What if I could only keep one knife?

Today, I'll answer one of the hardest questions I've ever asked on the channel: What if I could keep only one knife?

[@finnmcool2]

Nick, I'm picturing you spending an hour caressing your collection and whispering that you love them all.

[@ulvschmidt7174]

"my precioussss. My ggeeemmsssss"

[@Thetinebroken]

Lotta nonlung sputum going down

[@ScatFreak-on9ni]

NO NICK, YOU’RE WRONG!

[@AlohaBlade]

spydiechef is sufficiently ugly and blade shape weird enough for me not to even want to pick it up, like a flaming bag of poo fugly. that said i love nick reviews!

[@evshrug]

Ken Sheffield - or a CRKT Wrinkle #2? If you don’t know why I’m thinking about that, look up the Full Shabazz review on that 😉

[@NinjaSushi2]

I am sad I only have one like to give. Nick needs to know he's wrong!!

[@Additup1021]

This is hands down one of the most entertaining and enjoyable videos I’ve ever watched on KZbin. Hearing Nick’s audible panic at eliminating knives made me laugh so hard.

[@ArrowNin]

This is basically how you torture nick

[@fabianthe_lazy_couch_potat7657]

The moment the Bowie hits the table, we all knew what was coming 😉

[@ryanbrown7274]

Before we even clicked on the video, we knew

[@alwong604]

Nick has more knife price brackets than boxing has weight classes

[@Focks_A]

Nick's very personal, own, subjective opinion is wrong

[@davidb9323]

How can he be wrong?

[@TheMillieSmalls]

@@davidb9323 bruh, he definitely wrong

[@stefanwilliams1687]

Hahahahahah

[@davidb9323]

@@TheMillieSmalls Many people were wrong about the 940 CF, I just got it and the Hogue DR and I love the feel of the DR.

[@emesser7087]

Aaaahahaha 4 years later I found this gem good one!

[@jacobj3236]

I just got my Ontario Rat 2 in D2 steel yesterday and I love it. I know they aren't the very best quality and I'm still fairly new to the knife life, but it's great for what I need. It definitely won't be my last knife, considering that I only have 4. My oldest but not my first knife is a Bermuda Green Case medium stockman that was passed to me from an old family friend that had it for a few years before, and then I bought a CRKT Burnley Squid and Morakniv Pro S last year, and now the Rat 2. I know it's not much of a collection by a long shot, but the Rat 2 brings me a lot of joy. It flies right out when I flick it and it feels great in my hand and I've already started customizing it. Thanks for all of the content and for helping me to learn more about knives, steels and what tools/gear are best for me

[@dfailsthemost]

The Ontario RAT is a total gateway knife haha. Good tool, pretty cheap. Next thing you know you're up late looking at $300 knives on bladehq.

[@haydensmith8576]

Totally man. Knives are addictive!

[@frostjune6072]

​@@dfailsthemostthose damn $300 ones are the worst because givrn time I can figure out an excuse for that

[@TheKyleMark]

That pain you went through picking through the last three was so real and so relatable. And whenever I feel that kind of affection and passion for my gear... I see the face of Nick Shabazz.

[@starkparker16]

You just tacked on thirty bucks to the Slysz price.

[@grahamriley8064]

It's a specter, of course we can't see it.

[@Veesaki]

This was terrific ! Well done ! Like Henry Royce said "the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten". My choice the Magnitude

[@wr8268]

If Im paying over $500 for a knife it better be a gun.

[@bradoly100]

Mr. Shabazz, I'm a new subscriber to your channel and doing my utmost to get all caught up, but just wanted to tell you I'm really enjoying your insight and wit. Moreover, your earnest effort to offer fair reviews is both rare and appreciated. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort.

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

Don't worry Nick, Spyderco would be absolutely stupid to hold back on a Bowie V2. It's just a matter of waiting now.

[@chris5590]

and waiting...

[@Dante-ff6jj]

@@chris5590 lol

[@mancaveedc7596]

And waiting….

[@chrism8984]

The segment from 19:40 on, was the most entertaining portion of any of your reviews I have seen thus far. We could hear your anguish going back and forth between the final 3. I've never heard so many syllables uttered in such a short time span. Good stuff.

[@dkompolt1234]

Nick getting through the last 3 knives like Zapp Brannigan trying to tell Leela they were on Earth the whole time

[@petergalione9704]

Come on Spyderco, bring back the Slysz!

[@The4cp]

Yes. It's the only knife I would justify paying that much money for.

