To be honest, I always prefer to watch reviews on knives I can buy. And the thing with customs is that its always years to get the maker to make you anything, let alone the one you saw. You said it best - the interest is academic only, not practical. Great video!
I wonder if you would feel that way after experiencing an amazing custom knife. With flawless fit and finish and finer materials than you would get on a production knife.
Great points. I use to be into highly decorated custom knives. But in the end I realized that I'm paying triple and quadruple for a nice piece of pocket jewelry that I use even less because of the price and looks. I appreciate a well made production these days. I feel that the big names in knife reviews and the grade A knife flippers that are just out there to make a buck and win a popularity contest among the community have really thrown the aftermarket value of customs way out of proportion. Subsequently that drives more orders to the particular maker and then their books close, which in turn drive the rest of us to the secondary hyped price of the product, which puts an already possible out of our price range knife even more unobtainable. I don't even care if the custom is OMG good or much much better than my benchmark knife, I don't feel that they are worth the hype price in general. Custom knives have trended away from being a cutting tool to a status symbol now and that really bothers me. It has generated a kind of snobbery that has many viewers lose sight of what the purpose of a knife should be. I have unsubscribed from any reviewers because of that reason. I appreciate your reviews. You have a no nonsense opinion about the pros/cons. It's a rarity these days. Thanks for this video.
Hey Nick, Where did you find that red pill? On another subject - I don't think you could refer to Jim Skelton's videos as reviews IMO. Haven't heard him say anything bad about a knife ever I think (I unsubbed at some point), so it's more an infomercial or a knife porn than a genuine review like yours (especially since we all know he got most of his knife for free in exchange for that review and some pics). I respect your decision as I understand how hard it is to stay loyal to your principles while making knife reviews. Cheers!
Yeah, when I'm more scripted and careful, I try to use the term "Showcase" rather than review for folks like that (and Jim's not alone!). There's a role for them, absolutely, and Jim absolutely has a knack for presenting knives in the best light possible in an entertaining way. But you're right that it's something fundamentally different than what many other reviewers do, and it's likely not the only information you'd want, going into a purchase. Thanks for the kind words.
Yeah, the only memorable negative review is that of the FU clip and I have not heard a bad thing about anything he owns since then. Also he keeps saying that the friendship with those makers has got nothing to do with how they treat him. That's bullshit because no sane maker can afford to offend him and he has good reviews on some shady characters.
I agree with your assessment 100% but it actually doesn't bother that much. I don't buy high end or custom knives so I only watch videos like that to ogle the knife and learn a little more about it. But I do mostly stick to channels that give balanced reviews, even of knives that I would never or could never buy.
Jim has said repeatedly that he makes videos of his own collection therefore only knives he likes. I don't think he misrepresents knives, but showcases his collection and what he likes about them.
Many excellent points, agree 100%. As per custom vs production; I feel that the best production companies have surpassed custom makers in fit and finish, but this is only as of the last 5 years imo. There is no way someone on manual equipment can be as accurate as a well calibrated CNC machine. Even so, I will always continue to own and purchase custom knives. There is something intangible about a guy making something by hand in his garage or shop. Pride of ownership, uniqueness, (possibly built to your specs, although this is quite rare these days), friendship, and possibly innovation (Hawk and GTC) etc... Excellent vid!
EpicSnuggleBunny ...agreed this debate can go both ways. Some folks dont care about the productions, some folks enjoy something exclusive and more personal even if you have to save up your fun money a few months more
It makes sense to me: I'm not enough of a knife guy to buy a full custom and, to me, a knife is always a tool. That's not to disrespect what the custom guys are doing, but it's not my bag. I also agree with you about custom *has* to be better the production: somebody dissed me on this point when talking about watches the other day because I commented on Seiko's generally high case quality on their lower end items, and he moaned that it was just because I liked stuff done by CNC rather than by hand. I commented back that I don't care how it's done, just as long as it's good. And that's the thing: just because you spent ages doing something by hand, is no guarantee that it's not shoddy. If machine-made is better then use a machine. I don't know: maybe that means I have no soul, but I just like nice things, you know?
I'm a big fan of handcrafting and bespoke work. And the folks who can do magic with a manual mill or hand tools have my utmost respect. And I think there's absolutely a role for $2000+ handmade art knives, and $400,000 R.W Smith handmade watches. But "handmade" does not excuse "poorly done". Something with great artistic flair can absolutely make up the difference for a passionate collector. And certainly, I have different standards for hand work, as the tools are different. But the truly amazing handmade stuff is so excellent that it meets any standards, while just happening to be handmade. And unless it's full of sentimental value, a poorly made knife is just that, no matter where it came from.
Mr. Nick. I thank you for your very down to earthyness. I appreciate your channel sir. I fell off the deep end with blades a few years back. I have several you have reviewed. I really think all together there will not be a "I got to have it" knife for me anymore. I sure would not mind to have the money to blow on a $1200 folder, but I need gear to make a living with. $1200 would buy a very nice trailer, chainsaw, climbing gear.....ect. thanks for sharing sir!
