The Benchmade Mini Crooked River Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we're going to take a look at the 'Mini' (regular size) Crooked River from Benchmade knives, which is a great design at a size which is much better suited for your pocket.

[@artemkanarchist]

I really like the design of this knife. It’s more of a beautiful outdoors knife, not a tactical murder weapon - which makes me a less of a pillock carrying it to work.

[@dylanworkman5445]

The original crooked river is probably so big because it's meant to be a modern version of a buck 110

[@Purp1eP3nguinZ]

If this had a hollow grind it would be an ideal replacement for my buck 112

[@johnwurzer950]

@Florida Dad @Florida Dad ehh I don't know, this is 5 times the price of the 110

[@DatGrunt]

I just custom ordered one. Got a military discount so after fully customizing it came out to 185 USD. It's my very first big knife purchase so I wanted to make sure it felt unique to me. Black G10 grips, grey spacer, and blue ring. 20cv satin blade .It's a beaut.

[@EthanDBG]

How is it holding up 2+ years later?

[@leoluck68]

Bought a custom 10 days ago and it was delivered yesterday! Quite impressive. This axis lock is solid. The whole knife feels like quality. More so than a retail Grip or mini grip. I have a custom mini grip, and it too just feels more solid, better quality. Highly recommend the custom options that Nick talks about. Leo

[@brianf9619]

I Love all my Benchmades , and Iam really glad they never switched over to bearings, a true hard use knife should have washers period....

[@alextsukada4013]

I thought some of them used washers? Maybe, I misheard or misunderstood.

[@alextsukada4013]

Wait, nvm that was Spyderco.

[@GutiTheJ]

usually with you nick, but this one sounded a lil nit-picky. particularly with the name, the handle material variance, and disassembly

[@stevetownsend1389]

Thanks Nick for all your great reviews. My wonderful wife surprised me with with this knife for Christmas. I'm new to the knife world, and am learning a lot from your videos. I'm sure there are a lot of quality knives out there at this price point, but I'm amazed at the quality of this "Mini" Crooked River. Unfortunately, I think I've been sucked into the knife world. I just ordered the R2D2....I'm afraid my bank account is going to suffer!

[@matthewhill3996]

This is a right handed world. As a lefty, Benchmade will always be my favorite. Wish other companies would empathize a bit with us

[@AS-ms9nx]

You and me both man! 👊

[@TheDemontreville]

4 years later and it went from $190 to $290!? No thanks

[@kalamazoo_reefer]

But but but covid

[@DavidWaldrip]

Now it’s $340. That’s what happens when trillions of dollars are printed and dropped into the economy.

[@themawsjawz_9491]

Benchmade designs have been very appealing lately.

[@traviswatts6661]

Glad to see this review come across your table Nick. One of the favorites in my collection. It’s an absolute gem.☺️ I just wish I didn’t buy mine before it was added to the custom shop.

[@tolga1cool]

One of my favorite knives honestly

[@jdw0909]

It's really growing on me! Probably going to be my next purchase!

[@hehoff33]

This happens to be what's in my pocket today. I did get to handle it in store first, but the action was solid out of the box.

[@maxin3231]

I love my big 4”blade Crooked river, I carry it every day to work.

[@MrTJohnston]

Got one of these off the custom shop in 20cv in black and red. It’s a gem.

[@zviratko]

I have a Griptilian that completely changed from "sticky SoB" to "absolutely free" after playing with it for a few weeks. Also, you can change a lot just by tightening it differently. I wouldn't really judge it at "out of box" experience, but by how well it settles and can be adjusted. Or at least that should be factored in. It's also possible that an out-of-box-great piece will get bad after those few weeks...

[@tincansailor9437]

Love my customized Mini CR. Black G10, black back spacer, black liners, silver bolster, blue pivot collar. Not sure why yours doesn't drop shut, but mine does after just popping out the blade and adding a couple drops of KPL to the washers.

