Nick, I'm picturing you spending an hour caressing your collection and whispering that you love them all.

This is basically how you torture nick

NO NICK, YOU’RE WRONG!

Nick has more knife price brackets than boxing has weight classes

This is hands down one of the most entertaining and enjoyable videos I’ve ever watched on KZfaq. Hearing Nick’s audible panic at eliminating knives made me laugh so hard.

The moment the Bowie hits the table, we all knew what was coming 😉

Nick's very personal, own, subjective opinion is wrong

It's a specter, of course we can't see it.

You just tacked on thirty bucks to the Slysz price.

That pain you went through picking through the last three was so real and so relatable. And whenever I feel that kind of affection and passion for my gear... I see the face of Nick Shabazz.

I just got my Ontario Rat 2 in D2 steel yesterday and I love it. I know they aren't the very best quality and I'm still fairly new to the knife life, but it's great for what I need. It definitely won't be my last knife, considering that I only have 4. My oldest but not my first knife is a Bermuda Green Case medium stockman that was passed to me from an old family friend that had it for a few years before, and then I bought a CRKT Burnley Squid and Morakniv Pro S last year, and now the Rat 2. I know it's not much of a collection by a long shot, but the Rat 2 brings me a lot of joy. It flies right out when I flick it and it feels great in my hand and I've already started customizing it. Thanks for all of the content and for helping me to learn more about knives, steels and what tools/gear are best for me

Mr. Shabazz, I'm a new subscriber to your channel and doing my utmost to get all caught up, but just wanted to tell you I'm really enjoying your insight and wit. Moreover, your earnest effort to offer fair reviews is both rare and appreciated. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort.

The segment from 19:40 on, was the most entertaining portion of any of your reviews I have seen thus far. We could hear your anguish going back and forth between the final 3. I've never heard so many syllables uttered in such a short time span. Good stuff.

Don't worry Nick, Spyderco would be absolutely stupid to hold back on a Bowie V2. It's just a matter of waiting now.

This was terrific ! Well done ! Like Henry Royce said "the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten". My choice the Magnitude

Great video. I love it. That spyderco chapparal is speaking to me. I like the working look of it. Subscribed. Thank you!

Huge fan of you! Just found your channel. Love it! Great content. Subscribed

Come on Spyderco, bring back the Slysz!

If I had to pick one it'd probably be the ZT 0562 -- I live a few miles from KAI, so I know it'd be maintained/taken care of, and it can do a lot of work while also being a slicer grind. Plus the deep-carry clip is great on it.

My choices, broken down by price point: Kershaw Pub Kershaw Blur Spyderco PM2 Spyderco Kapara ZT 0470 Spyderco Slysz Bowie CRK Mnandi CRK Large Sebenza Due to its size and its ratio of class to scariness, and the fact that I'm an office drone who avoids manual labor whenever possible, if I absolutely had to pick one, it would be the Mnandi.

So glad I got one when I did. Great Video, Nick!

I love this channel this is the 4th time ive watched this video and its still great.

Under $10 would be Opinel knife. Only knife I actually use at this price point.

I was already a subscriber but "go back to talk radio" just made you my freaking favorite!!!!!!!!!!

Sir thank you that little microtech jem wow wicked knife i love it my spyderco ronin2 the only one i have now carried a cs ti lite for 20 years and a bench made vintage spike for 10 years thinking about a Smock now and a yo jimbo2

I'm blown away by that custom Protech it's freaking gorgeous!

How did I know you'd pick that. I anodized mine blue and gold while you were deciding and it's beautiful now for the rest of my life Nick!!!

That was hilarious listening to you agonize over "The One". As always, I really enjoy your videos.

Nick getting through the last 3 knives like Zapp Brannigan trying to tell Leela they were on Earth the whole time

I would go with the Sebenza because of its versatility and the spa treatment

For me it would have to be my Sebenza or Umnumzaan. When I consider one knife for the rest of my life, I have to think about availability of replacement parts, longevity of the company/model of knife, and things like spa services to keep the knife serviceable. In that domain, CRK is unrivaled.

As my collection has grown in number, sizes and prices, I continue to view the Chaparral Frn as an EDC masterpiece. I have custom knives I treasure but the Chappy is the EDC choice you can take anywhere, anytime and it operates easily and efficiently everytime. And it's easy to replace without too much trauma. Mind you the Mnandi is a stupendous knife but so much cash as to cause fear of losing.

