The Nick Shabazz Knife of the Year 2021

Today, we'll take a look at my choice for the best budget, midrange, and high end pocketknife of 2021, and eventually, I'll choose one knife to rule them all.

[@artisancutleryknife]

3rd Year in a row getting 2nd place in the budget realm! We're still incredibly happy to have made it there, but we're gunning for that 1st place spot next year!

[@edsaunders1897]

The CJRB feldspar is one of my faves. The Centros too. Both really good budget knives. You guys are doing great!

[@twatmunro]

You were robbed. Deserved first.

[@JustKnifeThings]

The Scoria from your CJRB line is an absolute winner this year. More versions without coated blades, please. Love the uncoated Knifecenter exlcusives but those are exclusives - how about just stock non-exclusive uncoated models?

[@matthewbrockmeyer4179]

I think the scoria wins for mid range this year too! And I second the satin versions :)

[@KnifeHandleSupply]

The Artisan Centauri Small was my "dark horse" this year. Such a fantastic little knife!

[@MrAndrewholde]

man seriously you are on another level with your understanding of manufacturing, feel, ergonomics, you articulate your sixth sense for quality, simultaneously taking into consideration price ect honestly your comprehension of design and functionality, just your understanding of every aspect affecting your critique of knives is amazing the you for your videos what’s your day job?

[@stickyedge7113]

The Drift is such an amazing knife. I live less than a mile from the ocean and do a lot of fishing. The salt series has always been my go to until I got a drift. Aside from being completely rust proof it has amazing action and great blade shape. I love that I can wash it in the sink and not worry about getting it completely dry. Total game changer for me

[@DrBlazer50]

Me too. I don't have a drift yet (I'm hoping to get one on Friday) but I bought a Waypoint last year and like it a lot. So, I imagine I'll love the Drift just because I like the size, lines, layout, blade shape, looks, etc of the Drift a lot more than the Waypoint. I also live on the coast (South Florida) and fish a lot, so when I first heard about the Waypoint and saw Nick's leave it in the shower experiment and was sold. I'm also glad to see that Spyderco will be selling Salts with Vanax in 2022. I've had a good time with the corrosion/rust resistance of the H1 steel Salt I've had for awhile now, but I'm much happier to have a knife that I don't need to re-sharpen after cutting through some butter. I didn't buy any of the lc200n Salts, although I do have a Spydiechef and I like it a lot.

[@vincentpickett121]

Ware can I get the drift very nice looks good, who has it what retailer, thanks

[@stickyedge7113]

@@vincentpickett121 you have to get them direct from quiet carry. They only have the black g10 model in stock now but it looks like some of the other ones will be restocked tomorrow

[@FreedomFox1]

@@DrBlazer50 What will Spyderco be making with Vanax? I noticed that the Native Salt will be getting Magnacut, but I didn’t hear anything about Vanax.

[@DrBlazer50]

@@FreedomFox1 sorry, you're right. I meant to say MagnaCut.

[@BlazeBerger]

Yes! The Bexar has gotten so much pocket time for me it's easily my most carried knife since purchase. It's so thin it fits in any pocket and cuts and cuts and cuts. My only complaint is I think it should come with a pocket slip but that can be purchased separately with very little effort. Such a great knife and I'm so happy a slipjoint made your knife of the year. As a bonus, it's really fun to say "clip point slipjoint". Excellent contenders all around.

[@imsteevin]

I picked up the Bexar in magnacut and it really is amazing. So thin and if you want to carry something larger it's the perfect second knife. Basically invisible in the pocket and not scary at all to normal people.

[@slywolfe]

Hey Nick, much love, thanks for everything. Any chance of a Knife of the Year playlist? Would be much appreciated 👍🙏

[@kingtaj]

I absolutely LOVE my Fieldtrekker. It's the most beautiful fixed blade knife I own, great price, gorgeous blade, excellent size.

[@paulrampon1167]

Have given up on all “knife” shows but yours. I appreciate your professionalism and enlightenment

[@billbush1270]

How about a lifetime achievement award for the Z Hunter? It has made so many people do so much better!

[@Schnoizl]

(aside from those who amputated their finger due to lock-fail.)

[@billbush1270]

@@Schnoizl Hey, some lessons come at a high price!

[@Schnoizl]

@@billbush1270 true, i know that probably better than 90% of the people on this green earth

[@BetaBuxDelux]

Where can I get one?

