The Shirogorov NeOn Zero Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

The Shirogorov NeOn Zero is a new version of a classic in the knife world, which is undoubtedly an amazing knife, but has some flaws, at a price that's just hard to swallow.

[@deanalbertson7203]

Nick: "I picked up this little knife for $87,000. Now look, I don't mind paying $87,000 for a knife, but for that price you need to do something to earn that."

[@stoneblue1795]

I guess we need some generous patrons like that.

[@geezusLive-OF]

You either need to make more money or vote for people who have worker’s interest in mind.

[@MichaelWoloszynowicz]

Watching this 2 years later after seeing this on Recon 1 for $725 and it’s funny to see that it’s still the same :)

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

For that much money, I would much rather see the lock bar relief on the inside of the handle rather than the outside

[@doolyskating]

Yeahhh...700+...nahhhh...I’d go for a fancy arius in a heartbeat over this guy. I like the aesthetic though

[@mickkeim4142]

For a knives in this price point it seems to me they they just forgot a lot of very obvious things. That should not happen. Although I likely will never send that much money on a knife...I can appreciate your pointing out its shortcomings, even if they are not major issues, they are still issues.

[@TheSynthros]

I’m a sucker for the asthetic of this knife. I just bought a real steel megalodon for about 1/5 of this. It’s my favorite purchase by a mile. While this is obviously, well, a higher end knife and its worth 5x I just can’t even imagine it being worth that much more to me. Plus I will carry the hell out of this knife and while I could buy a shiro, I don’t think I could stick it in my pocket everyday. Good review, as usual and I appreciate the insights as well, I think you’re dead on.

[@bumpedhishead636]

It's called market disruption. A market leader becomes confident that they will always be the market leader, and they stop paying attention to what newer, smaller & more nimble companies are doing. The market leader thinks *they* drive the market trends - and they completely miss when a market shift occurs. The more nimble companies (the market disruptors), who are willing to take risks with the introduction of new products and new manufacturing processes, create a brand new market that the old market leader is simply unable to match. This cycle has been repeated over & over in nearly every industry.

[@mikeritter2979]

well put sir 👍👍👍

[@GotThePug]

Do you consider Shiro as a market leader? If so it'd be difficult to agree, and I don't think that they would like to be one which has majority of market. It's like with cars, they are the luxury ones and that would be it. It should not go under 400 level, as it'll be just one of many other.

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

I love your reviews and love your integrity. Thank you Nick.

[@shaunfarrier9060]

I can't comment on the Zero model in particular, but my Shiro F3 is easily the best made knife I've ever own. With the exception of the overly stiff clip it's pretty much perfect in my book.

[@GotThePug]

Yes, in F3 (older versions) pocket clip is just good looking thing with no use.. Now they put something more like F95 style

[@KlodianHysi]

How is this n95 zero ? Thinking about getting it all ive had is sebenzas ,rask , microtechs how is this knife for edc and quick deployment?

[@starkparker16]

Here's hoping The Nick let's AKBro borrow this sweet knife so we can see it put through the paces, and a huge stump.

[@jeffreybordner5246]

At the $750 price point what would everyone suggest for a 3ish inch lockbar? I really like the holt but finding one is impossible

[@frp1276]

Did you find something?

[@racingalpaca5320]

Beautiful design. But I just got my gen 3 koenig arius with m390 and the milling . For the same price it is a FAR superior product IMO Awesome review nick

[@EldenLord84]

For the same price? I got my Gen 3 Arius for $550 brand new. Maybe your Arius is a fancy one, but the plain Jane gen 3 Arius is an even better deal compared to the Neon Zero. No contest.

[@jonhaze7537]

I picked mine up less than a week ago from Recon 1. First Shiro for me and I couldn't be happier!!

[@kyleralph1778]

You should redo the norseman review at the new prices

[@everydaygear3730]

did they go down? or are they still $950+? For that money, would it kill them to mill the frames a little? I think they have one of the most overpriced productions, but believe they spend way more time on packaging and like the anodizing...

[@JoEYHiiGHRoLLER]

They at 600-750 now

[@bobb.9917]

GREAT calls on the price, detènt ramp and no captured pivot. No excuse for not having those refinements on a knife at this pricepoint! Very valid “take” on the knife!

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

Totally agree with all the points about what Shirogorov needs to do as a maker. We should draft an open letter to them. They could improve so much. I say that as a die hard Shirogorov fan that has spent countless thousands of dollars on their production knives.

[@danieljung2810]

Wow a free spinning pivot is a killer for me. Thanks for the review!

