The Nick Shabazz Knife of the Year 2018

Today, we'll take a look at my very favorite knives of 2018, with review links below:
Spyderco FRN Chapparal: • The Spyderco FRN Chapa...
CRKT LCK: • The CRKT LCK Pocketkni...
CIVIVI Praxis and Baklash: • The Civivi Baklash and...
TRM Neutron: • The Three Rivers Manuf...
Massdrop Keen: • The Massdrop/Ray Lacon...
Massdrop Crux: • The Ferrum Forge/Massd...
Hawk MUDD Auto: • The Hawk MUDD Automati...
Medford Slim Midi Marauder: • Video
Holt Specter 2.0: • The Holt Bladeworks Sp...

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Thanks so much Nick- what a great end of the year! We are working hard to make Neutrons much more available. All specs are on our website and a waiting list is posted in our Spreesy store. Feb. list is filled, so we've added a March list. Www.spreesy.com/TRM

[@Tmankiller72]

MARIANNE Halpern March already sold out !

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@Tmankiller72 Check again- it's not sold out. Sign up on post with all the scale options.

[@Gaston-Monescu]

Congratulations! The Neutron is outstanding, and I’m sure the Atom is going to be great, too. And thanks for the great customer service.

[@sublyme2157]

The "detailed specs" link on the Neutron page leads to a malicious site that tries to install software on your computer. You may want to fix that...

[@jzarfos]

@@sublyme2157 Yeah, there's an extra "e" in the link. www.threeriversmfg.com/

[@EagleJim62]

You always produce very informative, well researched, and thought out reviews. I appreciate the work you do and watch all of your knife reviews. I don't always agree or share your concerns, but I always watch before buying. Your interest in knives and your sincerity is evident. Keep up the good work.

[@ryank2112]

I love the Chaparral so much. I actually got it because of your review and could not be happier with it. The steel stays super sharp for ever, the finger groove makes it super comfortable and I love how light and discreet it is. I’m so happy it won the budget category!

[@aalbino8636]

Omg did a Medford and a CRKT really make the top 3 of a Nick Shabazz best of list. It’s a genuine Christmas miracle!!!! There is hope for the world after all!!

[@ChuckBeefOG]

I like how you saved $0.11 by not printing those photos in colour.

[@NickShabazz]

I don’t have a color printer!

[@convex7456]

@@NickShabazz but have 5k watches? Lol. Nice

[@evshrug]

Nick Shabazz - Me neither, I got sick replacing ink because it would dry out or be used by just turning on the printer, and I realized I almost never print color. If I want to print a custom photo card (holiday, birthday, invite) for the mail or a flyer to advertise, I can get a better quality print from a print center in Walgreens or Staples ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Did that once since I got a B&W laser printer at the end of 2016.

[@evshrug]

Jee Vang - That assumes we aren’t grateful, or longtime consumers of Nick’s content. The B&W photos are serviceable, but it’s also fair to say it’s a technique that will stand out a bit as unusual and not very aesthetically pleasing.

[@Bill-xx2yh]

evshrug It would of been nice to see (and watch Nick Play) with the "real" knives especially for the knife of the year. Just saying.

[@richarddimeo1417]

Took delivery of a Viator last week and I'm on the March list for the Neutron. I'm seriously considering dumping a good portion of my existing collection and only carrying the Viator when I'm in NYC, and the Neutron for most other occasions. Thanks for giving TRM the recognition it deserves.

[@glenntorres5553]

Happy to see the Neutron take it. I sold my Skaha 2 to replace with the Neutron and haven't looked back, and it's the only knife that regularly kicks my Sebenza out of the pocket

[@BrianMiller1973]

Thanks Nick! I hope that 2019 is the best yet to you and your bride.

