What does an $800 screwdriver tell us about art: The Makar Ultralight Titanium Driver

[@glitchedoom]

Discussing the philosophy of an $800 screwdriver. This may be the most Nick Shabazz video to ever Nick Shabazz, and I mean that in the best way possible.

[@CallMePenny300]

^^^ Wholeheartedly agree.

[@torfinnjohnsrud793]

Next up, a $500 handcrafted toothpick! And I'd still watch that review 😆

[@alisuperhornet]

do NOT get into screwdrivers

[@butterboyreviews3277]

LOL

[@vigeboss1039]

Did you like Bethoven?

[@gmtmastertoo]

😂

[@theknifeconnection9571]

Let me see your collection

[@thepracticalblade9013]

Ya know... just because something isn't up my alley, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate it. In the same way that I'm willing to throw $700 at a pocket knife but get annoyed when T-shirts break the $15 price point, I can see a world where this is someone's jam. Knife collecting has really made me rethink my views on these sorts of things, and at the end of the day, I continue to come back to one conclusion... If it brings you joy and you can afford it, just do it. If bills aren't being missed and your family isn't wondering if they're going to be homeless or be able to eat, spend your money however you'd like. Great review and message, as always, Nick.

[@mmikee407]

Well said and eloquently articulated. 👍🏽

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

Good on ya Cory, you saved me a lot of typing mate. Cheers Duke.

[@theknifeconnection9571]

I agree 100 percent

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

$813?! That's more than Makar payment!

[@NickShabazz]

Ok, that was great

[@destro6971]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dirtbagel]

wait. wrong place

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

@@dirtbagel YOU HAVE NO POWER HERE

[@dirtbagel]

@@TheCrunchyCrouton DONT TELL ME WHAT TO DO

[@ryejack]

I can absolutely appreciate the design, artistry and skill it took to create. I see nothing wrong with paying that price for custom-made work. Now, would I pay 800+ for this screwdriver? No, I can't see myself buying this. There are absolutely those who will, though, and I'm sure they'll enjoy owning this unique, conversation-inducing, piece.

[@Med_Flanders]

That is a niiice fidget spinner, and I guess the bit holder is cool too.

[@DirkWerning]

Great job. Love the conclusion. The entire EDC ‘hobby’ is a bit silly and very little is about value…it’s about fun and enjoyment.

[@edc4fun]

Amen!

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

Yup

[@theknifeconnection9571]

Agreed dirk bro

[@BohnsBlades]

Ah yes, finally a grail worthy to sit atop my screwdriver collection.

[@cygrb]

Without getting into the details... PERFECT perspective

[@YanDoroshenko]

That bearing in the handle demonstrates us a perfect example of high speed-low drag sort of affair.

[@NomenclaturalMan]

Great video as always Nick. It's amazing the types of art that can be done in just about any format, whether it be watches, knives, dedicated tools, etc. There's really something out there for everyone. Even though it's personally not my jam, I can appreciate the craftsmanship and time that went into making this unique and beautiful tool.

[@matthuck378]

Yeah, it really should have a stand that pushes the sculptural look of the thing. Something similar to those pedestal-like pen holders they make for desks.

[@mattadler4710]

Nick, I have been trying to explain this to my girlfriend for years. I'm just beating a dead horse at this point, and I certainly wont be showing her this video. I do however appreciate what you said here, and you have helped me to feel a little bit validated today. You are just the very best reviewer in my mind, and a very special person. Bless you sir.

[@benbenavides9792]

I can recall seeing these a few months back and I absolutely loved it If it wasn’t for the price tag I would have got one in a heartbeat.. awesome review and perspective my man well said

[@lambdalandis]

If I used one of these every day I could see myself buying it. The joy of using it would make it worth it

[@Orochi_001]

For me, this sits firmly in the “craft” category. The maker has to know how to use a CAD program and operate a CNC machine, but it doesn’t strike me that the maker has artistic talent.

[@polishcustomknives9753]

You are very wrong. Makar does not use CNC and that is an art.

[@NickShabazz]

Oh, that does make this more interesting still!

