The Ferrum Forge Exec Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at a knife that's possibly the best thing Ferrum Forge has ever made, and represents the 'Growing up' of several of their existing designs: the Ferrum Forge Exec.

[@h0nda1]

"Triangles don't turn in holes". Mazda would disagree.

[@davidberndt249]

Found the car guy

[@dustingaddis2423]

I dunno, I think they proved pretty well that while it is possible it's not a good idea. They do sound AMAZING tho!!!

[@AK-hg6vr]

Dano Well dome

[@oklahomahank2378]

Good point, though the Wankel pollutes too much for today.

[@gradygriffin3407]

A lubed triangle :D

[@craigwilliams7046]

Found it quite interesting that you didn’t even mention the lack of lanyard hole. I love the cleanliness of the show side, and the “Social Distancing” discount coupled with your enthusiasm for this piece was too much to resist. Just ordered one with bronze handles and stonewashed blade. Thanks for all of the amazingly insightful content over the years, and congrats on breaching 100k! Stay humble and kind; it works. 🙏🏻

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Favorite Ferrum Forge indeed. This one was made for you Nick 👍👍

[@user-xq7mv1if4e]

Nick when your right your right. Im enjoying this blade thanks for the review!

[@gunfun7772]

if you hear nick making those sounds about action, you know it's stellar

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Beautifull and elegant design ! Great review , thanks for sharing ! (guess you like it )😀

[@razorhaven66]

What measurement did you get for the thickness behind the edge?

[@jasonzimmerman8369]

If you are a lefty, Ferrum Forge does have a limited supply of lefty Exec models available. They aren’t listed on the site, but if you contact Ferrum Forge you can probably still land one.

[@dannyt6798]

Wow, Nick.. I get the feeling you really, really like this one while watching the review! Very much enjoyed this watch.

[@deesevrin8570]

Do not get in to watches.

[@thomash4578]

I felt like a voyeur. I think The Nick wanted to be alone with this knife. :)

[@gammarayburst4763]

Great video Nick. Love mine. You have to check out their mini arch bishop that they have on their website. It has real cf and is excellent. You will love it. Please do a review if you can.

[@jsbhemi]

FF Exec gets the bump! I freaking love this knife too Nick!

[@troyhood]

On both the Gent and Buc, the heel of the blade is very close to the surface when the knife is closed. How does this compare? Any chance of cutting you while closed? Also, how sensitive is this to lock bar pressure? Looks like an awfully thin handle without much real estate for sausage fingers.

[@nosaj666]

Nick, Fellow San Diegan here. Crown Point. I love the fact that they are based here! Would love one with the ballpoint pen deep carry clip so you can wear it with a suit or dress pants.

[@avihsnis]

that... is a very nice looking flipper. this makes the bm valet feels tingle

[@rgoring81]

Would love to see you review the civivi brigand

[@joshlilly253]

How does it compare to the SLYSZ BOWIE FOLDER™ TITANIUM... if had to choose one... which one. Not everyone can buy what they want and must compare relative options In other words will this be one of the choices for best knife under $300 for 2020 in December. Would it surpass the Three Rivers of 2018 or 2019.

[@bryanbushby2754]

Triangles will turn in round holes hahaha orgasmic pivot ! Nice build nice review good to see neighbors listening to each other and freaking getting a!long

[@michaelm2055]

Nick, I hope that you are safe and well! Curious if the Exec is more comparable to the Crux/Gent, the Holt or the ZT 0452/0450 in terms of blade height and handle height? I can't tell if the Exec is long and stabby or more of an elongated Gent. Best!

[@eygenv7746]

Nick have you seen the 9TiEDC Djinn? Idk where else to ask this but would you consider doing a review of it? Someone I know got one and he says it's great, but I can find very few substantive reviews. I'm certainly interested, it looks very very sleek.

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

In terms of value, $275 is a very high price to pay for a knife like this. There are way too many competitive options. For example, TRM’s Atom for about $200 and Hogue’s Doug Ritter at $160 both cpm 20cv and made in USA. And what about Civivi and their bohler M390 models at about $150 (I’m trying to pick knives I have and were reviewed in this channel). Sure they may not have titanium handles with CF inlays but for $275, I don’t feel its worth that much. But, as a knife addict I do think this is Ferrum Forge’s best work, I hate their finger choils which are too small and uncomfortable for man fingers and are just oversized sharpening choils. I’ll probably end up buying this soon.

