The WE Knives Kitefin Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@jamesbaker9788]

Okay thanks Nick for another wonderful review. I am sorry that some people are disappointed that it’s a Chinese made knife and you gave it high marks but I have seen you praise knives from all fronts. And also give them bad reviews no matter where they where made so I respect and use your judgment on knife purchases. I thank you for being honest on the knives not on the makers that is what I am buying is the knife so again thank you good sir.

[@donnyh3497]

I just got one of these in blue and I freaking love it. The elegant look, the blade shape and the choil for choking up for leverage. It disappears in my pocket, it fires out like a blurr. Now I see this review and I couldn't agree more. Fantastic Quick edit, I stripped a screw using the wrong size star bit and I contacted customer service to ask about buying a replacement hardware kit. They sold me a kit containing every single screw, spacer, bearing, and washer in the knife for so ridiculously cheap that I asked for 2. Then they slashed the price even more for buying 2 and it shipped all the way from their factory to Denver in less than 2 weeks. Their customer service was exemplary throughout. Great job WE!

[@DEATHMETALRUST]

3.25” a great size. Not unwieldy. Thats what he said.

[@derekfuller1599]

I bought a Kitefin and I love it. I was waiting for your review on this and I'm happy that you agree that it is an excellent knife. Your opinion confirms by bias :) Nice review. Thanks

[@MatyasTurk]

Got one as soon as i could, and i absolutely love it. Probably my favorite knife of the year so far.

[@iansharpe8420]

I really anticipated the knife to be 250-300

[@dominickcabal5347]

The Kite Fin is on my radar...beautiful design! Dom...

[@JackGHobbies]

Nice review. Loved everything about the knife however after a many in/out of the pocket tests I had to return mine due to pocket shredding. Attribute it to the relief cut combined with the pocket clip. I don't attribute it to tight clip tension. Dear makers please put relief cuts on the blade side and enable smooth contact between pocket and clip - my 2c. Stay well and hope this was just my experience since it is an otherwise "gem" (Nick quote) of an EDC.

[@williamlenderman387]

The Kitefin in bronze ano ti with the overlapping circles is looking pretty stellar to me. May have to pull the trigger on one...if I can find one if the little gems.

[@jolness1]

I love that you referenced 8TB HDDs. I remember 1GB seeming like an unimaginable amount of space. I remember when we hit $1/gb for 80gb disks and being so excited. Now I have a server with 10 x 14TB drives and it costed me.. not much for 140TB

[@deanalbertson7203]

I was recently looking at some charts of the Rockwell Hardness Scale, and what stuck out to me is how great ZDP-189 steel is, right at the top of the charts. So, the Spyderco Delica, Edura, and Dragonfly in ZDP-189 really are great knives. My Delica in ZDP has been a great knife. Just wanted to put that out there. Have a great day.

[@joshjohnson2956]

ZDP is a pain to sharpen

[@AddemRector]

Depends on what you're looking for. Some steels are better at retaining an edge, some better at sharpening, some better at rust resistance, and some better at how hard they are. All depends on what you're looking for.

[@matthewharris7373]

Damn. There I was, virtually dead set on picking up one of the new Hougue Ritter Minis with it in my cart at the checkout page. But I decided to hop onto KZbin and get caught up on some videos and obviously ran across this one. The Kitefin tempted me so badly a few weeks ago when they first dropped, but at the time I just didn’t have the money. So I had all but forgotten them....until this. Now I find myself in the all too familiar position of being in limbo between two great knives that are both undoubtedly fantastic and clearly “needed” in my ever growing collection. If I buy both, I will most definitely regret not just buying one nicer $300 knife. If I just buy one, I’ll still want the other one. And probably even more than I do now because that’s how us knife addict’s minds work. So DAMN YOU NICK SHABAZZ!! DAMN YOU I SAY!!!! 😉😏😁😆👍🤘

[@6nosis]

Lol this 👆🏻

[@dimi7055]

I knew this was a gem the day it came out so insta bought it back then!

[@jont3227]

I absolutely adore mine. The detent is perfect. On paper this is the best EDC knife I've ever owned bar none.