I feel the same way Nick. Reate, ZT, taichung Spyderco, etc- they all sort of invalidate customs for me. Take Reate's Steelcraft line for example. They are production excellence.. I've handled customs with far worse action and fit and finish. You get much better value for your money when you stick with high-end production knives or "midtechs". In my mind, Olamic and Reate offer the highest quality knives out there for someone who doesn't wanna drop $500+ on a knife.
Agree totally with you Nick! I have taken baths on buying custom knives which weren't for me and by reselling them I took a huge loss on a couple of them. So I am sticking to production knives and if there is a great knife but it is for instance possible to customise it from the seller, it is a great thing. But it still a production knife but with a small degree of customization to it. Have a great one! 🗡
After reflecting on this video and your knife gripe on "Mid-techs" it seems to me that we are in desperate need for some new categories. It seems it used to be that knives fell into basically 3 categories - production, mid-tech or custom. But Grimsmo, Olamic, Shirogorov, CKF, et al., don't really fit in these categories. I also feel that Instagram has changed the whole dynamic. There is now this 'club' mentality. And it seems you need whatever the trendiest flavor of the day knife to get in. I honestly think many people put down tons of money on some knife just to take pictures and post on IG. They are paying $1500 and up just for a hashtag...oy vey
Nick thanks so much for your work and honesty up front. However you have turned my husband into a knife junkie and he enjoys all of your videos no matter if he can afford it or not. Some of the customs don't even interest him but enjoys your insight and comments. You must know what is good so you can measure not so good. He very much appreciates you and thinks you are a beautiful thing. Again thank you, birthday present will be a spiderco para 2 in blurple, for him. This is much cheaper than him building 1911 pistols!
Hah, I'm delighted that he's enjoyed the channel, and that I've helped him find a cheaper hobby. Thanks for the kind words, and that's a great birthday choice. Well done!
I'm feeling the same way I've done some highlight vids on some custom knives and I'm really not sure I can keep doing it when I don't know if I would buy the knife myself if I ever have that kind of money. So I struggle weather to show it just to let people see it cause like you said you won't be able to get them. Great video. I now have a lot of food for thought.
I think the actual retail price is pretty reasonable, given the level of fit-and-finish relative to the rest of the knifemaking world. The problem is buying the knives at actual retail. And I'd rather they keep a retentive dedication to perfection, rather than trying to lower prices and cut corners to stay profitable. Hopefully the price will come down, absolutely, but I'm more excited for more of them to get out there, so that the secondary market prices can tank and the speculators and scalpers move on, such that "used Norseman at a better-than-retail price" can someday become a thing.
I think Grimsmo knives will keep their upwars trend in price so grab as much as you can as I. haven't seen yet better knife action in even more expensive blades. Hinderers are a good example of crapy knives sold at unreasonable prices. Surprisingly ZTs with Hinderer designs are pure gems.
I would never support Grimsmo because i dont agree with their business practices. They are using their customers as a bank loan to buy new equipment to avoid interest. I think if they got a loan and pumped out product, they would have a much better reputation. I am not giving a startup company 600$ in the hopes they dont go out of business before you get your knife. I am also a Canadian businessman and we really like to support our own but Grimsmo's business plan is vary flawed and sketchy, especially because they are established and could easily get a business loan. Thats like prepaying a contractor to build you a home, doesn't make sense.
If idiots could learn to control themselves and exercise a little deferred gratification we wouldn't be seeing these astronomical secondary market prices. Stop paying so much, and the prices will fall.
Anyone that pays more than original retail, which is at least 25% too much in the first place, is beyond help. The Rask is an ok design, but the Norseman is not appealing. Yes I've handled them, quality is good, but the price for what you get is absurd.
Good little rant. Like many I think you've nailed it. It comes down to value. Not just perceived flimsy artistic value. But actual tangible value for hard earned money. Spending over $50 for a knife is already crazy in the eyes of many in normal society. But spending WAY MORE than a car & mortgage put together for a knife BETTER justify something amazing. It better shoot lasers. Something unbeatable. Unfortunately it usually does not. And people should spend their hard earned money on things that give value.
I used to like Jim Skelton's channel in an 'If I Were A Rich Man' kind of dream. Like you said though, 99% of us are not wealthy enough to invest that kind of money in what is essentially an ornament rather than a tool.
Hey Nick...for me It is a matter of price rather if they are custom, midtechs or production knives. The price limit for me to disassemble, use or mess with a kinife is 500 bucks...(or the price of a Sebenza in time). Above that price a knife should be seen as contemplative art. I totally agree with you when you mention the quality of production knives ...Kizer is a good example of extraordinary knives that still are sold at reasonable prices. Nevertheless, being the knifefool I don't care if I have to pay high prices for exotic and/or coveted pieces of art (even if they are production knives!).
So, I am kinda noticing you are not into fixed blades. I actually prefer those over folders. Do you have a video discussing why you prefer folders? If not I wouldn't mind seeing one...
Sage advice - it enouraged me to review my own spending habits and question what I want out of a pocket knife in the first place! Thanks for the perspective.