The spit was foreshadowing. The depth of your writing and plot development is staggering... Well done, as always. I was glad to hear my new favorite mentioned... Kapara ftw.

Nick I agree 100% it would be tough however the choices make total sense I might have a couple other choices but ultimately I agree. Nice job

Every time I have seen that Slysz in your videos, I have thought to myself... I think that might be my favorite syderco knife and I have never even held one. It just looks like a good quality piece and I love the design.

Hey, Nick, have you tried the Cold Steel Code 4? It's indistructable, CTS-XHP and you can forget it's in your pocket(it's light and slim). It's a bit wide, but so is almost every Spyderco.

Good news folks! You don’t have to keep just “one” knife.

Electric bugaloo 😂😂😂 catching up on your videos nick, just ordered a Ontario rat 2 thanks to you along with a few more

Nice choice! From my personal collection, i would choose the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2. I have 2 of them, one being stock, and the other fully modified by Way of Knife (sharpening choil, acid sw blade, bead blasted liners, lockbar access, Lynchnw clip, and sharp dressed knives micarta scales. Its glorious.

Nick you are a gem I would not could not pick only one thanks a lot man now I have to buy a spiderco chief . You are either a great actor or felt some serious pain there. Excellent channel thank you

It’s not original at all but I’d go with my PM2 in M390 steel. It’s a workhorse, easy to maintain....it’s just great :) Plus side is the blue on the scales.

Good info. It's wonderful we would never really have to pick just one.

If Im paying over $500 for a knife it better be a gun.

Nick, I want the " Top 5 knives to bring to a gunfight" episode. PLEASE....

Start off by saying I've been watching you for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoy. With that being said, your voice always sounded familiar to me and I never could quite put my finger on it till just now. You sound like Timon from the Lion King!!!

I have watched this episode at least 4 times... and i still feel the pain when you make the final choice.🦉

I respect your choices. I prefer the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 over every other knife.

Ive owned hundreds of knives, custom, mid tech, all production companies in the book, but my all time favorite would probably be a Spyderco Sage 1. My other absolute favorites were my Emerson mini commanders, ZT 0550, Benchmade 943, and my Striden SnG CC

Mine is my bark river fox river 2. I got it for my birthday last year and it cuts better than anything else I own. I've carried it almost everyday since and the funny thing is I quit shopping for new knives! It does everything from kitchen prep to working in landscaping everyday.

Gotta have a multi tool. No matter what other knife I carry. I feel undressed without the multi tool. I carry a Leatherman Wave and a Rat 1 with D2 blade for the same or less money than the Leatherman Charge. The multi tool gives me tool options that help me avoid abusing a knife blade and the Rat 1 gives me a bigger more comfortable handle (big hands) for longer cutting tasks. The wave also has a serrated blade which means I am carrying 3 blades. This gives me a lot of extended cutting time. But who said knife choice had to be logical? Nick taught me to carry what brings me comfort and joy. I think Nick enjoys the pain of forcing himself into making these decisions. Kinky!

Nice list. I see some nice edges, what sharpener(s) do you use?

Nick, you should look at Spyderco knives. I hear they are pretty good.

Hey Nick, nice picks! But on an unrelated topic if I can get ya, I have a W.E. 617 that I love, it's that $100 standard We, not sure if they make it anymore, but I was wondering if you know if I can get replacement hardware for it? Maybe even torx replacements?

Thanks for driving up the price of a slysz Bowie even more

Is it any wonder that a Spyderco wins this contest? I'd choose either the PM2 or the Manix 2... I have been thinking VERY HARD on which of the two I would finally choose for about four days now and I simply just can't decide. I really would have to flip a coin... hoping that it landed on the PM2. Or the Manix 2. Or the PM2... Or the Manix 2. 😅 Thanks for making the last 27 minutes of my evening very entertaining, Nick. Knife on safely, my friend! Knife on, indeed...

Of all my knives currently, I think the one I'd have to choose is my Ti Chaparral. I got it on clearance when they were discontinued, and it has all the advantages of the FRN Chaparral I had before and loved but smoother and fancier. It feels the best in my hand, better than my CM1 Smoke, Kizer T1, or Native 5 LW, the three runner ups for me. The T1 is smoothest because I've had it longest and it's very ergonomic, but I like the Chaparral more in fanciness and sliciness. My smoke is great and the steel is better, and it's so much better to fidget with, but it's a bit long for me and not as slicy or ergonomic just because of its fundamental shape. My Native 5 is probably the most utilitarian knife I own and it'd be my choice if I did more hard work, but I mainly open up packages and cut yarn rather than carving wood or whatever, and I don't care for the feel of the FRN in the hand. The Ti Chaparral has beauty, function, and longevity, and seems almost tailor made for my life.

