Nick's Favorite EDC Gear for 2023

Today, we'll talk about some of my favorite gear from 2023, and I'll share some thoughts on the year, the market, and why I'm getting out of (some) watches. Timestamps below:
00:00 - Intro
01:48 - State of the Nick
02:41 - State of the Channel
06:23 - Nick's take on the Knife Market
14:07 - Nick's take on the Watch Market
18:33 - Nick's Favorite Pens of 2023
20:09 - Nick's Favorite Flashlight of 2023
20:50 - Nick's Favorite Watches of 2023
23:58 - Nick's Favorite Knives of 2023
33:06 - Nick's Favorite other things of 2023
35:25 - Nick's hopes for 2024

[@NeevesKnives]

NIck i would be happy to send you anything and everything you want at any point with no strings attached to do what ever you wish the road you paved is the only reason im here

[@NickShabazz]

I really appreciate that, and you and your channel are gems! If there's ever something you feature that I need to check out, I'll hit you up. Congrats, as I mentioned, on your incredible success!

[@AVA787]

You guys are two of the best. Stuff like this is what makes this community so awesome.

[@mcluther6771]

This is the kind of positive stuff that is great for the community. Love Neeves - you taught me sharpening/stropping!

[@NeevesKnives]

@@mcluther6771 👊

[@macnitro902]

Two stand up gentlemen

[@MrBowser2012]

This is still one of my favorite knife channels. I miss the regular videos but I’ll continue to be here whenever a new Shabazz video drops. God bless you in this new year Nick!

[@chrisbuors6717]

You're still the best reviewer hands down Nick. I appreciate every moment you give the community!

[@CloudyShinobi]

Well said, totally agree. I love and trust neeves too tho. I’ve grown out of metal complex, he’s too over the top

[@jimmiecrowe520]

I agree on MC and spot on with Nick and Neeve's@@CloudyShinobi

[@robertbarnum7541]

@@CloudyShinobi And there are some really refreshing small channels, like Rob's Nerdy Knives and GBall Vision.

[@JackieDElia]

I completely agree. Nick is absolutely the one I trust for a complete, honest review.

[@ExtraCrispy357]

Hi Nick, I just gotta say, YOU ARE DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVORITE KNIFE REVIEWERS! I trust your opinions, and I can tell that you speak from vast experience in the knife world. I also find your posts very entertaining - you have an extremely quick wit, and I often find myself smiling and even literally LOL as I watch your videos! I feel like you set a standard that other channels can be compared to. Sorry, I have not always remembered to give a 'thumbs up' even though I enjoy your videos, so will make sure to be more consistent with this to help the algorithms. May God Bless you and your wife in 2024 with good health, happiness, financial provision, and peace! Thank you, Steve Bates

[@KnifeNerdery]

Hey Nick! Glad to see you could still squeeze in one of these year in review videos! And I gotta say it's an absolutely surreal honor to hear you reference me out loud in a video! Madness! I think *by far* one of the most exciting things to happen in the community this year is Ben pushing for open-source in the knife world. I'm biased of course, having lived in that space for decades now, but in a world where some companies are cracking down on aftermarket mods, it's an absolute breath of fresh air to have Ben advocating for openness and customizability. It invites the best kind of cursed lunacy into the world, as those scales you show demonstrate, but it also pushes creativity and innovation and community building. It's something I hope many more companies will consider in the future! (I consulted with him earlier this year about how best to manage his open source content, so I'm really excited to see where things end up on that front.) Also, welcome to Linux as a daily driver! I know you're no stranger to Linux, but it's fun to hear you're all-in these days. (What made you opt for an immutable variant of Fedora?) Same with Android -- I'm surprised you weren't already an Android user! Apple makes fantastic products that "just work" for what the majority of people want to do, but Android has always been the platform for nitpicky nerds. It's about time you're on board!

[@NickShabazz]

I want reasonably up to date software, but the ability to revert cleanly and not think about updates, instead having them just happen. So, immutable Fedora.

