The Shirogorov NeOn Lite Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@Fernando31ish]

I've solved the pocket clip problem by not wearing pants! My boss at work isn't thrilled about it :/

[@rexbo5029]

Bought a Neon a couple weeks ago... It has to be THE SMOOTHEST action of any knife I have had the pleasure to handle! The way it flips open and closes under it's own blade weight is phenomenal considering that the blade is so small/light! BTW, great review Mr Nick :)

[@NNNNabeshin]

I like your reviews very much. So many viewpoints and knowladge in them! ...not the usual technical stuff + its a good knife, it cuts, go buy one. Learned a lot from you Nick, I will continue to be a regular viewer.

[@k-dog7013]

I love how you disassemble the knives that you review. I am always interested to see knives taken apart and you doing it adds something special to the review; keep it up!

[@mikem4259]

I just got one of these things, the ultra light with Elmax steel. I just can’t seem to get it out of my pocket, and it’s not due to the clip. Speaking of the clip, it’s perfect. I wear jeans mostly, snd your typical cargo pocket shorts in the summer. The clip works great, no problems whatsoever. It slides in and out of my pocket with ease. It’s just mechanically beautiful. As of this post, however, neon ultra lites don’t drop shut. The detent and lock bar is very strong and it fires like a bullet. You can’t fail this knife. I think there were complaints of the blade opening in the pocket, which is why they made the detent/lock bar stronger. Despite not dropping shut, without a little shaking, it’s smooth as glass. You don’t feel the detent ball sliding on the blade tang. It’s just a great edc due to its size and weight. Also, the ultra lites go for $550 retail. Still a lot of money for a for a folder, but I figured, what the hell.

[@cavecanem2826]

Nick your accents are fantastic. Your Russian, southern accent, so great. Would love to hear others. 👍

[@willy541000]

To counteract the spinning pivot,open the knife and put side pressure on the blade. Works perfectly and if you want someone who you’d trust more on the issue watch the Ferrum forge tear downs.

[@sputumtube]

That Russian accent was amazing!!!!

[@mikec3201]

Hey nick awesome review! I'm currently on the fence I've got a chance to buy a neon lite, the only thing that I'm iffy about is the lock bar insert. After it's been a couple years now since this video, has that lock bar insert posed any issues? That's the only thing hangin me up

[@jasonz777z]

Hey nick, what's the hottest you could safely heat a knife without reversing the heat treatment? I've got an 0808 that came loctite'd shut, hard. So I stuck it in a pot of boiling water. Even then, one of the screws barely came out with lots of fight. I didn't submerge the blade, but in retrospect it's something I shoud've checked first. Any thoughts?

[@NickShabazz]

+Jason Ng I'd say about 300º Fahrenheit and up is the danger zone, and if you start seeing discoloration, then you *know* you've got a problem. Depends on the steel and heat treat. But I wouldn't worry too much about a pot of boiling water or a hair dryer. :)

[@slidetek]

What's funny is the $61 Vespa look-alike has a replaceable lock-bar insert. It's held in place with a screw like the big-boy. I guess that's what makes it a look-alike instead of a clone.

[@mattadler4710]

ah yes. I decided to come back and check out some classic Nick. I love the early videos when he was still shaping the character that is Nick Shabazz, and what a character he is. Its almost like watching a really old episode of the Simpsons where Homer sounds kinda like Walter Matthau. If there is a better knife and gear reviewer, I'm not aware of them.

[@frankq3422]

Hi Nick, looks like a sick knife. Any place I can buy a brand new one of it?

[@shadrack5554]

Hey Nick, based on your review I picked one up on the secondary market. I noticed that I can push the lockbar in all the way to the other side, which seems bad to me. It locks up early when i flip it, but it is easy to push the lockbar further in. is yours the same or did i get a lemon?

[@Grunik1618]

Nick, I've finally joined the Neon club. I can't put this knife down. It's so damn fun to flip. Very glad I found one.

