Nick Shabazz's Gear of the Year 2020

Today, I'll talk about my favorite lights, pens, watches, packs, and pocketknives for 2020.

[@artisancutleryknife]

Runner up in the budget category 2 years in a row! Thanks Nick, we really appreciate your feedback and we'll aim for that #1 spot in 2021.

[@mrwoodchuck94]

The company that thinks using a swatik as a logo is a good idea 🤣 I know it's no but it's way to close to one, maybe you should think about your logo, I would never buy a knife wit something that closely resembles a swastika on it

[@knifenoob5411]

Only reason you think that is because that’s the way you feel. Get over it.

[@smokawat]

@@mrwoodchuck94 doesn't look like a swastika to me snowflake

[@vt750dc]

@@mrwoodchuck94 you'd hate columbia jackets then... grow up

[@pbjman5809]

@@mrwoodchuck94 how..?

[@jeffmoberley550]

Thanks Nick. Been trying to get the Malibu now for a while but you've just made the Malibu even more unobtainium. Let's hope they can make a few more of these in 2021.

[@skycorrigan6511]

I've got two. Wanna buy one?

[@tihollis]

Sky Corrigan how much?

[@jbrownson]

Super video! I applauded for $10.00 👏👏👏

[@beebait1464]

The last time I heard "it just works" Tod Howard was trying to sell me fallout 76. So whenever I hear that reaction my instinct is to press x to doubt.

[@IlliniDog01]

QSP Penguin and Ironfly Zesty were my two favorite new knives this year.

[@eheritage21]

For someone that’s been trying to make a knife for a long time but struggling with heat treat will be getting that book(me). Much appreciated

[@jacknemo8021]

CJRB Feldspar, Kizer Genie, Quiet Carry Waypoint Pen: Big Idea Design Ti Arto Light: Nitecore Tip SE Bag: 5.11 LV10 Sling bag

[@everydaycarry1328]

Kizer Genie .... 2.26 oz for a 3.4" blade (cf version) !

[@BaritoneMonkey]

@Marcquise White God, yes. I own something like 20 knives atm and my mini feldspar is still has one of the sliciest blades with the fastest flicks and the sexiest lines out of all of them. My guilbertia wood civivi elementum would be there too, along with my lightning otf

[@zdp-189]

The Coral Red Feldspar, how beautiful. I got it not really expecting much, but man it ended up looking classier than 200$ knives with amazing action, and a nice thin BTE slicing blade with great stonewash.

[@NomenclaturalMan]

Absolutely excellent video Nick!! I did not see that AD-20 making it up that high, but after having owned one, I will agree, they are quite amazing and deserve the high end spot!

[@ranger5281]

Cool, and totally on-point, that you mentioned Larrin Thomas' awesome, knife-specific book. For the true knife enthusiast, this is must read... and an *absolute* must read if you review knives online. Larrin is a metallurgist by degree and by practice, and it shows "in spades" in this book. I look forward to future editions.

[@ranger5281]

Side note: This doesn't apply to Nick, but amongst other reviewers I've listened to, if you don't know the difference between abrasive edge wear resistance and toughness, you simply can't consider yourself a serious knife reviewer. Larrin's book can take your knowledge from zero to knowing more than 99% of knife users.

[@profesorEDC]

Nicolás, very good and diverse choices, loved the video. Thanks.😊👍

[@ahhcrickets]

Glad I was able to secure 2 out of of your top 3 knives. I guess I should check out the Stinger eventually. Very considered choices here. I love my AD20 dearly-nothing compares. But yes, the Malibu is an instant classic. Thank you, Nick!

[@graeme13]

Very interesting choices that remind me why I subscribe. Cheers and happy holidays, Nick!

[@jasonzimmerman8369]

Awesome job as usual. Please consider a public poll on social media in the lead up to the drop. You can announce your picks with the poll picks. Adds more intrigue.

[@coralinealgae]

Nice. I had no idea what to get my Dad for Christmas. Went ahead and ordered him that Nitecore Tip SE flashlight. The man has nearly everything, but he doesn't have anything like that. Thanks Nick.