[@sleestack13]

Very happy to se the Baby Banter get more love. My personal fav of the year, both out of necessity (I live within the Chicago city limits which has a 2.5" blade law), and use and feel. The "biggest" little knife I have held, played with, and used. Great texture and "grippyness" with the G10, great action, and fantastic blade, both in shape and material. A fantastic "spydie-flick" toy when not in actual use.

[@ViaMatt47]

Kizer Begleiter, S35VN, Hollow Ground, Tanto, Frame-lock, Flipper w/CF Scales & Titanium Clip. It took me completely by surprise how much I enjoy this knife. 100% sick.

[@regan.8077]

The latest drop of Quiet Carry IQ is knife of the year for me. It's damn near perfect.

[@sharpends4279]

Great Job Nick. I really appreciate the great content and thought that went into it. Keep up the good work!

[@goanddo2371]

It was fun seeing the Ritual on here, I haven't purchased many knives lately, but this has been on my list for "next!" for a while now... I may take the leap today =)

[@jwesley235]

Bexar County is a county in central Texas. We always pronounced it "bear."

[@markfcoble]

Thanks for fun show. Using Gerber multi tool here at high mountain desert plateau hideout NM.

[@hdrider2071]

What about the m tech zombie hunter? Lady at the gas station said it was #1.

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

Respectable choices. Being a knife guy, I have to go with the Arroyo. Dirk Pinkerton is one of my favorite designers, and this particular knife feels so much nicer than its price point would suggest

[@TyMalhoneson]

My Winner for 2021 is the SPK Shark in Cruwear. One of the most carried knives for this year and it changed me to be open to fixed blades

[@sharamkh]

Regarding the Bugout. Why not just choose the Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4? M390 and artistic aluminum scales. A little heavier, much sturdier and in my opinion looks really good.

[@republicedc8567]

Best bugout so far

[@REAPER-1xxx]

Spyderco doesn’t need to release a new model every year. They probably have been struggling to get the supply just for the basic stuff this year. I still haven’t seen a Micarta PM2 on a Canadian online retailer or in store yet for example. Released in the beginning of the year I think. Same for the tanto. A lot of moving parts at that company. Sourcing and shipping steel supply for entire runs for so as many blades as they have must be a headache in 2021. They are quite accomplished.

[@Rick-mo2zm]

The Micarta Cruwear PM2 just made it to retailers last month.

[@rocketfish43]

Blades Canada had Crucarta pm2 but sold out very quickly

[@REAPER-1xxx]

@@rocketfish43 When I wrote that I didn’t realize how short of a period it was out. I though it was out nearly a year.

[@christopherchanakos502]

@@REAPER-1xxx no worries. I was on the list for one and hesitated- gone in no time. Happened to me with the Bladehq paramilitary 2 tanto as well👹

[@charlesard8639]

We all been waiting on this one my man. I speak for everyone when I say I'm glad there is a NS in this strange world 🌎----

[@davidn9501]

I know it’s old but I recently got a Kershaw Scallion with camo handles and I’ve loved it

[@polishcustomknives9753]

It was fun to watch. Thank you Nick!🙏😉 I did not expect Herman Ishtar to be among the knife of the year candidates😁.

[@cliffguthrie7530]

Good review! Thanks and agree with your #1 pick. I bought one based upon your previous review and it is a great knife.

[@NickJayy212]

Just got the BHQ AD20.5. It is a fun little knife.

[@profesorEDC]

Nicolás grandioso video, you had me on the edge of my seat and couldn't believe what was happening. Genius 👌😁👍

[@jcolterh]

I've got the Protech Runt 5 and the Roxi 3 on order right now. Ive alao got an AD20.5 sitting under the Christmas tree with some RGT micarata scales and a LynchNW clip. Merry Christmas to me.

[@HopsAndLead]

3 day wait? I'll forget in 20 minutes

[@rebellucy5610]

He is building drama over time.

[@HopsAndLead]

@@rebellucy5610 😑

[@davidgray4138]

My traditional Douk-Douk is pleased that a spiritual successor is so highly regarded.

[@OolongTeaGreen]

Benchmade bugout carbon fiber is great too. And no need to replace the scales. Although it's a little above the mentioned price point.

[@matthewbrockmeyer4179]

My top three: tactile rockwall, quiet carry drift, and urban edc f5.5

[@simplyknives7117]

"lots of sprinting, lots of medals, but very few people give a damn" 😂

[@MadManFPV]

I wish you provided links to the knives! I have listened a dozen times and cannot figure out the name of your first budget knife (after the super slim one) that you talked about. I’m hoping as I go through the rest of the video I can figure out the names/brands of the others that I like.. :)

[@alisuperhornet]

My bet is on Tactile Bexar!

