The Spyderco Amalgam Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we're going to take a look at a big knife, with a great blade, and a pretty unique style, the Spyderco and Brain Lai Amalgam.

[@MetalRush666]

I like big knives and I cannot lie

[@nickkendall3764]

What about butt's tho?

[@DanRksm]

Oh my god, look at that blade

[@The4cp]

You other knife guys can't deny when a knife comes buy with a big ole blade it makes you wanna cry!

[@starkparker16]

My Spydie's on Broadway

[@homoflexual886]

Like stomping on a milk carton

[@brianlai669]

Hi Nick, thanks for the video! I enjoyed your thoughts on the Amalgam, and I'm glad you liked it more than you thought you would =D

[@petergalione9704]

Brian Lai It’s too big for me, but I really like the design. Nice job!

[@destroyalty1933]

Love it. Looking forward to versions with material upgrades. Also brian. This could make a fantastic mini as a sequel

[@alexfalcone5979]

Any word or release, Brian??

[@brianlai669]

@@alexfalcone5979 I have heard that it should be coming soon =)

[@damonexcell8516]

Some on-line retailers have them is stock today. As soon as my retailer gets them in I am going to get one. I am looking forward to getting it in my hands. Great job Mr. Lai.

[@CTom1988]

Watching this video multiple times while waiting for mine to be delivered. I love the sound it makes when the blade closes into the handle. Very excited for it to arrive!

[@jayweast1306]

So you're telling me someone at Spyderco needs to be sent to detention?

[@paulx7620]

Interesting reverberating sound upon closing. Thanks Nick!

[@MoosesGearGooReview]

Thanks for sharing this cool looking blade. At first glance it reminded me of the Benchmade Proxy. Most people know from my channel that im not into bigger folders, but this one is for sure catching my eye. thanks Nick

[@Antimonyish]

That ping it makes when it closes gives me the same feels a Zippo lighter's opening sound. I love it.

[@Gaston-Monescu]

Great review! Whenever detent is deemed suboptimal, I’m not sure what to make of it, because I’ve seen significant variation in detent on different examples of the same knife. Reviews of the ZT 0609 described the detent everywhere from somewhat too strong to way too weak. I sent my Arius in for service. I hadn’t mentioned it as a problem, but the detent went from slightly weaker than I preferred to strong and perfect, in my view. Seems it’s hard to know what the detent should be from evaluation, no matter how thorough, of only one knife. Any thoughts?

[@Na7ure]

You’re so right this thing is absolutely huge but I totally love it! My better half got it for me for our anniversary and it’s such a great knife. I carry it when I know I’m going to be doing good prep or if I feel like a bit better self defense. Overall I absolutely love it. My only complaint would be the detent but the longer I have it the better it gets. Thanks for your hard work brotha, appreciate you

[@irvinangon8944]

Been seeing reviews on the Amalgam and the Brouwer. Well explain. SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@CedricAda]

Really cool knife out of left field there. Looks like your new 0452 stand in 💪🏻

[@The4cp]

It took the 0452 off my list. The size I want, my favorite company, and way less money.

[@jonasfoellner5279]

I remember that you quit liked the ZT 0562 and i know you didn't get your hands on the Amalgam . But i want a fun knife to play with that still get's work done. Because i spend lot of time in my Workshop i want a good sturdy yet fun knife, for most tasks i use my Jaktkit or the proper tools but i like to know that my folders are up to most tasks.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

SLACKER ! Stay on your chan! GET BACK TO WORK ! *Need part 2 of "what can I put on my cat" :)

[@jmuk3571]

The4cp. I’m thinking about getting it but that detent is making wonder if I should

[@jeffd3802]

This or a para 2???

[@themawsjawz_9491]

Excellent review as always. Another very interesting piece from Spyderco

[@ecreacher3515]

I’m so happy to get a good look at this great blade. Want this thing soo bad. Usually can only afford 1 maybe 2 knives a year so this is in the running!

