I went full circle. Started with the bugout, went on to collect some very high end pieces like the sebenza, AD20, halftrack, and ended up just carrying and loving my original bugout. Wasn’t the knife per se. just a mindset that a knife is ultimately a tool, and the bugout was the perfect one for my needs.
Bugout might be the perfect ultra lightweight knife unless you need a knife that is totally corrosion proof. I have the carbon fiber / S90V version and it's amazing. Although I prefer Hogue Deka if I'm in the fidgeting mood because it has better action than the Bugout.
When I got a bugout I thought it would be the last knife id buy. KnifeSwap tempted me into many more, but the bugout is something I come back to pretty regularly because it is so damn light and it just works.
@@Gambit166 agreed on the Deka, it’s the bugout killer. Better in every way + 20cv for less money, made 100% in the US by a smaller US company. Rooting for Hogue all the way. Benchmade needs to check themselves a bit.
I agree with the Bugout. I could definitely stop with that one (I didn't, but I could, ha). Perfect edc/utility knife. Good steel, lightweight, not too big or too small. I even used it to field dress my deer last season.
The only thing keeping it from being the one and only for me is the axis lock. specifically the omega springs. After about a calendar year of daily carry they became corroded and broke. It will be my first and last benchmade - kind of bitterweet, but I am once bitten, twice shy
Years ago when looking for a pocket knife I came across Nick’s channel and he said the Rat 1 in D2 steel is all you really need so I picked one up and have been very happy with it. When looking to replace my lost Leatherman ( which I later found while looking for my replacement) Nick said the Wave is what you need for urban edc so I picked one up and it suits me perfectly. I have stuck to budget watches cuz Nick said “Do not get into watches”. I have no interest in pens because my handwriting is beyond help.I have been tempted to try other knives and multitools but the voice in the back of my head that sounds like Nick tells me there is nothing to gain. I guess the Spyderco Shaman and Leatherman Surge will have to wait until it actually becomes a need if there is such a thing. Thanks Nick. Your will power has helped me immensely.
@@garrettferrell6821 - I just added the Thrunite Neutron 2C V3 to this list. A multi-function torch with simple operation. I was a die hard on/off AA battery type before.
No get a manbug salt, trust me there is no other spyderco that will surprise you at how useful it is. You throw it in your pocket as if it’s a little charm but works like a freaking champ when you need it to. I like the chaparral but the blade is way to thin to do anything besides cutting paper and the edges of the back lock are way to thin and sharp for me
That was my gateway knife! Because of Shabazz. I moved on from it but I have one of the new maple scale ones as a fancy user carry. I wish they'd make a compression lock in the exact same profile/size because the back lock is such a deal breaker for regular carry for me now.
Para 3 LW is exceptionally average in every way except the price. Flimsy clip, plastic body, *ugly* in every sense of the word and just cheaply made ( a single bronze washer on one side and nothing at all on the other side, just rubs against the plastic body! ). It cuts fine, the compression lock feels fine. But ugh, I just can't see why people love it so much! Guess that's why I love knives, there's something out there for everyone.
Eric Clapton had a great observation about collecting. He observed that he would go through cycles of desire, acquisition, enjoyment, complacency, reflection, divestiture... and the cycle would repeat. Sometimes, he'd re-acquire some of what he had sold, but more often, move in new directions. Same pattern, different stuff. Look up George Carlin's bit on "Stuff." It's pretty accurate and funny. Thanks for taking the time, Nick.
Spyderco UKPK s110v is my "exit knife" for all practical purposes. I still pay attention to (and buy) other knives because they're fun or fancy or whatever, but I certainly don't *need* them. Agreed that the Machine Era pen is hard to beat, but the one I carry the most is the CW&T Pen Type-C because it's small and flat enough to fit in my wallet, so I always have it on me, and it's durable and good enough for the small amount of writing I need to do on the go.
Thanks for the love! The could-stop points by cost for me would probably be: Under 50: Kershaw Atmos. Under 150: Benchmade Bugout or Para 3. Under 250: TRM Neutron 2 or Atom. Over 500: Shiro Hation and Holt Specter. That QC Drift keeps catching my eye though 😂 Two most carried are: Neutron 2 and Hation for sure.
Just bought the same McKenna and got it yesterday and it's been so much fun so far! It's a little small for my big hands but it's good to have a firmly under 3" but not tiny/stubby knife for classy events in regulated areas
CRK Large Inkosi and the Spyderco Caparra are kind of my two stopping points. I still will get knives I find really interesting, particularly those with new lock designs, but I haven't really been looking at other knives all that much and I don't really carry any other of my others outside of niche occasions I'll probably pick up a Large Sebenza at some point and swap out the tanto blade on my small Sebenza for a standard drop point, but I think that's likely the end of my journey
Cool premise for a video. I used to buy a lot of edc knives and I do love collecting them. But after I got my TRM Atom, I virtually stopped buying edc knives (though I do occasionally buy one from time to time). And I've got a drawer full of other knives that I almost never carry anymore. The Atom isn't perfect but it checks nearly every box for me and if I had to stop there, I could easily and happily live with it. Keep up the great work, Nick!
Ive stopped looking for knives recently and have just settled for what i have. In my rotation i Have: -spyderco delica (green) -spyderco manix XL with green ball cage -WE banter -ZT 0801 ZT 0450 -spyderco mcbee
Malibu tanto….But if Andrew does a “production” 20.5 Demko sharksfoot In knurled titanium and 20 cv for $300 or less I think I’d be done. That would be my EDC grail. I have the standard version right now and I absolutely adore it, but I’d love it even more in higher end materials.
I don’t have a lot of extra money for a lot of expensive knives but right now it would be the Spyderco Para 3 LW with BD1N. Since I got that ( and an extra for the backup) I haven’t found another knife I like as much. I went to my local knife store a few days ago to check out the 940 Osbourne and the Delica but they just didn’t do it for me. By the way Nick they had the Delica saber grind with VG10 and stainless steel handles. I thought this had been out of production for quite some time.
So good Nick !! I had "stopped" with the SKX007 / RAT2 / Parker Jotter a year later I have now "stopped" with the Civivi Pintail / Citizen BN0200 / Parker Jotter ... I wonder what I will have "stopped" on next year !!
The three that have done it for me are the Bugout S90v and carbon fiber, Quiet Carry Waypoint with titanium and the Drift in G10. Haven’t looked at knives since then.
Stopped with the Pilot G2... Stopped with Victorinox Spirit X... Mostly stopped with Citizen Paradigm Ti eco drive... TRM Newtron, Bull Shamweri, and surprisingly to me the Small Sebenza could all fit the bill as only knives for me. XM18 3.5 skinny as well but its a little heavy duty for my daily life.
In all honesty, probably the spydiechef (I'm not paying $400 for a stripped down version of the original bowie), but only because it's on washers making it a little more flexible usage-wise. Otherwise I'd go with my Pena x-series apache.
I'm so disappointed with my Chef. It had horrible lock stick. I lived with sharpie in it forever to help but then got to hate it and want it fixed. So I worked it a bunch to wear in the surfaces and the moment the lock stick went away lock rock showed up to stay. It bugs me more than ever now. My advice is to go pick one out from a retail establishment so you can try it out first otherwise bits the luck of the drawl.
@@SRVandDtrouble I must've gotten lucky. I've seen a reasonable amount of people with that complaint. Mine had a little stick out of the box, but it went away after getting broken in and the lockup is solid.
@@patrickg8744 maybe stripped down isn't the right word. I'm not terribly mechanically (chemically?) inclined so I don't know the difference in the amount of work it takes to anodize vs. the original finish on the scales, but if we pretend that it takes the same amount of effort, the only other difference is the blade material/finish. Is the upgrade to M390 worth an extra $150+ over the original or the 'chef? Not to me.
