The WE Knives Banter Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ส.ค. 2020
- Today, we'll take a look at a knife that may not be the first choice among the snobbiest of knife snobs, but would be a great choice for a lot of folks: the WE Banter, designed by Ben Peterson ("What iiiiiis upguys?") formerly of BladeHQ.
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"Blen" here. Thanks for weighing in, Nick! Great thoughts. Why the high speed, low drag version? There's a book called Predictably Irrational that the folks at RMJ Tactical recommended to me a few years ago. One of the concepts that Dan Ariely presents in his book is the idea of driving people away from "no" and onto "which." By giving two choices, it's no longer a choice between "yes and no," rather it becomes a decision between "blue or black." Plus, blackout knives are particularly popular. Cheers with my tall glass of vanilla!
I bought both the blue and black versions, and I prefer the black. I am a tactical, high-speed, low-drag operator and I prefer black blades, particularly if they are coated well and not painted. I am also consciously aware of people who are uneasy around "murdery" blades like my blacked-out Protech SNG. The black Banter meets my aesthetic needs as well as looking as harmless as a blacked out knife can. Thanks for the choice Ben!
The man of the hour has arrived!
Well said
No worries, Ben...Nick is hard on everybody. LOL! I like the black one better!
Nice job on your first knife offering! 👍🏼🥰 would love to see Nick's! 😅
We would finally get to critique HIM!
The Banter and the Spyderco Techno 2 spend the most time in my pocket of all my knives.
The biggest takeaway from this is that Ben is a machine-learning algorithm for knives
I got mine last week. So far I'm really impressed. Small but effective and clean design.
It's almost as though this was designed by someone who spent years engaging with the pocket knife community.
Couldn't disagree more. I have a storage cabinet full of "artsy" knives that I enjoy but I find myself gravitating to this with more frequency every day. The beauty is in its simplicity where less is more.
Thanks for the review, I just ordered one. To me this knife fits in the Bugout and Para 3 category.
Hmm, this is one of those rare times I disagree with Nick. As a fellow self proclaimed knife nerd I was really excited about this knife. Yeah it's vanilla, but I think that's what makes it stand out. In a world where everyone is trying to design something unique, Ben has design something that is so plain that it ends up being unique in it's plain-ness. Sometimes it's nicer to be understated. I know Ben likes to be able to reach his index finger to the tip of the blade but I'm hoping to see a larger version of this knife in the future (in every dimensions except for blade stock thickness. Also, a blue handle with a black blade would look awesome.
I just got this (the all black) and I absolutely love it. As a woman it fits great in the hand and the action is fantastic. For me it is the perfect knife when it comes to size and how it carries. This will be my everyday carry no doubt.
I’ve carried this knife every single day since June and I love this thing!
I personally love this knife. I have both versions, and I have no problem with the price tag given the fit and finish and S35VN!! I love the action, and the biggest thing that intrigued me about the knife was the fact that it’s so simple that it works perfectly. Too many knives nowadays try to do fancy things, weird blades, awkward handles, etc.... I just love how simple the knife is, it brings a sense of ease with it because it’s so simple and fun to use! Great review nick, everyone has their own opinions about every knife ever made!!
Should I get this if I already have the Bugout?
The action seems like something I could play with all day, but the price is a bit high for a nice to have and not need to have.
Honestly I think this is a great enthusiast knife too. I'm really impressed with mine and I think the price point is perfectly fair-- WE fit and finish with a premium steel.
99.99999% of knife crowd could get away with an Opinel for their ACTUAL knife needs, outside of the kitchen. This piece by Ben expertly shaves off the frill, and leaves you with a pure tool.
I feel like this might have been better as a Civivi knife with an $80-$90 pricetag, since that's around what they're charging for an Elementum in S35VN. Or even cheaper than that and use a steel like 154cm. I have the Banter with the blue scales and I really like it, but I can't guarantee it'll replace my Lil' Native as my work knife.