[@oklahomahank2378]

When you are doing the size comparisons, please try turning them sideways next to all the other knives to compare the thickness. You do it occasionally.

[@readyme]

Love it. I wonder if they can lower the price without cutting major corners. Maybe eliminate the CF inlay.

[@miller4109]

Cool, ive been watching this channel for a while and im going to start posting, or at least uploading knife reviews every Friday.

[@rebekahmullins5703]

Is the exec supposed to be a limited run or something?

[@BrianMiller1973]

Request: Please start adding the CS Espada XL in for size comparison.

[@petergalione9704]

YES!

[@richardhouse8364]

Thanks Nick! Got the Dao and while good, found it kind of generic and a bit heavy and so I don't carry it that much. The Exec looks OK (not great) but for that money you are getting close to quiet carry drift, boos blades, Pena x-series...which would be hard to pass up for this one I think...the action does look sweet though and agree big points for captive pivot!!

[@drewpfeif5028]

I would like to see FF make a knife between the exec and the gent. Both in size and price

[@everydaycarry1328]

That would be awesome!

[@zakbeaulieu906]

Do you go as batman or Nick to buy the knife?

[@aaronbass3000]

Ferrum Forge Exec or Spyderco Kapara?

[@dfailsthemost]

I am definitely feeling this one.

[@dmw3086]

I think it would be fun to see Nick review a microtech socom elite or one of the old zombie tech socom delta.

[@livinup88]

Stoked this bad boy is on sale for $200 right now. “Social distancing sale”

[@Woodyt]

where is this on sale for that price ?Nevermind I found it thanks.

[@tylernx]

You should check out the gavko thresher xl from blade runner systems.

[@davidphillips5310]

Picked one up on x-mas eve on sale. The only thing I would change is a light stone wash on the blade. It's a finger print magnet

[@Tmankiller72]

I would like a stonewash on the titanium, don’t really care for the snail trails on the sand blast finish.

[@brianjohnson3743]

Even with material upgrades and slight bump in size, 3.5x the cost of the Gent seems bonkers. The grind even looks the same except for the choil.

[@bigsean2473]

ok a lil help. i have like 17 knives. you know the basic ganzos sanrenmu canku rat1 civivi naja ruike and a few other budget ones. ok looking to get some new stuff have like 5-600$ to spend how would you spend it. 2-3 high ends??? 6 middle of the row?? a combo or sorts. taking advice plz help

[@jasonzimmerman8369]

Fitz?

[@northernsnipesherwild8241]

I was waiting foe you to gemify the knife but didnt hear it. By the way you spoke of its greatness I can only assume you give it the Gem title but with out it being said I'm left to wonder if I missed something

[@clintonlewis1261]

Nice looking knife!

[@missmygamergirl445]

Nick If you strip an alloy thread and you have enough alloy for a larger drill size. You can have a machinist fit a stainless steel thread insert to make it stronger than before in ten minutes.

[@jtucci5711]

$275 seem to be there 3 favorite numbers. I don't feel the design innovation or lack there of to support the price. Nice knife, but in a very competitive field with other WE knives and others with a greater WOW factor. I think you my have gotten a little high on the new FF pivot. Lol

[@Tmankiller72]

For $279 you can get a US made TRM Atom in CF!

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

@@Tmankiller72 A much better knife too! I have the G-10 version.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

Or so many other knives. Look at all that you get from WE or even a drop made by WE and designed by them. This looks so basic. It’s an inlay that’s just stuck there with a couple of curves imo. Inlay, and flipper tab needs some design factor here. These guys usually do more design elements on their production collaborations and it seems to be on the simple side from them imo. It looks like a cheap knife to me and look at all the work on the crux or any other model that looks so much better. The falcon, or the Dao are better and the lockbar placement and the tab are awful on the Dao. Almost ruined a great knife for me. I would like to see more design here and better stuff.

[@jtucci5711]

@@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden My feeling exactly, I buy all the brands mentioned and a bunch more but to start with they need to be compelling, this is not.

[@catharticedc]

They are on sale for $200 now on the FF site. FYI

[@BennyBladez-]

I like the knife but the price point for all the companies keeps rising. It seems like they are trying to see who will keep paying the prices for the designs and not so much the materials. Everyone is offering the same materials now days so the price should be going down and instead it just keeps going up and up. Great review as always Nick!

[@paulzabit6520]

Hi, Nick word has it Micheal Elmer had designed that knife .... Have a great weekend !!!

