Unpopular opinion: the Grimsmo's have priced themselves out of the market. If I were them I would up the steel to CPM S110V and drop the price to about $750.
Ken Sheffield Does it also not bother anyone at ALL, that John Grimsmo himself, states that he completely ripped off this blade geometry and design from Anso...he states it in his very first prototyping video...it bothers me that these are nothing more than a computer 3D printed knife except in metal. No grinding, no shaping on anything other than solidworks. Meh!!
I don't know that they have priced themselves out of the market, because I'm pretty sure they instantly sell every knife they make at the prices they ask. If you are poor like me, you can always go for the Hilberg homage to the Norseman. They are 90%+ identical, made with an M390 blade, and are readily available under $200. If you want the real thing, good luck on the waitlist.
I applied for makers choice list and choose your own two lists, several years ago. About 18 months ago I got noticed I could get a nice green builders choice at current price and bought it. Then about 6 month later I got an email that my build to order came up but I passed on it. This is my favorite EDC knife, and I have a lot.
@@Zondidjejsj It took me a while before I would even look at my Norseman wrong. Now, I use it daily with no qualms and it has never failed me. If only I could get a dang Rask.
I know this is a preference thing, but I truly hate the blade shape. It includes the things I loathe most in blade shapes: tantos and recurves. Only way I could dislike the blade shape more would be if they added serrations.
Drew P I agree completely. This knife is butt ugly and nothing special. If you buy knives for the action only, then you don't use the knives you buy, they are nothing but a fidget spinner for lots of money. The aesthetic of this do nothing for me, and the price point is utterly ridiculous. This knife is a CNC product...hardly custom and nothing special. No desire to ever own one. Stupid case too...who needs all that crap? Nobody.
I own almost 100 knives in display cases and knife rolls. I collect them so I like knives with odd blade shapes and designs. Most times I carry a $50 knife that is lightweight and looks good too. When I do not carry my gun I carry either a Microtech Combat Troodon or the new Scarab II. I love the Spydie Chef knife and use it to cut fruit. Also big on the older line of ZTs. I also carry the ZT 301 when I cannot carry a gun and want a heavy duty knife.
For sd,I would carry my police 4,zt 0462,or we knives bogardus.I never carry those,usually rock a benchmade pardue,or the casbha,or the zt 0707,or the spydee pm2,or ikuchi-all good cutters
Nick, it is your unwavering objectivity and candor which make you the most relevant knife reviewer around today. As you mentioned, the Norseman is iconic for your channel, but even so, you did not allow yourself to be swayed by it. It is this characteristic of yours that compels so many of us to depend on your opinion before making our next knife purchase.
Gotta agree with that. It takes a fair amount of courage to honestly point out the shortcomings of a product you know someone has put a ton of work and passion into, and in a community you support and are a part of.
If they can sell these at $900 a pop and demand is high then the old adage "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies. Chris Reeve has been selling the same overpriced Sebenzas for years and it's worked out pretty well for him.
Yes....you are completely right...one can spot a Norseman miles away (btw a smaller version of the Norseman could be great)....but that is precisely why I think they don't want to take the risk of changing anything that could jeopardize interest in their most succesfull design towards other directions before they can make profit from all the new hi tech machines they have bought. But something has changed deep in the Grimsmo strategy and client aproach . Five days ago I was finally drafted from the Grimsmo BUYERS CHOICE list so I entered the link and I was really surprised of all the options they gave me to customize my Norseman. Unfortunately I didn't find the exact anodization pattern on both scales nor the finish I wanted for the pocket clip. Being a little bit disapointed, I sent John an email with my very own request but I have to confess I had low expectations regarding his response. Almost immediately he sent me an email with specific questions about my knife and, after bouncing back and forth emails we finaly got there. During the process, he legitimately was trying (always with such a good humor) to comply with the very smallest detail of my request. I was really impressed. I expect this knife to be produced in the following two weeks so this whole situation gives me a renewed interest in what for sure will come next...
Nail on the head with me being also a recent owner of a Norseman. It simply is not a justifiable price other than you’re paying for grimsmo’s growth so they can go back to producing amazing pieces at competitive prices for what you get.
@David Martin Portmann Well they're not forcing anyone to buy them, yet ppl still buy holts/shiros/grimsmo's But yeh I agree its a stupid amount of money, not for me.
@David Martin Portmann Actually I think i'ts more likely they continue to add features and qualitities to the knife to justify the price they are already at, not to decrease the price.
I gotta say this video is one of the best reviews out there on the Norseman knife and for Nick’s review videos. It is emotionally good! I will surely watch it again but with a box of tissue.
I could have sworn you said that “some have gotten cocky horsing around” with this peculiar yet somehow extremely familiar blade shape. I simply relish in the Shabazz trademark double intendres.
I agree to some extent about your point on pricing into the hype, but at the same time, there’s always the law of supply and demand. The hype combined with their limited numbers means that it makes sense for the price to shoot up. Only way to bring down the price is to bring down the hype, and with it the demand.
It costs so much because you also pay a small fraction of the cost of the mills that make it and the new shop, not just the knife. Sucks but such is life
@@batcarpet1225 If they want so much more money than their product is reasonably worth, they should start a GoFundMe. There's a reason most businesses operate in the red for a while after they start. You can't just charge ridiculous prices because your capital investment might have been expensive.
Last summer I discovered this channel where I first saw and fell in love with the Norseman. I had no idea they were $600 at one point! I still want it but it’s now towards the bottom of my $200+ wishlist
m I bought one a while ago. It was nice, really nice. The action was amazing. But I never found the opportunity to put it to good use. It was too much money for me, wasn't worth looks and action of the knife. I would only get it if you really have nothing else to get, but they sell well, everyone should experience a Norseman
I got notified that I was eligible for a Norseman of my design 5 times in two years and once for their pen. I have a feeling that not many are sending in their email addresses to be chosen. I did buy two. One to carry and one for my display case. I also bought the pen and I really like it. Use it every day. Will not buy anymore. I have got into Microtech OTF knives and almost have every model they make. I have a CCW permit so I can legally carry them. I like the large Sebenza as it makes for a good EDC knife. The OTF knives are carried on my left side in case of someone trying to grab my gun in my right hand. I started my collection with Spydeco when they first made knives and sold them to jewelry stories who stamped their name on them. The knife community hated them. I still have a few of the early ones and about 15 other models. Used to be my primary EDC knife, but not anymore. I also got into Emerson knives and love the older ZT knives too. I have always carried a knife for the last 50 years. I use them daily. Have original Cold Steel and Puma knives and the knife I carried in Vietnam.
i just received "buyers choice" from Grimsmo I've been on the waiting list for a few years.. received email to purchase a full purple one, i passed. its been a year and finally another shot....got it!!!!!
