Feel free to let me know if I missed anything in the analysis or testing! Sorry I called Harsey a Hoback. Been looking at a Hoback recently hence the mental phase shift.
Thanks CBR for another great review you point out the information that a consumer needs to know and give us a fair testing of knives on the market! Jonathan Macnees is from my home state here in sweet home Alabama!
It's my understanding that he has addressed the concerns about threaded frame, but I would bet my knife collection that Jonathan McKnees would take care of any design related failures on his knives.
Your vids are absolutely terrific! Glad to know the knife I felt was the M1A1 Abrams of folding knives held up to the CBR-SERE School for Folders. I felt it was a great knife, but your Survival School for Blades confirmed it. The day I got mine, I installed Skiff PB washers in mine swapping out the bearings. Wanted to be carrying mine in environments I didn’t think bearings could withstand; so felt phosphor bronze washers were my optimal choice.
@@CA_0341 well thank you Sir! Keep spreading the word, we need more subs to be heard by the industry. If anyone wonders, the washers would be 1/4” id by 1/2 od by .048 thick based on the bearing measurements
An amazing examination. Thank you. I just bought my 3.5 Gen 2 Flat Grind Atomic Frag. I am very happy with and impressed with this knife. The action is amazing, albeit a little tight as it is new. The knife just feels solid and breeds confidence in handling. And yes, the frame is threaded on both sides. Your exam makes me happy, knowing I have a knife of this quality.
Loved this review!!! I was curious how youd feel about the mac 2 because of how simple it is.. This just proves to me that my love of this knife wasnt biased because i like the company.. When i wanna know how tough a knife is, this is the only channel to go to.. Keep up the good work Sir.. This is a very needed channel in this community
Thank you for this review! I have the knife, and I love watching your videos because you go through the whole knife, and there is no question about what you're dealing with. I always feel more knowledgeable after finishing your videos, and I usually don't get that from other reviews. So glad I found your channel. Keep up the amazing work!!
@@KnifeFeind thank you! And keep spreading the word! Clicking Share and copying the link sends the algorithm into frenzy to pop my video in the feeds of viewers just like you! If you actually send the link to anyone or not, it’s totally up to you!
That's a thorough review ! Always appreciate the engineer knowledge. I had one handle getting loose, and the screw ripped the threading in the frame. That knife is still serving, but it is shaky !
100% agree with everything you said. Especially in regards to having a proper lock geometry on a Ti frame lock without an insert. It’s waaaaay harder to do without an insert and to have no lock stick etc. it’s done very well much like a Sebenza 21 for example. All the angles are right and the lock works beautiful. I just got in a TAD McNees 3.5 with the topp pattern. It’s awesome! I also have an AutoMac and a Fastback patterned 3.5. Very impressed with these knives
Funnily enough the stop pin was also the first thing that caught my attention when I got mine in. It is by far the thinnest stop pin of any folder I've ever held or owned. Good to see wacking on its spine held up great. Also I agree McNees sounds like a down to earth cool dude, have him on my IG. The Gen 2 coming soon will address the screw issue going into frame which is my biggest issue.
I found the US-made copper-nickel washers that fit directly in place of the bearings. They are $1.10 each, do you think Jon would be interested in using them instead of the Chinese bearings?
@@CuttingBoardRx In his video he mentioned using new ceramic balls that are USA made iirc on the gen 2s. He said only part that'll be foreign will be the titanium itself used on the handle.
I've been considering picking one up. I think I will now. This is the one of the best knife review and testing channel on UA-cam. And I say that with only one other channel in mind and he's a small channel
Feel free to name the other channel. I don’t make a living off this so helping out independent content creators is perfectly acceptable! And thanks for the compliment
@@CuttingBoardRx The channel I was referring to is SatuDave. He does a lot of custom work like blade regrinds and scale work. And looks at knives on the bigger side
Great video! I just had my 2023 Mac 2 3.5 locks fail. It closes like a slipjoint basically. I will take it apart and clean it and I sent mcnees a message.
