To be honest, I always prefer to watch reviews on knives I can buy. And the thing with customs is that its always years to get the maker to make you anything, let alone the one you saw. You said it best - the interest is academic only, not practical. Great video!
Great points. I use to be into highly decorated custom knives. But in the end I realized that I'm paying triple and quadruple for a nice piece of pocket jewelry that I use even less because of the price and looks. I appreciate a well made production these days. I feel that the big names in knife reviews and the grade A knife flippers that are just out there to make a buck and win a popularity contest among the community have really thrown the aftermarket value of customs way out of proportion. Subsequently that drives more orders to the particular maker and then their books close, which in turn drive the rest of us to the secondary hyped price of the product, which puts an already possible out of our price range knife even more unobtainable. I don't even care if the custom is OMG good or much much better than my benchmark knife, I don't feel that they are worth the hype price in general. Custom knives have trended away from being a cutting tool to a status symbol now and that really bothers me. It has generated a kind of snobbery that has many viewers lose sight of what the purpose of a knife should be. I have unsubscribed from any reviewers because of that reason. I appreciate your reviews. You have a no nonsense opinion about the pros/cons. It's a rarity these days. Thanks for this video.
I wonder if you would feel that way after experiencing an amazing custom knife. With flawless fit and finish and finer materials than you would get on a production knife.
Mr. Nick. I thank you for your very down to earthyness. I appreciate your channel sir. I fell off the deep end with blades a few years back. I have several you have reviewed. I really think all together there will not be a "I got to have it" knife for me anymore. I sure would not mind to have the money to blow on a $1200 folder, but I need gear to make a living with. $1200 would buy a very nice trailer, chainsaw, climbing gear.....ect. thanks for sharing sir!
Many excellent points, agree 100%. As per custom vs production; I feel that the best production companies have surpassed custom makers in fit and finish, but this is only as of the last 5 years imo. There is no way someone on manual equipment can be as accurate as a well calibrated CNC machine. Even so, I will always continue to own and purchase custom knives. There is something intangible about a guy making something by hand in his garage or shop. Pride of ownership, uniqueness, (possibly built to your specs, although this is quite rare these days), friendship, and possibly innovation (Hawk and GTC) etc... Excellent vid!
EpicSnuggleBunny ...agreed this debate can go both ways. Some folks dont care about the productions, some folks enjoy something exclusive and more personal even if you have to save up your fun money a few months more
Agree totally with you Nick! I have taken baths on buying custom knives which weren't for me and by reselling them I took a huge loss on a couple of them. So I am sticking to production knives and if there is a great knife but it is for instance possible to customise it from the seller, it is a great thing. But it still a production knife but with a small degree of customization to it. Have a great one! 🗡
Sage advice - it enouraged me to review my own spending habits and question what I want out of a pocket knife in the first place! Thanks for the perspective.
Nick, I hope you will make one exception: When a custom maker introduces something new that would benefit production models. Like a new lock mechanism, an innovative blade shape, etc.
Absolutely, I reserve the right to highlight anything particularly interesting or innovative that crosses my table. But it may not be a "review" in the classical sense.
I greatly appreciate the reply and fully support your approach. I look forward to seeing more production knives and I'm confident you'll now be able to cover more makers - like North Arm (can't wait to hear about the Skaha...). Thanks!
Hey Nick, Where did you find that red pill? On another subject - I don't think you could refer to Jim Skelton's videos as reviews IMO. Haven't heard him say anything bad about a knife ever I think (I unsubbed at some point), so it's more an infomercial or a knife porn than a genuine review like yours (especially since we all know he got most of his knife for free in exchange for that review and some pics). I respect your decision as I understand how hard it is to stay loyal to your principles while making knife reviews. Cheers!
Yeah, when I'm more scripted and careful, I try to use the term "Showcase" rather than review for folks like that (and Jim's not alone!). There's a role for them, absolutely, and Jim absolutely has a knack for presenting knives in the best light possible in an entertaining way. But you're right that it's something fundamentally different than what many other reviewers do, and it's likely not the only information you'd want, going into a purchase. Thanks for the kind words.
Yeah, the only memorable negative review is that of the FU clip and I have not heard a bad thing about anything he owns since then. Also he keeps saying that the friendship with those makers has got nothing to do with how they treat him. That's bullshit because no sane maker can afford to offend him and he has good reviews on some shady characters.
I agree with your assessment 100% but it actually doesn't bother that much. I don't buy high end or custom knives so I only watch videos like that to ogle the knife and learn a little more about it. But I do mostly stick to channels that give balanced reviews, even of knives that I would never or could never buy.
Jim has said repeatedly that he makes videos of his own collection therefore only knives he likes. I don't think he misrepresents knives, but showcases his collection and what he likes about them.
I'm feeling the same way I've done some highlight vids on some custom knives and I'm really not sure I can keep doing it when I don't know if I would buy the knife myself if I ever have that kind of money. So I struggle weather to show it just to let people see it cause like you said you won't be able to get them. Great video. I now have a lot of food for thought.
Nick thanks so much for your work and honesty up front. However you have turned my husband into a knife junkie and he enjoys all of your videos no matter if he can afford it or not. Some of the customs don't even interest him but enjoys your insight and comments. You must know what is good so you can measure not so good. He very much appreciates you and thinks you are a beautiful thing. Again thank you, birthday present will be a spiderco para 2 in blurple, for him. This is much cheaper than him building 1911 pistols!
Hah, I'm delighted that he's enjoyed the channel, and that I've helped him find a cheaper hobby. Thanks for the kind words, and that's a great birthday choice. Well done!
One part of me just did a sigh of relief, whenever I see you review a custom that little voice in my head tells me to go out and get one. You saved me a great deal of money lol. Really enjoyed the video
It makes sense to me: I'm not enough of a knife guy to buy a full custom and, to me, a knife is always a tool. That's not to disrespect what the custom guys are doing, but it's not my bag. I also agree with you about custom *has* to be better the production: somebody dissed me on this point when talking about watches the other day because I commented on Seiko's generally high case quality on their lower end items, and he moaned that it was just because I liked stuff done by CNC rather than by hand. I commented back that I don't care how it's done, just as long as it's good. And that's the thing: just because you spent ages doing something by hand, is no guarantee that it's not shoddy. If machine-made is better then use a machine. I don't know: maybe that means I have no soul, but I just like nice things, you know?
I'm a big fan of handcrafting and bespoke work. And the folks who can do magic with a manual mill or hand tools have my utmost respect. And I think there's absolutely a role for $2000+ handmade art knives, and $400,000 R.W Smith handmade watches. But "handmade" does not excuse "poorly done". Something with great artistic flair can absolutely make up the difference for a passionate collector. And certainly, I have different standards for hand work, as the tools are different. But the truly amazing handmade stuff is so excellent that it meets any standards, while just happening to be handmade. And unless it's full of sentimental value, a poorly made knife is just that, no matter where it came from.
I'm glad to hear someone finally discussing the topic of actual value. As an artist/ illustrator, an amateur knife maker, and an avid knife user/collector I struggled for a long time tring to accept a lot of these custom prices and products. While on one hand I fully, entirely, 100% understand WHY custom knives inherently cost more from a labor and small operation standpoint, the realist in me still can't personally justify the idea that just because it was handmade that it is then better and WORTH the extra $$$ to me. Even as an amateur knife maker myself, I don't sell my work yet but I constantly have people asking to buy my fixed blades. With my wildly inefficient amateur setup I'd have to charge $400+ for one of my knives just to cover materials and labor. I've had numerous people willing to pay that but I can't personally justify selling to these people because I KNOW the knife is not WORTH that money.... the only reason I would have to charge that is because my process is inefficient. So when we start discussing the merits and qualities of custom vs production you have to kind of come to the realization that the only difference in a production knife is that it was made more efficiently and thus possible to sell for less. This is where makers like Spyderco and ZT are really pushing envelopes. Some of my Spydercos (around the $200-$300 mark) far outperform custom knives I've handled that were MULTIPLE TIMES the price. Again, I get WHY customs cost more to a certain extent but I'm not paying for the knowledge of your sweat, I'm paying for your product. If the product can't outperform other products that are far cheaper then I am out. I've had a couple people even wanting to buy knives I built from premade Lauri blades. I refused to sell because my labor meant I'd have to charge $150 and even though these people were fine with that price, I couldn't justify taking $150 from someone for an $8 blade + $5 in wood that resulted in a knife that I personally would value at maybe $50.
This is very encouraging. I love your real reviews and have already bought knives based off of what I saw in your videos. I say; leave the unobtainium blades to those who want to dabble in that and do more reviews of knives we can buy and use and higher end production ones we could save up for if we wanted them. Keep it up Nick!
getting awt scales for my griptillian is about as far into "custom" territory as i care to venture. thanks for your reviews and your opinions, i appreciate your candid-no-nonsense approach.
I've never held a custom knife, much less owned one. I would love to see more "budget friendly" knives on your channel. There really are some gems out there!
Thanks for making this video, Nick. I continue to be impressed with how your channel evolves and your honesty when it comes to your own opinions. I have only really started collecting since I stumbled upon your channel and Jim Skelton's about a year ago but I have found myself facing this paradox that is the custom knife world. I like some of the designs but I would never be able to spend that kind of money without doubting/regretting it later (that's if I could even get my hands on some of the knives). And I appreciate some of the highly customized knife channels but I have learned that I don't have the ability to acquire most of the stuff they review, so it does me no good to even watch. It's nice to have this subject acknowledged in a way that is not disparaging the custom knife market but accepting it for what it is and moving on. I am really looking forward to your channel skewing more towards the midtech/production knife world. Again, I appreciate the work and keep it up!
