Best Value USA OTF? - Axial Shift

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@miked9190]

FYI Got a Axial Shift yesterday, they have changed the bottom of the knife to make the clip reversible. In the video, the bottom slants to one direction and now its flat

[@auggieedc205]

Great improvements even though they are minor I have to say.

[@shadowcastyt]

14:13 if you want to make that argument you can get 20CV (basically the crucible variant of M390) in the axial for $10-$20 more, I don’t know the exact price difference but I do know that it’s minimal and will still be a lot cheaper than the ultratech

[@585ronin]

I’ve had quit a few otf knives and my wife recently bought me the axial shift in a teal blue anodized handle for my birthday. I noticed immediately that this knife feels so solid in my hand there isn’t any rattling the action feel powerful and the button smooth the blade is razor sharp and the build quality is excellent. I’ve had more expensive knives that didn’t feel or look this good. I love this knife and can’t wait to see what axial come out with next especially when they start making all of their knives here in the USA.

[@TheApostateTapir]

Thanks for the review MC! I was so nervous sending in a knife; I didn't want to send a dud and waste your time. Glad you liked it!

[@matthewlangley5565]

Just got the new Kershaw Live wire and its awesome. $239 with a 20cv blade. Way better than my Ultratech.

[@jadyndegraffenreid9714]

My most expensive knife in my collection is my death card dagger ultratech and I was honestly disappointed for the money I spent. I wish I would’ve known about axial back then!

[@louiskoestner4337]

I've had my Shift since the beginning of Dec 2021. Had a problem with the blade sticking after about 3 weeks. Axial sent provided me a shipping label the same day I contacted them. Had the knife back in eleven days from the day I shipped it to them. Haven't had a problem since. I have the drop point in s35vn. They have a new handle shape that I'm seriously considering purchasing with the new wharncliffe blade they now offer. They also a 20cv blade steel as an option. I had been looking at a UTX-85 before a got the Shift. Glad I waited.

[@rroossinck]

I picked up the Wharncliffe version about three weeks ago and I'm pretty impressed.

[@Big371Simps]

We need an updated video of the axial. They have some new stuff now.

[@not-a-raccoon]

I bought this one in od green and dlc 20cv. Solid..SOLID feeling otf. Absolutely love the thing. A quick strop with compound and the edge whittles paper like crazy, which is surprising for a dagger ground blade. It's my new favorite TV watching knife 🤣

[@ericsimon1630]

I love my Shift. It just feels "right." I have no real need for an OTF, but I'm glad I got it. I have so little need for this, that I may order a version 2 as well.

[@johnmontana8540]

Same here. Just want one because I’m an American and I freaking can!

[@_Nathan-]

Thank you for reviewing this MC! You answered all the questions I had before feeling comfortable with purchasing. Seems like not many people have reviewed these.

[@lucasblanchard47]

Might have to get one of these as my first OTF, it seems like a nice option. Great content as always, much love from Texas!

[@auggieedc205]

You won't regret it! And the gen 2's are even better!

[@actor4nyc]

Trust me. Get it.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

Nice to see OTF’s without the stupid glass breaker holding the clip on. Looks like a pretty sweet blade.

[@FT4Freedom]

Has a bowtie esthetic. A tuxedo knife.

[@reedboriack930]

Currently opening up the shift doesn’t void the warranty, but axial reserves the right to change that based on if people abuse it.

[@raystupka3823]

I have the drop point version. Great knife. Much smoother action than my Microtech.

[@bradymitten]

Anyone know what OTFs he was talking about that states Made in America but are actually Chinese made???

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

M.C‼️‼️ I had been eyeballing the Axial line, I saw your unboxing and pulled the trigger on Axial Shift, Red/Stonewash. Love it, it is no joke, I am REALLY impressed with the solid lockup. Very formidable, useful tool. My first serious OTF, really won't be able to carry it daily, (work in a health care facility, freak out the patients) but it will be a weekender. GREAT value!! THANKS M.C!! Stay safe, stay sharp 👍🇺🇸👍🔪

[@fictionaldave]

Love my SE clip point Shift. BTW you can also get the Shift in CPM 20CV for like $20 more.