[@racingalpaca5320]

Nick ! . I dont know how you haven't reviewed one but based on your comments here the shirogorov hation lite is literally your perfect shiro . Cheaper price , original neon size and blade , milled and textured cf show side internal and external milled lock side and m390 on mrbs . I have a great example I would be happy to send to hear your thoughts

[@KarlFarbman]

But Nick: the Specter and Mini Tolk are not currently available, with no sign of reappearing any time soon. However, the Shiro Hation Zero is around. With that in mind, would you get the Shiro? Or what else would you go for in this size and price range?

[@frankrice1253]

Ya nailed it on this one Nick. I can sometimes be a little critical of your reviews, but when your right, your right. Well done 👍

[@damienhughes7228]

I’d love to get a hation lite or neon zero. Very good review. Price is intense on this. If it was lower I’d be interested but there is very strong competition in this price range and below it. I don’t like being able to touch the blade from the closed position either. Work needs to be done for this knife to fit that price for me anyway or I need to have an extra few hundred dollars haha

[@everydaygear3730]

I whole heatedly agree! There are a ton of knife makers that make customs in this price range (Kevin Brown, Gavko, Rad Knives) but for a production knife, the prices are too high IMO.

[@jcolterh]

Shirogorov, Hinderer, Chris Reeve, those big names always take a long time to listen to their customers and make changes to their knives.

[@francescocastanon1601]

Superb review ! I have got a question, Shirogorov is still producing this knife at the moment, Have you got any idea if they have made improvements to it? Or they just keep doing it without correcting things

[@andyseal8134]

I have the same problem with the lock bar. I find I have to roll my fingers up in a unnatural way for the knife to fire open easily. Beyond that, I love the knife- bought mine second hand. I don’t think it’s worth $715. Also agree about the free spinning pivot. Crazy, but I still carry it a lot.

[@everydaybladesinc]

Mine arrived the same way. After I relived them lock bar pressure and tuned it properly it’s perfect. You can put your fingers anywhere on the lock bar and the blade still flys out.

[@steveman751]

I like shirogorovs, the design and action is amazing. But holy hell they're boring, in my opinion is a knife is over $300 it has to have something more visually impressive than a grey titanium frame lock with nothing on it.

[@praetor47]

i couldn't disagree more. they're the apex of minimalist design. and doing minimalism well is just as hard (if not harder) than doing "visually impressive" (and, tbh, most of those "visually impressive" expensive pieces looks much, much more tacky and gaudy and just so awful i'd be embarrassed to be seen in public with them). they're one of the very very few doing "bauhaus knife design" right though i'll very very likely never ever have one, 'cause they're overpriced as fuck. i'll probably get a green thorn and forget Shiro exists

[@amandeep1420]

praetor47 no, they are not the apex at all. Bullshit. The apex of minimalist design wouldn't sacrifice so much basic functionality or design consideration. This is pure laziness and I wholeheartedly agree with Nick on this one.

[@praetor47]

@@amandeep1420 learn to read before commenting

[@robertlefeaux]

@@praetor47 Yeah you're right. Nick must be wrong.

[@praetor47]

@@robertlefeaux are you by any chance implying he's infallible? are you saying he's some kind of unerring authority on the matter? are all of his fans so obnoxiously irrational, uncritical and fanboyish? is my reply here to Nick or some other person? are you even literate, or does your mom write these idiocies for you?

[@bertraminc9412]

Is this knife a smoother finish in the handle than current stonewashed versions or are they one in the same. I really like the smooth scale on this one but the ones I’m seeing to buy look more weathered in finish. Do they call this finish a, "stonewashed" finish? Thank you.

[@Herne0011]

Was pretty cool when they were the only ones doing roller bearings. Now everyone does it. I suspect TwoSun could do this for $150 and come out with the exact same bladesteel and fit and finish. The days of $700 dollar production folders being able to hold themselves apart from small run midtechs or even some Chinese brands is over imo.

[@johnyricco1220]

Why is thumb studs considered a bad thing on expensive knives? I don't get the hate for them. Sure flippers are fun but they're not always practical. If I'm paying that much I'd want both

[@esoteric5277]

Flippers are always practical, if only as a fingerguard. Thumbstuds are fun because they allow for quicker deployment, but otherwise they're only really practical if you want to discreetly roll out the blade and/or if to replace a stop-pin. But yeah, both is better.

[@alpine1600s]

Don't let Spyderco watch this! They'll increase the price of the Delica, again!🤣

[@everydaygear3730]

shots fired! I love it - it's true though.

[@gmtmastertoo]

love the delica and I've regularly carried one for years, but I agree it feels overpriced.

