WE Knives Banter - Nearly Perfect Urban EDC?

[@AlfredoRGuillen]

Today I unboxed my blue banter....first impression...too small and toylike appearence....next impressions....great action, outstanding ergonomics, perfect balance and superb construction. The more I play with it, the more I like it!

[@catharticedc]

“The human hand was designed to hold on to a stick. “ The Apostle P That’s a compliment to Ben’s design ✌🏼

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

Lol🍻

[@dkompolt1234]

@David I respectfully disagree. Your examples have decent ergos, but it's like the knife commanding your hand to hold it in a certain way. There's a reason every good bushcraft knife has only a broomstick style handle-- to be effective in a variety of grips, for a variety of tasks, for hard use, for extended periods, for any hand shape/size. This should apply to folders too, but it more often does not because of other logistics (folding and lock geometry, aesthetics, uniqueness, etc.). Still, my most ergonomic knives, folding or not, have simple broomstick style handles. Opinel, Manly, some Cold Steels, Victorinox... When I look for a folder with good ergonomics, I see how neutral the handle is. I haven't held the Banter but the simplicity of the handle means it likely has great ergonomics for most people.

[@prescribedcarry]

David I got mine today and wasn’t expecting it to be very ergonomic but I actually find it to be one of my most comfortable knives in hand. I have about 20 edc knives from all different makers and price ranges. You should try one of these out if they come back in stock! If it’s not for you, I’m certain you’d find a buyer.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Excellent review. One of the best. I receive mine tomorrow... I had a change of heart. I am really loving this knife. I ordered a second one.

[@darylcheshire1618]

I ordered a green one, and then I saw the jade one…

[@dannyt6798]

I was so sad when Ben left the show.. cheers to you, Ben. Awesome designer's mark, also.

[@scotteger6271]

Ben is a legend and I am really drawn to this knife. I think I’m going to order one directly from Ben’s website to support their cause. Thanks for the review Bryan…I’m late to the party, as always lol…was too busy with firearms and motorcycles when this came out.

[@Killlerbee]

I really like everything about this except the length. Give me 25% more and I’d love it. I hope he comes out with a bigger version. Love that pocket clip. Thanks for the great review.

[@Tedbo68]

That’s what she said

[@prescribedcarry]

Got mine in the mail today. I didn’t think I was gonna like it this much, but it is awesome! Definitely not the most eye-catching design (yes I know that’s by design), but it is so practical, comfortable and way fun to fidget with! I may modify my scales to allow for some front flipping action...

[@rong.9130]

Yes, the finger test is crucial, and not just for arts and crafts. The finger guide is also how you make sure you only slice the tape on packages, not the contents. The knife got that right, but otherwise I think its whole reputation is riding on the winning personality of its designer. Of course, my search for the perfect knife ended with the mini grip. I only keep coming back to Slicey Dicey videos for their ASMR quality.

[@pop4803]

Finally got around to ordering one , can't wait.

[@cjanie19]

I love how the insolent mini grip is becoming a recurring thing haha

[@SliceyDicey]

INSOLENT!!!!

[@christophwilhelm6431]

mini grips are insolent in more ways than one

[@shaunbryan3421]

I would have gotten here sooner but I spent the last "4" hours watching Nick's live stream. It was my first time catching him live and he was so quick to riff off of comments you got to try and convince him to do stand-up he be great.

[@caldrenfitzpatrick3308]

..and in the Ben Blue.... Super sweet little knife.

[@aznelite325]

I got two, one of each black and blue. I'm normally a 3.5"-4" blade kind of person, but these are awesome. I love the extra height and little bit of extra scale thickness compared to the Bugout, Ben and WE hit it out of the park.

[@BigRedEDC]

Really does look like a solid EDC knife!! Thanks for the look Bryan!!

[@johnd48]

I have the black one in the mail. Can't wait

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

It reminds me of the elementum (one of my all time favorite knives.

[@dkompolt1234]

Imagine one of these stretched out length-wise, but kept the same in terms of width and thickness. That would be an absolute beast of a user knife. Atom/Skaha potential but much more accessible with WE's manufacturing power. It would be delicious.

[@jameshuggins4300]

I like the sound of that I would buy one!

[@captainskippy6622]

I’d snatch one up in a minute.

[@MrWishihadagibson]

Ok. Was waiting for the mini Bugout in blue to be released, but they may have missed the boat with me. The Banter is looking really nice.