BM mini grip. Carried it for 10 years religiously. I am testing out the mini Osborne only because I am scared of losing it lol. I might just get another mini grip if I don't like this.
I have a few knives now, but the one that I keep using the most and keep reaching for when I go out is the Kizer Feist W with the reverse tanto blade. I don't know why but the size and utility of it is perfect for me.
cold steel hold out 2 ends up being mine, its not very fancy, or feature rich, but it fits my hand really nice, is sized right for me to do just about anything a folder should be able to do and just works and works.
The Civivi McKenna is a fantastic EDC for me. I liked my brass/154CM version so much that I bought a second one. I carry it daily with a second heavier duty folder. The McKenna is an overlooked gem that I absolutely love.
I used to have a pretty large collection of knives, but ultimately sold everything off except a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 and a Small Sebenza 21 Insingo. Those were the 2 I could leave with. I was in law school and couldn’t really justify the price of the Sebenza so I sold it. My only knife for awhile was the Spyderco Dragonfly. I recently was able to pick up another CRK Small Sebenza Insingo and that will be staying with my forever. If I had to pick one knife, and only one, it would be a small CRK Sebenza Insingo. Boring sure, but it just works for me
I'm primarily a knife collector but dipped my toes into watch collecting for a few years. What ultimately killed my watch collecting hobby (besides the price) was when I got a smart watch and just found myself wearing it all day every day. I still have nice watches if I want to dress up for a wedding/event but as far as edc the smartwatch does everything I need. My EDC knife has been a PM2 in S110V for the last 2 years but I'm not slowing down on that hobby anytime soon.
Yep.. exactly the same. I don't own anything ridiculously high end but have a couple of dress ups and a few G shocks for fun. Yet once i got my much cheaper smart watch, it's all I really need to wear now.
For me, the Para 3 Lightweight was the last knife I bought right up until about a week ago when I picked up a CJRB Ria. For a pen, another very recent acquisition, the Bastion Bolt Action Pen, will probably be the last pen I purchase for quite some time. I picked up the version with the carbon fiber body to go with my carbon fiber Ria.
As I am currently a swamp witch here in South Carolina, the Drift could certainly be my forever knife. But I would also have the PM2, both the Neutron and the Atom, the Holt Haptic, and the small Sebenza 31 on my list.
Nick is shaping my destiny slowly. Carrying/wearing a citizen promaster diver watch, trm neutron, and a leatherman in my pack right now. I don’t use pens, so that’s it. Thanks man. My gear legitimately brings me joy. Might keep going, might not.
While I have some really nice knives, including an Olamic Busker, McNees Mac 2 and TRM Neutron, the one I keep going back to is my Medford Praetorian Slim. I carry it more often than all the others put together. It’s so slim and the pocket clip is so perfect, that I barely feel like I’m carrying a knife, yet the blade is super slicey and robust at the same time and the action is super smooth - just nothing to complain about.
I just need a good basic knife. 20 years with a Spyderco Endura. Upgraded to a Native 5 LW and I thought it was all I would ever need. Then in the last online only Spyderco factory seconds sale, I picked up a PM2 because I wanted to try the compression lock. So now I choose my knife based on the size I feel like carrying for that day. Usually the PM2 but sometimes the Native 5 LW. That's all I really need. I'm not interested in anything more expensive than that, but I do like watching your knife reviews anyway.
Happy to say I’ve landed in the one and done club with my edc gear, zt0350tsst as my knife, Surefire backup mv as my flashlight, leatherman surge as my multi tool and a Casio gw5600 as my watch and I haven’t looked back.
I walked away with a small Sebenza 31. I sold all my other EDC knives (I had almost $1500 in pocket knives total) and now only carry the Sebenza. I use the lock side scale near the pivot as a bottle opener, the display side scale as a hammer, and the clip to open tough tabs on cans. I've worn the anodizing off the backspacer and thumb stud, and even cut a couple cans and shaved down aluminum edges with no damage to the stonewash or blade edge. The lock bar also has not traveled one bit after it broke in, no matter how hard I grip it. No lock stick, ever. No messing with the pivot tension to get it to open right. No problems at all, no fit and finish flaws. I couldn't possibly be more happy with this knife, it is absolutely the last EDC I need. On another note, sorry Nick but I had to unsubscribe so I wasn't constantly reminded that I could be spending ludicrous amounts of money on more knives I don't need. This video popped up in my recommended still though, maybe it's a sign I need a large 31😂 Thanks for the great reviews and keep up the good work!
@@SRVandDtrouble I'm a guy who likes blades 3.5" and longer, and thought I should've gotten a large instead. After carrying it for 6 months or so though I'm realizing I never need a bigger blade for EDC and it's nice to have the small profile in my pocket all day. I do need a longer blade at work and hunting though so I carry a Barrage and a Contego for those purposes.
@@cadencramer2747 That is fair. I have like 30 knives so I like the variety of blade shapes and sizes. But if I had to sell all but one I could see a CRK making the cut. You really have to factor in the warranty with a one and done approach.
I recently purchased my first Reate knife. The New Epoch to be exact. I realize the true beauty of the Epoch and I see it as a step out of the stage of collecting I was in and moving on to greater items. I have my collection of budget knives now I want something great.
I like the Delica but I would have to replace it with a PM2 or PM3..I know I’m about to sound like the biggest PM2/PM3 fanboy ever but IMO it’s about as close to a perfect knife design I have ever found.it feels amazing in hand regardless if you are holding it behind the choil or if your are choked up on the blade using the finger choil and the thumb ramp.Im an absolute sucker for the compression lock and I love the wide leaf shaped blade with the full flat grind,it makes for a phenomenal slicer but it’s still sturdy enough for some heavier tasks as well..plus I love that Spyderco often release their more popular knives in a wide range of premium steels..if I absolutely had to choose one knife to EDC for the rest of my life it would definitely be a PM2 or a PM3..sure,there are nicer higher end knives out there but for everyday use,there is nothing I would personally rather use
I am not a fanboy, but my brain has sounded like one. For me the para 3 was the first good knife i got, was in CO for vacation and stopped in to get one. It has the best ergos i've handled.
I got out of pens with my Pilot Custom 823 with a flexible nib and aftermarket feed, got out of watches with the modified Orient Mako II. I'm still a bit into knives, but some time soon I'm getting a Spyderco Military S110V and that will probably be the end of it.
Koenig Arius has really destroyed the desire to hunt. I will say though I still have my original PM2 for doing the heavy lifting when I don’t want to abuse something “nicer” or more expensive. That is still an excellent knife. Kinda makes me think I never really needed to get into the hobby in the first place and just kept my ignorance with my first real knife. Sure it isn’t perfect but it does everything you could ask for in a pocket knife.
I sold most of my stuff. Watches, knives, & other gear. I kept only my Hinderer XM-18 3.5” Tanto Fatty & Spanto, Max Marco bolt pen, & Seiko Samurai SRPB51J1.
For a main folder I haven’t settled on one. However. The one knife that I carry with me every day of the week is the Victorinox Rambler. I consistently use every single tool and extremely rarely want for more. My only gripe is that the philips screwdriver can’t reach screws that are in holes very far. But other than that it’s an absolute gem of a knife that I don’t see myself deviating from any time this side of the grave
I’m shocked the chaparral didn’t make this list. I seem to remember at one time you considered it to be a better delica and a knife you could choose as your one knife. Things change, opinions change. I get that. Thank you for making this video.
I've been happy with my collection for a long time with a Ruike P801, Benchmade 940-1, and Spyderco PM2 in S35VN and RGT Ti scales. By no means a budget collection, but compared to many it's not huge and it gives me just enough variety and quality.
