Ha! Seriously. I can't believe those things sell. But the silly stuff so often does. Rainbow mermaid, dessert warrior, etc. I don't get it, but if it sells, it sells.
I don't disagree they can sell more Slysz bowies but not everyone wants a Slysz bowies. Perhaps they do limit production of certain knifes on purpose to sell other stuff but I think their customer base is much bigger than just hardcore knife enthusiasts .
@@MrLlama999 I'm reading these comments, and my first impression is y'all misspelled "Desert Warrior", but in the context of dog and mermaid knives, I'm really not sure...
@@kinguin7 Blade HQ has a tactical exclusive color called the Desert Warrior. After mispronouncing it in a TH-cam video, they came out with a hot pink doughnut clad knife, the dessert warrior.
Many people are under the mistaken impression that profit and economics are the primary goals for individuals and society. But it isn't. There are many other metrics by which to measure success, at an individual level and for a society as a whole. Markets don't optimize for happiness, health, and justice. In fact, you could reasonably argue that the unfettered pursuit of profit and profit alone is antithetical to the achievement of those things.
Capitalism really is the pursuit of money and profit, other effectors like sustainability, being kind to the environment or fair-trade tend to increase the price but often are just marketing strategies to capture the more considerate consumer. Would anyone buy B grade items if A was available? Are we being sold B grade at A grade prices? Government legislates for health and justice but often after extreme unhappiness. Capitalism exploits the loop holes and the cycle repeats.
@@truthdragon7719 I agree with all of the first part of your comment, but on the last I would note that what government SHOULD be doing is... (In reality I think that truly FREE market capitalism could correct for some of the injustice that government SHOULD be taking care of but has become too corrupt to properly deal with) One example might be that there are only two reasons for traffic laws. 1: The free flow of traffic. 2: Public safety. Government gets corrupted by the income generated. (Okay, so now I'm way off topic) 😒
When I was in college earning my useless degree, I learned something from one of my professors that has stuck with me throughout my entire life. A complaint is a gift. Use it to improve your product or the way you’re selling your product.
It's bad business to prioritize short term gains at the expense of profitability. I agree with your position 100%. The people pulling you aside and whining about leaving money on the table strike me as extremely shortsighted, shallow thinkers. I.e. the breed of business people who ruin good companies.
Beau: It's probably helpful if you try to work a bit more of the parent comment into your repeated comments screaming that I'm a shill. Makes it much more organic, feels like a conversation that way.
@@beaurex4756 you do realize he sells almost all of those for charity, right? Or are you really so shallow and uninformed in you opinions that you’ve never gone back and watched those videos. Hmm?
I appreciate that, OMKR, but I figure he's just having a rough day/week/month, and needs to vent his spleen somewhere and chose "Nick Shabazz is a Shill" as his current battle. I doubt you're going to change his mind, even if he might eventually.
The one with the timascus inlay? That’s a Herman knives Ishtar. Ive got one too, and it’s one of my all time favorites. Would really love to see Nick do a review of his Ishtar one day.
I personally agree with everything you just said and really appreciate someone willing to say 'there're better choices out there than this hype product'
Nick's too nice to name names, but I'm really curious who is being referenced. In watches and with the Omega shoutout, I assume it's Rolex that's being referred to, though they're not covered on this channel. For knives, Grimsmo obs. comes to mind. But some of the comments below on Spyderco! Really? Resting on their laurels? Except for the damn peel ply CF I wouldn't have thought of them... Hinderer sticks to a few modelways and combos, but I personally love what Hinderer is doing (also: tri-way). Wonder who else is being referenced?
I disagree on the Grimsmo front, they’re always improving but usually in ways that are more subtle rather than a whole new model. They also constantly acquire new equipment to further improve the overall quality of their products. And I think people mention Spyderco because their mainstays haven’t really changed in the past few years. The Shaman is still the Shaman and the PM2 is still the PM2, with few, if any, changes.
I love my Hinderers, and the tri way pivot definitely shows that Rick isn’t resting on this laurels. Just wish they’d offer blade replacements like CRK, benchmade, ZT etc. A hard use knife that users are encouraged to customize and bond with seems perfect for a blade replacement service that many would be happy to pay for.
Oh you mean the Spyderco PM2? Oh, sorry, did I go there? The Spyderco PM2 is a perfect example of this. Price has done nothing if not go up, and yet we don't even have a pm2 v2. I refuse to believe that many people in the world ACTUALLY love those non-contoured blocks that spyderco calls handles. Don't get me wrong - the pm2 is "fine", but the fact that it's been around for so long and that so many people get suckered into buying sprint runs keeps spyderco in the mindset of "well, it sells anyhow, why change it?" I'd LOVE to see a PM2 with contoured handles from the factory. I might even buy one. But until then.... Yes, spyderco isn't the only company guilty of this, but I'll be damned if the PM2 wasn't the first knife to pop into my head when watching this video.
@@swamiralf5115 Compared to other brands like WE/Civivi, the rate of mew releases vs old sprint runs is abysmal. Spyderco comes out with like literally one "vastly different" knife a year. WE/Civivi cranks them out like hotcakes. Are they all home runs? No. But it's REALLY nice to see them try. This is also why I respect crkt/cold steel. Not everything is amazing, but God bless them, they're putting the effort in.
I'd like to see the tanto not be a Blade HQ exclusive with only a few thousand made. I was fortunate enough to get a first run but they could make a killing just putting them out there for everyone.
@@thepracticalblade9013 Cold Steel is also a great value. S35VN aluminum code 4 $85 Recon 1 $100 if those knives were made by spyderco $200 by Benchmade $250.