I hope the Grimsmos can find a new path forward I really want to see them have continued success. I absolutely love my Norseman and dont regret the purchase one bit but they need to add some variety to that lineup, I'd love to buy a smaller knife from them, mainly.
They have to pay for all of that overhead. Based on their videos, they have a new squeaky clean shop and lots of brand new high end machines to pay for. The random drawing to purchase one turned me right off, even if I did want to spend the money.
@@cerberus0413 Then they expanded too quickly. Yeah the drawing sucks but a lot of "custom" makers do that. Of course here you only have a slim chance of getting any sort of customization done.
@@kidthorazine I wouldn't mind so much if it was a custom hand made knife, or buyers choice custom of a production knife. Personally though, I would rather wait in a list, at least I know where I stand.
I think it's important to keep up the makers choice lottery because theres a low incremental gap in pricing. You can get a plain norseman with no extra designs or anodizing for $925, but for $940 you can get a two tone handle with amazing milling details. The inventory is where the less impressive Norsemans wind up and you join the makers choice hoping you get picked for a good one. I would love if they brought back Damasteel or did some more fancy inlays
I have number #3083 and had the same issue with you.. flipping thumbstud etc.. the detent was a bit hard! Adjust the screw etc. and it works like a beauty..
This should be 500$ max. These are production knives at this point. 80% hype 20% value. And at that price your steel should not be “grocery store” steel. It nice but uh,... 1k?
it's a confounding issue because I *love* the blade shape and the width. if I found something similar but cheaper I'd be all over it. Till then, this'll stay on my "if I win the WSOP" list
It's funny because as you're describing how seeing the grimsmo make something and then having it in your hand, I'm watching nick Shabazz review the exact same norseman configuration I have and how cool it is. Guess nobody can escape that irrationality (=
While I love my Norseman and it’s not going anywhere I completely agree with you’re GGBU. Of all the high end production knives I own the action on the Norseman is that 1% better that is so hard to achieve.
I've had mine 3 years and 8 still find myself gravitating back to it ,I love the precision of CNC work ,like my Herman's they are very similar in the way they go about it ,Herman makes his own bearings ,pivots etc but Herman does seem to be pushing a little harder ie more designs , options for full dress and so on grissmo needs to catch up and not rest on their laurels before they get forgotten but even if that goes happen I will still love my Norseman
Chris figured this out after winning best folder forever at the Blades Show awards. Several new models later the Idaho Made Reeves Knives brand was back with some modern classic designs. I hope John takes a similar look at his range and flexes a bit to produce some new stuff befitting his talents. Thoughtful review Nick.👍
at this point the Grimsmo Norseman is just a flex piece. If you have it and love it good for you, but if you're drooling over this knife, thinking that this is the holy grail let me tell you right now; it's not
"This detente is too hard." I may be wrong but I don't believe I've ever heard you say that before. I think I need to go for a sit down and a drink somewhere quiet just to let it sink in.
I’ve often wondered what Mr. Grimsmo was going for when he selected the RWL-34. Everything I’ve seen of him talking about it leads me to believe that it’s his passion project, the knife he needed but couldn’t find anywhere. Just about every knife nut has a favorite steel (K390 for me); I wonder if RWL-34 is just his?
I suspect this knife steel is priced correctly and easy to work with for smaller knife makers. I notice it in several other "mid tech" and custom knives like this.
Jason Quintana I think you’re on to something. That Peña front flipped trapper thing that the Nick has that everyone tries to buy off of him is similar; CPM-154, and is in the same price range as the Norseman.
The Grimsmo story is he wants to be a machinist and found people are willing to pay 500$ and up for knives. His passion is the process not the product, hence why no new innovations.
With titanium scales how much can a lockbar insert matter? Wouldn't it takes years of hard use to start lock sticking, and even then the steel would wear into the titanium, and not the other way around? Especially if it's carbadized at the tip. You've said it yourself, simple (when possible) is better.
They could breathe new life into the Norsemen by simply making a carbon fiber model with under the scale spacer. Or make it a bolster lock. Then offer a host of different scales as well as make extra scales available to folks. Offering different blade steel should also be an option.
I’m probably in the minority but I’ve always liked the blade shape even if it isn’t practical. I’ve always wanted one of these but can’t justify the cost. I’ve been on the wait list for a long time and have turned them down 4 different times due to $$$.
I was chosen to pick from the Norseman lottery today and was THRILLED at first. Then I saw the prices. Roughly $1,050. That's just an obscene price, I'm sorry. Really wish I could afford it.
I got over wanting this knife like I did with the long list on the North Arms Skaha. Other great knives came out and were more readily available that took my money.
I think this is a perfect example of how these knife production companies aren’t held accountable on their price points anymore, total materials and labor cost can’t be more then 500$ Yet they charge almost twice that for a knife while unique yes, really isn’t anything new
I really like the knife, but what makes it better than Chris Reeve's Umnumzaan? maybe much smoother mechanism .. more fun to play with, but not better in use for sure. That's 450$ knife. As long it's CNCed, they should try to push, as Nick said, bit further .. Ti backspacer, thicker 20CV or M390 or so .. Bold or fatty version of it will be welcomed. For business continuity and sustainability, they need to rethink the pricing again .. wish John and Erik all the best.
I think Norsemen are worth the money. If you've been watching the channel for years the story is a big part of it. Agree the clip needs updating to a crosshatch texture.
I’m just a random jackass but even if I wanted to spend/had that amount of money to spend on a knife - I would go Rockstead, it’s just absurd amount of money for what you get imho...🤷🏻♂️
Great review. Thank you for calling the price ugly. It takes guts to do so. In your estimation, what separates a (undesirable) "non-committal recurve” from something like what we see here, which you put on the "fine" side? P.S. "They've been making the best knife of 2016 for three years now.” 💀
I get the price hike. They kept seeing the knives they worked hard on being sold for at least 2-3 times what they were charging. Blame the people that paid $1000-1500 or more for a $600 knife
Considering the price and collectability of this knife I wouldn't cut tissue paper with it. Be honest this has become a non user in all reality. This is the chateau neuf du pape of knives at this point. The world of knife nerdery has takin control of the future of this "knife" love the channel Nick.