Under 30 SWAK Under 50 Tenacious Under 100 Mini Griptilian Under 150 Sage 5 Under 200 Osborne 940

For me as well I like a tough worker knife which is good looking too! My choice would be a Cold Steel Recon 1(Clip point or Tanto) with XHP steel.

Thanks for the shout out! I was feeling guilty every time you mentioned a knife I have on loan. Sorry everyone!

Nick I got the 940 and am trying to decide between a bugout or para 3 lightweight. Love my rat 2 tho thanks to u

For me, aside of course for irreplaceable sentimental hand-me-downs/gifts, it’d be my Benchmade Mini Bugout with Flytanium Classic brass scales, backspacer, and thumbstud and black Cerakote Lynch clip. It’s the biggest knife I can carry in my watchpocket, and is carried very nearly every day since nearly every day my Leatherman Free P4 rides in my main pocket. It’s far from my favorite (probably my Spyderco Para 3 in S110V, likewise Flytanium brass-ified), but since it’s an almost-EDC for me it’s effectively my favorite, haha! I intend to try a Spyderco Lil’ Native compression lock, since I VASTLY prefer US-made Spydercos to any other normal (not high-end, not auto, etc.) pocketknives as a general rule and I suspect it might also fit.

I knew it! But It was fun to watch you agonize over those last 3 knives. I feel your pain.

Nick, I'm lucky to live in a state where I can carry anything I want, up to a certain length, I love your choice!

What would you recommend for the knife enthusiast looking for something more... insubstantial?

I had a big feeling that it would be a Spyderco of some ilk. You have a lot of them. lol!

My Bugout with the titanium scales. Almost perfect size, slicey blade, good steel but easy to sharpen, flickable and still enough nice to look at. Going for a fixed blade, probably my Lionsteel M4 in m390.

I wanted the FRN Chaparral, but the wholesaler I have access to does not stock them. What was in stock was a slightly beefier version of the Chaparral - the Native 5 Lightweight. I really like it! Unfortunately they switched from S35VN to S30V in the last 12 months, but S30V is still a fancy steel for me. I can be happy with this knife for a long time.

I'd have to say it would be my original DLC coated PM2. It has resharpened and beaten on many times so I'm not afraid to use it unlike some of my others.

‘Go back to talk radio.’ Hahaha 😂

The chaparal lw - is the lightweight frn similar to the delica frn? Since Spyderco introduced a new, much harder frn on the Para3 LW i just got to ask... on the para3 it feels very cheap in comparison to delica/endura/stretch. Thx

Got a some para 2 and 3’s but since i got the spydiechef it becomes my edc and all around knaf.love my chef!

Great video! Just wondering, have you seen Supersteel Steve’s testing on the Rats? The AUS 8 did surprisingly well and the D2 did surprisingly poorly.

I'm in love with my Benchmade Freek. Picked it up at a B&M for $100, fits my hand absolutely perfectly, looks more like a tool than pocket candy or murder weapon, I'm not a hard use guy so the partial scales are no issue for me. And the Axis lock is more fun to play with than any other locking system on the market. I really can't say anything bad about the knife.

Nick,, have you ever had a frame lock brake? I have but it was a cheap knife but I’ve always been afraid to get another.

I would go with The Chaparral. There is a carbon fiber version if you need to go fancy.

As soon as I saw all your table options I would immediately choose the 3 rivers neutron.

Nick, this was a fun topic to discuss and read through the comments. Thankfully most of us are able to have the luxury of having more than one knife. Under $30: SAK Under $50: ESEE Candiru or Izula Under $100: FRN Chaparral Under $150: Spyderco PM2 Under $200: Spyderco Military Above $200: Grimsmo Rask or Norsemen I would be fine with a PM2, it is a great knife, is fun to flick/fidget, and an be personalized with easily obtained accessories. Because I only get one knife in this senerio, I may want something nicer. The Grimsmo has been very impressive, I like the easy disassembly.

I agree on the Slysz Bowie...but it would be my #2. Only cuz of legality. My #1 would be small plain jane Sebenza insingo. The warranty, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and size make it the perfect choice. I would be very comfortable having and using that knife everyday for the rest of my life.