Yeah when I saw the design my first thought was “awesome! Civivi is making a new knife!”
Tbh civivi and we are the same company. By branding it as a WE knife they’re actually increasing it’s value as it implies higher quality and fit and finish.
Elementums in S35VN are hardly ever in stock though. I want one so bad but it’s so hard to cop one 😭
It has a similar blade shape, minus the flipper, which I won’t miss…kind of tired of flippers at the moment, except front flippers I suppose.
That's exactly what the baby banter is here for now :p
I got one on the first run and i love it. My first we knife and its so smooth so nice.
I feel like the all-black comes off less as "high speed low drag" and more as "classy," but maybe that's just me.
I agree. I feel like the blue and satin version is kindof a simple version and the black version is a classy version
I completely agree. I really like the aesthetics of all black everything. It is kind of annoying when people call it "tacticool" solely because of the color. Was Johnny Cash high-speed low-drag for wearing all black?
My dad is high speed low drag.
Michael Blanco he was high something
Completely agree, nothing about this knife says tactical to me.
Sweet piece...
Thanks for the presentation...
I love the look. Ben definitely captured the quintessential look of a folding knife for people just getting into knives and also one that even long time collectors can enjoy. I can see it being one of those knives that every collect has to have as part of his collection. Only thing I’m waiting for is different handle materials, especially a metal handle for durability and greater stiffness.
Blue is my birthstone so naturally I opted for the blue scaled Banter...super glad I did. Awesome design from an awesome dude!
Nick, another solid and informative review. I also love the disassembly videos you do. I just got in my Banter in blue and love it....but funny thing out of the box its was smooth for like 30 mins then it got a bit gritty. Not a WE action. Not BAD but not great. I have a WE Hecate thats butter smooth so I was scratching my head. SO I broke it down and I swear one of the bearings was backwards if I remember. It was also dry as a bone just like my Hecate. But clean on the inside. So I cleaned it all off and dropped some KLP on it and put it back together. Stellar action. I also like how it centered right up. I have a Civivi but this is definitely a notch above that in quality.
If this is a "first knife", I think that the bar is very high. Don't have one yet, but do plan on buying one. Don't think the price is tragic as just about all WE's S35VN blades are north of $108. I think a lot of people will compare it to the Civivi Elementum in S35VN at $30 less. Fair enough. But some of us won't mind spending a bit more for thumbstuds and may smile a bit as we say in our minds, What Is Up Guys?
The review that we've all been waiting 2 months in anticipation for. You've talked me out of buying one. I'd probably end up just giving it away. I have been loving the Sandrin Dellatorre this past week. While I don't care for slip joints as much as locking knives, it just feels so amazing to cut things with.
I think the main reason I love this knife so damn much is because it's made by one of ours. It really feels like a buddy of mine designed it even though I've only spoken to Ben a handful of times. He's part of the community and I feel as though it's just a great piece because it's one of our ideas.
Such a cool comment. Thank you. That means a lot to me.
Received my Benblue Banter today, and I love it!!! Not because it's very special to look at, but because it fits in a knifefobic country like The Netherlands. I own several knives, (approx. 50 ) but this one is, together with a Victorinox, the knife you can take out of your pocket without seeing scary faces. Good job Ben. I will order the black Banters to. And Nick thanks for your excellent review!!!
I like the shape of the blade. I also like the minimalist look.
Just ordered the purple G10/20CV version of this, can't wait for it to arrive.
I think it’s a fresh and unique design. Not vanilla at all. VERY practical. It doesn’t look like all the other pocket knives. Great job Ben !!!