[@superrad1659]

@@polishcustomknives9753 REALLY?? I'd have thought for sure it was CNC'd... Now I'm very curious how exactly it is made.

[@DSNugent91]

@@superrad1659 I'd imagine it was done on a manual lathe and a manual mill.

[@Orochi_001]

@@polishcustomknives9753 the art of making a manually done piece look like it was automated, I suppose. Edit: What you are describing is still just a skill.

[@joules531]

This is a show stopper and, if I had the money, this is exactly the sort of thing I would buy. Cheaper than a Picasso on my office wall, and far more of a conversation piece with clients.

[@EDCandLace]

I disagree, the reason is anyone that didn't know would assume it's a "cool" driver and assume it cost 30-40 bucks.

[@barmstrong25]

For $813 one would think they would of included an entire 49 piece bit set.

[@beastiebunny]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Art is appreciated for arts sake. I own a pen that was outrageous in price, but enjoy having it on my desk. I own watches (don't get into watches) that I rarely use, but enjoying wearing. I own knives that are safe queens and love looking at, but will never see pocket time. I would never buy this tool, but can understand the urge for someone to own one.

[@tkindschi]

While I see your overall point....I would have to be significantly richer to see the value of this particular piece of art. Then again, I don't have $5000 watches, or $2000 knives, either. Those of us with anything less than unlimited means have to draw the line somewhere...and I have a feeling an $800 screwdriver doesn't speak to all that many people.

[@DamasKriss]

Wait, so do you NOT use gold bricks as door stops in your house?

[@darylcheshire1618]

If I put a rod through it to increase the torque, I’d be afraid of bending it.

[@NickShabazz]

Gotta say, I'm loving the number of angry people in the comments proving my statement at 11:29 to be exactly accurate. If you're just here to say "OMG nick you're an idiot and insane", I'd ask you watch the whole video, including the parts where I agree with you!

[@emesser7087]

🤣 This I also a reason your channel is that entertaining. Thank you again for this one. I love it😁 and if I could afford I would be help more makers out to get more crazy stuff done 😉

[@Psittacus_erithacus]

You're punching downward here at the least interesting of a wide range of comments and really adding nothing to the discussion. That's your prerogative of course, since it's your channel, but you'd get more respect from me if you engaged with the more thoughtful commentary or just ignored the comment section altogether. Is it a big deal? no … it's not the end of any worlds; but in a low-key way it looks like you're using the most thoughtless comments as a straw man to justify dismissing (or not engaging with) any reasonable ones.

[@NickShabazz]

I would argue that here, I'm punching at the people who didn't actually watch the video and instead just made the indignant comments. If somebody watched it, sees the points I've made, and then refutes them (as a few other folks have done in the comments), that's great! That's dialogue, and I am engaging there. But there's a strong knee-jerk reaction that happens any time something like this goes up on the channel that I wanted to push back against.

[@Psittacus_erithacus]

@@NickShabazz Fair enough. I should acknowledge that I'm seeing more comments from you now then when I first posted. At that time, this was one of only two comments from you in the first 100 (the other was a "Well done" to a joke). As far as who to punch … I wonder if you and I aren't living in radically different worlds. From what I've seen, poorly informed knee-jerk commentary is as common and unavoidable in youtube comments as hydrogen is in the universe. To say nothing of the significant portion that's intentional trolling. If you think drawing attention to that kind of stuff is a useful way to "push back" then we've just got very different ideas about how to spend our time. Which is completely fine, of course-I mean no disrespect. But I do think you're barking at the moon here.

[@wincingatlight]

I've seen the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It's categorically different than the photos of local landscapes that I have on my wall. The latter are utilitarian in a sense: they remind me of where I am situated in the world. They root me in a time, place, and sense of myself and my community. They're also art I can afford. I enjoy them immensely. The Sistine Chapel is something wholly different, and it inspires a different sensation -- one of transcendence. But it also reminds me that I'm one of millions of people who have looked up and stood in awe at this same thing. It situates me into a different and larger community of experience. I could never afford to pay for that sort of mastery and craftsmanship, but I'm grateful that someone did, so I could stand there and see this transcendent thing that Michelangelo created. This review reminds me a little bit of that feeling, and in that sense, it has a bit of the gospel in it. Thanks for the reminder, Nick.

