totally refreshing! you're a natural, and you have my subscription.. my thoughts--unless you already have a lot of knives, maybe this would not be your first choice, but as a collector it's a loud yes. remember there are a lot of carpenter tools for destruction that don't cost much and are designed to be eventually sacrificial. with that sharp point, s30v might be too brittle--might be better choices that are tougher. overall, it's happily a very unusual offering that grabs my attention finally after years of pondering...
Hi there, Firstly, I think that most of your comments in this review are spot on - starting with the fact that this is a utility boxcutter-type knife, not a tactical knife that Spyderco and Mike Janich claim it to be. I myself am not a fan of this knife because of these BS tactical aspirations and claims. You explicitly mentioned that you were not reviewing the "tactical" aspects of it, which I found an honest and refreshing admission on your part -KUDOS to you, sir! On the other hand, since you have not touched on this, I'll attempt to explain below for anyone interested as to why there is certain (deserved) hesitancy in the knife-enthusiast community towards Yojimbo as expressed by a lot of folks, myself included: The distrust towards this knife has a lot to do with distrust towards Mike Janich and his bogus defense system for which this knife was ostensibly designed and on which this knife is predicated. I do not know Mike Janich personally, or if he ever served in any armed forces, but I presume that if he did get trained in proper use of combat edged weapons, he would not have come-up with Yojimbo. As you already mentioned, this oversized boxcutter can certainly cut cardboard, but, then again, a proper boxcutter by Husky or an X-acto that you can pick-up at your local Home Depot for less than ten bucks can cut even better! Janich logic for Yojimbo ALMOST makes sense, until one recalls the REAL tactical knives that emerged in the late 19th and the early 20th century during trench warfare of WW1 that included a lot of close-quarters knife fighting. Of course, I refer to the famous Fairbairn dagger, and the earlier (infamous) Kriegsmarine daggers and Russian officer’s “kortik” daggers and the numerous trench-knife analogues in the armies around the world. All those were close relatives of a bayonet. Because about two hundred years ago, armies around the world discovered that cutting ability was non-essential, not even necessary for a tactical battle knife! Yes, in the latter half of the 20th century, some tactical knives were given SOME cutting edge back - not to make them more lethal or effective, but to simply add a token of utility to the otherwise purely tactical (i.e. thrusting) knives! Even the earlier progenitors of tactical knives were not meant to cut - think of the trefoil bayonets of WW1, the earlier small-swords, and the still earlier stilettos. British army coined a phrase "- to give a point", which about sums-up proper tactical application of edged weapons. There was even a famous jail lore in the early 20th century (encountered in some memoirs), that a person carrying a large cobbler awl was considered to be far more dangerous than the one who carried a knife! Some “ethnic” tactical knives like Kukri, for example, is shaped so that when you swing it, it does not cut but perforates tissue with its point. After all, a battle knife purpose is not to be a good cutter of twine. Only in the movies like "Rambo", flailing arms for the purpose of cutting someone appears to work, primarily because flailing arms is more cinematic. Unlike what is shown in movies about WW2 or commando raids with cutting someone’s throat from behind, in the historic accounts of partisan warfare during WW2, German throats were stabbed, not cut or slashed. In other words, real life encounters in tactical context involve thrusts and stabbing rather than cutting, as this is just a matter of pure biomechanics: stabbing is quicker (i.e. more explosive), it is more forceful (i.e. stronger and more difficult to deflect), it is more efficient in terms of wasted energy (i.e. less tiring), and, it is FAR more lethal. That is why those who served in any armed forces would have been introduced to the basics of defense from stabbing and the basics of counter-stabbing. Besides, we should not forget that most of the year people tend to wear clothes, while, curiously, Janich and other questionable 'knife instructors' tend to conduct their classes with themselves and their students wearing only a light T-shirt, conveniently exposing arms, neck, etc. That is way cool (not really), but, then again, have you tried to give a quick cut through a layer of wool coat or a stiff denim jacket, or even a thick wool sweater? Well, good luck with that! This is why, when you look at a PROPER folding tactical knife which Yojimbo is not (A tactical folder is in itself an oxymoron, but let's for a moment suspend our disbelief) like Boker Leopard 3 or Boker Tirpitz, for example, you notice that the blade is a typical bayonet shape with centered strong point and false edge for proper "pointing" and easy penetration, while its cutting edge is there merely for increased versatility - because, hopefully, most people will use it for tasks other than stabbing... And, if by any chance you ever watched Mike Janich presentations where he shown his wayward thumb placed way-up the spine of his Yojimbo “for better control”, and starts waxing poetic that such thumb placement is “as natural as pressing a door buzzer”- well, that thumb leaves you only about an inch to the thrusting point, which will not penetrate a layer of fat or muscle, speaking of how much clue he has… My comments were primarily about tactical aspects of this knife which you did not touch on. I am not a violent person, and, frankly, do not plan for any edged weapon combat, however, I have to say that all those bogus pretender claims have spoiled this knife in my eyes in terms of ANY potential use, even as a boxcutter, just because I do not like bullsxters like Mr. Janich. Collecting knives is a great hobby, but it helps to not only accrue but to learn about the subject matter in different contexts -historic, ethnic, etc. Not only helps you better understand the design and ideas that drive it, but also sniff out BS when you encounter it. So, I’ll leave the ownership of Yojimbo to the ones who happen to like it more than I do. Cheers, and Happy New Year to all! PS> Do not know about you, but I normally use my index finger to press a door buzzer, not a thumb...
