The Benchmade Crooked River Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we're going to look at a big, beautiful, and kind of unwieldy blade, the Benchmade Crooked River.

[@TRDGE]

It's awesome, when you close your eyes, it sounds like we're getting a review from Rocket Raccoon

[@benjaminlinnabary3679]

Now I can’t unhear it lol

[@josevarela9571]

Now I just picture the lil guy talking

[@gzahnd]

I thought it was Peter Griffin

[@royalsutton9141]

InstaBlaster...

[@Trigga0910]

THATS SO TRUE DAMN

[@fuckinmetal1982]

nick, just wanted to say that i purchased one of these when they first came out (full size) and very much agree with much of your feedback. it was bigger then expected and I have small hands, however i absolutely love this knife and it's a part of my EDC - despite the size and weight of it. One thing i'd like to say for anyone thinking about purchasing a benchmade, is that i recently had to send it back for repair. i broke about 3mm off the tip from hard use and the blade itself had some chips in it. i dont abuse my knives, but it was just the result of EDC carry and general wear-n-tear use over the years... i contacted benchmade about it and their customer service was outstanding. they provided a shipping label, so i didn't have to pay to send it in. the blade was fixed and sharpened. they also fixed and replaced additional components within the knife, including the wood handles at 100% zero cost. i'm seriously at a loss for words because im not used to customer service being this good and for those of you that actually carry your knives and decide to drop $200+ on one, this is worth thinking about. i was just expecting a resharpen and send back, but instead i got new wood grips, a full service and resharpen and a new microfiber pouch for nothing! does the brand/company stand behind their product or not? I'm in the market for another knife and to be honest, was not looking at benchmade; but after that experience, i may need to buy another one. nick, appreciate your work and reviews - always honest, always insightful. Best, Mike

[@ismaelcalderon2542]

you just made me buy this beast. Thank you.

[@christinapoehler3788]

One of the best knives ever , the redhead in the dress!

[@johnj.baranski6553]

Love that the ZT is still with you. I think that's one of the originals from the channel's beginning. Most others are gone.

[@rafaelreig8246]

He said: “It’s 2017 now” 😂 Talking about backlog... The mini came after and it’s great

[@johnwayne410]

I have the crooked river and being a 4" blade its what im looking for as a conceal carry. It cuts through meat easily without a prob. Its also a great gentleman's knife. It gets compliments.

[@kanecassidy9126]

A knife review that I waited for so long.

[@Dreska_]

because it was probably filmed 13 months ago

[@Knifestories]

Love this knife, it fits my mittens perfectly. Tried the whole small to medium sized knife thing, but just not for me. Awesome scheme, it works for me!

[@wag375]

The regular Crooked River is too big for me. But I have the mini (which is about the size of a full size), and I absolutely LOVE it!

[@benperea8483]

Your reviews are the absolute best!!!

[@erniiaylien]

Hehe He said he's a sucker for wood.... #bechildish

[@MrLuckeastwood]

Sucker of wood 😂

[@MrTJohnston]

Love my mini crooked river, designed and made through the custom shop. Just ordered a full size in the custom shop just in time for my birthday.

[@chrisr7316]

I bought one in April and I will say the lock stick does go away 😊 I love this knife and I highly recommend it!

[@benjaminpoirier9139]

The bolsters are made of aluminium, I believe. You mentioned that they were titanium when discussing the price. No biggie, just letting you know!

[@snesleywipessqueegeeservices]

I noticed that too, good spot.

[@basmca1]

Waited so long for this review. Pulled the trigger on a mini today, 2 hr's later the review comes 😂.

[@Dreska_]

Why is it bad that its huge? It obviously wasn't made for somebody who wants a small knife, or legally cant have a big knife. Isn't variety a good thing?

[@mforrest1508]

Amen!

[@adamdrouin2295]

It was made for hunters and it does what it was designed to do beautifully

[@vladyakubets]

Nick, when is the review of the mini crooked river coming?

[@Max-vn6jv]

Yeah, seems like a lot of the problems Nick mentioned would be solved by the mini.

[@steveman751]

Well that review would be almost the same, just remove all the parts where he talks about it being big, and it'd apply.

[@mr.crumbles2557]

does the mini have thinner stock?

[@vladyakubets]

@@mr.crumbles2557 according to Blade HQ, the mini does have thinner stock

[@Airplanetyson]

The orange backspace is for additional grip when holding at certain angles.

[@donaldmcgregor8152]

I love my BM Crooked River! Fits me great.