[@dray1842]

My ultra lite screwdriver is a Wiha plastic bit holder.

[@HerpADerpCrew]

Completely understand the art section of this, I’ve got beads and pieces of pocket trash that cost well over 1k. Art and collectibility are a hell of a drug

[@bahjinelson3986]

For me, the functional aspect of a tool is the artistic part.

[@Psittacus_erithacus]

My appreciation of "craft" and/or "mastery" lies this direction also, particularly for tools. If it doesn't function any better then it isn't really a masterful execution of the concept of a tool. Obviously there's a mountain of examples past & present proving that many people do appreciate pure ornamentation. Whether that was always ostentation or true appreciation of art is a question above my pay grade.

[@Johnny-tq9no]

don't think you understand that it's actually less functional than most screwdrivers 😂

[@bahjinelson3986]

@@Johnny-tq9no Don't think you understood the comment.

[@diymatt]

I bought the Kinetic Driver from Giaco which leans in the opposite direction--it's much heavier. I felt silly for buying that one at a $80 but I must say I love it. The Makar sure is nifty for it's spinny ability and lightness but not my cup of tea. Thanks for reviewing it and keeping my spending sane. Well said BTW.

[@SpankyK]

Great video Nick, love the abstract. Helps remind that I'm only human.

[@traviswrigg5158]

I'm glad they came in under 3.5" with the bit out so it could be legal in a lot of places

[@norcal6181]

Great analysis on the artistic aspect of these things.

[@kevola5739]

Nick, it is the day after Halloween, not April Fool’s. My best advice for you would be “DON’T GET INTO SCREWDRIVERS !” Luv this channel.

[@JohnC29]

If he got a government contract, he could get $4000 for it.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

👍👍

[@censusgary]

Easily. But the $4000 isn’t really for the screwdriver; it’s for all the paperwork you have to do for a government contract.

[@DylpickleEDC]

I don't know why but I need this

[@1980JPA]

I fully understand paying for art. I understand paying for high end edc. I feel like many $1000 knives are "worth" $1000. I could even see charging $300 for that screwdriver, but that's a bit much, even for arts sake. Still a hard nope

[@dfailsthemost]

I just realized that I prefer the 1/4 inch bit size. I have no idea why.

[@Lucatellion]

I have a mokuti bracelet and a Titanium pen with bronze rings from Makar. Fountain Pen and this Screwdriver are next on my list! Makar is an great artist and craftsman.

[@E1337N3SS]

I want to leave a comment because the video earned it, but honestly I don't have much to add. I've got more money in my knives than I do in my car. Somebody thinks this is worth $800 and should buy it and be happy.

[@HighCRI]

A lot of the world looks at the knife community like some of the knife community will look at fans of this screwdriver. Tbh, most people in the knife community (including myself) “overpay” for trivial features every day that don’t make the knife an objectively better cutting tool. But we do it anyway because we like it. Like Nick has said before, “This isn’t a channel, it’s a support group.” Let’s not act like this is silly just because the object isn’t a knife.

[@christopherm903]

Stay tuned for nick’s review on the 1200.00 hammer! Seriously though, since we have now entered the holes in metal objects constitutes art, nick, i wonder if you wouldn’t mind reviewing one of my custom art rifle gongs. It’s available for me to ship…

[@tidge879]

For each screwdriver made, there is more titanium chips left on the machinery than in the final product!

[@edc4fun]

@tidge879 I wonder which has more surface area, the holes or the driver? Is the artist perhaps making some existential point? ..ouch, my brain.

[@davidheath2427]

Just a simple thank you to you Nick

[@missmygamergirl445]

I like it but why does the bearing have to wobble so much?

[@missmygamergirl445]

maybe it just didn't spin as freely when proper toleranced.

[@williamdoggett8988]

Thanks Nick! I'm out 873.62 including shipping.