[@smi51040]

Your channel is the only reason I’m a part of the knife and EDC community. Been watching and enjoying your videos for years! Thanks for all you have done and I will continue to watch then you post despite how irregularly.

[@WonderlandWalls]

Nobody reviews like you Nick. Your style is why I have watched your videos for half a decade or better. I can even give you credit for getting me into my small scale knife collection. Love you Nick, which you a happy and healthy new year.

[@joshperkins197]

Nick I totally understand your reasons for pulling back from this channel, but you will remain the king of gear channels for me. Over the years I've spent a lot of money on your recommendations and I'm consistently in agreement with you on most everything. To the point if I'm thinking of making a purchase I will trust you completely if you have reviewed the item. If you ever find your way back I'll be waiting, and so will many others. Condolences to your wife on her losses and best of luck in 2024 to you both.

[@AVA787]

Nick, your channel is one of the first I picked up as I got into the pocket knife community. You’ve always made great content, and you still do. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters. Edit: Holy crap I just realized the MBK Maiar was in stock and grabbed one! I’ve been looking for my first slipjoint and this is it! Thanks Nick!

[@elde667]

Nick, you literally introduced me to the knife hobby. You taught me how to disassemble, repair, modify, and appreciate cutting tools. Your honest, non-fanboy, low key, self-deprecating approach is something I’ve always admired and appreciated. So, a simple thank you for your tutorials, your insight and your thoughtful opinions. May your New Year be filled with love, laughter and joy.

[@caidenjones918]

This remains my favorite knife channel. I often go back to older videos like terrible knives and a lot of the videos where it’s just you talking Nick. I enjoy your somewhat cynical view on the knife world and it’s a wonderful thing. Whatever content you decide to post, I’ll be there to watch it, hopefully 2024 is a better one for you.

[@charlesscott2200]

Nick! The knife world (and the world at large) needs you! Your humor, spirit, and attention to relevant details was the soundtrack to my lockdown/covid days. In your debt for all the amazing work!

[@ropuchK]

IMHO the size of a channel means nothing when you're looking for quality = honest review made by somebody competent. Plus presenting something interesting and not just the latest hype. Nick, you are a gem and keep on at the pace that works for you, we'll be here :) Have a great new year!

[@lcect]

You are still #1 and my first stop for knife reviews and info. There are other great channels now, but I usually pick and choose what I watch. Yours is the only channel I feel I *must* watch every offering. Thanks for everything, Nick. I've learned so much here. Here's to a better year for all of us!

[@RyneSGoose]

I’m very sad that you’re withdrawing from the knife scene. I got into knives during the pandemic. Then I found your channel. You inspired me to build my collection. Then you inspired my sharpening tools. And your site inspired my tool kit for disassembly and cleaning. I guess what I want to say is your channel changed my life for the better. So thank you. Even if you give up on the channel, thank you for all you did to inspire me and people like me. Happy new year!

[@knoxknifemods]

Sorry to hear that it was a tough year Nick! It did seem to go that way for a lot of folks. Wishing you a happy 2024, and you can rest easy knowing that we’re here for your videos, no matter how often you post! Honestly these days I get pretty stoked when I see you’ve posted something because I know it’s going to be a very interesting item or topic

[@maxwellsokol2934]

Great vid Nick. Please don’t let the numbers get you down too much. As far as I’m concerned you’re offering a public service to collectors. Your videos are by far and away the most informative, thorough, honest and forward thinking reviews on KZbin. No disrespect to the other folks you mentioned, but you are in a completely different league that is all your own. No apologies, no explanations needed. Its been a brutal year on planet Earth. That’s why they roll back the calendar and give us start fresh right? I’m thankful for all that you do for the community and will always be a fan and a supporter of this channel. Side note: I bought an MBK Ti folder similar to the one you have but the detent was softer than a Miralax milkshake so I gave it to my gardener. Such a bummer, I loved everything else about it! See you in 2024 my friend! 🍻

[@user-ki3dj9pu9y]

Nick, you channel brings me joy 😁, thanks for all you do!! Happy New Year

[@Jeff-lt8wc]

Nick, Thank you for you efforts and opinions, past and present! I am not sure how often I hear wisdom, honesty and common sense on the web. Your outlook is real and sort of uplifting. Thank you again! God bless!