I believe the previous owner had polished the lock face with a dremel, causing it to round over and have no positive lock up. I just got a refund because I didn't want to pay shipping and I think the warranty was voided
Great review and great knife. I like mine alot and carry it often. For me the blade grind was to thick for what i like in a folding knife so i got it reground. Now it cuts way better and is still plenty tough for harder use. Also his steel replacement hardware kits are way cheaper than the $75 titanium kits, they are the same hardware that comes on the knife. The hardness files are a good quick reference to check hardness. I do something similar and use a old cell phone and see if the tip of the blade can scratch the glass, if done enough with different hardness steels you can get a good idea where a blade is at. Would like to get one of those hand held rockwell testers but not sure if they are any good for how much money it will cost me.
2:00 Thats the exact same point i try to make when people prattle on about ceramic bearings being so much better than steel. Which should be the wear part, the bearings or the blade?
I have this same knife and I do love it. Would I like to see a revised edition with some of the little things you pointed out implemented into the knife ? Yes, because that would give me a excuse to save up and buy another one ! How would you rate in what order, the three knives in the video that you like the best, McNeese, Medford and Spartan ? Thanks
I’ll put it this way: at 59-60 HRC this Spartan’s blade is way softer than McNees. Both are MagnaCut. And while I love that Slim Midi, it came with basically no edge: 30 degrees er side! There is a video about this specific knife on my channel.
Seem like the listen to your feedback and upgraded their knife I got the older version just a week before their new version come out this week. I know that they would upgrade recent 1-2 weeks ago. I would have waited.
As far as lockbar inserts go, I’ve been using my Spydiechef for years with no problem. I have heard lock stick may present as titanium is softer, but not in my experience.
Spyderco's non steel insert frame locks are great. Their frame locks with steel inserts are hit and miss; actually the only good one I've ever personally experienced is the ti/cf military.
Dude, I admire your dedication but there's no way I'd abuse a $600 knife like that...! I am also a bit disturbed that they don't have the lockbar insert. One of the reasons I dont like frame locks and prefer cross-bar locks the most of all the lock mechanisms I've tried.
I did it on Chris Reeves Umnamzaan, which is even more expensive and the tip on MagnaCut Harpoon-shaped blade broke off on the 50th strike. I’ve sent the knife back admitting that I was using it inappropriately, $200 and 7 weeks later it was back with a brand new blade
There’s probably $40-$60 in materials, $150 in labor and overhead, the optional jigging is about $30, external heat treat adds another $15-$20. Dealer mark up is at least 30% leaving the revenue before expenses at $416. Leaving the profit margin at about $54. So, and I’m speculating here based on my outdated manufacturing engineering experience, Mr. and Mrs. McNees aren’t going to be purchasing a 60ft yacht, personal airplane, and $120K Porsche for a while 😃
Non captive pivots on 500 dollar knives just makes no sense at all. They make a hell of a knife but it's little things like that pivot not being captive that is upsetting.
The pivot is designed so that the flange of the screw bottoms out onto the edge of the nut. It’s usually done that way to prevent over compressing the bearings.
Captive pivots are only necessary if there isn't a way to hold the other side. I find free spinning pivots to work better and often don't need as much lock tite.
Feel free to let me know if I missed anything in the analysis or testing! Sorry I called Harsey a Hoback. Been looking at a Hoback recently hence the mental phase shift.
CBR, your reviews are by far the most informative and educational of all the reviewers I've found to date. Thank you for what you do!
Thank you so much! Lots of time goes into a video of this length
Thanks CBR for another great review you point out the information that a consumer needs to know and give us a fair testing of knives on the market! Jonathan Macnees is from my home state here in sweet home Alabama!
If half the people in your town are as good and honest as Mr. McNees, you live in a nice place!
It's my understanding that he has addressed the concerns about threaded frame, but I would bet my knife collection that Jonathan McKnees would take care of any design related failures on his knives.
Your vids are absolutely terrific!
Glad to know the knife I felt was the M1A1 Abrams of folding knives held up to the CBR-SERE School for Folders. I felt it was a great knife, but your Survival School for Blades confirmed it. The day I got mine, I installed Skiff PB washers in mine swapping out the bearings. Wanted to be carrying mine in environments I didn’t think bearings could withstand; so felt phosphor bronze washers were my optimal choice.
I may try this as well.
@@CuttingBoardRx Would love to see that…with a review. Love your real world, honest reviews. By far my FAVORITE content creator, almost instantly! 🤝
@@CA_0341 well thank you Sir! Keep spreading the word, we need more subs to be heard by the industry.