Look at Jim Skelton's career... He's in sales. Listen to him next time he reviews a knife... He isn't reviewing the knife, he is selling you a knife. Very annoying, cause there is definitly collusion going on.
What I dislike the most about customs is e v e r y b o d y is doing the same thing. Titanium. Flipper. Framelock. It's getting really old and everything's starting to look really similar.
Nick, I hope you will make one exception: When a custom maker introduces something new that would benefit production models. Like a new lock mechanism, an innovative blade shape, etc.
Absolutely, I reserve the right to highlight anything particularly interesting or innovative that crosses my table. But it may not be a "review" in the classical sense.
I greatly appreciate the reply and fully support your approach. I look forward to seeing more production knives and I'm confident you'll now be able to cover more makers - like North Arm (can't wait to hear about the Skaha...). Thanks!
Couldn't agree with the video more. Like you said, 99% of us couldn't afford to drop $1400 on a custom. Thus, a lot less interest in watching videos about them. I may start reading an article about a $150k Mercedes but will end up skimming thru it pretty quickly.. I'll watch between 8--10 YT knife channels but avoid the ones that just do customs or mainly customs. I think it's a good decision for the viewers.. I think you should do a Ganzo review in honor of this video.. Again, a knife is a simple tool. It can only do so many things. Once over a certain amount ($250ish), the materials are basically the same..I just don't see a $1200 knife being way better then a $250 knife..
I only glazed over the custom knife reviews.... I intently listen to production and mid tech reviews. Wonder if I'm alone or you saw a dip in viewing numbers in those videos.
My personal experience is the same as Nick's. True customs were often less constructed with poorer tolerances than higher end mid and higher end production knives.
_Couldn't agree more._ I'm fortunate enough my Hedonic Treadmill got stuck at the $500 mark. As I commented over at Doctor Frunkey's channel yesterday: knife makers like Reate really put into perspective what sort of _performance_ I expect from a knife. Sure, I can get a one-off damascus knife covered with Mokuti and mother of pearl using an orphan's heart for a pivot. But it had better flip and close at least as well as my $400 Chinese production knife. Even my pricey FF Gavko Spinner customized by the man himself is barely the equal of the CKF version for far less. Gems like the Wayfarer 247 or ZT 0392 don't make me question why I bought them. If perhaps my main goal was to pose them on a fancy handkerchief with a flashlight, lighter, brass knuckles and handmade coin for my IG page I'd feel different. If I do buy a custom, chances are it won't be because I saw a review, rather talked with the maker, handled his wares and made that connection.
BTW, yesterday a Grimsmo Rask went up for sale at BF for $1200, and sold in minutes. Considering it was built in June, the obvious intent (as usual) was to flip it. I have to admit I derive a tiny bit of satisfaction at the guys who purchased ZT 0392's intending to make a killing on eBay only to see the bottom drop out - at least for now.
Good video; very well stated. I think it's interesting to see the 'cult of celebrity' around makers who are in high demand. I guess most Chris Reeve knives aren't full customs, but he's a good example of a maker who is idolized by his fans with a passion that borders on the erotic.
"Admiration of the proletariat, like that of dams, power stations, and aeroplanes, (and custom knives) is part of the ideology of the machine age." - Bertrand Russell (and me)
Personally, I wouldnt call any of those knives 'custom'.. they are all standard models from makers with small output. I can get a rassenti just like that. Same with that basic bitch, soulless front flipper. They're just expensive. Not too special otherwise. Same with the norseman. They're commonly produced (in small numbers) and last I heard, grimsmo werent taking orders for custom anything. Its catch as catch can with stuff like that. Same reason Direware isnt custom. They make knives, if you see the one you want then you better be quick about getting your money into their hands so you can get it. Sure, all are badass, well fitted mechanisms (or they goddamn better be, for the price and makers' egos' sake) but I wouldnt call anything 'custom' about them. You got to pick the finish? Oooo.. still not custom, sorry. You sent the dude drawings and discussed mechanism and material placement for months before the knife was made? Well that's different, isnt it. That's custom. These are all just varying degrees of small batch, fine tuned production models. I can see why they arent good to review, however, because you want to review stuff people can commonly get. The norseman, the rassenti, not easy to find (because produced in small numbers) not easy to buy or justify using (to most, who wants key scratches on a $1500 knife?) So they do lack value as "review" fodder. I enjoy seeing them, tho. Perhaps you can do a 'showing' sometimes, but I can see why you dont want to bulk up your channel's content by stacking these fellas up in your queue. Knife on, Nickster.
Something that you had more input in its structure, mechanism (in the case of folders) materials and construction than any of these knives offer. We'll use Mr. Bluntcut as a primo example. You can dictate everything about the knife he will make for you, right down to the damn rockwell hardness and final geometry of the edge. Edge finish, even. Materials, shape, size, handle characteristics, balance, weight-for-length (feel) - the whole package. You can pretty much be assured that whatever wizardry he sends you wont have a counterpart. Also, if you know what design considerations your common task-set for the blade calls for, then there wont be another better suited for your uses. There is a bit of experience and communication involved in this last facet tho, because if you ask for something that wont work for what you want to do, then you cant blame anyone but yourself: you got just what you ordered, and you maybe should have thought it out better. But that's custom made knives for you. From a good maker, anyway.