[@manifestgtr]

Have a praxis and a chaparral and they’re both phenomenal knives. Different “categories” in a certain sense because the praxis is so much larger but honestly, in some ways, not so much. The cutting geometry and thickness for both knives is just stellar. The chappy goes without saying and the praxis is edging close to that Opinel “so thin that the working edge is almost eternal” category. You’re right in choosing the chappy over the praxis but not by much. Three years later and it’s *still* one of the best $40ish options out there.

[@The4cp]

I'd have to say my favorite didn't show up. It's the Spyderco Amalgam. It's everything I wanted from my favorite company. Flipper tab, compression lock, and carbon fiber. Just a beautiful knife.

[@gracieedc3192]

Great lineup of great knives! And a great video from the best! 🙌🏻👌🏻 Merry Christmas to you and yours! ❤️ And I hope 2019 is amazing for you! 🙌🏻👊🏻

[@dansharpe2364]

Thank you Saint Nick, great choices with great reasoning. I own two out of the final nine and the Three Rivers (especially its slipjoint sister as I live in the UK) is a must buy for 2019. Glaedelig Jul, sir.

[@jimmy86gti]

Nick, I took your advice on the Spyderco Chapparal and man this is an awesome little knife!

[@funghiman8492]

On the Delica versus Chaparral contest, even though Delica being not that cheaper than FRN Chaparral, it does however still holds several advantages firmly: 1. 4-way clip and lanyard hole. In some situations people may prefer, or have to carry their knives tip down. Bearing a wire clip, Chaparral doesn't offer this option. 2. Extensive after-market customize-ability. There have been so many modders providing scales, clips, backspacers, you name it to Delica/Endura. I haven't seen many for Chaparral's case, maybe I am short-informed, will be happy to come by any. 3. Steel and blade shape choices. You are stuck with XHP on Chaparral (it is a outstanding steel though) and FFG leaf shape only, but for Delica you can choose from VG-10, ZDP-189, H1 (Salt 2 and Talisman Salt 2 are based on the Delica body), Damascus, as well as a steady roll of sprint runs and special editions, all adding up to the taste. Also there are officially provided options of FFG or Saber grind; traditional clip point, Wharncliffe, Emerson opener with spear point, sheepsfoot (Salt 2), hawk bill (Talisman Salt 2), and even reverse-S if you count that plain edge BentoBoxShop exclusive Lil' Matriarch in. Apart from Damascus and ZDP-189 versions, other variants of Delica are still generally cheaper than a Chaparral. 4. Slimmer blade profile and overall profile, kinda continuous from the last point. Sporting a leaf shape blade, Chaparral shares many characteristics with other Spyderco designs that particularly involving a back-placed locking mechanism. Not necessarily restricted to mid-back lock, but this also applies to ball bearing lock, bolt lock, etc.. What keeps many, even a Spyderco fanatic like me from carrying a Manix, Tenacious, Lil' Temperance, D'Allara or Lum Chinese daily is simply because they are too, damn, wide in the pocket for their size! Chaparral is quite small itself so it may get by with the pocket width argument, and yet a broad blade may be useful under some circumstances, like food prep or heavy slicing work, they are generally not that suitable for DELICAte jobs (pun intended). Also Chaparral probably isn't quite a Delica 5 in terms of design, it's more like a mini Sage 3, with the blade shape, 50/50 finger choil, top & bottom jimping, deep carry wire clip as well as that hidden punch-through stop pin. Edit: Now that Spyderco has announced the lightweight Para 3, I think I can already see it making its way to the 2019 sub-$100 class list.

[@zleggitt1989]

I'm positive that everything you stated will continue onto the Chappell. I guarantee it'll have exotic steels and sprint runs just like the delica with different handle configurations so give it time and it's just going to be better

[@funghiman8492]

@@zleggitt1989 Your guarantee wouldn't be more credible than a forum post unless you are actually a Spyderco employee that can affect their manufacturing decisions. Taichung plant has no history of making sprint runs on a consistently persisting model, as its manufacturing capability is almost always saturated with all the coming and going collaborations. Spyderco's best selling models *over* *time* come from Seki, Golden, probably also China thanks to the budget line. Taichung is not one of them.

