doesn't rise as fast as the one you pictured.
Great video. Good to see truthful videos.
this was a fantastic video and I'm glad it was made. I use to run around buying up "the best" of this and that with my gear but chilled out and realized what I had wasn't exactly worse than things that cost more sure I love my surefire lights but hell I use my led mag solitaire more than I usually need 1000 lumens from my fury light. and to be honest I love high quality stuff that I can rely on but I don't think there is a knife out there that will ever make me more happy that my first production Benchmade Rukus. I know it cost me $200 but I would drop 200 on it hands down if I had tons of money and the option of a microtech or custom because I love that knife and it is my gem over every knife I've owned even if it cost less than some of them. I always wanted one went for them when they were all gone and years later found one in the back of a gun shop in a dusty cabinet with the original price. to me it's the most beautiful knife I've ever had or held.
keep up the great vids Nick.
Well, you're right, I knew this. But then again, I didn't. I knew it - like many things in life - instinctively but not on a conscious level. That's why I'm always looking for the next knife. Tomorrow I'm going to the customs to get my new Spyderco Chubby. And what am I'm doing tonight? I'm watching TH-cam videos about knives. Purely for entertainment and information you say? Yeah right. No! I'm already fishing for inspiration for the next order. My new knife isn't in my hands yet, and I'm looking already for the next step. And the next one will probably not be a cheapo knife. It's crazy. I know it, and so do you. Thankfully your "knify" evolution is a fast one. After so many practical views on knives you're already in the theoretical realm. Or the philosophical as you put it. And it means a lot to me because that mirror you hold up works as an important stop sign on the busy rush hour highway of collecting: "Think about what you are doing once in a while; reflect about it and use common sense in doing so!" Thanks for these reminders every once in a while. Who would have foreseen that the most important instrument for your lesson in self-observation would be this - the Z-Hunter.
I really want to get a Spyderco Drunken, but they're so expensive and I just bought a Para 3 and Spydiechef.
Haven't seen this video in a long time. But I needed it. Thanks nick
Great video. I think you really nailed it with this one. If I could add a flip side to this conversation. I think that people are generally at odds with wanting what they don't have and finding a way to justify not having what they want. Far to often that turns into cynicism and you end up with needless comentary about how, for example, " I could buy 5 spyderco Tenacious for the cost of that Zt 0452". Yeah you could. But that doesn't mean that the 0452 isn't worth the cost. If the only metric for purchasing knives was it's value against the cost of other knives I would have like 300 Tenacious's. I think at some point you have to realize that while knives like the Tenacious are amazing, our collections are less about cutting things and more about joy of ownership. I have paid way more for knives than I should have based on the sum of if it's parts( I replied about that Rockstead loan btw) but I recognize that the only joy I find in knives anymore is getting what I want. I think pride of ownership and expression are far more valuable than blade steel and locking mechanisims will ever be. Wether it's $20 or $2000, I am sure whatever you buy will be great. Love what you have and buy what you love. Spending a dime otherwise is foolish.
You're very correct!! Then you have those like me, I buy more expensive knives not because I want to show off, but because I know they're worth it. I carry a good $1000 in my new edc from my recent buys and trades. I know my strider can take anything I throw at it, rather my zt 0801 probably can't. You get what you pay for, and I've come to find more expensive items worth it. But that's just my $0.02
Andrew Sisneros it's not just about how well it will cut, sometimes.
What a great topic to discuss, Nick! After seeing hundreds of knives through my business, I do not own a knife over $200 :)
I'm a fan of your videos. Have learned a lot and enjoy adding to my collection when possible.