That blade shape reminds me of my Tops Tac-Raze friction folder. Another over priced knife (relatively anyway!) and equally ‘sort of’ functional, but not more than that, but quirky and fun none the less!
I just got one off the secondary market for 640 lnib with a make date of 20230707. I have to say that im not disappointed at all for that deal. The quality and action is butter smooth, absolutely worth it. On the other end, 1K plus for it isn't worth it. If grimsmo used a better blade steel, possibly worth it. I was at the 2024 blade show in DFW, found one for a whopping 1.3K, I just walked away.
Good review on the esthetics that we have all grown used to. Would you mind making a review video on the performance of the knives. I just like Most people who watch knife reviews are interested on the performance of these tools so enlighten us nick.
I’ve carefully watched every Nick Norseman review/reference/comparison since “gems” became a thing. I can see that the Norseman’s action is “a beautiful thing.” But I just can’t get past my heartfelt abhorrence of the Norseman’s butt-ugly blade shape. I’ve tried and tried, but no matter how much I‘be squinted my brain, and no matter my respect for Nick’s perspective, this knife flat out fails to inspire even a twinge of knifelust in my heart. Admittedly, given the sky-high regard that many have for the Norseman, this no doubt reveals a deficiency in my knifetude, but so it goes. I guess the end result is that there‘s just one more Grimsmo for the rest of the loyal to revere and consume, so there’s that.
Where did the point by point review of the two prior knives with this new one go? Interested in seeing the design changes/evolution from the 2016 knives to 2020, other than the price evolution.
Interesting! When Nick purchased his second Norseman for around $600 he was happy with his purchase!! He would often show it on his videos and state that it was one of his favourite knives that he owns. Now just recently he purchased his third Norseman that had a bit of a different shaped handle for over $900. I guess he thought that for the increase in price over the years that there should be such an improvement in the knife that would warrent the increase in price. But however he could find only a few improvements and not enough to justify the price increase. He is an example of an educated consumer who has set certain guidelines for himself that were not met with the increase in price!!! For others who are purchasing the knife for the very first time who do not have the same guidelines as Nick then the knife is worth every penny because the knife is still a gem. That part has not changed!!! It is just a question of whether your money is of the same value as Nicks money!! We are all different!!! Money is worth more to some of us!! That is a fact!! And you really should not bash the knife unless you have one or have held one and even then base your decision on how you feel about it and not how Nick feels about it!! After all it is his 3rd Norseman!! The knife will sell for what ever the market will bear. You can not bash the manufacturer either because they have to test the price as well to judge what the market will bear!!! Anybody would do the same thing and if the price is too high then they will find out quick enough and lower their price. It’s called supply and demand!! Having one in my hand and paying top dollar for it I can say that I am very happy with it and it is truly a gem in my collection! No matter what others say!!!!!!! (Oh ya it is my very first Norseman and my most expensive knife as well!!!)
Clips that lay that flat are meant for gossamer thin pants. I wear basic office dress pants and even they would likely bow that clip out. Maybe I’m wrong, The Nick probably wears office dress too with all them fancy watches! I tend to like the looped deep carry ones. Props to Lynch clips, great clips Casey. I have bent similar clips to the Norsedude, however... ugly.
I see these on the secondary market all the time around $650. Sure it is a great knife but it is another example of a very hyped knife where the supply could not meet the demand. Now the hype has gone to the next thing and the supply exceeds the demand people that bought these are losing their shirts. As amazing as the holt specter is, I think the same value drop will happen to it.
Here’s the thing, there are a whole lot of $100 - $200 knives that will do literally everything this knife will do, many in better steels, so the “value” of knives like this is unicorns & tooth fairies. This pastel coloured jewellery most customers will put carefully in a draw and never use because it’s to expensive & “special” to get a single mark on is way, way to far along the curve of diminishing returns to make sense and knives like this are for suckers who get suckered in by the hype & secretly regret spending the money on what is at the end of the day just a pocket knife.
Steeltoothees I respect that you actually use it but I can’t help suggesting you’re not the most common example? More to the point though, does it really do anything say an M390 Steel Will Cutjack would do? (Both the Cutjack & M390 were an off the cuff example, I’m not saying they’re the best of anything but the M390 Cutjack is an excellent knife in an excellent steel.)
@@nicholsliwilson most inexpensive knives do what expensive ones do.......except be expensive, be renowned, and mostly, be lusted after by collectors. Part of that is what other expensive knives can't copy about this Norseman. Simply put they can't be a Norseman even if they are amazing in their own right, they can't be something they aren't unless they make an identical knife and give it a different name. They can be a M390 Steel Will Cutjack but they can't be the Norseman that fills the collector's dream/lust. As for me, if I ever get this knife I will use it.......not as hard as I use my tool knife (CR Full Sized Sebenza Tanto), but I will definitely carry it and use it sparingly.
Nicholas Wilson honestly you can say that about many knives. I’ve got friends who can’t fathom spending more than 20 bucks on a knife. Is the Norseman for everyone? Nope. I’m not trying to convince you or anyone. It’s not even my daily carry. But when I feel like it I take it out and use it. I’ve gutted fish with the thing. Believe it or not it’s excellent at that.
TECH-FIGHTER as ever it comes down to what has value to you personally. I get that you may see value in it being somehow special but the very fact that you’d use it sparingly is where it falls flat for me. A knife is a tool that’s made to be used that deserves to be used if it’s well made from a good steel & BTW I really like RWL-34. I have a QSP Platypus that cost £55 with tax & shipping and whilst it’s a great knife for the money and as much as I like D2 as a budget steel it is a compromise, fine as a “beater” knife and impressive for the money but the sweet spot for me is still the $/£100 - $/£200.
It is a beautiful knife. I have number 1215. Was it worth the money? Hmmm, debatable. In terms of build quality it isn't as good as the cheaper Sebenza 31. But, every one is somewhat individualised. Do I use it for its intended purpose? No, blade shape is too impractical.
Last I looked, below but very close to retail. I passed on the email notifying me I was selected to purchase one a few months ago. Just couldn’t justify it.