[@tadreinsch8354]

Will buy if brought back

[@bbridges100]

That would be great!

[@CapFlipGaming]

I bought the Spydiechef, I like it but now I really want a Bowie.

[@rjw4149]

I was torn between pm2 and spending a bit more for slysz...decided to go with pm2...i made the wrong decision. Tho pm2 is a great knife.

[@appleztooranges]

Huge fan of you! Just found your channel. Love it! Great content. Subscribed

[@Jimatuscc]

I'm blown away by that custom Protech it's freaking gorgeous!

[@JesusIsKingofKings777]

That was hilarious listening to you agonize over "The One". As always, I really enjoy your videos.

[@SmolStufff]

Under $10 would be Opinel knife. Only knife I actually use at this price point.

[@Joshua-hz3cl]

Wrong, Gordon Challenger is far superior. /J

[@Gaston-Monescu]

Which Opinel is

[@kurtbengtson9291]

moraknive

[@stevenlachance8576]

Bingo for opinel

[@NinjaSushi2]

Well hello Commander Keen

[@wundergussy]

If I had to pick one it'd probably be the ZT 0562 -- I live a few miles from KAI, so I know it'd be maintained/taken care of, and it can do a lot of work while also being a slicer grind. Plus the deep-carry clip is great on it.

[@brucemcintyre2383]

The spit was foreshadowing. The depth of your writing and plot development is staggering... Well done, as always. I was glad to hear my new favorite mentioned... Kapara ftw.

[@neokuji]

😂

[@trlarosa]

Great video. I love it. That spyderco chapparal is speaking to me. I like the working look of it. Subscribed. Thank you!

[@JD-di7qq]

I was already a subscriber but "go back to talk radio" just made you my freaking favorite!!!!!!!!!!

[@gabedestellano]

Is it any wonder that a Spyderco wins this contest? I'd choose either the PM2 or the Manix 2... I have been thinking VERY HARD on which of the two I would finally choose for about four days now and I simply just can't decide. I really would have to flip a coin... hoping that it landed on the PM2. Or the Manix 2. Or the PM2... Or the Manix 2. 😅 Thanks for making the last 27 minutes of my evening very entertaining, Nick. Knife on safely, my friend! Knife on, indeed...

[@davideverson92]

So glad I got one when I did. Great Video, Nick!

[@AndyMcGehee]

My choices, broken down by price point: Kershaw Pub Kershaw Blur Spyderco PM2 Spyderco Kapara ZT 0470 Spyderco Slysz Bowie CRK Mnandi CRK Large Sebenza Due to its size and its ratio of class to scariness, and the fact that I'm an office drone who avoids manual labor whenever possible, if I absolutely had to pick one, it would be the Mnandi.

[@richardjones1743]

How did I know you'd pick that. I anodized mine blue and gold while you were deciding and it's beautiful now for the rest of my life Nick!!!

[@LookitCrows]

I love this channel this is the 4th time ive watched this video and its still great.

[@terrywho22]

Nick, you should look at Spyderco knives. I hear they are pretty good.

[@MJFallout]

Spiderco? Never heard of 'em. Also, kind of a dumb name, kinda childish , don't you think? Like, they'll put some big round spider in their logo and on every one of their knives? ridiculous.

[@dwainsw4076]

Spyderco placed 4 of the 6 knives on the table. I think he considered them. Get your sarcasm.

[@dwainsw4076]

terrywho22 I think maybe he caught wind of them?

[@dalecarpenter8828]

not as good as the price!

[@Jack-zc9el]

@@MJFallout please tell me your joking... Spyderco is one of the top knife and cutlery companies in the world lol.

[@kevola5739]

Gotta have a multi tool. No matter what other knife I carry. I feel undressed without the multi tool. I carry a Leatherman Wave and a Rat 1 with D2 blade for the same or less money than the Leatherman Charge. The multi tool gives me tool options that help me avoid abusing a knife blade and the Rat 1 gives me a bigger more comfortable handle (big hands) for longer cutting tasks. The wave also has a serrated blade which means I am carrying 3 blades. This gives me a lot of extended cutting time. But who said knife choice had to be logical? Nick taught me to carry what brings me comfort and joy. I think Nick enjoys the pain of forcing himself into making these decisions. Kinky!

[@LarryEMorse]

Stuck with a choice of only one blade, it would have to be a Leatherman. I carried a Wave for years but now it's the Signal for the hammer. Also the pocket/belt clip comes already on it. That and a compact razor blade utility knife is REALLY all you need, (but I still carry more...)