If anyone wonders, the washers would be 1/4” id by 1/2 od by .048 thick based on the bearing measurements
An amazing examination. Thank you. I just bought my 3.5 Gen 2 Flat Grind Atomic Frag. I am very happy with and impressed with this knife. The action is amazing, albeit a little tight as it is new. The knife just feels solid and breeds confidence in handling. And yes, the frame is threaded on both sides. Your exam makes me happy, knowing I have a knife of this quality.
Loved this review!!! I was curious how youd feel about the mac 2 because of how simple it is.. This just proves to me that my love of this knife wasnt biased because i like the company.. When i wanna know how tough a knife is, this is the only channel to go to.. Keep up the good work Sir.. This is a very needed channel in this community
amazing video as usual! I always learn a little more every time I watch your videos
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this review! I have the knife, and I love watching your videos because you go through the whole knife, and there is no question about what you're dealing with. I always feel more knowledgeable after finishing your videos, and I usually don't get that from other reviews. So glad I found your channel. Keep up the amazing work!!
@@KnifeFeind thank you! And keep spreading the word! Clicking Share and copying the link sends the algorithm into frenzy to pop my video in the feeds of viewers just like you! If you actually send the link to anyone or not, it’s totally up to you!
That's a thorough review ! Always appreciate the engineer knowledge. I had one handle getting loose, and the screw ripped the threading in the frame. That knife is still serving, but it is shaky !
What knife was that?
@@CuttingBoardRx a Smith&Wesson, 420, tactical tanto blade. China made. Can't believe I saw it as an upgrade from my older than me Opinel 😅
100% agree with everything you said. Especially in regards to having a proper lock geometry on a Ti frame lock without an insert. It’s waaaaay harder to do without an insert and to have no lock stick etc. it’s done very well much like a Sebenza 21 for example. All the angles are right and the lock works beautiful.
I just got in a TAD McNees 3.5 with the topp pattern. It’s awesome! I also have an AutoMac and a Fastback patterned 3.5. Very impressed with these knives
Thanks for your input! I love reading informative comments!
Funnily enough the stop pin was also the first thing that caught my attention when I got mine in. It is by far the thinnest stop pin of any folder I've ever held or owned. Good to see wacking on its spine held up great. Also I agree McNees sounds like a down to earth cool dude, have him on my IG. The Gen 2 coming soon will address the screw issue going into frame which is my biggest issue.
I found the US-made copper-nickel washers that fit directly in place of the bearings. They are $1.10 each, do you think Jon would be interested in using them instead of the Chinese bearings?
@@CuttingBoardRx In his video he mentioned using new ceramic balls that are USA made iirc on the gen 2s. He said only part that'll be foreign will be the titanium itself used on the handle.
I've been considering picking one up. I think I will now. This is the one of the best knife review and testing channel on UA-cam. And I say that with only one other channel in mind and he's a small channel
Feel free to name the other channel. I don’t make a living off this so helping out independent content creators is perfectly acceptable! And thanks for the compliment
@@CuttingBoardRx The channel I was referring to is SatuDave. He does a lot of custom work like blade regrinds and scale work. And looks at knives on the bigger side
Great video! I just had my 2023 Mac 2 3.5 locks fail. It closes like a slipjoint basically. I will take it apart and clean it and I sent mcnees a message.
Keep us posted on how it went please!
So what happened
I believe the previous owner had polished the lock face with a dremel, causing it to round over and have no positive lock up. I just got a refund because I didn't want to pay shipping and I think the warranty was voided
Nice to see how far your editing skills have come. Keep up the great work 👍
@@pink7930 I’m just following the advice from my regular viewers. So, right back to y’all
Great review!! Thx for going into details of the knife.. Good stuff
Glad you enjoyed it!
I had to watch this one as I just got a Magnacut gen 2 and I’m even more impressed with it then I already was
👍Jon knows what he’s doing.
@@CuttingBoardRx he absolutely does!