As far as knives go I got started out when a friend gifted me a Benchmade Mini Griptilian. I always liked Leathermans but hated having something on my belt or something that bulky floating around in my pocket. Went through a number of high priced knives until I picked up my black and steel Wave+ with a titanium pocket clip and since then everything else has stayed in the box. Once I got my Nitecore TIP SE I haven't used another flashlight as well. As much as I love my Casio Pro Trek I can't get over the fascination with mechanicals (most recently in love with my Luch single-hand hand-wind and Orient Mako II) to the point I'm planning to attend watchmaker school in the fall. Keep up the good work Nick!
i'm done with flashlights. i have a surefire e1b as an edc, a g2x for when i need power and a streamlight microstream for backup/if i need something small.
I think if if I ever manage to put a Sebenza in the collection I'll walk away. I have some nice pieces, but that one is the reason I started this journey. The others I have were an attempt to justify not needing a Sebenza.
I get that feeling. I have my spyderco manix 2 in spy27 and a citizen dive watch..... but I keep looking at watches and knives. But most days it's the manix and citizen dive.
How is the SPY27?Ive been considering getting the Manix 2 in SPY27 as well though I’m trying to hold out in hopes they will release one in G-10 instead of the FRN scales
Guess my only thought is that "The One" assumes that there is a one that fills all of your needs. I would contend a more realistic way to look at it is to ask "which set of items will fill all of your needs". (I'm not into watches)....but maybe you need an everyday watch, AND a dress watch. Maybe you need a pocket pen for instantaneous access, AND a pen for longer use writing. A daily carry knife, AND a hard use purpose built knife. (Maybe you need an array of 6 of each in various configurations?) "The One" in many cases may result in imposing limitations on yourself that are undesirable. Now, this might sound like a way to justify having a 2 dozen item collection, which is not what I'm saying. Just saying that in many cases, "The One" doesn't really exist because the requirements change depending on the situation.
For me it would be a Sharp By Design custom tempest and a Void user. I love the look of mechanical watches, but I have to go with an Apple Watch for convenience (assuming I could still upgrade every few years). My forever pens would be a Visconti London Fog fountain pen and a Tactile Turn blue flame anodized short for EDC.
I stopped for a few years with the spyderco manix 2. The ergos on it were perfect, it was slicey enough, and it the size didnt bother me because I couldnt carry a nice in school anyways. The knife that brought me back in was the quietcarry waypoint. The knife so nice, I bought it twice. But I still have both. One in ti scales, another in blue g10. It ignited my passion for the hobby again, and I then dove into some of the civivis like the mckenna, which dragged me into the front flipper world. Recently I got into microtech ultratechs. I got a bounty hunter and a red and bronzed utx85. They are absurd, but they make me happy. My manix 2 has been pretty much retired due to the size, and I carry a waypoint when I do field work, and an ultratech when im just in the office. KnifeSwap is a dangerous subreddit to join. Thankfully, I only ever went with a leatherman wave, and have never had a desire to look elsewhere.
I have way too many knives...Yet I carry a Byrd Crow 2 80% of the time. It's just a near perfect balance of price and what I actually need for EDC. It's cheap enough that I don't worry about losing or damaging it too much, yet it basically functions just as well as a Para 3 and other much more expensive knives.
Been having this problem with my Hinderer vintage Bowie xm18. The aesthetic, ergonomics, quality, and size are so perfect it feels like it was made for my hands specifically. Other than the fun of an OTF or Balisong, or the legality of slipjoints I could definitely stop here. That being said I just bought another knife last night
I thought several times: This knife is so great, that's it! But then after a few days I start checking the collection again and see all these great pieces, and then I ask my self: What did company xyz came out in the last months? And I'm in buying mode again.
Atomedge Here: I got 2 knives from Kase Knives Switzerland. A custom Shard in Vancron Superclean 4 inch blade, 2mm bladestock 65.5 hrc. I also got the FIRST production shard and first knife ever in Nitrobe 77 hardened over 62hrc (64.5). Having two every day carry fixed blades in some of the literal best steels there are. Along with a new Spiderco Police 4 and Spiderco Endela in K390, on top of all the other knives I've got has made it feel very stupid to collect more and I don't really feel like selling them at a loss to "open up" my collection. I've also kind of peaked on sharpening. Once you get past cutting free hanging hairs pretty easily with just 600 grit and some stropping and know how far it can go it's kinda like "okay neat". Now that Roman has come out with his elastic ceramic I may have a new interest but I'm sure he just sharpens it on his Tormek CBN wheel and uses vitrified diamonds to finish it off.
For me I have pared up. I have a 550 in S30V & Spyderco Para 3LW SPY27. I have more expensive and exclusive knifes but depending on what I am doing one of these knifes are in my pocket. I have looked but these fit me perfectly. As for watches I think it would be, Omega Aqua Terra & Breitling Aerospace. Both blue. Haven’t jumped that deep into crazy land yet “LOL”. Don’t get into watches!
I 'stopped' with my multitool search with the original Victorinox SwissTool. 'My' pen is the Zebra F-701. So far I haven't found a flashlight I like better than the Thrunite Archer 2AA. But as far as knives go... the hunt may well be endless.
If i had to get rid of all of my knives and could only keep 1 - i just got a full dress Munroe Sigil MK4 in damasteel. It is working art....and it may be my "one" - up until that knife...I'm not sure I could say just one...I really like my Custom AD15.... Watch - Omega Speedy pro with the hesalite crystal and a see through case back. Pen, I don't know much about pens, but I do really enjoy the functionality of the Fischer TLP (Telescoping Space Pen) - it's a great design and highly pocket friendly. If I could switch out the watch for anything - it would be a SINN Tiegemented UX.
Great video sir. I got an oris aquis about a year ago. I love it. I still want a planet ocean but if that never comes I won’t be all that sad. Tactile turn is my pen & holy shit it’s good. New knife is the knifejoy endura teal in s30v, coming from a dragon fly g-10 & pacific salt 2 I now love the endura. Epic knife. Big but damn it’s amazing.
Benchmade 940 and I never carried another knife again. As far as pens its the machine era markup and that's all I need, until they make one with a good pocket clip and then I'm truly done. Now watches...still not there yet, but I could have stopped with a $10 casio if were a sane person.
Brian Nadeau’s Mini Typhoons were about when I figured I had reached the peak, and where ‘grails’ sort of ended for me. I still buy knives on occasion for fun and collecting, mostly the newer knives from Brian, but I have significantly toned down my purchases since I’ve come to own them. A couple slip joints and a Graham Razel for my upcoming couple years in the UK. I have my one pen, a Fellhoelter Ti Bolt, and that’s it for me. In terms of watches, I’m still exploring. Really loving Ball and Zelos so far.
Great video again Nick, thank you. I have other expensive hobbies - namely motorcycle racing. A pair of tyres costs $400 and lasts one weekend. So for me this is simple - I will cap my humble knife hobby with a Spyderco Chaparral Sun and Moon in CTS XHP. I don’t need to go any fancier.
The Spyderco Chaparral is a great knife and XHP is a great steel.if I wasn’t into collecting knives I would be just fine carrying it for the rest of my days
Honestly, most of the time I've just got a Gerber EAB Lite on my belt, now. I gave gotten out of the habit of carrying a knife regularly. As far as my "Last" knife goes, I'd have to say I'm a huge fan of the KA-BAR Mule. Most of the time when I need a knife it's for bush/outdoors use, and the rubber grips and partial serrations come in handy. By no means is it the nicest one in my collection, but it probably gets the most use overall.
@knifeguy916 Nice same here! Just got mine a few weeks ago and I love it. I was able to get the color and blade grind I wanted too so I’m stoked. However The knife I most regret selling was my Spyderco Slysz Bowie so I may need that as a sort of gentleman’s carry if I can ever get my hands on one at a good price.
havent found my last edc, hard to get higher end here in canada so been settling for the few we can get, but for multitool the wave+ is never being replaced haha
A Native 5 Lightweight in CPM S90v and teal FRN will be my last knife before I graduate college, because college is a financial nightmare. As such I had to be content with this being "the one" for quite a long time, and I think it'll do me well. Killer steel, great design, amazing backlock, beautiful color. Really can't go wrong.