[@mosherogoff1252]

Nick, take a look at the Buck 110 and 112, both of which I believe use Dymondwood. Somehow Buck seems to have a MUCH higher level of consistent appearance. IMHO, if Buck can do it BM 'should' be able to do it also!

[@bankmaster5104]

I just bought my and its perfect the wood is nice.. center blade is right on dote... and the shaping is even.. no shake and fall smooth... my was made good

[@kyklain86]

It's a hunt series knife, of course they're going to use orange. I've butchered with my Mini Crooked River, great overall. But after that I took it all apart and cleaned the inside. Wiped everything down, oiled it and polished those washers.

[@KruzerOak]

I love this knife, but "crooked" is certainly an apt description​ of how the blade alignment came.

[@KruzerOak]

Nick, please review the Spyderco Smock when it comes out.

[@ethankirby1721]

Back here in 2023 and this knife is $300 now, hearing him complain about about $190 is hilarious

[@levipatten1797]

Agreed

[@hectorrivera6624]

I got both, the full size and a custom mini. Love the design.

[@yetiguy1714]

I bought 2 full sized custom crooked rivers. One is s30v and one in s90v, and seriously love them. Beautiful and solid knives. I might have to get a mini now.

[@brucemcintyre2383]

I look forward to your Brouwer review, if it makes the cut (😬), based on your new Gem Hunter status.

[@Lasurge1982]

I am torn between buying this knife or the bench made 940. Eventually I want to get both but my budget only allows for me to buy one and I have been spending the last week pondering which I should get. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Good video by the way.

[@alextsukada4013]

Did you order one?

[@gubourn]

Hope you got a 940

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Awesome Benchmade knife reviews!!😊

[@WestcountyWill]

Absolutely is a gem.

[@muschebubu9]

I don't know when I'll use it but I have it so it's great. Works like a knife.

[@richusc26]

I noticed all the 940 Benchmades i own have a ton of blade play when in the closed position. Is this typical of Benchmade?

[@buckaroobunnyslippers]

Man, your older reviews are still somehow parting me with money! Just got one of these and have to say I'm very impressed. Mine came slightly tight, but loosening the pivot just a hair gave me perfect action: no blade play, falls shut and centered. So either I'm lucky or Benchmade has gotten better at QC in 2020. Also the "wood laminate" is a similar pattern to the one you featured. Nice grain variation, not too dark or muddy. My only gripe is that it should come with a deep carry clip.

[@dannyfryer7794]

What would you go for between this and the spydico pm2?

[@bluefrog8670]

I have the real Crooked River and I love it. I might have to get one of these as well...

[@DSNugent91]

I was lucky enough to purchase Dr Frunkeys full sized crooked. It is most certainly a beast.

[@stronglikemonkey]

Congrats! That thing is one of the best looking knives I've seen! Looking at almost copying your knife with the mini.

[@stevemorton9585]

My Crooked Mini is on its way but the spacer and pivot are blue! Does anyone know why my name has a big “A” on the blade? Great review Nick!

[@misterbaker9728]

Nick I have a question? I’m about to step my knife game up to a Spyderco manix 2 or a BM Griptilian. I’m leaning towards manix bc I like g10 and bm with g10 price hike is at least 50$.

[@DC-ci3mg]

I have had about 120 spyderco but only a pair of Benchmade- I just picked up a 555hg and have to say it’s quite nice to have something where the handle is a little more contoured and less flat slabs of g10- It’s a personal choice of cause and you can’t go wrong either way.

[@fawkesandhound]

Corndog 😂😂😂

[@mikepipher3347]

I have the mini griptilian with spyder hole and the lightweight Manix 2. I like the action of the mini grip better but the manix is probably the most ergonomic knife I've ever held. You can't go wrong with either of them in my opinion.

[@oscarmedina1597]

I have the Griptilian and two Manix 2’s (lightweight and regular in M4;) I like the Grip, but I much prefer the Manix.