[@nathannettik685]

Good luck getting a machine shop to do that much work on a piece of Titanium for the same price.

[@knifelore1647]

Hey Nick, always love you style videos, was so happy to hear the word " Gription" probably not spelled correctly, lol but my cousin "late" both had Huffy bikes, the same model but different years I guess, anyway we were like 13 years old an playfully arguing about who had better tires. And he says yes mine has better traction an I come back with mine has better Gription, lol we argued about that for years jokingly of course. Thanks Nick

[@ConcernedCitizenPPCA]

I think the innovative part is the fact you can pass a bar through for more torque. Maybe they should have included a small bar in an L shape as well. Would be a nice perk on cheaper screwdriver.

[@SRVandDtrouble]

I have a $12 set that has a hole in the handle for more torque it absolutely helps but wouldn't say it's an innovation.

[@ekekiel0898]

For only $800 I too can suffer from trypophobia every time I use a screwdriver, but honestly, this is really cool.

[@erichusayn]

Any idea of the ABEC rating on that bearing?

[@emesser7087]

@Xi Vonoc in my case it was that Swiss bone bearing for the skateboard with ceramic balls 🤔

[@erichusayn]

@Xi Vonoc no idea. I'm old now too. Back in my day 7s were top of the line.

[@patrickaston721]

It’s amazing how many people have made copies of Eddie Baca’s screwdrivers since he first made them some 15 some odd years ago

[@christamu2]

It screws itself for that price right?

[@NickShabazz]

Most of the commenters are saying that it screws you. Does that count?

[@j.w.greenbaum]

I have to say that I kept an open mind here, Nick, and I agree. This is "art meets tool". I have enough Elijah Isham-designed knives in my collection to understand the concept (totally missed the Eschaton, though...). If someone collects high-end screwdrivers for the craftsmanship put into them, I imagine this is entirely hand done vs. CNC-machined, and that's honestly really cool. With that said, either in spite of or because of having spent over $275 with shipping and taxes on a 351-piece Wiha bit set, there is one functional aspect that I could see as a potential drawback: when I buy a driver, I specifically look for one of two things: ergonomics where I can just crank down on the thing until my knuckles turn white or heft, where if I'm not purpose-buying a driver to crank down on something like crazy, then I want the feel of heft. If Makar successfully managed to keep intact the feel of heft at under an ounce, I think I'd be surprised. On the other hand, if there's a lighter-feeling driver as I suspect this is, my desire would be to have something where ergonomics and the ability to be beaten up come first over all else. Put it this way: if he heavily engraved or dimpled or scalloped or put spiral patterns into the driver and even skeletonized the fidget spinner on the end, then I suspect that would be functional art FOR ME because I'm guessing that non-skeletonized ti in a screwdriver would give a feeling of heft, just like it does with a knife. I'm sure that it's ergonomic and he knocked down every edge there was to knock down...but when your driver costs just over $800, are you going to crank down on it and beat it up like crazy (again: what I tend to do with my lighter drivers)? Personally, I wouldn't. As-is, I'm gonna go with "functional art that isn't FOR ME", which isn't a knock on the design, it's just that it seems to exist functionally in the antithesis of what a sweet spot would be for me with a driver. That's not a knock on Makar; it's just what I happen to prefer. A cool item...just not one for me.

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

If I had the money to throw away I would probably buy this. Idk it looks pretty cool to me.

[@carlb2727]

Wait. Where is the dissassembly video?

[@VeniVidiVid]

I have a bunch of these in a drawer somewhere. I keep forgetting where I put them. Might be in that coffee can with the Tiffany prybar.

[@chefboiarby304]

This makes wonder if in the future there will be 12-step EDC rehab programs for people who impulsively collect expensive EDC items to a point beyond their control.

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

EDC collecting is a bit silly and dumb but also quite fun and addicting. I was well on the road to being an addict hopelessly enjoying collecting EDC art until I got into tattoos. It is an equally (if not more) expensive and silly way to collect but the fact that it costs me not only money but also pain and time has helped me reframe my collecting addiction. At the end of the day, if you can responsibly afford to then enjoy what makes you happy!

