Me: "I like that knife" Nick: "It costs over 400" Me: " I hate that knife"

Thanks for saving me $430.

Hey, I'm famous! Thanks for the shout out Nick, my conclusions were nearly identical to yours. I agree that it feels remarkably dense given the reasonable (IMO) weight. I will say that this knife is a remarkably fun piece to play around with, which perhaps makes it more toy than tool. Maybe that's what a Halo product should be? But I always would have thought a Halo Spyderco would continue their commitment to high cutting performance.

How do they NOT put a steel insert on a $500 knife and send it out with lock stick? Sure I can accept it on a $75 Boker but lock stick on this is just unacceptable! Either machine it right and get the angles corrects or put an insert on that thing, or at least carbidize it! For shame, I was so excited about this.

My brand new Spyderco Nirvana arrived today. Silky smooth Spidy flicks, ABSOLUTELY NO HINT OF LOCK STICK, and I bought it knowing what its intended purpose is: tactical EDC. I watched so many videos of people complaining that Spyderco should have made the blade thinner, and then I looked at an actual Rassenti Nirvana. Rassenti’s blade is thicker than the Spyderco version, and Rassenti didn’t intend for the Nirvana to be a kitchen utensil. I love your channel, but so many people incorrectly think Spyderco got this knife “wrong”. They didn’t, and made a faithful replica of the Rassenti Nirvana. I’ll be putting up a video tomorrow. ;-)

I had put off buying this knife for a long while, and almost missed the boat. I went ahead and took a chance and bought one, in the hopes that I would love the knife regardless of all the negativity around it. I am happy to say.... WOW!!! what a knife!! I am so happy to have this knife! Very little stick if any, razor sharp, and I love the whole look and feel! I absolutely love the blade shape, and it's surprisingly svelte, for being such a big blade. It is a thick blade, and I see it as a working blade, and not as a cheese slicer. Damn glad I took the chance, I guess it shows, one man's Ass, another's Unicorn!

Another great review! Thanks, Nick.

All through this review I kept thinking, dang I really like the way this knife looks closed. Then you would open it and it all fell apart for me. Then I got to the end you touched on that exact point. A long review but well worth the watch.

Dang, that’s one beautiful knife. It’s exotic and serious looking, a elegant masterpiece.

As always, a fine analysis. Thanks

You hit the nail on the head with this one. Definitely love Spyderco for their product and the company themselves but really wish they offer blade replacements even if it cost 30 or 40 bucks and got rid of the anti disassembly part of their warranty.

I think it's beautiful. I love that spyderco got out of their comfort zone a bit. If they made a similar knife with more affordable materials I'd pick it up.

Man Nick, you hit the nail on the head. I agree on all points. I think you found all the words that randy johnson was close to finding. Great job. Between you and Randy. I might as well not watch any other you tube !!!

So uh, the bearings grind against the titanium handles? Will wear a groove into the handle causing bladeplay soon?

Nice honest review. I'm very pleased with my Nirvana but I'd love to see a Spyderco integral with a lock bar insert, FFG blade (maybe CTS-XHP or CTS-204P), and maybe make it a flipper. I think the big problem with the Nirvana is that it seems more like a production Rassenti rather than a true Spyderco/Rassenti collaboration. Unfortunately, after the lukewarm reception of the Nirvana, I feel like Spyderco will have their reservations about undertaking another integral design model.

I suppose the blade stock is that thick, because it is difficult to make a narrower groove in the titanium handle.

I bought a Nirvana a couple of months ago, and it’s fine. My knife has ZERO lock stick, and opens and closes better than any of my Chris Reeve knives. The finish on the blade is easily removed, and I polished mine down to 2000 grit. I would like the hollow grind that Rassenti uses, and might seek out a knife maker to do that.

Awesome review nick love the way you separate your opinions in good,bad,and ugly. On an unrelated note have you seen the new Milwaukee hardline knifes in d2 if so what's your opinion on them?