[@258awesomeness]

Medford may not allow disassembly, but from what I've heard they've got one of the fastest turn around times for warrenty service in the game. Something about a week or less from what I've heard

[@mickkeim4142]

Thanks for your time Nick...

[@robertlefeaux]

HOLY CRAP! A Nick Shabazz video with links to the products in the description!!! :)

[@Osprey1994]

Merry Christmas Nick thanks for all the work you have put in.

[@Madman6505]

"I could carry this and be happy with it the rest of my life, but I'm insane so I buy more knives". I would hazard a guess that describes at least half of your viewers. Case in point: I like that Chaparral, might have to pick one up!

[@crankygrandpatech3894]

FYI amazon had the Raffir Noble for $111 plus a 5% off on Saturday, I had to pick one up! FYI just checked and 5 left!

[@jasonbyu75]

The grind on my civivi left very very little behind the edge on the pivot side. Too little. Great sliver though. Not a good general use edc.

[@stefanhoffman7052]

goddam, the edge you put on those. They are all officially survival knives now, cuz you can signal airplanes with that mirror.

[@555Gear]

Lots of awesome knives Nick! I like the runner up coverage for the context. Cheers, Andrew

[@The4cp]

Merry Christmas Nick. Thank you for all you do for the knife community.

[@slick_slicers]

I keep looking at the Viator (I’m in the UK), but it looks kind of plain vanilla for the price. Can’t decide!

[@TheCosaNostra13]

Really glad I just pre ordered the neutron earlier this week

[@TorstenStett]

I don't know if it originally came out in 2018 but the Benchmade Vallation was my favorite for this year.

[@earlofrednecks9533]

This is the best video I've ever seen in terms of blades I really like. Gem after gem.

[@jacobmanalang8162]

the kershaw dividend is the budget winner for what ive tried this year. i thought it would be the steel will intrigue but mine hates me and has cut me many times and the liner has failed due to loosely rolled cigarettes and other pocket crud. i gifted a cold steel tuff lite to a lefty. i liked it quite a bit. i did have to take it apart and bend the leaf spring and she is still getting used to it but i wouldnt mind one for myself. honorable mention to me mid range ive only had the ff buc, boo's smoke, a microtech halo vi clone aka chicrotech, and the zt0393 this year...so the 0393 wins out because i actually carried it a lot, and is also lefty friendly. i did finally get a 940 and love it. i retired my 0450 from carry. i stopped carrying the military. i carry a waved endura sometimes. my personal fav for carry and gifting is the kershaw emerson cqc 4kxl for 19.99 i own 3. backup work knife, cheap day off carry, and one in the truck. i try to not use it and its a heavy sucker

[@randelyoder9446]

Got Bradford guardian 3 for Christmas my favorite for the year

[@MrWoodyBalto]

Next year, Do a Best WE knife of 2019. Include 3 categories but all knives manufactured by WE.

[@gerardopietrantoni6452]

Budget: Rat 2 in D2 steel Mid budget: Chaparral

[@justifiedneeds8718]

I'm interested to see what configuration specter you have in the works (I'm guessing the color blue is involved). Great video by the way!

[@mariannehalpern4009]

There's no denying the Shabazz Effect. Neutron waiting list slots are down to a dozen. If you're thinking about signing up, now is the time. You're only paying for shipping and upcharge for CF, Micarta, G11 and Jade G10. We will always refund you if you change your mind. Now we have to build these knives to perfection. Thanks Nick- your followers are fantastic.

[@osu0768]

Glad I got in on the Feb preorders before this gets Shabazz’ed for the rest of the year 😃

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

The Chaparral was my choice as well for your first group - although I have had mine for just a handful of months. Love just about everything about it. I have been a fan of S30V and S35VN steel. But I think I like the CTS-XHP more. I know quality costs, and the cost is the one thing that gives me concern. The Chaparral dominated my EDC rotation until I dropped a Kizer GTI about 3 weeks ago...and I nearly lost my mind. Since then, the Byrd Medolark takes my pocket room on a daily basis. I can drop 3 of them and shrug it off.

