The Three Rivers Manufacturing Atom Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@NickShabazz]

One quick correction from TRM: "Minor detail correction- sorry Nick. The OD green Micarta for our first sample scales the Micarta was an unusually deep green, looking almost black in pictures. We have a handful of this deep green Micarta scales, but the next batch of Micarta we are milling is the more standard OD green. We currently will be offering ruby red Micarta, OD green Micarta, bone Micarta (BladeHQ), carbon fiber and dark gray textured G10. Eventually, they will be available separately. Our focus is on scales for our first production knives."

[@mariannehalpern5488]

Good Morning Everyone,Only 5 days to finish all of our Blade Show prep. Thanks Nick for creating another monster for TRM. Our plan was not for Nick to have the only Atom on the planet. Our intention was to ship Atoms to the 40 lotto winners at the same time as Nick's. We all know how that goes with plans. Blade Show crept up on us, and we had to have Atoms to sell/play with. Jenn sent emails to all our winners explaining our situation and everyone was so gracious- THANK YOU.When manufacturing a new knife, you don't want to get too far ahead or you can be left with lots of scrap (from experience). In manufacturing, something always comes up that you hadn't anticipated. NO ONE wants Neutrons and Atoms more available than Les and I do. Atoms and Neutrons are in continuous production. Right now Atoms are ready for assembly, more blades are due back from heat treat this week and another batch of 300 blades will be waterjet cut this week. Even though all parts are CNC machined, hardware and even screws are custom-made, assembly of only 5 parts can be an an art form. Bend all the lockbars on the same jig and they don't bend the same. Titanium has a mind of its own. One detent is perfect and the next knife is too hard to open. Of course we are thrilled Nick thought our Atom was a gem and even Nick couldn't find any ugly. The "Shabazz Bar" is very high (how's that Bryan?) We want every customer to receive their Atom and feel the same way. TRM is up to the challenge, but we it's going to take time to meet the demand. Maybe I should try to be a Shabazz Junk next time!Thank you to so many folks who have followed my almost daily updates and ramblings on Instagram and in our Facebook Group TiCOONS Really Matter. You have shared some of the pain and suffering during the development of new products. Anyone need a job assembling? Dream of living in MA where the weather changes every hour? Marianne HalpernCo-Owner of TRM

[@SliceyDicey]

So glad that I have mine reserved before the Shabazz effect kicks in!

[@kratoids]

can confirm the effect is still kicked in

[@taylor4480]

Science and knives resonate so well! It's great to see companies that are on the same wavelength as their customers synthesizing these nice slicey knives with greater frequency! Hopefully they can amp up their production and increase their yields. I hypothesize that doing so will help to catalyze the formation of a stronger bond with their customers!

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Certainly doing our best. Many Neutrons and Atoms in various stages of production. Sign up for our newsletter for all release updates www.threeriversmfg.com

[@taylor4480]

@@mariannehalpern4009 I am sure you are! You do some great work, I love my Neutron and am watching closely!

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@taylor4480 Thanks for your support

[@mus0u]

this is the physics pun police, you're under arrest

[@fsen1999]

and simultaneously not under arrest

[@dinchild1755]

His Planck pun was excellent.

[@MrTuffCookies]

I know this video is 2 years old and I’m way behind the curve, but I just got an Atom in hand today and I can’t help but think/feel that the Atom is like the evolution of the RAT 1 with every single one of the improvements/upgrades that so many RAT-devout knife bros have been hoping and praying for. Even the action is somewhat reminiscent of a RAT 1 in a way, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. I love the action on a RAT. I don’t get down on bearings. That said, the Bareknuckle (particularly the 20CV version, of course) is a solid budget competitor.

[@abc456f]

Sold my micarta viator and cf neutron in anticipation of getting an atom in grey g10 for $189. No regrets. Love the larger atom and while the viator and neutron were crazy sharp, this atom is off the chart. Glides through magazine paper like it's not even there. Best textured g10 I've ever felt, very grippy without being uncomfortable. A shining gem indeed.