[@alexstrouse6333]

Axial needs to make a 3inch version. Now what otf companies is Complex talking about?

[@jeffp.6908]

thats what I want to know who is tricking their customers

[@rushtimemachine]

Hopefully a 3" version will be out soon so I can be legal here. Thinking of a microtech utx-85, but an Axial version would be sweet

[@RkKoori]

I agree! It would be amazing if they do that

[@RkKoori]

@@wehrewulf yes and let the one time an officer wants to ask about the knife, I go to jail and become a felon because I wanted to carry it.

[@metal_complex]

Exactly. People love to act "lone wolf" in the comments, but the fact is that mentality will get you in trouble in the worst circumstances. Best to wave his comment off as unintelligent.

[@rushtimemachine]

@@metal_complex I had a run in with the state police here a long time ago, and its a long story but I could prove my benchmade spike was 3 inches because I had the catalog in the car also. 1996 maybe... So for me, I want a knife I can carry and use so I have too be at 3 inches. I am almost 50 years old so I have been around long enough to know whats what, although everyone has a right to comment whatever they want.. I initially took the high road and ignored the comment because I refuse to fight people on the internet. Anyway, thanks MC for all that you do, and i think i am gonna carry my old school Benchmade spike today! Cheers!

[@ClintCoon1976]

Just bought my 3rd. Nice touch; Screws on the right side, clean left side. 😮

[@rileymillis6002]

What two companies was MC referring to when he said they have people confused? Just curious?

[@121dodgers]

I was wondering the same...!

[@TacticalMechaStriker]

I’m thinking one of them might be cobratec.

[@Hookem361]

Viper TEC and Normandy knives I believe, you can get them from grindworx from $30 to $60

[@gregoryreed8567]

Last time I checked, Idaho is a part of the US, so not an issue for me between in-house or Idaho. And while still a bargain versus the MT-UT, Axial has significantly increased their price on this knife - in 2 years, the knife has increased by $50, now typically prices at $270. Has moving from Idaho to in-house justified this? I don’t know.

[@mutstumbo]

I was excited to order one the other day, but after watching this I'm really excited now. Thanks MC

[@jamesfair9751]

What about viper tech? Are they one of the ones that say they are USA made but they ain’t ??

[@justinbaits7149]

They say Assembled in the USA not Made in the USA. They 100% are not USA made and they could do as little as screw on the glass breaker and make their claims.

[@stevekoelliker6764]

As of today 7/31/22 they are on the Axial website for $255 and they are completely sold out of every blade shape and blade material. They use either S35VN or 20cv. Do you still recommend at that price?

[@Texze]

Does it worry anyone that the warranty department has the address of an apartment complex?

[@Supermansdead81]

This knife is no longer available or does anyone know? The usual website suspects show nothing for a Axial Shift OTF at the moment.

[@DarkPhoenixTSi]

I love my Axial Shift. I was able to get mine on sale for $160, but even at regular price, it's a great OTF.

[@buckaroobanzai2551]

Damn, where was it on sale for that price?

[@DarkPhoenixTSi]

@@buckaroobanzai2551 Direct from Axial last August.

[@rieleyhill1253]

Just got my shift! new to knives, what are the OTF companies that lie?

[@zade8586]

You can get one in 20CV as well for like 20 bucks more. At least you could a while ago in their website.

[@Thomamps]

I watch your OTF videos because I'll never get my hands on one and you do such a great job of expressing how they feel. Where I live OTF, automatic and balisong knives are more illegal than guns.

[@shadowcastyt]

That’s because guns thankfully have the 2nd amendment to enshrine and protect that right and knives have no such law, real shame but it is what it is

[@jdisdetermined]

All governments are just so disconnected from 95% of reality. Yet they think they know what’s best, even when they know absolutely nothing about the subject in question. Literally nothing. Every decision they make is in their own self interests in one way or another.

[@adamsanderlin5476]

Just got mine yesterday it's my first otf. Pretty excited to see how it holds up.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Axial has a 20CV option on their site

[@MattH-wg7ou]

10:30 thats one reason I dont prefer DE blades. Just that little bit would drive me crazy lol.

