The MachineWise Sonora Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@boztos6025]

This is as meaningful an endorsement as I’ve ever heard. Congrats, Machinewise.

[@RR-pv4mc]

Nick Shahazz is back, doing what he does best!! Great job and thank you!!

[@cavemkx]

I’m so happy to see machinewise get the recognition they deserve. I’ve been enjoying my Sonora from the batch 2 preorder and oddly enough also have number 0230. Can’t imagine what they’ve done to improve an already impressive knife. Thanks for the review, Nick.

[@attierootube8621]

Really great to see a good great bad and ugly again. I’ve watched other reviews of this knife, but yours really relates how special it is. Thanks. You’re still my favorite knife reviewer.

[@drainoman35]

This is why I LOVE G&G Hawk. Gavin has said that the preorders for the Talon are going out before shows, dealers, etc.

[@PhoenixGuitars]

You’re back! Back in the New York groove!

[@jhendrix244]

Ive been a fan of machinewise ever since he started making balisongs in a small shop. His quality control is off the charts. The only issue Ive had with his stuff, specifically the balisongs, is the fact that he uses 64 thread screws instead of 32 thread. His screws are also very soft.

[@jhendrix244]

But the level of quality in his products absolutely destroys the competition in the same pricepoint.

[@mstuehler]

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this video. It's great to see a terrific company like Machinewise get the accolades and recognition they deserve. Good luck to them keeping up with the demand!

[@CarolSugimori-qz7to]

I’m thrilled a company has the integrity to make you wait. I’ve criticized you in the past for being able to jump the line; now I know that’s not your fault at all. It’s the maker’s responsibility to be principled. I’m sorry for misjudging you, Nick! You’re an absolute “gem” through and through. ❤

[@jmartin2778]

Great to have you back and on such an epic knife review

[@GSK4EVER]

I believe the part they had in the box is the inverse of the machined bolster. They came from the same piece of metal.

[@NathanSelfridge]

It's great to see a full review again from you, Nick! I have the inverse release number of this guy! My Sonora is #240. Absolutely my favorite knife that I own. Brilliant.

[@bobb9371]

Thanks for the review Nick, I have been loving the Sonora that I have. I can't wait for them to release their new design, the Mojave.

[@JordanTJackson]

Full review!! Great to see it!

[@masterofthepinkside]

It's great that a thing gave you so much joy, especially right now. If that was all they managed to do with it, that would be enough, but they made a great knife too!

[@GSK4EVER]

I already have a Sonora but if I didn’t you would have INFLUENCED me to get one. Cheers Nick.

[@_casualthrower333_4]

As a balisong guy, machinewise has been around for years in that space making some of the best flipping and machined quality balis with the Serif as my favorite bali period. Seeing them move into folders as well has been awesome, and seeing some of my favorite folder reviewers see just how incredible they are has been pretty fun. Glad folder guys are getting into MW, but don't dismiss their balisongs!

[@BrothuhV84]

Good on you for mentioning the jimping. Many new manufacturers are cutting that corner and I don't like it. Great review as always! Cheers! 👍

[@chrissy.v]

If you ever get into reviewing pens again, I'd love if you do one for either Arno Bernard Asegai, or a Confounded Machine Frag Grip ☺️

[@agquagwisvquwgavwj]

Came here to say I’ve handled some of MWs very first products only 2 short years ago. He has true talent and dedication. Very cool to see him going from being a niche balisong guy to making waves in the mainstream modern knife world.

[@RossWrock]

Good to see you back Nick! I've got a Sonora as well (#608), and love the fidgety, slicability of it. Pricey yes, but a nice addition to my collection. I've added a few intergral knives lately, and this is the most recent. I'd never heard of Machinewise either until a few months ago. I was turned onto them thru the pen community. I've been on the waiting list for a Rota forever it seems, and happened to see these become available. Speaking of pens, you should check out the Herman Knives Epika if you haven't yet. And I'd still like to hear your take on the Indiana Knives E.D.Z. You said you had one and a review (short or long format; I don't know) was incoming, but that was like 2 years ago.

[@Kyle_Sentz]

Looking at the clip design and mounting location, is it reversible for lefties? Only reason I ask is that I've seen knives with clips that mount like that but had weird angles to them and they weren't reversible.

[@bali-socks]

🖤 sending love from machinewise

[@domeromer]

Great video. Thanks Nick. Always great to see the Batman talking knives. The Sonora is excellent and love mine.

[@ericnurko]

Good review! I have one of these from their first custom drop last Spring. It definitely has the best action of any knife I own. However, there is a Grimsmo button lock coming out soon, so we will see…..

[@jamesR1990]

The Sonora never really appealed to me prior, but I had only seen certain colorways that didn't look good IMO. I'm hesitant to spend that money on a button lock. I've tried the inexpensive Kizers etc, which tend to stick and have other minor issues. Then I picked up the Indiana Knives EDZ and had a whale of a time with it. The button lock seized up, I had to cut both ends of the pivot to accommodate a flathead, then mill out the recess for the plunger on the button lock, and replace the spring. In the end I fixed it but the amount of work it took to fix a $300+ button lock has scared me away from them 😆

[@MapleFoxGMS]

Great video! I own #419, the knife right before yours! Mine still has the blade milling, I wonder if #420 was the cutoff for the new "upgrades?" I do have the ano'ed clip and newer pivot though.

[@nicerknifes9465]

Allthough it looks somewhat like a simple design, machinewise always does this. Low key simple design that is SO CLEAN SO GOOD. Gad dam that is beautiful.