@@liquidsword601 wow, a blast from the past (I mean a question to an almost year-old comment of mine), and what a moronic question you are asking! - Firstly, why would any normal person think of stabbing someone else? - Secondly, you can stab a person with any knife short of butcher's hatchet, and not only a knife but a sharpened sapper's spade or a cobbler's awl would also do a fine job at it too! But seriously, Spydies make great utility knives, not tactical knives. Regardless of what some idiots and/or adolescents wish Spydies were. - Lastly, if you are a fan of silly Mike Janich, I am not trying to dissuade you - 'because I know it is a lost cause, just like trying to dissuade a QAnon believer or a flat Earther. Only a proper level of educational attainment can cure that, and I do not offer here any college-level courses. But I do hope you realize what a silly immature question you asked. (and, no, I do not give you the benefit of a doubt that it was an attempt at humor, as it is a little too crude and dull for that...) Cheers! PS. I did not realize right away that your chosen name for posting is as silly as your question: - All I can surmise is that you are either a proud owner of a water-jet or cannot stop thinking of swords any time you take a piss... IMO - "liquid sword" is as good as "Taser Face" from the "Guardians of the Galaxy 2",,,,
Talk about what you know about, WW2 German daggers where a mark of rank mainly and Fairbairn Sykes was a poor design Applegate Fairbairn are a much better design especially the Bill Harsey model as for Michael Janich he certainly knows his stuff he's an expert as is Kelly McCann, I have a Black belt in Shotokan karate but not trained in weaponry although when closed the Yojimbo can be used as a kuboton that's why it has the shape on the handle, the reliever just didn't understand the Yojimbo the points you bring up are totally invalid
@@tonyhoodlass1846 Well well well, Mr. Tony - "totally invalid" is too strongly put, methinks. I believe I already stated somewhere that all this nonsense knife-fight talk is rather infantile and imbecile. I also stated that in a pinch, anything sharp can be fine enough of weapon, be it a shard of glass, a sharp stone, or even the glofied X-Acto Yojimbo... Now, I hope you pardon me that a black belt in Shotokan does not impress me. Growing up in Ukraine, I did judo for eight years and medaled once in Nationals in my weight, though knew that there were better guys than me and did not really pursue it more. Then did some combat sambo, then my family moved to Israel, and I served in Israeli Defense Forces, becoming an officer. In the army, I've seen overconfident 'martial arts' kids get injured, while those who allowed their fear to moderate their fighting rage win engagements... When I came to live in the US, I had coupe of street encounters late at night with scum who may have misjudged me as I wore suit to work. Well, those encounters lasted 2-3 seconds and a simple take-down seemed to do the trick as no one enjoys getting their head connect with hard asphalt... Now, I am not Rambo and think of those who fashion themselves as John Rambo to be idiots. So, my advice to you as karate-master is to stop watching John Wick nonsense. Learn some grappling, may prove more useful on the real-life street, far more than arms flailing. Or do some proper boxing. A proper contact sport, not BS Shotokan. Even Kiokushin is ok though I do not like that it conditions not to hit the face. When it comes to kicks - the only one I ever properly practiced, - enough that I can do in a pinch is a low side kick to knee joint, because that's all you really need in a fight - and voila - the fight is over if your opponent cannot stand up... But enough of this juvenile and idiotic stuff... PS. This knife always baffled me especially because Spyderco has knives that are just so much better in EVERY way, including self-defense: 'Police' is better; my fave PM-2 (I own one with Maxamet blade) is much MUCH better in EVERY way, heck, most of their "leaf-blade" knives are better than this one. It has always been a mystery to me why anyone would want this one. Unless they are a victim of hype. Cheers!