[@drfunkinstein1]

I will have to check out the TRM Neutron and Holt Specter when I can find them available. My favorite knife this year was the GiantMouse Vox/Anso Iona liner lock in M390. It was $99 so it was already going to be a great deal for the blade steel. It's now my most carried knife after my Olamic Wayfarer and Busker and I can beat the crap out of it and not care because of the price. I don't even carry my $170 dollar Benchmade knives anymore because this one is so much better than them. I was tempted to send one to you to check out, but I bought 2 and gave one away as a gift and the other I have been using hard. The ones I bought need a little lube and breaking in at first and the detent is a little hard, but I like the size, ergonomics, pocket clip, good lockup, centering, and the fact that the logo is done in a way that blends in to the stonewashed blade for a nice minimalist look. Definitely worth a review when they are back in stock or if someone else has a spare to send along to you.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

About 30 slots on March/April waiting list for Neutrons. Www.spreesy.com/TRM

[@drfunkinstein1]

@@mariannehalpern4009 Thanks for the info. I signed up for the waiting list. Do we just get charged and it ships when the time comes or do I need to keep on the lookout for an email to purchase it? I also don't have paypal and am just using a card if that makes any difference.

[@drfunkinstein1]

I also just realized I live 13 minutes from your business. What a small world it is. I usually buy the knives Nick recommends because I have similar tastes, but it is nice to see that such a quality product is coming from so close to home.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@drfunkinstein1 We will send an invoice that you will be able to.open and pay using any credit card. You don't need to have PayPal. Where do you live? You'll have to come pick yours up. Email [e-mail] is best because I don't get notified if there's a question. I get obsessive and scan through all comments.

[@HollowFaith666]

my favorite knife of the year is the Brad Zinker massdrop Dogtooth

[@alec5610]

Glad that TRM got a place.. do you think you are going to review the TRM atlas any time soon?

[@Ondal1]

You should probably try a readily available "best of". No fun in seeing the "best" being, well, nowhere to be found or certainly not available for international shipping. You've previously stated custom knives aren't interesting to you, as they're not available to others, the same is true for small batch knives.

[@NickShabazz]

You’re more than welcome to buy one of the billion chapparals, Civivi Practics, LCKs, Massdrop Cruxes, MUDD autos and Massdrop Keensout there right now. I appreciate that it’s frustrating when the knife I’m recommending is on pre-order, not “buy it now”, but please, no need to be overly dramatic.

[@Ondal1]

@@NickShabazz where is the dramatic part? You've stated that you want to review knifes people can get a hold of, then the winners for the year aren't actually available. I can't argue with your choice, 63k subscribers (-1 jackass who doesn't matter) agree with you, but I can point out when Santa rattles the sled, which he did, when knives you can't actually buy became the chosen ones for the Nick. I understand there's certain privileges attached to having this many subscribers, you deserve it, as you make a lot of videos many people appreciate. I do to, make no mistake, but it still has to be real, which this 2018 sum up lacks. If I can't buy it, then it's pointless, no matter if the price is within range or not.

[@NickShabazz]

So, you’re complaining that 6 of 9 choices are available readily, one is pre-ordered, another is regularly showing up at dealers, and the last is available for occasional makers choice drops? I hear you, but please, perspective. But I encourage you to, when you start a channel, use whatever rules you prefer.

[@Ondal1]

I can't really argue with you're approach, as it's clearly what people want, funny videos with a strong opinion about how a folder should be. Alas I've watched you since the about 7k subs, so also notice the changes for better and worse. You can choose to take heed of them, or ignore it. You have a nice little business going, so whatever one jackass thinks doesn't matter. Right now there doesn't seem to be a "market" for the kind of channel I'd start, because it would be impossible with a real job to do knife testing and churn out several videos a week, while also going into depth about the knives. It would require several people doing this for a single channel, and "knife videos" doesn't seem big enough for this. Maybe you could, with your network, set up something like this, but it's probably impossible where I live, because pretty much no one cares about knives or even other tools.