Nice review! I am a little confused at the reception that this knife has received (at least as conveyed by the "enthusiast" community), as I believe Spyderco has been fairly forthcoming with the construction details since its announcement. To me, it is fairly consistent with their recent emphasis on faithful recreations of popular and revered custom designs, however antithetical certain aspects of these designs may be to the typical Spyderco ethos of performance/functionality/practicality. However, that dichotomy is important, as it challenges our expectations of what a Spyderco product will deliver. In that sense, I believe part of the resistance to the design is a result of it being produced in particular by Spyderco. It is definitely a collector-minded piece, IMO, but I am glad they made it, because for people who want access to a Rassenti custon, this is about as good as it gets for most. Crap, sorry for the blabbing on...

That thing costs more than my car is worth. Just get a large Sebenza for the tighter tolerances, better build quality and infinately superior aftermarket support.

This makes me glad I went for the Ti-Lock, even with its own issues. Complicated and artsy it might me, it's also very usable and has fewer issues for me.

You're spot on a out the lockstick- If I drop $430 on a knife it better open itself...great review Nick, tha nks!

dude very cool review. 2 things one you where shaking the thing bit much and how abt a word abt how it would be for a lefty(we sometimes feel so left out) there where many ahh moments in this review super well done.

As you said several times; "hugely ambitious" - credit to Spyderco for pushing the envelope on the design end. I'm sure they were hoping for a hit, but the knife seems compromised by its own ambition and inherent contradictions. Art or tool? You can have both, and I suspect that's what the Glesser's were shooting for, but that's a tough nut to crack.

"I don't see why this blade is not 3.5 inches"... I really like your views and insights, but I think you take for granted that not everyone, in fact probably most people, who carry knives, don't work in an office building. I have large hands. There are very few 3-sub 3.5 inch knives that I find to be very ergonomic for me, and even the ones that are, still feel tight. I very rarely use my pocketknives for food prep, I carry a Opinel in my bag for that, and I just find a lot more utility in larger blades in general. The fact that you have small hands and I have large hands may be a reason why I get conflicting information from you. Like the Tri-ad lock for example; I can close my Code4 (after a few weeks break in and my normal grease) just as fast and with the same effort it take me to close my Al Mar HD Eagle, Endura, and other modern lock backs (with same treatment).

Are the lines on the handle just there to show off the 3d machining work or is it supposed to kinda tie back to the Rassenti? In my opinion, it makes the knife look cheap or like someone "modded" their knife with a ruler and a scribe.

Sabre Grinds on pocket knives will never make sense to me, ever.

Nick, I knew you'd end up not liking that knife. When I hear multiple negatives (lock stick, off the shelf clip and pivot) all for $430, no way is a practical guy like you going to go for pretty scales only. I'm still thinking about your father's EDC vid. Very powerful.

Good, helpful review. Thanks mate.

A really cool knife, but like you said there is lots of room for improvement. I hope they shrink it down to a 3.25" blade size and shorten the handle to match. I hope they also switch to the deep carry wire pocket clip and give it a full flat ground satin finish. Maybe name it the Minerva since it is the min version of the Nirvana.

Only thing i agree with is lockbar insert should have been applied and price.

Folks will buy it for its looks, as a collector, a fondler, to appreciate the manufacturing prowess to produce it, or as a tactical blade that won't see EDC use. If ever I carry a folder for self defense it'll have the best edge possible (Rob Bixby) on a substantial blade and will have never cut anything in anger to maintain its optimal efficiency. Somewhere in the mix I've noted above is what the folks that design it conceived for it. If they stonewash the handle and blade I'd consider its procurement, as of now I'll take a pass. Great honest vid and thanks for sharing Nick. Cheers.

How much did you pick it up for used, Nick?

such a bummer this didn't stay in production or ever come back for another run

in my opinion the most beautiful folding knife.. I wish I could have one like that but it's very expensive for me.. keep it as a dream is something too hehe

I love the blade finish, but the lock stick issue... why? especially on such an expensive knife.

A little more handle height at the pommel and I’m sold!

it feels like I was using a freaking hatchet lolheeee awesome man!

still getting one anyways.

nick this is the second time I had to ask you and I don't want to ask again..... tell me that I'm a gem

Why not a small version?

I agree completely on the warranty bit. You can get yourself a base model Sebenza for less than the Nirvana... and with a much better warranty. Just with the pricing there alone, I'm not impressed with the Nirvana for several reasons. A main one... more price, less quality.