[@NickShabazz]

+Grunik Glad you love it 💎💎💎

[@Grunik1618]

+Nick Shabazz Yeah, I don't see it leaving my collection... ever. I've been comparing the opening action to my Kershaw Leek and am mildly entertained by the fact that they are very similar in opening speed. The reason I chose the Leek is because the flipper tab is largely similar to the Neon (both small and somewhat difficult to push button). I think it's really a testament to just how good the action on the Neon is when it's practically identical to the opening action of an assisted opener. And then it just falls shut. Goosebumps. P.S. I finally managed to find a GMT Razel. Can't wait for that to arrive.

[@NickShabazz]

You're movin' on up!

[@totschopper]

Any recommendations for the lock stick ?and if was to have it sharpened what would I ask for?

[@subroc4]

I just received mine and I have to say, you missed one major ugly in your review: it makes all my other knives feel like dogshit

[@haywoodf]

Thanks for sharing and especially all the beautiful gory geek details. You have a choice ... there can be only one .... choice for your urban EDC needs ... The NeOn or the Grimsmo Norseman or the CRK Ti-Lock (with Sebenza clip) ???

[@NickShabazz]

... If there can only be one, the NeOn. The Norseman's too big, and there are some tasks the TiLock isn't great for. The NeOn is just such a stellar cutting tool.

[@jamestedrow5115]

When I take my Norseman apart the bearings don’t fall out all over hell and creation. And I ain’t supporting the Russian economy. I’ll gladly give my money to a country that is a non enemy!

[@motorzycle]

Great videos!! Could you give me the exact name brand spelling of the Taiwan made knife you showed on this video at 11:07. Thanks!!

[@philo2197]

So, just curious, but what number are you on the RASK and do you know when yours will be coming? Hoping you do a video on it.

[@NickShabazz]

+Phil Ott No clue on my number or timing, but I got into the line fairly late due to some financial uncertainties. And I'm definitely planning to film a review!

[@philo2197]

+Nick Shabazz oh okay. I'm late also. I believe I'm number 555 if I'm reading the receipt correctly

[@maksszmyd1913]

Why on earth did you sell it?

[@lucacadianalbert]

next on my list.... I also love M390 - def my favorite steel.

[@brycewalts2444]

Hey Nick great vid I was wondering if you wouldn't mind making a vid on the disabling of the 0452cf.

[@NickShabazz]

Sure thing!

[@DenisHauser]

Very nice EDC folder! :)

[@georgelewis9127]

NICK: Just put a small amount of Blue LOCTITE on the underside of the non-slotted head of the pivot. That will keep it from spinning, as long as you don't put too much LOCTITE on the threads. You should only need a very small drop of Blue LOCTITE on the threads to keep the screw from loosening.

[@WatchmanNiel]

Lovely Russian there Nicolai... these knives are nice, but in terms of foreign knives I am far more wowed by CKF and its value proposition. Really impressed with the Sukhoi, Gratch and especially the Sablya. I really do think the 0452 created my appetite for larger blades... I also bought a smaller Rike 1508s - it is fine, but not spectacular.

[@randallkelley3599]

Dem screws are soooo cool looking, I luvz em!

[@attercopattercop]

Hey nick, where do I send a knife to you for review? I have a Stedemon B01 and I'd love to get your opinion on it.

[@NickShabazz]

+Joseph D Shoot me an email, its in my about page for the channel.

[@frankq3422]

it cuts some corners for cheaper price but you probably wont realize any unless you sharpen the knife, which is actually easier for ultra lite i believe

[@kennethgross5697]

NIck, as I watched your review, entertaining and informative as always, it kept on occurring to me, that for the price of your $650 Neon with its two serious design flaws, I could buy four or more ZT 0450s or 045CFs on the secondary market. I gotta ask, is that Neon anywhere near four times the knife that the ZT 0450 represents? Ken

[@kennethgross5697]

0450CF

[@NickShabazz]

Ken: In terms of action, the NeOn is really tough to beat, and I prefer the ergos and grind of the NeOn by a mile. But four times as much? That's more a question of your relationship to money than your relationship to knives. We'll just put it this way: If somebody offered me five 0450s in trade for my NeOn (which is more in value), there's no deal there, and if I lost my NeOn, I'd probably be looking for another at the same price.