Well, I watched this right before work Nick. You caught me switching my home pocket knife, a Para 3 Maxamet to my more stainless work knife, the Elementum or the Spyderco Smock. It got me thinking. If I couldn’t afford to buy another knife or they all became unavailable suddenly, I would be overjoyed to have those three from my small collection. However I also thought, because I can afford them and they are available, I better keep searching for “the one”!
Small knife: Spyderco chaparral, medium/large folder: SK blades/buck marksman (version with s35vn steel). Zebra F701 (literally stopped with my first considered pen choice). Tissot le locle powermatic 80 (dress-y watch). Still searching for edc watch. Except for knives I actually DO stop once I’ve found “the one(s)”
To my eye the watches look pretty similar to each other as do the pocket knives (McKenna exempted). Nothing wrong with that, Nick has a type. My choices would be 1. basic Lamy fountain pen 2. Leatherman Squirt 3. G-Shock GAW100 4. Spyderco Chaparral frn. EDC meaning I can carry my gear around easily and not get upset if I lost anything.
I got into mid tech knives and cannot afford to buy a couple of knives a month as I had with $100-$175 knives. My current favorite is a Chris Reeve Knives large Sebenza 31.
I walked away from the hobby a couple of years ago with a PM2, ESEE 6, and a Leatherman Wave+. I have since returned to collecting knives, but those three showed me that i really didn't need anything else.
Quiet Carry Drift 2.0. Got mine a week ago and just put almost all my other edc attempts up for sale. My 940-1 will be replaced with a new waypoint in a couple months (hopefully satin knurled ;). The drift in swsw and that waypoint are all I need to stop all my edc searching. I hope..
@@evanb123 A bit of a pipe dream maybe but with the new textured tactile turn and the success of the drift knurled model I have hope. Seems like a company that might do it if some jackass starts talking about it ;) I’d prefer knurling on the waypoint cuz I don’t like the look of knives with sides finished differently.
Hi Nick, Casio G-shock, Stowa, Laco, Monta, Christopher Ward, Ball, Maurice Lacroix. I feel you would choose your next watch from my list. I am interested in which knife do you use in the kitchen. (I guess something from Wusthof, Zwilling or Japanese hand made)
Tough question. For a watch, I'd have to have two categories: modern and vintage. For the modern, I've had a few, but seem to always go back to my Revue Thommen Airspeed Classic. For vintage, I've been wearing a late 50s/early 60s Sturmanskie. Knives are a tougher category, as I have little overlap in my collection. I've been mostly carrying a ZT 0452cf, but I think my TwoSun Maverick is the one I'd not let go. That said, my 2nd gen Drift would be the hardest to let go of all the other knives. Multitool is less hard to choose--Leatherman Charge+. So, why haven't you reviewed any TwoSun knives? I've had quite a few, and they're making really good knives.
My collection has dwindled to be more budget oriented. I'd have to go with QSP penguin, Damned Designs Invictus, CJRB feldspar, Civivi Imperium, and Indiana Knives MicartaMorph I've got a Cold Steel mini recon 1 on the way. Eventually I'll get a Boker Kihon, Kalashnikov, and a Kershaw skyline. Probably won't be able to get my grails; Norseman, Peña, and Neutron but I'm hopeful still
I think I could get away with my new ZT 0393GLCF with 20CV. Strong, Harpoon Spanto is cool, 3.5” is perfect and very comfortable in my hand. A knife I would trust to last much more than my Para 3 blacked out version. Although my ZT 0452CF is a close second.
I think a blacked out Para 3 with s35vn would be my optimum choice, if I could get one. I love the para 3, but the s30v is quite chippy. I actually like the blade steel on the para 3 lightweight better but I don’t like the weak retention on the clip and I can feel the Handle scales flex when I’m really cutting tough stuff.
The blacked out S35VN Para 3 is my go to knife! Had to get a beater black S30V on the secondary and do some parts swapping, but 10/10, would recommend in the middle of a comment thread full of gems! 💎 🍻
I don't know about leaving the hobby all together but the Doug Ritter Hogue full size and mini have me taking a a long hiatus. Their combo of price, quality, materials is hard to beat
For use only as a pocket knife I’ve settled on the pm3 lw, I suppose a bugout could easily substitute for a bit more money. I fell into a trap of fooling myself into thinking a folder was appropriate for self defense, for that I have a clinch pick or kabar tdi.
I went full circle. Started with the bugout, went on to collect some very high end pieces like the sebenza, AD20, halftrack, and ended up just carrying and loving my original bugout. Wasn’t the knife per se. just a mindset that a knife is ultimately a tool, and the bugout was the perfect one for my needs.
Bugout might be the perfect ultra lightweight knife unless you need a knife that is totally corrosion proof. I have the carbon fiber / S90V version and it's amazing. Although I prefer Hogue Deka if I'm in the fidgeting mood because it has better action than the Bugout.
When I got a bugout I thought it would be the last knife id buy. KnifeSwap tempted me into many more, but the bugout is something I come back to pretty regularly because it is so damn light and it just works.
@@Gambit166 agreed on the Deka, it’s the bugout killer. Better in every way + 20cv for less money, made 100% in the US by a smaller US company. Rooting for Hogue all the way. Benchmade needs to check themselves a bit.
I agree with the Bugout. I could definitely stop with that one (I didn't, but I could, ha). Perfect edc/utility knife. Good steel, lightweight, not too big or too small. I even used it to field dress my deer last season.
The only thing keeping it from being the one and only for me is the axis lock. specifically the omega springs. After about a calendar year of daily carry they became corroded and broke. It will be my first and last benchmade - kind of bitterweet, but I am once bitten, twice shy
Years ago when looking for a pocket knife I came across Nick’s channel and he said the Rat 1 in D2 steel is all you really need so I picked one up and have been very happy with it. When looking to replace my lost Leatherman ( which I later found while looking for my replacement) Nick said the Wave is what you need for urban edc so I picked one up and it suits me perfectly. I have stuck to budget watches cuz Nick said “Do not get into watches”. I have no interest in pens because my handwriting is beyond help.I have been tempted to try other knives and multitools but the voice in the back of my head that sounds like Nick tells me there is nothing to gain. I guess the Spyderco Shaman and Leatherman Surge will have to wait until it actually becomes a need if there is such a thing. Thanks Nick. Your will power has helped me immensely.
All great choices,I have to agree,Nick’s opinion definitely carries a lot of weight with me too
@@garrettferrell6821 - I just added the Thrunite Neutron 2C V3 to this list. A multi-function torch with simple operation. I was a die hard on/off AA battery type before.
Lmao “I can stop anytime I want” smh
This has to be a top comment 🤣
I've stopped with MUTs/ I've got Rebar and Supertool, that's all I need.
With pens an all metal Zebra covers my needs.
@@void1984 "MUTs"?
@@superrad1659 Multitool, sorry for the unintroduced abbreviation.
@@void1984 LOL no worries! Also, duh lol I shoulda been able to figure that out
Spyderco FRN Chaparral makes it really hard to carry anything else. So small and light, yet super capable *Italian chef kiss*
THANK YOU! I’m convinced that it’s the best Spyderco. So underrated and I wish it had more aftermarket support
No get a manbug salt, trust me there is no other spyderco that will surprise you at how useful it is. You throw it in your pocket as if it’s a little charm but works like a freaking champ when you need it to. I like the chaparral but the blade is way to thin to do anything besides cutting paper and the edges of the back lock are way to thin and sharp for me
I find myself carrying the FRN Chaparral pretty often.