[@maddogtroy28]

This will be my first pricey spyderco but I'm definatly ordering this. Thanks for turning me on to it I love a big knife and a choil.

[@Lied1513]

I love the acoustics of it closing so much.

[@nawafkhalifa5487]

Nick what you think about using teflon tape instead of threadlocker???

[@schneir5]

Is the compression lock a little different on this knife, in contrast to the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 or Para 3 or Yojimbo or Yojumbo, in that the Amalgam doesn't have the stop bar right above the compression lock? I kinda want to order an Amalgam just to see how it's different now!

[@Crusty_Otter]

I've been debating the Amalgam for a while now and it's still very tempting but I just got a Spyderco Canis last week ($238 at BHQ). It's a nice knife but there are a couple things I'd like to change, the G-10/CF laminate scales being one of them. Overall, I've always been happy with the Tai Chung Spydies I've bought. Their attention to detail is outstanding. I'm glad you compared it to the Brouwer, that's another one I've considered. I had no idea the size difference was so big.

[@grimflipz]

Dang... You flipped this knife like 100 times in this video... It must be awesome!!

[@BParker55]

This knife looks like a complete win 👍 great review nick!

[@l337llama]

It's a great looking design and shape. I'd love to see a compact/mini version of it with a 3 inch blade.

[@chrisxx012]

Does anybody know when it comes out? I have been on the pre-order with Blade HQ for quite a while now.

[@The4cp]

Nick your hand is in my wallet again! This is exactly what I expected the Gayle Bradley to be. I've been wanting a flipper with a compression lock too, and at under $200 ! Thanks Nick!

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Grabbing mine tomorow and i cant wait!

[@ChromeArty]

Looking at this from a hunting perspective, it's damn near a perfect folding knife. The choil makes it great for sharpening on a stone, the blade shape is prefect for skinning, the way the grip and the flipper nub are shaped act like a hilt so when your hands are inside and animal (usually cutting an esophagus) you know exactly where your danger zone is. I'm thinking of replacing my fixed blade for this...

[@DieYuppieScum91]

Ball bearings for a hunting knife is a bold choice.

[@colinjewell6551]

Hard to field dress a large animal without thin point on a blade

[@ChromeArty]

@@colinjewell6551 you are correct! I use a very small knife for field dressing. This one can skin though.

[@benkelsey891]

Hey Nick! I was curious if you were planning to look at the Spyderco Tropen at some point? I know it isn't your normal style, but with all the controversy regarding the exposed edge and stuff, I would love to hear your thoughts on the knife as a whole.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice blade. Thanks Nick!! Hava great day!!

[@mosherogoff1252]

I assume you are not including the compression lock knives out of Golden? Meaning the PM2 and PM3?

[@biggin7448]

I dig the size..good review Nick

[@matthewadler1329]

This is a cool knife. Flippers from Spyderco are exceedingly rare, and I think this design was done well, and priced fairly.

[@madman94]

This one interests me, appreciate the review. I'm hanging out for the Kappara, please get one of those on the channel asap, you'll love it Nick, I've handled a few of Alistair Phillips customs & it is a truly awesome design. Thanks

[@lskovly]

This one or Mantra 3 or the Brouwer?? It`s difficult bying a christmas present for yourself.

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Yes....Thaichung needs some detent coaching from the boys in Golden. The Sage 5 also suffers from the same issue and has plenty of ‘detent slop’ to boot.

[@OGBladeReviews]

A compelling review, Nick. Thinking on one, since I can get a 10% discount from WMK. I have the Ikuchi which you reviewed and it was a finger saw, what with that Paul Alexander wheel and a detent which was waaaay too strong for the design. Fortunately, detents on these compression lock folders are easy to fix by gently bending the spring bar on the liner to increase or decrease the tension. Great review, thanks! 👍🔪👍

[@danofiremano]

I'm going to agree with you about the Shaman being a big enough "Big Knife" & now that I put an ODC-CME on it, I like it even better!