I was thinking about buying it but the ergos are wack and the price is hefty.

The CKF Toshi Muscle is 490 and it is a beast! No my deal because it is so big and heavy, but 70 dineros more, wow, look at what you are getting.

Hey Nick! is it going to be a knife youre going to keep? Can't wait for the kizer splinter review

It's almost like they had a date that every knife was going to ship, got finished with the handles and realized there was a week left to do everything else. It's a really cool knife with a price point of a really GREAT knife, and that's why it falls short.

Deceptively light, means not light at all. FYI. Great review. Thank you. Rassenti makes a small Nirvana, which should be the size. This one is illegal in some states.

I do not understand the inserted stop pin. They could have just milled it in with the frame.

Hey Nick, where are you from? Almost sounds like Brooklyn, somewhere in NY...not sure, but accent definitely seems east coast. Anyway, I like it! It adds color, and reminds me of home (I'm from NYC, but currently living in Seattle). Am I close?

How to differentiate from fake?

I'd say if you want to spend $400 on a ti framelock, the Sebenza is probably still a pretty safe bet. Plus it doesn't look like a napkin after architect happy hour.

Kinda awaited something like this. Then again more of an collectors piece than EDC?

Now that disassembly is covered it makes it a bit more worth the investment!

New is 400 bucks?

I'm actually having second thoughts ... I still have it preordered , but now I just don't know if I really want it ?! When I first heard about it and saw it , I was so fucking excited !!! I just don't know what to do ?! lol

Maybe disassemble the slysz and the nirvana and see what the slysz blade looks like...

You didn't show or mention the centering ..otherwise a good overview.

Did you see the scandi grind mod someone did on KnifeClub? it made the blade look gorgeous with a 2-tone look, and slimmed the cutting edge. Still definitely too large of a folder for me to even consider. I'm shocked they'd not do a 3D machined clip on this. Luckily an RGT clip is only $35 if this was going to be a keeper. You shouldn't have to go aftermarket on what is essentially their new flagship, though. I've heard some people say they aren't huge fans of 3d clips and think they are gimmicky... My only 3D clip is the new Giant Mouse GM1 and it is by far my favorite clip now (passed the Brous SSF and Spyderco wire clips).

Me: I want this knife! *checks Amazon, sees $450 price tag" Me: Nevermind.

I love this knife... I need more money.

after all this time, this knife is a sought after grail for alot of ppl stood the test of time

I like it. Don't really understand all the hate in the comments. To each his own I guess. If this was more affordable I would've got one asap

what kinda camera are u using? very clear

So all the websites have this thing on sale for more then it was originally? On sale from $700+

I'd love an integral with a flipper and a compression lock.

Note to self: pick up all weird looking knives that will likely be discontinued after a first run. In a few years they will be very valuable

The blade to me is the best part

Blade finnish is AWSOME Nicky!!! 🙄🤪

Thanks for the video. Here's a question for the subscribers: In what review does Nick's face appear?

A lot of good and bad criticism for a folder IMO. There are flaws in many knives but I love this Peter Rasenti design. I would agree that they should of went with bronze washers and with the stonewashed satin flat blade that would make it beautiful. I can remove the bead blast finish have it stonewashed and hand rubbed satin flats later on. Sticky lockup doesn't bother me. I cut paper/card box using steel will mini gekko saber grind and it cut better than my sebenzas with hollow grind and my PM2 s110V flat grind. I will have this knife in hand by tomorrow and be the judge. Simple cutting tasks still works for this nirvana, it was never meant to be a hard use folder on a integral. Save the harduse folders for cold steel. Great review, I think to most knife collectors and users takes more time loving the nirvana in the beginning. I had mine on preorder fo $400 flat.