[@justaamateur6533]

@@gmtmastertoo well its definetly over priced in europe, thw avredge street price is 100€, thats abou 80$ so yeah

[@gmtmastertoo]

@@justaamateur6533 the base model is currently at US $84

[@kjeldtmc2530]

Watching your videos is like watching good fellas😄

[@Happytrees1]

Excellent review, Nick. I agree with you completely on everything you’ve said.

[@GotThePug]

Hi Nick, I usually agree with your reviews, but this time I say no! ;-) I had previous Neon Ultra light. And now I have Zero. I think you have very high expectations. It's evolution of model, not new one, so you can not expect too much differences, as previous was already a good knife. Here is my list of pros: First of all - overall design is looks better. Clean scales it a good step. Blade shape is more aggressive. Old version had a hot spot close to butt on pocket clip side - it was quite annoying - new is way better No issue with detent - at least with mine Spacer vs UL version is better as you can not poke yourself with pointy tip Internal milling is a big improvement compared with previous version Lanyard hole looks way better and it's more advanced in terms of design and execution They put smaller screw - same as in RFT - it fits better smaller knife Handle geometry makes it more comfortable and some minor cons: Pocket clip is stiff as hell same as before higher price than previously.. but let's be honest - its price is not a matter of cost behind.. it's customers that are willing to pay for it - maybe they do not want to sell more knives with lower prices, maybe their target is not to be another 400-600 USD, as this piece of cake is busy with plenty of other folders.. There are "cheap" F95NL and I'm not so sure it these are their bestsellers.. It's a prefect EDC for high dollar.

[@everydaybladesinc]

The only issue with this knife is that a lot of them arrive not properly tuned. When properly tuned you can put your fingers anywhere on the lock bar and it flys out. The action on mine is perfect but it did not arrive that way.

[@markm148]

@@everydaybladesinc Could you elaborate on tuned? I’m about ready to finesse the the detent hole with a diamond file because the detent on mine is pathetic. I’m not sure if I’m taking the right path with this issue?

[@monkeyfaceII]

Thank you for the video Nick 👌🏽

[@MrBlessed70]

What a Gem of a knife.I would have also liked to see The Bear Head logo on the blade and $400 cheaper,also maybe a nice blue handle and other colour options for handle colour.

[@everydaygear3730]

placing a logo on the blade seems to be much easier to clone /copy - so that's one thing I disagree with. You can buy fake shirogorov's everywhere with a bear on the blade, but not on the handle. Also, who cares about logos, I have a polutchotky and the "logo's" are on the inside of the scales, next to the internal milling.

[@mikem4259]

As I said on the disassembly, I have this knife and love it. Now the milling makes it feel not as substantial as the neon ultra lite. However, it’s a better size, for me. The blade is 3 and 3/8ths inches and the handle is significantly longer which gives it great ergo’s. It’s just the clip. That’s the only thing that’s a pain in the a$$. My neon ultra lite has a perfect clip. It goes in and out of the pocket with no fuss or muss. On this knife, it goes in fine, but Taking it out is difficult, making it a potential pocket destroyer. If you look at the clip, it’s squared at the back, where it contacts the pocket material, causing it to dig in, rather than gliding over it, like my ultra lite. The detent is perfect. I’m not sure how a person has a problem squeezing the lock bar when deploying the blade. I guess it’s a matter of how a person prefers to hold it. It’s never been a problem for me, it’s a pretty intuitive flipper. Yeah, proprietary hardware is a pain, but it’s really not that difficult. It comes apart easy, provided you buy the aftermarket bits from razors edge, which are relatively cheap, at $63 a bit. But you gotta know what your getting in to. If you can’t deal with it, don’t get it. Other than that, I’m glad they made something a little bigger. For me, this knife is perfect, a gem, except the clip, which I can live with. And of course, the price, which is a kick in the crotch. But, when I saw this, I just wanted it so bad, it was worth the pain. And, it’s more accessible than a holt or a southard mini tolk. There’s no lottery or waiting for the books to open to get on a list for a limited, small supply. And if you miss out, you gotta hunt through the secondary market. Which is ridiculous. They seem to keep them in stock long enough to have a chance at one. Sorry this one didn’t do it for you, but it’s really personal preference.

[@NickShabazz]

I'm glad you love it. And I agree, the main thing they're doing well here is making lots of them. Availability is easier than many.

[@GotThePug]

Oh c'mon ! Neon ultra with good pocket clip? gliding? Mine was so stiff that i just stopped to use it and I was carrying it loosely in the pocket. I have Zero now and it's just tiny bit of better, so maybe yours is modified? Still i prefer to not use the clip, as in comparison to F95 it's drama.. But for e.g. in RFT there is very "delicate" slim pocket clip and it works like a charm.