[@everydaycarry1328]

I have the Waypoint, Malibu , Stinger and EZC 1.5 ... all excellent knives. I called it a tie between the Malibu and Waypoint... due to the Malibu being made in the US and the Waypoint being fully rustproof and able to be carried left handed.

[@manifestgtr]

Can second the ria as a great knife. From a pure *knife* standpoint, I like the small feldspar a tiny bit more since it’s a bit more ergonomic. But the ria is almost perfect in every other way. I LOVE “Opinel style” steel, it’s nonexistent in your pocket and it’s not gonna scare anyone. The blade shape is really meaty and nice but thin, too. That’s a really nice combination of elements when you consider the price tag.

[@charlesserc7753]

I been waiting All year for this nick.

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

I knew the malibu was gonna be knife of the year months ago. Can't wait to get one. Thanks for another year of reviews in a year that we desperately needed a distraction.

[@AllenchenCanada]

While i am watching, my kid said you sounds like sponge bob, haha

[@KaizoGC161]

No, it’s Timón from the Lion King 😂

[@skycorrigan6511]

Bahahahaaa

[@frankcastle4435]

No I got to say more like a Elmer Fudd from Jersey

[@tristandauod]

Sounds like Meowth from Pokemon😂

[@franzong]

It's Mayor Quimby from The Simpsons

[@datdudeinred]

it would have been great if you added names in description as some of these names are really hard to spell and pronounce and auto captions doesn't help either.

[@simplyknives7117]

The Ria is my personal budget knife of the year

[@randallkelley3599]

Nickster made me rethink the size of my knife. I have settled on a Spydieman P3 in Maxamet and natural scales. Dang that blade stays sharp. My watch is the Tag Professional , (2004), my wife got me, and the pin i still use is a Hinderer. For self protection I now carry a 2,000 pound nuke in my backpack, uh er just in case of da zombie hoards.

[@Hollowpoint762]

me personally: Bag: 5.11 Moab 10 sling bag Pen: Zebra X 701 Watch: Casio G-shock Rangeman Light: Olight I5T EOS Knife: Civivi Ortis.

[@taegansessions9997]

The Z-Hunter cameo made my day😂

[@maurolorenzotongco5521]

Put a "spoiler alert" next time haha

[@taegansessions9997]

@@maurolorenzotongco5521 😂

[@puritydvoyd2978]

My Waypoint came in today right before this review dropped. Surprised it didn’t win, but if it was going to be anything else to win I knew it’d be the Malibu.

[@readyme]

I love everything about the Waypoint. Wish they would make the same knife with “lesser” components. Rustproof doesn’t matter to most folks, so the same knife made with more standard components would be awesome.

[@jagpilotohio]

I agree. Make a “base” model for about $160-170. Of course they can’t keep the $300 version in stock so maybe they just dont care.

[@readyme]

@@jagpilotohio yea...supply and demand is a bitch for those of us that can't afford the big bucks. ha ha. They could sell the design to a major knife maker and have them make an homage.

[@oornelas7038]

Hey Nick. Great video as usual, and no surprise that the Malibu took your prize. Might I recommend for your consideration Brian Brown’s Yeager M (v2)? It is outstanding. Got one last week and can’t put it down.

[@lavenderpants8695]

Awesome vid, Nick. Great picks!

[@Smegmalicious]

I’d kill for a titanium reverse tanto malibu it they’re completely unavailable. I’ve been looking constantly for months. It just seems like they aren’t making them. I wonder how much your experience with that higher end knife influenced your choice of the aluminum version.

[@thig2148]

Just bought a maiibu on knife_swap, broke but figured it's going to be super impossible to find now. Already got a waypoint and yes, yes, yes!

[@SRVandDtrouble]

First rule of knife swap is don't talk about knife swap otherwise we won't be able to YOLO that Malibu

[@anthonyp7051]

Always look to you for the best of

[@bobonysko3167]

Also, I think the model is "Rhia" or "Ria." I'd like to know where to see it on the Internet. It was one of three budget knives from a two month old KZbin video of yours. Thank you.

[@alexelshof6653]

Id like an honest review of the ZT 609. Without any mention of the pivot

[@cowboyswami2017]

Great choices! Love your content

[@ericliebert5260]

The Monterey Bay stuff never seems to be available. I like the Stinger a lot.

