The WE Knives Vision R: A Quick Shabazz Review

[@DrMaddog]

I am so sick and tired of other knife reviewers LOVING every single knife they review.....and I very much appreciate your honesty!!!!

[@BrianMiller1973]

Gotta keep the free knives coming in!

[@jayr526]

​@@johnnysilverhand1733 size matters. I suspect he has a very large viewing audience. I say this because feel that he is entertaining and informative. Ifeel that others share my opinion. Advertisers want to reach the largest audience possible..

[@joeallen2354]

A lot of reviewers only review stuff they like.

[@Zaque-TV]

Alot of times they aren't doing reviews at all. They showcase for a particular vendor, which I don't mind. Usually they don't get to keep them either. Probably get a discount

[@Man_Ray78]

I so agree. I hate how they disguise as reviewers but are only influencers.

[@greytging]

As someone who uses knives ambidextrously, the clip and lock combo is what sold it for me. Being able to take the knife out of any pocket, use it and close it with either hand, then being able to put it into any pocket make it so convenient for light work. Though I should note one thing, my Vision seems to act completely differently in regards to Nick's main complaints. The knife also only flips what direction it faces if you have really loose pants. In any kind of regular jeans, dress slacks, or even my pairs of bdu pants it doesnt sit loose enough to do that. Maybe if you wear sweatpants or basketball shorts or something similar, but not in normal pants. The "detent" on mine also seems to be significantly stronger than yours appears, I have no problem with it opening unintentionally or with it being hard to flick. Idk if that's a manufacturing error in one of ours, or just variation with the lock, but they are definitely different. I'm surprised Nick's and my experiences with the knife are so different.

[@greytging]

I've picked up a second Vision R(couldn't resist the Tiger stripe variation), and while the detent is slightly weaker than my first it's still not at the level Nick's is.

[@seth30v]

Great review. I understand and appreciate your perspective...and disagree with it entirely. For me, this is without a doubt the best knife that came out in 2022 and it is because of, not in spite of, every "flaw" that you mentioned. At first, I too was annoyed by the pocket clip, the ergonomics of the lock, the whole experience of interacting with the thing. But after some experimenting, I adapted to its quirks and it all clicked for me. I'm sure part of it comes down to my personal situation at the moment: working at the KnifeCenter I handle more new knives than practically anyone else on the planet, which means that sometimes I'm just burned out and ready to take a chance if it offers me a change. Plus, generally speaking, I enjoy things that challenge my preferences if they can teach me something new. And the Vision R has a lot to teach us about what a folding knife can be! Being able to clean the innermost portions of the knife quickly without taking it apart is a huge practical advantage that basically no other knife can offer. Being able to use the entire edge on a cutting board is another one that very few knives can match. And having an ambidextrous pocket clip that requires no repositioning and no extra hardware is at least an aesthetic achievement, even if it doesn't really work the way one would expect. I will say that a decent self-close (which this lock mechanism does provide) goes a long way to keeping the blade safe in your pocket, even if it doesn't offer a huge amount of resistance to opening. Benchmade knew this when they introduced the AXIS lock-it's one of the reasons why they shipped them with tip-up carry, which was not the norm in their lineup back then and considered to be riskier at the time. Overall, I think your criticisms are totally valid, IF you're looking for this knife to work like other knives. I will even add my own: this knife could definitely use a thumb stud! But it is not an unfinished prototype. It is a brilliant, holistic design from an industry outsider unconcerned with industry expectations. It refuses to fit in the same pocket (metaphorically and literally) as other knives on the market. Many people who try it won't be comfortable adapting to it. And that does represent a kind of failure in its design! But I respect the heck out of Snecx for his uncompromising Vision and WE for following through with it.

[@koomo801]

Seth!

[@NickShabazz]

Different grinds for different kinds! Glad you're loving it.

[@seth30v]

@@NickShabazz indeed, enough to drop a whole essay in the comments! 😂

[@knoxknifemods]

Very well said, Seth!

[@rando27enco]

@@NickShabazzI’m stealing this saying, it’s so perfect

[@CNYKnifeNut]

Thank you for not embracing the dark days the knife hobby is in. You have to be the last of the "original" reviewers that hasn't dove head first into the "You WILL want all of these new Kizers!!1!" garbage videos. Edit: Also, it's refreshing to hear someone that actually knows how to pronounce "ambidextrous."