Or lets use the rassenti there as an example. If I could call up the shop and say, hey, I want that knife, but make it a bolster'd auto with a bolster release. Also I want the bolsters made out of meteorite and inlays that bump out a touch made from bacteria damascus. Also, i dont want a recurve, I want a full flat grind cleaver blade. That would be a custom.
getting awt scales for my griptillian is about as far into "custom" territory as i care to venture. thanks for your reviews and your opinions, i appreciate your candid-no-nonsense approach.
One part of me just did a sigh of relief, whenever I see you review a custom that little voice in my head tells me to go out and get one. You saved me a great deal of money lol. Really enjoyed the video
I hear where you're coming from here. It's a supply/demand thing and supply from customs is limited. The quality is really all over the place with customs IME. Few even care about performance of the knife as a tool sadly. Most Spyderco knives are better as tools than the vast majority of high end knives. If you're not into the art aspect, then it's somewhat pointless to collect them. I have garnered a huge respect for makers who focus on performance primarily... but those are usually fixed blades or kitchen knives.
I prefer to just customize the knives I already love. My favorite knife is my ZT0452cf that I just had customized from Fanatic, and now I have a 1 of a kind knife, hand customized to my specs, for 1/3 of the price of a cheap custom or "midtech".. without any risk of getting a lemon.
Honestly, with the fit and finish (and customer service) of ZT in my mind anything more expensive yields diminishing returns, for the price difference between Buck and ZT quality, you get a huge jump in fit and finish, but between ZT and let's say Hinderer is the Hinderer even a step up??
I have never agreed with you more. I recently won a 1400 Curtis flipper in a raffle. When it got her I was completely disappointed. It’s a great knife but $1400. Omg. I received a Spyderco Paysan the same day and I’m convinced I like it better. Great video nick.
Leave the custom alone. Most of us can't afford them anyways. I've been buying to many production knives that are over my budget let alone go custom. Now I'm resorting to building my own custom fix blade modeled after my favorite design from Rob B. It'll be my Gunny sidekick but won't be for sale. That's as custom as I wish to get. Keep up the good work Nick I love your reviews.
I see what you're saying.. Hey, you know- this just speaks to you being a good guy who values fairness and not wanting the little guy to get stomped on, you know with market manipulations and unfair value and such. Maybe a few of the guys who may be kinda perpetuating that type of stuff will view this video and make a change for the better or two, who knows! Either way you gotta represent your personal highest ethics and path, and that's a great message to get out there. Message received!
I am 100% production. I don't need anyone telling me how exceptional something is and then say that it is hard to get and expensive and doesn't get a lot of use because it's hard to get and expensive. Sounds to me like you've made a very wise choice to be a collector prioritizing on quality/$.
For me, honestly its extremely simple. If the absolute worst happens and I can't replace the blade for my knife, I ain't gonna buy it. It is a tool. With certain Midtechs, thats an option. So you can appreciate the art and also use it. With most customs and some Midtechs, you just don't have that option. It has to be a tool first, and art second.
Hey Nick, Im with you 110%. Customs do not (generally) offer the same utility as a very good production blade. Ive been through plenty of knives in the past year and a half and always gravitate back to prouduction/midtech knives. Huge CRK fan as well but i mostly carry a PM2 or Ritter Griptillian. Cant beat it always works!
Hey Nick I'm also from Michigan and as such I naturally searched for Michigan Custom Knives and found a guy named Brad Richardson on RU-vid. I was just wondering if you happen to own any of his knives? I'd really enjoy a Michigan made knife review by a Michigan reviewer!! Just a bug in your ear :) thanks
Personally, I was one of those who was after customs for quite some time. But after finally getting my first one this past Bladeshow, a Darrel Ralph Dominator one off, I'm not sure just how long I'll stay in the game. While the Dominator is great, I'm not sure it's completely worth the $750 I spent of it or the $1,200 it actually worth. When compared to other companies such as Reate, WE, ZT, and the like, I'm just not sure how I can justify spending that much to get something that's actually a bit more plain in comparison. I had the option of getting my Dominator or a Reate K-1 in Timascus for the same price. In short, while I don't regret my purchase, it does open my eyes to the fact that I may not be buying too many more customs. Will I get more? Quite likely. But will I get many? Not even close. Also, I will be saving my custom purchases for Bladeshow alone where I can see what I will buy and handle it before putting down cash. But in between shows, I'll stick to high end productions and midtechs.
I guess if you're a hard-core collector/snob (no offence intended to collectors), then limited run custom knives might be attractive. My budget maxxes out at around AUD200 for a knife. I just can't see much of an increase in quality beyond that that might convince me to spend more.