@@yoryteperman429 You've got nothing to say and your saying it too load, I own lots of blades including Wilkinson swords these are dress swords etched blades unchartered edges but sharp points, in krav maga most objects can be used as a weapon as any martial artists are aware but the Yojimbo can be concealed you can't walk around with a large Bowie knife unless you lived in El Paso or somewhere, as for German dress daggers I've owned a good few same as dress bayonets. I've just given my buddy a dress bayonet by Weyersberg and koffmen (spelling maybe incorrect) Paul Weyesberg made lots of dress daggers but none were sharpened at the edge again.I do have a handmade Katana with an awesome edge it's not old but Damascus blade so as near as you can get to the real thing. Rambo 1st blood and 2 were designed by Gil Hibben Rambo 3 was Jimmy Lile they spawned a decade of cheap rubbish with came handles, so what would you class as a self defence/attack knife? My cousin Kristin retired as a full Colonel in the Parachute regiment. There are many styles of martial arts and Shotokan is a Japanese one Chinese have many types weapons like hook swords and sai hook swords have a sharpened crescent shape blade my friend is an expert with these often using two together, my point is Fairbairn Sykes Commando daggers do have sharpened edges unless there Wilkinsons Presentation daggers I have a type two. Excuse me but Army doesn't impress me unless it was Proven, I also collect Guns I have a matched pair of Purdey shotguns and a Holland and Holland Royal but use my Browning 525 for game shooting because of cost as it takes years to be fitted for a gun at Purdys and yeah I'm wealthy but not as healthy as I would like, Cheers
Joseph Lipari Defo a fighting knife I have the standard CPM30V and the blacked out one same steel I've got the Canis too in S30V it's well worth a look
Nice review
I like your honesty and you’re not boring and not overly excited.
Keep up the good work
Nice, I'm getting the fixed blade version. ronin 2 👍
totally refreshing! you're a natural, and you have my subscription.. my thoughts--unless you already have a lot of knives, maybe this would not be your first choice, but as a collector it's a loud yes. remember there are a lot of carpenter tools for destruction that don't cost much and are designed to be eventually sacrificial. with that sharp point, s30v might be too brittle--might be better choices that are tougher. overall, it's happily a very unusual offering that grabs my attention finally after years of pondering...
This is the first knife I reach for 3ver6 day. It's for emergencies. I carry a second knife for ordinary tasks. This is obviously a specialized tool.
Sweet blade. Looking to add this out the jumbo to my collection
If they took that blade shape, gave it a flat grind instead of a hollow grind and gave it a pm2 handle it would be awesome
Sanity ,cutting thru the hype bs
Hi there,
Firstly, I think that most of your comments in this review are spot on - starting with the fact that this is a utility boxcutter-type knife, not a tactical knife that Spyderco and Mike Janich claim it to be. I myself am not a fan of this knife because of these BS tactical aspirations and claims.
You explicitly mentioned that you were not reviewing the "tactical" aspects of it, which I found an honest and refreshing admission on your part -KUDOS to you, sir! On the other hand, since you have not touched on this, I'll attempt to explain below for anyone interested as to why there is certain (deserved) hesitancy in the knife-enthusiast community towards Yojimbo as expressed by a lot of folks, myself included:
The distrust towards this knife has a lot to do with distrust towards Mike Janich and his bogus defense system for which this knife was ostensibly designed and on which this knife is predicated. I do not know Mike Janich personally, or if he ever served in any armed forces, but I presume that if he did get trained in proper use of combat edged weapons, he would not have come-up with Yojimbo. As you already mentioned, this oversized boxcutter can certainly cut cardboard, but, then again, a proper boxcutter by Husky or an X-acto that you can pick-up at your local Home Depot for less than ten bucks can cut even better!
Janich logic for Yojimbo ALMOST makes sense, until one recalls the REAL tactical knives that emerged in the late 19th and the early 20th century during trench warfare of WW1 that included a lot of close-quarters knife fighting. Of course, I refer to the famous Fairbairn dagger, and the earlier (infamous) Kriegsmarine daggers and Russian officer’s “kortik” daggers and the numerous trench-knife analogues in the armies around the world. All those were close relatives of a bayonet. Because about two hundred years ago, armies around the world discovered that cutting ability was non-essential, not even necessary for a tactical battle knife! Yes, in the latter half of the 20th century, some tactical knives were given SOME cutting edge back - not to make them more lethal or effective, but to simply add a token of utility to the otherwise purely tactical (i.e. thrusting) knives!