Knives are certainly no different from anything else in the marketplace. As you said, if certain trigger words are presented and the design follows current trends then what's really being sold is a photograph with the right lines, lighting and inferences. Nothing new - it's manufacturers and consumers being brought together through that miracle called marketing. Myself, for instance, am far more excited about the prospects of receiving that new knife than a day after receiving it. Perhaps more enjoying talking about it and cutting a video than of the blade, itself. It's some soupy weird mix of the anticipation, emotion, aesthetics and process that I'm still discovering. Anyway, thanks Nick! 👍🗡️🙏
As a great example of a folder providing value (in a Bulgarian brand), Manly Wasp in budget (12c27) or CPM-S90V costs 57 and 88$ respectively with great blade geometry and excellent heat treats. How much more could it cost to upgrade a Spyderco Chaparral to S90V (or similar steel, though CTS-XHP is excellent already)?
Nick. Good thoughts. I always appreciate the size comparisons at the start of your vids. Could you add something like a a “Value Comparison” at the end of your vids?
I will never understand people defending successful companies from people asking for more pro-consumer options. If you're gonna defend them at least make sure they're paying you first stop doing free labour for their marketing department. Some people sound almost offended when someone expresses wishing things would be better than they are, regardless of whether it's a general sentiment about the world or commercial products they can buy. We need to appreciate the value of complaining more.
Can't tell you how may arguments I've had where I propose doing some small thing different for a better result (many times with no extra effort involved) and had significant push back based on the argument; "I don't see why we should do it different" or "been working this way so far" or "always done it this way, so", which was the slogan of one company I worked at that is now a parking lot. It's even worse, though, when we defend a company and, basically, legitimize that line of reasoning by implying we don't care about product evolution. Seems to be a popular way of thinking.
This is why I’m really enjoying and soaking up Civivi knives at the moment. They’re almost at the top of the mountain when it comes to value...but there are little signs that they miiiight be turning a corner soon. An $80 base price here, a $100+ model there. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing...but it could go one of two ways. One: they could continue to offer incredible $50ish knives with the option to “go bigger” if you so choose (the preferable scenario) orrrrr...Two: in another two years, the price hike has come and gone, and sencut is the new Civivi.
Great video Nick. Budget knife manufacturers got a 'wake-up and do better' glove slap by makers like Civivi, CJRB & maybe even QSP. I love the heated competition going on in the budget to mid range knife market. So much effort & experimentation happening over the last couple years. Time to wake up more mid to high end makers who have been coasting on cruise control. Hit the gas or get passed.
This just about sums up why I haven’t any interest in buying a Norseman. I’m not interested in paying hype prices, for a knife that I don’t get to configure, and get to buy on random chance. I think the lotto system is my main turn off, but knowing that there are things they could add to bring it up to 2021... I just can’t get behind it. I just pulled the trigger on a Busker. Olamic got back to me within hours, answered all of my dumb questions, and I know that I’m going to get the exact thing I want, and not some random version of a knife that I don’t find to be ideal. That’s not to say that I wouldn’t buy a Norseman, if the right one came across my path, just... I really don’t want to be surprised by something I’m paying a pretty big premium for.
Yeah, I looked at their stuff and I think it’s really impressive, but it’s crystal clear that they’re only interested in selling a status symbol for those really in-the-know guys. Not interested. A business should cater to, not oppose, their customer base.
@@thig2148 I’ll have to look into it, because I’m not opposed to owning one... I’m just kinda against getting my name picked by random chance, for something that I don’t get to configure.
Its just another form of people protecting the ego they have extended to the things they own (or wished they owned) from getting hurt. A rationalization to void anything that tells them the product is something other than absolute perfect. Dont mind them... they arent worth the time the same as companies willing to midlessly milk their audience will, sooner or later.
One company/maker that does very strange things with this concept is the OSP. They make balisongs and have poured so many of their limited resources into innovation (the designers are also makers) that they have more than once announced new versions with new features before even fulfilling the pre-orders they have on the books. Last year they announced a whole new balisong design right after being hit with a wave of controversy over not fulfilling orders that are years old. Thing is, despite most all of the balisong community absolutely despising them for ripping people off with multi year delays, favoritism, QC issues and the whole package having being of highly questionable aesthetics I don't think I've ever heard a review of their $800+ knife that isn't "pretty much the best balisong ever conceived"
Us Americans are very resistant to change if there isn't a dire need and obvious reason why a change should happen. Me: "Hey, lets improve this thing I see that could be improved with only a little effort and nothing more". Them: "Why". That's been my experience having worked for several manufacturers. I could give endless examples. It's a static mindset that hurts our ability to make progress on a world stage when others are embracing a continual improvement strategy, not just for the amount of shine the end product has but in all the steps it takes to get there. The changes a company makes should be deliberate, purposeful, and welcomed.
Even with a dire need a significant portion of Americans will fight tooth and nail for their right to be idiots. Edit: wow autocorrect did a number on the beginning of that sentence.
I feel like CRK could do something to improve, but I’m not sure what I’d want from them. They’re already planning to upgrade their steel soon, and that’s the one complaint I’ve always heard.
Good take on "the role of the reviewer"....or critic....or consumer advocate. Whatever one cares to call one self. I think, in general, the "knife guys" I watch on TH-cam are pretty good in this respect. But there are a few "fan boys" out there. This is particularly the case for high end customs. 'How dare you NOT like this knife! Its a $1200 piece of art!' Yeah, well...it's also ugly as sin. :)
That’s what happens when there is no competition in that market. If there were more choices for football games, EA would’ve been forced to innovate long ago.