[@MANNT1S]

Ironically enough Kizer has some really nice pieces… I’ve seen the videos though haha.

[@MikeJ602]

Wow nick you make some great points that nobody else has made about the clip and blade being on the inner side of your pocket instead of fabric side thanks

[@David-js6sl]

would you ever consider reviewing the Ed manifestos knife?

[@wallman117]

I'm very happy with mine. Literally never failed or had any safety issues with it. I've also given it some pretty hard use and again no issues.

[@HelpImDusty]

Fun note: Snecx didn't want to have a pocket clip on the design at all. He felt it unnecessary and no implementation would offer both good function and an adherence to the symmetrical design philosophy he had originally. The clip was then added after many comments whining over the lack of it, and Snecx chose to keep the symmetry over using a standard clip you could swap from side to side. Also it works just fine for me though I get it isn't for everyone.

[@NickShabazz]

That makes a lot of sense, actually. This knife in a slip would be a whole different question

[@puddmuddle]

i replaced the bearings in mine with skiff washers and Ive been loving it. as much as I love the action, its a lot of blade flying around, especially if it somehow opened in the pocket. i like the washers just it kind of doubles down on the simplicity of the design, and still feels pretty good to flick open and closed with a tiny bit of wrist.

[@timothypatterson1382]

What size did you use?

[@puddmuddle]

@@timothypatterson1382 pivot: 5mm thickness:1/16"

[@StereoTyp0]

Love the lines of SNECX's designs, I got my grail Mini Buster last year.

[@Tatterdsoul]

I lost track for a while….No recommendations. But, I was delighted to find ya again and am thrilled at the pile of content. Did ya stop lives? That’s what I mostly watched and I want to thank ya for be a talented and interesting being. Cheers NickMan.

[@codyp1056]

I immediately saw that clip and decided to pass on this knife. I ended up getting cut by a knife that opened in my pocket once. Fortunately, it wasn't a bad cut, but it was enough to scare me into making sure my closed blades are up against my pocket so they cannot open. Thanks for an awesome and honest review, Nick!

[@Kilt_Camera_and_Carry]

Love the video ... Are you taking requests? How about the Giant Mouse Ace Atelier aka The Baby Grand? ... It looks interesting for one who likes smaller knives.

[@joeyz989]

Damnnnnn I'm glad I came across your review!! I was about to pull the trigger on this thing after watching several videos on it, including one from a very "prominent" knife reviewer who pretty much only had good things to say about it. But your mentioning of the weak detent and increased chances of "pocket openings" are an absolute deal breaker for me! Many thanks for your in depth and helpful thoughts on this knife! Definitely helped me out!

[@NickShabazz]

Check out the Civivi version, it's much better.

[@brianjohnson3743]

The clip is weird, but it’s very dependent on how you carry. I carry most of the time in a narrow, dedicated pocket, so it doesn’t bother me. And I’ve never had it open unintentionally. I wonder if the spring in Nick’s is a little weak.

[@buckaroobunnyslippers]

Closed it looks like it should be a multi-tool with the lock mechanism sticking out so much. Some odd choices. I prefer Demko's shark lock with a prominent fin, but not a whole bar running proud down the back. The Sandrin implementation does look cool though.

[@micgalovic]

Yeah, I feel the same about the actual knife. However, as a representation of the idea behind the superlock, this knife is.. perfect.

[@JohnMeche]

Point taken on the clip. I’m a pocket slip guy to protect my precious ti pens and so I never have a problem with it. One of my top knives.

[@horzuff]

I'd also be worried about the clip position if it had a thumb stud or flipper, as those could snag on something on the inside of a pocket and open the knife. Without those and with the tip so deep in the handles in the closed position I'm not worried really. However mine has a stronger detent for sure. The one thing I don't like all that much is the "detent profile" so to speak - it's hard for me to flick it open with my thumb as the detent tension goes to zero really quick after detent release where my thumb didn't get to load up enough momentum on the blade. SpydeFlicks perfectly and lock-release deployments are a hoot, but thumb deployment is a slow-roll only for me

[@LegoBluesummers]

Been carrying the knife for months and love it. I believe snexs said the clip is helping hold the locking bar in place by pressing down on it

[@Mo.89.]