[@edgblades]

Ergos look great, great size to weight ratio, all around useful looking good size blade.

[@anthonymiller8979]

That semi choil and the blade shape makes me think of a flipper version of the Spyderco Brouwer

[@unclecow]

another great review Nick

[@tonghe6899]

3 pm2 I purchased have very different detent. One very strong, one strong, one weak. My Caribbean also has a weak detent. I think there is inconsistency for detent not only for compression flipper but for all compression lock.

[@jonathanou8122]

Nice. Probably going to pass on this one as I already have a number of longer edc blades. Still, I do likenthe looks of this over the Para series and even the Manix and I love my Manix. Thanks for the video, great as always, Nick.

[@felixbelanger2659]

I almost immediately modded mine, removed the flipper tab, widened the choil and enlarged the detent hole a smidge. I can now front flip it very reliably :D

[@genoburgess6817]

What's nicer this or shamen?

[@randyf.9188]

Waiting for the Smock!

[@henryohenry1504]

I've been wanting to purchase this knife since January! So I had to wait on the review to see if the detent was dialed in because let's be honest spyderco has been slacking in that department. So now I know before I bought it. Thanks nick! 👍

[@anselmx3]

Can the Carbon Fiber laminate be removed easily? I really like everything about this knife but I can't stand how that laminate looks

[@TruckGuyHD92]

I am anticipating the drop on this knife. I hope they fix the detent on it if not o well. Hey nick are ever going to review the 5 bladed case knife.

[@castleincorporated]

really do like the look of this one..

[@AmanVerma-bt7fr]

Saw you on blade hq bro!

[@jamesscott3263]

Seems like a Spyderco take on some of the Hinderer ZT designs in a compression lock format. Blade shape is certainly close to the 0562, would love to see a side by side.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

I thought Hinderer XM18 right away.

[@erhock92]

Thank you! I thought that the handle was all Hinderer lines! The blade grind is better than a Hinderer slicer though.

[@jcsuperstars1100]

I totally agree, and I think it's awesome. I love Hinderers but they are not slicey.

[@GabrielTan1980]

No wonder I am attracted to this knife. I have a XM-18 3.5 and 2 ZT562 (Ti & CF) and when I chance upon this knife, I was immediately smitten lol. It’s on its way to me from Deadwood Knives now :)

[@dillweed1992]

That's really nice, defenitly getting one.

[@Shanes_sharp_sheet]

This is on my short list!... still waiting....

[@The4cp]

Nick I just got the Amalgam and I have a bit of lock stick. What's the best way to fix it?

[@DieYuppieScum91]

Apply some sharpie to the blade tang. That'll usually do the trick while the knife breaks in.

[@nicholascoulter3760]

How does the amalgum compare to the PM2? Might get this over a PM2

[@destroyalty1933]

Hard to compare. The amalgam will absolutely dwarf the pm2. Other than that it's really just which design you like more

[@pamr7198]

Nice review and all but I'am surprise by your take on this one Nick, it is after all a freaking huge knife, you once compared the PM2 to a montain ;-)

[@brucemcintyre2383]

If I showed a folding knife that size to my fully sarcastic and skeptical daughter, she’d say, “Dad, that is so ULTRA.”

[@user-nu3du9ty5s]

Here we are, approaching September of 2023. White Mountain Knives up in New Hampshire, had one or two of these on hand, brand new, sealed, in pristine condition, and I grabbed one with 10% off. It ended up costing me $207.90, with no sales tax and free shipping (which seemed like a sweet deal and bargain to me). I have a feeling this is going to be one of my go-to EDC knives, for a long time... If you're going to go swimming, you may as well get wet!

[@Nightrain1011]

If Hinderer ever collaborated with Spyderco, I'd expect the results to look a lot like this. I'm not a fan of a lot of Spyderco knives, but I definitely want to check this out and see if the ergos are better than their other offerings.

[@benm1324]

Blade shape reminds me of a hinderer you just reviewed. With a different grind.