"Admiration of the proletariat, like that of dams, power stations, and aeroplanes, (and custom knives) is part of the ideology of the machine age." - Bertrand Russell (and me)
Top Gear comes to mind when I watch your review of high end knives. I may not be able to buy them but it helps me decide on what to look for on my next purchase. Thank you.
Good little rant. Like many I think you've nailed it. It comes down to value. Not just perceived flimsy artistic value. But actual tangible value for hard earned money. Spending over $50 for a knife is already crazy in the eyes of many in normal society. But spending WAY MORE than a car & mortgage put together for a knife BETTER justify something amazing. It better shoot lasers. Something unbeatable. Unfortunately it usually does not. And people should spend their hard earned money on things that give value.
Hey Nick, I love your reviews and your channel. I think you have a very valid opinion on custom knives. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and make these videos. Keep up the good work!
Think u nailed it. I see this Effekt not only in knifes. Motorcycles are much same- I don’t want a 20000& bike for driving to work every day. May u don’t even ride it at all and keep cleaning it, loving it , polishing it and talk about it. The reason I don’t want to have such things any more is the pain of loosing or crashing it is so much more than the joy of having it for me- so I stay with high end production pieces and dare to use as a tool.
Awesome video Nick. As I am still a relatively newer collector I have often asked the same question. I've learned quite a bit by researching, purchasing, and using several knives. From the low end to mid-techs. I never completely understood the astronomical prices once one gets to and past the high end production/mid-tech knives. Keep up the great work !!!!
Holy shit after this review I have honestly been converted. THIS video shows me 100 percent you are on the level. Will give your reviews a ton of weight from here in. Great great work. It would be cool to see you do a similar video with the murky world of Mid Techs - cause thats a real minefield.
I totally agree with your opinion , because one thing you said about the point that if a custom knifemaker forges a knife which can't compete in aspects of quality with one of the more high level production folders, why should someone pay more than thrice the price of the production folder. I like that video.
_Couldn't agree more._ I'm fortunate enough my Hedonic Treadmill got stuck at the $500 mark. As I commented over at Doctor Frunkey's channel yesterday: knife makers like Reate really put into perspective what sort of _performance_ I expect from a knife. Sure, I can get a one-off damascus knife covered with Mokuti and mother of pearl using an orphan's heart for a pivot. But it had better flip and close at least as well as my $400 Chinese production knife. Even my pricey FF Gavko Spinner customized by the man himself is barely the equal of the CKF version for far less. Gems like the Wayfarer 247 or ZT 0392 don't make me question why I bought them. If perhaps my main goal was to pose them on a fancy handkerchief with a flashlight, lighter, brass knuckles and handmade coin for my IG page I'd feel different. If I do buy a custom, chances are it won't be because I saw a review, rather talked with the maker, handled his wares and made that connection.
BTW, yesterday a Grimsmo Rask went up for sale at BF for $1200, and sold in minutes. Considering it was built in June, the obvious intent (as usual) was to flip it. I have to admit I derive a tiny bit of satisfaction at the guys who purchased ZT 0392's intending to make a killing on eBay only to see the bottom drop out - at least for now.
Leave the custom alone. Most of us can't afford them anyways. I've been buying to many production knives that are over my budget let alone go custom. Now I'm resorting to building my own custom fix blade modeled after my favorite design from Rob B. It'll be my Gunny sidekick but won't be for sale. That's as custom as I wish to get. Keep up the good work Nick I love your reviews.
the truth is it ok to be who you are. sometimes i like looking at fancy custom knives but for me production knives are where i live. The truth is also just because its hand made doesnt mean its a rolex but sometimes the little guy surprises you but the truth its truly rare.
Hey Nick...for me It is a matter of price rather if they are custom, midtechs or production knives. The price limit for me to disassemble, use or mess with a kinife is 500 bucks...(or the price of a Sebenza in time). Above that price a knife should be seen as contemplative art. I totally agree with you when you mention the quality of production knives ...Kizer is a good example of extraordinary knives that still are sold at reasonable prices. Nevertheless, being the knifefool I don't care if I have to pay high prices for exotic and/or coveted pieces of art (even if they are production knives!).
I do prefer your reviews on knives that are more affordable/knives that us viewers can actually get our hands on! With that said though I do enjoy the occasional review of crazy expensive knives, it's fun to see what the top of the knife Kingdom looks like. And that is the only way we will ever see a knife dethrone the Norseman, and when that day comes that is a review every knife owner would want to see!
My personal experience is the same as Nick's. True customs were often less constructed with poorer tolerances than higher end mid and higher end production knives.
Another thing that I would like to mention.... I think part of what gets confusing when it comes to "custom knives" is just how rare or exclusive something is, a true "one of a kind" in EVERY sense of the word. For example my LL15 Blomerus "one of a kind", but not the only LL15... same with my Mike Zscherny Shinogi, Allen Elishewitz Silver Fox, Michal Gavac Spinner 2.0, Peter Rassenti SNAFU, etc. In other words, although there are scores of each of these models in existence, only ONE of them is like my exact knife. This is due to the unique selection of either the blade steel (and it's finish), the handle, bolster, pivot collar, etc. and their material, finish, etc
Agreed . Nick , your channel is the only knife reviews I watch anymore. I find you interesting. I've collected several expensive knives, Grimsmo's, 4 Hinderers, ZTs, Giant Mouse , etc.... I've looked at my collection, thought about what I've spent , & Wow 😳. .... I've got a New Home to Pay off, wanna upgrade my Harley to a New one. Etc... I Realized..... I've GOT to Stop with knives, fountain pens , etc... got more then I could ever,ever use.
You sound like you're nearly to the point I'm at now. I haven't bought a new knife in a long time. I have plenty of beautiful knives and fountain pens myself and am starting to pare down those collections as I myself did just as you talk about above. I sat there one day, thinking about how much I could do with the disposable income sitting in my safe/knife chests/pen-cases/etc. How many experiences I could have, a larger house, a nicer car, etc. After that, I just started listing stuff up. I would like to pare all the way down to only those I use. No disrespect and I'm not looking down my nose at collectors, but the fact is, you can't take it with you. I know a couple guys who have tens of thousands of dollars worth of knives...haven't even been out of this state! Wow. I just can't wrap my mind around that.
When I started acquiring knives I was into larger, tacticool models. I wouldn't even look at any blade less than 3.5 inches. After filling a pelican knock off case with about 60 of these style of knives, I began getting bored with buying more of the same. Thought my addiction might be subsiding. Then I started to change my thinking and bought some smaller, gentleman's knives which is the phase I'm still currently in. I'll never spend $1000+ on a custom but I'm ok with that. There's probably a Chris Reeve knife in my future but that purchase will be more of a one off deal.
You hit it right on...customs are knife art. The makers are indulging their "dreams" while, at the same time, asking their customers to endure long waits, paying up to 100% up front, and very often having to get these knives on the secondary market.
Again, don't paint with too broad a brush. There are spectacular makers out there who are consistent and honorable about deposits, wait times, and respecting their clients time and money. But we don't as often hear about them. I've talked a lot about horror stories here, but the truly great custom makers are much better than this. They're also, sadly, much rarer.
I used to like Jim Skelton's channel in an 'If I Were A Rich Man' kind of dream. Like you said though, 99% of us are not wealthy enough to invest that kind of money in what is essentially an ornament rather than a tool.
I think this debate could go both ways, as alot of people prefer productions for whatever reason, other folks rather enjoy the customs, be it for the exclusivity or being more personal or being able to pick out materials and finishes, even if it means saving your pennies and or waiting a lil longer, its collecting! its hunting and chasing the grail. and theres so many good grail makers to follow. Collecting is fun no matter what your into! If your happy then im happy for you!
for me it was the Reate Future and Ferrum Forge Master Blaster that did it. small batch high end production knives, 600-700 dollar price range, neither of them offering anything better than what I'd find on a knife 200 dollars cheaper. my curve of diminishing returns had levelled off. I figure those are about as nice as a titanium framelock flipper is going to get, so i am done buying expensive titanium framelock flippers. since then i bought the aluminum and G10 versions of the buck marskman. your videos piqued my curiosity and i fell in love with it enough to buy both versions. if i buy any more knives, it will be for interesting mechanisms that i want to play with,
To be honest, Nick. I watch this channel for you. It doesn't matter if you're reviewing a unaffordable wristwatch or raving about a toilet plunger you just purchased - I can always rely on you to be chock full of laughs and wit. Carry on.
I have to totally agree with you on 1 hand nick. I spent $1100 on a custom from a legendary knife maker, a maker that has done numerous knives for benchmade that are beloved by many. I thought the custom would be the be all end all, and I ended up very disappointed. No over travel stop, no lock bar insert, which were things I knew going in but I thought other aspects would make up for it. When I received it I noticed it was not near as vibrant as in pictures, very sensitive to lockbar pressure, painfully strong detent, pivot was way too tight, couldn't adjust because the pivot only had a screw on one side and the other side spun. It kind of ruined the one off custom thing for me but my grail is still a full mokuti/timascus flipper but aside from that I'll stick to high end midtechs and higher production customs like Curtiss. ONE VERY BIG THING I BELIEVE YOU FAILED TO MENTION unless I just missed it is customer service. You can send a knife to ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco for repair or parts with little to no headache. Strip a screw on a custom or need a repair done? On a knife made by someone who's books aren't even open? While they may be able to take care of your issue as good as a large company they surely won't do it better. Slower is more likely and realistic. There are a couple makers I'd like to own pieces from like Rassenti, Leu, Rogovets but I'll be much more selective and informed in the future.