[@BluePachyderm105]

@@NickShabazz You can't actually even preorder them today. I just checked their website and their preorder list is "closed". Your 2018 knife of the year literally can't be purchased. That sums up the year pretty good I think.

[@rafaelreig8246]

I mostly agree with you. I understand you may not have the chance to have experienced some of the other knives out there. The LCKs are both great. I would have considered the Atmos too for the under $30. For the Civivis the Aquila may be the best but knowing how much you like small knives, the Shard could be an option too. On the second category you said the Massdrops are vanilla, but you have them in high esteem and mentioned the Gent also . Two Ferrum Forge designs there. I know you like the Ferrum Forge Fortis 2.0 so I’m surprised it didn’t make it considering that it is Not vanilla at all. Or the Biblio. I love my Neutron too so no complaints from me. The third category I cannot talk about because I only have one knife on it. The GiantMouse GM5 and I love it. Jesper had a great year. And so have you!!! And we did too in part thanks to you. Happy Holidays Nick and Ms Shabazz!!!

[@TheCosaNostra13]

I’ve heard other reviews mentioning RJ Martin being involved in the sharpening process for the TRM Neutron. Any validity to this? Don’t see it mentioned on the TRM site. Genuinely curious, would be cool if true.

[@NickShabazz]

That's what I was told with mine.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

RJ Martin sharpens all our knives. He's a phenom. Once sharpened 600 knives on 8 hrs. He's a machine.

[@TheCosaNostra13]

MARIANNE Halpern that’s awesome, I feel it gives the knife more character and flirts with that “mid tech” feel. Maybe something you may want to advertise/mention more often?

[@drameday]

Best jazz hands on the tube

[@BParker55]

The next gen of flippers is trying to perfectthe detent and action with PB washers! At least I'm hoping lol great list Nick 👍

[@TheHumanFlag]

I’m surprised the Kizer Minitherium didn’t get at least an honorable mention. Besides actually being available it’s near perfect and has a compelling design from Elijah Isham for under $175. That’s a winner to me

[@DmitryNaydov]

Frame lock flippers aren’t something novel but the liner lock you can’t buy is? Okay

[@NickShabazz]

The thin blade stock is novel and interesting. I gather you disagree. What’s your pick?

[@DmitryNaydov]

Nick Shabazz I do own a Crux, I think it has a great value for the price and I really like the design. I just don’t like the idea of jumping through hoops just to get a knife, it’s not a custom. They’re taking preorders with a March shipping date and it looks like a CF version is not available even for preorder. I’m sure a few knives I’ll be interested in will come out before March. Perhaps, Maxamet PM2 as it’s back on the 2019 catalog.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@DmitryNaydov I just noticed the cf was showing as sold out. Of course with a March delivery, all scales will be available. It has now been corrected.

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

Gotta check out a civivi. Great work this year Nick, I blame you for getting me into watches this year but I forgive you.

[@TheFiendRacer]

The Medford looks nice but they are all so damn expensive. I would love a holt specter they are so nice.

[@eddiedean4471]

Rat 2 in d2 thanks for the recommendation love the show

[@orendz7740]

I've just never had a flipper tab bug the hell outta me being in my pocket. I usually dont carry other things in my pocket that my pocket knife is in.

[@jacknemo8021]

Chapparal in LC200N for GOAT knife?

[@NickShabazz]

Omg yes plz

[@benmacdhui]

Yessir

[@petergalione9704]

Yes.

[@yogililly1]

The Native 5 is now available in LC200, very close to Chaparral...my personal EDC 5 days a week. Chap .08 blade, Native Salt .13 Native weighs about .5 ounces more with yellow FRN instead of Gray. Would I wait if knew the Chaparral Salt was going to be released in 2019, yes... But as is the Salt Native will be my first knife purchase for 2019.