[@mikeobrien4081]

You're still trending in the algorithm of our hearts Nick. Spyderco is upgrading their production facilities at Golden, so it's understandable that they're more focused on getting scheduled releases out the door rather than maximum innovation. And they've got a High Impact Ceramic version of their Mule, which ain't nothing.

[@PaulMunkoTV]

Great overview for 2023, still one of the best gear review channels there is! Always love seeing a new upload of yours - the honest transparent perspective is always appreciated. Thanks for the content and here’s to hoping for a better 2024! 😁

[@dylanflyntz9082]

Still here for you Nick, still the knife review GOAT and appreciate all your content. My collection has been created and continues to grow with a large thanks to you!

[@MikeJ602]

My first my last my everyreviewer. We love you Nick. The companies may not but we do😂. Keep up the amazing work and honesty.

[@NicholasPellegrino]

Happy new year Nick! 🎉 Thanks for the continued effort throughout this year.

[@EZ_Case]

Interesting. This video just popped up in my feed and I realized I haven’t seen a Nick Shabazz in my feed in a couple months. I used to see them every day without searching them out. This channel was what got me into collecting mostly USA made folders. I’ve expanded into the fixed blade realm the past few months but I try and stick with knives made in the USA.

[@mdnoob1]

I sold all but three knives recently after having a collection of them. The PM2, ZT 562 CF, and Rat #2 made the cut. Your reviews have been a beacon of the community. Thanks as always for the videos.

[@gregs.8895]

Happy Holidays Nick, here's to a fresh and better new year! Always enjoy your content. Couple of great tickers there.

[@thekeystonekid8687]

Nick, your thoughts are spot on. Thanks for continuing to be one of the best knife/watch channels, even when you're not uploading as much anymore.

[@TopDog8762]

Sir, you will always be a Icon in the knife world. Phrases that will be repeated often and fondly like "Pocket Pecker" and "Don't get into Watches" will never fade. I agree with every point you made. I have expressed basically your same points to several reviewers only to have it fall on deaf ears. Although I don't often express these observations in comments in knife channels I feel more and more like stepping back and watching what happens and not really participating anymore. The future is never certain.

[@danrio9594]

Hi Nick, it was a rough year overall for my wife and I too. One of the bright spots was discovering your channel, reading through the Knife Steel Nerds web site, and beginning a knife collection in 2023 beyond the 3 old and trusty knives I had laying around the house. My Grimsmo Norseman just showed up, the total to date is now 31 great knives. Your reviews were very helpful along the way and in the end, I’m extremely happy with the choices made. Cheers to an amazing 2024.

[@Carnivorous_edc]

Nick you are a GEM. Because you are genuine. And set apart from the other panhandlers and reviewers that can’t honestly review a knife honestly because there is only 365 days a year. I can’t see how a knife can get a real review when they get more knives than days in a year. I think they are full of it and have become salesmen not reviewers.

[@eva2k0]

Glad to see you’re still making videos! Happy New Year Nick! Don’t work too hard!

[@robertvargas304]

Thank you Nick for all the work you put into 2023 love your channel looking for your all upcoming review in 2024. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2024. Happy New Year 🎊🎉 🍾

[@knafsalesupport4632]

ALWAYS look forward to your EDC yearly favs. Great work as always!

[@Acollyt]

I have made a few purchases over the years based on your reviews and advice and have been more than pleased with all of those decisions. Thank you for your time, your work, and sharing your knowledge. Cheers.

[@Kilt_Camera_and_Carry]

Love the video Nick and I wish you and yours a happy new year! 🎉

[@JaredKattner]

Always love your videos brother. I hope you stick around! Happy New Year.

[@13noman1]

Nick, it's so nice to "hear" from you -- and sorry to hear of your challenges in '23; wondered where you'd gone. Your channel is a strong argument against algorithms! I always enjoy not only your item specific reviews and thought pieces as well.