Is the Norseman / Viking logo not centred on the pivot? It looks like there is less space on the left of it than on the right. Or is that just a trick of the camera angle or a figment of my imagination?
Knaff fam, please understand that this is one man's opinion. Please give some time and effort to form YOUR own opinion as with all other things in life. Also remember that NS was the entity whose initial review was responsible for the boom (and shortage/price hike) in the Norseman, Skaha, etc. It's not called the Shabazz effect for nothing. I do enjoy these reviews and his opinion but not at the cost of forming my own personal opinion and ownership experience.
Holy crap, for some reason I thought the blades on these were S35VN. RWL34 for almost a grand?! Nothing short of solid platinum hardware and jeweled handles justifies >$900 for an RWL34 blade. It's essentially the same as CPM154.
I am a fan. I like high end production knives. And this one is amazing. I am from Canada, and I asked for and received a factory tour. They are crazy meticulous in their production and manufacturing. I bought one. It's a great knife!
I got selected for one of these... about two weeks after I finished my Christmas shopping. Needless to say I declined to buy it. Still a fantastic knife. Just way out of my price range.
Meh. If the point is the action on a very high end cnc knife, Craig Brown does a job just as good in a more useful form factor and at a lower price. I'm very happy with my Exponent, and I'd take a LHC-X any day over a Norseman. I'd make the same statement regarding the Koenig Mini Goblin too, stellar action, more usefull form factor, almost half the price, better steel.
The Exponent is an outstanding knife but you wouldn't want to do anything with it other than cut. The Norseman is much more versatile, robust, and capable generally.
@@davidmarshall7752 i wouldn't do anything other than cut with a thousand dollars custom anyway lol. And I bet something much more mundane like a para 2 or a superfreek is sturdier than most customs anyway.
@@valebliz I love my Freek but frankly ~ on strictly build, price aside for one moment ~ the Norsey looks like a knife I'd be quite confident using on truly challenging materials [ever cut into a huge wheel of Gouda?]. The Para2 & Freek not so much. I need my daily to be able to handle whatever may come, and in that arena I'd bet on the Grimsmo over almost anything. As I pointed out in another post, there must be a few people who buy a high-ender because they really need one for work, and they just leave it at that.
@@davidmarshall7752 i don't know, i never used a norseman tbh. The framelock isn't a particularly sturdy design in itself, but i don't know how big the pivot and the stop pin are on the norseman. If you take a look at the snecx buster, which is built specifically to be a hard use folder, he made some specific design choices like big phbr washers and a very oversized pivot and stop pin. Anyway come on, who does use custom folders for hard work? Any 50 bucks fixed blade would do a better job in the end, what is truly challenging for a folder is prying and as sturdy as a pivot may be, it will always be a lost battle compared to any decent fixed blade. That's why i'm not that concerned with (apparently) flimsier designs like the Exponent.
@@davidmarshall7752 anyway, if you take a look at what the guys from Dutch Bushcraft did to the superfreek, i think it came out pretty well considering its form factor th-cam.com/video/Q14CKJzEQvo/w-d-xo.html
“Making the best knife of 2016 at the very top of 2020 price bracket”
Grimsmo Knives summed up
Unpopular opinion: the Grimsmo's have priced themselves out of the market.
If I were them I would up the steel to CPM S110V and drop the price to about $750.
I was on their list forever and now they seem available. They never bothered to contact me. For that reason alone I will not buy.
Ken Sheffield Does it also not bother anyone at ALL, that John Grimsmo himself, states that he completely ripped off this blade geometry and design from Anso...he states it in his very first prototyping video...it bothers me that these are nothing more than a computer 3D printed knife except in metal. No grinding, no shaping on anything other than solidworks. Meh!!
S110V is way too brittle imo. M390, S90V, or 20CV would be great options though.
I don't know that they have priced themselves out of the market, because I'm pretty sure they instantly sell every knife they make at the prices they ask. If you are poor like me, you can always go for the Hilberg homage to the Norseman. They are 90%+ identical, made with an M390 blade, and are readily available under $200. If you want the real thing, good luck on the waitlist.
I applied for makers choice list and choose your own two lists, several years ago. About 18 months ago I got noticed I could get a nice green builders choice at current price and bought it. Then about 6 month later I got an email that my build to order came up but I passed on it. This is my favorite EDC knife, and I have a lot.
$600 Norseman? A babied daily carry. No zip ties etc
$900 Norseman? Would never leave the house. WAY above the cost/carry-comfort curve.
I agree and you can find mint Norseman's on the secondary market for $650-$700 lately.
I may he weird, but I'd carry the shit out of a 900 knife
austin sanders do you have a $900 knife?
Maybe look for lightly used ones? They range from $600 to $800.
@@Zondidjejsj It took me a while before I would even look at my Norseman wrong. Now, I use it daily with no qualms and it has never failed me. If only I could get a dang Rask.
I know this is a preference thing, but I truly hate the blade shape. It includes the things I loathe most in blade shapes: tantos and recurves. Only way I could dislike the blade shape more would be if they added serrations.
Drew P I agree completely. This knife is butt ugly and nothing special. If you buy knives for the action only, then you don't use the knives you buy, they are nothing but a fidget spinner for lots of money. The aesthetic of this do nothing for me, and the price point is utterly ridiculous. This knife is a CNC product...hardly custom and nothing special. No desire to ever own one. Stupid case too...who needs all that crap? Nobody.
1000% agree. I don't know how people can like a knife with a blade like this.
I own almost 100 knives in display cases and knife rolls. I collect them so I like knives with odd blade shapes and designs. Most times I carry a $50 knife that is lightweight and looks good too. When I do not carry my gun I carry either a Microtech Combat Troodon or the new Scarab II. I love the Spydie Chef knife and use it to cut fruit. Also big on the older line of ZTs. I also carry the ZT 301 when I cannot carry a gun and want a heavy duty knife.
For sd,I would carry my police 4,zt 0462,or we knives bogardus.I never carry those,usually rock a benchmade pardue,or the casbha,or the zt 0707,or the spydee pm2,or ikuchi-all good cutters
You truly are a man of culture. Those are the 3 abominable traits for knives
Nick, it is your unwavering objectivity and candor which make you the most relevant knife reviewer around today. As you mentioned, the Norseman is iconic for your channel, but even so, you did not allow yourself to be swayed by it. It is this characteristic of yours that compels so many of us to depend on your opinion before making our next knife purchase.