[@andyrichardson6188]

Just for the sake of argument, why does it matter? I like LC200N. But is rusting with other stainless steels a big issue? Edge retention on XHP is about the same as LC200N per Cedric & Ada. For me XHP is a little better. If I worked around salt water LC200N would be a big deal. For my day-to-day stuff I'm not it really matters. For most of us I don't see a big advantage over XHP or other very good steels.

[@jcwindsound]

Just received a Neutron in the March drop and, while I like it, it will not replace my CF Chaparral as my go-to EDC. The Chap is a near-perfect combination of size, blade, construction and ergonomics. The Neutron is really nice, but I can make the mid-section flex (a la Bugout, though not as easily) and the thumb studs are, for my thumbs at least, uncomfortable. I do not understand the decision to hollow out the center of the stud and leave a thin rim at the end. That thin end is simply too small a surface area, and presses into my thumb to the point that my thumb will protest if I open the knife more than once or twice at a time. Quite a contrast to my old Lone Star knives, for which the thumb studs ramp down in two steps from widest near the blade to smallest at the end of the stud. So much better, at least for my thumbs!

[@jcwindsound]

Feel like I should amend the above to say the flex I was feeling is actually a scale that sits slightly proud of the liner, not the liners themselves. No biggie. And my thumb is developing a good callus :) Love the blade on the Neutron! A very nice knife overall.

[@NativeTexMexican]

Got my Praxis today & I freakin love it.

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

90$ is not budget knife maybe for you but most people think 50$ is maximum for budget all over 40$ is mid range

[@benjaminhollenbeck7506]

I disagree, it really depends on what you're going for - most knives, branded, their entry level prices start between $50-100. Unless it's a utility knife, or made in china, $100 isn't too much and he lamented it was "his opinion".

[@reds7vn644]

Maybe in your opinion but the reality is look at the dragonfly to buy Spyderco, it's over $50 but it's still a budget knife. Budget blades are $100 and under sorry that's the reality of it.

[@benjaminhollenbeck7506]

@@reds7vn644 The "reality", is that's still your opinion, AND that you don't know the definition of the word budget. Budget doesn't literally mean cheap, or sub $100, maybe you should google inexpensive knives for your cheap/non existent budget 👊

[@reds7vn644]

@@benjaminhollenbeck7506 sure does budget means cheap. Go to Carl on Sandy to Budget Car they're not going to go show you the more expensive better car they're going to show you the cheapest made car on the lot. Now I agree cheapest May doesn't always mean junk but you get what you pay for.

[@randyf.9188]

Way to wrap it up Nick! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice job !!! 👍👍👍🎄🎄🎄 my skaha is my favorite od 2018..

[@taylor4480]

Excellent choices Nick! I totally agree on the Neutron, love mine! Hopefully I will get to handle some of the others on the list that I havent yet soon! A specter is obviously one that I am after the most!

[@jtoth1995]

I’m waiting for the Civivi Praxis and Backlash to get back in stock now that it’s been Shabazzed so I can get one!

[@fced_up]

Flawless Vulcan Logic and Review my Friend. And my Specter 137 continues to build in legend, thanks to you! 🙏🏻🙌🏻🖖🏻

[@andyrichardson6188]

Nice job. Glad to see you chose the TRM. Great knife for the money, especially for a U.S. made knife. Honestly not sure how they're making money on this one. If TRM is reading, I've love to see a wire clip option. The current clip is fine, btw. I might have chosen the Kapara as a contender rather the Keen. No right answer - both great knives.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Hi Andy not sure about that money either :) We consider the wire clip Spyderco's.

[@andyrichardson6188]

Fair point on the clip. And congratulations on Nick's selection.

[@deanalbertson7203]

LOL, the Z-Hunter wants to be in the running for Knife of the Year.