[@tragedyshero72]

I’ve got the one with the overlapping circles. It’s beautiful and the detent on mine is good to go.

[@natet.5813]

Just got one of these in the Grey Ti and the only nitpick I have is the screws: since they are beveled (especially the small pocket clip screws) and it’s held in with blue locktite, it’s really really easy to strip them because your but is only grabbing a tiny portion of the screw head.

[@flipmode45]

Good review, I recently got one and first thing I thought was Nick is going to love this. I will say the detent on mine is a little soft, still a excellent knife though. Have you thought about reviewing the We Synergy2? I’d love to see that, looks like an interesting piece.

[@mjc7778]

Great review. Competition makes the market better. Sounds like a great value and a true gem. I wish it was ambidextrous.

[@argyle1812]

I would be curious about this one compared to the KC exclusive one with g10

[@kerrykitterman4602]

Love it just my size. Who has them in stock??

[@kerrykitterman4602]

I'm A neck knife fan .carry on belt horizontal often

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

A lovely knife and a decent price too. I'd just be a "wee" bit worried about the leftie friendly factor to take the risk.

[@bondxxxnnm1203]

Great little folder. The mechanics are excellent and the blade is like a scalpel. I like! Thanks for the review. 👍

[@davidmarshall7752]

This is tempting but I've had too many issues with lock slippage from WE.

[@Kyle_Sentz]

I have one with the bronze anodized titanium scales and its set up for us lefties. Mine is strickly a push button flipper, you cant really light switch flip it at all but its fine with me.

[@btslacker5237]

I would agree with it could be one of the best EDC’s made

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Good looking design ! Simple and clean lines..Like the size of this one, easy to pocket. Good review, thanks for sharing.👍😊

[@sinjon]

Doesn’t the detent ball ride along the blade tang as soon as it gets up on the blade anyway? The only time it’s ever off of the blade is when the knife is open. I wouldn’t want to keep my finger there pressing over on the lock bar anyway

[@davidmarshall7752]

Attractive build, but I have had consistent issues with WE's lockface geometry.

[@officialandproper]

What issues have you come across?

[@nickschu9057]

The detent on mine was pretty good maybe ever so slightly weak but it’s not bad.

[@Buzzby4020]

Sure would be nice if WE were to make this gem in a left-handed version!

[@jamesgurr4401]

It's love at first sight with this knife for me. Just beautiful- and the 2001D (blue Spirograph) version is even beautifuller! So thanks for the great review Nick, I guess..?😂. There's a definite hole in the boat of my finances that corresponds to whenever you get this enthused about a knife, Mr Shabazz..

[@ringingsteel8729]

We is making some awesome stuff. Really holding out for the black void opus though.

[@andrewbounds5497]

I couldn’t agree more. There’s some nitpick to be had, but the overall package is great! The circles on the titanium ones is out of this world cool...

[@chetchelios7614]

Yeah nice package indeed mate

[@davidh0159]

After looking at all the variations of this knife, I don't think they have one that doesn't look superb. My personal favorite is the one with the circles. Very snazzy. And Nick, if you have to explain the pun...

[@sinjon]

david h Definitely getting the one with the circles. You can’t lose with either version. They’re all well designed

[@6nosis]

That’s part of his shtick HE REALLY HAS TO EXPLAIN THE PUN; no really; as a matter of fact I don’t think (and this is a nickpic of mine) that he’s ever- not explained the pun- evar.....I have been known to be wrong before ; pffft I just lied to you like that...

[@gregoryburke2562]

It’s good that you really like the WE Kitefin Nick. How would the WE Kitefin stack up against another $160 knife in the Ritter Hogue (Doug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2, Black G10 & Stonewashed Crucible CPM-20CV)?

[@D33K4Y]

Glad I bought one before the review, as they are now sold out!

[@Ike32]

I have a titanium and a carbon fiber kitefin. Can confirm the detent variance. Still good knives though

[@michaelmarsh4013]

Yep, mine has a detente that's a little soft. It does fail to open all the way occasionally.But I totally agree withe review: great knife!

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Down the road would be nice to see some damaskus and m390

[@stratojack1]

Only complaint I have is the tightness of the pocket clip. Otherwise, a great knife!