I’ve carried this a lot, never had a problem with the clip or the detent, doesn’t ever feel like it will open in the pocket. But I think the best of both worlds here would be no clip and a pocket slip included.

[@timtitus2532]

Never handled one of these, but you have expressed very well what I felt was a flaw of design the very first time I saw it.

[@michaellangley341]

What is the knife nick brings out at 5:50? Is he saying sandrin?

[@NickShabazz]

Sandrin Torino

[@michaellangley341]

@@NickShabazz Awesome. Thank you.

[@rhinosaur.]

Excellent review, Nick. Thanks!

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Reminds me of the Spyderco Smock...schmuck? The knife that will not be named. (my favorite knife atm)

[@MichalBreslau]

I have two Smocks and two Vision R's. Smock is very nice design but Vision, especially in bronze version is something else. It feels like knife from cinematic Dune universe.

[@GabrielDeMfromNY]

​@@MichalBreslau us the vision a spyderco? Thanks if you respond

[@GabrielDeMfromNY]

Oh sorry...duh! This knife here is the vision you speak of? The bronze does look killer.

[@4thbigsleez56]

hello nick, please make a dissassembly for the ruike m671-tz

[@gregs7800]

So the cheaper civivi fixed those issues?

[@Brandon-gh3pg]

Thank you for being so thorough with the review. Really highlighted the problems that I wouldn't have known about until after committing nearly $300

[@Man_Ray78]

I think we should get the Civivi Vision FG review from you, because they seemed to have fixed those issues and it gets 5/5 in most places.

[@NickShabazz]

I've got one on the table now!

[@edwardgreller]

Your channel is my favorite. BTW, are you from New York?? Thanks for the reviews!

[@Jashue]

No, he’s not from New York. He’s from Birmingham Alabama.

[@sazeus]

I feel the fear of it opening in your pocket is unfounded. It’s not like it’s a liner lock that only has the detent holding it in there. The blade has to open like 1 1/2” before the spring will release it.

[@dustinewing7974]

The Civivi version is great. When We releases a premium version of the Civivi, I'll buy one asap!

[@cvltzilla]

this knife is amazing after tapping the scales and putting a proper ti clip in the correct location

[@slicknick332]

What are the chances I just got one lightly used and at a deal?! I really love it. It’s not perfect, but the detent isn’t nearly as bad as everyone says. The opening hole is so close to the pivot so the detent strength feels lighter. The pocket clip works great. Everything was well machined and the thin slicy blade works great. My only two main constructive criticisms would be the sharpness of the lock bar corner, and the pocket clip rubs on the locking bar. Other than that, very futuristic and impressive. Not everyone’s cup of tea tho, and that’s fine as well. ^_^

[@hotheadedjoelhaha]

OTHER reviewers didn't say a Single Word about three Flaw. They simply want people to click on that link and get Paid. Thanks Nick for an Honest review.

[@dougee3581]

Thanks for the honest sincere review It's why I watch

[@joeallen2354]

I love the blade shape on it but i agree with your safety concerns.

[@Howardsheppard]

Can you remove the clip and still have proper lock function?

[@landscapingspecialist]

I always liked this one. It’s on my backlog

[@ajpend]

Thanks, Nick!

[@TheReal_TaylorSwift]

I've carried mine for almost a year now and I can probably count on one hand the number of times the knife has flipped in position in my pocket. I've also worn it in a number of different styles and fabrics of pants and shorts. I don't need any hands to count the number of times it's opened accidentally in my pocket, because it has never happened. I feel like the concern about the lock disengaging by accident when rubbed against something in the pocket is the same thought that other people have had when carrying an OTF. I just don't see there being enough friction and force in daily activities to disengage it (at least throughout my own day). The protrusion of the lock bar on the spine was also intentional, according to SnecX, so that the act of gripping it would keep the blade locked open should the spring ever fail. He also allowed Sandrin to use the lock design for their knives, hence the similarity. The only genuine complaint I have is that they made the clip in the style of a cheap spring clip, instead of a flattened milled clip, even though the whole piece actually is machined out. Doesn't make sense to me. Making it a flat top would have eliminated that hot spot.