I must agree, Nick. I was into guns and prices were stable. This is more like little kids sports cards, one day they are hot, next day, a Dennis rod man rookie card is free lol. Names like strider , hinderer, Medford , reeve are breaking people's rent, when in reality, a PM2 is almost as aesthetic and probably a better performer. I could work over time and squander my money on a custom but I'd rather be a man and hand my child's private school lol. Expensive is relative.....but these " hype cycles" are not investments. Nick, I trashed your point of view once and I apologize. This video is spot on,
Nick, not saying you're high falootin' but had to look up bourgeoisie for both spelling and meaning. That's why I'm most comfortable in the world of under $50 knives. Hoping at some point you do another budget blade march madness shootout. Love to see how the pilar and cutjack, etc do.
I tend to avoid true 100% "one off" customs too, but I am an avid collector of what I will call semi custom knives from renowned makers. As far as I am concerned, in order to be collectible for me as an individual the knife needs to be somewhat exclusive, limited in overall numbers, yet widely accepted as being an excellent knife. So, for example I would be talking about Todd Begg: Bodega, Glimpse, Beggatti (CA shop produced), Rassenti: Druid, Snafu, Nirvana, RJ Martin: Q-36, Modulator, Pena: Stinger, Diesel, Stuff from Voorhies, Mike Zscherny, Michal Gavac, Allen Elishewitz, Kirby Lambert, Greg Lightfoot, Trevor Burger, Andre Thorburn, Herucus Blomerus, Steven Skiff, etc, etc.... Going a bit even more "high end" I would offer names like Lee Williams, Frank Fisher, Todd Rexford, John Barker, Jeremy Marsh, etc. IMO, these gentleman have proven themselves time after time to produce amazing knives that DO LIVE UP to the "hype" in most cases. As a collector, I see the worth in owning quality pieces from quality makers. Now, on the other hand, when it comes to knives that I buy to actually carry daily and use as a knife/tool... then full production all the way, but not cheap production (I believe that you get what you pay for.. generally speaking)
I can understand I guess. I understand how you would shy away from complete one-offs because of availability, the complete lack thereof, but I'd like to see you still review knives that are of the custom/production variety. By that I mean knives that are handmade, or mostly handmade, by makers in batches which all share the same design. There are makers that can do this well and end up putting out enough product to be able to get them into the hands of a good many people. It's the kind of business model I'm looking at for my knife company. Though maybe at least until I can afford a CNC machine :)
I have to admit.. Yes while I find reviews on 'more affordable' Production to MidTech knives, more informative, to use in helping make a decision on whether or not I might want to 'pull the trigger' and add a new member to My knife-family here.. I Too, Muchly appreciate the High end Custom Knife reviews, on knives I will probably never own, short of winning the Lottery or something like that. I recall the days of Yor (Yor ? hmmm yes Yor), when around the Holiday Seasons we would get what were called Dream or Wish Catalogs... or looking at Tiffany Catalogs or Mercede Benz pamphlets or reviews... or watching Robin Leech's, "Life-Styles of the Rich and Famous", to get at least a peek at things we could dream for or aspire for, even while knowing they are way out of our reach. I probably would have Never Known about Ron Best knives, you know those nearly literal shining Gems of Knife Art, had it not been for reviews on channels like Jim Skelton and the like... Hell I know I'll never be flipping a new Custom $5,000+++ Ron Best knife absentmindedly, while riding in the back of My chauffeur driven Mecedes Benz, on My way to My summer Home in Suffolk, by the sea... but its nice to dream.. and Heck we all like eye-candy, to a degree. (I hear that's why Bird keeps Frankie around, for the eye-candy she provides) ~Quote - "If all I ever knew was the hill... I never would have aspired to crest the mountain." ~T.T. `17
I agree with this, it makes more sense for me to watch reviews on knives I can actually own myself. Prices at that point aren't a huge deal, the Slysz Bowie for example, is around £370 over here in the UK, but for me I COULD justify that. I buy a lot of knives for £100 - £120 so it would simply mean one excellent knife for the prices i'd normally pay for 3 average ones. Also, £370 for something that will last me forever? Well worth it considering that people swap their phones every 2 years at £500 a go (or more) and they're worth naff all after 2 years. Enjoying the videos Nick, keep em coming :)
Another thing that I would like to mention.... I think part of what gets confusing when it comes to "custom knives" is just how rare or exclusive something is, a true "one of a kind" in EVERY sense of the word. For example my LL15 Blomerus "one of a kind", but not the only LL15... same with my Mike Zscherny Shinogi, Allen Elishewitz Silver Fox, Michal Gavac Spinner 2.0, Peter Rassenti SNAFU, etc. In other words, although there are scores of each of these models in existence, only ONE of them is like my exact knife. This is due to the unique selection of either the blade steel (and it's finish), the handle, bolster, pivot collar, etc. and their material, finish, etc
If money were virtually no object for me, I’d buy nothing but custom knives and I’d use the hell out of them. Since I will almost certainly never be in that kind of position, I have to consider every upper-budget purchase in the context of “will I actually use this thing or is it so expensive that I’ll be too afraid to carry it anywhere.” If I were to drop $1,500 on a pocket knife, I would probably be reaching for one of my $200-300 knives every day on my way out of the house because the prospect of scratching or otherwise damaging such an expensive knife just kind of ruins the fun of collecting and using cool knives. Obviously I’d love to be able to afford $2k-10k custom knives but I can’t. Thankfully, there are some amazing, very high quality options out there that are within the $150-400 range so that’s where I’ll be staying for the foreseeable future. A knife in that price range can still be comfortably used as a tool, dulled, sharpened and used some more without much worry.