[@jonathanou8122]

Handled both, bought the Manix 2. THE most comfortable knife I own. It is a bit big in the pocket though. It doesn't bother me, but as Nick would say, it's a thing.

[@julianuga]

My valet and my bugout both came with loose screws in the pocket clip. WTH Benchmade? The 940 came perfect though

[@bryanmchugh1307]

"Diamondwood" or whatever Benchmade calls it. Think G10 only compressing layers of thin cut wood together with epoxy resins instead of fiberglass or cloth for micarta. I would have thought most brands would be well along into elaborate different Diamondwood offerings by now. A really nice set of say Oak for example, scales for it would be awesome. Just like Buck 110's.

[@dirtrider88]

10:53 a lot of people would call variances in something thats suppose to resemble wood a good thing.

[@darylcheshire1618]

The thumbnail of the blade looks orange, what was it reflecting?

[@megalomouthradio5839]

Been itching for months about this knife.... regular/mini.... custom, standard gray etc. soon.

[@atenza525]

Bro, I just got the regular and it’s the size you want it to be. Get the standard because it’s bad a** fake wood and it looks like dollars well spent. Nick shabooboo has dwarf hands and can’t handle a real mans knife. Seriously, regular, standard, and I bet you’ll be 100% happy.

[@megalomouthradio5839]

atenza525 I ended up with a full size in gray. It was “used” but you cant tell. Looks brand new in the box....... $150. It’s a beast.

[@atenza525]

Megalomouth Radio Good to hear! What a deal too!

[@317jmdam]

I picked one up a few months ago. I love it but it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns for me. I had to send the knife into benchmade weeks after purchase for a broken Omega Spring. Also the edge is ground high in one spot on the blade. It is still functional but not as pretty. I was unfortunate to purchase one before benchmade released it in the custom shop.

[@ShoddyRC]

Wouldn’t have imagined this would go up to $300. $190 seems like a deal now.

[@mknight6556]

Right though. I just went to the website and wow $320 now just to get started customizing a mini crooked river. I'd love to have one of these in 20cv. Guess I missed the boat!

[@silentjay1284]

Love this knife, I ordered a satin deep carry clip and gave it a stonewash finish to match the blade better. Then I traded about $50 in Magic cards for the orange thumbstuds off a Grizzly Ridge to complete my "custom" Mini Crooked River.

[@Blue00715]

What is your thoughts on Mini Crooked vs North Fork? I like the wood look of both, what is your opinion on which one you prefer?

[@bigB6flyer]

I’ve been considering both too. I think I’m leaning towards the mini crooked bc of the recurve of the blade on the NF makes it a bit harder to sharpen.

[@jimcarlson6157]

when I flick mine open vigorously, sometimes the lock gets stuck and it takes several tries to close the blade. I love it otherwise, and I'm hoping this is a quirk that will work itself out. anyone had similar experience?

[@DanielMartinez0394]

I used a touch of reel oil and kept flicking and after a few days it was gliding great.

[@jimcarlson6157]

@@DanielMartinez0394 thanks. I'll try that when it comes back from benchmade. wouldn't you know it, the scales broke when I was just flicking it indoors, a mere 5 weeks after I bought it. I'm hoping the future is brighter

[@mikes8783]

Hundred and ninety bucks!!! Man I should’ve gotten one back then I just did one on custom shop n it came $410 with s90v n CF

[@mattfinish2196]

Great review! I will add this one to my wish list.

[@pole_barn_builder]

Did you ever get one?

[@mattfinish2196]

@@pole_barn_builder NO! I still look at it in the display case every time I'm in the sporting goods stores.

[@semco72057]

That is a nice looking knife and it's owner would be so proud to have it. I have several folding knives and they all are nice.