@@wadewilson8903 oh yeah it’s excellent, between the blade steel and the perfect fit+finish just sets it over other Spydercos for me
That was my gateway knife! Because of Shabazz. I moved on from it but I have one of the new maple scale ones as a fancy user carry. I wish they'd make a compression lock in the exact same profile/size because the back lock is such a deal breaker for regular carry for me now.
I want more of these type of videos
Me too, sometimes giving a favorite full time attention feels better than a new knife.
Yes. Love Nick's more theoretical commentary
I’ve stopped looking with a Spyderco Para 3 LW & their Sharpmaker.
yup, its a knife for your hand not your display case.
Yeah the Precison Adjust and a strop block was a game changer for me.
My dad will actually receive his first para 3 tomorrow for Father’s Day and I hope he will buy a sharpener because my collection could use a sharpen 😂
Para 3 LW is exceptionally average in every way except the price.
Flimsy clip, plastic body, *ugly* in every sense of the word and just cheaply made ( a single bronze washer on one side and nothing at all on the other side, just rubs against the plastic body! ).
It cuts fine, the compression lock feels fine. But ugh, I just can't see why people love it so much!
Guess that's why I love knives, there's something out there for everyone.
@@ihave7sacks not at all, maybe the lightweight version.
Eric Clapton had a great observation about collecting. He observed that he would go through cycles of desire, acquisition, enjoyment, complacency, reflection, divestiture... and the cycle would repeat. Sometimes, he'd re-acquire some of what he had sold, but more often, move in new directions. Same pattern, different stuff.
Look up George Carlin's bit on "Stuff." It's pretty accurate and funny. Thanks for taking the time, Nick.
Spyderco UKPK s110v is my "exit knife" for all practical purposes. I still pay attention to (and buy) other knives because they're fun or fancy or whatever, but I certainly don't *need* them.
Agreed that the Machine Era pen is hard to beat, but the one I carry the most is the CW&T Pen Type-C because it's small and flat enough to fit in my wallet, so I always have it on me, and it's durable and good enough for the small amount of writing I need to do on the go.
For watches, the Seiko SKX007 on a Miltat jubilee bracelet was my end; affordable and gorgeous for what you get.
Thanks for the love!
The could-stop points by cost for me would probably be:
Under 50: Kershaw Atmos.
Under 150: Benchmade Bugout or Para 3.
Under 250: TRM Neutron 2 or Atom.
Over 500: Shiro Hation and Holt Specter.
That QC Drift keeps catching my eye though 😂
Two most carried are: Neutron 2 and Hation for sure.
Oh! And Pilot Vanishing Points with an EF nib have kicked everything else out of my pen rotation at any price point.
300 to 400 range Sharp By Design Evo Typoon.
Just bought the same McKenna and got it yesterday and it's been so much fun so far! It's a little small for my big hands but it's good to have a firmly under 3" but not tiny/stubby knife for classy events in regulated areas
CRK Large Inkosi and the Spyderco Caparra are kind of my two stopping points. I still will get knives I find really interesting, particularly those with new lock designs, but I haven't really been looking at other knives all that much and I don't really carry any other of my others outside of niche occasions
I'll probably pick up a Large Sebenza at some point and swap out the tanto blade on my small Sebenza for a standard drop point, but I think that's likely the end of my journey
Cool premise for a video. I used to buy a lot of edc knives and I do love collecting them. But after I got my TRM Atom, I virtually stopped buying edc knives (though I do occasionally buy one from time to time). And I've got a drawer full of other knives that I almost never carry anymore. The Atom isn't perfect but it checks nearly every box for me and if I had to stop there, I could easily and happily live with it. Keep up the great work, Nick!
Three options for where i could happily walk away with (if i were sane) would be the Cheburkov Scout, Shirogorov F95, and the Spyderco Slysz Bowie.
Ive stopped looking for knives recently and have just settled for what i have. In my rotation i Have:
-spyderco delica (green)
-spyderco manix XL with green ball cage
-WE banter
-ZT 0801
ZT 0450
-spyderco mcbee
Rolex explorer 36mm. Sebenza small left handed, leatherman squirt ps4 and a compact space pen
What a fantastic carry!
This!
The McKenna is a great little knife that really surprised me. I generally like bigger blades, but the McKenna works well.
Great video!
Agreed, ive been able to look at one. Amazing quality, usability, action, etc. Great gentlemans knife and even edc.
Malibu tanto….But if Andrew does a “production” 20.5 Demko sharksfoot In knurled titanium and 20 cv for $300 or less I think I’d be done. That would be my EDC grail. I have the standard version right now and I absolutely adore it, but I’d love it even more in higher end materials.
I don’t have a lot of extra money for a lot of expensive knives but right now it would be the Spyderco Para 3 LW with BD1N. Since I got that ( and an extra for the backup) I haven’t found another knife I like as much. I went to my local knife store a few days ago to check out the 940 Osbourne and the Delica but they just didn’t do it for me. By the way Nick they had the Delica saber grind with VG10 and stainless steel handles. I thought this had been out of production for quite some time.
So good Nick !! I had "stopped" with the SKX007 / RAT2 / Parker Jotter a year later I have now "stopped" with the Civivi Pintail / Citizen BN0200 / Parker Jotter ... I wonder what I will have "stopped" on next year !!
The three that have done it for me are the Bugout S90v and carbon fiber, Quiet Carry Waypoint with titanium and the Drift in G10. Haven’t looked at knives since then.
Stopped with the Pilot G2... Stopped with Victorinox Spirit X... Mostly stopped with Citizen Paradigm Ti eco drive...
TRM Newtron, Bull Shamweri, and surprisingly to me the Small Sebenza could all fit the bill as only knives for me. XM18 3.5 skinny as well but its a little heavy duty for my daily life.
Holt Haptic is the one for me. For my one knife it needs to be hollow ground and the haptic is just amazing.
Para 3 LW in 20CV. Great steel, great size, carries like nothing, cuts like a laser.
Make that a left handed version too and I will be a happy fellow for a long time
That’s a great combo. Where did you get it?
@@ncsEsper It was a knifejoy sprint a few months back.
@@willydstyle thanks for the info!
In all honesty, probably the spydiechef (I'm not paying $400 for a stripped down version of the original bowie), but only because it's on washers making it a little more flexible usage-wise. Otherwise I'd go with my Pena x-series apache.
i must be ignorant on this, what is stripped down about the exclusive?
@@patrickg8744 the blade finish stands out the most to me. Love how they did it on the original ~ hate how they did it on the knife joy exclusive
I'm so disappointed with my Chef. It had horrible lock stick. I lived with sharpie in it forever to help but then got to hate it and want it fixed. So I worked it a bunch to wear in the surfaces and the moment the lock stick went away lock rock showed up to stay. It bugs me more than ever now.
My advice is to go pick one out from a retail establishment so you can try it out first otherwise bits the luck of the drawl.
@@SRVandDtrouble I must've gotten lucky. I've seen a reasonable amount of people with that complaint. Mine had a little stick out of the box, but it went away after getting broken in and the lockup is solid.
@@patrickg8744 maybe stripped down isn't the right word. I'm not terribly mechanically (chemically?) inclined so I don't know the difference in the amount of work it takes to anodize vs. the original finish on the scales, but if we pretend that it takes the same amount of effort, the only other difference is the blade material/finish. Is the upgrade to M390 worth an extra $150+ over the original or the 'chef? Not to me.
BM mini grip. Carried it for 10 years religiously. I am testing out the mini Osborne only because I am scared of losing it lol. I might just get another mini grip if I don't like this.
The mini grip and the FRN Chaparral ride in my pocket more than all my nicer knives!
Agree with your choices, Nick, especially the Delica, Slysz Bowie, and Drift. Also love the Wave, with its outstanding quality and warranty.