[@larryrosen2984]

Love your reviews . TRM is such a pleasure to work with. Yes... it is worth waiting for.. Thanks Nick , for all your help, in helping me make intelligent decisions, forming a wonderful collection. Happy Holidays to you and yours..💛🙏🐾🎈

[@philvallee645]

Brilliant review Nick thank you! The physics puns had me in stitches and you didn’t get entangled! Sorry couldn’t resist.

[@JackieDElia]

Nick, Your ethics are a model that so many reviewers / (influencers… cough cough) should follow. I trust your reviews and enjoy your videos.

[@mpurvin]

Took me a while to get a neutron and it’s great. Didn’t get picked for the lottery for atom. Looking forward to increased availability in the future.

[@jukey427]

Just got an Atom from the Feb. 2021 drop. Left hand open can be achieved via spidey flick. However I can not spidey flick it right handed. Thanks for the great content.

[@jkstdstang]

I have been awaiting the release of the atom ever since learning about the neutron and it's finally dropped! I did receive the email for the drawing lottery to possibly purchase one however it was just a little too pricey for me but now after watching the review I really want one even more. thank you for the review!

[@mikedavis1033]

Have a 0562CF, PM2, Para 3, Native 5’s, Mini-Grip, Bugout, and I can say the Atom is the real deal. It has benched my entire collection! The Bugout may actually be the closet comparison, and the Atom blows it out the water.

[@MetalEffort]

Well, I decided to review the Atom before watching your review. It is hilarious how similar our reviews turned out. Mine is going up soon. I can spydie flick it of course.

[@cavedog1279]

Absolutely fantastic to see an manufacturer using thin blade stock for once, I would love for this to become a trend.

[@ranger5281]

I got an Atom, and really dig it. The O-rings are a necessary adder for the sharp thumb studs, in my estimation, and TRM sells sets of O-Rings for a fair price on their web site. Well done on the slicey Atom! A light weight, efficient gem of a folder. Extra nice that we can get premium scales.

[@mikepersin6405]

I’m so pumped to have my new carbon fiber with blue Kevlar atom coming this week. They had them available for order briefly this week despite saying 12/19. They already shipped it and is scheduled to arrive Thursday. Early merry Christmas to myself!!

[@Tankman333]

got the neutron per your review love it got the atlas love it our knife laws won't allow the atom blade too long really sucks i don't think you are by no means nit-picking we need you guys i have spoken to folks at trm and they are top shelf hard workers it takes time be patient they are a great product thanks Nick

[@mrc2205]

Well I really enjoyed your review I must say. I have Three of the TRM knives. The Atom, the Neutron 2 and even the Nerd. I love all of them for different reasons. I just think the quality of my three knives is fantastic. I didn’t have any centring problems at all thankfully. I payed more then twice the U.S price because I’m outside your country. But still worth it.

[@ponchowizard5182]

"The knife actually cuts things" -Nick Shabazz

[@nickmccrite]

That was impressive. Quantum humor at its finest.

[@fernandocervera3564]

Your videos make me smile dude! Thanks for putting all this great content out and for spreading a bunch of positivity!

[@jeffreyweber8006]

Beautiful knife, great review as usual. My tiny quibble as a machinist would be .38 is "three hundred eighty thousandths" .09 is "ninety thousandths"

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Oh so true and 1 thou is .0001. I had to relearn my decimals when we opened Halpern Titanium😊🙋‍♀️

[@starkparker16]

Nick's just burning, doing the neutron dance.

[@biggblu52]

All puns are physicist approved.

[@KarlFarbman]

LOVE all the particle physics puns!!

[@thomash4578]

Replaceable scales should be on all quality knives

[@mariannehalpern4009]

We love lefties too! Please come by for a lefty test at Blade Show. We can also make a run of scales with a larger thumb ramp for lefties. We listen and do our best to respond to requests. Let's hear from lefties. FYI Nick. TRM lefties in the factory, flicked with ease😊🙋‍♀️

[@Ekybob_Plays]

I can left-hand work my Neutron pretty easily so don't imagine the Atom will be that much harder. Looking forward to my number coming up in the lottery!