[@badhombre8383]

Just watching this. Now this knife is 270 😳😳

[@lotriguitarist]

orange and the wood just doesn‘t work for me. i got myself the full size with g10 scales and i love it :)

[@AH6man]

The knife should have a thicker grind. It’s a hunting knife and sometimes I have to cut through joints and around bones and stuck. We need the knife and blade reliable. It’s plenty sharp enough to cut through flesh.

[@conradsmith9332]

yeah but i think for that level of hard use a pocket knife is not appropriate anyway. a fixed blade is the way to go for any hard messy hunting job.

[@bikerjon8934]

This guy’s voice sounds like a Looney Tunes from Boston.

[@thelawofthegun6237]

😂

[@Hr1055]

Nick. You do understand that Benchmade will replace the blade at a nominal charge, but your favorite brand (Spyderco) will not. Blade centering can be adjusted when: pushing the blade in the opposing direction, while the blade is fully opened, and facing the person.

[@Hr1055]

I want to also say that I do love your reviews.

[@tcj2185]

Yeah and they’ll replace the blade as many times as you want for life. 40 bucks or so to replace a good steel is nice. Also gotta love the 30% discount for Mil and first responders. 👍

[@andyrichardson6188]

Great review. Is lunchroom acceptability rating a 10 point scale or something else? (btw, I get it. I've been told at work that my Dragonfly was too threatening looking.)

[@stevenroberts3684]

I love this knife. But cant seem to get Benchmade to service it.

[@Al-ds3sw]

I just recently got one I love this thing and yes at $190 it is a little pricey but luckily for me I got it from my local done and knife shop and generally they are about $20 cheaper there than online orders and I go there so much the guy gives me a 10% discount generally so I only paid 154 for which I jumped all over and keep in mind this is part of their hunt series so they’re not really going for a slicey And generally I think most benchmade users really tend to use their knives hard so for that reason I tell myself that’s probably why they don’t have such thin blades whether I’m right or not not sure But great videos always have a nice day

[@jacobbingham8426]

Hey nick ur knife reviews are awesome id like to talk knives with you sometime

[@Mgrulke]

If the aluminium parts don't come off there is no way to repair it when the AXIS lock breaks? Just down to warranty service at that point?

[@silentjay1284]

You need to remove the wooden scales and unscrew the stop pin before you can remove the bolster.

[@77kjg]

What was the knife at the 9:28 mark

[@kimwjustice]

As a lefty, I'm glad they done that, too, Nick. (Needs more commas...)

[@tcj2185]

I love Benchmade but I 100% agree about they’re fat grinds.

[@zeblox7810]

Everyone hates on the orange until theyre up to their elbow in a deer carcass looking for their brown knife in the leaves.

[@bluefrog8670]

I think the orange is a nice touch, especially with the gray g10.

[@johnagen3688]

EXACTLY! !!!! Thank you!!!!! Orange is a god send in da woods!!!!!!

[@dalecarpenter8828]

but benchmade won't sell you the parts ?

[@IAmSwatchingYou]

What are those two other wood knives he pulls out near the end?

[@IAmSwatchingYou]

@@Fiber64 Thanks for that

[@dalecarpenter8828]

The mini is better for hunting ! Then carry a large fixed blade ! The large is heavy and not as good as a large fixed blade ! The mini is like perfect for the 2 finger move ! Common misconception about using a large knife to do the gutting thing ! Small knife works best ! Large game you might even want more than one small knives kept only for that job ( very sharp ) !

[@fredel2858]

It always makes me happy if i see youre videos your humor is awsome😂

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Had to fix both lock spring as both of them broke ! One side was broke as it came in the box ! I fixed them with some ganzo (g) lock springs ! From a ganzo I broke ! Benchmade quality control blows goats ! I have proof ! Go to the store and find a good one !!

[@DobermansRock]

This guy knows how to send a person on a ride, Not sure why but, I am thinking voice.