[@Vincent12]

How are you still liking it? Lost my 940 a week or so ago and looking to get a new knife

[@megalomouthradio5839]

I did it. Ordered one in gray ..... It’s lightly used for $150.... what you think Nick?

[@johnsun3854]

great catch

[@hevytimes]

Thank you so much for this review! I've been looking at this things mini brother. Sounding like the mini is absolutely worth a pick up.

[@317jmdam]

Love my mini crooked river.

[@urbanyeti659]

I'm not one for bright colors on knives. That being said, that orange hardware around the pivot looks very attractive with the bolster and wood scales combo. Very tastefully done.

[@philmcracken6590]

Most hate this but im with u. I love the orange

[@scotteger6271]

@@philmcracken6590 I agree with both of you...I think it works because of it being a Hunt series knife.

[@philmcracken6590]

@@scotteger6271 they have a bit on their website where you can customize it anyway you like. So many options to choose. I went with their design on both a mini and full size. Usually Im pretty big on custom look so this was an unusual choice for me. Its a fun and functional blade. Reminds me of my pops buck 110 but way better

[@scotteger6271]

@@philmcracken6590 I actually just designed a mini crooked river but they're having some website issues right now...spoke to them today and apparently they're upgrading the site and making it more mobile friendly...I might still go ahead with it or possibly just pick up the regular version for now

[@philmcracken6590]

@@scotteger6271 im 6'3 and the full size is perfect size. I gave my mini to my father inlaw who has smaller hands. If youre a big fella get the big 1 its not too much blade i promise

[@jenntaiga3316]

Do you think this is still worth it in 2024? I'm considering a custom version with S90v to commemorate something special with EDC use in mind. Love your videos, thank you!

[@DixieLiving]

This knife reminds me of my Buck 110 except with axis lock. Still, very attractive knife.

[@jsnmccrary]

I just got this knife as a christmas gift from my wife and was very happy because she went out of her way to even get a benchmade knife. I totally agree with your review of the knife. You made some very good points. I have found that i just takes time to get used to a new knife. I cant just get any knife i want so when i get somthing like this i tend to make it work. Although again i do agree with your assesment of this knife. Thank You.

[@jimfiore4671]

So I have one of these and I have large hands. I wear XL gloves but still have to squeeze into them and the fingers on the gloves are never long enough for me. I can tell you this knife and the ZT 0452 which I also own, fit my hands very well. They are both very comfortable in my hands. Just wanted to put a XL hand opinion out here. Thanks. God bless

[@kiwi_comanche]

Great review Nick. Now I want one even more. Have a great weekend brother!!

[@johnsommer2445]

Skinned several deer and cleaned a lot of fish with this knife. It gets sharp and stays sharp. Love it, definitely not an EDC tactical knife.

[@larryrosen2984]

Hi Nick. I believe that the That spacer was designed for grip, like kind of jumping for your palm. That’s made it easier for you to use, with the axis lock. What do you think? Love your videos..

[@TorstenStett]

It came down to this one, the Loco and the Vallation. I went with the Vallation and am glad I did.

[@bryand2978]

If you get this knife wet on regular basis do you think it will effect the wood handle?

[@soundknight]

Great review especially the part about the length

[@The4cp]

Love this knife definitely going to get one. Size matters . I'm just on the other side of the aisle Nick. I love the lager knives.

[@randyf.9188]

The mini is awesome. My fiance got me a custom for my birthday.

[@mj1653]

Great looking knife. Although I wish they used real wood for the handle, not that processed laminated diamondwood stuff.

[@steveman751]

I have had this knife for 2 years, and I have always felt the exact same way.

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

how about the mini crooked river? do you think it would compete in that 2.5 to 3’ category

[@shall_not_be_infringed]

Im new to knives. I picked this up today and its very nice. Its ok that i wrist flick it open and closed? How well made are these? It wont snap off or anything?

[@isaiah_b_3798]

Excessively hard flicking has been known to break the omega springs in the axis lock.

[@troywheatley744]

Definitely your issues are a small hands case ;) Because my CR fits my hands properly #lbh ;)

[@frosty0419]

The blade is fine. It’s a hunting knife that I take back country. It’s slices well enough but it’s not for cardboard and pickles. I carry others for edc and Ed cutting tasks.

[@JanusProspero]

Hey Nick, are you going to review that 710? That's my favorite knife!

[@JanusProspero]

Also, if you ever decide to sell that Knifeworks Exclusive version, I'd jump all over it.

[@alj.granda8252]

I agree about the Zero 0452! The CR is still a nice knife.