Gotta agree with that. It takes a fair amount of courage to honestly point out the shortcomings of a product you know someone has put a ton of work and passion into, and in a community you support and are a part of.
His taste is USUALLY pretty good,but thing is about as appealling as his zombie hunter
@@tonyochoa7097, yup, not my cup of tea either...
Nick ought to get stock in this company I think his review probably helped give them the ability to double the price.
Saved up over a year to buy one only to realize they raised the price over 300 heck with them
If they can sell these at $900 a pop and demand is high then the old adage "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies. Chris Reeve has been selling the same overpriced Sebenzas for years and it's worked out pretty well for him.
"usually a box containing the next knife" ... Too true...
Yes....you are completely right...one can spot a Norseman miles away (btw a smaller version of the Norseman could be great)....but that is precisely why I think they don't want to take the risk of changing anything that could jeopardize interest in their most succesfull design towards other directions before they can make profit from all the new hi tech machines they have bought. But something has changed deep in the Grimsmo strategy and client aproach . Five days ago I was finally drafted from the Grimsmo BUYERS CHOICE list so I entered the link and I was really surprised of all the options they gave me to customize my Norseman. Unfortunately I didn't find the exact anodization pattern on both scales nor the finish I wanted for the pocket clip. Being a little bit disapointed, I sent John an email with my very own request but I have to confess I had low expectations regarding his response. Almost immediately he sent me an email with specific questions about my knife and, after bouncing back and forth emails we finaly got there. During the process, he legitimately was trying (always with such a good humor) to comply with the very smallest detail of my request. I was really impressed. I expect this knife to be produced in the following two weeks so this whole situation gives me a renewed interest in what for sure will come next...
Nail on the head with me being also a recent owner of a Norseman. It simply is not a justifiable price other than you’re paying for grimsmo’s growth so they can go back to producing amazing pieces at competitive prices for what you get.
@David Martin Portmann Well they're not forcing anyone to buy them, yet ppl still buy holts/shiros/grimsmo's
But yeh I agree its a stupid amount of money, not for me.
@H3lt3r Sk3lt3r Just some random jackasses on the internet.
@David Martin Portmann Actually I think i'ts more likely they continue to add features and qualitities to the knife to justify the price they are already at, not to decrease the price.
Some people are brainwashed by consumerism.
@@ChuckBeefOG Brand Power and excellent marketing. Started with a pen. Genius...
I think I can speak for [almost] everyone here when I say that your brutal honesty is mighty refreshing. Fantastic review as always, Nick.
I gotta say this video is one of the best reviews out there on the Norseman knife and for Nick’s review videos. It is emotionally good! I will surely watch it again but with a box of tissue.
I could have sworn you said that “some have gotten cocky horsing around” with this peculiar yet somehow extremely familiar blade shape. I simply relish in the Shabazz trademark double intendres.
It took me a week to realize how incredible this comment is. F
I owned one briefly and never got the hype behind them. I went with Shirogorov instead, although I do have a Koenig Arius on order
I agree to some extent about your point on pricing into the hype, but at the same time, there’s always the law of supply and demand. The hype combined with their limited numbers means that it makes sense for the price to shoot up. Only way to bring down the price is to bring down the hype, and with it the demand.
I love the knife but I don’t understand how a CNC machined knife can cost as much as it does.
Go watch their videos.
It costs so much because you also pay a small fraction of the cost of the mills that make it and the new shop, not just the knife. Sucks but such is life
@@batcarpet1225 That doesn't justify an obscenely high price.
@@derschwarzgeist i didnt say it justified it, im just saying they are charging you for the other stuff not just the knife
@@batcarpet1225 If they want so much more money than their product is reasonably worth, they should start a GoFundMe. There's a reason most businesses operate in the red for a while after they start. You can't just charge ridiculous prices because your capital investment might have been expensive.
Last summer I discovered this channel where I first saw and fell in love with the Norseman. I had no idea they were $600 at one point! I still want it but it’s now towards the bottom of my $200+ wishlist
Iv been wanting a grimsmo for years. 925 i can wait a few more years...
m I bought one a while ago. It was nice, really nice. The action was amazing. But I never found the opportunity to put it to good use. It was too much money for me, wasn't worth looks and action of the knife. I would only get it if you really have nothing else to get, but they sell well, everyone should experience a Norseman
@@gimmix9478 That's at least one good thing: they seem widely available now if you know where to look.
I laughed out loud when my email came up and they wanted $850usd for a plain jane Norseman with no finish. Barely worth $600cad, or about $400usd.
Yeah, step it up Grimsmo..
@@ChuckBeefOG if that
The Grimsmo stuff has always been executed well, but the Rask was a way better design and the lack of availability leaves it all kinda meh.
I got notified that I was eligible for a Norseman of my design 5 times in two years and once for their pen. I have a feeling that not many are sending in their email addresses to be chosen. I did buy two. One to carry and one for my display case. I also bought the pen and I really like it. Use it every day. Will not buy anymore. I have got into Microtech OTF knives and almost have every model they make. I have a CCW permit so I can legally carry them. I like the large Sebenza as it makes for a good EDC knife. The OTF knives are carried on my left side in case of someone trying to grab my gun in my right hand. I started my collection with Spydeco when they first made knives and sold them to jewelry stories who stamped their name on them. The knife community hated them. I still have a few of the early ones and about 15 other models. Used to be my primary EDC knife, but not anymore.
I also got into Emerson knives and love the older ZT knives too. I have always carried a knife for the last 50 years. I use them daily. Have original Cold Steel and Puma knives and the knife I carried in Vietnam.
i just received "buyers choice" from Grimsmo I've been on the waiting list for a few years.. received email to purchase a full purple one, i passed. its been a year and finally another shot....got it!!!!!
I hope the Grimsmos can find a new path forward I really want to see them have continued success. I absolutely love my Norseman and dont regret the purchase one bit but they need to add some variety to that lineup, I'd love to buy a smaller knife from them, mainly.
Very honest and very critical review, of a knife/company that has ALWAYS been considered a GRAIL of mine...Thanks Nick Shabazz.
yeah, no new production pocket knife is worth $900, especially if it isn't really custom.
especially considering it uses RWL-34
They have to pay for all of that overhead. Based on their videos, they have a new squeaky clean shop and lots of brand new high end machines to pay for. The random drawing to purchase one turned me right off, even if I did want to spend the money.