[@jonr1510]

I love mine! Only issue I have was the WE logo on the pivot was very sharp on the edges, fixed with sandpaper though. It actually cut my thumb but I definitely wasn't going to return it. Great ergos and a great blade! It has a very satisfying action as well

[@voodoosan2299]

great review! You always seem to review knives Im looking to buy or have bought. I have the blue and also the WE Hecate. Love both of these. Love your channel.

[@photorolensoman8101]

Love the color!

[@jessebergunder]

Mine is coming saturday. I didnt want to pay for expedited shipping. Great vid helps me with the excruciating wait.

[@TheLastRanger]

I actually really love the knife after playing with yesterday, all day, lol. Decided to do my own review of it. Great knife!!

[@captainskippy6622]

If you’re a knife guy or girl and you don’t like Ben something is wrong with you. I’m not a small knife guy but I’ll likely buy this to support Ben. But I’d really really like to see a PM2 sized version of this. That would be freaking awesome.

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

It's nice but I can't get over how much it reminds me of a upgraded Elementum. Which I wasn't a fan of tbh. But it definitely looks like a blade he would design. Great video as always!🍻

[@markr2370]

I wasn't a fan of the elementum either. I looked so forward to getting it after so many great reviews and finally got 1 in ebony wood and wasn't impressed with the action at all. I guess I kind of got spoiled after having the Kizer Vanguard Dukes which is 1 of the best flippers I've ever handled including $200+ ZTs. Anyway, I'm looking forward to this knife as it's more 5th pocket friendly with better steel and with thumbstuds instead of a flipper which seems nice for a change with We/Civivi. Just seems like the market is so flooded with flippers now.

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

@@markr2370 I don't have a Vanguard but I have seen them and they look pretty impressive. Of course it is Kizer... They always impress me tbh. Even their lower cost blades are top notch. 🍻

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

@Mike Graves Lol Yeah there's no denying this is his knife. Not one bit

[@bionick4281]

Watching this review makes me even more excited to get mine in the mail, and I have to wait another 4 days! 🖤💙

[@johnd48]

Same here

[@MJZNDI]

I love this knife! Action is awesome and overall like you said the best EDC!

[@kenmarapese9085]

"If WE doesn't make more versions of this they are idiots." This is why I watch!

[@everydaycarry1328]

Carbon fiber and m390 or Maxamet maybe a wharnclifffe or something would be cool

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

@@everydaycarry1328 I said the same thing... a wharncliffe will be next for sure. Its what is most popular right now and at the end of the day it's a business. 🍻

[@Ephem13]

Missed my first shot at the Banter, gotta wait until the next release. EDIT: I should note that I love my EDC knives in the 3" range with very slicey blades. Stuff like my Mini Bugout, Neutron, Delica, and the like are my most common carries.

[@SliceyDicey]

They’ll be at other dealers next week or so.

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

I also picked the Ben Blue. I’m going to get the black next time. Hey Slicey, if you know him well, see if you agree with my video “Knives Approved by Ben Peterson”. I think you’ll get a kick out of it lol.

[@andrewbounds5497]

I like how much it looks like the KNAFS chart

[@wandererofthewasteland400]

Nice dye

[@markr2370]

Just have to say that this is 1 of the most appealing thumbstud knives under 3" I have seen. The weight does seem a little heavy but not really considering how wide the blade is. It seems like a great value for the money. This is 1 of the cheapest WE knives you're gonna find and you're getting arguably the best EDC knife materials in S35VN steel and G-10 handles.

[@tariqkamil7853]

This knife form factor with sheep foot blade would be perfect to me

[@TheLastRanger]

I ordered the Ben #000000 version.

[@islandstyleknives7320]

Cool video, thank you. Have one on the way from Blade HQ👍🌴

[@eddieo9195]

I'll take the Bugout... thanks.

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

I’ve been dying to buy one !!! Great video

[@Paa375]

We banter or a benchmade 945 these two are not far off for pricing where I live

[@christophwilhelm6431]

The comment about it being a chubby bugout is dead on. The handle _looks_ uncomfy but I can see how it works better than you might think. Good action, S35, strong tip all good. But the real question is can it survive a saltwater beach burial unscathed?!!

[@OGBladeReviews]

Nice little knife, such as "wee" blades go... 😁. I see it's offered in a black handle as well as blue, but perhaps the blue might be easier to locate on the ground. Something about bright day-glow handle colors just still scream "cheap" to me. Thanks for the review! 👍🔪👍

[@ScottieG59]

This knife is okay, though, for this size, the Benchmade Mini Griptilian seems to be right on target. Still, I have no Mini Griptilians, but i may get one of Ben “WIUG” knifes to go with his mat and poster.