Thanks, Nick. I'm much reminded of a vid you did some time back on the sigmoid curve of cost vs value; the customs have always had a huge price premium (granted, a lot of handwork) for a product that's maybe a smidgen or two "better" than some high-end production knives. The same holds for cars, watches, clothes, shoes, pistols (like those, too). I've long since tired of reading about million dollar cars, many-thousand dollar watches,, $5000 pistols etc. I didn't realize I had some Marxism deep in my heart ("bourgeois bastard!" -- love it!)
I think everyone needs to try it if they have the means to do so. There out of my price range but I managed to by a John W Smith SD-3 from Robertson Custom Knives. It was a great experience and I love this knife. I was able to get it in 2 weeks and for the same as maker price. I've got one and I can't afford anymore customs. I still love my productions as always but if you get one from the right maker, there is a difference.
Fuck that too much risk of getting a shitty knife I would hate for 700+ dollars and I would feel like crap. At least I don't feel bad after a bad 50$ knife.
This is an understandable perspective. While I love customs and own several, I am more interested in watching reveiws about knives that are actually available and that I will actually use.
I see the point in general, but at the same time, the one custom I do own, I DO carry and use. My G&G Hawk Deadlock. Worth every penny and I'm not worried about using it. I've waited literally half my life for a knife like it to come along and I'll be darned if it's sitting somewhere safe unused. I'm not taking it with me when I die. Well, who knows, I might be buried with it, but I hopefully have many years ahead of me.
I prefer to just customize the knives I already love. My favorite knife is my ZT0452cf that I just had customized from Fanatic, and now I have a 1 of a kind knife, hand customized to my specs, for 1/3 of the price of a cheap custom or "midtech".. without any risk of getting a lemon.
Nick, I appreciate your point of view here. I will counter with 2 things. #1: As a "knife guy" you're gonna want a custom knife at some point. They are special for all the reasons you mentioned. It's just inevitable. #2: Watching videos about custom knives is like watching a video about a Bugatti Chiron, or a Pagani Huayra. I may not be able to afford one, but it doesn't mean I don't like seeing it! As a YT knife dude, I also find custom vids get less views because they aren't as widely known or appreciated. But I think enough people like them to make it worthwhile. Cheers my friend!
i am really happy that in terms of customs, i have always kinda done my own thing. i have always avoided getting to caught up in hype and just went for what i wanted. rather than what everybody else says is popular at any given time. thankfully my tastes have rarely coincided with too many of the major bubbles or the hot new trend. ive never been in it to flip it for easy cash. thats kinda helped me avoid getting burned by the market too badly. unfortunately, i am in the market for another rask at some point. i would like to find a damasteel version i like, but i just wont pay what they go for secondary. thankfully i already have one from the preorder to use and enjoy. mine is #83. pretty sure it was right after yours
Good video; very well stated. I think it's interesting to see the 'cult of celebrity' around makers who are in high demand. I guess most Chris Reeve knives aren't full customs, but he's a good example of a maker who is idolized by his fans with a passion that borders on the erotic.
Hey Nick, Im with you 110%. Customs do not (generally) offer the same utility as a very good production blade. Ive been through plenty of knives in the past year and a half and always gravitate back to prouduction/midtech knives. Huge CRK fan as well but i mostly carry a PM2 or Ritter Griptillian. Cant beat it always works!
So, I am kinda noticing you are not into fixed blades. I actually prefer those over folders. Do you have a video discussing why you prefer folders? If not I wouldn't mind seeing one...
Excellent piece, all about value. In theory, I won't ever get a blade over $100... Lately, I've acquired a few knives under $50 that quickly became faves.
I’m definitely a midtech/reeve/hinderer guy but that grimsmo is beautiful and on my list. Could care less about customs. I do enjoy “high end” knives and your reviews of them. I like knives better than $200 benchmades (though I own a bunch of them) and want to hear what you have to say before I put $600 into an olamic, reeve etc. Also of all the people I follow on all social media especially “gear” guys you’re the only one to wish a nice day haha thanks for that!
For me, honestly its extremely simple. If the absolute worst happens and I can't replace the blade for my knife, I ain't gonna buy it. It is a tool. With certain Midtechs, thats an option. So you can appreciate the art and also use it. With most customs and some Midtechs, you just don't have that option. It has to be a tool first, and art second.
I think there are a LOT of spot on truths in this video. I agree with the vast majority of what you had to say. I have also come to a lot of the same conclusions about "customs" and the culture that surrounds it but it has taken a fair amount of time and $ to do so. As of late, I've been selling off a lot of the ones that don't meet the "oh my god" standard and narrowing it down to focusing on those that do. This is why I own 5 Rassenti's and 5 JI Knives. They are absolutely a cut above and never fail to meet or exceed expectations. For me, this just means less knives and less purchases as the productions and midtechs just don't tickle the same spot. Don't get me wrong, I own and will continue to buy / carry midtechs and production knives for utility but they just don't and never will tug the same heart strings as a really well done custom.
Absolutely. I tend to take a 2 or 3 knife approach to my daily use, carry, and enjoyment of knives. I make leather goods as a hobby and one of my favorite things to do is pancake belt sheaths. I'll have a nice high end custom riding in a belt sheath daily. It's just there to enjoy having, to take out and look at, flip open, close, and marvel at the details, action, and high degree of fit and finish. It'll likely never cut or be used outside of the occasional package opening and I'm perfectly ok with that. In my pocket will be the CRK Sebenza Insingo, Spyderco, Kizer Feist, etc. that I have no quarrels with taking out, using properly as a cutting tool and putting marks on. Then I usually have my big idea design titanium tool that takes box cutter blades. That thing sees a ton of wear and use and if I mess up a blade, I put a new one in and go about my business. So I appreciate all sides of the coin and have different knives for different reasons. We're all in the hobby for the love of knives and different people take different approaches based on their likes, finances, reasons for enjoyment, etc. There is no right or wrong to that, just different strokes for different folks. The world of customs has become pretty crazy though and one must tread very carefully and make well informed decisions on purchases if you so choose to play in that arena. You make very good points and speak a lot of truth about that world. I will continue to watch your videos and knife gripes no matter what tier of knives you review as I enjoy your approach and objectivity while doing so. Keep up the good work!
I have to admit.. Yes while I find reviews on 'more affordable' Production to MidTech knives, more informative, to use in helping make a decision on whether or not I might want to 'pull the trigger' and add a new member to My knife-family here.. I Too, Muchly appreciate the High end Custom Knife reviews, on knives I will probably never own, short of winning the Lottery or something like that. I recall the days of Yor (Yor ? hmmm yes Yor), when around the Holiday Seasons we would get what were called Dream or Wish Catalogs... or looking at Tiffany Catalogs or Mercede Benz pamphlets or reviews... or watching Robin Leech's, "Life-Styles of the Rich and Famous", to get at least a peek at things we could dream for or aspire for, even while knowing they are way out of our reach. I probably would have Never Known about Ron Best knives, you know those nearly literal shining Gems of Knife Art, had it not been for reviews on channels like Jim Skelton and the like... Hell I know I'll never be flipping a new Custom $5,000+++ Ron Best knife absentmindedly, while riding in the back of My chauffeur driven Mecedes Benz, on My way to My summer Home in Suffolk, by the sea... but its nice to dream.. and Heck we all like eye-candy, to a degree. (I hear that's why Bird keeps Frankie around, for the eye-candy she provides) ~Quote - "If all I ever knew was the hill... I never would have aspired to crest the mountain." ~T.T. `17
Haha. The comment about anyone can make a knife and call it a custom knife, I love it!!! Just yesterday I saw a guy trying to sell a knife for way more than it was worth because it was supposedly "One of a kind". Because he had one maker make the blade and another make the handle. That doesn't make it worth 4-5 times as much as either of the makers knives.
I think the actual retail price is pretty reasonable, given the level of fit-and-finish relative to the rest of the knifemaking world. The problem is buying the knives at actual retail. And I'd rather they keep a retentive dedication to perfection, rather than trying to lower prices and cut corners to stay profitable. Hopefully the price will come down, absolutely, but I'm more excited for more of them to get out there, so that the secondary market prices can tank and the speculators and scalpers move on, such that "used Norseman at a better-than-retail price" can someday become a thing.
I think Grimsmo knives will keep their upwars trend in price so grab as much as you can as I. haven't seen yet better knife action in even more expensive blades. Hinderers are a good example of crapy knives sold at unreasonable prices. Surprisingly ZTs with Hinderer designs are pure gems.
I would never support Grimsmo because i dont agree with their business practices. They are using their customers as a bank loan to buy new equipment to avoid interest. I think if they got a loan and pumped out product, they would have a much better reputation. I am not giving a startup company 600$ in the hopes they dont go out of business before you get your knife. I am also a Canadian businessman and we really like to support our own but Grimsmo's business plan is vary flawed and sketchy, especially because they are established and could easily get a business loan. Thats like prepaying a contractor to build you a home, doesn't make sense.