To be honest, Nick. I watch this channel for you. It doesn't matter if you're reviewing a unaffordable wristwatch or raving about a toilet plunger you just purchased - I can always rely on you to be chock full of laughs and wit. Carry on.
I'm glad to hear someone finally discussing the topic of actual value. As an artist/ illustrator, an amateur knife maker, and an avid knife user/collector I struggled for a long time tring to accept a lot of these custom prices and products. While on one hand I fully, entirely, 100% understand WHY custom knives inherently cost more from a labor and small operation standpoint, the realist in me still can't personally justify the idea that just because it was handmade that it is then better and WORTH the extra $$$ to me. Even as an amateur knife maker myself, I don't sell my work yet but I constantly have people asking to buy my fixed blades. With my wildly inefficient amateur setup I'd have to charge $400+ for one of my knives just to cover materials and labor. I've had numerous people willing to pay that but I can't personally justify selling to these people because I KNOW the knife is not WORTH that money.... the only reason I would have to charge that is because my process is inefficient. So when we start discussing the merits and qualities of custom vs production you have to kind of come to the realization that the only difference in a production knife is that it was made more efficiently and thus possible to sell for less. This is where makers like Spyderco and ZT are really pushing envelopes. Some of my Spydercos (around the $200-$300 mark) far outperform custom knives I've handled that were MULTIPLE TIMES the price. Again, I get WHY customs cost more to a certain extent but I'm not paying for the knowledge of your sweat, I'm paying for your product. If the product can't outperform other products that are far cheaper then I am out. I've had a couple people even wanting to buy knives I built from premade Lauri blades. I refused to sell because my labor meant I'd have to charge $150 and even though these people were fine with that price, I couldn't justify taking $150 from someone for an $8 blade + $5 in wood that resulted in a knife that I personally would value at maybe $50.
I got sucked into the custom knife thing for awhile - wasted a lot of money!! There are a lot of really great production knives out there for WAY, WAY less that are ultimately more usable. The singular exception (at least for me) might some of the offerings from Serget Rogovets. Wonderful knives, but functionally and practically still not really "better" than some of my Spyderco's, ZTs, etc....
I have to totally agree with you on 1 hand nick. I spent $1100 on a custom from a legendary knife maker, a maker that has done numerous knives for benchmade that are beloved by many. I thought the custom would be the be all end all, and I ended up very disappointed. No over travel stop, no lock bar insert, which were things I knew going in but I thought other aspects would make up for it. When I received it I noticed it was not near as vibrant as in pictures, very sensitive to lockbar pressure, painfully strong detent, pivot was way too tight, couldn't adjust because the pivot only had a screw on one side and the other side spun. It kind of ruined the one off custom thing for me but my grail is still a full mokuti/timascus flipper but aside from that I'll stick to high end midtechs and higher production customs like Curtiss. ONE VERY BIG THING I BELIEVE YOU FAILED TO MENTION unless I just missed it is customer service. You can send a knife to ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco for repair or parts with little to no headache. Strip a screw on a custom or need a repair done? On a knife made by someone who's books aren't even open? While they may be able to take care of your issue as good as a large company they surely won't do it better. Slower is more likely and realistic. There are a couple makers I'd like to own pieces from like Rassenti, Leu, Rogovets but I'll be much more selective and informed in the future.
I know this is an old video, but just wanted to chime in. I got sucked in by the custom market but saw the light. It was in large part thanks to how good the manufacturers have gotten these last few years, and no small part due to the shady “secondary market”. If you look at all the knives made in the world today (from butter knives to custom folders), the average price is probably between around $50. If an enthusiast spends up to ten times that for something that’s fancier, something special, I totally get it. But to spend thousands, or double, even triple the maker’s original retail price is bordering insanity. First of all, some people make like the inconsistencies inherent in hand made customs are like some kind of rare and valuable feature. To me, that’s a very warped point of view towards the production of anything. The entire developed world has been working towards repeatable perfection in manufacturing since the Industrial Age. Secondly, a knife can be collectible, but it’s not art. Art can exist for no other reason than to be art; it is a feature of human civilization, it has always been and always will be. But a knife (no matter how pretty) is a thing made to serve a purpose. Once people no longer require that service, or people lose interest in collecting that item, it becomes trash. Third, there is much more than 1% of the population who have one, two, or three thousand dollars lying around doing nothing (myself included); they just wouldn’t ever consider spending it on a knife. I even feel the same way with cars; say the average car costs $50k these days. I totally get enthusiasts buying $500,000 Lambos, Ferrari’s and McLarens. But, when you’re talking about three, four, or five million dollar Bugattis, Paganis, and Koenigseggs… in my book you just went from crazy to stupid.