I thought you were crazy but, at least externally and judging by a demo video, they do seem like real knives. Not mall ninja gas station half- serrated zombie fighting karambit tire irons.
@@plungerman3943 I am definitely a little curious about the Evolution stuff, it would be cool to see MTech make a change and become a good budget knife maker
I think Spyderco's new Pattadese is a great example of this. It's a bland, ugly design made with underwhelming materials, dodgy fit and finish, and they're charging an absolute fortune for it. I like Spyderco, but they need to pull their bootstraps up if they want to carry on being one of the big ones. Also forced scarcity 'sprint runs' can piss right off. One of the most anti-consumer practices there is in the knife world
The exclusive PM 2 tanto is a perfect example of what you are saying. As a production knife in uncoated, black and upgraded to m4 versions they SHOULD be making a killing. But it's a Blade HQ exclusive that shuts the sight down when they drop with people fighting over a few of them.
So ‘Sport’, let’s talk economics for a second.....we come to you for exactly that reason. I’ve seen many videos where the best you could say was, well...if you just feel you have to have this knife, then it will work for you.’ To me, I value that as I do collect a fair number of knives and want to be discriminating in my purchases. Thank you
Exactly what happened to Benchmade for me. I started collecting knives with the most popular brands and I have bought a bunch of BMs at that time. But then I realized that there were much better options on the table. Today I am following closely what MBK has to offer next but I can’t remember the last time I watched a review of a BM knife.
Its very irritating to see Spyderco jack the price up on the Shaman over the years. In the last 2 years its gone from what, $160 to now $230?? What is so special about the Shaman, over other knives, that justifies a 44% price increase in 2 years? I guess it was just too popular of a knife :(
I understand economics that it's not the value of the knife has gone up. It's the value of the dollar that's gone down. But 40% increase??? Maybe other knives reviewers (Knife center ect,) should ask Eric Glesser.
Well done, Sometimes the manufacturers get too full of themselves and sometimes the consumer is willing to overlook things, Both lead to a decline in the brand.
Agree with your comments. I see more examples of great value in the imported brands than US ones, sadly. The fact that there are good values in US brands suggests that they can do it: Gerber Gator in 154CM for 45$ (even down to 28$ at one point), Cold Steel Voyager in AUS10 (48$), Cold Steel Spartan in AUS10 (60$), Spyderco Chaparral (85$) in CTS-XHP, OKC Shikra (if only they upgraded to AUS10 and better quality micarta) for 45$, Kershaw knockout M390 (70-80$), Kershaw Bareknuckle 20CV (70-80$), Cold Steel drop forged series in 52100 steel (36$ for smaller, 58$ for 8 inch blade) and on. Why US brands have not "upped" their game (or doing so slowly), i do not know. Better components (micarta, titanium, bearings), better fit/finish, and better heat treats (Spyderco seems decent, as is Cold Steel and some of Buck's Bos heat treats) for not such a premium price over standard would win them many customers (those budget consumers will also go to you for pricier models if happy with value given in budget folders).
One company has great designs but needs to upgrade blade steel, especially for their price or just charge $10 more. One company needs to stop sprint and flash runs and slightly lower prices. Another just needs to lower prices because you're paying for the brand. It's all true. The only consistent quality for price has been Cold Steel. Yeah alot of people have grudge or something but if Spyderco or Benchmade made the $100 Recon 1 it would be the $200 or $250 Recon 1.
Delivering value is a primary component in building the trust of your customers. There are far too many options these days to continue buying Benchmades. Why would Anyone buy a Bugout in S30v when a Deka has 20cv for the same or less money? Both made in the USA. (One example of many out there). Because knife goobers keep paying top dollar for mediocrity from companies riding the reputation from when they were relevant and haven’t been the king of the hill in years.
@@swamiralf5115 my hate for apple extends clear back into my childhood when I found out that opening up my computer case automatically voided the warranty and was technically illegal. #ibmdiditright
Fourth. Well this is new for me. Also great video. I had a professor tell me "don't rest on your laurels". Great advice that has served me well in a professional setting.
Market: We want a tanto Paramilitary 2 in M4 with Jade G10. Spyderco: We would rather only make 1000 of them so that we can jack up the price and call them sprint runs
@@toddslaton8485 I mean yeah, I have one too but I have the opinion that sprint runs should only be color variations, not entirely new knife steels and blade shapes. Give the people what they want.
I honestly don’t understand why there’s so much hype involved with Spyderco Sprint runs. They’re so ubiquitous that the secondary prices shouldn’t be as ridiculous as they are.
What your saying is true, but even when they lower the prices of there products they’ll make it sound like a sale or some gimmick that will make people think :omg look how cheap this ....... is I have to buy it.
You can hardly find a pocket knife in S125V unless you are willing to pay an exorbitant amount of money for a knife that doesn't even look that good. The knife industry seems to be happy with churning out the same old, same old with blade steels that was the latest and greatest when grandpa was young buck. (somewhat exaggerated)
Emerson comes to mind. It’s a stainless steel liner lock with G10 handles in 154cm blade steel and it’s over $200? C’mon. It’s 2021, the “wave feature” isn’t that special anymore.
Hi Beau: I know you're here grinding an axe, but just to clarify, Benchmade stopped sending me knives a long time ago. Any Benchmade you've seen on the channel since the Carbon Fiber Proper and Saibu has been my own.
Its a simple concept in idea, but complacency kills. If a business is not innovating, they are dying. If you are progressing just for sake of progress, that isnt fulfilling your fiduciary responsibility. Progress should be towards meeting your company goals and objectives, and developing or maintaining a competitive advantage over any possible competitors.