[@jonnybravo4322]

I SUPER... SUPER.. reccommend the Nitecore TIP 1. It is thw most amazing flashlight Ive ever had.

[@donm527]

So I see your ProTech Damascus Malibu got re-anodized? I like the change in color. Would like to get s ProTech Malibu. My struggle would be... which blade version. Like that Tanto.

[@craigallen5963]

Hey Nick...could you please put the names of these things somewhere in the description down below, or leave a link to your store, please?!!? I love some of this stuff, but have mountains of paper with names of knives, lights, etc etc etc here, and about 300 (or, quite literally, more) windows open for knives I want on the different blade stores! And, yep, I am OCD...do you even need to as after all that, LOL!??!

[@LUC.Knives]

Nick what do you think about the Seiko Neo Classic watch that is on the Drop website now? It looks like a nice very affordable watch. Might end up changing the strap on it if i get it though.

[@westfromthewest]

Darn just made the ad20 even harder get, I'm on the hunt for the ti

[@asherhockersmith8271]

I haven't watched your videos for a few months. Not for any real reason, just because my attention wanders. Obviously, a lot has changed in that time. I'm having some family troubles, my parents are divorcing, I'm turning 18 in a few months and I'll need to find some real real work. We'll see about college. I don't have friends to speak of, just one guy who's stuck with me the last couple years when everyone else left. I've had to work out my sexuality, which is more complicated than it really has any right to be. Regardless, my point is it's good to hear your voice and be watching your videos, even if life has knocked me on my ass. Thank you, Nick. You're a real guy.

[@oklahomahank2378]

Good luck! Life will get better.

[@adamjohnson1594]

I did not expect Nick to ever choose that large of a knife for a winner.

[@DeadDrop6109]

It's an optical illusion, it only looks that large because of his tiny hands.

[@bradjohnson4787]

Amazed that I have one of his knives, Reo! Of course budget I use this things!

[@Pinki2019]

I love that Sandrin slip joint. I also saw a video on the brand new Sandrin Torino locking folder, which looks pretty compelling. I hope you review it!

[@LarryEMorse]

I just put in an order for the Torino yesterday! (Saturday) They won't get my order 'till tomorrow, Monday, but I can't wait to get a load of the new lock and carbide blade.

[@Pinki2019]

@@LarryEMorse It seems like an almost perfect EDC knife. I'm gonna order one in the near future!

[@matusknives]

Thanks for the Europe friendly timing :)

[@donavanmoore247]

Is that the Tan version of the FF Stinger? Looks great!

[@bobonysko3167]

In a recent video, you named your choice of top equipment. One was a knife and the name sounded like "Eron Forge" - but I can't find the company. Please tell me the real name.

[@NickShabazz]

Ferrum Forge Stinger. CJRB Ria

[@Roland_4012]

Is the Void also made by Reate?

[@NickElliottOutdoors]

Nick nails it again!

[@dreamerweaver]

My choice for keyboard is the Casio Rap Master.

[@fanofactionflicks]

boker exskelibur 1 titanium is in my pocket for majority of this year.

[@BrandonRideout135]

I think you need to do a small budget for the budget knives

[@jdemeter4357]

Seams like keychain knives are a thing but most of them don't have a hole. 🤔

[@DiscoveringOutdoors]

No mention of the Cold steel AD15?

[@waynepalmer6743]

Have you come across any cobra tech otfs? I just got one it feels like quality but.

[@joet.plumber3771]

Is that your head popping out by the 7:00 & 8:00 🕗 position Bruce?

[@Ice_Berg]

I always love Gear of the Year videos; it's nice to get a reminder of all the great stuff that's come out. I really think there should be 4 price brackets for knives though. I think comparing a $30 knife to a $90 isn't the most fair, and there's a lot of people out there that would never want to spend $90 on a knife (unfortunately I don't have the common sense to be one of them). I think breaking it up into something like sub-$50, $50-$150, $150-$300, and over $300 might work better for realistic comparisons.