I have never agreed with you more. I recently won a 1400 Curtis flipper in a raffle. When it got her I was completely disappointed. It’s a great knife but $1400. Omg. I received a Spyderco Paysan the same day and I’m convinced I like it better. Great video nick.
I see what you're saying.. Hey, you know- this just speaks to you being a good guy who values fairness and not wanting the little guy to get stomped on, you know with market manipulations and unfair value and such. Maybe a few of the guys who may be kinda perpetuating that type of stuff will view this video and make a change for the better or two, who knows! Either way you gotta represent your personal highest ethics and path, and that's a great message to get out there. Message received!
I agree with this, it makes more sense for me to watch reviews on knives I can actually own myself. Prices at that point aren't a huge deal, the Slysz Bowie for example, is around £370 over here in the UK, but for me I COULD justify that. I buy a lot of knives for £100 - £120 so it would simply mean one excellent knife for the prices i'd normally pay for 3 average ones. Also, £370 for something that will last me forever? Well worth it considering that people swap their phones every 2 years at £500 a go (or more) and they're worth naff all after 2 years. Enjoying the videos Nick, keep em coming :)
i have gotten more into the custom realm in the past couple of years and i have come to many of the same conclusions as you. another aspect that has kinda changed my opinion away from them to an extent is the aspect of always chasing something better. i was lucky enough to get a few pieces of custom work from my favorite maker and i love them, and i likely always will. a problem i have found is that my favorite maker just so happens to be one of those few top top tier guys. i have gotten some other pieces, some very good, some not so great. but i havnt found anything to compete with my favorites. i found myself picking up something new just for the sake of having something new on the way. id get it. enjoy it for a bit, then it would go in the safe and id be back to carrying and using my absolute favorites (not all of which are customs). i also found that i was getting to be a little bit of a knife snob and i didnt like it. id see a design and think oh thats cool, but its just a production piece... then i started carrying my delica occasionally after seeing it over and over in your videos and kinda regained my appreciation for good quality production knives. i rediscovered quality and a value price. im not saying ill never buy another custom. theres always a chance something will come along and blow me away that i simply must have. but ive kinda transitioned back towards midtechs and nice production stuff. and somewhat away from knives in general. i kinda reached a point that i am very content with what i have. i have a great lineup of blades i really love. and it will take something pretty special to even break into the regular carry rotation. between things you talked about like the crazy bubbles around the newest "hot maker" along with the sketchy auctions and raffles. im kinda over it all. sorry for the wall of text. love the videos man. hoping to see more quality content going forward. im sure itll be worth watching regardless of the blade in question. people come for the knives, they stay for the Nick
I tend to avoid true 100% "one off" customs too, but I am an avid collector of what I will call semi custom knives from renowned makers. As far as I am concerned, in order to be collectible for me as an individual the knife needs to be somewhat exclusive, limited in overall numbers, yet widely accepted as being an excellent knife. So, for example I would be talking about Todd Begg: Bodega, Glimpse, Beggatti (CA shop produced), Rassenti: Druid, Snafu, Nirvana, RJ Martin: Q-36, Modulator, Pena: Stinger, Diesel, Stuff from Voorhies, Mike Zscherny, Michal Gavac, Allen Elishewitz, Kirby Lambert, Greg Lightfoot, Trevor Burger, Andre Thorburn, Herucus Blomerus, Steven Skiff, etc, etc.... Going a bit even more "high end" I would offer names like Lee Williams, Frank Fisher, Todd Rexford, John Barker, Jeremy Marsh, etc. IMO, these gentleman have proven themselves time after time to produce amazing knives that DO LIVE UP to the "hype" in most cases. As a collector, I see the worth in owning quality pieces from quality makers. Now, on the other hand, when it comes to knives that I buy to actually carry daily and use as a knife/tool... then full production all the way, but not cheap production (I believe that you get what you pay for.. generally speaking)
I feel the same way Nick. Reate, ZT, taichung Spyderco, etc- they all sort of invalidate customs for me. Take Reate's Steelcraft line for example. They are production excellence.. I've handled customs with far worse action and fit and finish. You get much better value for your money when you stick with high-end production knives or "midtechs". In my mind, Olamic and Reate offer the highest quality knives out there for someone who doesn't wanna drop $500+ on a knife.
After 30 years of collecting knives, from benchmade folders to high end midtechs to sole authored hand made customs, I couldn't agree more. These days with the midtech market the way it is you can pay 300 to 500 on a knife with the superior build quality and fit and finish that you look for in a custom. If you're buying a knife to use and carry (which I ALWAYS inevitably do) customs are a waste of money. If you want a knife for an investment, pride of ownership and a personal showpiece etc., and you have the money, sure, buy that Jeff Harkin or Stan Wilson, they're fantastic knives that may grow in value if kept in excellent condition. But if it's a knife you're using to edc, fish, camp, hunt or what not and you want that rock solid build quality a custom gives you, there's some really affordable options out there. I personally edc a Southard Avo ($450) mostly and swap it out for my Begg bodega midtech ($950). They perform actually just as well if not better than any hand made custom I have. And with a lot less guilt and worry
The price bubble popped on Hinderers and medfords a few years ago a production hinderer was like 7-800$ because they were just hard to get. Medfords were the same way. Now I see them on forums being sold for half of what they went for at their heights. Medfords never made sense to me at all. They are production knifes hand assembled and hand ground blades so basically a midtech. With a pretty inexpensive blade steel as their standard model and they will still cost you 800$ and up. You half to put up half the money and then wait for a year to 16 months to even get it. But I've seen them on the forums lately for 550$ 600$ depending on the model.
I am 100% production. I don't need anyone telling me how exceptional something is and then say that it is hard to get and expensive and doesn't get a lot of use because it's hard to get and expensive. Sounds to me like you've made a very wise choice to be a collector prioritizing on quality/$.
Honestly, with the fit and finish (and customer service) of ZT in my mind anything more expensive yields diminishing returns, for the price difference between Buck and ZT quality, you get a huge jump in fit and finish, but between ZT and let's say Hinderer is the Hinderer even a step up??
Nick, not saying you're high falootin' but had to look up bourgeoisie for both spelling and meaning. That's why I'm most comfortable in the world of under $50 knives. Hoping at some point you do another budget blade march madness shootout. Love to see how the pilar and cutjack, etc do.
Great video Nick. I absolutely agree. For 300 to 400 dollars you can buy production knives that have great warranties and beat out the customs for smoothness, fit and finish and overall quality. If collecting is the goal then great but no point in losing tons of cash on a knife you don't plan on using. I do have a place in my heart for the Grimsmo, but having never owned one I can't confirm my love is valid. I think we place these knives on a pedastool expecting a supermodel girlfriend and getting Ms. Boise Idaho. Not that Miss Boise isn't a great gal but we come to realize she's just like any other girl and that she probably isn't worth all the trouble we put ourselves through to get her attention in the first place. Production knives have gotten to the point where we undervalue their quality thinking something else out there has to be better
I can understand I guess. I understand how you would shy away from complete one-offs because of availability, the complete lack thereof, but I'd like to see you still review knives that are of the custom/production variety. By that I mean knives that are handmade, or mostly handmade, by makers in batches which all share the same design. There are makers that can do this well and end up putting out enough product to be able to get them into the hands of a good many people. It's the kind of business model I'm looking at for my knife company. Though maybe at least until I can afford a CNC machine :)
![ILLSLICK - WINTER IS COMING [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dwTMeM1zIhQ/mqdefault.jpg)
To be honest, I always prefer to watch reviews on knives I can buy.
And the thing with customs is that its always years to get the maker to make you anything, let alone the one you saw.
You said it best - the interest is academic only, not practical. Great video!
I second that. Love knifes but some of the customs are so darn over priced!
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Thank You for saving me the time to write my feelings as well. Who can afford them all?
I do. lol, sorry
This goes both ways; many people couldn't care less about the cheapies.
This goes both ways; many people couldn't care less about the cheapies.
"Many men fish all their lives without ever realizing that it is not the fish they are after."
It's tough for me to get excited about a knife that I can't buy.
Great points. I use to be into highly decorated custom knives. But in the end I realized that I'm paying triple and quadruple for a nice piece of pocket jewelry that I use even less because of the price and looks. I appreciate a well made production these days. I feel that the big names in knife reviews and the grade A knife flippers that are just out there to make a buck and win a popularity contest among the community have really thrown the aftermarket value of customs way out of proportion. Subsequently that drives more orders to the particular maker and then their books close, which in turn drive the rest of us to the secondary hyped price of the product, which puts an already possible out of our price range knife even more unobtainable. I don't even care if the custom is OMG good or much much better than my benchmark knife, I don't feel that they are worth the hype price in general. Custom knives have trended away from being a cutting tool to a status symbol now and that really bothers me. It has generated a kind of snobbery that has many viewers lose sight of what the purpose of a knife should be. I have unsubscribed from any reviewers because of that reason. I appreciate your reviews. You have a no nonsense opinion about the pros/cons. It's a rarity these days. Thanks for this video.
I don't bother with customs, rather have a high end production anyday.
Chris RTW
Ditto
I wonder if you would feel that way after experiencing an amazing custom knife. With flawless fit and finish and finer materials than you would get on a production knife.