[@irorules]

can you try the ifixit mahi 1/4 inch driver

[@censusgary]

A kitefin, by the way, is a kind of shark. It’s a fairly small shark, averaging maybe a meter in length. Does this knife resemble a shark somehow? Not to my eyes. For that matter, I don’t think a kitefin’s fins look like kites, either.

[@chetchelios7614]

I have a kite that's a shark, it's got a couple fins on it

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Very cool design, caught my eye when they first released it. I don’t think it will make it into my collection though, there are others that I definitely prefer. This however seems like a total win for WE

[@fabsenbmx]

mine had a terrible soft detent and definately wasnt flippin reliably 100 % Had to send it back

[@ATherapeuticEdge]

It's a superb little knife.

[@thomash4578]

Looks like a good design

[@mforrest1508]

we is sponsoring blade banter now..... wonder why they got that nice description up on their site...

[@MichalBreslau]

Kitefin or Spyderco Smock? I know those are two different knives, but...

[@MortalMayonnaise]

does anyone have info on when these are restocking?

[@sinjon]

ned this one is in stock at knifecenter

[@MortalMayonnaise]

@@sinjon Thanks! just picked up the blue and gold one!

[@TheCosaNostra13]

Can’t find them online anywhere

[@brandonmiller9423]

TheCosaNostra13 same I ended up finding one with the bronze circle cut scales and ordered it on blade hq, but they’re even out of those now

[@kerrykitterman9714]

Great review, Right on!! Got mine with the Cool G. 10 black and white, Very Cool!! At $139 ..I've got several WE KNIVES. PAID TWICE As for them. ? I. Actually Carry this ,kitefin Very SOLID. GEM 💎 😉🙃

[@jeefthebeef-21wrx]

Hey Nick, there's a knife I want you to review, but how do I contact you about it?

[@thomash4578]

Go to his website. He has instructions

[@DanRobards]

That thing is damn beautiful

[@bobb.9917]

WE is my favorite production knife company for a reason...My first expensive frame lock years ago was a WE...😎

[@raptorrusso6960]

Nick this is the perfect knife for me i work at a ski/bike shop and it’s a bit of a classy place and we can openly carry but I don’t wanna carry my sabensa (classy knife) so thanks

[@patrickalbertson2768]

Blade HQ has it for $135! Now

[@jameshewettjr.3147]

Most of the WE knives I own have sharp jimping. At this point I consider it an expected "WE thing"

[@jaystavros7177]

No left hand carry. Makes me sad 😞

[@sk8crazynavy]

I bought the marbled one the day they came out. It's really nice just was to light for me and a little small so returned it. It also did not fire open 100% of the time either because the blade is light or the detent was off. But definitely a deal for the price

[@mickkeim4142]

It is indeed a great lookin knife.

[@michaelstevenson1735]

Mine needed a bit more lock bar tension and a little break in to get the action up to par. It's still not as good as my Boos hound or Aero Mini, but for the price, I'm content.

[@thomasbaleno5822]

You should get commission. You did it to me again :P

[@chasfox1]

You sold me.

[@johnyricco1220]

Why does WE hate thumb studs arrgh

[@crudmuffins2828]

Really wish this had a more drop shutty action, I guess that’s what you get with such a damn slicey blade

[@thomash4578]

Serious question: what is the attraction of this "drop shutty" thing?

[@TheFrogInYourClosetWatchingYou]

@@thomash4578 fidgeting

[@jasonhuiting5193]

I live 15 minutes drive from smokey mountain knife works. I handled 2 examples of this model last week. Both of the examples I handled had a fairly weak detent. One I would call weak and the other medium/weak. Also I didn't like the pocket clip.

[@fabsenbmx]

I had 2 of them in the hand and both had bad detents. way too soft

[@NickShabazz]

Ugh. Well, variation is ugly in this case.

[@kaydenvandeyar9963]

What’s a good knife for a 14 year old with 40 dollars?

[@skellyelly5689]

He’s recommended a CJRB Centros that’s only 35 and I ended up getting one myself. It’s honestly a great tool and really good if you don’t mind a bigger knife.