[@The4cp]

It's going to win knife of the decade. Nick just doesn't know it yet.

[@gwcgwc1]

I want ALL THE KNIVES!

[@BMfins]

Budget is under $50 imo

[@reds7vn644]

Budget Knives are honest $100 or less if you want a decent budget knife. Mid-level knives are $100 to $300 and then high-end knives start at $300+.

[@BMfins]

So your telling me that Ruike knifes are garbage because they sell less then $100.

[@reds7vn644]

@@BMfins some of them are but you have to realize all knives aren't going to appeal to every person. If I was Newton Ives then I would think that they were absolutely phenomenal and yes they do have a few models that are phenomenal under $100 but that being said they still like we're other knives Excel that are in a higher price point. I'm not saying that under $100 is crap I'm just saying that most of your knives under $100 aren't really top drawer knives me and they don't have the quality of knives that are above $100. Now in the same breath there are knives that are much much more expensive then $100 and that their total crap. I'm just using generalizations.

[@KillaZamii]

Civivi elementum

[@timcummings8062]

In all due respect the Neutron is ugly due to being unavailable. When it becomes available it will be a total winner.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Working on that production ramp- up. The Neutron response has been overwhelming, but our goal is to have them available. March waiting list has some slots to fill.

[@Savage.Doomer]

Same with the Specter.

[@evshrug]

MARIANNE Halpern • Congrats on the demand! To be honest, this video was the first I’d heard of your company, but if you do “knife of the year” worthy product then I wish you continued success and supply.

[@1312020m]

For me the knife of the year without a doubt is the Manix 2 exclusive in 4V and marbled CF.

[@oscarmedina1597]

Where can I buy one?

[@1312020m]

@@oscarmedina1597 www.safeandlockstore.com/knives/spyderco/holiday-sale-spyderco-exclusive-c101mcfp2-manix-2-cpm-4v-marble-carbon-fiber-knife/

[@Tom_H327]

Any knife of the year should not be an upgrade or sprint of a previously released platform unless that platform was released in that same year. The chaparral is not an accurate pick for budget knife of 2018. But, I do agree, the Neutron is the winner. By the way; I don’t own any of the knives selected in this video. You had me pissed off in the first half of the video, but no surprisingly made great points and made a good decision.

[@NickShabazz]

The thing is, the FRN scales almost entirely change the character of the knife. Both the price is reduced, and the overall sensation and style. So although I generally agree, the fact that they produced a version which is functionally fundamentally different excuses that. You may disagree, but alas, my channel, my rules :)

[@DrakeDragonheart]

I think the Mudd auto is just ugly, reminds me of the fat ZT version. Love my manual one. Contoured CF scales and the sexier blade shape definitely puts leaps ahead in my opinion.

[@jamesarmstrong5593]

The TRM neutron looks like a weird spyderco tenacious

[@jfnurod]

Happy Holidays Mr Nick!!!! Thanks for the vid

[@Tmankiller72]

I’m really liking my Skaha II in carbon fiber!!

[@natcreat9145]

Me, too! The many-months wait was totally worth it. What a killer knife. The action is Grimsmo-esque smooth and authoritative. I love it!

[@Tmankiller72]

Natcreat Absolutely!! It’s currently my most carried knife, I love the matte finish slightly textured CF !!

[@Lewarcher-f3t]

My best Knife of the Year is Boos Blade Hound.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

LAST CALL for Neutron waiting list- closing at NOON EST December 27th.

[@TheTimLara]

The TRM Neutron does look pretty compelling, but I have a feeling they aren't going to be able to make enough of them.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Tim- we are working very hard to ramp up our production. Waiting list now for March delivery.

[@NMBSUMMER]

I really enjoyed this, thanks for posting Nick!