[@tackleberry5402]

I like this knife so much I have three of them. I just wish it had the deep carry clip instead of the penis clip. I think the back spacer pokes out the way they designed it because it’s a hunt knife. If you’re using it to process game, your hands can get slippery, and the pokey outy characteristic of the back spacer helps maintain a solid grip. I’ve carried this knife for about a year, and my only gripe is the back spacer material is rather porous, and stains easily. Otherwise, I’m my eyes it’s an absolute gem.

[@mforrest1508]

Tackleberry magic eraser! Have it looking brand new in no time!

[@tackleberry5402]

Matthew Forrest hey thanks for the tip, I’ll try it.

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Awesome review!!!😊👍

[@johnagen3688]

Has anybody used this knive to gut a deer? And if so how'd it go?

[@BradGryphonn]

It's like a blast from the past.

[@jacobmanalang8162]

i slept on the 710 for so long its a pain looking for one. i wouldnt mind the big crooked river. i feel like even though its huge, the classy look would make it people friendly.

[@z3r0grinder]

I love your reviews Nick! Ive bought more than one knife based on your recommendation alone. Just one question though. Do you ever review fixed blades? Not full custom, mortgage my house, art knives, but production edc fixed blades. Im eyeballing some spyderco fixed blades like the temperance 2, the proficient, sustain, and the mule team blanks because id like to try my hand at making some scales. I would love to see what you think about it. (Not just the spydercos, but fixed blades in general.) Either way, keep up the good work!

[@oscarmedina1597]

hcnuptoir 27, he doesn´t review fixed blades. But you should check out Cedric & Ada (Pete)

[@megalomouthradio5839]

Been itching for one of these for months

[@troywheatley744]

I'll sell ya mine

[@troywheatley744]

@Big Timer .....hows one fifty insured and shipped sound

[@troywheatley744]

@Big Timer it's in great condition not new or anything mind you I have carried it but it's not scratched it's not been sharpened but it's not Dull it has a deep carry silver Benchmade butterfly clip on it. Do you have Instagram ? hit me up I can show you some pictures I'm @troywheatley1977

[@troywheatley744]

@Big Timer no no reason I wasn't even getting rid of it until I heard you say that you were itching for one

[@BParker55]

Hey nick good news! 2018 brought us the mini! 😂 I love the look of this knife. This and the bugout are seriously tempting me from benchmade

[@topcopy98]

The mini is now readily available

[@Glad1atorFromRussia]

5:55 why 5.25oz.? Official weight: 5.41oz.

[@DrFrankLondon]

S30V has a tendency to chip, not tested BM S30V, but Spyderco S30V chips way too easily, my personal subjective opinion, of course.

[@MyEnemy]

I had a S30V Native that chipped.

[@cloudcleaver23]

My PM2 in S30V has gotten chipped once or twice.

[@ianbelbin6474]

From my personal experience with Benchmades s30v and other s30vs, Benchmade does it the best.

[@julianmuller9567]

I've used both a Benchmade 940-2 and a BM summit lake with s30v, so far no chips at all. They are both grinded at 25 degrees, I have had problems with blades chipping at the factory 18 degrees though.

[@thomaslanders1162]

Yep.. IME-20ish Spydercos in S30V and 12 BM's, the BM S30V is done better and less chippy.. I have a damn BNIB Spyderco Manix 2 in S30V that has chips all along the edge.. I've had problems with other Spydercos in S30V getting chips too (PM2's, Yojimbo 2 etc)...

[@knife-wife586]

Love this knife had it customized all black with red accents. Also with 20cv steel. Not sure if your hands are so small that you mention it in many videos that a review of large knives you many want to consider using a man with average to large hands. All the items you struggle with are non existent in my hands for example on this knife.

[@cozmicmemes2397]

Other than bladehq.com and gpknives.com what are some other good online store to buy from?

[@someguywithachannel7590]

I love this knife, I just don't think it should be advertised as a hunting knife. Your typically going to want a fixed blade for hunting or really just being outdoors

[@j2ward1978]

Just saw the video..he does sound like rocket

[@kyu5378]

You saved my 200 euro! thanks a lot!!

[@WyzrdCat]

I want SOOOOO badly to get this with green instead of orange and black instead of silver

[@SeanJohnson-qm4pu]

It's a good knife, standard size blade

[@johnsun3854]

Its a beautiful thing.

[@julianmuller9567]

#Shabazzapalooza has returned! ...four days after the last one

[@19markz67]

I am new to this. Is "cutting cardboard" a euphemism? I rarely have a need to cut cardboard.