[@mikejurnak0324]

We are all a "bit" crazy 🤔😅😂🤣😭

[@Sadiquecat]

Art for me is the appreciation of time and effort put into something. Even mundane objects that the creator didn't actually think about aesthetics or an "emotion" behind it. Like XLR cables or soda cans, those are mundane but I sometimes appreciate the whole thought of the technology behind it and admire what someone somewhere thought of. Because frankly the idea of phase cancelling noise out on its-self is an elegant magic thing that XLR does, which I can admire the ingenuity more than some paintings x') Does these tools work better ? as mentioned no, but one can admire the details and thought process, and if not the object itself, at least the creator's intent to put a beautiful object in the daily life zone. It's like those fancy wooden doors with hand carved motifs, just as functional as a plane wooden door, but one is beautiful. And Id prefer to live in a world where every door is something interesting to look at.

[@TheSimTetuChannel]

It's a VERY nice tool, dare I say Art piece, but at a price that makes you feel like you're the one getting screwed.

[@mo8iusdesign430]

I have a $1200 Mont Blanc that arguably cost a lot less to make.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Ya buy one Wiha driver and down the rabbit hole ya go. Thanks Nick, I couldn't afford to buy one but it's cool to see. Fantastic machining work. Stay safe, stay sharp 👍🇺🇸👍🔪

[@FlorianSojka]

You are right. It is art.

[@kymcopyriot9776]

Good grief…that’s a new level of fancy. What’s next? Diamond-encrusted oil bottles by Faberge? I paid slightly less for a solid English lathe than what this pretentious little desk dart cost! But kudos to you for taking this on, Nick.

[@Nordraw]

Truly an item custom made for people with more money then brains

[@WilliamWallis]

In all seriousness it would make a wonderful gift.

[@bennyc409]

In the words of Dr. Henry Jones Jr. "It belongs in a museum."

[@ncsEsper]

Functional vs. Artistic. If function were a priority, we’d all drive Yugos.

[@CallMePenny300]

Always wanted a Yugo 🤣🤣

[@joemamaisfat]

I got a 940-1 for $270. This screwdriver is the type of stuff to make me feel even more alive. These things are like cocaine, once you try them you can't get enough of them. Would be great to strip a few Spyderco screws with this! Great video too!

[@YanDoroshenko]

The difference between the price in the description and price in the title is what a screwdriver should cost.

[@behemothinferno]

Unfortunately for me, I appreciate "ART" in whichever form it might assume be it a knife or a screwdriver or any other tool I use on a daily basis. That's terrible news for me since I always find it worthwhile to splurge an absurd amount of money on such nice things because I really enjoy owning them and all the work that's been put into them!

[@Dropship11]

I won't pay the tag but I'm glad it exists

[@theechoinggreen6175]

A must have for the urban bugman.

[@sreilly688]

i'm not crazy to buy any of the 3, but at least the watch has all the small gears going for it and the knife has metal that looks nice, but the screwdriver doesnt have much besides maybe a bearing? I cant see anything that sets it apart and gives it that art value

[@mmikee407]

Some people believe that the idea of wearing jewellery is absurd and vain because it serves no practical or functional purpose other than make someone feels beautiful and good about her or himself. By that token this screwdriver won’t make sense. However, if you can judge it based on its aesthetic, craftsmanship and artistic merits, then it suddenly starts to make more sense and you can appreciate the logic behind it as well as the time and effort invested by its creator to make it happen.

[@warnerconstruction4806]

Very nicely said nick

[@dfailsthemost]

You need t-shirts with "A very weird extra mile" on them.

[@magnusnordstrom9594]

His pens is off the chart!

[@eckyeckypikang]

So it's probably time to think about rebranding... "Nick Shabazz: EDC-shaped Fine Art Reviews" 🤣

[@codfan2057]

My thing is, there comes a certain point where even art isn't an excuse for the price tag, even for me. When you buy a Spyderco in a premium steel you pay extra for the better materials, when you buy a Marfione custom Halo V you pay for it being unique and it's rarity, as it was made by the maker and not all machined, when you buy an intricate piece by protech you are paying for the hours of precision work taken in every little detail of the engraving, the materials and it's rarity combined. I don't know what went into making this driver, but if it's a piece of CNC work that's not limited nor a big increase to a driver I already have it's not worth the price.