[@lracrellim2711]

I'll stick with my Autonomy 2 in 200n but still enjoyed the show! Thanks

[@forrestswain543]

Hey Nick, you should check out the Artisan Cutlery Tradition if you every have a chance. I love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@Bad_Rattle]

Congrats🎉🎉🎉 I love mine, Nick has officially ruined it for those who don’t have one 😅

[@DerekPollardRealtor]

Love your sense of humor, you've got a new sub from me!

[@kerryrwac]

Sure Nick , now there'll be a 1 yr wait for the Neutron , Skaha , the jokes on us .

[@ShortcutReviews]

Merry Christmas 🎄👍🤣. Great set of knives

[@EDCwithAaron]

I called every category at the beginning of the video haha... And stop recommending the neutron! Ive been trying to buy one for months!

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Hi Aaron- I've got you on my short list for this Feb-March release.

[@RadhaPublishing]

Minute 3.06 terrific !!! that grreen handle knife

[@Ankky22]

if only Praxis came in clip point instead it would be perfect

[@misterbaker9728]

Got a feeling it’s that laconico!!! Spoiler it’s not!!! Pete will not be happy!!! Merry cxmas glad to be part of such a cool community

[@jace1873]

Not a huge fan of Medford. Too bulky of knives for my taste. Few models are okay but then the price just makes my mind up for me. All other brands mentioned are really nice and spot on. There are a few I think u missed here but great vid. Would love to get a mudd

[@meson183]

Hi Nick Just a thought for next year. What about an extra category for Best Art Knife of the Year?

[@Xyrium]

Man, if that CIVIVI isn't a clear knockoff of a ZT0562, ugh. Nick, I'm surprised that the title isn't Budget Knife of the Year. Only the Spydie gets respect here from me. Always great stuff from you though.

[@bach5780]

Benchmade Fact FTW. Merry Christmas!

[@KcFpv..]

Obviously it's all opinion, but please help me understand? The reason you took off the mass drop Keen in your words is because it's a framelock flipper and that's boring. And your knife of the year is a liner lock with a thumb stud? Ummmmm confused?? Do you really feel that's more exciting then a frame lock flipper? I mean I would understand if you picked an exciting new locking system?

[@NickShabazz]

A thin knife, thin blade, focus on carryability and cutting, all of those things are unusual in the modern market. It’s a major step from the norm in the mid to high end.

[@KcFpv..]

@@NickShabazz thanks for the reply have a good Christmas

[@KcFpv..]

Still in love with that Keen though

[@tallat8888]

Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@jthink1984]

Is watch of the year coming? 👀👀

[@clintwolff8561]

Where's the Ace Biblio?

[@bobb.9917]

I have some of the knives that you had on the table...but my favorite knife of the year is my Custom Knife Factory Morrf 5. Every time I hold it in my hand I just say..."yeah...that's right!" . You should try one. 🤖 That being said, I own a Neutron, it’s affordable and definitely a knife that everyone can own and LOVE. You have to throw out your preconceptions and just get one and use it. I know I did. It's a gem. Nice choice!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Really awesome 2018 collection of knives video reviews!!!😄👍💜

[@PhantomObserver]

Are you going to do a Watch of the Year too?

[@joexg50]

I like We knives but they are pricey. Of course some more than others.

[@SeanLiu888]

I don't understand the TRM Neutron blade and handle shape. If you look at the outline, it looks like knife that started melting and drooping.

[@NickShabazz]

If you’ve held one, it makes a lot more sense.

[@kylem4898]

Melted into your hand

[@meccagold2009]

Where is the bare knuckle? Not necessarily for knife of the year but just a review in general.

[@testpiloterb1828]

Wow that Holt is one sexy knife! But I’d have to agree with your pick nick. Availability it’s key 🔑 great pick for 2018 👍🏻

[@Savage.Doomer]

Exactly!

[@misterbaker9728]

Aquila !! Hopefully we can get a d2 lck in 2019

[@rafaelreig8246]

Matt Baker Nope! S35VN, yes!😄

[@readyme]

What screwdriver is in the photos?