After 30 years of collecting knives, from benchmade folders to high end midtechs to sole authored hand made customs, I couldn't agree more. These days with the midtech market the way it is you can pay 300 to 500 on a knife with the superior build quality and fit and finish that you look for in a custom. If you're buying a knife to use and carry (which I ALWAYS inevitably do) customs are a waste of money. If you want a knife for an investment, pride of ownership and a personal showpiece etc., and you have the money, sure, buy that Jeff Harkin or Stan Wilson, they're fantastic knives that may grow in value if kept in excellent condition. But if it's a knife you're using to edc, fish, camp, hunt or what not and you want that rock solid build quality a custom gives you, there's some really affordable options out there. I personally edc a Southard Avo ($450) mostly and swap it out for my Begg bodega midtech ($950). They perform actually just as well if not better than any hand made custom I have. And with a lot less guilt and worry
This is very encouraging. I love your real reviews and have already bought knives based off of what I saw in your videos. I say; leave the unobtainium blades to those who want to dabble in that and do more reviews of knives we can buy and use and higher end production ones we could save up for if we wanted them. Keep it up Nick!
Excellent piece, all about value. In theory, I won't ever get a blade over $100... Lately, I've acquired a few knives under $50 that quickly became faves.
I am in the same boat. I have picked up a few custom knives over the years, but for what you get, most of them just aren't worth it, IMO. I bought a couple customs for $700+ just to find issues with them that I would not accept on a $100.00 knife. Sure, some are great, but you're paying a mortgage to own one of those. I will stick with my Spydercos with the occasional higher end production knife.
If you take a bath on a $600 knife after paying 3X it’s list price based solely on hype, you kinda deserved that bath. And a lot of the people who are taking baths by poorly speculating in the knife market don’t really deserve your pity. Many of them are just hoping to turn around and sell what they just bought for double what they paid for it. Of course some people get caught up in this cycle when all they’re trying to do is get a cool knife that they like but those people need to quit buying these flavor of the month knives at inflated prices. It’s other people like them who are causing the prices to inflate in the first place. The same shit has been going on with computer graphics cards. You’ve got a hot new commodity hitting the market and the market is flooded with scalpers looking to take advantage of honest buyers but a lot of those honest buyers are empowering the scalpers by paying the extortionate rates for those products. So, just like with in-demand knives, a $700 MSRP graphics card cannot be found anywhere for less than $1,500-1,800. Just stop paying the ridiculous prices and the scalpers will have no choice but to lower those prices.
I’m definitely a midtech/reeve/hinderer guy but that grimsmo is beautiful and on my list. Could care less about customs. I do enjoy “high end” knives and your reviews of them. I like knives better than $200 benchmades (though I own a bunch of them) and want to hear what you have to say before I put $600 into an olamic, reeve etc. Also of all the people I follow on all social media especially “gear” guys you’re the only one to wish a nice day haha thanks for that!
Agreed . Nick , your channel is the only knife reviews I watch anymore. I find you interesting. I've collected several expensive knives, Grimsmo's, 4 Hinderers, ZTs, Giant Mouse , etc.... I've looked at my collection, thought about what I've spent , & Wow 😳. .... I've got a New Home to Pay off, wanna upgrade my Harley to a New one. Etc... I Realized..... I've GOT to Stop with knives, fountain pens , etc... got more then I could ever,ever use.
You sound like you're nearly to the point I'm at now. I haven't bought a new knife in a long time. I have plenty of beautiful knives and fountain pens myself and am starting to pare down those collections as I myself did just as you talk about above. I sat there one day, thinking about how much I could do with the disposable income sitting in my safe/knife chests/pen-cases/etc. How many experiences I could have, a larger house, a nicer car, etc. After that, I just started listing stuff up. I would like to pare all the way down to only those I use. No disrespect and I'm not looking down my nose at collectors, but the fact is, you can't take it with you. I know a couple guys who have tens of thousands of dollars worth of knives...haven't even been out of this state! Wow. I just can't wrap my mind around that.
When I started acquiring knives I was into larger, tacticool models. I wouldn't even look at any blade less than 3.5 inches. After filling a pelican knock off case with about 60 of these style of knives, I began getting bored with buying more of the same. Thought my addiction might be subsiding. Then I started to change my thinking and bought some smaller, gentleman's knives which is the phase I'm still currently in. I'll never spend $1000+ on a custom but I'm ok with that. There's probably a Chris Reeve knife in my future but that purchase will be more of a one off deal.
Customs have been yet another facet of what I call the hipsterism of the knife “community”. I knife is a tool by definition. But there are parts of the consumer base that don’t use tools of any kind (I’m not bashing that, I’m not the handiest of handymen), and can be spotted with their well oiled and manicured beards, flannel shirts, flavor of the month workwear pants (with the cuffs rolled up once of course), and Dr Martins. It is what it is, but it’s just not my scene, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I get annoyed knowing there IS a scene in the world of folding pocket knives.