[@ashleepettinga4826]

If it were shrunk to delica/mantra size, it would be very appealing, with the seemingly nice ergos to boot

[@jfnurod]

Dear Nick Just got my amalgam in the mail and you are 100% right about the detent. Why is the PM2 dentent stronger than the amalgam??? I bet this has to due with production at the taichung factory dentents on all usa made knives are much stronger.

[@Doc.Holiday]

I too hope that Spyderco engineers “spend a weekend at Detent Camp”…. Thanks Nick!!!

[@ryanc5681]

I wasn't interested in this knife then I saw om knife joy and I thiught to myself let me see if Nick put a review up, and sure enough nick came through as always. Now I want to purchase this knife and beat the breaks off it at work lol. It looks and seems like it feels like a working knife

[@Calvictus360]

If they take out the flipper and strengthen the detente its an instant buy for me.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

My favorite Taichung, Taiwan Spyderco. Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with the Amalgam. It's practically perfect if you want a knife that's on the bigger end of the scale. All it needs is a slightly stronger detent. If I was to have only one knife for everything, the Amalgam would be on the list of knives to consider.

[@BlackwoodBlades]

KZbin unsubscribed me from you so....I've missed the past 3 video so catching up!

[@Halfcocked86]

Is it 175 or 130 ? You said both

[@jesusiskingofkings3960]

Danny Bushaw (wormsdroid) it’s $250 on there website

[@jiakaiwang6367]

looks like a great knife

[@timbo4374]

I want one. I like big knives, even though I am not supposed to be carrying them where I live. I am not always here in the city, and when I head out of this city, I can and do carry a bigger knife. Pretty classy looking edition from Spyderco. The detent is standard Spyderco. My PM2 and Manix 2 and even my Para 3 all can be shaken out. Unless you get one of their back locks like a Delica, you can pretty much count on the detent being weak. I really would like to see them correct that, but I won't hold my breath..look how long we have been asking for a sharpening choil, to no avail. Spyderco is going to do what Spyderco does, and I guess they feel they sell enough of them that they don't really give a shit what we would "like" to see.

[@CTom1988]

Just got mine today and i believe spyderco may have listened to the detent complaint as mine feels very nice and takes quite a bit to shake open. It still can shake open but nowhere near the one nick got for this review.

[@ScottieG59]

Without the finger choil and flipper tab, it would ideal, but those are not deal breakers. It is nice to see a less vulnerable tip.

[@destroyalty1933]

Flipper delete would be an easy mod. I don't mind the choil personally as there's more than enough blade to use still

[@Mike-ul1xn]

I wish the PM2 had a more robust tip like this

[@ranger5281]

"Detent Camp". Hah! And agree completely about Spyderco needing to attend...

[@alexfalcone5979]

Anyone have any news on drop?

[@dfailsthemost]

Shake test!!! Thank you! critical info for me. Detent strength is often described in subjective terms but my state is a shake open = illegal state.

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

Oof, which state?

[@dfailsthemost]

@@adamszuszkiewicz1709 NJ. Though, honestly, our laws regarding knife carry are vague in my opinion. Police are given significant latitude to make on scene decisions.

[@dfailsthemost]

@@adamszuszkiewicz1709 I'm actually shopping for sub 3" slip joints despite nothing indicating those specific requirements. I just don't need the hassle.

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

@@dfailsthemost yeah better safe than sorry

[@Tankman333]

de TENT camp good one nick great review sometimes you need a bigger tool to get the job done hows about a video on the various types of lock ups and such for us dum-dums who are not up on these terms thanks

[@jonnybravo4322]

Anything thai chung is gonna be amazing

[@bignbeefy9378]

The amalgam will be my first spyderco bc i just dont like the look of those leaf shaped blades...the weak detent is a bummer. I have a realistic view of what these things are...a useful piece of pocket jewelry and the fidget factor is a big determining factor for me. Hoping that this is the first in a long line of sexy flippers

[@813johnnfla]

Well I'm glad I watched the video before I bought it... sucks more stores don't carry these so you can actually put your hands on them before purchasing... I'm not sure how I feel about the flipper tab situation and I'm not going to risk buying it

[@RealDealAmerica]

Remove finger from compression lock before the flipper tab hits? Kind of like the Sliverax huh?🤔🤔😂😂

[@capitandonzi2113]

Is this knife “Lefty Friendly”?