It irks the hell out of me when someone buys some crappy product that it's plain to see is no good and they're adamant that it's good because it has such and such brand name on it. Like the Bear Grylls knives. People will buy them because they trust them to be good quality survival knives and won't even consider that it's a cheese-grade chinesium unsharpenable shit-stick. It's using a name people place trust in to trick folk into buying high-profit low-quality chud.
Okay sport, let's talk about economics. Have you, or have you not heard of *dum dum dummmmm* supply and demand? Anyway, you are right. Even though companies can currently get away with offering less quality or value, or with not improving either, doesn't mean that it's a sound long-term strategy. Even if it were, we should always be trying new things, even if only for our own development and morale (be that as an individual or as a company).
Update: polishcustomknives did respond to my email the same day, I was so busy with work I didn’t notice the email. Apologies to PCK. Herman hasn’t responded to two separate requests weeks apart but I’m sure he’s just busy. Take that for what you will
You make good points. But I cannot help myself and think - what a cute idiosyncrasies of a B2C market where value is dominated by perception. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just the way we are.
Elasticity of demand. Halo effect and perhaps the brand has been improving their product.... hence the well-deserved hype? FWIW, Omega/Swatch is doing very poorly even in light of the pandemic. OK, you just uttered "halo effect" so thanks for that.
Look what happened to Gerber, or Buck. At one point they were 2 of the top knife makers in the world. Now, Gerber is basically a joke (although to their credit, they ARE innovating now, and TRYING to fix their brand) and Buck's has been living off it's name since the 90's.
In knives, watches, and firearms, I've only ever seen the customer pay MORE for advancements in mechanical technology or materials science, and such is the way of Capitalism. Ironically, the usual fanfare for these items wholeheartedly despises price increases. You can have your free lunch, so long as you pay for it, capiche?
They had a titanium handle 110 with a pocket clip back in the 80's so far ahead of it's time it's was back to the future. Where the hell is it now? With their S30V that would be their modern classic.
Everyone: "Make more Slysz bowies."
Spyderco: "Here's a baby knife that looks like a dog."
Everyone:🤨
Ha! Seriously. I can't believe those things sell. But the silly stuff so often does. Rainbow mermaid, dessert warrior, etc. I don't get it, but if it sells, it sells.
@@JustKnifeThings the dessert warrior is based on a solid platform and is just cheap enough
I don't disagree they can sell more Slysz bowies but not everyone wants a Slysz bowies. Perhaps they do limit production of certain knifes on purpose to sell other stuff but I think their customer base is much bigger than just hardcore knife enthusiasts .
@@MrLlama999 I'm reading these comments, and my first impression is y'all misspelled "Desert Warrior", but in the context of dog and mermaid knives, I'm really not sure...
@@kinguin7 Blade HQ has a tactical exclusive color called the Desert Warrior. After mispronouncing it in a TH-cam video, they came out with a hot pink doughnut clad knife, the dessert warrior.
Many people are under the mistaken impression that profit and economics are the primary goals for individuals and society. But it isn't. There are many other metrics by which to measure success, at an individual level and for a society as a whole. Markets don't optimize for happiness, health, and justice. In fact, you could reasonably argue that the unfettered pursuit of profit and profit alone is antithetical to the achievement of those things.
Capitalism really is the pursuit of money and profit, other effectors like sustainability, being kind to the environment or fair-trade tend to increase the price but often are just marketing strategies to capture the more considerate consumer. Would anyone buy B grade items if A was available? Are we being sold B grade at A grade prices? Government legislates for health and justice but often after extreme unhappiness. Capitalism exploits the loop holes and the cycle repeats.
@@truthdragon7719 I agree with all of the first part of your comment, but on the last I would note that what government SHOULD be doing is... (In reality I think that truly FREE market capitalism could correct for some of the injustice that government SHOULD be taking care of but has become too corrupt to properly deal with) One example might be that there are only two reasons for traffic laws. 1: The free flow of traffic. 2: Public safety. Government gets corrupted by the income generated. (Okay, so now I'm way off topic) 😒
@@LarryEMorse I agree with you, think the whole morale is 'don't look too closely at anything, you'll only get disappointed".
Can’t wait for the Cruwear Turd Sandwich sprint run to drop.
It sold out in 35 seconds. Better luck next time.
@@christamu2 DAMNNN!!!
When I was in college earning my useless degree, I learned something from one of my professors that has stuck with me throughout my entire life. A complaint is a gift. Use it to improve your product or the way you’re selling your product.
I hope makers see it that way! Constructive criticism
I'll send the message to CRKT. Hopefully they'll listen.
It's bad business to prioritize short term gains at the expense of profitability. I agree with your position 100%. The people pulling you aside and whining about leaving money on the table strike me as extremely shortsighted, shallow thinkers. I.e. the breed of business people who ruin good companies.
Beau: It's probably helpful if you try to work a bit more of the parent comment into your repeated comments screaming that I'm a shill. Makes it much more organic, feels like a conversation that way.
@@NickShabazz why bother, but I’m gonna.
@@beaurex4756 you do realize he sells almost all of those for charity, right? Or are you really so shallow and uninformed in you opinions that you’ve never gone back and watched those videos. Hmm?
I appreciate that, OMKR, but I figure he's just having a rough day/week/month, and needs to vent his spleen somewhere and chose "Nick Shabazz is a Shill" as his current battle. I doubt you're going to change his mind, even if he might eventually.
@@NickShabazz but someone has to try, one starfish at a time you know.
What's the big knife 2nd from left?
It's nice 👌
The one with the timascus inlay? That’s a Herman knives Ishtar. Ive got one too, and it’s one of my all time favorites. Would really love to see Nick do a review of his Ishtar one day.