I can't really disagree with your logic in this video, but I want to make some counter points. The warranty Spyderco offers in many ways best that of alternatives in the price range. There are fees associated with warranty work with many places often from crazy high shipping. There are numerous complaints with Strider, Emerson, and even Hinderer's warranty services. Hell, custom makers are often worse whether because of a backlog or because they just don't care once the product is sold. Spyderco's main issue is that they don't seem to have parts on hand for many repairs as they have knives built all around the world. All of that said, I would have preferred a different finish to the blade. It's a custom knife that Spyderco built so... You can't fault them for most of it. The clip should definitely have been a custom one (the Chubby got one). The main reason I won't get one now is the grind. My knives are cutting tools first and this is likely on Peter Rassenti, but it isn't good enough

Looks like a knife from Deus Ex human Revolution because of all the geometric shapes.

Its 830 dollars now

I agree that blade coating is boring and dull. For 430 bucks you shouldn't have to put up with to many annoying things including nasty lockbar stick.

I wonder what a Kizer integral would run? Ha ha ha.

"Hickory dickory dock, this knife has a sticky lock, OH!"- Nick "Dice" Shabbaz

Nick why is your Bowie so dirty???

With the lights out, this is dangerous.

Do we blame the manufacturer or designer for the flaws?

Wow, very impressive review. You make alot of good points. Spyderco has gotten quite ridiculous with their new designs, and frankly so is the entire knife industry. Knives are mostly for working people, and should be affordable. Not jewellery pieces to flick open and closed in front of your computer.

The story of spyderco

Four years late but the blade reminds me of a $40 Benchmade Vex, on the Nirvana it looks like trash compared to the handle/body.

So beautiful 😍

Make it in a size of para 3 and I’ll buy several 😮

The criticisms are nearly universal: poor blade finish, blade too thick, odd choice of grind, knife is too long overall. I asked Spyderco if they had any intention of producing a smaller version - like a small vs. large Sebenza, or a Benchmade 765 vs. 761, but they had no apparent interest in doing so. It's a shame because they could address the problems and make one of the nicest EDC folders out there if they would just listen to what people were saying.

14:00 issss graaaaaaaay !!!!! jajajajjaja

Hi Nick, this is just for your information. Perhaps you even finds this amusing. You said this knife was $430 (new I suppose) or €388. If i want to buy this knife in my country in Europe (Belgium) I have to pay €700 or $766. And if I find the knife on the US market and the seller is willing to ship the knife to me it will still cost me $555 excl. shipping fee... I just felt like telling ;) Great review btw, good job! -Stijn

4mm thick? The fuck is a mm nick? :P. ~.16" Same stock thickness as the benchmade contego and spyderco superleaf. Gotta have room to inset the bearings into the blade so the blade doesnt float in gobs of space like that damn positron and probably to be able to use a 3/16 slotting tool/endmill instead of something smaller

I thought, hmm it looks nice. (check info on google, see price) Whoa what the ----

Maybe just accept the knife for what it is: A pretty exact replica of a Peter rassenti custom design. Question his design choices not spydercos. I think the Knife is fine but I don't do any hard use with it. If I expect harder use in a day I wouldn't carry this, but rather something cheaper and more durable.

It is a beautiful knife. That's about it for me. $430 for a spydie that isn't from golden? Hell no.

Right ... this is not a gem. It's more of an orbital stealthbomber 👌💪🤘👍 Needs a comethole 🤪

The integral handle is pretty cool, another production knife with that feature is the cold steel pocket bushman.

Has Spyderco worked out the imperfections on this model?

I'm depressed Nick! Kinda wanted this knife, but you make me think to much. I don't like the finish, that is snail trails, (that's one reason I dig Hinderer so much), and I don't like the grind of the blade. Crap, guess I will pass.....!

your haters must be sleeping in on sunday:) my opinion after handling this one... Pretty much the same love hate that you convey, hate out weighing the love,especially at the price point. think I'll wait,add a bit and get into another semicustom etc... TNJR

i have large hands so it will work for me

A cubist frame, with a Gerber tactical blade. Yuck!

So you don't like the ergos, or the size, or the weight, or the blade thickness and grind? If they changed those things it wouldn't be a Rassenti design, which I believe was a big reason for all the anticipation in the first place.

Nick have you ever tried Gunslick Graphite lube?I used it in the original ZT 550 for lock stick and I've used it since. www.amazon.com/Gunslick-Graphite-Lube-0-2-Ounce/dp/B000ZLVLCK