[@Tmankiller72]

I don’t know if it’s “better” than the Gent ...3” blade ,cf scales on a titanium(no snail trails) frame lock great action made in the same factory( I assume )currently $120 , I paid $79 !!

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

Did they go on sale ?

[@everydaycarry1328]

Jon Duncan Not recently, it was when the cf version was first released.

[@ryanpalmer1051]

Its a very nice knife, but totally agree, that inlay work looks very amateurish, and really shouldn't be acceptable at that price point. In addition, the integral back spacer also looks like the alignment isn't perfect, unlike a lot of Reate made folders, at similar or even cheaper price points.I feel that that could have been fixed with a few minutes sanding (or seconds with equipment). *also Lockbar Cutout @ 5:58 Happy New Year Nick!

[@williamrish2736]

Ryan Palmer how’d you post this three weeks ago??

[@cp1532]

@@williamrish2736 !

[@jtucci5711]

FF seems to have the market cornered on small flipper tabs and while being small are still highly functional. I just bought the Malice and I think that the flipper tab is even smaller than this one but you would never know it as it is very intuitive with no slipping or misfires with just the perfect amount of gimping. Thanks for the review but at $275 I believe this to be a bit overpriced.

[@mikem4259]

It’s a nice looking knife, I’ll give it that. It’s a pretty standard design, very good blade steel. I wish they would have a made the back spacer a separate piece instead of each half being milled into the scale. Not the biggest deal, just an aesthetic thing for me. Probably a cost cutting thing.

[@joebreeding449]

I love it...

[@dfailsthemost]

$275 for great action and 20cv seems reasonable.

[@Linejudgemick]

I wanted, wanted, wanted the Exec, but the $ was higher than I wanted to pay. I went to the FF website and wonder of wonders they were having a "Friday Sale". So I now have a "want" heading my way with a substantial discount. Thanks for the review - I am not so patiently waiting for mine to arrive.

[@everydaycarry1328]

Probably what the regular price should be.

[@Linejudgemick]

@@everydaycarry1328 Probably

[@michaelm2055]

Thanks for the great review, Nick! How does this compare to a Holt Specter or a Shirogorov?

[@Tmankiller72]

I haven’t handled this particular blade but have other Ferrum Forge designed We made knives ( Crux , I currently own a Gent) while both are very good value blades they are not in the same category as my Shiro Hation Lite .....that thing is just a whole other level, the Shiro’s action on mine is just ridiculously perfect! But then it’s easily double the price of the Exec and 5 times the price of the above mentioned so it better be A LOT better!

[@michaelm2055]

Thanks and good point! I guess that I should’ve asked if the lines were similar? Is it worth holding out for a Specter or a Shiro or is this Exec a happy/cheaper alternative?

[@everydaycarry1328]

Michael M The Specter and Shiro are just another level of manufacturing and tolerances similar to a Grimsmo and the $$$ reflect that. If it must be a titanium frame lock you can look on Ebay for a used Shiro ( watch out for counterfeits) or save for a Specter. If it's a great drop shut flipping action your after I would recommend a North Arm Knives Skaha II ( I like the Carbon Fiber version) see Nick's review on that one!

[@kenmarapese9085]

Nice review on what looks to me like a stretched Gent. The Gent seemed a bit small for my liking so the Exec is something I'm considering. I agree that FF / WE folders have addictive action.

[@Woodyt]

Nick its a Gem

[@1turdontherun]

If only they'd make a front flipper in this style.

[@firemedic5170]

Kyle Quevillon yesssssssss!!!!!

[@billbowers3146]

Oh yeah ! 😍

[@LorenzoNW]

I don't think you were being super nitpicky on the inconsistency of the chamfer. Actually, that's the first thing I noticed. Also, it's kind of ridiculous they couldn't have designed it with a 3/5" blade length, given the legal limit laws being what they are.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

Suit carry.....?? That clip though. I wouldn’t wear it with my dress clothes for work. You always push on the blade before touching the lockbar and it would be even smoother if you didn’t always put pressure on the blade spine first, and then disengage the lock. This is the first video where I saw you flip any knife without moving you’re elbow or wrist. Thank you. That shows the action a lot more than seeing someone about to throw a knife (cringe). There has been so much research out there, and probably after you kept making comments about a screw being screwed into the titanium. Multiple makers have released statements saying that when you have over for threads it will not strip, and your steel screw or even a titanium screw we’re not strip the frame in anyway unless you were really really really trying to. This is not an issue and this is just a made up issue. Costa makers do this and have been doing this for years and there’s never been an issue with this. That’s rumor hype. No need to worry about threading into the frame imo.