[@alisuperhornet]

I was right on wasn't I :D

[@waltcord]

Multiple DBZ references in the same video. You sir, are my hero 👍

[@chefboiarby304]

So far I'm loving my White Mountain Knives exclusive CJRB Swaggs Maileah in red corral contoured micarta and AR-RPM9 steel. Great little (really little) front flipper.

[@Averitt13]

I agree. The Maileah is great. Easily beats the Baby Banter IMO

[@chefboiarby304]

@@Averitt13 Only issue is the liner lock access, but it's not too difficult and for a knife so small, I don't think that could really be fixed without causing worse issues.

[@christophergrogan4644]

I been carrying the Chaves CHUB flipper utility knife all year. Really has been favorite

[@MostlyHarmlessEDC]

I'm not gonna get bent out of shape about you missing some good knives this year. You're a busy dude with a full time job, so it makes total sense that you wouldn't have time to look at everything that comes out. That being said, I highly suggest picking up an Artisan Sirius when you get a chance. I know you've been a fan of Ray Laconico's other designs, and I really think they knocked it out of the park with this one. Anyway, thanks for all the great content!

[@NickShabazz]

I've got a Sirius on the table now!

[@StereoTyp0]

@@NickShabazz excited for your thoughts on this one!

[@junkie_cosmonaut9622]

I know I'm speaking about a knife unrelated but I just wanna say good things about my edc knife. The Spyderco efficient, while made in china, is of the quality you'd expect. this knife is so comfortable in the pocket I accidentally slept with it and the edge retention is unparalleled by any other knife I own save for my expensive chef knife. It's a very simple knife that can perform lots of tasks exceptionally well.

[@ShepherdsSheepdog]

WE Seer. Way more than the sum of its parts/specs. A surprise favorite.

[@MrCrispycoyle]

I have to admit. Coming from the Sneaker world it’s funny hearing you wax poetic about Spyderco. They’re my favorite brand by far. I’ve never owned another brand, so how would I know? I had a Buck as a kid. I know I like 20cv because I use my knife in the kitchen, and around water. I love your channel. You’re definitely responsible for my Shaman purchase. 😂

[@matusknives]

Watching the video, playing with my k390 PM2 with RHT burlap scales - and then the 3:15 comes … a heavy sigh … sadly, you are correct. On top of that they discontinued Schempp Bowie, Brouwer, Mantra 3 and Rhino. Let’s just hope the next year will be better. It is the weird knives that keep me interested in Spyderco, so let’s hope they will come out with some new ones in the course of 2022.

[@LIE4ME]

Hey Nick, Happy Holidays! From San Antonio with love.

[@Orochi_001]

Finally gave into the Bugout pull and ordered the M390/aluminum version. I’m expecting to be wowed

[@Cahwai]

It’s a good knife imo for what it is. It’s simple and makes. good carry for retail because it’s not terrifying.

[@Orochi_001]

Update: I am duly impressed. With a beefier foundation, it has that precise, high-end performance-tool feel that I love in a Benchmade. Delicate but tank-like, as with a 940-2.

[@bigjake6foot5]

I totally agree with your Spyderco sentiment and while neither of the tactile knives really appeal to me, I am really looking forward to what they do next

[@edwardk6764]

You keep things interesting, Nick... Thanks. Pretty good picks in multiple categories. I want a banter and a baby banter from we/civivi for the collection. Right now, I happen to like the Hogue gen2 deka wharnie. Grippy ergos, lightweight, buttery smooth, fidgety, and sharp as with 2 blade grinds in 1. I happen to really like the able lock. The trm reminds me of hogue ritter. Happy holidays, all-a-y'all.

[@yankee2yankee216]

So you like the high-end, customized Bugout better than the ultra-light, mid-end factory model? It seems that Benchmade had a very good concept, though it was NOT for a high-end knife. Maybe they missed the boat not offering them?

[@danielb4923]

Thanks for last year’s recommendation! Still happy with my blue Malibu reverse tanto.

[@BladeLabMiami]

Good stuff, as always. Still ... I'm surprised you didn't review the WE Esprit, which for my money (literally) is the mid-range knife of the year. It's one of Laconico's prettiest designs, has great ergonomics, very good slicer, excellent materials, and is also fidgety as hell. Maybe next year?

[@MrLlama999]

I don’t get it. The looks don’t stand out to me.