[@thepowerwithin2217]

Ordered one today. I hope these newer companies help mitigate the price gouging from other companies in the industry. There's been a standard for a long time and it's been far overpriced for the entirety. FUCK these big knife makers who only care about squeezing as much as they can out of every person possible. I think the world gladly welcomes the newer companies willing to sell knives at at a reasonable price.

[@jamesfair9751]

They also make these in 20cv for not much more or at least when I checked a couple months ago

[@NeilTheKnifeGuy]

Im surprised you dont have some sort of Mikov lever lock.

[@lukehendrickson3669]

Mikov are rad!

[@spdcrzy]

How's this compare to the Pentagon OTF? I recall you saying initially impressions of that knife were pretty good but it had massive dulling issues on repeated deployments.

[@Darealdirtydonkey]

My shift is going to be delivered tomorrow, I'm on road to Chicago for weekend today. Sad.

[@Lbdataz1469]

I was actually looking at one of these recently. Looks like I'll have to get one.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

What companies is he talking about around the 12 minute mark?

[@feraltrafficcone4483]

So I’m not sure if I just got unlucky or what, but I got my Shift today and I’m immediately disappointed by how loose and rattley the switch is, and the deployment fails very reliably and pretty often. In just one or two minutes of actuating it back and forth, it failed a total of 11 times, and even failed to come out of the handle another two times

[@whodat8048]

I bought this same knife like 3-4 days ago. I got an email giving me the UPS tracking number but it hasn't been sent yet. Hopefully soon.

[@siduspulverem2001]

What's the hardware? T8?

[@STONKS0897]

is this still a good deal with the 280 theyre charging for it now?

[@cadillacsmith5339]

Hunh, link not working for this knife

[@j.hardesty446]

Talking about Viper tech they design in the US but so do a lot of gas station knives 😂 they're all made in China and then just assembled in Texas. I was fooled when I bought my first OTF and spent $100 on one and then saw the same thing on another website for like 30 40 bucks some pretty shady s***

[@j.hardesty446]

Oh yeah and then I got a lightning OTF for 30 bucks and it's a lot lighter and better quality made in Taiwan. I would recommend that before the fake USA s*** knives that the frames are made out of steel and weigh as much as a brick. Rant over 😂✌️

[@chenerikku]

Almost bought the blue on DLT, went on the Axial website instead to order me the teal.

[@cadencramer2747]

Pretty awesome that these guys make a CA legal OTF since there aren't many options for OTFs. Just ordered their Dart.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

You can own autos of any size here in CA. You just aren't supposed to carry autos with blades over 1.99". I carry my full size autos all the time. As long as you're not waving around like a maniac nobody will even know you have a switchblade

[@cadencramer2747]

@@dualsportoutdoors yeah, but being a firefighter I can't afford to get a charge for an illegal knife, and I'd want to carry it if I owned it. I usually carry a 4" manual flipper though so it's a decent option for a longer blade while still having some fidget factor. The Dart has been a good knife, just not the most practical. Super fun to play with though.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

@@cadencramer2747 fire, military, and LEO are usually allowed to carry autos of any size. I know I've seen several of them in my part of CA rocking Microtechs, Heretics, and Guardians

[@cadencramer2747]

@@dualsportoutdoors Unfortunately by the letter of the law it's only LEOs and Military who can legally carry them. At work I usually just carry a Leatherman anyway though. But, I very seriously doubt that any law enforcement employee would care at all if they saw me use one at work

[@Calvin1911]

@@cadencramer2747from what I remember it was first responders but you would know better than me. Haha

[@TheANBvids]

the lines on the blade remind me of score cuts on a loaf of bread

[@j.hardesty446]

I've got a ultratech, recon 035 and an axial shift with the wharncliffe blade it's a good solid knife and I would definitely not think twice to buy it again🔥💪✌️

[@TJSieh]

These are the three I’m considering. Which has the best action? Guessing guardian? Is it noticeably better?

[@bsears85]

Think I'll be getting one of these next, need an OTF in my life. Kind of like the plain look compared to the microtech.