I relate it to iced tea, because at some point, pouring more sugar doesn't REALLY make it any sweeter! 😁
A nice view in the perspective of a collector, I do work with my pocket knives, mostly agricultural work, and as an EDC item I cut things. If you look for a tool to cut things and that an be serviceable to keep cutting the curve is somewhat steeper because I can't see many of the high end owners using them, let alone to scruff them around dirt. Most of those knives don't cut 400 dollars better than my Spyderco tenacious that i pick up everyday among a bunch of similar priced knives in my "collection". A friend owns a sebenza, and once, for a heavy cut, he was asking me for my knife, this became an inside joke among us but I belive it's more common than we think. Please do a video comparing cutting tools, a different rank from sharpened bling.
love the blade design on that Norseman!
Wise words to live by, Nick. Thanks! I'm very hard pressed to think of an instance where the principles of the curve don't apply.....cars? A Rolls Royce is certainly fancier than my Accord but either will serve my needs; houses -- no one NEEDS a mansion (nice as it may be); pens (fountain, roller ball, ball point), clothes? shoes? pistols? the curves vary but not the existence of same.
I was thinking about that too. It's pretty much universal in practice, but yet, it's also pretty counterintuitive for some reason.
Ok his may be my favourite video of your of all time. Well said. I am certainly chasing the dragon.
You know this video made me respect you a lot... thank you
Very reminiscent of Nutnfancy's distinctions between 1st and 2nd kinds of cool when it comes to gear.
I totally agree. I've always thought that above $150, you're not paying for any meaningful functional improvements in knives, you're paying for design, exclusivity, tolerances, etc, which is fine if you value those things, but those things don't make a knife better at being a knife. A collectible, yes. A piece of functional art, yes. But not a knife
On my budget the WE 617/703 is pushing the limits of what i can aford. And what i can aford to lose if such should happen.
One of your best, sir.
I think this is an important reality that all collectors or enthusiasts should know. I would argue that at $80, a person can buy a great knife that 99% of people will think is fantastic. I also think that often high end factory knives, like ZT Hinderer designs, are often better built than the actual custom knives.
I think the sweet spot for a great knife is about 150$ you can get a nice titanium frame like with great action and steel or what ever you want pretty much. Watches I would say around 400$ you can get a great automatic watch sapphire crystal and great build. If your spending more it's for slight improvement and name brand in my opinion
Hey! Great video! A knife enthousiast who is not a snob... refreshing! Take care.
I wouldn't go there quite so quickly. I"m still pretty snobby!
I definitely buy a lot of knives in the $50-$100 price range. I have knives that are in the $250 range but the knife really has to be attractive to me in some way for me to want to spend even that much. My Benchmade 940 is my favorite knife but despite it looking fantastic to me and having a very useful blade shape it took me over a year to decide to buy it.
i remember i walked into rainier arms to finally handle a zero tolerance in person and was making the debate on purchasing a 0350. the guy asked me what i had and i had been a hardcore spyderco endura fan for the last 10 years. he was like pfffffft thats....okay....but then he has me try out a ti lock, and YEAH NO WONDER you'd say pfffffffft. i think he had a zt or sebenza on him. but i felt like that forum guy with the rat and dragonfly that needed a hug haha. actually i was kind of mad. i didnt buy a knife that day, actually i think i bought some ar parts.
speaking of chasing the dragon haha, i love these videos and im happy with what i have. i keep lusting after the latest, greatest, largest, smoothest action, with expensive materials that im comfortable spending money on. this video spoke a lot to me.
$250 is about my max on a knife right now and i dont even have it at the moment. truck started making some weird grinding noise when shifting but there goes my doooo i want a military, 452cf, or 562cf ive been mulling over.
been wanting a victorinox spirit and a wave. looking to dump off both of my leatherman wingman's but ill probably just throw one in my car, and the other in my truck.
while i really love the d25a ti and d25c ti, i love turbo mode and these guys get hot so fast! i may be going back to a single 18650 light and im looking at zebralight. i dont mind the length of a 2 aa or pen light but i want more power. gonna be getting colder and darker soon. i do have a tn12, a surefire g2 clone, and a fury (run 16650's and a pocket clip on it) but i have a surefire titan plus on my keychain and a thrunite t-01 on my car key.
point of diminishing returns. be happy with what i have. always changing my edc to suit my needs. ahhh chasing the dragon! and they say cocaine is bad hahaha. great vid
OMG I enjoy most of your videos, but this this....(standing ovation) is one of the best ones in every sense! Loved it Nick!