Mr. Nick. I thank you for your very down to earthyness. I appreciate your channel sir. I fell off the deep end with blades a few years back. I have several you have reviewed. I really think all together there will not be a "I got to have it" knife for me anymore. I sure would not mind to have the money to blow on a $1200 folder, but I need gear to make a living with. $1200 would buy a very nice trailer, chainsaw, climbing gear.....ect. thanks for sharing sir!
FlamQ Dbltap I can't play good enough to make a living. You are so right though!
Or 4 Reates...
Many excellent points, agree 100%. As per custom vs production; I feel that the best production companies have surpassed custom makers in fit and finish, but this is only as of the last 5 years imo. There is no way someone on manual equipment can be as accurate as a well calibrated CNC machine.
Even so, I will always continue to own and purchase custom knives. There is something intangible about a guy making something by hand in his garage or shop. Pride of ownership, uniqueness, (possibly built to your specs, although this is quite rare these days), friendship, and possibly innovation (Hawk and GTC) etc...
Excellent vid!
EpicSnuggleBunny ...agreed this debate can go both ways. Some folks dont care about the productions, some folks enjoy something exclusive and more personal even if you have to save up your fun money a few months more
Agree totally with you Nick! I have taken baths on buying custom knives which weren't for me and by reselling them I took a huge loss on a couple of them. So I am sticking to production knives and if there is a great knife but it is for instance possible to customise it from the seller, it is a great thing. But it still a production knife but with a small degree of customization to it. Have a great one! 🗡
I dipped into customs a feel exactly the same way you do. Midtechs are my jam.
Sage advice - it enouraged me to review my own spending habits and question what I want out of a pocket knife in the first place! Thanks for the perspective.
Nick, I hope you will make one exception: When a custom maker introduces something new that would benefit production models. Like a new lock mechanism, an innovative blade shape, etc.
Absolutely, I reserve the right to highlight anything particularly interesting or innovative that crosses my table. But it may not be a "review" in the classical sense.
I greatly appreciate the reply and fully support your approach. I look forward to seeing more production knives and I'm confident you'll now be able to cover more makers - like North Arm (can't wait to hear about the Skaha...). Thanks!
Hey Nick,
Where did you find that red pill?
On another subject - I don't think you could refer to Jim Skelton's videos as reviews IMO.
Haven't heard him say anything bad about a knife ever I think (I unsubbed at some point), so it's more an infomercial or a knife porn than a genuine review like yours (especially since we all know he got most of his knife for free in exchange for that review and some pics).
I respect your decision as I understand how hard it is to stay loyal to your principles while making knife reviews.
Cheers!
Yeah, when I'm more scripted and careful, I try to use the term "Showcase" rather than review for folks like that (and Jim's not alone!). There's a role for them, absolutely, and Jim absolutely has a knack for presenting knives in the best light possible in an entertaining way. But you're right that it's something fundamentally different than what many other reviewers do, and it's likely not the only information you'd want, going into a purchase. Thanks for the kind words.
Yeah, the only memorable negative review is that of the FU clip and I have not heard a bad thing about anything he owns since then.
Also he keeps saying that the friendship with those makers has got nothing to do with how they treat him. That's bullshit because no sane maker can afford to offend him and he has good reviews on some shady characters.
I agree with your assessment 100% but it actually doesn't bother that much. I don't buy high end or custom knives so I only watch videos like that to ogle the knife and learn a little more about it. But I do mostly stick to channels that give balanced reviews, even of knives that I would never or could never buy.
Skelton is literally a garbage human.
Jim has said repeatedly that he makes videos of his own collection therefore only knives he likes. I don't think he misrepresents knives, but showcases his collection and what he likes about them.
I'm feeling the same way I've done some highlight vids on some custom knives and I'm really not sure I can keep doing it when I don't know if I would buy the knife myself if I ever have that kind of money. So I struggle weather to show it just to let people see it cause like you said you won't be able to get them. Great video. I now have a lot of food for thought.
Nick thanks so much for your work and honesty up front. However you have turned my husband into a knife junkie and he enjoys all of your videos no matter if he can afford it or not. Some of the customs don't even interest him but enjoys your insight and comments. You must know what is good so you can measure not so good. He very much appreciates you and thinks you are a beautiful thing. Again thank you, birthday present will be a spiderco para 2 in blurple, for him. This is much cheaper than him building 1911 pistols!
Hah, I'm delighted that he's enjoyed the channel, and that I've helped him find a cheaper hobby. Thanks for the kind words, and that's a great birthday choice. Well done!
Jean Brannen I just got a PM2 in blurple. Its beautiful! Great choice!
One part of me just did a sigh of relief, whenever I see you review a custom that little voice in my head tells me to go out and get one. You saved me a great deal of money lol. Really enjoyed the video
I wish I could like this more than once...so well said, in perfect shabazzian rambleeze
It makes sense to me: I'm not enough of a knife guy to buy a full custom and, to me, a knife is always a tool. That's not to disrespect what the custom guys are doing, but it's not my bag. I also agree with you about custom *has* to be better the production: somebody dissed me on this point when talking about watches the other day because I commented on Seiko's generally high case quality on their lower end items, and he moaned that it was just because I liked stuff done by CNC rather than by hand. I commented back that I don't care how it's done, just as long as it's good. And that's the thing: just because you spent ages doing something by hand, is no guarantee that it's not shoddy. If machine-made is better then use a machine. I don't know: maybe that means I have no soul, but I just like nice things, you know?
I'm a big fan of handcrafting and bespoke work. And the folks who can do magic with a manual mill or hand tools have my utmost respect. And I think there's absolutely a role for $2000+ handmade art knives, and $400,000 R.W Smith handmade watches. But "handmade" does not excuse "poorly done".
Something with great artistic flair can absolutely make up the difference for a passionate collector. And certainly, I have different standards for hand work, as the tools are different. But the truly amazing handmade stuff is so excellent that it meets any standards, while just happening to be handmade. And unless it's full of sentimental value, a poorly made knife is just that, no matter where it came from.
I'm glad to hear someone finally discussing the topic of actual value. As an artist/ illustrator, an amateur knife maker, and an avid knife user/collector I struggled for a long time tring to accept a lot of these custom prices and products. While on one hand I fully, entirely, 100% understand WHY custom knives inherently cost more from a labor and small operation standpoint, the realist in me still can't personally justify the idea that just because it was handmade that it is then better and WORTH the extra $$$ to me.
Even as an amateur knife maker myself, I don't sell my work yet but I constantly have people asking to buy my fixed blades. With my wildly inefficient amateur setup I'd have to charge $400+ for one of my knives just to cover materials and labor. I've had numerous people willing to pay that but I can't personally justify selling to these people because I KNOW the knife is not WORTH that money.... the only reason I would have to charge that is because my process is inefficient. So when we start discussing the merits and qualities of custom vs production you have to kind of come to the realization that the only difference in a production knife is that it was made more efficiently and thus possible to sell for less. This is where makers like Spyderco and ZT are really pushing envelopes. Some of my Spydercos (around the $200-$300 mark) far outperform custom knives I've handled that were MULTIPLE TIMES the price. Again, I get WHY customs cost more to a certain extent but I'm not paying for the knowledge of your sweat, I'm paying for your product. If the product can't outperform other products that are far cheaper then I am out.
I've had a couple people even wanting to buy knives I built from premade Lauri blades. I refused to sell because my labor meant I'd have to charge $150 and even though these people were fine with that price, I couldn't justify taking $150 from someone for an $8 blade + $5 in wood that resulted in a knife that I personally would value at maybe $50.
Thank you Nick! 100% appreciate your honesty...keep these videos coming. Cheers!
This is very encouraging. I love your real reviews and have already bought knives based off of what I saw in your videos. I say; leave the unobtainium blades to those who want to dabble in that and do more reviews of knives we can buy and use and higher end production ones we could save up for if we wanted them. Keep it up Nick!
getting awt scales for my griptillian is about as far into "custom" territory as i care to venture.
thanks for your reviews and your opinions, i appreciate your candid-no-nonsense approach.
I've never held a custom knife, much less owned one.
I would love to see more "budget friendly" knives on your channel.
There really are some gems out there!
Great video nick... you hit the nail on the head
Thanks for making this video, Nick. I continue to be impressed with how your channel evolves and your honesty when it comes to your own opinions. I have only really started collecting since I stumbled upon your channel and Jim Skelton's about a year ago but I have found myself facing this paradox that is the custom knife world. I like some of the designs but I would never be able to spend that kind of money without doubting/regretting it later (that's if I could even get my hands on some of the knives). And I appreciate some of the highly customized knife channels but I have learned that I don't have the ability to acquire most of the stuff they review, so it does me no good to even watch. It's nice to have this subject acknowledged in a way that is not disparaging the custom knife market but accepting it for what it is and moving on. I am really looking forward to your channel skewing more towards the midtech/production knife world. Again, I appreciate the work and keep it up!
"Admiration of the proletariat, like that of dams, power stations, and aeroplanes, (and custom knives) is part of the ideology of the machine age." - Bertrand Russell (and me)
Top Gear comes to mind when I watch your review of high end knives. I may not be able to buy them but it helps me decide on what to look for on my next purchase. Thank you.
I like beautifull knives and im willing to pay a bit more for it. But to me a knife is a cutting tool at first !
I'm glad to hear this, I personally don't even watch custom knife videos just for the simple fact they aren't on my radar..