[@beefysuperdude]

I'm surprised that Excaliber wasn't the blade of the year. Like the Malibu, it's a mythical knife of legend that only a few hands have ever held. Been looking for the Protech for months.

[@barkingspider2007]

Thanks for the video 😎👍

[@dimi7055]

the malibu and salt are indeed incredible! the 1.5 should have not made the list because of its defective carbon fiber. Also the ad20 is on an other level indeed! Also i do not agree with the nitro-v at all, its basically aeb-l and its one of the most all around steels there is also takes an extremely extremely fine edge! finder then any high end IMO.

[@jim-hl4cc]

Your rocking on so fast I feel Like I’m going to have a seizure. I’ll have to watch this a little at a time

[@clintonlewis1261]

Great stuff 😀👍

[@scottmilano2940]

Are any of these for sale anywhere? Just looked for the Stinger and Malibu, and no dice. Next year make sure the winners are for sale somewhere. At least the spyderco is in stock if not as interesting as the Stinger.

[@eckyeckypikang]

I really thought the AD20 had it. But I get where you're coming from... Plus I'll go ahead and say it for you, Sir - A Demko knife is not exactly designed with Shabazz hands in mind. 😁

[@AnthonyEarl]

It’s also suffering from low availability

[@jagpilotohio]

@@AnthonyEarl the size and the weight put it out of consideration for many people. It looks very interesting but I’d never daily carry it no matter how great it is.

[@my_everyday_carry]

How do you pick a watch that you don't yet have? What am I missing?

[@NickShabazz]

I had a review sample. The full review is live.

[@my_everyday_carry]

@@NickShabazz Thx, Nick ... I'll have to check it out; although, you've warned, "Do NOT get into watches!"

[@DrMaddog]

Nick......I can't believe the Whippersnapper didn't beat out your Void....I've had both....I think it is hand's down a better knife...especially with the customizability, and the availability (when compared to everything in your high end, that frankly you can't get as easy as a Whippersnapper!)....other than that...yeah, I can't argue with the Malibu's choice of knife of the year!

[@mj1653]

well this pretty much guarantees the Malibu will be unavailable well into next year, just as it was this year.

[@patrickharrison4746]

I really hope cold steel does an AD 20

[@JustKnifeThings]

On Slicey Dicey's recent interview with Demko, he said it was "highly unlikely" that CS would do an AD20 and that there were no plans. And of course now CS has been sold.

[@mountainhobo]

Geezus, Nick, do you shoot this in 12 fps? The video frame stutter is giving me a headache.

[@NickShabazz]

Don't think that's on my side...

[@mountainhobo]

@@NickShabazz There is something about the processing. 75% speed eliminates the video stutter. Do you accelerate the video before upload to get your signature voice? That could cause video effects like that, I suppose.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I’m getting 720 looks pretty good

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Totally called it!

[@gustafari6241]

I'm surprised you didn't mention that the Waypoint screws are shallow and soft.

[@everydaycarry1328]

He did in his full review

[@Fablades]

now I need that dama Malibu..

[@Kilt_Camera_and_Carry]

Love it!

[@porkroller]

If any of you have a Malibu, do yourself a favor and install a set of Skiff made blades Rocket Bearings. They'd go perfect on that fancy ti version of his

[@jasonstrachel8962]

Did you replace your bearings on yours? I can't imagine the action getting even better than it is.

[@porkroller]

@@jasonstrachel8962 I did, it's not a huge difference, but its def smoother and the blade feels way more solid if that makes sense.

[@jasonstrachel8962]

@@porkroller Do you happen to remember the size you ordered? I think ill give it a shot!

[@porkroller]

@@jasonstrachel8962 Malibu uses the 3/16" 1/16" 11 ball. These bearings have slightly improved every knife I've put them on.

[@jasonstrachel8962]

@@porkroller Thank You for the info!

[@TCMx3]

my 2020 knife of the year is my 2011 large sebenza 21. and I bought several thousand dollars worth of knives in 2020 -_-

[@jamielafontaine4399]

That’s the spirit!

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Guess a 31 wasn’t one of the purchases

[@TCMx3]

@@anotherknafguy3679 Im holding off on a 31 until they switch to s45vn. Did get an umnuum though.