I personally agree with everything you just said and really appreciate someone willing to say 'there're better choices out there than this hype product'
The thought of someone calling you Sport breaks me up 😂😂😂😂😂
Is that the tactile turn slim bolt action pen there in the top left?
Looking forward to the review!
Curious to see if you are going to do the metal complex final 5 challenge. Love the videos regardless. Keep it up my man.
Does Holt fall in this category?
It felt like a David Harvey lecture on use value vs exchange value but in a parallel universe where instead of marxist urbanism he talks knives😂
Nick's too nice to name names, but I'm really curious who is being referenced. In watches and with the Omega shoutout, I assume it's Rolex that's being referred to, though they're not covered on this channel. For knives, Grimsmo obs. comes to mind. But some of the comments below on Spyderco! Really? Resting on their laurels? Except for the damn peel ply CF I wouldn't have thought of them... Hinderer sticks to a few modelways and combos, but I personally love what Hinderer is doing (also: tri-way). Wonder who else is being referenced?
I disagree on the Grimsmo front, they’re always improving but usually in ways that are more subtle rather than a whole new model. They also constantly acquire new equipment to further improve the overall quality of their products.
And I think people mention Spyderco because their mainstays haven’t really changed in the past few years. The Shaman is still the Shaman and the PM2 is still the PM2, with few, if any, changes.
I love my Hinderers, and the tri way pivot definitely shows that Rick isn’t resting on this laurels. Just wish they’d offer blade replacements like CRK, benchmade, ZT etc. A hard use knife that users are encouraged to customize and bond with seems perfect for a blade replacement service that many would be happy to pay for.
Oh you mean the Spyderco PM2?
Oh, sorry, did I go there?
The Spyderco PM2 is a perfect example of this. Price has done nothing if not go up, and yet we don't even have a pm2 v2. I refuse to believe that many people in the world ACTUALLY love those non-contoured blocks that spyderco calls handles. Don't get me wrong - the pm2 is "fine", but the fact that it's been around for so long and that so many people get suckered into buying sprint runs keeps spyderco in the mindset of "well, it sells anyhow, why change it?"
I'd LOVE to see a PM2 with contoured handles from the factory. I might even buy one. But until then....
Yes, spyderco isn't the only company guilty of this, but I'll be damned if the PM2 wasn't the first knife to pop into my head when watching this video.
BUT, they also release new and weird items too. . But the sprint runs are egregious.
@@swamiralf5115 Compared to other brands like WE/Civivi, the rate of mew releases vs old sprint runs is abysmal.
Spyderco comes out with like literally one "vastly different" knife a year.
WE/Civivi cranks them out like hotcakes. Are they all home runs? No. But it's REALLY nice to see them try.
This is also why I respect crkt/cold steel. Not everything is amazing, but God bless them, they're putting the effort in.
If it makes you feel better, the pm2/pm3 base models are getting upgraded to s45vn soon
I'd like to see the tanto not be a Blade HQ exclusive with only a few thousand made. I was fortunate enough to get a first run but they could make a killing just putting them out there for everyone.
@@thepracticalblade9013 Cold Steel is also a great value. S35VN aluminum code 4 $85 Recon 1 $100 if those knives were made by spyderco $200 by Benchmade $250.
Knives are certainly no different from anything else in the marketplace. As you said, if certain trigger words are presented and the design follows current trends then what's really being sold is a photograph with the right lines, lighting and inferences. Nothing new - it's manufacturers and consumers being brought together through that miracle called marketing. Myself, for instance, am far more excited about the prospects of receiving that new knife than a day after receiving it. Perhaps more enjoying talking about it and cutting a video than of the blade, itself. It's some soupy weird mix of the anticipation, emotion, aesthetics and process that I'm still discovering.
Anyway, thanks Nick! 👍🗡️🙏
I’m still paying down the layaway on my Z Hunter
Artistry don't come cheap, sport.
Worth every penny, I've gotten years of enjoyment out of nicks.😆
As a great example of a folder providing value (in a Bulgarian brand), Manly Wasp in budget (12c27) or CPM-S90V costs 57 and 88$ respectively with great blade geometry and excellent heat treats. How much more could it cost to upgrade a Spyderco Chaparral to S90V (or similar steel, though CTS-XHP is excellent already)?
what's the middle knife from the right?
Love this video Nick. Well done man 👊🏻
Nick. Good thoughts. I always appreciate the size comparisons at the start of your vids. Could you add something like a a “Value Comparison” at the end of your vids?
I will never understand people defending successful companies from people asking for more pro-consumer options. If you're gonna defend them at least make sure they're paying you first stop doing free labour for their marketing department. Some people sound almost offended when someone expresses wishing things would be better than they are, regardless of whether it's a general sentiment about the world or commercial products they can buy. We need to appreciate the value of complaining more.
Can't tell you how may arguments I've had where I propose doing some small thing different for a better result (many times with no extra effort involved) and had significant push back based on the argument; "I don't see why we should do it different" or "been working this way so far" or "always done it this way, so", which was the slogan of one company I worked at that is now a parking lot. It's even worse, though, when we defend a company and, basically, legitimize that line of reasoning by implying we don't care about product evolution. Seems to be a popular way of thinking.
We need that on a shirt, preferably with Nick's logo
This is why I’m really enjoying and soaking up Civivi knives at the moment. They’re almost at the top of the mountain when it comes to value...but there are little signs that they miiiight be turning a corner soon. An $80 base price here, a $100+ model there. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing...but it could go one of two ways. One: they could continue to offer incredible $50ish knives with the option to “go bigger” if you so choose (the preferable scenario) orrrrr...Two: in another two years, the price hike has come and gone, and sencut is the new Civivi.