Good little rant. Like many I think you've nailed it. It comes down to value. Not just perceived flimsy artistic value. But actual tangible value for hard earned money. Spending over $50 for a knife is already crazy in the eyes of many in normal society. But spending WAY MORE than a car & mortgage put together for a knife BETTER justify something amazing. It better shoot lasers. Something unbeatable. Unfortunately it usually does not. And people should spend their hard earned money on things that give value.
Hey Nick, I love your reviews and your channel. I think you have a very valid opinion on custom knives. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and make these videos. Keep up the good work!
Think u nailed it. I see this Effekt not only in knifes. Motorcycles are much same- I don’t want a 20000& bike for driving to work every day. May u don’t even ride it at all and keep cleaning it, loving it , polishing it and talk about it. The reason I don’t want to have such things any more is the pain of loosing or crashing it is so much more than the joy of having it for me- so I stay with high end production pieces and dare to use as a tool.
i agree reviewing a custom knife has no value to the rest of us, as we most likely can't buy one...
Awesome video Nick. As I am still a relatively newer collector I have often asked the same question. I've learned quite a bit by researching, purchasing, and using several knives. From the low end to mid-techs. I never completely understood the astronomical prices once one gets to and past the high end production/mid-tech knives. Keep up the great work !!!!
Holy shit after this review I have honestly been converted. THIS video shows me 100 percent you are on the level. Will give your reviews a ton of weight from here in. Great great work. It would be cool to see you do a similar video with the murky world of Mid Techs - cause thats a real minefield.
I totally agree with your opinion , because one thing you said about the point that if a custom knifemaker forges a knife which can't compete in aspects of quality with one of the more high level production folders, why should someone pay more than thrice the price of the production folder.
I like that video.
_Couldn't agree more._ I'm fortunate enough my Hedonic Treadmill got stuck at the $500 mark. As I commented over at Doctor Frunkey's channel yesterday: knife makers like Reate really put into perspective what sort of _performance_ I expect from a knife. Sure, I can get a one-off damascus knife covered with Mokuti and mother of pearl using an orphan's heart for a pivot. But it had better flip and close at least as well as my $400 Chinese production knife. Even my pricey FF Gavko Spinner customized by the man himself is barely the equal of the CKF version for far less. Gems like the Wayfarer 247 or ZT 0392 don't make me question why I bought them. If perhaps my main goal was to pose them on a fancy handkerchief with a flashlight, lighter, brass knuckles and handmade coin for my IG page I'd feel different. If I do buy a custom, chances are it won't be because I saw a review, rather talked with the maker, handled his wares and made that connection.
BTW, yesterday a Grimsmo Rask went up for sale at BF for $1200, and sold in minutes. Considering it was built in June, the obvious intent (as usual) was to flip it. I have to admit I derive a tiny bit of satisfaction at the guys who purchased ZT 0392's intending to make a killing on eBay only to see the bottom drop out - at least for now.
Leave the custom alone. Most of us can't afford them anyways. I've been buying to many production knives that are over my budget let alone go custom. Now I'm resorting to building my own custom fix blade modeled after my favorite design from Rob B. It'll be my Gunny sidekick but won't be for sale. That's as custom as I wish to get. Keep up the good work Nick I love your reviews.
Nick you're the realist, most honest, no b.s. knife reviewer on the net. 👌🏼👌🏼👍👍
A men !!! Well said Nick.
the truth is it ok to be who you are. sometimes i like looking at fancy custom knives but for me production knives are where i live. The truth is also just because its hand made doesnt mean its a rolex but sometimes the little guy surprises you but the truth its truly rare.
Hey Nick...for me It is a matter of price rather if they are custom, midtechs or production knives. The price limit for me to disassemble, use or mess with a kinife is 500 bucks...(or the price of a Sebenza in time). Above that price a knife should be seen as contemplative art. I totally agree with you when you mention the quality of production knives ...Kizer is a good example of extraordinary knives that still are sold at reasonable prices. Nevertheless, being the knifefool I don't care if I have to pay high prices for exotic and/or coveted pieces of art (even if they are production knives!).
I do prefer your reviews on knives that are more affordable/knives that us viewers can actually get our hands on! With that said though I do enjoy the occasional review of crazy expensive knives, it's fun to see what the top of the knife Kingdom looks like. And that is the only way we will ever see a knife dethrone the Norseman, and when that day comes that is a review every knife owner would want to see!
🤣
My personal experience is the same as Nick's. True customs were often less constructed with poorer tolerances than higher end mid and higher end production knives.
Bourgeoisie bastard? Sounds like a new super hero identity
Another thing that I would like to mention.... I think part of what gets confusing when it comes to "custom knives" is just how rare or exclusive something is, a true "one of a kind" in EVERY sense of the word.
For example my LL15 Blomerus "one of a kind", but not the only LL15... same with my Mike Zscherny Shinogi, Allen Elishewitz Silver Fox, Michal Gavac Spinner 2.0, Peter Rassenti SNAFU, etc. In other words, although there are scores of each of these models in existence, only ONE of them is like my exact knife. This is due to the unique selection of either the blade steel (and it's finish), the handle, bolster, pivot collar, etc. and their material, finish, etc
That's a good point Nick, a lot of the custom knives are impossible to get.
Agreed . Nick , your channel is the only knife reviews I watch anymore. I find you interesting. I've collected several expensive knives, Grimsmo's, 4 Hinderers, ZTs, Giant Mouse , etc.... I've looked at my collection, thought about what I've spent , & Wow 😳. .... I've got a New Home to Pay off, wanna upgrade my Harley to a New one. Etc... I Realized..... I've GOT to Stop with knives, fountain pens , etc... got more then I could ever,ever use.
You sound like you're nearly to the point I'm at now. I haven't bought a new knife in a long time. I have plenty of beautiful knives and fountain pens myself and am starting to pare down those collections as I myself did just as you talk about above. I sat there one day, thinking about how much I could do with the disposable income sitting in my safe/knife chests/pen-cases/etc. How many experiences I could have, a larger house, a nicer car, etc. After that, I just started listing stuff up. I would like to pare all the way down to only those I use. No disrespect and I'm not looking down my nose at collectors, but the fact is, you can't take it with you. I know a couple guys who have tens of thousands of dollars worth of knives...haven't even been out of this state! Wow. I just can't wrap my mind around that.
When I started acquiring knives I was into larger, tacticool models. I wouldn't even look at any blade less than 3.5 inches. After filling a pelican knock off case with about 60 of these style of knives, I began getting bored with buying more of the same. Thought my addiction might be subsiding. Then I started to change my thinking and bought some smaller, gentleman's knives which is the phase I'm still currently in. I'll never spend $1000+ on a custom but I'm ok with that.
There's probably a Chris Reeve knife in my future but that purchase will be more of a one off deal.
You hit it right on...customs are knife art. The makers are indulging their "dreams" while, at the same time, asking their customers to endure long waits, paying up to 100% up front, and very often having to get these knives on the secondary market.
Again, don't paint with too broad a brush. There are spectacular makers out there who are consistent and honorable about deposits, wait times, and respecting their clients time and money. But we don't as often hear about them. I've talked a lot about horror stories here, but the truly great custom makers are much better than this. They're also, sadly, much rarer.
I used to like Jim Skelton's channel in an 'If I Were A Rich Man' kind of dream. Like you said though, 99% of us are not wealthy enough to invest that kind of money in what is essentially an ornament rather than a tool.
I think this debate could go both ways, as alot of people prefer productions for whatever reason, other folks rather enjoy the customs, be it for the exclusivity or being more personal or being able to pick out materials and finishes, even if it means saving your pennies and or waiting a lil longer, its collecting! its hunting and chasing the grail. and theres so many good grail makers to follow. Collecting is fun no matter what your into! If your happy then im happy for you!
for me it was the Reate Future and Ferrum Forge Master Blaster that did it. small batch high end production knives, 600-700 dollar price range, neither of them offering anything better than what I'd find on a knife 200 dollars cheaper. my curve of diminishing returns had levelled off. I figure those are about as nice as a titanium framelock flipper is going to get, so i am done buying expensive titanium framelock flippers.
since then i bought the aluminum and G10 versions of the buck marskman. your videos piqued my curiosity and i fell in love with it enough to buy both versions. if i buy any more knives, it will be for interesting mechanisms that i want to play with,
Awesome video, Nick! It takes a lot of courage to say what you said!
To be honest, Nick. I watch this channel for you. It doesn't matter if you're reviewing a unaffordable wristwatch or raving about a toilet plunger you just purchased - I can always rely on you to be chock full of laughs and wit. Carry on.
Thank god. I love your reviews but hate having to close the tab 5 minutes in after checking the price.
It's great how you can still understand Nick with the video muted... Those hands go crazy lol
I have to totally agree with you on 1 hand nick. I spent $1100 on a custom from a legendary knife maker, a maker that has done numerous knives for benchmade that are beloved by many. I thought the custom would be the be all end all, and I ended up very disappointed. No over travel stop, no lock bar insert, which were things I knew going in but I thought other aspects would make up for it. When I received it I noticed it was not near as vibrant as in pictures, very sensitive to lockbar pressure, painfully strong detent, pivot was way too tight, couldn't adjust because the pivot only had a screw on one side and the other side spun. It kind of ruined the one off custom thing for me but my grail is still a full mokuti/timascus flipper but aside from that I'll stick to high end midtechs and higher production customs like Curtiss. ONE VERY BIG THING I BELIEVE YOU FAILED TO MENTION unless I just missed it is customer service. You can send a knife to ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco for repair or parts with little to no headache. Strip a screw on a custom or need a repair done? On a knife made by someone who's books aren't even open? While they may be able to take care of your issue as good as a large company they surely won't do it better. Slower is more likely and realistic. There are a couple makers I'd like to own pieces from like Rassenti, Leu, Rogovets but I'll be much more selective and informed in the future.