[@wrliggin2]

Damn the Bear got spanked! 🐻 🔪 R.I.P. Shiro

[@kfalk2578]

Spot on in every aspect. I’ve had mine for a couple months and pretty disappointed. When you have to think about hand positioning to deploy it, it defeats the purpose. Great review, Mr. Shabazz

[@everydaybladesinc]

This is one of my favorite knives. It’s a shame you didn’t get one that was properly tuned. Send it to me. I’ll make the action perfect for you.

[@vector-man5407]

Loved the point about removing the bear.

[@runrin_]

nick, you say that you don't understand what the benefit of not using torx is, but its obviously aesthetics. not saying it's the right solution, but i can understand wanting to design around the torx, they're not exactly attractive.

[@NickShabazz]

I have the perspective that pretty tools are tools, and should be evaluated to that end. So something that's pretty, but a strong functional demerit, gets dinged.

[@tankcrowe5417]

Have to ask yourself, am I looking for a knife, or a prestige item. Both are fine, but the question is valid. When it's covered in scratches ,will you love it more than your 0562? Great thing about the knife hobby ,the wealthy ,and the common man can share an equal passion, especially now in the past 15 years. Great review Nick. Whether or not you agree with Nick, he's not influenced by price, by makers .....maybe.

[@everydaygear3730]

Well stated.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

Screws are "better" because a standard screwdriver is way more common and accessible than a torx for a lot of people, AND, it's a lot easier to press an improvised tool into service if your servicing in an emergency, in the field, etc.

[@ToxicityAssured]

2 months later, news flash! You can watch Nick disassemble one of these. It's NOT FIELD SERVICABLE, especially in an emergency!!! There are like two dozen totally free balls inside waiting to be set loose. As far as emergencies and torx divers go... Get several from most any store that sells tools and stash them where they would be needed. They are cheap and a part of any knife collectors kit. Put them in the truck, wallet, desk or wherever you'll need to do emergency tear downs. I do several emergency tear downs a week so I too understand the need for designing in emergency tear down features.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@@ToxicityAssured well that's all well then good and I'm not saying you're wrong (I'm not sure I believe you've field serviced a shiragirov tho), My point was barely that designer is used standard screws for the reason I mentioned that doesn't take into account the design of the rest of the knife but if you were to ask any of them they would say that's why they did it.

[@waynewelshans1172]

You should do the Hation lite, I think it resolves a lot of your negatives on this one.

[@jcolterh]

The Neon R20 is basically the same with some cool milling and anodizing, no price hike. Seems much more reasonable. At least, I think so. I bought one...

[@donaldniblett6323]

Great review Nick. I have the exact same knife, so I can comment on a few things that mine my differ from yours. As far as the lock bar I don’t have to be as careful as you about my finger placement when opening. My Neon seems to open great regardless of finger placement. As fair as a lot of the other areas it is so subjective that I don’t really have any other comments except to say $500 is more of a fair price for this knife, and that’s quite a bit. So I do think it is overpriced! I have a CKF Sukhoi 3 that was a little under $500 and is twice or three times the knife in my opinion, as compared to a Shirogorov Neon. That being said I still love the Neon. Thanks for being a pillar in the knife community. I love your channel.

[@Mr_Moon42]

Hey do you have any recommendations? Am looking for a super high quality flipper at around the $400-$600 range. Preferably with a 3-3.6 inch blade.

[@EnhancedEntrepreneur]

@@Mr_Moon42 yea, same. We are in different times, but I would like to find one. 🤣

[@Smegmalicious]

How on earth are you getting a Holt? I can’t beg borrow steal or buy one

[@everydaygear3730]

Nicks part of the Mafia, so he has... connections!

[@praetor47]

you have to become an "influencer" or be one of the very very very lucky select few who get drawn in the lottery. that's why the price comparison is idiotic, since the only way to reliably get a Holt is on the secondary market where prices fluctuate around 1500$, which is roughly double the money of the Shiro, and it's definitely not even close to double the knife

[@eyesintheskies]

I love the trademark Shirogorov screws but agree they could throw in a tool.

[@1130jawz]

With all those listed negatives, I love the sterile look, it is still the sebenza of flippers! But I do feel the same about CRK too, they are starting to fall behind.

[@Crushenator500]

I recently got a Police 4 and have been carrying it on and off. Seeing you call the PM2 a large blade is almost laughable now.