[@gabeharlan2601]

So it would make a great knife to have in your pouch , just not your pocket ?

[@SpankyK]

I had a knife open in my pocket and it cut me. Super cool knife design, blade shape is so good but lose the lock and add a milled clip, I'd buy one. Thanks Nick!

Totally understand the hesitation to endorse to a viewership of hundreds of thousands. I however have been carrying the blade for a month now and have been very pleased with its pocket carry ability, the sharpness of the lock bar however was a much bigger issue,. I really enjoy the blade but I feel like the geometry of the front edge could be improved with better contours or jimping. Really liking the knife overall though, getting the ability to clean it if you use it in dirtier environments is great! I for one get plaster on it regularly so a quick spray and lock bar dislocation gets it clean and running smooth again.

[@grbluen]

Awesome review!

[@Jun-mimimouto]

This knife looked like something I would like in the thumbnail but I would share the same concerns you pointed out. Also a good reminder why I’d rather stay off weak detents. 😅 You only want a knife that opens when you want it to.

[@tgonzalez1983]

I like this knife. I spontaneously bought it a while ago & used it for edc stuff. Weak detent but not too shabby. I’m just sick of knife handles that are flat like this. After getting used to contoured handles, I don’t enjoy using flats anymore

[@robh.2400]

I have one of these and really like the blade and the overall look of it, but the clip absolutely ruins it as a carry knife. I have all the exact concerns about it you mentioned. It's a shame.

[@argyle1812]

Love the always honest reviews

[@incysor]

I guess I'm the weirdo cause I could tell by looking at it that the clip would obviously make it problematic to carry in the front pocket of your pants. It is much less so in the rear pockets unless you wear them pretty baggy. It's a complete non-issue if you wear carpenter jeans or pants with a dedicated knife pocket. I got a pre-owned one for less than half price because the 1st owner was surprised by the knife's tendency to turn in his front pocket. Now it sits in my knife pocket or right rear pocket and hasnt ever been a problem. I agree with you 100% that the detent should be stronger. You shouldn't be able to wave a knife open when it's this expensive.

[@donnyh3497]

I really love WE knives but this one just doesn't do it for me because of that bar sticking out of the back like that.

[@blackhogarth4049]

I almost wanted this knife when I saw it on a website a few months ago. The thing that stopped me was trying to imagine how the pocket clip would work.

[@azraelsblade]

I wish Snecx had asked you to do a stealth review

[@LarryGanz]

I envision this as a folding camping kitchen knife for a backpack, but at almost $300 there are a lot better options for less. It's a looker though, and a decent fidget toy.

[@CloudyShinobi]

Maybe I got lucky or maybe they changed it after hearing the community feedback, but mine definitely refuses to shake out. I also agree it’s held back by the ergos and the lack of a satisfying detent

[@supahonky9492]

It was my worst knife purchase ever. I got like 200 of them. That pocket clip ruins it. The knife itself was ok but it's so non functional. Lesson learned and thank you for your honesty.

[@CloudyShinobi]

How could it open in your pocket? It’s not a button lock w a protruding button, the way the lock works there’s no way something is going to pull back on the lock bar, which actually requires a good amount of intentional directed force to disengage the lock I own one and it’s never even almost opened in any way

[@jayr526]

Good stuff, Nick

[@mforrest1508]

clip is not a hot spot for size L gives. 100% great. In fact, it's exceptional for ergonomics. Like a more refined sebenza

[@edrader]

and at an edc weight

[@user-wr6nj8du1r]

Serious intermittent lock stick on my and sore index finger very quickly from using the lock

[@ordinaryaverageguy3233]

I'm a Mollyduker and our options are SO limited. I love we knife designs and quality but alas, they make zero options for us. I really like this knife, although it carries way better in some pants than it does in others.