So I will freely admit to being a bit of a knife nut and definitely have a number of them that are far more interesting/exciting and definitely more expensive than the Banter. That said, I am actually a really big fan of it, even though it is boring. The reason for this is that this is an archetypal knife. It falls within a very specific class of normal, every day, run of the mill liner locks with S35VN blades, but in that class, I haven't personally handled anything that, as a whole, does it better. This is a knife that someone can carry and use without worrying people or drawing a lot of attention even though it isn't a traditional "grandpa's" knife. It has an action that far exceeds many other knives in the class and price. Is it perfect? No. But expecting absolute perfection at $100 is asking a lot. I personally find this knife very compelling not because it is super unique, but because at it's class and price, it is the very best of average. It is a new baseline. This is to the $100 price point what the Ontario Rat II in D2 is to budget, and I think that's pretty great.
I disagree with everyone who says it looks plain and looks vanilla, although opinion is subjective. I think it’s looks awesome. I like the chunky proportions, and the looks are one of the main reasons I’m considering it. To me, it’s a very stylish design almost hidden in plain sight as a stereotypical knife shape.
Excellent review Nick thank you
As a knife muggle, This knife is perfect. I don't want a knife that looks like I'm going to skin a deer. I'm just opening amazon packages let be honest 🤣🤣🤣 I wish it was half the price tho, would love other easy open similar knife suggestions!!!!
Such a nice looking piece. Very classy looking. I'm tempted
I agree that the general comment that this knife is purely a utilitarian tool for most knife nuts and about as much “knife” that most sane people need - which is Ben’s clever trick to introducing our shared addiction to the rest of the world. Once introduced to a solid knife and breaking the $100 barrier, people will start to ask “what else is available.” Always appreciate the excellent reviews Nick. Keep up the good work!
I didn’t expect to love this knife. I have two Banters and one baby banter. For me, the Banter is perfect for EDC. The thickness of the handle offsets the smallness of the knife. If that makes sense. It fills my hand perfectly, it’s not too skinny. I don’t have big hands. I wear a small to medium glove but I have long fingers. Skinny knives are not comfortable for me. The Banter gets the most pocket time of my knives and I have a nice PM2 and Para3 collection.
As a knife collector who has a banter I like the simple design. There aren't many knives that have the clean minimalist design, quality action and deployment, good blade shape and material. Its also surprisingly ergonomic. I haven't seen a minimalist knife pull it off this well. But the biggest attraction I had to this knife is nabbing one of the aftermarket scales. The scales are a flat square-ish canvas for a cool design.
This is the knife I keep in my EDC pouch. It doesn't really get pocket time because I'm left handed but as a knife that will spend most of it's life sitting in a pouch, in my truck, it's perfect.
Dunno... this is in my top rotation. Gave it a 17* edge and it really came to life. It's so easy to carry it's hard to not. This and the para 3 lightweight are great about that. I think I like the para 3 LW a little more just because the ergos are so fantastic. (The rex45 is also outstanding)
I love your reviews. They are so honest, clear and compact. 👍🏻
Really do like the look of this, plain and simple just like me
I plan on getting one of these because it’s the right size for me and I like a black blade. I would get a different color scale with a bit more bling which would add some flavor to the vanilla.
I do like this knife. Ergos and personal preference of vanilla aside. I can say that I’ve purchased 3 knives recently around this same size and price. A mini Bugout $120, upgraded elementum with s35vn $81 and the banter $110. The banter is the only one that I had Zero issues with fit and finish, Quality control or action. I’ve had no desire or need to disassemble and try to fix anything with this out of the box. Unlike the other two. I suppose it could be $20 bucks less then I’d think people would scream it’s sooo cheap and a great value. Eh anyway. Great review as always Nick. I dig it Ben. Keep it up. Make more. ✌🏼&❤️
Great review, I have the all black version on the way from Blade HQ👍🌴
Nick, Can you put the knife in the KME to see if the thumb stud is in the path of the sharpening stone? I have come across the issue on other blades, makes it so you can't sharpen on a KME. Thank you for the review.
Nick had a very difficult time saying this knife is mediocre while trying not to offend Ben haha
I caught that. It's not easy...
Glad someone finally said it
I’ll say it, this knife is boring as hell. Should be about $85.