Even the earlier progenitors of tactical knives were not meant to cut - think of the trefoil bayonets of WW1, the earlier small-swords, and the still earlier stilettos. British army coined a phrase "- to give a point", which about sums-up proper tactical application of edged weapons. There was even a famous jail lore in the early 20th century (encountered in some memoirs), that a person carrying a large cobbler awl was considered to be far more dangerous than the one who carried a knife! Some “ethnic” tactical knives like Kukri, for example, is shaped so that when you swing it, it does not cut but perforates tissue with its point. After all, a battle knife purpose is not to be a good cutter of twine.
Only in the movies like "Rambo", flailing arms for the purpose of cutting someone appears to work, primarily because flailing arms is more cinematic. Unlike what is shown in movies about WW2 or commando raids with cutting someone’s throat from behind, in the historic accounts of partisan warfare during WW2, German throats were stabbed, not cut or slashed.
In other words, real life encounters in tactical context involve thrusts and stabbing rather than cutting, as this is just a matter of pure biomechanics: stabbing is quicker (i.e. more explosive), it is more forceful (i.e. stronger and more difficult to deflect), it is more efficient in terms of wasted energy (i.e. less tiring), and, it is FAR more lethal. That is why those who served in any armed forces would have been introduced to the basics of defense from stabbing and the basics of counter-stabbing.
Besides, we should not forget that most of the year people tend to wear clothes, while, curiously, Janich and other questionable 'knife instructors' tend to conduct their classes with themselves and their students wearing only a light T-shirt, conveniently exposing arms, neck, etc. That is way cool (not really), but, then again, have you tried to give a quick cut through a layer of wool coat or a stiff denim jacket, or even a thick wool sweater? Well, good luck with that!
This is why, when you look at a PROPER folding tactical knife which Yojimbo is not (A tactical folder is in itself an oxymoron, but let's for a moment suspend our disbelief) like Boker Leopard 3 or Boker Tirpitz, for example, you notice that the blade is a typical bayonet shape with centered strong point and false edge for proper "pointing" and easy penetration, while its cutting edge is there merely for increased versatility - because, hopefully, most people will use it for tasks other than stabbing...
And, if by any chance you ever watched Mike Janich presentations where he shown his wayward thumb placed way-up the spine of his Yojimbo “for better control”, and starts waxing poetic that such thumb placement is “as natural as pressing a door buzzer”- well, that thumb leaves you only about an inch to the thrusting point, which will not penetrate a layer of fat or muscle, speaking of how much clue he has…
My comments were primarily about tactical aspects of this knife which you did not touch on. I am not a violent person, and, frankly, do not plan for any edged weapon combat, however, I have to say that all those bogus pretender claims have spoiled this knife in my eyes in terms of ANY potential use, even as a boxcutter, just because I do not like bullsxters like Mr. Janich.
Collecting knives is a great hobby, but it helps to not only accrue but to learn about the subject matter in different contexts -historic, ethnic, etc. Not only helps you better understand the design and ideas that drive it, but also sniff out BS when you encounter it.
So, I’ll leave the ownership of Yojimbo to the ones who happen to like it more than I do.
Cheers, and Happy New Year to all!
PS> Do not know about you, but I normally use my index finger to press a door buzzer, not a thumb...
So which Spyderco would be the best for stabbing?
@@liquidsword601 wow, a blast from the past (I mean a question to an almost year-old comment of mine), and what a moronic question you are asking!
- Firstly, why would any normal person think of stabbing someone else?
- Secondly, you can stab a person with any knife short of butcher's hatchet, and not only a knife but a sharpened sapper's spade or a cobbler's awl would also do a fine job at it too!
But seriously, Spydies make great utility knives, not tactical knives. Regardless of what some idiots and/or adolescents wish Spydies were.
- Lastly, if you are a fan of silly Mike Janich, I am not trying to dissuade you - 'because I know it is a lost cause, just like trying to dissuade a QAnon believer or a flat Earther. Only a proper level of educational attainment can cure that, and I do not offer here any college-level courses. But I do hope you realize what a silly immature question you asked. (and, no, I do not give you the benefit of a doubt that it was an attempt at humor, as it is a little too crude and dull for that...)
Cheers!
PS. I did not realize right away that your chosen name for posting is as silly as your question: - All I can surmise is that you are either a proud owner of a water-jet or cannot stop thinking of swords any time you take a piss...