[@mythowrose2742]

@@MrLlama999 same

[@jfox71]

When I put micarta crossfade scales on my bugout it made it so much better.

[@geri_revay]

Could you either show the names of the knives in the video or add it to the description. If I don't know the brand it is really hard to figure it out after only hearing it.

[@byronkennedy7912]

Thanks, Nick. I'm intrigued with the Arroyo and QC Drift (new to me) and like the MBK Fieldtrekker.

[@Johnny-qk8vw]

What do you think about the sabenza?

[@matusknives]

I wish my Bexar would have not arrived with a faulty pivot screw. They were super nice and upfront about making a mistake and promising to ship a replacement asap. Yet - many weeks later still nothing. I guess it might have slipped off the table as they were in the middle of production, but reminder email went unanswered. I know I will make it through eventually, but it did spoil some of the joy (I did came up with a quick and dirty fix, but I would like to get it fixed)

[@Krozin]

Shots fired at Spyderco, but i can't disagree and hope they take this as criticism to learn from.

[@NickShabazz]

It was meant more as a 'where tf have you guys been?' than shots fired, but yeah. Here's hoping they're back next year!

[@Krozin]

@@NickShabazz meant that in the lightest sense, sorry Nick, great video!

[@SpecialK0479]

Terrific video. Insightful, entertaining, and well-reasoned.

[@thenexthobby]

Very well done review, and summation, Nick. The considerations that went into these choices are excellently articulated.

[@Bible_Loving_Lutheran]

I trust your reviews more than anyone else

[@edcgearhouse643]

I loved my quiet carry drift. I wanted to like like the tactile knife Rockwell but the detent wasn’t strong enough for me. Great video as always Nick!

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

I consider myself more of a slip joint kind of guy these days. More than half of my collection is slippy. While I have to respect Nick's judgement and arguments, this year's winner looks too long for it's slim profile and the idea that a slip joint made out of "modern materials" is better than a traditional doesn't sway me. The mini-banter seems good but I am already a convinced Chaparral user. Frankly, the only knife on the table I would definitely use on a daily basis is the Bugout/Flytanium combo. That works. Without wishing to offend but the runner up in the expensive line looks just like a Ganzo that came out years ago in D2 and costs about 25 dollars. The presence of the Irma-scaring, novelty up-curving knives says more about the design world this year than it does about them.

[@Crushenator500]

What slippies you been rocking? I've had a Douk Douk, an SAK Alox Pioneer or a Mercator in my pocket more than any other knife this year

[@optimuscrime608]

Slip joints suck balls. Sorry

[@jaysgood10]

Yes, even putting a set of G10 scales on a Bugout makes it feel like its price.

[@Zaa-up4hg]

Idk how to sharpen knifes what's the best way?

[@KandKo]

Only one I think you missed is the Liong Mah Field Duty EDC. Outstanding.

[@tommccabe9912]

High end: The Mark Varga - VBR @ $350+ this knife is amazing. Material, fit and finish is one of the best I've seen.

[@jodee8831]

I'm late to the game... but can you please review the Benchmade Bugout M390?!

[@ZsTheMan]

Did a quick scroll to look and see, and didn't see it mentioned, but I'm guessing you've got the Civivi Cogent on "the list" for at some point? Push button flipper that seems super neat at its price point.

[@IlliniDog01]

Did you ever get a chance to handle a Monterey Bay Old Guard Titanium with the Inset Lock? I feel like you would love that knife. I haven't been able to get my hands on one.

[@imsteevin]

Spyderco of the year was definitely the manix 2 in G10 and M390. For 147 bucks it is like one of the last smoking deals out there in a world of price increases. Consider it's like 50 dollars cheaper than an S30V shaman.

[@jjabberjaw8822]

My favorite budget knife this year is probably the Qvist Bladeworks Variant PE. 14C28N with a very nice action.

[@CSGraves]

Z-Hunter 2022! Putting the green in Soylent Green!

[@dude28405]

I kind a like the Gerber sumo I think that was The most unexpected knife of the year I’m glad to see Gerber turning the corner I remember having Gerber knife’s since my youth and they were always great news I’m glad to see them stepping up and doing the right thing again that was my favorite part of 2021 and the knife community

[@Vicandiers]

I think the sume was released in 2019 or 2020

[@dude28405]

@@Vicandiers maybe they blur together

[@Vicandiers]

@@dude28405 I meant to say gerber sumo

[@quique7764]

Does every knife have to be a flipper? I'm over it & I hope to see less of them this new year but somehow I doubt I will.