[@agquagwisvquwgavwj]

18:20 Speaking to MW integrity, and blade 2022 I actively saw him turn away people who said they were buying the knife for a friend, or to sell. He wanted people who were buying the knife for themselves to take priority over scalpers or proxies. I was shocked by how he was willing to put himself out there to ensure the right people got the knife. (This was the serif, which sold out basically in minutes)

[@BruceRandall-h6u]

I have #88 and love the detent because I like to open it at different speeds to feel and hear the action. I have a Shiro custom with roller bearings, and it is mighty hard to tell the difference in the smoothness of the action. I hope everyone understands that you can mess-up the action reassembling the the action, because it has specific inch pounds of torque, because it actually runs on pressurized oil, no contact with metal, that's wht they are so smooth.

[@FourFistsdown]

I get emails often to pick a Norseman , where it used to never happen, which says something the money I would have spent on a Norseman has been taken off the table.. I’d rather go for this

[@JustBreatheASMR]

That looks incredibly nice

[@zeroair]

That knife looks so smooth!

[@slipjointedc]

Looks nice, good honest review as ever

[@Inbal_Feuchtwanger]

Wish we could get more compression locks/top liner locks rather than button. Maybe Im just a bit salty because I have to take apart my CJRB ekko that is giving me issues and try to see if cleaning and oiling it will get it working right again, but I feel like rather than having that plunge lock cylinder a liner lock mechanism operated by a button is just more reliable. As an aside that is a really nice looking knife.

[@DonFarmer-sh7ml]

Ok Machinewise, fine. Take my money.🔥

[@omfgstfubbq7919]

There's a reason why I have 3 of these. I'm sure I will own more in the future.

[@emesser7087]

Ill write a short one. Thank you Nick!

[@dfailsthemost]

Shape reminds me of Carter's designs but in no way looks derivative. That's awesome

[@ATAR1]

I’ve been drooling over the Sonora for quite some time… argh. Don’t make me do it Nick.

[@Schnoizl]

nice looking piece but too expensive for me, i'm happy it's made in the usa though (looking at you james brand🤑🇨🇳). awesome to see a full good, bad & ugly review from my fav. knife channel, thanks nick!

[@Gdolwell]

Give it the full shabazz.

[@BruceRandall-h6u]

Machine Wise has made high end bally songs for a while now. They use the same pivot tech as the bally songs

[@pitiedvod]

I was all that is pretty but a bit expensive, but then that herringbone milling version... oh my.

[@KageNoTora74]

You get what you pay for. If you have the scratch you'll get good blade steel, good fit and finish and a monolithic frame. Personally, my budget is $50 or less, lower quality materials etc but serviceable.

[@PeterS-r4o]

To me that blade tip looks like it really needs a rethink - that's verging on an 'ugly'. Also seems odd that a crowned spine is a problem for them. As for the price - you are paying to get something 'special' and that always costs more.

[@jdemeter4357]

I like the date it was made 13 /8 2024 which means that you have to do a little math. Got to round off the date to 1/8/2025 that could also say that they have a over run of 2024 boxes so they added a 13th month just to use up the boxes. Or I over thought about it. 😊

[@BrianRousseau]

Or they're simply using DD/MM/YYYY format, and it was produced on August 13 2024, which is far more likely than overflowing the date value to use up some inventory.

[@barboki]

I love my Sonora

[@NicholasCFranklin]

They gonna get the hug of death.

[@RobsJots]

Nick: what do you use for your surface area? Thanks

[@isaacott3230]

It's like the girl at the party that everyone wants, but everyone knows they can't ever have.

[@dalelane1948]

So did you like it? 😂 😂 😂

[@GSK4EVER]

Mojave here we come…

[@joshchu]

You have to try some of their balis, they are all top tier awesomeness. As matter of fact, just try some balis, sir. Bbbarfly,Bxndxge,Ceroni,Machinewise,Maxace,LDY...etc

[@jayr526]

After seeing the price while scrolling through the comments, I'm going to have to stop watching this video. I love your videos. Your reviews are just terrific. But watching the rest of this and becoming even more desirous of it, I'm not going to punish myself. Thank you, Nick. I appreciate what you do.

[@ryanfahey4997]

What’s the point of reviewing a $700 knife in this economy?

[@JoshTheElectric]

Because now I just ordered one. Can't wait for it.

[@ryanfahey4997]

@ we found a Unicorn!

[@ViceCommando]

800. Its just too much for a foldable cutting tool. 😂

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

Utterly stupifying that YOU got #420. Nice.

[@iamnotarealboy]

This may or may not have been intentional on my part. Seemed entertaining at the time.

[@richardkev3077]

“$700-$800” Since I can’t buy this, I can’t like or want it. So, outta here. I’ll catch the next review.

[@Capin91]

They have about 20 proofs for their new model around, take a peek!😮 Also for all that about their ‘first knife’, that shop has made world class balisongs for some time. That demand for perfect, free swinging action is something we in pocket knives also like turns out. I like the Will Hirsch vids on them a lot! Alsoalso trade ya 0700 for 0420!😂

[@jonesyxxiv]

This knife is great and I’m definitely interested but the downgrade from Magnacut to 20CV is disappointing. Don’t get me wrong 20CV is a fine steel but it’s definitely a strict downgrade from Magnacut.

[@Phil82-y7o]

Automatic synchronised. Make my ears bleeding.

[@mountainspider342]

In my opinion they should have lft out the case...The case looks really bad poor choice and bad taste.

[@JoshTheElectric]

A regular box is better than? Also the new knife they are coming out with the case serves as a cool stand holder for the knife itself. They are pretty good with packaging imo.

[@mountainspider342]

@@JoshTheElectric A zippered case would have been fine IMO.

[@JoshTheElectric]

@mountainspider342 after holding and messing with this sonora all day I can honestly say I don't have a knife that holds a candle to the sonora

[@dimakhidarkovskiy2175]

Grimsmo knives? Who in the right mind can shell $900 for a pocket knife? Even if you are a millionaire?