[@gustafari6241]

I would be interested in lefty scales.👍

[@wydrjc]

Well, since you said you listen to requests, I'd like to request to be able to purchased an Atom! lol

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@wydrjc I'm listening

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@wydrjc Join our TRM Facebook Group TiCOONS Really Matter. Special lotto the end of June.

[@EverydayCityCarry]

Cool knife and a cool comparison / review with the Neutron.

[@jolness1]

Rewatching this and holy shit all of the atomic puns... they're nuclear.

[@guitarrocker0991]

Swap the clip on the neutron to left hand carry, put in left pocket, carry both knives. Problem solved. 😂

[@freestatefellow]

Hoping for a TRM molecule at some point.

[@pateralus9]

Hopefully they don't make a WIMP, though!

[@anthonydoan1991]

Nick geeked out on physic toward the end and it was amazing.

[@jessruss40]

That ending was legendary

[@seekermcclane9627]

I really love this knife especially with the ability to change the handle scales fairly quickly. The pivot is not a pivotal part of keeping the handle scales on lol. I may at some point have to purchase one assuming ill be lucky enough to.

[@EVONLMessi10]

Exceptional Review and Vid as always Nick as this is My #1 Favorite Knife Video of All-times!!! The TRM ATOM CF is Proudly My #1 Knife of 2019!!! Everything about it and in it is unique and premium especially the 3D Milled Carbon Fiber Scales and Elegant Design overall!!!

[@KoachOfGaal]

My local knife shop has become a TRM dealer and I finally got my hands on an OD Green Atom. Definitely a fine piece and worth the money. @WayOfKnife

[@patricksaueressig7476]

Being a lottery winner, I can’t wait to get mine. Solid review as usual, Nick,

[@fmcconstantino]

Damn it Nick... Now I want this more than ever and it's near impossible to get in Europe :(

[@mikeoneil1636]

Missed out on the lottery, but now on the waiting list for the next run. Neutron was a bit small for me and carbon fiber was a little slick. I think the Atom in Micarta will be a better fit for me. Oh, and thanks for the Physics refresher Nick. I'll continue to be Gluon to you channel for years to come.

[@VierImageStudios]

That summary was masterful. 🤣

[@marktheboss6441]

100% The best atom review

[@TundraMMV]

Wow !! A knife review and a Physics lesson in one !!

[@connerwhite7743]

I needed this dosage of puns! Thanke Nick!

[@bobb.9917]

Got the knife with the red micarta and gray G10 scales....(traded my neutron for it!) Great knife...but for the money...I have to say..(picky here, but valid)...I had to take both sets of scales and wet/dry sand down all around the edges...They were just not finished-off very well. SO MUCH nicer in the hand after that. Now my knife came from a KZbin pass-around group so it could have been bent..but I had to the the clip off and rebend it to get some "decent" tension..not the greatest for security even after that...but simple and good enough...Like the knife a lot.

[@nopnog6117]

The conclusion is just awesome, the nerd in me can't help but leave a comment 😆

[@JoshWoolard]

I need this in my life.

[@dinchild1755]

You can spidey flick this bad boy. It was already my favorite knife before I realized I could do this...

[@noneban]

when shabazz is nitpicking about things like availability you know it must be a gem of a knife

[@senseidadproductions]

Just ordered the CF version but the prices has gone up to 279. Hope it's worth it. thanks for the review.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Good design and not to large for the liner lock . And the fine tip makes it good for utility use . Thinner handles are really great ! As long as the scales are very stiff .

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

What a wonderfull piece... I am pretty broke these days... if I would have the money for I would order 2 or 3 of these today...

[@tcj2185]

Have you picked a favorite between the two since getting them?