[@christianmcbride9905]

Great stuff, always enjoy your reviews. I really loved that Schon fountain pen, I believe you said the fella over there makes his own mind?! Wild, definitely checking them out later today. Keep on keeping on and I wish you and yours a safe and prosperous New Years

[@jayweast1306]

Happy new year and keep up the great work! The knife world has changed, in some ways for the better and in some ways that I don’t care for but that’s why we need honest, objective reviewers more than ever.

[@alvinborum395]

I don't even comment on videos much (and maybe I should change that, as I want to support the creators that deserve it), but I felt compelled to do so on this one... This this first knife/edc channel I ever followed as that became something I was interested in. It remains a channel that I'm happy to see a videl drop for. I understand that you're a real person with a real life and real responsibility, so I completely understand you handling that. But I'm going to be here watching whenever you drop. Thank you.

[@rashadnagi7531]

Nick, I wouldn't have the interest in knives, watches or any other type of gear without you. You will probably joke and say you are sorry for that, but honestly? Thank you. I learned to appreciate and rethink a lot by watching you. I am always behind the curve on things, and I actually feel overwhelmed when I try and keep up. So, the more selective reviews and more thoughtful videos, like the ones about flashlight batteries, have been perfect for me. Thank you, sincerely, from the dorks that always run at the back of the pack. Holy long comment, Shabazzman!

[@suliallen]

I'll be here whenever you choose to post buddy! Happy new year! All the best to and your loved ones this year!

[@MrWinger1951]

The "Good" of 2023: knives in Magnacut. The "Bad" of 2023: the price gouging. All the points you raised are totally accurate and I have only bought three knives in this past year.

[@MrMann703]

I discovered your channel when I was looking for reviews on the crkt seismic, I must say I thoroughly enjoy your ramblings and take on these tools we love Nick.

[@SwedishPete]

I love yout channel Nick. I'm still pretty new in the pocket knife world so I buy a lot of "older" knives. I just picked up my first delica 🙂 What's wonderful is that almost no matter what knife I buy, you have videos on it. It's fantastic. I always watch your new stuff and I love it. I wish you the very best 2024 and I hope you keep putting out videos for a million years more. Cheers to you Nick!

[@simonclare7133]

Happy New Year - hang in there man. For me still the best - OG!

[@andrewtoole1222]

No longer in the buy/sell/trade rat race of knife collecting, but I kept 2......full titanium Neutron 2 and my mid-size Mitch Clark Gunstock in crosscut micarta and CPM-154. Worked with Mitch back when he'd been making folders for less than 6 months, and it's still the best value custom I've ever handled. Paid I think $550 total. Soooo glad he took off shortly after the fact and has built up his notoriety in the community.

[@vallmak]

Thanks for the update Nick. Great takes as always.

[@uraaproject_group8950]

Thank you for your work,Nick. I occidentally bought Merkur 23 after watching your review. Most of my knife collection was formed under the influence of your reviews as well. Your channel is probably the best, at least for me. Greetings from Siberia. Happy New Year!

[@richardvirchow3390]

Nick, I love your knife reviews and disassemblies and have been a fan for about 3 years - about the time I began collecting knives. Happy New Year!!

[@artiem5262]

Hey -- we are glad you are here! One of your big problems with respect to You Tube is that you are rational. Oh yeah, it's in comparison, but looking over the bag you're in, you are rational. And I appreciate it. Am I ever going to carry a Grimsmo? Probably not. My EDC -- Spyderco Endura 4. Special occasions get the Spyderco Q. EDC light used to be Nitecore TIP, but for theater work, it's the (much larger) Olight Arkfeld Pro. Keep telling it as you see it!

[@Sal_car88]

Love this video, Nick! You're completely right about everything. First of all, you'll always be the an OG and I wish you a happier 2024! I only purchased one watch in 2023. I completely backed off my watch hobby. Even my trusted AD, where they know me by name, wouldn't get their prices low enough with the discounts even with the pre-owned stuff. I got into knives and I usually feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

[@crrassh69]

Hey Mr Shabazz I love the channel and is one of the originals I watched way back in the beginning and is one of the channels along with a few others that inspired me to pick up and pick up a camera to create content. You are an OG and are still an important part of those who truly appreciate unbiased great reviews. Thank you and have a great year sir.