@@cerberus0413 Then they expanded too quickly. Yeah the drawing sucks but a lot of "custom" makers do that. Of course here you only have a slim chance of getting any sort of customization done.
@@kidthorazine I wouldn't mind so much if it was a custom hand made knife, or buyers choice custom of a production knife. Personally though, I would rather wait in a list, at least I know where I stand.
Sorry no... Not even for 450/600. Not happening.
$900 Knife, adios!
Just got an email yesterday from an online retailer....they have two new ones that just came in for $1349😮
I think it's important to keep up the makers choice lottery because theres a low incremental gap in pricing. You can get a plain norseman with no extra designs or anodizing for $925, but for $940 you can get a two tone handle with amazing milling details. The inventory is where the less impressive Norsemans wind up and you join the makers choice hoping you get picked for a good one. I would love if they brought back Damasteel or did some more fancy inlays
I have number #3083 and had the same issue with you.. flipping thumbstud etc.. the detent was a bit hard! Adjust the screw etc. and it works like a beauty..
This should be 500$ max. These are production knives at this point. 80% hype 20% value. And at that price your steel should not be “grocery store” steel. It nice but uh,... 1k?
100% On point!
it's a confounding issue because I *love* the blade shape and the width. if I found something similar but cheaper I'd be all over it. Till then, this'll stay on my "if I win the WSOP" list
Go watch their videos.
William Rhyne I have. At one point the price was warranted now this is a PRODUCTIONS knife.
I agree with this. Main reason I haven't bought one.
The price should have gone down, not up. RWL-34 is a great steel if it has a good HT.
It's funny because as you're describing how seeing the grimsmo make something and then having it in your hand, I'm watching nick Shabazz review the exact same norseman configuration I have and how cool it is. Guess nobody can escape that irrationality (=
While I love my Norseman and it’s not going anywhere I completely agree with you’re GGBU. Of all the high end production knives I own the action on the Norseman is that 1% better that is so hard to achieve.
I've had mine 3 years and 8 still find myself gravitating back to it ,I love the precision of CNC work ,like my Herman's they are very similar in the way they go about it ,Herman makes his own bearings ,pivots etc but Herman does seem to be pushing a little harder ie more designs , options for full dress and so on grissmo needs to catch up and not rest on their laurels before they get forgotten but even if that goes happen I will still love my Norseman
Chris figured this out after winning best folder forever at the Blades Show awards. Several new models later the Idaho Made Reeves Knives brand was back with some modern classic designs. I hope John takes a similar look at his range and flexes a bit to produce some new stuff befitting his talents. Thoughtful review Nick.👍
I was going to buy one of these a few years ago, but they didn't have any. Didn't feel like paying the asking price AND having to wait.
They do random drops on their website. I picked one up and it was shipped the same day! Priced high, but they hold their value very well.
@@skycorrigan6511 Just bought one today after being on the list for about a month... Let's see how I like it!
at this point the Grimsmo Norseman is just a flex piece. If you have it and love it good for you, but if you're drooling over this knife, thinking that this is the holy grail let me tell you right now; it's not
"This detente is too hard." I may be wrong but I don't believe I've ever heard you say that before. I think I need to go for a sit down and a drink somewhere quiet just to let it sink in.
I’ve often wondered what Mr. Grimsmo was going for when he selected the RWL-34. Everything I’ve seen of him talking about it leads me to believe that it’s his passion project, the knife he needed but couldn’t find anywhere. Just about every knife nut has a favorite steel (K390 for me); I wonder if RWL-34 is just his?
I suspect this knife steel is priced correctly and easy to work with for smaller knife makers. I notice it in several other "mid tech" and custom knives like this.
Jason Quintana I think you’re on to something. That Peña front flipped trapper thing that the Nick has that everyone tries to buy off of him is similar; CPM-154, and is in the same price range as the Norseman.
The Grimsmo story is he wants to be a machinist and found people are willing to pay 500$ and up for knives. His passion is the process not the product, hence why no new innovations.
I remember John saying that a big reason he chose it was because it's Swedish... trying to keep the Norse/Viking theme strong.
jesskimo35 If that isn’t thorough I don’t know what is.
With titanium scales how much can a lockbar insert matter? Wouldn't it takes years of hard use to start lock sticking, and even then the steel would wear into the titanium, and not the other way around? Especially if it's carbadized at the tip. You've said it yourself, simple (when possible) is better.
They could breathe new life into the Norsemen by simply making a carbon fiber model with under the scale spacer. Or make it a bolster lock. Then offer a host of different scales as well as make extra scales available to folks. Offering different blade steel should also be an option.
Thank you sir. Best review of any knife I've ever watched.
You are so damn good at this . Thank You for everything you do for the knife community .
Can you do a hard use review??... maybe some battoning, rock smashing or sand digging?
I’m probably in the minority but I’ve always liked the blade shape even if it isn’t practical. I’ve always wanted one of these but can’t justify the cost. I’ve been on the wait list for a long time and have turned them down 4 different times due to $$$.
I was chosen to pick from the Norseman lottery today and was THRILLED at first. Then I saw the prices. Roughly $1,050. That's just an obscene price, I'm sorry. Really wish I could afford it.
I want one of these so damn bad, but I can’t justify the price.
It's amazing industrial art. Do they made knives too?
I got over wanting this knife like I did with the long list on the North Arms Skaha. Other great knives came out and were more readily available that took my money.
I just got #3096. I don't disagree with any of your points, especially the detent...but I still love it.
So you admit that your main use for a knife is to open the packaging on your next knife.
That made me grin.
I think this is a perfect example of how these knife production companies aren’t held accountable on their price points anymore, total materials and labor cost can’t be more then 500$ Yet they charge almost twice that for a knife while unique yes, really isn’t anything new
I really like the knife, but what makes it better than Chris Reeve's Umnumzaan? maybe much smoother mechanism .. more fun to play with, but not better in use for sure. That's 450$ knife.
As long it's CNCed, they should try to push, as Nick said, bit further ..
Ti backspacer, thicker 20CV or M390 or so .. Bold or fatty version of it will be welcomed.