[@Tmankiller72]

This or a TRM Atom in CF for $279 ??

[@NickShabazz]

The TRM is maybe a nicer cutting too, but this is a great knife.

[@everydaycarry1328]

Nick Shabazz I don't doubt it's a great knife , I actually almost bought one back before Christmas when they were on sale or cheaper.I just can't justify about $50

[@randallkelley3599]

Dang, tell us what U really, really feel!!!!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Wow nice looking design style knife reviews video!!! :D And Hit Like button!!! :D

[@nosaj666]

Give me one with a 3in blade I’ll buy 2

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

A Ferrum Forge knife that isn't three inches thick? Make a mini version and you can count me in.

[@davidmarshall7752]

That would be the Gent at 3" from drop, out of stock now but I assume they'll make more.

[@mickkeim4142]

I think she is a beauty for sure...I would love to buy this knife but...woe is me, it’s just a little on the high end for my budget. WTH?

[@patrickharrison4746]

If over 3.5 inches is illegal I feel sorry for your woman

[@edrader]

harnds assassin is 39 bucks

[@jmartin2778]

Your content is great and expensive. Just cost me $275 +tax. On the upside, shipping was free.

[@user-xq7mv1if4e]

Me too $295 it's all nicks fault!!!

[@ryanbashaw4513]

Should of got a Kershaw

[@user-xq7mv1if4e]

I dont drive fords!

[@Suckme148]

Free spinning pivots for all! Shabazz, you’re def the Bernie of the gear community 😁👍

[@ryanbashaw4513]

KERSHAW is my favorite brand of knife

[@kratoids]

this knife would be perfect if it was $200

[@thomash4578]

21st century and they are still making knives with a single position clip.

[@Stahlwerk88]

21st century and they’re still making left hand-dominant people...

[@SuperSteelSteve]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nick's gotta man crush on the ferrum forge sisters . 99.99% of the time you would have CRUCIFIED a knife maker for a 3.6" blade "why oh why!? All you did with that was ostracize a large portion of the country for a negligible amount of blade length" Ferrum forge does it..."eh" 🤣🤣🤣 Sharpening choil falling short? Ehh ok for ferrum forge! "For $275 with these ergos, steel and this build quality ".... "there are some gaps in the carbon fiber inlay or maybe inconsistencies in the chamfering" 🤣🤣🤣 Nick and chris, sittin in a tree....🤣🤣

[@NickShabazz]

Oh Steve. I know you're just being you, and I definitely like this knife, but I encourage you to check my past videos about Ferrum Forge, particularly the custom stuff, before you accuse me of bias. I've dragged them a fair bit.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

@@NickShabazz lol that was before you guys were neighbors 😁

[@SuperSteelSteve]

@@NickShabazz I get it, chris is tall, handsome, charming lol.

[@NickShabazz]

Oh Steve. Never change. And the big difference is that's when they started having WE make their knives. That allowed them to focus on being designers and customizers, which is where more of their strength lies.

[@carlosedwardos]

That is a crazy sharp pocket pecker!! - yikes!!

[@Danik0211]

Jesus Christ Nick, can you eat a Tums before doing one of these? Do you purposely eat a giant steak dinner before your reviews all the time? 😂😂😂😂

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

Big indigestion

[@oscarmedina1597]

It seems like a nice knife but nothing here substantiates the price.

[@gustafari6241]

I don't care for WE's blade finishing. It is unattractive, stains and fingerprints. For $275 I expect a LOT more. Definitely overpriced.

[@everydaycarry1328]

Yep , by about $75

[@stitchedlips6764]

so a china blade with fkn gaps like a dacia with a chewed away blade heel for close to 300 is a 'really, really nice knife'? you aint 'nitpicking pretty hard' at all broski, quite the opposite. 'its just good, its freaking great' - nicki, its really about time to evaluate and recalibrate. this is chearleading, and it is getting 'really really' pathetic.

[@usernameisusername]

Yawm.

[@squ1r33]

Dude you swallowed so often and so hard it sounded like you where trying to chug a 2liter while reviewing a knife hahahahahahaha

[@nomadikiov4965]

ZT 470 clone

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Nomadik IOV I’m not seeing it man.

[@geezusLive-OF]

Boring knife, that’s all I got.