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

Yup, I carry a bm51 and everything else I've carried becomes petite

[@Crushenator500]

@@adamszuszkiewicz1709 I actually have a 51 too, believe it or not the P4 is a little longer! Not to mention the thickness with the spydie hole hump. Both awesome knives.

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

Crushenator500 0.2 inches longer iirc, the police 4 definitely is a Chunky boi in comparison; the 51 looks smaller than it is since it's so slim. I've been wanting a pm2 or police 4 for a while though

[@Crushenator500]

@@adamszuszkiewicz1709 Oh dude, a PM2 is basically mandatory. 4 years later and I still love that thing.

[@everydaygear3730]

Agreed, plus once you start carrying anything over 3/3.5" blade length, every other carry under that just seems sissy by comparison.

[@mikeoneil1636]

I'm with Eugene on this, still think it's a gem even with the flaws. Cost aside, I honestly thought this would be the perfect Shiro for you. Does make me think though: I could buy two Neon Zeros for the cost of the Rockstead Higo on the Recon 1 site...decisions, decisions 🤔

[@Jakugen0]

What are the upsides of the rockstead? It looks really tacky and mismatched.

[@mikeoneil1636]

@@Jakugen0 I have no idea actually. They have shiney and impractical blades and I don't get the hole in the blade either, unless it's for sharpening like Snecx's new super lock knife (bot I thought he just invented that). I just mentioned Rockstead because it's a production knife that costs more than most Shiros and Nick's biggest problem with Shiros is the cost.

[@cs9436]

Would love to see an Extrema Ratio review!

[@jesser8369]

I want one of these... But not at the pricepoint. I already have a handful of quality Spydercos, and a Spartanblades Pallas... I'm a pretty happy Panda.

[@skycorrigan6511]

What is, arguably, Shirogorov's best knife?

[@thomash4578]

How slippery would the handle be with wet hands?

[@everydaygear3730]

would you regularly handle your 800 pocket knife, with wet hands? regardless, your answer is: "slick or slippery"

[@thomash4578]

@@everydaygear3730 if I ever owned an $800 knife, it would be kept under glass and I would charge admission :)

[@Leo-cl1xq]

If you buy the rec1 limited edition you have the neon zero with the lite marks the best of both worlds

[@sputumtube]

Has anyone ever see a Shirogorov that's been (hard) used long term? How does it hold up I wonder? It brings to mind Nutnfancy's P.O.S. (philosophy of use) way of thinking.

[@robertlefeaux]

it strikes me as one of those knives that sits on your desk all day and never cuts anything but pieces of paper when you're bored because you don't dare use it on anything heavier.

[@pravenreddy7059]

Please review the Shirogorov Hation Zero Flipper

[@justaamateur6533]

I have a 62$ bestech spike, i think its the most a person will need. I just feel like a 700$+ knife is over kill. Great review though!

[@monkeyfaceII]

Nothing wrong with overkill I use a pm2 in s35vn for work probably overkill I like too see people making functional art too

[@finnmcool2]

I'm right there with you on price. Spinning rims and go faster stripes don't effect how the knife does it's job.

[@abc456f]

Like anything else, watches tell time, cars get you from a to b, knives cut. Just a question on what you value beyond the basic. This particular knife doesn't justify the cost to me, it might for someone else. I started this hobby five years ago, just looking for one solid, inexpensive folder. Ended up with a Rat 1 in aus8. Then the addiction started. I can't really explain it, but obviously it happens to others. And what I was willing to pay for a knife slowly crept up. I still buy budget knives if they are good quality, but have entered the world of Chris Reeve, Hinderer, Reate, Olamic, etc. For the time being I don't see myself going full custom but who knows?

[@finnmcool2]

@@abc456f I understand the difference between a user and a collector. It just seems odd that the most expensive extras, that people insist on, have nothing to do with the object being a knife. But that is just me. If buying a particular thing brings you joy I say go for it.

[@murrayannandale]

Koenig knives probably even more of a rip off

[@moilh916]

Si whats the value here, I got a $220 ZT 0460 TI that does gets very close to everything this knife does: It has 100% reliable action, titanium handles, falls close, 20cv steel, thin and light etc. So what’s all about with this knife being 3 times as expensive

[@qualthethrall3938]

I love the channel but it really gets old hearing every single knife is too big.

[@steveman751]

Especially not just because it's subjective, and people prefer different sizes, but Nick is very biased because he has little bitch hands. And we could also argue that size hardly matters, unless your knife is massive. It's hardly an issue if your knife weighs a lot or is big in an area that everyone carries knives.