[@sb792079]

WOW WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE PM2 SCALES? Had to

[@chaddamron3877]

👏 👏 👏 Hell ya BEN - great vid Bryan👍👍💥💥

[@eastislandlocksmiths6253]

Not really doing it for me. Looks very fisher price to me lol. I’m happy a lot of people like it though. I’d probably buy it for a $50 civivi price tag.

[@andrewkelley6039]

If civivi or WE made a $50 S35VN knife thatd be amazing! Civivi elementum w/ S35VN going for ~$80.

[@i6am6the6thorn]

I love the look of this knife and hope to get both blue and black ones. That being said, I'd really love a bigger version. I much prefer the 3.5" ish length. I got my wife a mini grip and it's far too small for me. The Bugout, which I really enjoy, is about as small (short?) as I like. Still plan on getting this when I can though because I absolutely, 100% love the design🤘🏻🤘🏻🍻🍻

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

I had to revisit this one... I honestly have mixed feelings about it. But at the same time little details like the recessed screws and smooth action out the box goes a long way with me. I understand the fact he basically made the blade he wanted as his first one. I get that... but a V2 of this or maybe even his next design entirely will probably be on friggin point. Had it actually came with the axis lock like in the original sketch, I think I'd be all in on it. Have a good weekend 🍻

[@someguywithachannel7590]

I'd totally buy one if they weren't sold out imidiently

[@SliceyDicey]

They'll be at other retailers next week or so.

[@kevinnoccioli78]

Ill never understand "edc" to be ultra light and tiny. I guess most people are light and tiny, i need a full size knife on me everyday. Too small, i dont know what this is good for!? Good vid, the knife is attractive 👍🏻

[@captainskippy6622]

Kevin Noccioli agree on the knife size for EDC. I carry bigger knives because also.

[@SliceyDicey]

I said URBAN EDC. Meaning a city. Where there are often blade restrictions. I usually carry larger as well, but parts of my city are under 3" limits.

[@blackadder1966]

Many places its illegal or considered inappropriate to carry a knife, so something that doesn't stand out in the pocket is a good option. My perfect size is a zt 0450.

[@captainskippy6622]

Thank the Lord I live in the South and can carry pretty much whatever I want be it knife or firearm.

[@kevinnoccioli78]

Urban or not, law or not, im not getting caught in a situation where im pulling this tiny knife out of my pocket for an issue or matter where i may have to defend myself. Id rather get a fine for having a knife too big than die. I live in new york city and i dont worry about the knife laws, i pay close attention to my life. This knife is cute but not suitable for every day carry in my opinion.

[@drewby618]

As I mentioned in a reply to another commenter, this seems like a beefier elementum. Nothing wrong with that, but with Blade HQ offering a Jade G10 and S35VN Elementum at $80... I’ve gotta go with that. Hopefully it’s not a sprint run, and BHQ continually stocks that elementum. Love the Knife Banter series and I always enjoyed Ben’s personality, but I think that the WE Banter is a swing and miss for me…

[@jsbhemi]

Didn't realize it was so close in size to the mini Ritter

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

So this is sort of a Civivi Ultra release.

[@darylcheshire1618]

Amazing that when knife youtubers compare a knife size they reach for a Spyderco.

[@mickkeim4142]

Sooo, these are available? If not when? That is my question. Is that a good question? So yes, I want one, can you help me Bryan? Oops, one more question...lol. Is this the final version.?

[@eldenclark5019]

How does the size compare to Civivi Elementum?

[@1964krazyeric]

is this available anywhere? I had it on my list to be notified at Blade HQ but did not get one.

[@pop4803]

Man your killing me recently got to handle these an the hogue deka wharny. Couldn't afford both so I got the deka but I won't be happy till I get this banter. It's the closest thing to a perfect EDC knife but yes love my deka .

[@m1henry]

I blade shorter then his finger...got to be from Ben. I hope they come out with a XL version as I really like it but too small

[@wasnt_it]

It looks like a toy knife.