Great review and great knife. I like mine alot and carry it often. For me the blade grind was to thick for what i like in a folding knife so i got it reground. Now it cuts way better and is still plenty tough for harder use. Also his steel replacement hardware kits are way cheaper than the $75 titanium kits, they are the same hardware that comes on the knife. The hardness files are a good quick reference to check hardness. I do something similar and use a old cell phone and see if the tip of the blade can scratch the glass, if done enough with different hardness steels you can get a good idea where a blade is at. Would like to get one of those hand held rockwell testers but not sure if they are any good for how much money it will cost me.
Thanks for sharing the information!
Another bomb review ❤
Thanks!
McNees is such a good brand of knives.
I appreciate your support! Keep getting the word out so that the industry will start listening to the un-affiliated folks!
Insanely good review.
Nicely done! Enjoyed the content.
Much appreciated!
2:00
Thats the exact same point i try to make when people prattle on about ceramic bearings being so much better than steel.
Which should be the wear part, the bearings or the blade?
I have this same knife and I do love it. Would I like to see a revised edition with some of the little things you pointed out implemented into the knife ? Yes, because that would give me a excuse to save up and buy another one ! How would you rate in what order, the three knives in the video that you like the best, McNeese, Medford and Spartan ? Thanks
I’ll put it this way: at 59-60 HRC this Spartan’s blade is way softer than McNees. Both are MagnaCut. And while I love that Slim Midi, it came with basically no edge: 30 degrees er side! There is a video about this specific knife on my channel.
Great video as always 👍
👌🙏
Seem like the listen to your feedback and upgraded their knife I got the older version just a week before their new version come out this week. I know that they would upgrade recent 1-2 weeks ago. I would have waited.
I believe I mentioned that he’s in the process of updating the hardware in this video. But this is a fantastic knife, I wouldn’t worry if I were you!
Best reviewer
@@bawihmung3544 Thanks for watching and subscribing!
As far as lockbar inserts go, I’ve been using my Spydiechef for years with no problem. I have heard lock stick may present as titanium is softer, but not in my experience.
I have not had any issues with the Ti frame locks either, except when it’s not well adjusted from the factory.
Spyderco's non steel insert frame locks are great. Their frame locks with steel inserts are hit and miss; actually the only good one I've ever personally experienced is the ti/cf military.
New follower, great video.
Thank you! I answered your CRK question
Great looking knife. Is that the spear point or the drop?
It’s a straight clipped point
Dude, I admire your dedication but there's no way I'd abuse a $600 knife like that...! I am also a bit disturbed that they don't have the lockbar insert. One of the reasons I dont like frame locks and prefer cross-bar locks the most of all the lock mechanisms I've tried.
Have you done these same tests on a Chris Reeve Sebenza?
I did it on Chris Reeves Umnamzaan, which is even more expensive and the tip on MagnaCut Harpoon-shaped blade broke off on the 50th strike. I’ve sent the knife back admitting that I was using it inappropriately, $200 and 7 weeks later it was back with a brand new blade
@CutBladeRx Wow, 50th, that's crazy!
@CutBladeRx Do you think it had more to do with the blade geometry vs the steel?
The Hoto screwdriver link is bad.
I fixed it
Yikes ya called a Harsey folder a "Hoback"
Wait till you’re my age…
Haha point taken lol!
Nice knife, but price is steep for what it is.
There’s probably $40-$60 in materials, $150 in labor and overhead, the optional jigging is about $30, external heat treat adds another $15-$20. Dealer mark up is at least 30% leaving the revenue before expenses at $416. Leaving the profit margin at about $54. So, and I’m speculating here based on my outdated manufacturing engineering experience, Mr. and Mrs. McNees aren’t going to be purchasing a 60ft yacht, personal airplane, and $120K Porsche for a while 😃
Non captive pivots on 500 dollar knives just makes no sense at all. They make a hell of a knife but it's little things like that pivot not being captive that is upsetting.
The pivot is designed so that the flange of the screw bottoms out onto the edge of the nut. It’s usually done that way to prevent over compressing the bearings.
Captive pivots are only necessary if there isn't a way to hold the other side. I find free spinning pivots to work better and often don't need as much lock tite.
Really like the knife but im expecting much better quality for $500 I'd pay $250 for that
Buy Spyderco
Also Sir, Do you have an Instagram? Id love to share this review and tag you
I don’t have an instagram. Do you recommend I set it up?
@@CuttingBoardRx i do.. i just use it to communicate with my knife buddies