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I want one !!!! Thanks Nick

[@paultrow7266]

I gather that the TRM business model is to manufacture a knife, but not make enough of them so that anyone who wants one can buy one. It's like making a commemorative coin whose value increases because so few of them are available. The lack of availability also drives up interest in the knife, because everyone wants what they can't have. Personally, I don't really understand how such a strategy could work - but that's probably because I would never spend any time trying to buy a knife that is hard to obtain, when there are so many great knives out there that are easy to buy.

[@Ekybob_Plays]

Late to the game here but I'm revisiting the review having now received my Atom. Semi-ambi but left hand dominant here - I can work this knife with my left hand. The Neutron is easier and unlocking the Atom with my left hand is tricky, but it is doable. Not a process I like rushing due to the proximity of my knuckle to such a sharp edge and the risk of dropping the knife altogether. I love the knife, by the way.

[@snakedude61]

Titanium liners aren't a longevity concern to you at all. I have had the Gent for about a year and the lock bar has worked its way almost to the other scale.

[@MrSurf247]

Great review as always! Clean folder.

[@killingkindness]

I’d often wondered what science you -tisted. That pun-o-thon end leaves little darkness to the matter.

[@damienhughes7228]

Not to get off topic but what are your thoughts on the boos blades hound? I can’t wait to get a neutron or atom though

[@sublyme2157]

Oh Nick, this is sweet pillow talk!

[@chippatton9614]

Nick you got me trying to get one of these any idea if they will have a DLC model??

[@christamu2]

I'm really digging the Atom but I hope the Kaguya gets released one day.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

That had a few production nightmares, so it had to get put on the proverbial back burner. We love the Kaguya and really want to finish them in production.

[@Omniseed]

try using both studs at the same time, it allows for a more controlled opening similar to the push platform on a kydex sheath

[@jessruss40]

I ordered this in the OD Green. Did I mess up not going for the carbon fiber?

[@jessruss40]

It came in. I did not mess up. The micarta is amazing. Can't wait to own additional scales.

[@fanofactionflicks]

today april 10, 2021 i was lucky to order one in grey g-10, i added the royal blue scales to that order.

[@MetalEffort]

I've heard of this new invention, I think it is called employees. Someone should tell TRM and the Holts about them. This newfangled contraption might just be the niché solution for them.

[@thomash4578]

Wait a moment there "Mr Sciency". Are you trying to make us believe that having more people involved in production increases production throughput? Where do people come up with these radical "theories"?

[@MetalEffort]

Thomas h Yeah, what next? Some kind of line of people doing one specific task in the assembly of knives?

[@thomash4578]

Whoa whoa. Yikes let's not get too technology here. A line for production? A special line just for assembly? Never catch on. Wacky idea. What would you even call such a thing?

[@mariannehalpern4009]

It's extremely hard to get the right people. Looking for assemblers now. We have 14 employees and trying to add more.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Now I have to wait for an Atom. Loving the Neutron.

[@wydrjc]

I was hoping you'd say it was terrible. I have an atlas and a neutron. I got the email about pick a number one to 100 and send in your info to try to purchase an atom but never heard anything so I assume I didn't get it.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

What was your number. We only notified the winners, but I'll check to make sure we didn't miss you.

[@wydrjc]

@@mariannehalpern4009 I picked 87.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

@@wydrjc Sorry that wasn't drawn.

[@jivadaya6439]

I was absolutely convinced that, given my hand size, the Neutron was exactly what I should get but, after watching this review several times, I am now thoroughly confused and leaning heavily toward the Atom... Good news though, I can't freakin' FIND one! Not interested in getting gouged (nice one right?) by the second hand market folks.

[@TJPavey]

Got picked in lottery asking for red micarta.

[@RealAndyOriginal]

Lucky

[@paulx7620]

I'm proud that I got most if not all of those puns 👍

[@jasonerickson1867]

Hey nick who do i go through to buy this knife what site

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Sign up for our newsletter www.threeriversmfg.com to get all release updates. Sales will be direct and through BladeHQ. Expect availability to grow throughout the summer months and beyond. Neutrons and Atoms will be in continuous production.