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

This gets 👍👍 & a 💎! Looking forward to checking out Protech this year, if I can find one.

[@magneto6791]

We need a 2021 update

[@xxEmmankunnArt]

Damn.. that EZC 1.5 is so damn good

[@mightyjosHi]

Insert happy dancing meme here

[@bolterboy]

Expected to see Coldsteel at the #1 spot

[@NickShabazz]

Demko, Cold Steel's main designer, is a serious contender!

[@bolterboy]

@@NickShabazz EDC sword coming 2021

[@evanthisloizou2833]

Thank you Nick. I have been waiting for this for a long time. I happen to own them all EXCEPT for the Malibu..............I will keep stalking for it.........

[@LarryEMorse]

... And the Malibu w/reverse tanto is the only one I DO have. 😏🤷‍♂️

[@dyrestraiz8648]

Sea Hunter Gang represent!

[@inferno7127]

How about some toothpick reviews in 2021?

[@ricardovazquez9113]

Im gonna buy a malibu tanto when they release it

[@jagpilotohio]

It’s been out for some time. I have a blue one. They are just hard to get because everyone wants one. Should be another big drop before Christmas.

[@matusknives]

Nick - check out Wotancraft for shoulder bags.

[@GuillotineStare]

Ohhhhh dude just pulled out 2 MALIBU'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thig2148]

now I need the ad20 dang it

[@conductorcammon]

I've owned 3 TIPS. They all broke.

[@cavedog1279]

yaaaaas Malibu #1

[@DG__3]

The RHO (right hand only) orientation of all but 2 of these knives (basic hand tools) made this video less than worth my time. It has always baffled me why manufacturers hit the delete button on 13% of the consumer marketing by making pocket carry hand tools that fit only one hand orientation.

[@flybyguy1450]

Will you be reviewing the Sandrin Torino soon?

[@plausible.deaniability]

cannot wait to get a malibu in my hands

[@tihollis]

I just got into knives this year, and my knife of the year is a 2019 Sebenza 21 Small with macassar inlays. Been meaning to pick up a Malibu and a waypoint tho

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Terrible choices The laconico EZC 1.5 and the Protech Malibu are gold though... but when you miss you really miss

[@soltar7278]

I personally don’t think the Malibu lives up to the hype, the Waypoint seemed a bit more innovative and just a better knife overall. Different grinds for different kinds, love your take Nick.

[@vailmcc]

Canis!

[@matusknives]

I have stayed away from the Malibu as I get the impression (wrong?) that it has relatively thick cutting edge and got Atom and Waypoint instead. But I can’t stop wondering how it compares to the other two ...

[@jagpilotohio]

My Blue Malibu Tanto has ruined my collection. It’s too good. I dont carry anything else anymore. Just spectacular

[@matusknives]

@@jagpilotohio man you make my life hard :) - may I be so bold and ask whether you could measure the edge thickness for me? I failed to find that online. I really like EDC knives that can slice an apple without cracking it (too much).

[@jagpilotohio]

@@matusknives .125 inch at the spine. It’s not the ultimate slicer but it is a good all purpose thickness.

[@matusknives]

@@jagpilotohio thanks, would it be possible for you to also get the thickness behind the edge?

[@jagpilotohio]

@@matusknives .03 inch

[@jonnybravo4322]

Watch 14:53 at the lowest playback speed. Your welcome:)

[@skycorrigan6511]

Jesus Christ...

[@skycorrigan6511]

My man bustin for 30 seconds straight

[@NickShabazz]

🤣

[@jonnybravo4322]

So good. Love your stuff Nick!

[@mountainhobo]

Thanks, Johnny, for the suggestion to slow it down. 75% speed tends to eliminate the crazy frame stutter, and Nick sounds normal.

[@curly_]

2020 Knife is without a doubt the BANTER , its overall performance is super impressive

[@TubieMcTubington]

Nothing drive me bonkers like a knife with an ambidextrous locking mechanism that’s right hand carry only. I’m looking at you AD-20 😡.

[@Corbs627]

I have heard in a couple different places that if you Contact demko he will send you a left hand carry clip.