I have a few knives now, but the one that I keep using the most and keep reaching for when I go out is the Kizer Feist W with the reverse tanto blade. I don't know why but the size and utility of it is perfect for me.
cold steel hold out 2 ends up being mine, its not very fancy, or feature rich, but it fits my hand really nice, is sized right for me to do just about anything a folder should be able to do and just works and works.
The Civivi McKenna is a fantastic EDC for me. I liked my brass/154CM version so much that I bought a second one. I carry it daily with a second heavier duty folder. The McKenna is an overlooked gem that I absolutely love.
I used to have a pretty large collection of knives, but ultimately sold everything off except a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 and a Small Sebenza 21 Insingo. Those were the 2 I could leave with. I was in law school and couldn’t really justify the price of the Sebenza so I sold it. My only knife for awhile was the Spyderco Dragonfly. I recently was able to pick up another CRK Small Sebenza Insingo and that will be staying with my forever. If I had to pick one knife, and only one, it would be a small CRK Sebenza Insingo. Boring sure, but it just works for me
I'm primarily a knife collector but dipped my toes into watch collecting for a few years. What ultimately killed my watch collecting hobby (besides the price) was when I got a smart watch and just found myself wearing it all day every day. I still have nice watches if I want to dress up for a wedding/event but as far as edc the smartwatch does everything I need. My EDC knife has been a PM2 in S110V for the last 2 years but I'm not slowing down on that hobby anytime soon.
Yep.. exactly the same. I don't own anything ridiculously high end but have a couple of dress ups and a few G shocks for fun. Yet once i got my much cheaper smart watch, it's all I really need to wear now.
For me, the Para 3 Lightweight was the last knife I bought right up until about a week ago when I picked up a CJRB Ria.
For a pen, another very recent acquisition, the Bastion Bolt Action Pen, will probably be the last pen I purchase for quite some time. I picked up the version with the carbon fiber body to go with my carbon fiber Ria.
As I am currently a swamp witch here in South Carolina, the Drift could certainly be my forever knife. But I would also have the PM2, both the Neutron and the Atom, the Holt Haptic, and the small Sebenza 31 on my list.
Nick is shaping my destiny slowly. Carrying/wearing a citizen promaster diver watch, trm neutron, and a leatherman in my pack right now. I don’t use pens, so that’s it. Thanks man. My gear legitimately brings me joy. Might keep going, might not.
you will keep going just a matter of time
While I have some really nice knives, including an Olamic Busker, McNees Mac 2 and TRM Neutron, the one I keep going back to is my Medford Praetorian Slim. I carry it more often than all the others put together. It’s so slim and the pocket clip is so perfect, that I barely feel like I’m carrying a knife, yet the blade is super slicey and robust at the same time and the action is super smooth - just nothing to complain about.
I just need a good basic knife. 20 years with a Spyderco Endura. Upgraded to a Native 5 LW and I thought it was all I would ever need. Then in the last online only Spyderco factory seconds sale, I picked up a PM2 because I wanted to try the compression lock. So now I choose my knife based on the size I feel like carrying for that day. Usually the PM2 but sometimes the Native 5 LW. That's all I really need. I'm not interested in anything more expensive than that, but I do like watching your knife reviews anyway.
Happy to say I’ve landed in the one and done club with my edc gear, zt0350tsst as my knife, Surefire backup mv as my flashlight, leatherman surge as my multi tool and a Casio gw5600 as my watch and I haven’t looked back.
I walked away with a small Sebenza 31. I sold all my other EDC knives (I had almost $1500 in pocket knives total) and now only carry the Sebenza. I use the lock side scale near the pivot as a bottle opener, the display side scale as a hammer, and the clip to open tough tabs on cans. I've worn the anodizing off the backspacer and thumb stud, and even cut a couple cans and shaved down aluminum edges with no damage to the stonewash or blade edge. The lock bar also has not traveled one bit after it broke in, no matter how hard I grip it. No lock stick, ever. No messing with the pivot tension to get it to open right. No problems at all, no fit and finish flaws. I couldn't possibly be more happy with this knife, it is absolutely the last EDC I need.
On another note, sorry Nick but I had to unsubscribe so I wasn't constantly reminded that I could be spending ludicrous amounts of money on more knives I don't need. This video popped up in my recommended still though, maybe it's a sign I need a large 31😂 Thanks for the great reviews and keep up the good work!
Yeah I couldn't do with just the small. I have a small Inkosi and if I can get a large Lunar Landing I'd be set.
@@SRVandDtrouble I'm a guy who likes blades 3.5" and longer, and thought I should've gotten a large instead. After carrying it for 6 months or so though I'm realizing I never need a bigger blade for EDC and it's nice to have the small profile in my pocket all day. I do need a longer blade at work and hunting though so I carry a Barrage and a Contego for those purposes.
@@cadencramer2747 That is fair. I have like 30 knives so I like the variety of blade shapes and sizes. But if I had to sell all but one I could see a CRK making the cut. You really have to factor in the warranty with a one and done approach.
@@SRVandDtrouble True, I didn't actually think of that side of it. I haven't used their warranty or repair services yet, hopefully I never will!
Any gshock, benchmarks morpho 51, TO mini pen, a d plight 15goes in purple. Love that set for every day. Thanks for all the content Nick.
The Quiet carry Drift looks amazing with the updates. Can't wait till they drop in August
I recently purchased my first Reate knife. The New Epoch to be exact. I realize the true beauty of the Epoch and I see it as a step out of the stage of collecting I was in and moving on to greater items. I have my collection of budget knives now I want something great.
I like the Delica but I would have to replace it with a PM2 or PM3..I know I’m about to sound like the biggest PM2/PM3 fanboy ever but IMO it’s about as close to a perfect knife design I have ever found.it feels amazing in hand regardless if you are holding it behind the choil or if your are choked up on the blade using the finger choil and the thumb ramp.Im an absolute sucker for the compression lock and I love the wide leaf shaped blade with the full flat grind,it makes for a phenomenal slicer but it’s still sturdy enough for some heavier tasks as well..plus I love that Spyderco often release their more popular knives in a wide range of premium steels..if I absolutely had to choose one knife to EDC for the rest of my life it would definitely be a PM2 or a PM3..sure,there are nicer higher end knives out there but for everyday use,there is nothing I would personally rather use
I am not a fanboy, but my brain has sounded like one. For me the para 3 was the first good knife i got, was in CO for vacation and stopped in to get one. It has the best ergos i've handled.
The Kershaw skyline and Victorinox explorer plus were my stopping point. I will certainly admit to being very tempted by that TRM neutron, though!
I thought what knife could I could just walk away with. I finally narrowed it down to Thirty...
Lol me to 30 does seem to be my rotating number.
I got out of pens with my Pilot Custom 823 with a flexible nib and aftermarket feed, got out of watches with the modified Orient Mako II. I'm still a bit into knives, but some time soon I'm getting a Spyderco Military S110V and that will probably be the end of it.
Koenig Arius has really destroyed the desire to hunt. I will say though I still have my original PM2 for doing the heavy lifting when I don’t want to abuse something “nicer” or more expensive. That is still an excellent knife. Kinda makes me think I never really needed to get into the hobby in the first place and just kept my ignorance with my first real knife. Sure it isn’t perfect but it does everything you could ask for in a pocket knife.
I haven't found it yet brother. I'm still looking. That's part of the fun! Great channel love the content!
I sold most of my stuff. Watches, knives, & other gear. I kept only my Hinderer XM-18 3.5” Tanto Fatty & Spanto, Max Marco bolt pen, & Seiko Samurai SRPB51J1.
For a main folder I haven’t settled on one. However. The one knife that I carry with me every day of the week is the Victorinox Rambler. I consistently use every single tool and extremely rarely want for more. My only gripe is that the philips screwdriver can’t reach screws that are in holes very far. But other than that it’s an absolute gem of a knife that I don’t see myself deviating from any time this side of the grave
I’m shocked the chaparral didn’t make this list. I seem to remember at one time you considered it to be a better delica and a knife you could choose as your one knife. Things change, opinions change. I get that. Thank you for making this video.