[@CSGraves]

Am I just seeing things or... are the INSIDES of the holes also chamfered? How the hell did he do that?

[@pfg_pedals]

It tells us that a sucker is born every minute. The EDC culture and the existence of $$$ titanium coins is proof of that.

[@donaldroehrig7817]

I can appreciate all three. I can see where the watch or knife could be thought of as an investment as both are likely to increase in value. I highly doubt the screwdriver will ever increase in value.

[@ibsrpage5798]

What a great stocking stuffer !!!

[@tireseas]

Not something I'd buy in this reality, but I'm not mad that it exists. Beautiful workmanship has an attraction all it's own and if my net worth had a few more zeroes I'd consider it as an art piece. EDIT: Oh and by all means, feel free to do more offbeat stuff like this from time to time. It's fascinating.

[@dfailsthemost]

About to mock the price. Sees spinning. Spinning cool.

[@jace1873]

Bro I bought one of these thats identical except its anodized blue in some places. Has awesome ceramic bearings and looks perfect and only paid like 60 or 70 dollars. Qould never pay 800 for that

[@jace1873]

Wish I could attach a pic

[@traincation5715]

I think there's a point where an object becomes so ridiculously expensive relative to a comparable alternative that to buy the fancy art version of a knife/watch/screwdriver/etc is irrational, regardless of wealth.

[@dfailsthemost]

I could see this driver in a movie about super stylized mechanics.

[@Probably.boredinPDX]

If I were so inclined and funded to spend any more than 80 bucks on a small screwdriver, I would totally spend 800 on this amazing doohickey.

[@yfryt69]

Now it's time for Nick to experience another polish art. "Młody ziemniak 2013" -on auction that could be around 450 $ for 0,5 l. And your journey would be almost complete 😉

[@ecleveland1]

Each to his own. If you like it and want it and can afford it then go for it. Life is short so enjoy it and do what makes you feel good.

[@robertowens164]

thanks my christmas shopping worries are over

[@Mikey-ii8ef]

If I were taking $813 to the fire pit, I might be persuaded to buy this instead of lighting the match.

[@matthewbessey681]

Anything can be a luxury item.

[@danielcox5849]

I can’t imagine how much disposable cash I would need to spend it on an $800 bit driver. Way more than I will ever have.

[@buckaroobunnyslippers]

Holey fidget spinning screwdrivers, Batman! Price aside, the ball-bearing top is a cool, functional idea.

[@chrisspanks7750]

And I thought my screwdriver was art...beautiful

[@Bloodroot78]

That is more or less objectively interesting as an object to behold. It is definitely a work of art above function. It can function. That being said, yeah, I get it, but will certainly never own one, and dont particularly yearn to own one. I'm not hating on the maker at all. I get it as a work of art, as a beautiful crafted thing. However, for the price I can literally build an entire EDC kit from scratch that would cover 99% of my daily needs. $800 sounds about right for the entire hip pouch kit I've spent 2 years dialing in around a Skinth XL and a LM Surge. The fanciest thing in the kit bling-wise might be the Ti D4v2, and a brass Fisher Space pen, but that kit has gotten me out of a hundred more jams than an $800 Bit driver would have. Again, not hating. EDC is a very personal thing and if that $800 bit driver speaks to you as pocket jewelry, I understand. I can appreciate it for what it is, but its definitely not my jam, you know?

[@RovingRoninEDC]

It looks well made, well designed and I'm sure the maker who made it is very skilled. However, even if I could afford it, I can't see myself using a bit driver that costs more then most of my knives I own, only to use it on those knives. Then again, I also spend an obscene amount of money on Knives so what do I know, lol

[@Pentti_Hilkuri]

Looks like someone put the knob on the wrong end?

[@2AEnthusiast]

I see it more as an art piece, than a tool. It doesn't seem like something I would be comfortable using.