[@kevola5739]

LarryEMorse I liked carrying the Wave with a pocket clip but recently had the tool open in the pocket on a number of occasions. Not sure if this was due to the wear and tear on the tool or the fact that I scramble over machinery all day but was proving dangerous in certain situations. I now carry it on my belt using a RAE sheath which carries secure and easy to deploy but Is prone to scratching paint if you get too close to objects. Something to keep your eye on as the tool ages. Stay safe brother!

[@LarryEMorse]

@@kevola5739 I was carrying the wave on my belt using only the clip and never had it open, but that's aNOTHER thing I like about the Signal. It can be locked shut so there's no chance of opening. I like the tan color from Cabelas better than the shiny silver Wave too.

[@immediatesword7711]

I would go with the Sebenza because of its versatility and the spa treatment

[@BrentonCarr]

I knew it! But It was fun to watch you agonize over those last 3 knives. I feel your pain.

[@journeymanedc]

For me it would have to be my Sebenza or Umnumzaan. When I consider one knife for the rest of my life, I have to think about availability of replacement parts, longevity of the company/model of knife, and things like spa services to keep the knife serviceable. In that domain, CRK is unrivaled.

[@Antimonyish]

Hey, Nick, have you tried the Cold Steel Code 4? It's indistructable, CTS-XHP and you can forget it's in your pocket(it's light and slim). It's a bit wide, but so is almost every Spyderco.

[@marang1966]

Nice list. I see some nice edges, what sharpener(s) do you use?

[@Jack-zc9el]

Start off by saying I've been watching you for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoy. With that being said, your voice always sounded familiar to me and I never could quite put my finger on it till just now. You sound like Timon from the Lion King!!!

[@GalaxysGreatestDad]

Under 30 SWAK Under 50 Tenacious Under 100 Mini Griptilian Under 150 Sage 5 Under 200 Osborne 940

[@Hapfletcher]

SWAK???

[@theblackguywhodiesfirst3200]

@@Hapfletcher swiss army knife (victorinox )

[@_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-]

Under 300 Osborne 940* For Canadians :(

[@koga8100]

Bruh benchmade fan boi

[@Phaminator525]

@@koga8100 lmao he has 2 Spydercos on his list too but he's a benchmade fanboy?

[@702johnny]

Every time I have seen that Slysz in your videos, I have thought to myself... I think that might be my favorite syderco knife and I have never even held one. It just looks like a good quality piece and I love the design.

[@enochjukie]

I respect your choices. I prefer the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 over every other knife.

[@mauiharward4748]

Good news folks! You don’t have to keep just “one” knife.

[@freedomvan2970]

‘Go back to talk radio.’ Hahaha 😂

[@arlenfoster4254]

Electric bugaloo 😂😂😂 catching up on your videos nick, just ordered a Ontario rat 2 thanks to you along with a few more

[@robertdelhuerto2308]

Good info. It's wonderful we would never really have to pick just one.

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

As my collection has grown in number, sizes and prices, I continue to view the Chaparral Frn as an EDC masterpiece. I have custom knives I treasure but the Chappy is the EDC choice you can take anywhere, anytime and it operates easily and efficiently everytime. And it's easy to replace without too much trauma. Mind you the Mnandi is a stupendous knife but so much cash as to cause fear of losing.

[@mataanek]

It’s not original at all but I’d go with my PM2 in M390 steel. It’s a workhorse, easy to maintain....it’s just great :) Plus side is the blue on the scales.

[@beefcurtainz69]

You think that’s better than a PM 2 in S110V? Just curious as I’m in the market for a PM2 myself

[@mataanek]

Yes I believe so. S110V is harder but could chip. Plus those purple scales are not for me :-)

[@squirts1]

As soon as I saw all your table options I would immediately choose the 3 rivers neutron.

[@rammerjammer523]

Nick, I want the " Top 5 knives to bring to a gunfight" episode. PLEASE....

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

Great idea!

[@angeloralph3304]

that really big halo otf

[@wvrnstng]

Angelo Ralph I would take katana any day lol

[@tecnotrog1]

I have watched this episode at least 4 times... and i still feel the pain when you make the final choice.🦉

[@bryanbushby2754]

Nick you are a gem I would not could not pick only one thanks a lot man now I have to buy a spiderco chief . You are either a great actor or felt some serious pain there. Excellent channel thank you

[@aaronkahn-bork1120]

Great video! Just wondering, have you seen Supersteel Steve’s testing on the Rats? The AUS 8 did surprisingly well and the D2 did surprisingly poorly.