[@markr2370]

Do you think this knife can compete with the Spyderco Lil' Native for a 5th pocket carry or secondary option? I'm only asking because I have a Spyderco Lil' Native and not setting you up to get bashed lol. By the way, seeing some of the comments makes me appreciate you doing these reviews all the more. I bet it had to be rough starting out with some of the negative comments and people assuming you are just being paid off for your opinion. Anyway, I wish you the best and really hope that you get a lot of extra knives/extra money for doing this because you're really good at what you do and I can clearly see there's a lot of bs that comes along with what you do.

[@shaunharrison9618]

So mad. I signed up for email alerts and was traveling and missed out. Hope they do another release. Blue grips black blade blue thumb studs and black hardware. Stone washed blade black grips black thumb studs and blue hardware. Please I'll buy both!

[@SliceyDicey]

I seem to be posting this same comment a lot... As I said... there will be more at other dealers in a week or two.

[@shaunharrison9618]

@@SliceyDicey ah but the specs I said... Look close and tell me those color combos wouldn't be the sh*t?!

[@Lumpy_Peter]

Finally the answer to the question "Can a knife look weird and boring at the same time?"

[@jeffscalfano3100]

Aaahhhhh!!! I get it. The Banter... after "knife Banter". That being said that is the most boring looking knife of all time.

[@susanjavier2008]

AGREE !!

[@johnscarborough4746]

It's definitely a fan boy knife, and seeing how I'm not one there's nothing exciting enough in the design to make me want it.

[@SliceyDicey]

Why does every knife have to be a flamboyant design??? Why can't it just work???

[@DefMunkyYT]

@@SliceyDicey It doesn't have to be flamboyant, just not so milquetoast. There are tons of knives that just work (a lot of them way under $100) and this looks like all of them all at once. lol

[@tommyrojas1571]

Haha well thats the point its has a solid steel solid g10 solif clip and its extremely boring perfect for edc because you wont think twice about cutting anything with it and you can give it to your friends and like likely wont be intimidated by it and perfect for the office because the knife is so boring and unthreatening

[@karlstone297]

I stopped watching knife banter after Ben left, the show lost some charm after that. It doesn't look pretty but somehow I think I want one.

[@hgncbdfx]

What is hrc?

[@nicodiaz627]

Looks more like a spear point, which I love.

[@Rime0ne]

Ben, if you're reading this... I really hope to see an XL version. But keep the blade stock thickness the same!! Also, Ben blue w/black blade.🙏🙏🙏

[@DrMaddog]

Love the scales in your Neutron! Care to point me in the right direction?

[@SliceyDicey]

Match Anderson on Facebook.

[@klaassiersma4892]

After enjoying so many Blade hq vids with Ben i think i feel like a dick not buying one,so i did. I am into classic edc knifes lately(940,bugout etc)and i am intrested in how the vision from some one who handeled most knives in existence feels like.

[@JohnC29]

Awesome action but I can shake out the blade holding it both ways.

[@Meco411]

Give one away who doesn’t love Ben

@Mike Graves -Got it Mike. You've got a crush on Ben. Give it a rest. Go find a knife you like you dweeb.

[@Meco411]

mike this is a great design if you never held an elementum and didnt love it something is wrong, this is that but better my opinion, and soon can get that in s35 in few weeks so ya we kicks a$$

[@LordJuan4]

I just can't get past the looks of it, something about it just doesn't sit right with me

[@susanjavier2008]

True same here

[@GalaxysGreatestDad]

Cam we address the fact that you appear to be wearing a Tag Heuer link??? You should do a video on that. Yeah its not a knife but you have alot of people who are into both worlds who would be interested.

[@SliceyDicey]

It's a '98 Professional. Was a gift from a friend a couple of years ago. I love it, but I rarely wear it. The Apple Watch is just too damn convenient!

[@miket.9172]

We Banter vs. Civivi elementum?

[@drewby618]

I was thinking the same thing. I ordered the S35VN BHQ Elementum in Jade for $30 cheaper. I loved my Elementum but wasn’t a fan of the D2 and sold it.

[@tracypartin7408]

I can design my own knife.

[@johnscarborough4746]

Solid build and obvious quality but meh..

[@pop4803]

I like what you said nearly perfect EDC. I want one.

[@Damen0530]

Like the design, but too small for my taste...YMMV

[@ShadowDaPk]

The handle just looks a bit too short for me.

[@guerillamike5150]

I’ve watched at least 10 reviews of this knife in the last 48 hours and everybody says the same thing. We all love Ben. We all miss Ben. But this is ( in my opinion ) kind of a “blah” knife. I feel like everyone is pussy footing around because they don’t want to hurt a nice guy’s feelings. I think Ben is awesome and if given more opportunities might make a knife that speaks to me but when I heard he was designing a knife, I built it up so much in my head that this guy wasn’t it for me.