For business continuity and sustainability, they need to rethink the pricing again .. wish John and Erik all the best.
I think Norsemen are worth the money. If you've been watching the channel for years the story is a big part of it.
Agree the clip needs updating to a crosshatch texture.
I’m just a random jackass but even if I wanted to spend/had that amount of money to spend on a knife - I would go Rockstead, it’s just absurd amount of money for what you get imho...🤷🏻♂️
Great review. Thank you for calling the price ugly. It takes guts to do so. In your estimation, what separates a (undesirable) "non-committal recurve” from something like what we see here, which you put on the "fine" side?
P.S. "They've been making the best knife of 2016 for three years now.” 💀
Here, it's more of a design element in a unique blade shape. But it's not far off.
That is a disgusting price. Period.
I get the price hike. They kept seeing the knives they worked hard on being sold for at least 2-3 times what they were charging.
Blame the people that paid $1000-1500 or more for a $600 knife
Considering the price and collectability of this knife I wouldn't cut tissue paper with it. Be honest this has become a non user in all reality. This is the chateau neuf du pape of knives at this point. The world of knife nerdery has takin control of the future of this "knife" love the channel Nick.
That blade shape reminds me of my Tops Tac-Raze friction folder. Another over priced knife (relatively anyway!) and equally ‘sort of’ functional, but not more than that, but quirky and fun none the less!
And why are they not using 20cv or 204p? 🤷🏼♂️
I just got one off the secondary market for 640 lnib with a make date of 20230707. I have to say that im not disappointed at all for that deal. The quality and action is butter smooth, absolutely worth it. On the other end, 1K plus for it isn't worth it. If grimsmo used a better blade steel, possibly worth it. I was at the 2024 blade show in DFW, found one for a whopping 1.3K, I just walked away.
You could either buy that knife or 61 Opinel No. 7s.
I just got my Norseman in the mail a he goes before you posted this video. I can see what all the hype has been about
Look!! Its ..another..framlock..flipper...Sorry I could not resist. I know I'm going to knife hell for it.
Just subscribed. Was selected for "buyer's choice." Have till tonight to order should I choose to. This video is helpful. Thanks.
Good review on the esthetics that we have all grown used to. Would you mind making a review video on the performance of the knives. I just like Most people who watch knife reviews are interested on the performance of these tools so enlighten us nick.
I’ve carefully watched every Nick Norseman review/reference/comparison since “gems” became a thing. I can see that the Norseman’s action is “a beautiful thing.” But I just can’t get past my heartfelt abhorrence of the Norseman’s butt-ugly blade shape. I’ve tried and tried, but no matter how much I‘be squinted my brain, and no matter my respect for Nick’s perspective, this knife flat out fails to inspire even a twinge of knifelust in my heart. Admittedly, given the sky-high regard that many have for the Norseman, this no doubt reveals a deficiency in my knifetude, but so it goes. I guess the end result is that there‘s just one more Grimsmo for the rest of the loyal to revere and consume, so there’s that.
You sir have no deficiency at all. Simply good taste.
Where did the point by point review of the two prior knives with this new one go? Interested in seeing the design changes/evolution from the 2016 knives to 2020, other than the price evolution.
Nick can you make a video of you sharpening your Norseman?
Interesting! When Nick purchased his second Norseman for around $600 he was happy with his purchase!! He would often show it on his videos and state that it was one of his favourite knives that he owns. Now just recently he purchased his third Norseman that had a bit of a different shaped handle for over $900. I guess he thought that for the increase in price over the years that there should be such an improvement in the knife that would warrent the increase in price. But however he could find only a few improvements and not enough to justify the price increase. He is an example of an educated consumer who has set certain guidelines for himself that were not met with the increase in price!!! For others who are purchasing the knife for the very first time who do not have the same guidelines as Nick then the knife is worth every penny because the knife is still a gem. That part has not changed!!! It is just a question of whether your money is of the same value as Nicks money!! We are all different!!! Money is worth more to some of us!! That is a fact!! And you really should not bash the knife unless you have one or have held one and even then base your decision on how you feel about it and not how Nick feels about it!! After all it is his 3rd Norseman!! The knife will sell for what ever the market will bear. You can not bash the manufacturer either because they have to test the price as well to judge what the market will bear!!! Anybody would do the same thing and if the price is too high then they will find out quick enough and lower their price. It’s called supply and demand!! Having one in my hand and paying top dollar for it I can say that I am very happy with it and it is truly a gem in my collection! No matter what others say!!!!!!! (Oh ya it is my very first Norseman and my most expensive knife as well!!!)
It looks like a lamprey eel.
When are they going to use a replaceable liner lock? I was a fan of the Rask, but I gotta have a replaceable liner lock up.
Clips that lay that flat are meant for gossamer thin pants. I wear basic office dress pants and even they would likely bow that clip out. Maybe I’m wrong, The Nick probably wears office dress too with all them fancy watches! I tend to like the looped deep carry ones. Props to Lynch clips, great clips Casey. I have bent similar clips to the Norsedude, however... ugly.
Norseman or Shirogorov Hati R?
I wonder how much this review cut demand for this knife.
It's 2020, and I'm looking at giant mouse ace iona's, with M390, for 99 dollars...
I see these on the secondary market all the time around $650. Sure it is a great knife but it is another example of a very hyped knife where the supply could not meet the demand. Now the hype has gone to the next thing and the supply exceeds the demand people that bought these are losing their shirts. As amazing as the holt specter is, I think the same value drop will happen to it.
Only pay table prices is my motto ill wait it out if i have too...
550 all day long.
For $925, it’s an ugly duckling.
Got mine in a+ cond. starburst, $725. Friggin love it. Can't put it down.
I think for $600 I'd buy one, but $900 is more than I'm comfortable with for a knife
that's a new phone right there
"Usually a box containing the next knife." Yep
Here’s the thing, there are a whole lot of $100 - $200 knives that will do literally everything this knife will do, many in better steels, so the “value” of knives like this is unicorns & tooth fairies. This pastel coloured jewellery most customers will put carefully in a draw and never use because it’s to expensive & “special” to get a single mark on is way, way to far along the curve of diminishing returns to make sense and knives like this are for suckers who get suckered in by the hype & secretly regret spending the money on what is at the end of the day just a pocket knife.
Nicholas Wilson sorry I use mine. In fact I bought two of them. One for use and one for show.