4 years later and this is as true as ever.
Love that the norseman is obviously used.
I mean, I use $600 knives daily but many don't which is a shame imo.
13:46 - "Mid-tec... generally... if you don't like people and wanna use a crappy term." - You always crack me up...
Have I found a secret Nick shabazz video?
+Kyle Keenliside Shhhh! Goes live Sunday
Kyle Keenliside Wait whaaaat
This guy noticed it in a playlist, I guess, while it was unlisted.
great vid I am not into full customs my rare exception would be what I call production customs like the f3 or typhoon
Jim Skelton and mindlessmark both have videos on amazing crazy knives I can only dream of.
Thanks, Nick. I'm much reminded of a vid you did some time back on the sigmoid curve of cost vs value; the customs have always had a huge price premium (granted, a lot of handwork) for a product that's maybe a smidgen or two "better" than some high-end production knives. The same holds for cars, watches, clothes, shoes, pistols (like those, too). I've long since tired of reading about million dollar cars, many-thousand dollar watches,, $5000 pistols etc. I didn't realize I had some Marxism deep in my heart ("bourgeois bastard!" -- love it!)
Bonus points for using "sigmoid curve" in a TH-cam comment.
I think everyone needs to try it if they have the means to do so. There out of my price range but I managed to by a John W Smith SD-3 from Robertson Custom Knives. It was a great experience and I love this knife. I was able to get it in 2 weeks and for the same as maker price. I've got one and I can't afford anymore customs. I still love my productions as always but if you get one from the right maker, there is a difference.
Fuck that too much risk of getting a shitty knife I would hate for 700+ dollars and I would feel like crap. At least I don't feel bad after a bad 50$ knife.
This is an understandable perspective. While I love customs and own several, I am more interested in watching reveiws about knives that are actually available and that I will actually use.
I see the point in general, but at the same time, the one custom I do own, I DO carry and use. My G&G Hawk Deadlock. Worth every penny and I'm not worried about using it. I've waited literally half my life for a knife like it to come along and I'll be darned if it's sitting somewhere safe unused. I'm not taking it with me when I die. Well, who knows, I might be buried with it, but I hopefully have many years ahead of me.
I prefer to just customize the knives I already love. My favorite knife is my ZT0452cf that I just had customized from Fanatic, and now I have a 1 of a kind knife, hand customized to my specs, for 1/3 of the price of a cheap custom or "midtech".. without any risk of getting a lemon.
Nick, I appreciate your point of view here. I will counter with 2 things. #1: As a "knife guy" you're gonna want a custom knife at some point. They are special for all the reasons you mentioned. It's just inevitable. #2: Watching videos about custom knives is like watching a video about a Bugatti Chiron, or a Pagani Huayra. I may not be able to afford one, but it doesn't mean I don't like seeing it! As a YT knife dude, I also find custom vids get less views because they aren't as widely known or appreciated. But I think enough people like them to make it worthwhile. Cheers my friend!
Doctor Frunk-aaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!!!! Wassup wassup wassuuuuuuuuuup!!!
Agreed...this debate can go both ways, some folks rather enjoy something more exclusive and personal even if it means saving your pennies a lil longer
Never wanted a custom; I am a snob with my minecraft builds not my knives ever.
magic ..your joking right? Minecraft snob? If thats true your probly to young to have knives, custom or otherwise
I am an adult that plays it for fun but if I make something I do it right minecraft or otherwise. Knives a rew a means to an end for me nothing more.
i am really happy that in terms of customs, i have always kinda done my own thing. i have always avoided getting to caught up in hype and just went for what i wanted. rather than what everybody else says is popular at any given time. thankfully my tastes have rarely coincided with too many of the major bubbles or the hot new trend.
ive never been in it to flip it for easy cash. thats kinda helped me avoid getting burned by the market too badly. unfortunately, i am in the market for another rask at some point. i would like to find a damasteel version i like, but i just wont pay what they go for secondary. thankfully i already have one from the preorder to use and enjoy. mine is #83. pretty sure it was right after yours
Good video; very well stated. I think it's interesting to see the 'cult of celebrity' around makers who are in high demand. I guess most Chris Reeve knives aren't full customs, but he's a good example of a maker who is idolized by his fans with a passion that borders on the erotic.
Love this channel just found it today!
Hey Nick,
Im with you 110%. Customs do not (generally) offer the same utility as a very good production blade.
Ive been through plenty of knives in the past year and a half and always gravitate back to prouduction/midtech knives.
Huge CRK fan as well but i mostly carry a PM2 or Ritter Griptillian.
Cant beat it always works!
Great truthful video. Jim is no reviewer. Hes an advertiser
So, I am kinda noticing you are not into fixed blades. I actually prefer those over folders. Do you have a video discussing why you prefer folders? If not I wouldn't mind seeing one...
Excellent piece, all about value.
In theory, I won't ever get a blade over $100...
Lately, I've acquired a few knives under $50 that quickly became faves.
Last custom I handled was pretty awful. Traded for a midtech. I think i prefer production knives at this point.
Great video as always Nick. Would you be interested in reviewing modified production knives? I'm in the process of making a CPM-S35VN Rat 2.
I’m definitely a midtech/reeve/hinderer guy but that grimsmo is beautiful and on my list. Could care less about customs. I do enjoy “high end” knives and your reviews of them. I like knives better than $200 benchmades (though I own a bunch of them) and want to hear what you have to say before I put $600 into an olamic, reeve etc. Also of all the people I follow on all social media especially “gear” guys you’re the only one to wish a nice day haha thanks for that!
For me, honestly its extremely simple. If the absolute worst happens and I can't replace the blade for my knife, I ain't gonna buy it. It is a tool. With certain Midtechs, thats an option. So you can appreciate the art and also use it. With most customs and some Midtechs, you just don't have that option. It has to be a tool first, and art second.
I think there are a LOT of spot on truths in this video. I agree with the vast majority of what you had to say. I have also come to a lot of the same conclusions about "customs" and the culture that surrounds it but it has taken a fair amount of time and $ to do so. As of late, I've been selling off a lot of the ones that don't meet the "oh my god" standard and narrowing it down to focusing on those that do. This is why I own 5 Rassenti's and 5 JI Knives. They are absolutely a cut above and never fail to meet or exceed expectations. For me, this just means less knives and less purchases as the productions and midtechs just don't tickle the same spot. Don't get me wrong, I own and will continue to buy / carry midtechs and production knives for utility but they just don't and never will tug the same heart strings as a really well done custom.
The Marie Kondo "Own only objects that bring you joy" approach is very, very compelling.
Absolutely. I tend to take a 2 or 3 knife approach to my daily use, carry, and enjoyment of knives. I make leather goods as a hobby and one of my favorite things to do is pancake belt sheaths. I'll have a nice high end custom riding in a belt sheath daily. It's just there to enjoy having, to take out and look at, flip open, close, and marvel at the details, action, and high degree of fit and finish. It'll likely never cut or be used outside of the occasional package opening and I'm perfectly ok with that. In my pocket will be the CRK Sebenza Insingo, Spyderco, Kizer Feist, etc. that I have no quarrels with taking out, using properly as a cutting tool and putting marks on. Then I usually have my big idea design titanium tool that takes box cutter blades. That thing sees a ton of wear and use and if I mess up a blade, I put a new one in and go about my business. So I appreciate all sides of the coin and have different knives for different reasons. We're all in the hobby for the love of knives and different people take different approaches based on their likes, finances, reasons for enjoyment, etc. There is no right or wrong to that, just different strokes for different folks. The world of customs has become pretty crazy though and one must tread very carefully and make well informed decisions on purchases if you so choose to play in that arena. You make very good points and speak a lot of truth about that world. I will continue to watch your videos and knife gripes no matter what tier of knives you review as I enjoy your approach and objectivity while doing so. Keep up the good work!
I have to admit.. Yes while I find reviews on 'more affordable' Production to MidTech knives, more informative, to use in helping make a decision on whether or not I might want to 'pull the trigger' and add a new member to My knife-family here.. I Too, Muchly appreciate the High end Custom Knife reviews, on knives I will probably never own, short of winning the Lottery or something like that. I recall the days of Yor (Yor ? hmmm yes Yor), when around the Holiday Seasons we would get what were called Dream or Wish Catalogs... or looking at Tiffany Catalogs or Mercede Benz pamphlets or reviews... or watching Robin Leech's, "Life-Styles of the Rich and Famous", to get at least a peek at things we could dream for or aspire for, even while knowing they are way out of our reach. I probably would have Never Known about Ron Best knives, you know those nearly literal shining Gems of Knife Art, had it not been for reviews on channels like Jim Skelton and the like... Hell I know I'll never be flipping a new Custom $5,000+++ Ron Best knife absentmindedly, while riding in the back of My chauffeur driven Mecedes Benz, on My way to My summer Home in Suffolk, by the sea... but its nice to dream.. and Heck we all like eye-candy, to a degree. (I hear that's why Bird keeps Frankie around, for the eye-candy she provides)
~Quote - "If all I ever knew was the hill... I never would have aspired to crest the mountain." ~T.T. `17
Haha. The comment about anyone can make a knife and call it a custom knife, I love it!!! Just yesterday I saw a guy trying to sell a knife for way more than it was worth because it was supposedly "One of a kind". Because he had one maker make the blade and another make the handle. That doesn't make it worth 4-5 times as much as either of the makers knives.
