Today, we'll take a look at an updated version of the Three Rivers Manufacturing Neutron, 2018's Knife of the Year, which proves, albeit unnecessarily, that when you make a gem better, it remains a gem.
Just my two cents: I have a micarta scale Atom and using this knife has been a bit of a learning experience in terms of its capabilities. The micarta scales, in combination with the titanium frame beneath, are pretty flexible, similar to what people bring up about the Bugout. I was using the Atom to cut zip ties off packages during Christmas and actually bent the titanium frame enough that the blade was rubbing the scale when I closed it. I just used nothing more than hand strength to bend it back and now it’s centered again, no play or anything detrimental that I can find. But my point here is that if you want an extra level of robustness with this knife, you should probably go with G10 for the scale material, as it is rigid enough to prevent those titanium scales beneath from coming out of alignment. Just wanted to share my experience with that particular knife, and I will say every interaction I’ve had with TRM has been awesome, they’re great people over there.
Wow, that's a shame. Certainly questions the move to nested and potentially thinner liners. I realize this is not marketed as a "hard use" folder, but a cable tie is hardly hard use for a pocket knife. I'm curious if you reached out to TRM about this?
I was lucky enough to pick one up in a recent drop. Ditto for an Atom a few months back. A few comments regarding the Neutron 2 - I wish the lockbar cutout was just a tiny bit bigger. You can see pretty clearly when the Atom & Neutron are in the same shot just how much more accessible the lockbar is on the Atom. The clip on mine was INCREDIBLY tight, required bending it back some to be able to get it in a pocket without a 2 hand operation. That said, a Benchmade Bugout clip will mount to this knife just fine and frankly I prefer that one.
This is my main gripe. My thumb gets ripped up fidgeting with my new cf neutron 2. It feels amazing and plenty of room if you try it without the scale on that side. Maybe I’ll trade up for an Atom at some point.
Nick I bought the Atom because of you oh sub a year ago. It’s one of my favorite knifes of all time. Frankly I think they could raise the price by quite a bit. The knife is that good. I appreciate low priced things but I when a company makes a product with quality such as this, they should charge for it. Thanks Nick for all the great advice.
G-11 is grade 11 Garolite. Obviously one step up from Garolite grade 10 (G-10). The difference is that it is slightly stronger and more heat resistant than the G-10 we know. Its still, like G-10, a fiber reinforced resin and phenolic. There, now that's a thing you know.
In addition to the nested liners, I think the best improvement with the Newtron was a subtle change in the handle shape by the finger choil (the same improvement they made with the Atom). They eliminated that little corner that made a hot spot when choking up.
I got my first TRM knife several weeks ago and it was this knife the NEWtron 2. It prompted me to get the Atom, because I like the dimensions better. Overall, it’s a nice little compact knife with good ergos. If you like and carry knives in this dimension, then it will be an home run for you.
I was surprised you said the CF is abrasive under the clip, as mine is quite smooth (I see that yours is not). It slips in/out of my pocket easily, better than most and MUCH better than some! I found one, so now I’m happy! I feel like they’re on the verge of full-scale production. They are fairly local to me (50 miles), and the only Massachusetts knife maker I know, so I’m rooting for the home team. I think the deep-carry clip is too tall, so I might try to get a non-deep carry Atom clip.
This is a killer knife, and currently available. Not entirely made in USA, but Vanax is no small thing. $100 more than the Newtron but what's your time worth?
Nick, I simply spread open a tight clip a bit to bend it to fit if it’s too snug and tearing up my pants. You don’t need to sand down your beautiful scales. I take the clip off and use a needle nose pliers to spread bend between the insides of the back and front of the clip just a tad and it works perfect on several knives.
@@tylerbunch6021 Followed them on their fb page, and I think it might have been Instagram too? Missed out about three times in a row, from what I saw online that's not uncommon. Just gave up after that, plenty of knife companies around that hold their customers in better regard and are happy to help. Personally, I think that should be rewarded and I'd rather give my money to them. Each to their own, I guess.
@@tylerbunch6021 Too be clear, not the FB page, but the private group mentioned in this video... Their FB site has basically been abandoned, and I don't really understand why companies do this.
The Drift is more expensive and made overseas, while the Neutron is less expensive and totally made in the US. Just depends whether those factors matter at all to you. The Drift is rust proof, while the Neutron is almost just as rust resistant. You can swap the scales on the Neutron for a new look. Action is also better on the Neutron. But the Neutron is hard to get! I have them both and love them both! They definitely fill the same role as an EDC knife. Similar size, thinness, bladestock thiness, etc. And don't underestimate the corrosion resistance of 20CV! So it's really a matter of preference, and whether the price and origin matter to you.
Used to have their "Break Out" album but it was one of several that walked away at some point. Probably loaned to a friend and was never returned. Pretty good album as best as I remember. Definitely dug "The Neutron Dance"
Two points i would like to see changed in the Newtron 3.0 (personal opinion): Steel Liners instead of Titanium...the knife-structure bends and shifts like crazy and it's a pain in the S to readjust everything. New thumbstuds: They look nice and clean but i think they can be improved. The silicone o-rings became a thing but it's just a temporary workaround and not an actual improvement. I have more nitpicks and i'm generally pretty harsh with my critic but only because this is coming very close to my vision of the perfect folder.