The blade on delica is better imo.
Victorinox Swiss Tool XC plus, Big Idea Design Titanium Click, Seiko Sarb 017, Nomos Tangente 35mm, Casio Oceanus OCW-S100-1AJF (coming soon), Orbitkey midnight blue, ...Knifes...still looking for the moment Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight, Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight, Benchmade Bugout
CRK Sebenza 21. Had it for about 4 years. Just now started into buying knives again and of course that included another CRK lol
I've been happy with my collection for a long time with a Ruike P801, Benchmade 940-1, and Spyderco PM2 in S35VN and RGT Ti scales. By no means a budget collection, but compared to many it's not huge and it gives me just enough variety and quality.
As far as knives go I got started out when a friend gifted me a Benchmade Mini Griptilian. I always liked Leathermans but hated having something on my belt or something that bulky floating around in my pocket. Went through a number of high priced knives until I picked up my black and steel Wave+ with a titanium pocket clip and since then everything else has stayed in the box. Once I got my Nitecore TIP SE I haven't used another flashlight as well. As much as I love my Casio Pro Trek I can't get over the fascination with mechanicals (most recently in love with my Luch single-hand hand-wind and Orient Mako II) to the point I'm planning to attend watchmaker school in the fall. Keep up the good work Nick!
i'm done with flashlights. i have a surefire e1b as an edc, a g2x for when i need power and a streamlight microstream for backup/if i need something small.
I think if if I ever manage to put a Sebenza in the collection I'll walk away. I have some nice pieces, but that one is the reason I started this journey. The others I have were an attempt to justify not needing a Sebenza.
TRM Neutron 2
CRKT Pilar 3 (budget choice)
Leatherman Wave
Zebra F-701
Citizen Skyhawk
Still going but so far the two that stay with me the most is the 535-3 Bugout, xm18 3” slicer, and the shirogorov neon nl.
I get that feeling. I have my spyderco manix 2 in spy27 and a citizen dive watch..... but I keep looking at watches and knives. But most days it's the manix and citizen dive.
How is the SPY27?Ive been considering getting the Manix 2 in SPY27 as well though I’m trying to hold out in hopes they will release one in G-10 instead of the FRN scales
@@garrettferrell6821 sharpens nice and doesn't stain to bad. I'd watch the Cedric video on it and decide.
Guess my only thought is that "The One" assumes that there is a one that fills all of your needs. I would contend a more realistic way to look at it is to ask "which set of items will fill all of your needs". (I'm not into watches)....but maybe you need an everyday watch, AND a dress watch. Maybe you need a pocket pen for instantaneous access, AND a pen for longer use writing. A daily carry knife, AND a hard use purpose built knife. (Maybe you need an array of 6 of each in various configurations?) "The One" in many cases may result in imposing limitations on yourself that are undesirable.
Now, this might sound like a way to justify having a 2 dozen item collection, which is not what I'm saying. Just saying that in many cases, "The One" doesn't really exist because the requirements change depending on the situation.
For me it would be a Sharp By Design custom tempest and a Void user. I love the look of mechanical watches, but I have to go with an Apple Watch for convenience (assuming I could still upgrade every few years). My forever pens would be a Visconti London Fog fountain pen and a Tactile Turn blue flame anodized short for EDC.
Man,the Sharp by Design Tempest and Void are beautiful,such cool designs..I definitely want both of those knives in my collection
Rocking the Match Anderson Scales on that TRM!
I stopped for a few years with the spyderco manix 2. The ergos on it were perfect, it was slicey enough, and it the size didnt bother me because I couldnt carry a nice in school anyways. The knife that brought me back in was the quietcarry waypoint. The knife so nice, I bought it twice. But I still have both. One in ti scales, another in blue g10. It ignited my passion for the hobby again, and I then dove into some of the civivis like the mckenna, which dragged me into the front flipper world. Recently I got into microtech ultratechs. I got a bounty hunter and a red and bronzed utx85. They are absurd, but they make me happy. My manix 2 has been pretty much retired due to the size, and I carry a waypoint when I do field work, and an ultratech when im just in the office. KnifeSwap is a dangerous subreddit to join. Thankfully, I only ever went with a leatherman wave, and have never had a desire to look elsewhere.
I have way too many knives...Yet I carry a Byrd Crow 2 80% of the time. It's just a near perfect balance of price and what I actually need for EDC. It's cheap enough that I don't worry about losing or damaging it too much, yet it basically functions just as well as a Para 3 and other much more expensive knives.
Been having this problem with my Hinderer vintage Bowie xm18.
The aesthetic, ergonomics, quality, and size are so perfect it feels like it was made for my hands specifically.
Other than the fun of an OTF or Balisong, or the legality of slipjoints I could definitely stop here.
That being said I just bought another knife last night
I thought several times: This knife is so great, that's it! But then after a few days I start checking the collection again and see all these great pieces, and then I ask my self: What did company xyz came out in the last months? And I'm in buying mode again.
Atomedge Here: I got 2 knives from Kase Knives Switzerland. A custom Shard in Vancron Superclean 4 inch blade, 2mm bladestock 65.5 hrc. I also got the FIRST production shard and first knife ever in Nitrobe 77 hardened over 62hrc (64.5).
Having two every day carry fixed blades in some of the literal best steels there are. Along with a new Spiderco Police 4 and Spiderco Endela in K390, on top of all the other knives I've got has made it feel very stupid to collect more and I don't really feel like selling them at a loss to "open up" my collection.
I've also kind of peaked on sharpening. Once you get past cutting free hanging hairs pretty easily with just 600 grit and some stropping and know how far it can go it's kinda like "okay neat".
Now that Roman has come out with his elastic ceramic I may have a new interest but I'm sure he just sharpens it on his Tormek CBN wheel and uses vitrified diamonds to finish it off.
For me I have pared up. I have a 550 in S30V & Spyderco Para 3LW SPY27. I have more expensive and exclusive knifes but depending on what I am doing one of these knifes are in my pocket. I have looked but these fit me perfectly. As for watches I think it would be, Omega Aqua Terra & Breitling Aerospace. Both blue. Haven’t jumped that deep into crazy land yet “LOL”. Don’t get into watches!
I 'stopped' with my multitool search with the original Victorinox SwissTool. 'My' pen is the Zebra F-701. So far I haven't found a flashlight I like better than the Thrunite Archer 2AA. But as far as knives go... the hunt may well be endless.
If i had to get rid of all of my knives and could only keep 1 - i just got a full dress Munroe Sigil MK4 in damasteel. It is working art....and it may be my "one" - up until that knife...I'm not sure I could say just one...I really like my Custom AD15.... Watch - Omega Speedy pro with the hesalite crystal and a see through case back. Pen, I don't know much about pens, but I do really enjoy the functionality of the Fischer TLP (Telescoping Space Pen) - it's a great design and highly pocket friendly.
If I could switch out the watch for anything - it would be a SINN Tiegemented UX.
Great video sir.
I got an oris aquis about a year ago. I love it. I still want a planet ocean but if that never comes I won’t be all that sad.
Tactile turn is my pen & holy shit it’s good.
New knife is the knifejoy endura teal in s30v, coming from a dragon fly g-10 & pacific salt 2 I now love the endura. Epic knife. Big but damn it’s amazing.
Benchmade 940 and I never carried another knife again. As far as pens its the machine era markup and that's all I need, until they make one with a good pocket clip and then I'm truly done. Now watches...still not there yet, but I could have stopped with a $10 casio if were a sane person.
Try a para 3
Brian Nadeau’s Mini Typhoons were about when I figured I had reached the peak, and where ‘grails’ sort of ended for me. I still buy knives on occasion for fun and collecting, mostly the newer knives from Brian, but I have significantly toned down my purchases since I’ve come to own them. A couple slip joints and a Graham Razel for my upcoming couple years in the UK.