[@edwardk6764]

Axial shift on the radar. Thanks, Metal.

[@joeisabella6811]

Morning brother. Sounds like a good company. Like the size of that one a bunch. I've got a few...cough, cough...otf's and I got to say I'm interested in these guys. Thanks for the great review man. Hope you and yours have a great one!!

[@christiansmitha]

July 23 2023 and the going price is about 300

[@GLOCKsh00ter24]

Wow! I was not expecting that price. I figured under $300, but wow that's an amazing value.

[@butchcassidy3373]

Been looking at getting my first otf. Thinking this one is perfect for me

[@pattrass7692]

But can it do the nail test?

[@sztaylor89]

I think you can get 20cv in the axial shift

[@leviathan7865]

I'm probs never gunna use it but I like my knives with glassbreakers but it's not a dealbreaker.. but man there value is incredible u got a tritium insert in the button crazy!

[@willclayborn1220]

Picking one up!!!

[@Asbu666]

I'm EU based and some retailers got these in stock now as well and boy are they a better value! Ultratechs run you between 375€/400$ and 600€/625$ if they're a signature series here and these go for 290€/300$. In my eyes Axial is giving Microtech a run for their money with these, especially outside of the US, so I'm curious to see where this goes over time

[@Hunteratloppshop]

Which countries in eu allow otf knives of this size?

[@Asbu666]

@@Hunteratloppshop France, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria and probably more that I don't know of on top of my head

[@Hunteratloppshop]

@@Asbu666 good to know. Then you.

[@jefferylopez504]

how do you guys get ahold of these to buy? every time I search for one I find that they are out of stock and never get restocked

[@Ethan-yd9mg]

Some are in stock right now on their site, just any fyi fellow knife bro

[@SMH_WOW]

Ah I stopped watching knife videos for a while and he finally comes around to the axial shift.

[@LaughingCrowcorp]

Is this really worth it? Or should i just drop the extra 60-100$ on a microtech?

[@hogue_music]

For me personally, I'd drop the extra on an Ultratech. I like M390 over S35VN and Microtech has a much longer and detailed track record while Axial is newer to the OTF knife world. Handle is also a little too plain for me on the Shift. It's a solid option though it seems

[@jla442]

Never been this early to any of your videos anyways haha MC I’m trying to not buy any more knives after buying my zt0308 tiger stripe perfect knife for me but you are convincing me to buy my first otf great review as always

[@omens_slays]

$265 for the Axial Shift in 20CV vs $310 for a Microtech Ultratech in M390. Seems pretty clear that it's better to just spend the extra $45 and get a far superior OTF.

[@omens_slays]

@@usernameisusername The steel alone

[@RileySantiago]

Shoutout to the twisted T6 bit. I hate T6!!!

[@jamesfair9751]

I definitely understand that them being able to make it all in house is a great thing but what I feel is being able to make them in house should save them money but I seriously doubt they will pass the saving onto the customers.

[@jdisdetermined]

It definitely won’t save them money. That’s why outsourcing is so common. They have to pay USA tax, labor and operating costs. That makes it almost impossible to produce something for less than they can buy it from China.

[@jeffp.6908]

@@jdisdetermined absolutely right. outsourcing is done because it saves money but in this instance I suspect it was more because they needed more than they could produce, which is another reason companies outsource. At least they outsourced American and seem to have good qc.

[@whalehands]

I bought the Od Green dlc s35vn Wharncliffe right after I watched your initial unboxing. Your face should be on every brands logo for how many knives you sell.

[@stefanlaskowski6660]

Sadly, the Axial Shift is backordered until Hell freezes over at every retailer that carries the brand. ☹️

[@luccidavid431]

Good or no?? Thanks

[@jdisdetermined]

Very very good. Buy one while they’re cheap.

[@original696sin]

I saw these when they first released. I should have bought the bundle when they had it. It came with the knife of your choice, their pry bar and some Ti key rings and something else. I don’t remember the price but I know it was a really good deal. Hopefully they make it available again.

[@jeffp.6908]

what companies are tricking people?

[@stevenslater4395]

Your link to axial sends you to buy microtech. Probably not an accident.