Hi Nick, might think about adding some colored ano screws to the slysz. I've added blue ano to my chef and techno 2. Nice little customization.

I’ve thought about this before. Even though it would be a super playful flipper or hyper fancy materials, my Hap 40 Endura is my Grail Spyderco and as far as a knife goes, it’s light and thin enough to carry everyday and just about forget. It special because Sprint Run...duh. It has a ROCK SOLD locking system. You can kinda play with it with a spydi flick, it can be held multiple ways for different tasks. I don’t know. Every fancy ti framelock has came and went, but a simple, robust, tool-tastac Knife just really mesh’s well with me. I’m not terrified to use it and it sees usage. Maybe a compression Lock Endura 4 would be the ultimate knife fo me since I love the playfulness of the PM2 when I had one.

Nick, your insignificant opinion has been duly noted. lol Gotcha. This was very fun and I totally value your opinion highly. Great vid.

Good deliberations Nick!

"Slysz bowie 2 electric bugaloo"

I’d probably go with my Carbon Fiber Chaparral, personally. Such a great tool, but still gets some of that niceness appeal

Spyderco C211TIP Spidie Chef. The rest of my life. Just perfect.

The real question then becomes: if you where forced to pay what these cost today (including the ridiculous price of the bowie), what would you pick?

i can't price bracket as well as you can...I tend to buy between $80-$200, although i do plan on expanding my budget knives...I don't have the collection you have either but if i had to pick one for the rest of my life over $100 it would be my 940-2...under $100 i'm gonna pick the Kershaw Knockout "Manual Modified". If i could get my hands on a Brian Nadeau Sharp By Design Arch Nemesis...that would be my over $500...just because it's a knife of envy for me at this point. But at the end of the day....I carry my 940 or a rift just about every day regardless of what comes new in the mail. This week though i am carrying the Knockout...but i can't wait to get an Osborne of some sort back in my pocket. Thanks for the videos Nick...very enjoyable!

When you bring that Chris Reeve mnandi out for a viewing I start to hear angels sing...amazing piece of steel

Nick! If you could order your own custom knife to every spec what would it be like? Mine would be wild. 3.5” front flipper drop point (think Shamwari) in polished REX 121. Full timascus integral handle with double picture frame inlay of abalone in marbled CF on the show side. Sometimes more IS more 🤷🏼‍♂️

Proud owner of a Chappie as my everyday. Glad Mr. Shabazz approves ;) Love XHP, very easy to touch up and no issues with corrosion.

I haven't watched Nick in a good while so it was interesting to see the Sebenza show up in his hands again. I bet if he does this video again in a few years a Sebenza will still be on the table.

Thanks nick, the secondary price just went up even higher on the bowie. Hahah man I’ve had 4 or 5 of them now, they always seem to come back around

An additional advantage to the Bowie may be that it looks robust enough to use the handle as an improvised hammer. Metal seems to be the better option over plastic in most cases.

Right on, Rat 2 in D2:) Love my coyote brown in D2. As a matter of fact, I've thought about buying one or two more of those maybe in different handle color just to have extra:)

It tore my heart out when you chose anything over the doppler sebenza, but then you tortured yourself for our entertainment in the elimination round, so I guess we’re even and all is forgiven.

I think if I had to live with just one for the rest of my life. It would be the Burg Blades Iron Pup. If you haven't tried this one yes Nick it's definitely worth checking out. Especially for guys like us that prefer our knives on the smaller side. It's got a 2.8" blade that's as smooth as anything I've handled so far. 👌

Despite not carrying it much these days, I would have to go with a large clip point Cold Steel Voyager, even if price wasn't a factor. It's the knife that can do just about anything, and it's tough.

2 weeks ago I would of said my blurple pm2, no question. But then I received my Kapara in the mail. Needless to say I would seriously have to think about it. I love the this knife.

My choice at this point in time would be my Cold Steel Lawman in S35VN

So this video is a year old and I’m fighting to get that perfect working knife and not up on all there is and I’m shooting in the $200 range and 22:32 into the video and the blades you have left are either $1,100. Slyz and dam I love it or the Neutron which I found on eBay for $320. W/extra backspace! I’ve never owned a spyderco and thinking Native or shaman? Wanting M390 or at least S30,suggestions anyone? Love your channel Edit: I guess being smart I might think about replacing parts? If discontinued should this be an issue?