[@nickhadfield3192]

Can attest to the accuracy of that bugout choice. Two years ago I got a set of Rockscale titanium scales and even though they're not anywhere near as pretty as the Flytanium ones, they make the bugout feel like a way more expensive knife than the base cost plus scale cost.

[@azraelsblade]

Hey, Nick! When did you look at that Ti/S35VN MTech? Knifenuts says you looked at it about 2 years ago on a Terrible Knives Live but I can’t find it. I imagine that model produced an interesting reaction from you.

[@Corndog4382]

100% agree on the Bugout, it suddenly becomes a mid-range contender with new scales

[@Phiz787]

I bought my flytanium crossfade bugout stock actually (or pre-assembled) at Blade HQ.

[@theme6530]

"69 bucks. Nice" - the Nick Shabazz expericence. Love it :DD

[@boharrison2393]

Thanks Nick, for another Great KOY Award ! Love ya ! I wish You and Ms. Shabazz a Very Merry Christmas !!🌲🎅🤶

[@EricHorchuck]

I LOVE the Herman. Well, I love that model but not in such a flashy spec. The plain titanium is beautiful.

[@andreigolovik3047]

Wait, what happened to the AD20.5 that the Crossfade scales got in?

[@NickShabazz]

A $150 pricetag with the materials and build as it was happened. It's a budget knife of the year, priced in the midrange.

[@andreigolovik3047]

Ah, I see. Just a bit salty that a pair of scales (pretty much) got in. Can't really argue that materials don't determine price when they use grivory and aus10a at $150

[@attchoum]

Nice! I have all 3 finalist and I cannot agree more.

[@gaberoo9099]

Hooray for the Bear (Bexar) and the Drift!!

[@nickmc9394]

No civivi cogent? I thought it was pretty exciting, nice to have a protech malibu without the stress of obtaining a protech malibu

[@TheBuccleuch]

Tactile Turn and Tactile Knife are proud Texas companies - I own a copper TT pen and pencil - right down the road from me in Garland, if I recall correctly. Seems they're naming their knives after Texas counties - Bexar County, where San Antonio is, and Rockwall County, where, yeah, Rockwall is. And yep, Bexar is pronounced "Bear" in Texan, though I'm sure the original Spanish had a different pronounciation. Question: will Tactile Knife come out with 254 designs, one for every county in Texas? One can hope, but keep 'em fresh! Love the channel!!

[@rodneykinnaird7613]

what about the spyderco tanto?

[@mitchkayden4841]

It's been such a crazy year I wouldn't be surprised if Nick bends a little and picks knives that haven't been ready available?

[@BDSwaim]

I think the ad20s is worth another look. Thinning the blade and handle some usually makes a better slicer. On the budget end I would like to mention the kizer towser k. Great budget blade.

[@NickShabazz]

The AD20.5 would've been an easy winner in the budget category, but was priced in midrange where it just didn't quite compete.

[@krislong9338]

I have an Artisan Tradition SMKW exclusive and it is a smoother, nicer knife than I expected for the price. Very much like the arroyo thoug I like the arroyo shape quite a bit. May get one. And the Ritual is just wild, I think I have to buy one.

[@JohnC29]

The Slim Jim is great for slicing brie and apples. It is easy to keep sharp with a fine ceramic stone and strop. It is on washers so it is rinse and go.

[@stevenlachance8576]

Halfway thru the list that will not reward redo’s and we have the baby redo oops banter, and the bugout with new scales. Nick how about a delica with titanium scales or is that for next year?

[@Drhumbolt]

My school had a track and field day, whole school spent like half the day outside Yada Yada, the thing I never understood the majority of the school did NO track and or field.

[@thewolfofwokest7521]

The very best knife reviews on youtube.

[@AudibleVisibIe]

The spyderco/track and field metaphor was 👌

[@willyboarder73]

The Qvist Variant PE is the best knife under 100 dollars, and is my knife of the year.

[@chrisk1609]

Yep, pretty much everything I seen this year from Spyderco is old models all done in M4 steel. Maybe they got an M4 oversupply?

[@leesobel7541]

Watch of the year 2021 vid coming?

[@zerofourfiveone]

LOL the line about Spyderco Track & Field, you should consider stand-up comedy

[@WillEDC]

Dunno why I don’t have a drift. It’s a perfect knife with a special steel. But for some reason if spyderco came out with the exact same thing I would snag one immediately 😅

[@michaelshearer3559]

I wish I could get a MBK field trekker. Really like this.