[@sneakhyperion9297]

Axial is so good MT got smkw remove them from the store

[@metal_complex]

I heard about that. I'll be watching that situation

[@actor4nyc]

So glad you did a review on the Axial Shift. I caught some flack when they first came out in a certain knife group some were saying, “That’s not, American made. Don’t get ripped off.” One thing you can always count on in the knife community, there are a lot of people that think they know what they’re talking about and talk trash and then there are people like you, Metal that know EXACTLY what you’re talking about. I love my Axial. In my opinion, better than a Microtech Ultratech. Definitely more comfortable that the MT UT. It feels very, very natural in hand. Action is amazing. I can’t say enough about it. Also, you can customize the Axial with scales, blade steel and blade type. How is it this inexpensive? Can’t believe it. I tell people, “Get them before the prices goes up!” Hopefully, they’ll keep the price down. Great review, Metal.

[@jdisdetermined]

Yeah, camera doesn’t even do it justice. It looks and feels incredibly high quality in person. I like the blade to handle ratio of the Ultra, but everywhere else I think I prefer the Axial. One of *the* best knife per dollar deals on the market right now. They will definitely go up in price as they gain traction. 👍

[@scottwilliams8334]

That thing snaps out of there pretty good. I love playing with them, but they really aren't much good for anything.

[@danielflorescano7583]

Ok I got enough who are those companies they say the made in USA and they not ?????????

[@mcm4point2o]

just get a lightning smdh

[@hogue_music]

If you want low quality chinese knives that you don't use, I agree

[@jeffp.6908]

@@hogue_music I have one that I use daily. That said it misfires probably one in every 100 fires. But for being less than $50...its the mp3 of OTF Autos. Its not perfect and has flaws but its good enough and priced right. These knives aint nearly as complex as people think. there is nothing scary in them. Springs won't shoot everywhere if you open it up. I've had the lightning apart 3x just messing with it and trouble shooting the misfires. Im not sure what could possibly be wrong as its really a pretty simple design. Friggin genius, but still simple. I almost think it's the blade hitting the front and rebounding back before the lock can catch it. Anyways, the lightnings are a gateway drug of sorts. I've always wanted an OTF but couldn't justify a car payment for a friggin knife. $50 bucks...thats easily doable and doesn't hurt too bad if the thing is a turd. Its easily my favorite knife now and I've got other much much nicer knives...but the lightning is fun to play with.

[@johnmontana8540]

I just wish axial wouldn’t have any of that Chinese crap mixed in. I get it, if it sells, it sells. But it just puts that little twinge of doubt 🤨 in the air.

[@robdeskrd]

Why you asking me for money, doesnt youtube pay you? The only time TV is allowed to ask me for money is when its PBS and when they started running commercials on KZbin it became TV.... Like if i had extra money i could buy me a knife, you already got more than i do God!!! 😂😅

[@Insanity_Wolf]

Sad, when I first got my shift it was $150 and word was they wanted to be the affordable alternative to micro tech and such. Now they became just like those companies. 😂

[@metal_complex]

Inflation happened to everyone.

[@Insanity_Wolf]

@@metal_complex There's inflation, then there's what they did. Going from $150 to $200 understandable. Hell, even $225 for the overhead of everything. $275? That's more than microtech. Also they are doing well because their knives sell out within a couple days of restock.

[@metal_complex]

​@Insanity_Wolf if they're selling well, they're priced correctly. Even with the increases, they're competitive. The dealt with inflation and adjusted their pricing to keep people happy and compete. Smart moves imo

[@Insanity_Wolf]

@@metal_complex Oh I'm not saying it's not smart. Just that every startup company comes out with the same "our item is quality at a good price to beat all the other big names". Then when the money rolls in, they become the thing they were against. Which again, it's smart. Money makes the world go round. But it's ironic every time it happens.

[@metal_complex]

@@Insanity_Wolf well as their company grows, so do their costs. More equipment, maintenance and upkeep, more headaches, more problems, bigger emphasis on quality control etc etc. The list is a mile long. This is standard business growth. It's not cartoonish greed.