I think Grimsmo knives are well over priced now as they should have got the processes down pat by now, so the cost should come down
I think the actual retail price is pretty reasonable, given the level of fit-and-finish relative to the rest of the knifemaking world. The problem is buying the knives at actual retail. And I'd rather they keep a retentive dedication to perfection, rather than trying to lower prices and cut corners to stay profitable. Hopefully the price will come down, absolutely, but I'm more excited for more of them to get out there, so that the secondary market prices can tank and the speculators and scalpers move on, such that "used Norseman at a better-than-retail price" can someday become a thing.
Nick Shabazz I would love a Rask , but good luck getting one !
I think Grimsmo knives will keep their upwars trend in price so grab as much as you can as I. haven't seen yet better knife action in even more expensive blades. Hinderers are a good example of crapy knives sold at unreasonable prices. Surprisingly ZTs with Hinderer designs are pure gems.
I would never support Grimsmo because i dont agree with their business practices. They are using their customers as a bank loan to buy new equipment to avoid interest. I think if they got a loan and pumped out product, they would have a much better reputation. I am not giving a startup company 600$ in the hopes they dont go out of business before you get your knife. I am also a Canadian businessman and we really like to support our own but Grimsmo's business plan is vary flawed and sketchy, especially because they are established and could easily get a business loan. Thats like prepaying a contractor to build you a home, doesn't make sense.
Gilbert McGillicutty, My sentiments exactly 👊
I have never agreed with you more. I recently won a 1400 Curtis flipper in a raffle. When it got her I was completely disappointed. It’s a great knife but $1400. Omg. I received a Spyderco Paysan the same day and I’m convinced I like it better. Great video nick.
I see what you're saying.. Hey, you know- this just speaks to you being a good guy who values fairness and not wanting the little guy to get stomped on, you know with market manipulations and unfair value and such. Maybe a few of the guys who may be kinda perpetuating that type of stuff will view this video and make a change for the better or two, who knows! Either way you gotta represent your personal highest ethics and path, and that's a great message to get out there. Message received!
I agree with this, it makes more sense for me to watch reviews on knives I can actually own myself. Prices at that point aren't a huge deal, the Slysz Bowie for example, is around £370 over here in the UK, but for me I COULD justify that. I buy a lot of knives for £100 - £120 so it would simply mean one excellent knife for the prices i'd normally pay for 3 average ones. Also, £370 for something that will last me forever? Well worth it considering that people swap their phones every 2 years at £500 a go (or more) and they're worth naff all after 2 years. Enjoying the videos Nick, keep em coming :)
i have gotten more into the custom realm in the past couple of years and i have come to many of the same conclusions as you. another aspect that has kinda changed my opinion away from them to an extent is the aspect of always chasing something better. i was lucky enough to get a few pieces of custom work from my favorite maker and i love them, and i likely always will. a problem i have found is that my favorite maker just so happens to be one of those few top top tier guys. i have gotten some other pieces, some very good, some not so great. but i havnt found anything to compete with my favorites.
i found myself picking up something new just for the sake of having something new on the way. id get it. enjoy it for a bit, then it would go in the safe and id be back to carrying and using my absolute favorites (not all of which are customs).
i also found that i was getting to be a little bit of a knife snob and i didnt like it. id see a design and think oh thats cool, but its just a production piece... then i started carrying my delica occasionally after seeing it over and over in your videos and kinda regained my appreciation for good quality production knives. i rediscovered quality and a value price.
im not saying ill never buy another custom. theres always a chance something will come along and blow me away that i simply must have. but ive kinda transitioned back towards midtechs and nice production stuff. and somewhat away from knives in general. i kinda reached a point that i am very content with what i have. i have a great lineup of blades i really love. and it will take something pretty special to even break into the regular carry rotation. between things you talked about like the crazy bubbles around the newest "hot maker" along with the sketchy auctions and raffles. im kinda over it all.
sorry for the wall of text. love the videos man. hoping to see more quality content going forward. im sure itll be worth watching regardless of the blade in question. people come for the knives, they stay for the Nick
I tend to avoid true 100% "one off" customs too, but I am an avid collector of what I will call semi custom knives from renowned makers. As far as I am concerned, in order to be collectible for me as an individual the knife needs to be somewhat exclusive, limited in overall numbers, yet widely accepted as being an excellent knife. So, for example I would be talking about Todd Begg: Bodega, Glimpse, Beggatti (CA shop produced), Rassenti: Druid, Snafu, Nirvana, RJ Martin: Q-36, Modulator, Pena: Stinger, Diesel, Stuff from Voorhies, Mike Zscherny, Michal Gavac, Allen Elishewitz, Kirby Lambert, Greg Lightfoot, Trevor Burger, Andre Thorburn, Herucus Blomerus, Steven Skiff, etc, etc.... Going a bit even more "high end" I would offer names like Lee Williams, Frank Fisher, Todd Rexford, John Barker, Jeremy Marsh, etc.
IMO, these gentleman have proven themselves time after time to produce amazing knives that DO LIVE UP to the "hype" in most cases. As a collector, I see the worth in owning quality pieces from quality makers.
Now, on the other hand, when it comes to knives that I buy to actually carry daily and use as a knife/tool... then full production all the way, but not cheap production (I believe that you get what you pay for.. generally speaking)
I feel the same way Nick. Reate, ZT, taichung Spyderco, etc- they all sort of invalidate customs for me. Take Reate's Steelcraft line for example. They are production excellence.. I've handled customs with far worse action and fit and finish.
You get much better value for your money when you stick with high-end production knives or "midtechs". In my mind, Olamic and Reate offer the highest quality knives out there for someone who doesn't wanna drop $500+ on a knife.
The same for me!
After 30 years of collecting knives, from benchmade folders to high end midtechs to sole authored hand made customs, I couldn't agree more. These days with the midtech market the way it is you can pay 300 to 500 on a knife with the superior build quality and fit and finish that you look for in a custom. If you're buying a knife to use and carry (which I ALWAYS inevitably do) customs are a waste of money. If you want a knife for an investment, pride of ownership and a personal showpiece etc., and you have the money, sure, buy that Jeff Harkin or Stan Wilson, they're fantastic knives that may grow in value if kept in excellent condition. But if it's a knife you're using to edc, fish, camp, hunt or what not and you want that rock solid build quality a custom gives you, there's some really affordable options out there. I personally edc a Southard Avo ($450) mostly and swap it out for my Begg bodega midtech ($950). They perform actually just as well if not better than any hand made custom I have. And with a lot less guilt and worry
The price bubble popped on Hinderers and medfords a few years ago a production hinderer was like 7-800$ because they were just hard to get. Medfords were the same way. Now I see them on forums being sold for half of what they went for at their heights. Medfords never made sense to me at all. They are production knifes hand assembled and hand ground blades so basically a midtech. With a pretty inexpensive blade steel as their standard model and they will still cost you 800$ and up. You half to put up half the money and then wait for a year to 16 months to even get it. But I've seen them on the forums lately for 550$ 600$ depending on the model.
I am 100% production. I don't need anyone telling me how exceptional something is and then say that it is hard to get and expensive and doesn't get a lot of use because it's hard to get and expensive. Sounds to me like you've made a very wise choice to be a collector prioritizing on quality/$.
Bourgeois... love it.
Dr. Nick teaches economics, love it!
I like your reviews of cheap knives. They are fun to watch. The expensive ones, meh, not so much.
DO THE FUN CHEAP ONES! :)
Honestly, with the fit and finish (and customer service) of ZT in my mind anything more expensive yields diminishing returns, for the price difference between Buck and ZT quality, you get a huge jump in fit and finish, but between ZT and let's say Hinderer is the Hinderer even a step up??
Nick, not saying you're high falootin' but had to look up bourgeoisie for both spelling and meaning. That's why I'm most comfortable in the world of under $50 knives. Hoping at some point you do another budget blade march madness shootout. Love to see how the pilar and cutjack, etc do.
Great video Nick. I absolutely agree. For 300 to 400 dollars you can buy production knives that have great warranties and beat out the customs for smoothness, fit and finish and overall quality. If collecting is the goal then great but no point in losing tons of cash on a knife you don't plan on using. I do have a place in my heart for the Grimsmo, but having never owned one I can't confirm my love is valid. I think we place these knives on a pedastool expecting a supermodel girlfriend and getting Ms. Boise Idaho. Not that Miss Boise isn't a great gal but we come to realize she's just like any other girl and that she probably isn't worth all the trouble we put ourselves through to get her attention in the first place. Production knives have gotten to the point where we undervalue their quality thinking something else out there has to be better
I can understand I guess. I understand how you would shy away from complete one-offs because of availability, the complete lack thereof, but I'd like to see you still review knives that are of the custom/production variety. By that I mean knives that are handmade, or mostly handmade, by makers in batches which all share the same design. There are makers that can do this well and end up putting out enough product to be able to get them into the hands of a good many people. It's the kind of business model I'm looking at for my knife company. Though maybe at least until I can afford a CNC machine :)
A bourgeois Sith Lord ??? Hahahahahaaha....... you're killing me Nick
I agree with you on the bladeshow customs.