I have my one pen, a Fellhoelter Ti Bolt, and that’s it for me.
In terms of watches, I’m still exploring. Really loving Ball and Zelos so far.
I just got a EvoTyphoon with Bowie shaped blade and Micarta so I completely understand what you mean.
Great video again Nick, thank you. I have other expensive hobbies - namely motorcycle racing. A pair of tyres costs $400 and lasts one weekend. So for me this is simple - I will cap my humble knife hobby with a Spyderco Chaparral Sun and Moon in CTS XHP. I don’t need to go any fancier.
The Spyderco Chaparral is a great knife and XHP is a great steel.if I wasn’t into collecting knives I would be just fine carrying it for the rest of my days
@@garrettferrell6821 glad there’s another Chaparral believer out there!
I have not watched a single video from you in years and Thanks.
The para3 lightweight made me happy and I switched to collecting watches instead of knives for over a year. I’m back to knives now though haha.
I've found a lot of "good enough" things.
Unfortunately, the instant gratification voice in my brain overrules the "that's good enough" voice 🤣
So true!
That voice makes the world go 'round!
Honestly, most of the time I've just got a Gerber EAB Lite on my belt, now. I gave gotten out of the habit of carrying a knife regularly. As far as my "Last" knife goes, I'd have to say I'm a huge fan of the KA-BAR Mule. Most of the time when I need a knife it's for bush/outdoors use, and the rubber grips and partial serrations come in handy.
By no means is it the nicest one in my collection, but it probably gets the most use overall.
The sebenza scratched my eternal itch but also intrigued me to see what else is out there. Don't know we'll ever be fully content to "stop"
Ive come to the conclusion that the xm18 3.5 is my 'one' knife forever
@knifeguy916 Nice same here! Just got mine a few weeks ago and I love it. I was able to get the color and blade grind I wanted too so I’m stoked. However The knife I most regret selling was my Spyderco Slysz Bowie so I may need that as a sort of gentleman’s carry if I can ever get my hands on one at a good price.
havent found my last edc, hard to get higher end here in canada so been settling for the few we can get, but for multitool the wave+ is never being replaced haha
A Native 5 Lightweight in CPM S90v and teal FRN will be my last knife before I graduate college, because college is a financial nightmare. As such I had to be content with this being "the one" for quite a long time, and I think it'll do me well. Killer steel, great design, amazing backlock, beautiful color. Really can't go wrong.
Well, I watched this right before work Nick. You caught me switching my home pocket knife, a Para 3 Maxamet to my more stainless work knife, the Elementum or the Spyderco Smock. It got me thinking. If I couldn’t afford to buy another knife or they all became unavailable suddenly, I would be overjoyed to have those three from my small collection. However I also thought, because I can afford them and they are available, I better keep searching for “the one”!
Small knife: Spyderco chaparral, medium/large folder: SK blades/buck marksman (version with s35vn steel). Zebra F701 (literally stopped with my first considered pen choice). Tissot le locle powermatic 80 (dress-y watch). Still searching for edc watch. Except for knives I actually DO stop once I’ve found “the one(s)”
To my eye the watches look pretty similar to each other as do the pocket knives (McKenna exempted). Nothing wrong with that, Nick has a type.
My choices would be 1. basic Lamy fountain pen 2. Leatherman Squirt 3. G-Shock GAW100 4. Spyderco Chaparral frn. EDC meaning I can carry my gear around easily and not get upset if I lost anything.
I got into mid tech knives and cannot afford to buy a couple of knives a month as I had with $100-$175 knives. My current favorite is a Chris Reeve Knives large Sebenza 31.
I walked away from the hobby a couple of years ago with a PM2, ESEE 6, and a Leatherman Wave+. I have since returned to collecting knives, but those three showed me that i really didn't need anything else.
Quiet Carry Drift 2.0. Got mine a week ago and just put almost all my other edc attempts up for sale. My 940-1 will be replaced with a new waypoint in a couple months (hopefully satin knurled ;). The drift in swsw and that waypoint are all I need to stop all my edc searching. I hope..
Are they going to do a knurled Waypoint? I don’t see it listed on their site. Or is that just a best case scenario pipe dream?
@@evanb123 A bit of a pipe dream maybe but with the new textured tactile turn and the success of the drift knurled model I have hope. Seems like a company that might do it if some jackass starts talking about it ;)
I’d prefer knurling on the waypoint cuz I don’t like the look of knives with sides finished differently.
@@flyweight_adventures lol let’s keep talking about it then! Quiet Carry…I hope you’re reading this 👍🏻 Knurled Waypoint please! 🙏🏻😆
@@evanb123 YES plz take my $ now!Keep that satin blade and vanax though. Classy dress up edc + drift for daily edc = bliss.
Hi Nick, Casio G-shock, Stowa, Laco, Monta, Christopher Ward, Ball, Maurice Lacroix. I feel you would choose your next watch from my list. I am interested in which knife do you use in the kitchen. (I guess something from Wusthof, Zwilling or Japanese hand made)
Spyderco Sage 5
Good steel
Fantastic ergos
Fidget factor
Not too fancy, so I don't feel bad handling it
Tough question. For a watch, I'd have to have two categories: modern and vintage. For the modern, I've had a few, but seem to always go back to my Revue Thommen Airspeed Classic. For vintage, I've been wearing a late 50s/early 60s Sturmanskie. Knives are a tougher category, as I have little overlap in my collection. I've been mostly carrying a ZT 0452cf, but I think my TwoSun Maverick is the one I'd not let go. That said, my 2nd gen Drift would be the hardest to let go of all the other knives. Multitool is less hard to choose--Leatherman Charge+. So, why haven't you reviewed any TwoSun knives? I've had quite a few, and they're making really good knives.
My collection has dwindled to be more budget oriented. I'd have to go with QSP penguin, Damned Designs Invictus, CJRB feldspar, Civivi Imperium, and Indiana Knives MicartaMorph
I've got a Cold Steel mini recon 1 on the way. Eventually I'll get a Boker Kihon, Kalashnikov, and a Kershaw skyline. Probably won't be able to get my grails; Norseman, Peña, and Neutron but I'm hopeful still
The 940-1 ended my knife buying. Never bought another one. The Swisstool Spirit was the last multitool I bought. Never been tempted since.
Thanks for sharing.. I think the waypoint right now.. it's really good..
Agreed on the Drift. To me, the Para 3 LW rendered the Delica obsolete. I'd throw in a Griptilian for my own personal list as well.
I think I could get away with my new ZT 0393GLCF with 20CV. Strong, Harpoon Spanto is cool, 3.5” is perfect and very comfortable in my hand. A knife I would trust to last much more than my Para 3 blacked out version. Although my ZT 0452CF is a close second.
I think a blacked out Para 3 with s35vn would be my optimum choice, if I could get one. I love the para 3, but the s30v is quite chippy. I actually like the blade steel on the para 3 lightweight better but I don’t like the weak retention on the clip and I can feel the Handle scales flex when I’m really cutting tough stuff.
The blacked out S35VN Para 3 is my go to knife! Had to get a beater black S30V on the secondary and do some parts swapping, but 10/10, would recommend in the middle of a comment thread full of gems! 💎 🍻
I don't know about leaving the hobby all together but the Doug Ritter Hogue full size and mini have me taking a a long hiatus. Their combo of price, quality, materials is hard to beat
For use only as a pocket knife I’ve settled on the pm3 lw, I suppose a bugout could easily substitute for a bit more money. I fell into a trap of fooling myself into thinking a folder was appropriate for self defense, for that I have a clinch pick or kabar tdi.
I love the Bugout but IMO,it’s no substitute for a PM2 or PM3 but to me the PM2/PM3 is as close to a perfect designed knife as it gets