I think you are missing the beauty in simplicity. Knife people have gotten too hung up in things they don't actually need
@@bobnery That's the core of being an enthusiast regardless of the hobby.
You are wrong Nick when you say the people watching this video this knife might not appeal to. That may be true in this exact moment but not for future viewings. So many of us who weren't knife people, get into knives from watching YOUR channel. So the perfect audience this knife is designed for...I think they will check it out on your channel first. You have gotten so many of us into the knife world!
And what happened to the days of yore when you praised a pocket knife for being a boring tool? You would say "I would take it out if my pocket, cut something, put it back in without thinking". I think that's even why you loved the RAT so much. Everytime I use this knife those exact words go through my thoughts. This thing is a simple tool extraordinare! And it's got just enough fidget factor to be satisfying and get newbies hooked.
Great review Nick! I think Ben made one hell of a knife with this first entry.
Nick, I’m an avid fan of your reviews, and will continue to be. OK, you know what makes this knife a freakin’ gem? T-8 screws all around!! I know you mentioned this only in your disassembly video, but it sets this knife apart from its peers, let alone much more expensive knives. That, and the recessed deep carry clip with countersunk screws! Are you kidding me? I’m sure to get more of these in addition to the one I have in blue, maybe even the blacked out version, with which I can switch scales.
I'm not a tactical person at all, but am super happy it comes in black because I love black and don't like the silver. It's also the ONLY knife I've ever had my wife say "wow I actually like that one" about, and also commented that she liked how sleek it looked being all black. We are far from "tactical" it's just nice and sleek. Black can be a personal preference thing as well, don't loose sight of that.
Like it, different color options would be great od green scales would be cool!
I love my banter. It goes in the pocket more often then my Benchmade Anthem, Protech BR1 Magic Whiskers, and almost as much as my CRK Large Inkosi. It’s just barely cheap enough for me to want to use it all the time, but pricey enough to know it’s well built, with food materials, by a company who cares about the quality of their product. 8.5/10 from me for sure.
looks good but thick. what are your thoughts on the thickness? thank you
amazing knife. Ben's the best. I want one in ben blue 💙
Thanks nick! Like you I just can’t get excited about this knife but I recognize it’s excellent design.
I don’t know why but the look of the knife i like so much. Something about the handle and blade shape together
Would you consider doing a full review of the WE Knives Chimera 814A?
I dig the looks. With the black and blue accents. That and the James Brand Carter knife are similar in looks
Hey Nick, what's the disadvantage of a sharpening choil this size, that would be solved by a bigger one? I thought it was just to give you a clean endpoint to the edge for sharpening purposes.
This knife is a perfect introduction for someone who is starting a knife collection.
I like the looks of this but I have an Elementum and that fulfills the same exact roll as this would. The only thing I like more about the Banter is the recessed pocket clip vs the non recessed on the Elementum.
Nick, first and foremost, I appreciate your integrity, honesty and business ethic. You’ve shown yourself to be truly non bias reviewing this Banter knife even though you know and like Ben. I don’t travel in your circle and don’t know anyone in the knife business. I’m just a fan of EDC pocket knives and a subscriber of your You Tube. If you reviewed the knife any other way than you did, you would be considered just another shmo reviewing knives on You Tube. I’m a small business owner in the NorthEast and just wanted to give you a shout out for your integrity. Hard to come by these days
^This. All day. He's the purest knife reviewer out there.
Ben Banters Hey Ben, just curious. Why did you play it so safe with your first design? I’m not knocking you or the knife. With all your years of handling knives, you could have come out of the box swinging. I’m not talking something radical, but definitely something with an edge or a little spice. I hope We Knives gives you another shot at making another knife for them. Congratulations on your first knife debut in the market.
@@greggory584 I see what you're saying. But I guess simplicity is just part of my DNA: I wear a Timex, blue jeans and $6 t shirts. I drive a stock Tacoma. This design is simplicity at work. I guess that's just me at this point in my life.