[@finnmcool2]

An opinion from one lefty. Liner locks are inherently asymmetrical so cannot be made 100% ambidextrous. I give them full credit for trying to accommodate the sinister side of the population.

[@ozedc7286]

IV ordered my atom can't wait till I get here it's talking awile cause I'm in Australia

[@davidwatson3035]

Puntastic!!!!!! A match for the Lehrer elements song.

[@thebutcher7919]

Neeeeeeeed! How to get one in Australia??

[@ZakWilson]

I love the thinness. I don't love the thumbstuds, even if they're *halfway* out of the way of the cutting path.

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Really amazing design knife looks reviews!!! :D

[@randyf.9188]

Atom or Skaha 2?

[@HallowedLunch]

That is the bastard love child of the Kershaw 1570, and Protech TR4.

[@charlesserc7753]

Does anyone no how to get one?? I have no idea

[@conductorcammon]

They should make the thumb stud a Mushroom Cloud shape....

[@bigsby4217]

That string of scientific puns though...🍆

[@skellyelly5689]

Holy shit so many fucking puns at the end there

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

TRM Quark when?

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Proton- Neutron-size framelock with Wharnie blade and thicker stock. Neutrons, Atoms and Turbk have been our focus so no proto yet.

[@franksalem8580]

Did you mention that the "erg" onomics were great?

[@Woodyt]

Well its now Nov 17, 2019 and the price of the atom with carbon 3d scales is 279.00 so that one won't be for me. Maybe in a linen but depends of their prices now.

[@ferrumiumcanis5211]

Screws go to liners, scales fastened by two T6 screws only... yeah, it's a gentleman's knife.

[@davidmarshall7752]

Nucleus, interaction, Μμ, positron, quantum, constant, quarks, accelerate, parity, repulsion, boson, hadron, spin, en-Schröding, photons, reaction, molec-cool, and... wait for it... uncertainty. Wow, did I get them all ?

[@Dynotop1a]

You missed ion. (Eye on)

[@davidmarshall7752]

@@Dynotop1a Nice, missed that.

[@NickShabazz]

Particle-ly accelerate. Ground like a Planck

[@davidmarshall7752]

@@NickShabazz *Planck*... of course. A physicist worth getting a hadron for.

[@DrFrankLondon]

Looks good, too bad I can't get my hands on one....😭😭

[@davidwatson3035]

Same here, it looks very smooth.

[@Howardsheppard]

David Watson I’ve given up trying to obtain these. Nothing is that good!

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Working hard to increase availability. Taking this Atom release slowly to maintain high quality standards. Atoms and Neutrons are going to be in continuous production and availability will increase through the months ahead.

[@mariannehalpern4009]

Minor detail correction- sorry Nick. The OD green Micarta for our first sample scales the Micarta was an unusually deep green, looking almost black in pictures. We have a handful of this deep green Micarta scales, but the next batch of Micarta we are milling is the more standard OD green. We currently will be offering ruby red Micarta, OD green Micarta, bone Micarta (BladeHQ), carbon fiber and dark gray textured G10. Eventually, they will be available separately. Our focus is on scales for our first production knives.

[@RM_Electrical_Engineering]

love the puns

[@paultrow7266]

When you demonstrate that the Atom is hard to deploy left-handed, you're holding the knife in your right hand.

[@hulkamstrongest]

For all the atomic puns, you can't not get a like.

[@georgeronnieburnettburnett4684]

I have the neutron.Its ok.I like my 940 and mini grip with 20cv better.

[@ValentinPlotnichenko]

I'm in Boston area, now I want the knife too as local specialty...

[@doolyskating]

My neutron was so bad I wouldn’t consider picking one of these up unfortunately /:

[@anotherknafguy3679]

IsotHOPEfully they can keep them coming! ;) ION-ly want the best for this great company :)))))

[@Abbbb225]

Most intense punnery