[@kennethgross5697]

+Nick Shabazz OK. Cool. Now when you get your Rask, that should make for an interesting comparison.

[@NickShabazz]

Agreed!

[@armandosolis3560]

Awesome video. Thank you!!

[@renechavez870]

My 95f nudist is in m390 steel but my Neon Lite is in S90V!! Pretty happy to have both I carry both daily!!!

[@NickShabazz]

Excellent! I've got a review of the F95 coming up in a few weeks!

[@renechavez870]

+Nick Shabazz what blade steel is you 95f?

[@NickShabazz]

M390!

[@jayunitedwestand1810]

i love this shiro and want one more that anything, any idea how i can track one down i never see them available?? i also love your videos i look foward to them...

[@oooTDLooo]

Amazing review sir!

[@craigturton4940]

Its amazing how overpriced all folders look when disassembled!

[@randallkelley3599]

For me, on sub 3" knives as in CRK and Hinderer, the entire knife is scaled down, to much. The baby Sabenza and the xm18-3" are just to small. I like a bit more handle, long and wide, so I kinda really like the Shiggie!!! I think is why people like the Strider so much, its in the middle of big and small, if that makes sense???

[@danielblack8497]

HAHAHA that accent switch was hilarious

[@mastergecko1178]

OMG I will buy this knife with out thinking twice about it if the tang of the blade is not exposed

[@dubglock2312]

good vid nick!!!

[@ultradude5410]

I love the look of a lot of Shirogorov’s designs, but the non-captive bearing they keep using just kills it for me. Cheberkov knives it is!

[@randallkelley3599]

Holy crap, U bought both knives, at one time, thats like 15 big ones. Better do it now before the GF becomes the ball and chain, er I mean Mrs. Nick!!

[@NickShabazz]

Hah. She's got her purses, I've got my knives! :D

[@flythesky3000]

You lost me at $700.

[@josea.836]

do you still have this knife?

[@NickShabazz]

EDC'ed it today, actually. It's really growing on me.

[@josea.836]

+Nick Shabazz Nice. This knife is towards the top of the list I'm looking for. hopefully one day I can pick one up. I've been hiding it hard to find. any suggestions?

[@josea.836]

+Nick Shabazz sorry for some reason my phone has been reposting any comments more than once.

[@josea.836]

+Nick Shabazz sorry for some reason my phone has been reposting any comments more than once.

[@josea.836]

+Nick Shabazz sorry for some reason my phone has been reposting any comments more than once.

[@renechavez870]

I own this one also shiro neon lite

[@ten4leader173]

Nick I love you

[@NickShabazz]

Awww, I love you too (in that platonic, reviewer-to-viewer sort of way!)

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

Very nice..

[@ismayilhuseynbeyov2887]

that russian accent was amazing

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

You have a very unique New York Accent. Brooklyn?

[@raysun1998]

Boston I believe

[@sonnymorgan4680]

Contrary to popular belief, they are actually not much cheaper in russia. If you buy them in russia and pay for shipping, you are pretty much at the same price.

[@brucekaralash5054]

Great review!lol! sub'd👍

[@ponchowizard5182]

"You can take this apart with a penny... but i prefer torx for ease of disassembly." Wat?

[@DougFLA123]

Loose bearings scare me!

[@petergalione9704]

I have become death, destroyer of pants!

[@SteelArtschannel]

Lol ! Nice accent :-)

[@detaildr]

With your spot on Russian accent, it kinda makes me think your Yiddish accent is fake as well...

[@NickShabazz]

When have I spoken Yiddish?

[@johnjohnson-gk4bw]

Oy vey...

[@plamen2110]

You should really get those accent issues looked at ;P

[@NickShabazz]

I know, I know. But it's hard to find a doctor who is wearing a Rolex which can trigger it.

[@plamen2110]

hahaha

[@gearheadknives3994]

Love the Russian voice

[@casweeden]

lol!!

[@void1984]

Loose bearings... I'd loose a half of them with every cleaning.