[@thomash4578]

It is not an uncommon task and can be especially hard on a knife edge

[@PeterCharlesworth]

You sound like 20s gangster

[@brose04008]

Got big hands and even I can’t find a good grip on this one.

[@denvarhawks]

Could you review la police gear tfbk s35vn

[@oscarmedina1597]

Pete at Cedric & Ada has one posted.

[@oscarmedina1597]

I have a TFBK. Had to remove the thumb stud for the reason Pete indicates. The liner lock is too stiff and sharp. Other than that, it’s a great knife at a great price. I keep harping about most knives being unnecessarily overpriced. This knife is evidence of that. At only $35, one can get s35vn and g10. If LAPG spent another $10 on QC, the TBFK would be flying off the shelves.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Do you buy shoes in the kids department Nick?

[@NickShabazz]

Size 11 men’s, alas

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

@@NickShabazz I guess that helps with the overall balance of the product. No tipping over or equal proportion feet -to - hand size ratio issues to consider. Sign your checks with the left or right foot? 😉

[@pierressecheslemoal398]

Well....In my opinion, this time and it's the first, i didn't really see any bad or hugly....

[@danielduckworth3100]

Is that your real voice??

[@user-hf1jc9ez3w]

Cost,?

[@DV77737]

In 2024 about $288.00

[@Polyfusia]

The mini interests me much more. I don't think I'll ever absolutely love the orange though. Another good review. I'm glad you're here Nick. It's a nice change from the norm of Republican hunters/outdoorsmen who have 50 books about Jesus in the background of every review. I look forward to your output reborn as THE GEM HUNTER once these backlogs run dry. Cheers.

[@davethebarber62920]

I handled one and I didn't like the way it felt in the hand. It was too top heavy. There were other Benchmade knives I liked better.

[@isaiah_b_3798]

@4:25 lol

[@jeffdur1330]

Lol it does actually cut things. Well that's good.

[@mattfinish2196]

2017?

[@BlackwoodBlades]

Watching this early....I approve #nickisalmostabrilliantman

[@David-kg1hc]

Would someone really buy this knife just too cut cardboard?

[@MyEnemy]

Never thought I'd see the day when Benchmade had an issue with quality control.

[@BlackwoodBlades]

ты говоришь по-русски, отличное видео, кстати

[@NickShabazz]

Спасибо!

[@williamdennis1256]

Bedlam 860

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

I wish I had hand selected my example. The edge is sharp but not evenly ground with the angle dipping at the base so thats bad nor was the deployment smooth. It'll unfortunately need to be sent into Benchmade for a tune up. Which is like sending a best friend on vacation sure they'll come back happier but you're still going to miss them something fierce. Criticizing a blade for being too large seems as hollow as criticizing a blade for being too small. Legal complications are circumstantial to wherever an owner happens to live which is an individual problem not the fault of the blade. A knife is as big or as small as it is. The only valid point you made about it being large is how it does not fit YOUR hand well nothing else about it size is bad it just is. Personally I laugh out loud whenever you call a 4-inch blade "huge". If someone's not in the market for a 4-inch blade they shouldn't buy a 4-inch blade if someone's not in the market for a 3-inch blade they shouldn't buy a 3-inch blade.

[@usernameisusername]

Women...

[@nobodysreview6137]

If you have to biy a knife in person to find a good one then that doesnt give me much confidence in the knife, stuff you can't see is the most important. In self defence you are litteraly about to die and only have seconds to live. A blade snaping in half or this ball lock not moving into place like it should or whatever and you'll be dead. The presentation of the knife tells you how well the knife is constructed. Like, if a bathroom is filthy in a resturant so is the kitchen.

[@anthonyrosa5006]

Benchmade meets Buck.

[@cloudcleaver23]

The handle looks all right, but the blade looks like a 110's to me, and I've never liked that clip-point-saber-grind thing.

[@clintlewis485]

👍😃

[@BillouNicky]

Nick, for me, virtually all your bad and ugly points are unique to men and women with small hands. The Mini CR solves all of them.

[@janusb.7032]

I'm just catching up on all the Nick review videos. And before this one even starts, let me guess, it's too big for your small female hands!

[@rainmayhem4255]

I would take the freek over this knife

[@BL-yj2wp]

The pocket clip is really unimpressive. It looks like it should be on a gas station knife.

[@steveman751]

True, but Benchmade gives you any of their other clips, including deep carry for free.

[@jellyfish1433]

I got a deep carry pocket clip from benchamde free and it made the knife just that much more impressive

[@cofieleven]

watch video on mute

[@MrMatthew7000]

Alzheimer's

[@TheAntiSmug]

Booo Benchmade, damn traitors.)