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

Love seeing that Lander 2 out there. Such a great knife that none of the other channels seem to be talking about

[@kg7921]

Your honest and in depth analysis and reviews makes this channel great and stand out for me and I will keep watching! Great work!

[@JBlakeS23]

You’re the original, the person that got me into modern knives, rekindled my love for carrying tools a man needs on a daily basis. I’m here for the good the bad and the ugly.

[@DonFarmer-sh7ml]

one of the first i subscribed to and became a patreon for. still among the best and most honest i've found.

[@thejuicer9706]

You’ll always be my favorite reviewer. The very best. Have learned more from you than anybody and always here for when you do make a video. 👊🏻

[@ianmankersen]

And all those reasons are why this channel is my go to for gear. I only own a slysz bowie because of Nick.

[@rabadabadoo491]

Great to hear from you. Happy New Year Nick. 🍻 Oh, I got into watches...😅

[@a97b18b]

Been a while since I’ve seen one of your vids, love your channel! It’s just none of your stuff has popped up on feed and to be honest I kinda forgot about your channel. Hope too see more!

[@bryanwise5517]

Thanks for the video! I miss seeing more from you! Sorry for the losses.

[@steveburdette1478]

Way to go nick, thought we weren’t going to get this video this year. Thanks for all you do

[@lostfound8112]

Brother you are far far too hard on yourself. Your the first knife channel i watched when i re picked up knives as a hobby. Love your style and opinions. Like the isham interviews before he died. You always make me chuckle. Keep posting man the community needs voices like yours

[@FinickyVoid]

idc what youtube analytics say, YOU DA BEST NICK! I really appreciate what you do. I can watch other knife folks, but when I want the true word on a knife, I'm waiting for the Shabazz seal of approval, regardless of how long it could take. Take care and be well! Happy New Year to you and yours (this goes for anyone reading this comment... that isn't a serial killer)!

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Thanks for sharing Nick !!

[@keithandrews7696]

Long time subscriber here . Love the channel and the man behind it. While our interests do not mirror each other, we do have similar likes and your personality makes for great viewing. Thanks so much!

[@thedancer888]

You the goat in my books nick

[@gazfm9422]

All the best for new year to you and all !!!

[@edc_elias-kb9mb]

Thanks for articulating so well what many of us are feeling about the Chinese OEM world. Sent this to a few friend just for that reason. Hope to see more of you in 2024!

[@chrisknobel6150]

I appreciate you and my condolences for your difficult year and the losses in your family.

[@coreylorance418]

I’m just a young toolmaker apprentice in an injection molding shop, but one day I’m gonna manufacture a great knife and Nick is gonna review it. Love this channel.

[@chrisherbert4454]

Nick, your content has been 100% authentic and true to your core values and EDC family here since the beginning. Im here for the slower and more focused content, Also the flashlight feature paredown was a refreshing view. Good luck in 2024!!

[@timtitus2532]

Haven't seen much from you, Nick. Used to watch your KZbin videos all the time a couple years ago. I've seen only a couple this past year. Hopefully things go better for you this coming year. Anyway, please keep on keeping on. I really appreciate your wit and your opinions on knives. Thanks

[@monkpato]

Great stuff Nick, a very nice selection and some good ruminations on the state of the things.

[@OreoDave]

All hail Winterblade!! 💜💜💜Happy new year Nick! 👐

[@pudsporge]

Thank you for everything, love your content.

[@sidewaysluke]

Thank you, Señor Shabazz, for taking time for us. We appreciate your insights.

[@keiththompson2172]

18:33 - “let’s go ahead and dive in to some of my favourite gear this year!” Yes, 18 minutes lol (& enjoyed every minute of it !)

[@michaelburr8780]

He's a great online knife critic -- fairly honest, direct and down to earth. His savvy opinions are usually pretty " on point " too ! From very high end to mere cheap budget ; its all covered here in good detail. Some nice fancy EDC stuff to drool over as usually is the case. Other brands I got into in 2023 include Two - Sun ; Case xx; Citizen Eco Drive . These I often find recommended online. Happy New Year everybody. Stay sharp !