“They don’t have to Reeve any money on the table” i see what you did there
Dang if I don't still want one, though...
I got that too. Thought I was hearing things.
Huh, it’s almost like profit incentive isn’t a good idol...
Thank you Nick for this. True that without competition and companies innovating we will be paying higher prices for similar products.
Great video Nick.
Budget knife manufacturers got a 'wake-up and do better' glove slap by makers like Civivi, CJRB & maybe even QSP.
I love the heated competition going on in the budget to mid range knife market. So much effort & experimentation happening over the last couple years.
Time to wake up more mid to high end makers who have been coasting on cruise control.
Hit the gas or get passed.
This just about sums up why I haven’t any interest in buying a Norseman. I’m not interested in paying hype prices, for a knife that I don’t get to configure, and get to buy on random chance. I think the lotto system is my main turn off, but knowing that there are things they could add to bring it up to 2021... I just can’t get behind it. I just pulled the trigger on a Busker. Olamic got back to me within hours, answered all of my dumb questions, and I know that I’m going to get the exact thing I want, and not some random version of a knife that I don’t find to be ideal.
That’s not to say that I wouldn’t buy a Norseman, if the right one came across my path, just... I really don’t want to be surprised by something I’m paying a pretty big premium for.
Yeah, I looked at their stuff and I think it’s really impressive, but it’s crystal clear that they’re only interested in selling a status symbol for those really in-the-know guys. Not interested. A business should cater to, not oppose, their customer base.
Grimsmo just announced changes coming to the Norseman that sound great. Then there's the Rask and Saga. They're stepping up I believe.
@@thig2148 I’ll have to look into it, because I’m not opposed to owning one... I’m just kinda against getting my name picked by random chance, for something that I don’t get to configure.
Grimsmo
Just like in the world of brake pads, you're either growin' or you're dyin'. There ain't no third direction.
"When your halo brand isn't really trying anymore" *cough* (benchmade) *cough*
(microtech) too
@@willowrabbit You’re trippin.
This was directed at CRK and Spiderco, primarily.
@@evanacey1414 its almost like a lot of brands are just floating by on their names.
microtech knows their niche and they dominate it. bench made lostdirection, they should stick with butterfly knives
A third sandwich? I mean look if the first two sold...
Lol. Love these Wisdom of the Nick videos.
Read this as he said it. Well played
Well said Nick, and much appreciated 👏
Nick, I don't agree with everything you say - and we both know that's okay - but you are 100% correct here, in my opinion.
Its just another form of people protecting the ego they have extended to the things they own (or wished they owned) from getting hurt.
A rationalization to void anything that tells them the product is something other than absolute perfect.
Dont mind them... they arent worth the time the same as companies willing to midlessly milk their audience will, sooner or later.
One company/maker that does very strange things with this concept is the OSP. They make balisongs and have poured so many of their limited resources into innovation (the designers are also makers) that they have more than once announced new versions with new features before even fulfilling the pre-orders they have on the books. Last year they announced a whole new balisong design right after being hit with a wave of controversy over not fulfilling orders that are years old.
Thing is, despite most all of the balisong community absolutely despising them for ripping people off with multi year delays, favoritism, QC issues and the whole package having being of highly questionable aesthetics I don't think I've ever heard a review of their $800+ knife that isn't "pretty much the best balisong ever conceived"
We need that Ishtar review Nick!!
Nick is always looking out for the little guy thank Nick
Well said Nick, your `perspicacity’ overwhelms me 👍😄
Us Americans are very resistant to change if there isn't a dire need and obvious reason why a change should happen.
Me: "Hey, lets improve this thing I see that could be improved with only a little effort and nothing more".
Them: "Why".
That's been my experience having worked for several manufacturers. I could give endless examples. It's a static mindset that hurts our ability to make progress on a world stage when others are embracing a continual improvement strategy, not just for the amount of shine the end product has but in all the steps it takes to get there. The changes a company makes should be deliberate, purposeful, and welcomed.
Even with a dire need a significant portion of Americans will fight tooth and nail for their right to be idiots. Edit: wow autocorrect did a number on the beginning of that sentence.
Isn't it a risk to end up with vanilla though?
Perfect subject, perfect analysis. For me, top of mind, the candidates are Rolex, ZT & Benchmade.
Feels like a shot across the bow of a couple of companies with bugs for logos. Also CRK
Crk big time ! They havnt done anything Original since the tilock
I feel like CRK could do something to improve, but I’m not sure what I’d want from them. They’re already planning to upgrade their steel soon, and that’s the one complaint I’ve always heard.
@@HikikomoriZone that’s a big one. I like that they’re not afraid of strange designs
Good take on "the role of the reviewer"....or critic....or consumer advocate. Whatever one cares to call one self.
I think, in general, the "knife guys" I watch on TH-cam are pretty good in this respect. But there are a few "fan boys" out there. This is particularly the case for high end customs. 'How dare you NOT like this knife! Its a $1200 piece of art!' Yeah, well...it's also ugly as sin. :)
Then we have the Madden crowd who would buy the next Madden game if it was a turd sandwich. 🤣
That’s what happens when there is no competition in that market. If there were more choices for football games, EA would’ve been forced to innovate long ago.
What’s that little knife on the far left? I can’t ID it, and it looks potentially really cool.
looks like a Monterey Bay Knives EZC
@@albertchen7603 Ah. Thanks.
One company came to mind 1 minute in. Harley Davidson.
Hey Nick can you review the mtech Evolution series because for once mtech (I think) made some ok stuff for once
I thought you were crazy but, at least externally and judging by a demo video, they do seem like real knives. Not mall ninja gas station half- serrated zombie fighting karambit tire irons.