I've never held a custom knife, much less owned one. I would love to see more "budget friendly" knives on your channel. There really are some gems out there!
for me it was the Reate Future and Ferrum Forge Master Blaster that did it. small batch high end production knives, 600-700 dollar price range, neither of them offering anything better than what I'd find on a knife 200 dollars cheaper. my curve of diminishing returns had levelled off. I figure those are about as nice as a titanium framelock flipper is going to get, so i am done buying expensive titanium framelock flippers. since then i bought the aluminum and G10 versions of the buck marskman. your videos piqued my curiosity and i fell in love with it enough to buy both versions. if i buy any more knives, it will be for interesting mechanisms that i want to play with,
I’m sorry to hear that. You made good points. But there are not many guys left reviewing custom knives. Jim Skelton slowed down now that he is a maker himself. Mindless Mark seems to have quit doing videos. Full customs are amazing. They really are works of art. But you are right, they are very expensive. But it’s a real treat to see nice customs. You don’t have to “review” them. You could just showcase them. Just as something cool to see!
You, shouldn't let your RU-vid subs tastes, preferences, dislikes and limits induce any angst about what kind of "knife guy" you're going to be. It's not a religion. You could simply announce that, for practical reasons, the focus of future reviews will be on production & mid-tech knives.
I see a lot of problems with every knife you show in this video. Not one of them is worth its price in working value. Folding knives are supposed to be junk you use to open difficult packaging, hack at bits of wood when you forget your hatchet, use as a crummy dangerous pry bar and so forth, and when you break them, you go buy another one for $15-60. Easy come, easy go. But these knives you have here, they’re jewelry. You would carry one because you want to show it off, not because you want to open hard plastic packaging. You would never beat on one of these knives with a baton because you’ve paid too much for it. This is what you consider a custom knife, but I can tell you right now, this isn’t the whole story behind custom knives, not even close. If you want a custom knife you will love, it’s easy, get a fixed blade, full tang 3/16” thick spines blade about 6” or longer, and then go use it to chop wood, start a fire, open a bag of marshmallows, and then when you’ve done all that, since it hasn’t snapped in two, then you can show it off and actually feel proud to have it. These knives you’re showing, lots of people won’t be impressed by on the basis that they’re virtually uselessly account of how expensive and simultaneously delicate they are.
The price bubble popped on Hinderers and medfords a few years ago a production hinderer was like 7-800$ because they were just hard to get. Medfords were the same way. Now I see them on forums being sold for half of what they went for at their heights. Medfords never made sense to me at all. They are production knifes hand assembled and hand ground blades so basically a midtech. With a pretty inexpensive blade steel as their standard model and they will still cost you 800$ and up. You half to put up half the money and then wait for a year to 16 months to even get it. But I've seen them on the forums lately for 550$ 600$ depending on the model.
Lol. You hit tat one out of the park. Hype is often BS.. And, High prices for BS just don't make sense to me. If I cant use it whenever I like, I just don't need it. Eve if it is really cool.
I really want a norseman. I dont know why, I just think they're cool and I want one. Unfortunate I'm 14 so I don't have $900 to be spending on a knife. I'll just stick to benchmade
I see the point in general, but at the same time, the one custom I do own, I DO carry and use. My G&G Hawk Deadlock. Worth every penny and I'm not worried about using it. I've waited literally half my life for a knife like it to come along and I'll be darned if it's sitting somewhere safe unused. I'm not taking it with me when I die. Well, who knows, I might be buried with it, but I hopefully have many years ahead of me.
Sometimes on instagram you find smal custom makers do invredible art for an incredible price. Yeah its D2, yeah its 440c... So what of the heattreat is good and the price fits. Take my fucking money.
I am only interested in a custom if I cans actually get exactly what I want: i.e. This is my knife design, can you make it for me. Beyond that there is really no difference between a hand made "custom" and a mid-Tech beside production cost and turnaround time. If the maker is not going to creat a beautiful work of art that is a better conceived version of what was in my head, what exactly am I paying for? Paying someone to use inefficient methods to do something another, smarter guy would have figured out how to do but in less time and with less effort? If your "custom" knife doesn't bring anything new, better, or un-achievable by cheaper means, then I will not pay you for more that the cost of labor and materials. Anything other worth is just arbitrary. That's my view at least.
Hey Nick. I very much like your reviews on production and mid-tech knives that are available to the public. I generally watch the production and mid-tech knives and I also use them as a deciding factor in my purchases. No one else dissects a knife quite like you do. Now for the bad, This video could have been half the length and still have been as informational. Now for the Ugly There is none. I still consider you one of the best reviewers on RU-vid. I like Rob the Apostle P but you have to be in a good mood to watch his video's. He can be such a downer that it takes a few hours to get out of negative energy mood. My girlfriend can tell when I have watched one of his video's. Between both of you reviews I can definitively make a decision on whether to to buy a knife or not. I just realized that after commenting on the length of you video I have produced a very long rambling comment. I guess we can call it square. Thank you for all your great video's.
I feel you have already have made this decision in what you review. I completely understand your decision in light of new production standards. . Years ago, manufacturing was not at the level it is today.. Just look at what the Chinese companies Rike, Reate and We knives and Russian CKF are doing for example.