[@the_swinging_axe]

Nice choice! From my personal collection, i would choose the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2. I have 2 of them, one being stock, and the other fully modified by Way of Knife (sharpening choil, acid sw blade, bead blasted liners, lockbar access, Lynchnw clip, and sharp dressed knives micarta scales. Its glorious.

[@Eat_Lead]

"Slysz bowie 2 electric bugaloo"

[@opichocal]

Mine is my bark river fox river 2. I got it for my birthday last year and it cuts better than anything else I own. I've carried it almost everyday since and the funny thing is I quit shopping for new knives! It does everything from kitchen prep to working in landscaping everyday.

[@MetalEffort]

Thanks for the shout out! I was feeling guilty every time you mentioned a knife I have on loan. Sorry everyone!

[@0017Bulldog]

Nick, your insignificant opinion has been duly noted. lol Gotcha. This was very fun and I totally value your opinion highly. Great vid.

[@neokuji]

It tore my heart out when you chose anything over the doppler sebenza, but then you tortured yourself for our entertainment in the elimination round, so I guess we’re even and all is forgiven.

[@spyderg6509]

Nick I agree 100% it would be tough however the choices make total sense I might have a couple other choices but ultimately I agree. Nice job

[@KEEVER6]

Beside the Holt Specter, no flippers or bearings! I approve Nick!!

[@raydurham7395]

Nick, I'm lucky to live in a state where I can carry anything I want, up to a certain length, I love your choice!

[@wEcUtBoTtLeS]

Ive owned hundreds of knives, custom, mid tech, all production companies in the book, but my all time favorite would probably be a Spyderco Sage 1. My other absolute favorites were my Emerson mini commanders, ZT 0550, Benchmade 943, and my Striden SnG CC

[@_allcap]

We need a updated 2023 version of this video

[@Shanes_sharp_sheet]

Hey Nick, nice picks! But on an unrelated topic if I can get ya, I have a W.E. 617 that I love, it's that $100 standard We, not sure if they make it anymore, but I was wondering if you know if I can get replacement hardware for it? Maybe even torx replacements?

[@thinktwice8860]

I had a big feeling that it would be a Spyderco of some ilk. You have a lot of them. lol!

[@MrBlessed70]

For me as well I like a tough worker knife which is good looking too! My choice would be a Cold Steel Recon 1(Clip point or Tanto) with XHP steel.

[@pendulousphallus]

An additional advantage to the Bowie may be that it looks robust enough to use the handle as an improvised hammer. Metal seems to be the better option over plastic in most cases.

[@dcardenal]

What would you recommend for the knife enthusiast looking for something more... insubstantial?

[@doolyskating]

Thanks nick, the secondary price just went up even higher on the bowie. Hahah man I’ve had 4 or 5 of them now, they always seem to come back around

[@latineichon]

I would go with The Chaparral. There is a carbon fiber version if you need to go fancy.

[@cloudcleaver23]

This is my surprised face! In all seriousness, the only things that kept me from trying your ultimate favorite were the blade/handle size proportion (the handle just looks so blocky) and the fact that the lockbar obscures the opening hole to the point that I can't middle-finger-flick it.

[@justinholtman]

Nick I got the 940 and am trying to decide between a bugout or para 3 lightweight. Love my rat 2 tho thanks to u

[@jwehrer2]

Hi Nick, might think about adding some colored ano screws to the slysz. I've added blue ano to my chef and techno 2. Nice little customization.

[@L3001USPSA]

I wanted the FRN Chaparral, but the wholesaler I have access to does not stock them. What was in stock was a slightly beefier version of the Chaparral - the Native 5 Lightweight. I really like it! Unfortunately they switched from S35VN to S30V in the last 12 months, but S30V is still a fancy steel for me. I can be happy with this knife for a long time.

[@waynewelshans1172]

Thanks for driving up the price of a slysz Bowie even more

[@ribstein7714]

The real question then becomes: if you where forced to pay what these cost today (including the ridiculous price of the bowie), what would you pick?

[@connerwhite7743]

Good deliberations Nick!

[@jfnurod]

I'd have to say it would be my original DLC coated PM2. It has resharpened and beaten on many times so I'm not afraid to use it unlike some of my others.

[@kuanlee6294]

Despite not carrying it much these days, I would have to go with a large clip point Cold Steel Voyager, even if price wasn't a factor. It's the knife that can do just about anything, and it's tough.