Ben Banters Hey Ben,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and replying. Since you explained your life style, I now understand the design of the knife :)
If Blade HQ decides to put it on sale, I’ll be sure to buy one.
All the best and good luck on your next knife design venture.
Greggory
I agree with everythin Nick S. said, this is a simple designed knife, aimed for “non-knife people” or perhaps people just enterin the knife world. The ergonomics are basic, universal for most hand sizes ; comfortable. Blade material is good for price. The shape of the blade looks good, very utilitarian and that’s about all that can be said. Good starter knife for most people I think, i wouldn’t mind havin it, great review Nick!! Pro tech fan here 😎
something to try. buy the blue and black then do a blade swap. black blade with a blue g10 handle is sexy.
Thanks for sharing 👍
I just got mine and it’s about to get in the review queue, but so far the handle is slippery and the clip has a major hot spot. Action is great....
Finally have one of my own after a lot of back and forth!! OMG, I love it! For a non-American made knife (which I’ve come by that were not sharp or had small deficiencies). This one is sexy, sharp and dang near perfect! I’m a retired military guy and have always been super “USA made” but honestly I’m starting to see China and Taiwan make some really gorgeous knives that they have taken the time to pay attention to the detail!❤
Good balanced review. I am not a big Blade HQ fan. To my European mind there's too much "cool, awesome and amazing" and no snappy original banter. They overdo the "in jokes" and offer zero depth to their descriptions. However, Ben is an affable guy whose knife tastes are close to mine.
Whilst I do collect knives, I appreciate a tall cool glass of vanilla if it's well done. A knife is most importantly a tool which is produced in public and shouldn't be garish. Inoffensive is a plus for me.
Ben has made a good knife, although your each of your comments are very valid. I would definitely consider one and I think many others would agree.
I think blue might be the new black on this occasion.
General question for conversation:
This is kind of expensive for what it is. How do people, who own a Finch, feel about the value as compared to the Banter? Finch Knives makes some pretty sweet looking pieces but they have higher end budget steel and g10 for a good $30-40 more?
That is a really cool looking knife. I’m glad Ben designed it. I can’t wait to add one to my collection. Awesome review Nick. Thank you
Always interested . BUT. Today you used the phrase "deep carry style clip" I am guessing that this means it would clip in to that little pocket on the inside of your levis actual pocket ( other jeans are available and have similar pockets ) where you might store some change. Or I could be so wrong. I have two knives both Opinel one pointy for me and one round edged for my boy (so he can't easily stab himself ) . I got them when he ( we ... they dragged me in ...) joints the Boy Scouts ( Beavers ) . Both very sharp for packaging which since we have not been out shopping for...........I digress . I Would love a lexicon of some of your descriptions ( for beginners ) . Thanks
I have a SOG Blink. I think the larger one is called a Flick. Lock back blade. Very similar design.
Late to the party, but as no knive dude, appricated the revieuw and just got it for everyday use. Cheers.
I find myself leaning more towards the high drag, low speed side of the tactical spectrum.
Great blade shape; excellent (non-snobby) steel; blade length is ok with police in L.A. COUNTY, killer action. Would fit in a small caddy with a AA light and small pen. Look pretty much perfect to me.... I mean, I have 3 or 5 other knives that fit that bill, so I don't know if I'd pick it up. But if I didn't have other knives, I'd be all over this thing. STILL might buy it. The action looks amazing for what the rest of this knife is. Good cutting, legal, excellent fidget-factor....
This is a boringly excellent knife. It has everything that I look for. High flat grind, ≈3", grippy scales, open back, deep carry clip, great action, good jimping, good steel but nothing too exotic, sharpening choil, liner/frame/axis lock ...
It's a lot like my S90V Lil' Native.
Although this is actually faultless (anodized blue stand-offs?) there are other knives, with faults, that I prefer.
I totally understand why this is Ben's first knife and I'm looking forward to seeing some risk-taking in future.
Right at 3:33 it looks like the video dropped a frame right as you opened it and i find that hilarious.