[@dkompolt1234]

In my opinion, that's the very point of this knife. If it's too "blah," then it probably isn't for you. I love the look and idea of this knife precisely because of how simple it is. Ben designed it that way for a reason. He took the most basic elements of good folding knives that he likes and combined them. I'd love to see how it actually performs in practice (I haven't yet), but the simplicity is the beauty of this design. I only wish it were on washers instead of bearings.

[@susanjavier2008]

I agree with your thoughts of this knife , everyone is so hype of a blah knife

[@stubulu]

All knife designs have their fans. I love simple designs and would totally carry this knife. Considering how fast it sold out it’s going to be a popular piece.

[@blackadder1966]

Not my taste at all, looks like homer simpsons steak knife. Plus thumb studs only no thanks.

[@Nico-il9my]

This looks like the most plain toy knife ever.

[@thechad7803]

Ok, Bens a nice guy. We all know that but however that doesn’t allow him to get a pass for those scales. That’s embarrassing it looks like a Fisher Price play knife in a kids toy set. How did those scales make production? That knife has to have the worst ergos ever.

[@markr2370]

The only thing that makes the knife look like a toy is the blue color choice. They also have a black handle option and the color has nothing to do with the quality. People obviously like it because it's sold out. The ergos look great to me for a small knife. You can see Brian can get a full grip on the knife, which is not the case for a lot of smaller knives.

[@susanjavier2008]

Lol, I agree it does look like a kids first knife

[@thechad7803]

Sky Stream people like it because Ben. If Joe Blow from Denver created this knife he’d be laughed out of the knife community but everyone is gonna act like this POS is a gem because Ben is such a nice guy. It’s a cheap looking ergonomically fucked knife by a guy that isn’t a knife designer. Just lay something like a Para 3, mini grip, Bugout, Hogue Deka or any other similarly priced knives made by designers that know how to make a knife beside it and tell me what you see. I can get a full purchase on a block of pine if I have big hands but that doesn’t make it an ideal knife handle

[@markr2370]

@@thechad7803 Like I said we can agree to disagree. I honestly don't believe all the hype is just because of Ben. I think it has more to do with the We quality and materials combined with the smaller size of the knife. I honestly don't know why you're wasting your time watching these reviews if you think so many reviewers are willing to lie just to support Ben. Do you really believe that Brian would risk his reputation and lie about his feelings about a knife Ben designed? He said he didn't even get it for free like some of the others or is that a lie too? You also have to realize that a lot of knife users are not heavy users and this knife is not made for heavy use. It's just a normal EDC knife for opening packages and simple things. It looks like a great 5th pocket knife which so many other knives fail at being. I've found its kind of hard to find a good quality knife that fits good in the 5th pocket and that I can get a full grip on. The Spyderco Lil' Native is 1 of the few and its only because of the finger choil for the full grip. Bottom line is that this is more of a unique and quality knife to many people whether you agree or not and it's not just because of Ben. I personally could care less how "nice" somebody is to be willing to spend over $100 on something.

[@thechad7803]

Sky Stream when you start making up excuses for what a knife is I can already tell you what it isn’t and that’s a well designed pocket knife

[@Nightwolf866]

It is about the most boring looking knife ever.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Absolutely nothing good to say about the "We Banter" especially with the price point for what material/lock/blade/pocket clip they use. But I've been using knives and making some knives longer than many youtubers and commenters have been on earth. So just my 2 cents from multiple multiple decades on the scene.

[@TheDigitalcrack]

Very basic looking knife ...should be under $100

[@The_Murmanator]

I've enjoyed Ben's videos, and I'm sure he's an all around great guy, but IMO, this is one fugly knife! I wouldn't buy it if it were 1/2 the price. It truly looks like something Fisher Price would include in their "Let's Go Camping" playset.

[@knifenoob5411]

Meh, uninspired design 100%.

[@dark_gravity_edc]

My Ben test means I fit the Benchmade Presidio 2 full size or any other similar size knife. Lol Ben must have tiny hands.

[@dark_gravity_edc]

@Mike Graves I can agree with that. If you only like one style knife or have one very specific criteria it makes knife reviews very difficult. I was also very disappointed in his lack of overall knife knowledge. Now he's a designer. How does that happen?