@@pmaggs I know but most are cheep and dull but I've gotten some better ones
@@plungerman3943 I am definitely a little curious about the Evolution stuff, it would be cool to see MTech make a change and become a good budget knife maker
@@pmaggs yeah and I wonder what would nick think
I think Spyderco's new Pattadese is a great example of this. It's a bland, ugly design made with underwhelming materials, dodgy fit and finish, and they're charging an absolute fortune for it.
I like Spyderco, but they need to pull their bootstraps up if they want to carry on being one of the big ones.
Also forced scarcity 'sprint runs' can piss right off. One of the most anti-consumer practices there is in the knife world
The exclusive PM 2 tanto is a perfect example of what you are saying. As a production knife in uncoated, black and upgraded to m4 versions they SHOULD be making a killing. But it's a Blade HQ exclusive that shuts the sight down when they drop with people fighting over a few of them.
So ‘Sport’, let’s talk economics for a second.....we come to you for exactly that reason. I’ve seen many videos where the best you could say was, well...if you just feel you have to have this knife, then it will work for you.’ To me, I value that as I do collect a fair number of knives and want to be discriminating in my purchases. Thank you
Exactly what happened to Benchmade for me. I started collecting knives with the most popular brands and I have bought a bunch of BMs at that time. But then I realized that there were much better options on the table. Today I am following closely what MBK has to offer next but I can’t remember the last time I watched a review of a BM knife.
Its very irritating to see Spyderco jack the price up on the Shaman over the years. In the last 2 years its gone from what, $160 to now $230?? What is so special about the Shaman, over other knives, that justifies a 44% price increase in 2 years? I guess it was just too popular of a knife :(
I understand economics that it's not the value of the knife has gone up. It's the value of the dollar that's gone down. But 40% increase??? Maybe other knives reviewers (Knife center ect,) should ask Eric Glesser.
They claim, not that there is any reason to believe them, that the contoured G10 was a more expensive process than they anticipated
It was and is an excellent knife at $160 when I got it. Now I won't recommend it due to price.
Well done, Sometimes the manufacturers get too full of themselves and sometimes the consumer is willing to overlook things, Both lead to a decline in the brand.
Agree with your comments. I see more examples of great value in the imported brands than US ones, sadly. The fact that there are good values in US brands suggests that they can do it: Gerber Gator in 154CM for 45$ (even down to 28$ at one point), Cold Steel Voyager in AUS10 (48$), Cold Steel Spartan in AUS10 (60$), Spyderco Chaparral (85$) in CTS-XHP, OKC Shikra (if only they upgraded to AUS10 and better quality micarta) for 45$, Kershaw knockout M390 (70-80$), Kershaw Bareknuckle 20CV (70-80$), Cold Steel drop forged series in 52100 steel (36$ for smaller, 58$ for 8 inch blade) and on. Why US brands have not "upped" their game (or doing so slowly), i do not know. Better components (micarta, titanium, bearings), better fit/finish, and better heat treats (Spyderco seems decent, as is Cold Steel and some of Buck's Bos heat treats) for not such a premium price over standard would win them many customers (those budget consumers will also go to you for pricier models if happy with value given in budget folders).
That’s the problem when you get accountants running the company instead of the Creative types They can’t see the big picture
One company has great designs but needs to upgrade blade steel, especially for their price or just charge $10 more. One company needs to stop sprint and flash runs and slightly lower prices. Another just needs to lower prices because you're paying for the brand. It's all true. The only consistent quality for price has been Cold Steel. Yeah alot of people have grudge or something but if Spyderco or Benchmade made the $100 Recon 1 it would be the $200 or $250 Recon 1.
Delivering value is a primary component in building the trust of your customers. There are far too many options these days to continue buying Benchmades. Why would Anyone buy a Bugout in S30v when a Deka has 20cv for the same or less money? Both made in the USA. (One example of many out there). Because knife goobers keep paying top dollar for mediocrity from companies riding the reputation from when they were relevant and haven’t been the king of the hill in years.
“apple phone intensifies” lol
I'm wondering if Nick meant to include Apple. I'm not seeing it, but I like Apple and get that there is a fair few who don't. #bias
@@swamiralf5115 my hate for apple extends clear back into my childhood when I found out that opening up my computer case automatically voided the warranty and was technically illegal. #ibmdiditright
@@swamiralf5115 I can't imagine liking Apple, they are probably the worst behaved tech company, and that's saying something
Will you make review on Justice league? Also there is a official watch from the movie. Any chance you will review that also?
We now he is talking about apple
Spot on. Spot on!! I hope many makers watch this and really listen!
Fourth. Well this is new for me.
Also great video. I had a professor tell me "don't rest on your laurels". Great advice that has served me well in a professional setting.
Market: We want a tanto Paramilitary 2 in M4 with Jade G10.
Spyderco: We would rather only make 1000 of them so that we can jack up the price and call them sprint runs
FYI, minimum order for sprints now is 10k units
That should be a full production knife in both the black and M4 jade G-10 it's a cash cow. Very very silly of spyderco to sprit them.
I sure hope Spyderco doesn't make more. I'm one of those that got lucky. I'm kind of just kidding. I get your point.
@@toddslaton8485 I mean yeah, I have one too but I have the opinion that sprint runs should only be color variations, not entirely new knife steels and blade shapes. Give the people what they want.
I honestly don’t understand why there’s so much hype involved with Spyderco Sprint runs. They’re so ubiquitous that the secondary prices shouldn’t be as ridiculous as they are.
I didn't hear Nick say "Don't get into watches" in this video when he held the Omega seamaster, so...... get into watches?