Steeltoothees I respect that you actually use it but I can’t help suggesting you’re not the most common example? More to the point though, does it really do anything say an M390 Steel Will Cutjack would do? (Both the Cutjack & M390 were an off the cuff example, I’m not saying they’re the best of anything but the M390 Cutjack is an excellent knife in an excellent steel.)
@@nicholsliwilson most inexpensive knives do what expensive ones do.......except be expensive, be renowned, and mostly, be lusted after by collectors. Part of that is what other expensive knives can't copy about this Norseman. Simply put they can't be a Norseman even if they are amazing in their own right, they can't be something they aren't unless they make an identical knife and give it a different name. They can be a M390 Steel Will Cutjack but they can't be the Norseman that fills the collector's dream/lust. As for me, if I ever get this knife I will use it.......not as hard as I use my tool knife (CR Full Sized Sebenza Tanto), but I will definitely carry it and use it sparingly.
Nicholas Wilson honestly you can say that about many knives. I’ve got friends who can’t fathom spending more than 20 bucks on a knife. Is the Norseman for everyone? Nope. I’m not trying to convince you or anyone. It’s not even my daily carry. But when I feel like it I take it out and use it. I’ve gutted fish with the thing. Believe it or not it’s excellent at that.
TECH-FIGHTER as ever it comes down to what has value to you personally. I get that you may see value in it being somehow special but the very fact that you’d use it sparingly is where it falls flat for me. A knife is a tool that’s made to be used that deserves to be used if it’s well made from a good steel & BTW I really like RWL-34. I have a QSP Platypus that cost £55 with tax & shipping and whilst it’s a great knife for the money and as much as I like D2 as a budget steel it is a compromise, fine as a “beater” knife and impressive for the money but the sweet spot for me is still the $/£100 - $/£200.
“Cocky horsing around” 😂😂
It is a beautiful knife. I have number 1215. Was it worth the money? Hmmm, debatable. In terms of build quality it isn't as good as the cheaper Sebenza 31. But, every one is somewhat individualised. Do I use it for its intended purpose? No, blade shape is too impractical.
Do they still fetch a premium on the 2nd hand market, or can you get one for below retail now?
Last I looked, below but very close to retail. I passed on the email notifying me I was selected to purchase one a few months ago. Just couldn’t justify it.
On ebay there's brand new Norsemans going for $750. Lots of scalpers bought it for the high resell, but now are just trying to get their money back
550 all day long now....I bought 4
Is the Norseman / Viking logo not centred on the pivot? It looks like there is less space on the left of it than on the right. Or is that just a trick of the camera angle or a figment of my imagination?
Even at $925 they sell out, consistently
Knaff fam, please understand that this is one man's opinion. Please give some time and effort to form YOUR own opinion as with all other things in life. Also remember that NS was the entity whose initial review was responsible for the boom (and shortage/price hike) in the Norseman, Skaha, etc. It's not called the Shabazz effect for nothing. I do enjoy these reviews and his opinion but not at the cost of forming my own personal opinion and ownership experience.
Good advice, always.
Hey Nic - Still worth it at $1,395 (3/24/2023 @ Knife Center)?????????????
Holy crap, for some reason I thought the blades on these were S35VN. RWL34 for almost a grand?! Nothing short of solid platinum hardware and jeweled handles justifies >$900 for an RWL34 blade. It's essentially the same as CPM154.
Just bought a Hilsberg on EBay for $160 and I heard it’s dead on so I’m left with $800 for Gas
I am a fan. I like high end production knives. And this one is amazing. I am from Canada, and I asked for and received a factory tour. They are crazy meticulous in their production and manufacturing. I bought one. It's a great knife!
Too much money
Overpriced knife, not worth it in my open
I really want to see them make an all new model.
I have a hard time picturing someone scraping with the blade of their $900+ Norseman
hehoff33 Then there are guys like me.
Castle Bravo Wouldnt really care if you all "didnt".
I do not understand over-travel stops on knives. I’ve never been tempted to push the lock bar back further than it needs to.
you haven't used a knife under adrenaline like as a firefighter that's why
I got selected for one of these... about two weeks after I finished my Christmas shopping. Needless to say I declined to buy it.
Still a fantastic knife. Just way out of my price range.
Your best review to date!
They should have called it the Hippo.
Grimsmo is like the Apple of knife brands now
hmmm. This and, to a lesser extent, Benchmade
It looks like a platypus
Meh. If the point is the action on a very high end cnc knife, Craig Brown does a job just as good in a more useful form factor and at a lower price. I'm very happy with my Exponent, and I'd take a LHC-X any day over a Norseman. I'd make the same statement regarding the Koenig Mini Goblin too, stellar action, more usefull form factor, almost half the price, better steel.
The Exponent is an outstanding knife but you wouldn't want to do anything with it other than cut. The Norseman is much more versatile, robust, and capable generally.
@@davidmarshall7752 i wouldn't do anything other than cut with a thousand dollars custom anyway lol. And I bet something much more mundane like a para 2 or a superfreek is sturdier than most customs anyway.
@@valebliz I love my Freek but frankly ~ on strictly build, price aside for one moment ~ the Norsey looks like a knife I'd be quite confident using on truly challenging materials [ever cut into a huge wheel of Gouda?]. The Para2 & Freek not so much. I need my daily to be able to handle whatever may come, and in that arena I'd bet on the Grimsmo over almost anything. As I pointed out in another post, there must be a few people who buy a high-ender because they really need one for work, and they just leave it at that.
@@davidmarshall7752 i don't know, i never used a norseman tbh. The framelock isn't a particularly sturdy design in itself, but i don't know how big the pivot and the stop pin are on the norseman. If you take a look at the snecx buster, which is built specifically to be a hard use folder, he made some specific design choices like big phbr washers and a very oversized pivot and stop pin. Anyway come on, who does use custom folders for hard work? Any 50 bucks fixed blade would do a better job in the end, what is truly challenging for a folder is prying and as sturdy as a pivot may be, it will always be a lost battle compared to any decent fixed blade. That's why i'm not that concerned with (apparently) flimsier designs like the Exponent.
@@davidmarshall7752 anyway, if you take a look at what the guys from Dutch Bushcraft did to the superfreek, i think it came out pretty well considering its form factor th-cam.com/video/Q14CKJzEQvo/w-d-xo.html