I bought this exact version brand new, and it got lock stick on the liner lock after about 10 flicks. Anyone have the same issue and know how to fix it?
Does anyone know how to get one of these? Every time I check the TRM website they are listed as SOLD OUT. Nick...the price does not matter if they are not available. Maybe it is like the apple crops here in Central Washington - production is pre-sold therefore new buyers are SOL.
Check the faq on the trm page it will tell you the day and the time window it will drop somewhere in that window. If you have Facebook turn join the group and someone will post when it up. Make sure you get the knife cause the scales are easily changed to ones you would like ;).
@@DanE-ew1yt I managed a Neutron 1, my immpression is that this is about as much knife as can be had at this price point. The fact that TRM has kept the price reasonable is amazing IMO.
I’ve decided I usually want nested/hidden liners. It may not always be the case (that I don’t like them), as I have one that I like (a titanium Mini-Begleiter), but in many if not most cases, I think, they look cheap. I’m glad the Neutron 2 has now hidden them!
I've wanted a Neutron for a very, very long time. But, like you said in the vid, availability is dismal (nothing against TRM). I used to go check when batches were releasing but I've stopped trying. Here's to hoping one day they become a bit more available and less of a "exclusive luxury" knife.
TRM rules, sliciest edc-knives on the planet 👍 🙂! By the way, the Neutron 1 does still get pocket time with me: those scales allow for left-hand carry.
As a LEFTY, I find it fascinating that the liners are drilled for LHC. It seems it wouldn't be too hard to drill out the scale and lefty-fy it. Unless it's the mentioned upcoming copper scale . Nick mentions the thumbstuds aren't equal for L and R side, but freeze-framing an overhead shot they don't look *too* different. I think I could flick it lefty...
I'm really trying to give TRM the benefit of the doubt on ramping up production, but it has been almost 2.5 years at this point. I'm sure they're trying, but I'm beginning to lose faith that they'll ever actually be successful at making these available on a wide enough scale to meet demand. I would rather they have focused on fixing their production issues than making minor tweaks to knives that were already gems. "We're working on it, bear with us" only buys you so much time before you start to really piss off your potential customers.
@@6nosis I have some Spydies, I carry one to work most days. Doesn't mean that I don't also want a Neutron if TRM ever gets their shit together on production.
I know you're just sad, but do you really think they're not eager to sell as many as possible? There's no advantage to artificial scarcity here, and they're ramping up massively.
I have the 1st version Neutron. While I appreciate the updates, I'll likely not add this V 2.0 -- both from a budget perspective and the availability challenges. I almost gave up on the 1st one but finally made it under the wire and glad I waited. My understanding is that they've updated their ordering process so you don't have to wait for "open season" and move VERY quickly then -- but I could be wrong.
Knife of the year should be the best knife you've seen this year. Not sure why this wouldn't be in the running, simply because it's predecessor won. The best is the best, regardless of history
You are right, but a big part of TRMs identity as a manufacturer is that everything is 100% made in the USA. Hence even why they use 20cv and not m390. 20cv is from the US. They have always done things that way. They don't have any issies with overseas knives, they just prefer to keep their product as an American one. They could always partner with US OEMs though!
Talk about UGLY! I got a tip from a very nice lady at TRM (thank you, Jenn), that there would likely be a Neutron 2 release on March 17(today). This is no secret to their FB followers, but to me it was a golden hint. I refuse to support FB in any way... Anyway, I start watching the TRM website this morning at 8:00 and faithfully check it every hour or so(I even set my phone alarm for every two hours so I couldn't get distracted from checking!). So it's just before 4 pm and time for another look. Guess what, "THE MARCH 17TH RELEASE IS SOLD OUT". How the heck??? One thing TRM could do if they really gave a you know what, would be to limit the number of knives to one per sale instead of three... But this really is an UGLY side of TRM.
I've been carrying the full size Benchmade Freek for over 2 years. The blade is made of S30v but the 3.6" blade is perfect for everyday use . I still haven't found anything I rather carry. No play, opens perfectly and can cut apart heavy cardboard with little effort.
a pretty basic an boring knife. Version 2 here is pretty much version 1 lol its like an iPhone 6 to a 7, not worth the money(as is any iPhone). And nested liners that give you less material so less value and durability for sure. But omg 20cv! 😂 overhyped. The original seems like a better stronger knife.
Nick gotta admit you got me...I.e. I was fooled to believe this wasn't marketing and dropped 200 on this knife which is in no way a "gem". The thumbs studs are worse than the ones you'd get on a smith and Wesson swat knife from the 90s and the hot spots on the scales because trm is too lazy to sand them make the knife so crappy to hold long term it makes it a knife destined for the drawer. Don't believe the hype and false scarcity nonsense (which unfortunately I did), give this knife a hard miss. A 240 dollar unusable liner lock...jeeze...