[@fangchen6805]

This channel is losing its own magic from unbiased to extreme picky...

[@NickShabazz]

Sorry guys, I just have my tastes. But that doesn't stop you from ignoring that part of the review, and enjoying the rest.

[@Ice_Berg]

​@@NickShabazz I've always disagreed with your opinions on size, but that's fine, because when you say "a little too big" I just hear "a little too small" and proceed accordingly.

[@DieYuppieScum91]

@@NickShabazz Having tastes is a built in part of the reviewing process,. I think the difference is how you talk about size relative to other matters of taste. You usually say things like "I'm not a fan of ____ but that's purely a matter of taste." On the other hand, you tend to list size as something objectively bad even in cases like this where it's a completely reasonable size to almost everyone. I'm used to it and ignore it usually, but there is a valid critique in here about how much you complain about size relative to other matters of taste.

[@josephjohnson6689]

100% agree!!! Thank you!! Someone finally says something!! Shiro needs to step their game up big time!!!

[@ElijsDima]

Yep, this knife is definitely worth $750. The raw materials cost alone is probably like....

[@everydaybladesinc]

When that knife is tuned proper. You can put your fingers anywhere you want and the blade will fly out. Shiro need to spend more time tuning their knives before they release them.

[@depe8658]

Ok, what is that scream in the background at 0:24 ?

[@ElijsDima]

Nick's associates testing some upcoming knives, likely. Perhaps testing in the sense of tactical street survival use.

[@IamTheInsideOutsider]

Ring Wraiths.

[@13irishsailors]

The Chinese kids building the new z hunters. Nick pretends he doesnt own the company but we all know better.

[@Antimonyish]

I've seen a few expensive Shirogorov clones, and they were much better made than this, and the sad part is, the NeOn was probably made in the same factory. This knife is one hundred percent UGLY. I wouldn't pay more than $180 and that's because it's M390. And for Chinese made knifes I'm not sure if you can trust that's M390 either.

[@Alexander210]

This knife is gorgeous, I agree. Where it falls short is the price point. Nick emphasizes this. The juice isn't worth the squeeze. To me, it looks as boring as a Kershaw flipper that everyone passes up on the knife table. Nothing says.. 'hey.. look at me' other than the arguably flat-head pivot. I agree with a LOT of what Nick has to say about this.

[@davidmarshall7752]

I've owned knives that have a mobile lockbar and I actually don't like it-- they tend to continue to travel and in bad cases will become easily moved back & forth with pressure. Not good.

[@63blanco]

Unfair to compare to the Specter when most regular folks have enter lotto after lotto or pay hundreds more on secondary to get. I'd be curious to try some of these other knives you mentioned at 400 to 500 because this knife is better than the CRKs, Hinderers and Koenigs I've owned and handled.

[@fangchen6805]

Lol he use Specter to compare because he have it for the “retail” price. Image he have it from the second hand market :)

[@NickShabazz]

I try to compare price-to-price, not availability. The fact that this knife is in mass-market production is helpful, for sure.

[@praetor47]

@@NickShabazz then that's cherry picking in this case just for the sake of making a strongly biased and flawed "point". that's why people use STREET price and not MSRP. Specter price is 720 only in theory (i.e. MSRP), in practice it's around 1500 (i.e. i.e. "street") and should be judged as such until you can reliably get it for 720. and for 1500 it's somehow an even worse value proposition than the Shiro. if you're an influencer (i.e. have connections) or one of the 1% lucky enough to be drawn, then yeah 720 bucks is good value (still pretty much as overpriced as a Shiro when it comes to functionality), but for the rest, the 99% of us, it's hovering around 1500, and that's BEYOND ugly

[@Suckme148]

This knife is what happens iwhen a zt452 has a baby with Jesus. This is definitely the sharpest knife I own, especially after giving it the kme treatment. I I The ramp on mine was very scratchy when I first bought it, but after cleaning it out that went away immediately. The finishing is incredible, I continue to find little details that justify the price. Great video!

[@randallkelley3599]

Just like Eric an Jon, Shiri got tired of making knives so an intermediary jack ass could rip off everyone else. So now they take the profit up front. Can’t blame them. But for 750 big ones Grimsmo/ Shiri’s etc. seems over priced.

[@esoteric5277]

Kinda looks like Rasputin brought together a Leek and a Spydiechef, and this pretty baby came out. But although the result looks to be quite nice, I wonder if it's really worth the price🤔😬

[@BenTramer]

I don't mind a 30 minute review but Nick repeated himself x3-4 times

[@ToxicityAssured]

I think he was having a hard time accepting the truth and wanted to convey the disappointment so all understood. A good knife, but not for that bad price.