[@lulolee5325]

Yes it's. You see, the blade is decent length and width for a folding knife. Decent stopping power.

[@Orochi_001]

We really need a comprehensive list of compression lock models that don’t have the tab pass-through issue. It’s an absolute dealbreaker for me

[@duroisgawd]

I love large folders.

[@PulledPurk]

Remember the Benchmade 10100 LFK?

[@davidmclaren7147]

Overall shape resembles the kizer vanguard dukes.

[@jla442]

This one vs manix 2xl?

[@rihsatqvert4561]

Jorge Alcantar both! Or 2 Amalgam)

[@jonasfoellner5279]

Amalgam vs. 0562 i want a fun knife to play with that still get's work done. Because i spend lot of time in my Workshop i want a good sturdy yet fun knife, for most tasks i use my Jaktkit or the proper tools but i like to know that my folders are up to most tasks.

[@destroyalty1933]

Amalgam, just because zt hasn't been very reliable in heat treating lately. Either one will be up to any task and still be a fun knife

[@BM-dk7cm]

Have Spyderco fixed that problem whereby you can crush the washers holding the bearings if the pivot is too tight?

[@brianlai669]

That shouldn't be a problem on the Amalgam since the bearings ride directly on the nested stainless steel liners (no additional washers).

[@NickShabazz]

Yup

[@Halfcocked86]

As they already answered ill just add that was only a problem on 2 knives .

[@vector8377]

What kind of steel is the blade made of? And is it exceptional?

[@BigDubstepEnergy]

S30V

[@vector8377]

Jared Comer thanks!

[@vector8377]

Thanks man

[@shaunpearson7905]

I really like this channel, but as soon as he starts talking I check to see if the speed is too fast. Btw, my wife says I have a little bit of a belly and a nice tip as well.

[@woodentulike2no]

The way I look at the amalgam is I say it is like a very refined military

[@Dbaxter261]

It would be nice to see a little smaller blade and maybe m390. I would be all over that. Still I think it’s a nice piece from Spyderco

[@sealevelbear]

I LOVE it!!!!!!! 😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@petergalione9704]

That’s a Kevin Cleary knife for sure.

[@larserikjensen4459]

Some of your puns are so bad, haha! Great review as always ;-)

[@orendz7740]

It does kinda looks like the zt 0562cf. Kinda looks like a hinderer

[@danieldan759]

This knife without the flipper action and a better detent...could be a GEM.

[@jeremiahjohnson2881]

Wait so you could either use the thumbhole, compression lock, flipper or you could just shake the blade out. Now that's versatility.

[@themidnightrdr7292]

I really like this knife, but I'll wait until the detent is fixed. Otherwise a perfect knife for me.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

Its like a the Brouwer's big brother

[@TheTimLara]

The Taichung guys absolutely need to fly out to Golden and spend a week in "detent camp". Compression lock tuning is the one area where Golden is still killing Taichung, though they've mastered just about everything else. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that Golden has made 9 trillion PM2s for practice.

[@seanjoyce9475]

Pass on this one,I still prefer the Shaman. In England I’m going to have to pay £175.00 for the Shaman,in dollars a lot more than Americans have to pay!

[@timnichol6566]

In Canada on amazon.ca the cheapest shaman is 279.00 or something like that

[@deathbyastonishment7930]

Sean Joyce Have the knife laws relaxed? I thought you could only carry slipjoints in England?

[@seanjoyce9475]

Death by Astonishment You’re right,plus I think the Shaman blade is slightly over the 3inch rule. I can collect the knife but can’t carry it.Sad isn’t it!!!