This is the type of knife I prefer and the black looks great
Only on my second viewing did I notice the "What Is Up Guys" logo on the knife.
"It's kind of a tall, cool glass of Vanilla."
I chortled.
It’s in my pocket as a knife geek more than other knives now.
i really like the looks of that knife a lot i just wish the knife had a different lock... I have this aversion to liner lock.... i wish it were a button lock using the we logo as the button
A budget version in 154CM would be a good idea and would probably sell pretty well.
Or D2 made by Civivi?
I own many knives I find it refreshing and useful.
It's better than a Mini Bugout, and $40 cheaper. That's a BIG win.
I like the aesthetic alot. The blacked out look gives it a bit of edginess. You can almost see a fat spearpoint with coffin handle, but nothing threatening.
Just got mine got the blue one now I need the kitty scales
I absolutely love the design and feel of this knife… But then again my favorite ice cream is vanilla. There’s nothing like really good vanilla!
I had 2 choose btwn this and the S35V CIVII ELEMENTUM...I chose the elementum but will def get a Banter soon!
Ryan Parish, you really like the Elementum? I got one last month in carbon/damascus and am quite disappointed in how cheapish it feels.
@@baddoopey I got the original in g10 grey scales n D2...lock up good, action good, no blade play...slim profile butbi can get full grip...smaller hands.. I used the d2 to puncture 5 gal buckets this summer for potting...thitbid upgrade to S35VN w green Micarta
Ryan Parish, the g10 must be better than the carbon, which feels like cheap plastic but what i dislike most is the fact that the scales are just undersized.
@@baddoopey I have smaller hands but I get full 4 finger grip I'd say bigger hands prob 3 31/2 grip
Ryan Parish, I mean that the scales are undersized compared to the liners.
its rather elegantly understated
I was ready to buy one of these, but was turned off by the ball bearing pivot. It just seems like this design would have been better off with the simplicity of bronze washers. I don’t think the target audience will want to deal with maintaining the bearings, once they get dirt in there.
im not into tactical appliances far from it but i would buy the all black just to match my other black gears because black is the easiest color to match
I like the knife...love the aesthetic. I own dozen of knives and most revolve around drop points and plain G10 and Micarta lol, so some knife nerds like these types as well lol. I agree though, it would have been a perfect $75 to $80 dollar knife.
Mine had issues closing. Not sure if the scale is off or what but you really had to dig into the liner in order to close. Very disappointed about that.
Would an access lock like Ben originally wanted added more intrigue? I think it’s a fine knife but liner locks are kinda lame unless its got a flipper tab in my opinion.
I think it looks gorgeous. In the same way that a blacked out modern hot rod built from a classic car is. Take those fancy trimmed out old cars and strip and shave and French and smooth all the details, streamline and simplify, and paint it black. Can’t go wrong with that formula.
When did Ben leave bladehq?
Looks awesome and want it for my collection but not easy with the uncertainty of it becoming boring, at $100
I think the black version looks sharp.
Of course. Nick is just an old head. The majority of buyers who are my age and bens age are into the all black look.
I compare this knife to the Spyderco para 3 for me. A knife that is so unbelievably popular but ultimately falls flat to my personal interest. The ergos on a smaller knife like this just do not work with my hands (and I don’t even have bear paws). I feel the same here as you nick. A knife that I could carry but wouldn’t, like the para 3 was for me and why I sold it. I was super harsh on the design for very unfair reasons because it is a good piece
Love my all black banter all around great knife
It is a well designed knife, but, I would like to see this knife as a flipper design which would streamline the blade's form factor. In my line of work, I process cardboard and, unfortunately, thumbstuds get in the way. Nonetheless, good job at the design Ben, keep up the good work.
Nick. Maybe it's me but your camera color temp kept changer on this video. Also this woulda been more attractive as a civivi d2 offering.
My thoughts exactly. I knew there would be alot of buzz due to the designer, but I'm just not interested in that much vanilla.