[@user-ye6nf7lo7y]

It wouldn’t be a hunt class knife if it didn’t have orange

[@Nufrifin]

Micro crooked river when

[@ryanmiller8459]

Complaining about price? It’s 190. It’s made in America and have you seen / been to factory. Buy a cheap knife then. Chinese made. Benchmade offers lifetime free sharpening

[@steveman751]

I want to get this so bad, but I already have the full size version. I can't justify buying both sizes

[@johnjohnson-gk4bw]

Dude, you have two pockets. You NEED two knives. A main carry that's large for certain tasks and a back up that's smaller for certain tasks. I always carry two knives. Two is one and one is none.

[@steveman751]

john johnson True

[@YuhNinja]

@@johnjohnson-gk4bw Some people despise you. Lmao

[@johnagen3688]

Big game, small game!!!!!!

[@BlackwoodBlades]

2nd! Thanks so for the video!

[@basmca1]

Bought this yesterday and today the review comes out lmao.

[@FoxSolomon1]

*wishes I could’ve complained loudly in the comments*

[@tgonzalez1983]

I love this knife! It’s way overpriced imo but it is very nice.

[@girthybrowns4489]

It’s $270 these days 🤯

[@NovemberFoxtrotRC]

I think stabilized wood is what you're looking for lol.

[@fawkesandhound]

It’s ridiculous that this doesn’t come standard with 20CV at this price. Sure you could run it custom but now add minimum $40 to get it how it should have come and after tax you’re looking at an unjustifiable price for what you get.

[@Frip36]

You always talk about other peoples' fear of your knives. Do you bring them in to show & tell at the old folks home or what?

[@LaughingPyrate]

The old folks wouldn't have a problem with a good knife. It's the younger snowflakes that seem to have an issue with stabby murder devices. Butter knives for all!

[@nohcho84]

Love the mini much more the the full size one

[@zexnynex777]

I hate wood. I despise wood furniture on AKs n those 1022 stocks made out of laminate. Hate it all. I love this knife- WTF is happening to me lol

[@jaredgordon2798]

It's so odd listening talk to knife reviewers always mentioning how it's not going to come off scary to other people lol I'm from northern indiana. Do people in the city or other states have that big of an issue with knifea? People dont even look twice when people open carry handguns in my area

[@lukeyboi0899]

Jared Gordon this really shows that people are used to different things. When I pull out a swiss army knife, where I live, people won't scream or anything but they're not happy either haha

[@jaredgordon2798]

@@lukeyboi0899 ya that's true it's just in my area a knife if a tool and nothing more

[@justinb384]

Lol come visit Canada , a toothpick induces screams of bloody murder 😄

[@jimredd2047]

I don’t know why you review Benchmade. It’s obvious you don’t like them. Your favorite knife seems to be Spyderco because you compare everything to Spyderco. I have bought five benchmade in the last year. And everyone has came perfect no problems whatsoever just my point of view

[@nipponhouseplayer]

😂✨👍🏻

[@philjo7293]

Rttf

[@garyfrombuffalo]

Benchmade is too expensive

[@wafflebr0975]

Yeah man, but I love them

[@TimGee3]

So are BMWs but there seem to be a lot of them on the road? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dansharpe2364]

A beautiful knife aside from the horrible wood-ish scale material. That stuff has no place on a modern folder. Black micarta would be lovely, but micarta seems all but forgotten these days.

[@dansharpe2364]

I hadn't done but have now and you are spot on! Thank you for the advice, much appreciated.

[@DC-ci3mg]

Hey I’m first!

[@DC-ci3mg]

This is 100% the highlight of my KZbin viewing career.

[@crackers_are_great_with_am9572]

Career? Your getting paid? Because I'm not! KZbin need to give us money.

[@samnangith19]

Reminds me of this guy I used to work with. His voice was so annoying

[@AH6man]

I like you videos but the way you talk is brutal on my ears. The accent and the way your voice keeps going super high and down bothers the hell out of me hahaha

[@NickShabazz]

Thanks for taking the time to share?