[@barkingspider2007]

Great Review! Might check it out at Blade Show. The ergonomics are a thing for me. : )

[@strikerj4810]

I don't understand why people don't use the tip down as the standard pocket carry orientation. Tip down, if the blade comes open, it is pointing down, so you won't stab yourself when inserting your hand. Tip up, and the blade comes open then the tip is poking up at you. I really don't understand why most come tip up carry. Tip up isn't any significance in speed to deploy out of the pocket, which I could see being the only pro for tip up, but even then it doesn't come close to trumping tip down safety.

[@jaredrablin96]

I've largely stopped collecting knives lately this may be one that breaks that streak

[@mforrest1508]

the first made in china knife ive owned and its a homer. I have all the midtechs anyone could ever want and this is the best at being a knife. The lock is the best ive tried. Better than the hawk lock, axis lock, shark lock ext. absolutely NO hot spots, which is impressive given it looks like the whole thing is a hot spot. The clip, if worn with jeans, is fine. Shorts it would move a bit and not sit flat.

[@landscapingspecialist]

Make a great kitchen knife imo. That’s why I want one

[@Capin91]

I dont subscribe to the ‘blade against the pocket seam or else’ thought process, sounds just like ‘tip down is safer’. Never heard of it until a few weeks ago, and ive carried knives since yaddayadda. To each their own pockets i guess haha

[@MatyasTurk]

The issues raised seem very reasonable. And if i haven't carried it i would agree. But i did. So i don't.

[@Mrb00st]

Spine clips are a terrible idea. Thr crkt swindle has one that's on a spring, it's very cool and clever and it absolutely never carries correctly. That would be a no go for me, I realize snecx is trying to reinvent the wheel but i wouldn't carry it.

[@powerofyes]

More of a functional work of art than your average Griptilian

[@paullambert4445]

Nice knife, but weird uncomfortable looking clip. Great shape for a blade.

[@DanielSilva-uj5pq]

I own this exact knife, a blue Vision R. It is one of the knives I carry every day. I have no problem with the clip. And it sits at the side of my pocket such that the blade can't open. I agree a few tweaks would make it better, but as it is, it's one of my best knives.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Is that Nick's real accent? I have never heard anyone talk like that, except in a Martin Scorsese film.

[@mrmaxx4400]

Your nit picking attitude is necessary for a reviewer. I purchased the budget Vision. A fine blade anda sturdy easy to manipulate lock. However, I consistently use a thumb stud to open all my knives. After the blade opens and when I hold the knife, my thumb falls on the very edge of the handle in front of the shark lock. This is an opening habit of a lifetime. Consequently, when I went to close the knife, I reflexively used my thumb to depress the lock. Opps ! Something to keep in mind.

[@RamZar50]

Innovation is good and highly commended but it has to be practical.

[@RobsJots]

@nickshabazz SCIENTIST Question: have you ever answered whether or not blades steel can be made truly black? Like all the way through so the edge is black? It’s gotta be a Classic Nick something simple like “eh, it wouldn’t make a very good knife” but… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@NickShabazz]

I don't think so. But there are good DLC examples (e.g. Rockstead) which get very close.

[@MichalBreslau]

I've two of them. Bronze with black blade and all silver. Bronze is way more appealing. They have great fidget factor, nice thin edge, lock is solid and doesn't bother grip, same with clip which works fine. Different hand, different experience. Only cons for me is that it has free spining pivot with two screws. Detent in super lock is comparable to axis lock detent. Clip was designed this way so knife can be used by any hand without replacing clip. Snecx is ambidextrous person which is rare. Also designer hated when clip in traditional position was scratching against his car. It's different, I was against it when I first saw it, but in 5.11 "slim fit" pants extra mag pocket it works fine. Sits in place. I personally think that problem described near 10:50 is more imaginary than real. In my pocket, blade sits against pocket fabric and you have no chance to unlock it accidentally. You had to carry something else in same pocket, hard and big enough to interact with lockbar. But who does that?

[@NickShabazz]

Like I said, read my review as having a healthy dose of paranoia, but ultimately, it just didn't sit well with me.

[@LupusAdNoctem]

it's really a shame, bc the shape of that blade and the finger clearance afforded by the cant angle of the edge might just make it the perfect EDC blade (aside from the unfortunate choice to bead blast a stainless steel).