Nick Shabazz, the ultimate gentleman. He's like Athelstan from "Vikings"--admired by all.
Top note just have fun whether you spend 50-100 or more.
Wonderful. My goal now is to get knives with different locks. Then I'll go higher with what works for me. Example: I'm sure there are very good liner lock knives. I bought a cheap one then I'll never buy another one after I tried it for several days.
I have yet to break the $200 limit in knives (maybe $110 was my max so far). I think $100 is really a good target for trying to obtain highest quality. Probably will go for my first Spyderco in a couple of weeks which will be the FRN Chaparel. Collection to date includes three Kershaws, 1 CRKT, 1 Ruike, 1 Bear Ops Butterfly 1 Boker switchblade, an old Boy Scout knife and a 20 year old Leatherman wave.
Great topic
awesome to see you here! been subscribed for a while.
by far the best video I've seen
It is a bit sad when every knife, watch and everything else starts to look the same. I remember when buying a new knife could get me a couple months of happiness, instead of a couple days. About $100 per day of happiness these days.
If I go out camping, and get to use my camp knives/axes/saws, then I get excited again. Other than that, it is going to take a grail knife to get me excited. A Bark River with a pinecone handle maybe, that'd keep me happy maybe for a month.
Glad you busted out the ZT0452CF, that one is my EDC almost every day.
I need a Rockstead, Marfione or TuffKnives; It'd give me longer temporary life fulfillment.
I disagree on the watch chart, but it is a more expensive hobby. $5k is the drop-off on that one for me.
Great video Nick. I had this conversation with a friend of mine just a few days ago. It seems that after $200 in the knife world you really aren't making any improvements unless you really sift through and find the really great ones.
Yep. That's most of what this channel is doing, trying to find the gear that's above the curve.
+Nick Shabazz we really appreciate too. I usually agree 100% with you on your opinions of a knife very few times have i had a different viee
That's great! Half the battle is finding a reviewer whose tastes and interests and ideas you usually agree with. I couldn't, back before I started posting. Now there's this one jackass posting on TH-cam who I always seem to agree with 100%. But ugh, that voice.
+Nick Shabazz lol the voice is one reason i like your channel so much. Me being in the deep south it's a total different accent and i like it
Great video, can you do one of these for watches ?
Nick, great video, really explains well how the curve works and it is so, so true of all things in life. I am frankly astonished by how much goodness a small amount of money buys for knives, flashlights, and even mechanical watches (by the way there are some great Seiko 5 automatics for under $200, classic style, Seiko quality and attention to detail, and movements that don't need to be serviced for 10 years! ). New subscriber, love your accent and your perspective.
That's a healthy way of thinking.
This ^ being understood I guess it would be like trying to explain why faith in something is good or necessary, as to explain why the Rockstead is worth it and must be in my pocket.
Wonderful discussion. I notice you are a bit ambiguous about what the vertical scale represents. I know you have posted about EDCing the Norsman and other high end knives, but for most of us, if the y-axis measures Utility in Cutting Things, then the curve drops off pretty quickly after, say, $200. When you have a knife so expensive that you don't want to lose it and so beautiful that you don't want to ding it up, you've just bought a piece of art to look at and fondle. Like you I am a light user, and have to admit that the first knife I bought as an adult (an A. G. Russell FeatherLite with Aus8) is all the knife I will need. And like you I have over a dozen knives of widely varying cost, and have been anxiously waiting for my Grimsmo Rask for nearly a year. But will I dare use it?
It's measured in Mega-awesomes. :) Great comment!
Nice. I forgot about this video. Thanks Nick
Thanks Nick. Good info.
Always love the vids, keep up the good work!
so true great video nick
My Seiko 5 disagrees on the mechanical watch part