NO
Yes and dont forget high end pens and flashlights to round out your hate for your bank account 😆
@@michaelo5665 check out Nakaya I prefer them now over other higher end brands
@@orckiller91 their dorsalfin model worked perfect for me as a lefty but I had to sell it during the shitshow that was 2020
"Reeve anything on the table" 😂
What your saying is true, but even when they lower the prices of there products they’ll make it sound like a sale or some gimmick that will make people think :omg look how cheap this ....... is I have to buy it.
Nick, thanks for the video 😎👍.
You can hardly find a pocket knife in S125V unless you are willing to pay an exorbitant amount of money for a knife that doesn't even look that good.
The knife industry seems to be happy with churning out the same old, same old with blade steels that was the latest and greatest when grandpa was young buck. (somewhat exaggerated)
Kershaw pink Donut cutter in 20CV? TAKE MY MONEY
Ok sport. We need to have a little chat about economics!! 🤣🤣🤣
Any company that cares about their brand WANTS to innovate and improve. Period.
Emerson comes to mind.
It’s a stainless steel liner lock with G10 handles in 154cm blade steel and it’s over $200? C’mon. It’s 2021, the “wave feature” isn’t that special anymore.
"don't have to Reave any money on the table." Subtle
Good stuff here.
Butterfly and arachnid spent most of this video fidgeting, sighing, and crossing their metaphorical arms and looking down at their metaphorical shoes.
But Nick made sure not to mention any names so they won't cut-off his supply of free knives.
Hi Beau: I know you're here grinding an axe, but just to clarify, Benchmade stopped sending me knives a long time ago. Any Benchmade you've seen on the channel since the Carbon Fiber Proper and Saibu has been my own.
R __ L __ X & C H R __ S R __ __ V __
"Nick, I'd like to buy a vowel, please..."
Its a simple concept in idea, but complacency kills. If a business is not innovating, they are dying. If you are progressing just for sake of progress, that isnt fulfilling your fiduciary responsibility. Progress should be towards meeting your company goals and objectives, and developing or maintaining a competitive advantage over any possible competitors.
Pattern welded steels have potential fail points on every weld. you ask me its a bad thing not a good thing.
Chris Reeve Knife please take note and be more innovative + customer centric
right on
1:00 I see what ya did there
Simon Sinek calls this the difference between a finite and infinite mindset.
That watch is eight seconds fast.
True, but they could sell more. And by doing so can retain there hype by putting out a better product.
It irks the hell out of me when someone buys some crappy product that it's plain to see is no good and they're adamant that it's good because it has such and such brand name on it. Like the Bear Grylls knives. People will buy them because they trust them to be good quality survival knives and won't even consider that it's a cheese-grade chinesium unsharpenable shit-stick. It's using a name people place trust in to trick folk into buying high-profit low-quality chud.
Okay sport, let's talk about economics. Have you, or have you not heard of *dum dum dummmmm* supply and demand?
Anyway, you are right. Even though companies can currently get away with offering less quality or value, or with not improving either, doesn't mean that it's a sound long-term strategy. Even if it were, we should always be trying new things, even if only for our own development and morale (be that as an individual or as a company).
Issue with Herman is a total lack of communication. Not from the maker or the website that sells them. No thanks
Update: polishcustomknives did respond to my email the same day, I was so busy with work I didn’t notice the email. Apologies to PCK.
Herman hasn’t responded to two separate requests weeks apart but I’m sure he’s just busy. Take that for what you will
Did you make the requests in English?
@@NickShabazz Yeah. First message was three weeks back. The second was a couple days ago. Haven't sent anything since.
I know PCK is quite fluent, but I'm not sure whether emails in English to Herman would get easily returned. Recall, they're all quite Polish :)
I get a little excited when Nick thinks about my bottom line....
...it's not just me, right?
41 seconds in and he's already sub-dissing benchmade 😂😂
You make good points. But I cannot help myself and think - what a cute idiosyncrasies of a B2C market where value is dominated by perception. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just the way we are.
Damn... I just bought a Grimsmo Saga 😂😂
I feel like Olight people need to watch this video...
Elasticity of demand. Halo effect and perhaps the brand has been improving their product.... hence the well-deserved hype? FWIW, Omega/Swatch is doing very poorly even in light of the pandemic. OK, you just uttered "halo effect" so thanks for that.
Look what happened to Gerber, or Buck. At one point they were 2 of the top knife makers in the world. Now, Gerber is basically a joke (although to their credit, they ARE innovating now, and TRYING to fix their brand) and Buck's has been living off it's name since the 90's.
Buck had a titanium handle Buck 110 with a pocket clip in the 80's way way ahead of its time. Where the hell is it today when that's the standard.
Uuuuu....That Herman Ishtar....
Civvivi/ We has entered the chat.
Lucky 3rd who's counting?
In knives, watches, and firearms, I've only ever seen the customer pay MORE for advancements in mechanical technology or materials science, and such is the way of Capitalism. Ironically, the usual fanfare for these items wholeheartedly despises price increases. You can have your free lunch, so long as you pay for it, capiche?
👍
Please don’t change CRK. I love them they way they are. And I’m a young whipper snapper. I can’t think of another brand that this rant can fit for.
Maybe Buck should watch this 😂
Maybe buck should not because what buck does works.
Uh, really? Because as far as I know, Buck is one of like 2 production level companies that do cryo after HT, the other being SOG
Mark: You needed to start that sentence with "OK Sport..."
They had a titanium handle 110 with a pocket clip back in the 80's so far ahead of it's time it's was back to the future. Where the hell is it now? With their S30V that would be their modern classic.