[@quaxenleaf]

Just a repetitive rant

[@avihsnis]

it is not my absolute favorite blade shape, but overall one of the sexiest knives i've seen despite my wanting to put a slot in people's heads for using that hardware. something about only seeing 2 visible screws, though

[@everydaygear3730]

Check out Dmitry Sinkevich - his designs/ergo's are superior to 95% of knife designers (IMO) - it's like seeing the light.

[@sonnymorgan4680]

I had a Shirogorov Hati and sold it. Bought a Large Sebenza Insingo instead and I am not looking back. I don't feel like I got more with the Shiro.

[@Pew7070]

Along with Nick’s you take another slap from me Shiro! You too Rolex! And Omega!

[@gnomersy1087]

Complaints Nick has that I don't really share, size, blade distance when closed, Blade shape. That being said I definitely agree that for the price this knife has way more flaws than I'd expect or be okay with. The detent ramp thing is an annoyance but not a major one, the aesthetic is painfully boring, the screws are a big turn off, the bearing system is a minor turn off, the clip is eh, the lockbar detent issue is a thing I don't love. I think of all the things that most bothers me though is just the aesthetic I can get a knife that does pretty much everything I expect from a knife perfectly at 100-200 bucks and even that is pushing it, if the rest of that is all gravy then you need to be selling me bling and flat plain titanium and stonewashed steel is not bling this is a knife that could be $100 and would still be a pretty boring looking knife.

[@shaunfarrier9060]

If it was made by Reate it'd definitely be less expensive, but wouldn't slice.......

[@kerryrwac]

It has the same detent problem as the ZT 0450 which is sad .

[@jackiechow860]

Did you know this knife is $715?

[@kerryrwac]

@@jackiechow860 Yes , ergo , my sadness .

[@GotThePug]

Mine Zero is absolutely fine with detent

[@praetor47]

if this was made by Reate or WE, it wouldn't cost more than 350, 'cause there's nothing "fancy" in it, and above 350-400 they're charging for integrals and such edit: and at 750 you're not competing against the Spectre 'cause you can get one at that price only if you're really REALLY lucky or a youtube "influencer". for us mere mortals, the Spectre is a ~1500$ knife (and at that price, the Cultrotechs annihilate it rather thoroughly)

[@anthonysmith7624]

beautiful....

[@reeceholmes4442]

i'd rather buy the new sebenza and have money left over to buy a PM2

[@EldenLord84]

Aren't these manufactured in China then assembled in Russia? If so, there's absolutely no way I can justify $700. The Koenig Arius is objectively a better knife in my view, it's made in America to a very high standard, which makes warranty work easy...and it's cheaper. No contest.

[@everydaygear3730]

Bingo... I am posting a rant about production, something next month, I think you would be super interested/would love you thoughts once I do! and FYI the only contest is that the Koenig Arius is ugly :P Sorry I am a black sheep in the knife world (thank god).

[@praetor47]

they're not. it's a baseless rumour with exactly 0 evidence to it. and that "objectively better" about Arius applies only to you americans (making it completely subjective. do you even know what these words mean?), for us in the rest of the world, it's not (and i agree with EverydayGear, the Arius is incredibly fugly for such an expensive knife)

[@EldenLord84]

@@praetor47 Koenig posts photos of their entire process on Instagram. Meanwhile, there seems to be no evidence whatsoever that Shirogorov's production knives are manufactured in Russia. If this is a "baseless rumor", why the lack of transparency?

[@EldenLord84]

@@praetor47 As far as my statement that the Arius is objectively better, I firmly believe that. It's $200 cheaper, it's easy to disassemble without fucking up your screws, and it's backed by a lifetime warranty from trustworthy people. Good luck to you if your Neon has any issues. Shirogorov doesn't even reply to email in my experience.

[@praetor47]

@@EldenLord84 and why would they be under any obligation to do so? does Spyderco post pictures of their whole manufacturing process from Taichung? no? what are you, 12? it's you who have no proof. you're spreading misinformation based on absolutely NOTHING. you have exactly 0 evidence. the burden of proof is on YOU. btw, plenty of people went there and, imagine that, some even posted pictures! on the internet of all things! if you have any pictures of a Shirogorov manufacturing plant in China with proof they're doing stuff for Shiro and not Green Thorn etc, i'd like to see it. if not, go back to your mom's basement and stop posting on the internet

[@skycorrigan6511]

Damn! I want one!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Wow really amazing looking knife!!! ^w^

[@DavidV4444]

You’re a fabulous reviewer - this isn’t one of them.