[@dimi7055]

Any victorinox alox pioneer would be a better option then any knife out there.

[@1paddi]

Buck 110

[@pinballwizard7210]

GHOST XI probably an Ontario rat 2 or 1. The rat 1 is bigger so if you have large hands then go for rat 1 Ontario rat 2 www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79696 Ontario rat 1 (bigger knife for bigger hands) www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-1-Liner-Lock--3692 They both are d2

[@kaydenvandeyar9963]

All sound like great options , thank you

[@ken244]

I like made in USA

[@clintonlewis1261]

😀

[@edrader]

gerber fastballish

[@JernOne]

Nick you should really learn the metric system (or have a metric ruler). Otherwise love your vids ;)

[@thomash4578]

The Nick prefers to measure in Freedom Units. :)

[@Stahlwerk88]

Kornmaaler you’re already on the internet; either google the specs or google a conversion chart and quit complaining when it’s obvious Nick is based in the US.

[@JernOne]

@@Stahlwerk88 you do realize that 94.7% of the worlds population uses the metric system right?

[@BadP0tat0]

Whoever says that is a good pocket clips should BURN IN HELL!!!! The loop is so shallow, that together with protruding clip foot (even with screws recessed), I am unable to stick it deep in anything other that dress pants...jeans pockets just do not go into the loop ;((( great knife otherwise

[@DavePotokar]

So many things about this knife makes me think they are ripping designs from Kershaw. Many similarities in blade geometry to say my Strobe (and others)...which is a nice under $40 dollar but discontinued knife, that can still be had. I took the scales off it making it a "frame" lock and it's even nicer looking. Not a top shelf knife, but for forty bucks, I'd take it over this one on aesthetics. So similar, and I see the same design across many other Kershaws. Anyone else see the resemblance in blade and handle ergos?

[@brianmiller1580]

Nice review, I like everything about it except that its made in China..I know the phone I'm on is prob also from China along with everything else in our daily lives, but I'm trying not send my play money over there anymore if possible. Very tempting though great looking knife

[@TJPavey]

I've offloaded all of my Chinese knives. I have too many knives to carry and use. I'm not anti-China necessarily, but I think the effects of stay at home orders have had makes it clear that I'll try to support local businesses when possible.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

No more China made products for me when there are so many fantastic American made products that need our support desperately.

[@NickShabazz]

Who's coming to mind for you there? Who should I make sure to check out?

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Nick Shabazz Gerber, Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco, CRKT, Buck, Sog, Zero Tolerance, Chris Reeves, Bear and Sons, Schrade, Emerson and that as you know just scratches the surface of American made. We have 33 million unemployed thanks to China, it’s time to support what’s made here or at least in north and South America.

[@jamesbaker9788]

Crkt is China made knife and half of gerber, bucks, Kershaw.,and Spyderco that you mentioned so you have to pick them carefully and still those companies still support China factories.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

James Baker all I mentioned have American made in the bunch it is up to you as a consumer to know what you are buying.

[@andrewscott8892]

It's buying a Kizer from bladehq clearance supporting a Chinese company??

[@andrewscott8892]

@daAnder71 I was trying to rationalize to myself that they have already paid for it so my money is supporting bladehq not Kizer it's already on clearance so buying it is not going to encourage or give them the affirmation that they need to order anymore of that model

[@saucemaster2]

WE seriously needs to start a factory here in the states. Then I'll be a customer.

[@thomasbaleno5822]

Plenty of good made in America knives to compete with this. Though my feeling is if a Chinese company can make something original and not a cheep knockoff, I will buy from them. They don't appear to be price dumping so I'm all for supporting a quality manufacturer. It seems they are playing fair.

[@hehoff33]

I appreciate your position that quality is "about effort not geography," but I'm having a harder time justifying supporting anything from China at the moment if I can avoid it.

[@LordSteven00]

That knife is ugly as sin. I don't know man i usually like your reviews but I got to say this one feels a little biased.

[@nwmetalbug]

To bad its made in china I kinda like it.

[@Sugardaddy501]

Kinda prefer 3" blades due to not dealing with annoying states. I'd rather stay out of legal crud.