[@Co-je3lf]

Nick you are great at what you do, just keep the drama out of it. We all going through it. Happy new year enjoy your 2024 in great health... 'George ( Los Angeles )

[@GuillotineStare]

Thanks for the update! Cannot wait to see your gun reviews!!

[@SteveLum]

Glad to see you out and about again. Fantastic review and your commentary on the noise in the industry as well as the unnecessary price gouging is on target.

[@beyproctor7673]

Great stuff as usual Nick! I appreciate your perspective on good tools. Like you, I am happy to see Magnacut getting more common as a good super steel. I recently got a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight salt because of the Magnacut blade and backlock. It is the ideal work knife design. The Spydiehole and back lock are easily manipulated with one gloved hand for opening and closing ambidextrously (probably a word). I just wish it was available in a color other than yellow!

[@mattbegg5445]

Man. I got no problems with metal complex and I think Neeves is a tremendous human... But there is nobody I would rather go to for a review then you. Like you said you don't play games. No donkey giveaways. And most importantly you tell it how you feel. Even if you want to take a step back, and you are happy with that, you have set the bar for integrity. These other folks, in a knot insubstantial way, can owe what they do to you. And lastly. Collecting knives is a passion I cherish. And I owe that in part to you as well. Thank you. Do whatever you feel is best for you and yours, but know that made an impact. That will always be true.

[@blind_takes1089]

you're the reason i got into watches. bastard. happy new year.

[@jakass]

Always a great end of the year video I look forward to. Sorry to hear about the losses.

[@ericsimon1630]

Have a safe and happy New Year, Nick !

[@emesser7087]

I'm At 4 minutes and... Just wanted to say you're my favourite channel our there when it comes to edc and knives. I do much much mich appreciate what you do. If you do it often or one time a year. Allways very happy to see there's a new shabazz online. Even if it's the old shabazz which I like he most. You not bending. I wish you a super super good start to 2024

[@gabelohse7474]

Been a longtime viewer, Nick. Among all the other content creators and gear reviewers, you are truly a gem. Thanks to you, sir. Cheers to 2024.

[@viziris4863]

No one can blame you for not keeping up with the tsunami of lacklustre knives. No apologies necessary and we 'absolutely' still enjoy your oponions and points of view. But I digress ......

[@joshuaschoonyan3263]

Thank you Mr. Shabazz for sharing with us.

[@pzajkoh1487]

You're not trouble. Thank you over the years for your knive reviews. You are excellent, I like how you joke too!

[@proctortoad]

Buddy, your channel is awesome! Stay with it!! My fav knife channel!

[@MrParticular-pu7qh]

Nick i love the channel You got me into knives l purchased my first TRM Because of your channel It's one of my favorite ❤ I like to wish you and your family happy new year hope to see you more next year 😊

[@di4bol1c4l7]

❤ Nick you are my "go to " EDC reviewer. Your disassemble videos have always been very helpful. Please continue and look forward to your 2024 year content. ❤

[@JoeyCups]

Happy to see a new video! Yeah whole influencer ecosystem is frustrating at times even from someone who is purely a consumer. Lately a company will come out with a product in any space and it my feed will feature 10+ videos of reviewers saying it's the best thing anyone has ever seen ever. I like excited and passionate creators and positivity is nice but we'll always appreciate the genuine feedback opinions for sure!

[@Robs_Nerdy_Knives]

My sincerest condolences on your losses this year. I pray it gets better and find peace this year.

[@petebec]

I am so glad to hear you are an open source guy. I used Linux for about 15 years as my primary desktop os. I've always used Android because I prefer it. I use fountain pens, love Sailor, but often use TWISBI. My best watch is a Grand Seiko I bought from Seiyajapan, but most of my watches are cheaper Seiko mechanicals. It seems we forged similar paths. I've followed your channel for years and always appreciate your style and humor. Thanks and Happy New Year!