[@patrickdodge5928]

19:46 & 19:55: the two sounds Nick makes are some of the most hilarious noises I've ever heard. Sounds like he's attempting to pass a brick while drunkenly deflating. Didn't expect to, but definitely enjoyed your pain there.

[@bramstaal156]

The brous blades division would be the love of my life

[@ztrack157]

Watching this was equivalent to watching a cat chase a laser pointer.

[@johnstuglik1381]

I was surprised by your choice seeing that you sold the spyderco bowie once before.

[@ViaMatt47]

Spyderco C211TIP Spidie Chef. The rest of my life. Just perfect.

[@kllrbee69]

I agree on the Slysz Bowie...but it would be my #2. Only cuz of legality. My #1 would be small plain jane Sebenza insingo. The warranty, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and size make it the perfect choice. I would be very comfortable having and using that knife everyday for the rest of my life.

[@adamconlan315]

I’d probably go with my Carbon Fiber Chaparral, personally. Such a great tool, but still gets some of that niceness appeal

[@russellswanson117]

I haven't watched Nick in a good while so it was interesting to see the Sebenza show up in his hands again. I bet if he does this video again in a few years a Sebenza will still be on the table.

[@NickShabazz]

Yep.

[@scdub]

“I don’t suffer quietly, generally” ~20:25. 😂😂😂

[@LotusBoi1989]

I'm in love with my Benchmade Freek. Picked it up at a B&M for $100, fits my hand absolutely perfectly, looks more like a tool than pocket candy or murder weapon, I'm not a hard use guy so the partial scales are no issue for me. And the Axis lock is more fun to play with than any other locking system on the market. I really can't say anything bad about the knife.

[@davidb9323]

I saw that today online and it looks beautiful

[@SandShark350]

If it was one knife, it'd have to be a fixed blade.

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

I have a 7 knife collection. If I had to pick one of them to keep for the rest of my life, it'd be my large Sebenza 21. Not just because it's high quality, but because of the excellent warranty.

[@johnniewalker3134]

warranty wont mean shit if your gonna keep it for the rest of your life. The knife would need to perform as such, Warranties LOL

[@eric21881]

Sorry to say but I legitimately laughed out loud when you got down to three

[@AlterMacGyver]

Of all my knives currently, I think the one I'd have to choose is my Ti Chaparral. I got it on clearance when they were discontinued, and it has all the advantages of the FRN Chaparral I had before and loved but smoother and fancier. It feels the best in my hand, better than my CM1 Smoke, Kizer T1, or Native 5 LW, the three runner ups for me. The T1 is smoothest because I've had it longest and it's very ergonomic, but I like the Chaparral more in fanciness and sliciness. My smoke is great and the steel is better, and it's so much better to fidget with, but it's a bit long for me and not as slicy or ergonomic just because of its fundamental shape. My Native 5 is probably the most utilitarian knife I own and it'd be my choice if I did more hard work, but I mainly open up packages and cut yarn rather than carving wood or whatever, and I don't care for the feel of the FRN in the hand. The Ti Chaparral has beauty, function, and longevity, and seems almost tailor made for my life.

[@GalaxysGreatestDad]

I'm amazed the Chaparral lasted as long as it did.

[@rintintinman9223]

Yeah..... didn't see that coming.

[@ronaldren5581]

Nick,, have you ever had a frame lock brake? I have but it was a cheap knife but I’ve always been afraid to get another.

[@baleavitt]

It's like watching someone choose their favorite child

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Sweet pick... I would go for: 1st: Manix XL 2nd: Griptilian G10

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

For me, aside of course for irreplaceable sentimental hand-me-downs/gifts, it’d be my Benchmade Mini Bugout with Flytanium Classic brass scales, backspacer, and thumbstud and black Cerakote Lynch clip. It’s the biggest knife I can carry in my watchpocket, and is carried very nearly every day since nearly every day my Leatherman Free P4 rides in my main pocket. It’s far from my favorite (probably my Spyderco Para 3 in S110V, likewise Flytanium brass-ified), but since it’s an almost-EDC for me it’s effectively my favorite, haha! I intend to try a Spyderco Lil’ Native compression lock, since I VASTLY prefer US-made Spydercos to any other normal (not high-end, not auto, etc.) pocketknives as a general rule and I suspect it might also fit.

[@massimobargagna5641]

Sir thank you that little microtech jem wow wicked knife i love it my spyderco ronin2 the only one i have now carried a cs ti lite for 20 years and a bench made vintage spike for 10 years thinking about a Smock now and a yo jimbo2