[@MrSpenceju]

cool knife

[@tundra.runner]

By dint of innovation, WE does anything and everything.

[@deanalbertson7203]

How about doing a video on the Spyderco Delica in M4, S30V, K390, Stainless Steel scales, or Flytanium scales? These are knives the average person will carry and use on a daily basis.

[@jerrymcgovern4848]

I own that exact knife. I love the design but I don't like carrying it. It is totally because of the clip. The knife does not pull out of the pocket the same way that a sideways clip does. Find myself fumbling for it every time I need it. I'm not sorry I bought it and I still love it but I don't cayry it.

[@landontreinen3062]

Like.. if you have to make an argument for a pocket clip actually being a good design, is it actually a good design? You should have to make an excuse for a pocket clip.

[@garrettpirtle2700]

There's no clip on the custom. It's intended for kitchen utility mostly. And obviously he didn't want to just slap on one of WE's bent ti clips. As an artist he clearly wanted to put an actual effort forward in further contributing to the uniqueness while keeping it slim. Since the community would whine if there was no clip at all. I've put mine through thick cheese wedges and it's in no way been truly uncomfortable to apply pressure to get through.

[@erhon5]

I feel like i would slide it into my pocket and hit the lock on the way into my pocket instantly opening it

[@petherarlemalm55]

I've been waiting for this review! If anyone can find the flaws, it's Nick :) I'm OK with the clip and that other thing, will definitely buy this one. There is a Vision Q coming by the way. Snecx has been working on it for months, hopefully some of Nick Shabazz's points are addressed in that iteration.

[@williamleidy6713]

Has anyone in the knife world EVER experienced a law enforcement officer measure the blade of a pocket knife ?

[@Hungrybird474]

👍

[@emarr3720]

I agree Mr. Shabazz, I peppered a number of channels with a negative review & either got hate or silence. I can see why if you extol it’s virtues, you can’t agree with me. It would seem wish washy. I returned it. The pointy lockbar hurt my finger & I offered up some off the cuff redesign ideas bc I wanted to like the knife as a lefty. I didn’t like bounce out & I hated the clip. It works with thin material like scrubs but not with jeans. & the hole in the blade sits to high making it not as flick friendly as I’d like.

[@landontreinen3062]

I’ve never understood the appeal of this particular design. It just looks awkward. A full frontal assault on the eyes… the hand…. And the pocket. Thanks, I still hate it lol.

[@commontater24601]

The blade shape is neat, otherwise there's not much to like about this knife.

[@elihughes1801]

Food prep knife!!!

[@EldenLord84]

The clip is a crime against an otherwise great design. Similar to the absolutely horrendous clip on the Rockstead Ryo. Regardless of whether or not it’s safe, it just sucks. Put a plain old wire clip on this thing and it’d be infinitely better. If SNECX didn’t want to put a clip on it, he shouldn’t have put a clip on it. To slap on the crappiest clip imaginable just ruins the knife.

[@clintonlewis1261]

Yeah that metal sticking up is weird, 😬

[@unfi6798]

Cowabunga.!

[@Baaddu]

I will always carry tip down after my finger was sliced open by a tip up carry knife.

[@paranoiia8]

It's tell more about poor knife quality and design it self not clip placement...

[@MichalBreslau]

Was it Emerson?

[@andyhayward1261]

I love this knife, IME the clip doesn’t cause any problems, before I got it I was worried about the clip but I persevered and it actually works excellently. I put the clip on near the back of my pocket and turn the knife so the blade is facing the back of the pocket. Haven’t had any issues of it trying to turn sideways on me and certainly not opening. If I didn’t love everything else about the design the clip might have put me off so I’m glad I got it and realised it actually works just fine because for me it’s a perfect knife - well - if it was just a teensy bit smaller it would be perfect for me but it’s still within my size range that I carry It works well as an edc and amazingly in its primary purpose as a folding kitchen knife, it makes me look forward to cooking knowing I get to cut up my veges with this beautiful piece of functional art 😅

[@speckledjim_]

Like like like

[@rwirtz77]

lose the cut out in the blade and the stupid holes in the handle and it would be a winner.

[@starkparker16]

🦇

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

The Vision R feels smaller than she is.