[@jacksonblack2776]

😂😂😂

[@avmesropov]

It goes for 500USD in Russia... just saying... I got one over a Sebenza and I am happy. Getting a Sebenza next though!

[@LookitCrows]

"Two-Tone-itude"

[@AlexeyPRG]

please use SI units

[@NickShabazz]

90% of my audience is not using them. Sorry!

[@thomash4578]

The Nick prefers measuring in Freedom Units

[@LorenzoNW]

Not sure what your point is. It seems like you’re trying to say IT’S NOT WORTH SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS!

[@samdungan03]

Fifteen*

[@thatoneguy2465]

Epic!

[@rickc9111]

I don't own this particular knife. Not entirely all, but certainly most, of the criticisms put forward in this case are quite subjective and are seemingly brought forth primarily due to the price factor with this particular knife. Not everyone wants/desires elaborate milling, inlays, anodization or other such 'bling' on a quality edc tool. Believe it or not, this knife has an aesthetic which does appeal to many people. If Shiro is successfully selling this knife at his price point then they are doing 'something' correctly. Throwing on hex screws, high riding pocket clips, and attempting to look like every other edc knife; hence conforming to the industry norms would, in my opinion, be the real step backward. It's now been just over a year since this review and this knife has been difficult to acquire. In retrospect I don't see that Shirogorov has 'fallen behind' by veering too far from traditional formula here.

[@NickShabazz]

This is the classic debate with things like Rolex, too. "If it sells for the price, it must be fine". The question is how long they will continue being able to sell at this price. So, you're right now, but if they don't change things, I suspect I'm right in the longer term :)

[@rickc9111]

@@NickShabazz I understand and respect your point and Rolex is indeed a fair analogy. I purchased my first Rolex (a sea dweller) almost 20 years ago and it has slightly appreciated in value since that time. A quality product worn daily for many years that still looks virutally new. The latest version of this watch looks almost identical. Like Shirogorov, Rolex doesn't veer far from what works. Sure there are much more accurate watch movements in existence and brands with more modern features and design options but most simply don't possess the quality of materials, time involvement and quality control that Rolex does. Like Shiro (with knives), Rolex does offer watches with considerable bling but they don't tend to change their higher production models for good reason. These are both luxury brands in their respective markets with similar philosophies which got them to where they are today and hence the ability to command certain prices. These same sound philosophies are what has and will likely continue to keep them viable and desirable over time despite a seeming lack of significant change.

[@quaxenleaf]

@@rickc9111 thanks for your point of view. It’s a much appreciated response to those who incessantly harp about a product being too expensive or overvalued because of its aesthetic, mode of construction, et al. If one doesn’t like the product or thinks it’s overpriced - they don’t buy it. Judging from Shiros’ success it does appear to have a solid market niche supported by people who are willing to pay for the enjoyment of owning such a fine piece. I wish them and other makers like Rockstead continued success. My collection, though not large in comparison to many others is quite varied, but if I could only have two it would be my 111 and my Higo IW - both amazing (and expensive) knifes that are beautiful hard-working pieces of art. This Neon Zero would be another welcome addition.

[@jeririce4928]

the greenthorn version is plenty good at 70$

[@cloudcleaver23]

Given that it's made somewhere where labor is cheaper, there is no reason these should cost more than an equivalent CRK. I'd pay *up to* CRK prices for these, but certainly not as much as they ask.

[@TheEmiliodiaz]

$750 lol I was like next.

[@TheEmiliodiaz]

@Castle Bravo huge difference, thank you.

[@813johnnfla]

Pass- I’ll take a sebenza-and an 18

[@stoneblue1795]

I'm reviewing my Ganzo F759M and thinking... it's sharp and it weren't 700 clams.

[@orange010]

Shirogorov Pen Screwdriver for $630 !!!!!!!!!

[@everydaygear3730]

hey now! isn't that Grimsmoknives who are making $600 pens? LOL

[@mountman5386]

Not sure you have got snobby but you sure have moved upmarket; most evident in the watch collection. You may have pulled some of the early reviews but I'm fairly sure I remember you saying you could never see yourself wearing a $1000+ watch. But the Neon doesn't do it me. To get one in NZ is about $1400 and its just too plain, loose balls seem pointless assuming I could undo those screws and I cut myself enough without a blade that close to my flipping finger. And that price is worse than it looks as wages in Russia should make things cheaper & I'm not seeing that at all.

[@augustcancel8509]

Haven't seen anything interesting from Benchmade in a long time

[@brose04008]

I somehow feel as though the review process for this knife caused you physical pain.