IMO - "liquid sword" is as good as "Taser Face" from the "Guardians of the Galaxy 2",,,,
Talk about what you know about, WW2 German daggers where a mark of rank mainly and Fairbairn Sykes was a poor design Applegate Fairbairn are a much better design especially the Bill Harsey model as for Michael Janich he certainly knows his stuff he's an expert as is Kelly McCann, I have a Black belt in Shotokan karate but not trained in weaponry although when closed the Yojimbo can be used as a kuboton that's why it has the shape on the handle, the reliever just didn't understand the Yojimbo the points you bring up are totally invalid
@@tonyhoodlass1846 Well well well, Mr. Tony - "totally invalid" is too strongly put, methinks. I believe I already stated somewhere that all this nonsense knife-fight talk is rather infantile and imbecile. I also stated that in a pinch, anything sharp can be fine enough of weapon, be it a shard of glass, a sharp stone, or even the glofied X-Acto Yojimbo...
Now, I hope you pardon me that a black belt in Shotokan does not impress me. Growing up in Ukraine, I did judo for eight years and medaled once in Nationals in my weight, though knew that there were better guys than me and did not really pursue it more. Then did some combat sambo, then my family moved to Israel, and I served in Israeli Defense Forces, becoming an officer. In the army, I've seen overconfident 'martial arts' kids get injured, while those who allowed their fear to moderate their fighting rage win engagements...
When I came to live in the US, I had coupe of street encounters late at night with scum who may have misjudged me as I wore suit to work. Well, those encounters lasted 2-3 seconds and a simple take-down seemed to do the trick as no one enjoys getting their head connect with hard asphalt...
Now, I am not Rambo and think of those who fashion themselves as John Rambo to be idiots. So, my advice to you as karate-master is to stop watching John Wick nonsense. Learn some grappling, may prove more useful on the real-life street, far more than arms flailing. Or do some proper boxing. A proper contact sport, not BS Shotokan. Even Kiokushin is ok though I do not like that it conditions not to hit the face. When it comes to kicks - the only one I ever properly practiced, - enough that I can do in a pinch is a low side kick to knee joint, because that's all you really need in a fight - and voila - the fight is over if your opponent cannot stand up...
But enough of this juvenile and idiotic stuff...
PS. This knife always baffled me especially because Spyderco has knives that are just so much better in EVERY way, including self-defense: 'Police' is better; my fave PM-2 (I own one with Maxamet blade) is much MUCH better in EVERY way, heck, most of their "leaf-blade" knives are better than this one. It has always been a mystery to me why anyone would want this one. Unless they are a victim of hype.
Cheers!
@@yoryteperman429 You've got nothing to say and your saying it too load, I own lots of blades including Wilkinson swords these are dress swords etched blades unchartered edges but sharp points, in krav maga most objects can be used as a weapon as any martial artists are aware but the Yojimbo can be concealed you can't walk around with a large Bowie knife unless you lived in El Paso or somewhere, as for German dress daggers I've owned a good few same as dress bayonets. I've just given my buddy a dress bayonet by Weyersberg and koffmen (spelling maybe incorrect) Paul Weyesberg made lots of dress daggers but none were sharpened at the edge again.I do have a handmade Katana with an awesome edge it's not old but Damascus blade so as near as you can get to the real thing. Rambo 1st blood and 2 were designed by Gil Hibben Rambo 3 was Jimmy Lile they spawned a decade of cheap rubbish with came handles, so what would you class as a self defence/attack knife? My cousin Kristin retired as a full Colonel in the Parachute regiment. There are many styles of martial arts and Shotokan is a Japanese one Chinese have many types weapons like hook swords and sai hook swords have a sharpened crescent shape blade my friend is an expert with these often using two together, my point is Fairbairn Sykes Commando daggers do have sharpened edges unless there Wilkinsons Presentation daggers I have a type two. Excuse me but Army doesn't impress me unless it was Proven, I also collect Guns I have a matched pair of Purdey shotguns and a Holland and Holland Royal but use my Browning 525 for game shooting because of cost as it takes years to be fitted for a gun at Purdys and yeah I'm wealthy but not as healthy as I would like, Cheers
Check out the YoJumbo as well
This is a fighting blade. If you want to cut boxes get a box cutter.
Make me.
Liquid Sword Yeah well put buddy
Joseph Lipari Defo a fighting knife I have the standard CPM30V and the blacked out one same steel I've got the Canis too in S30V it's well worth a look
You are absolutely right about, you're NOT a knife fighter 😂. It's meant for self defense. NOT edc carry. Lumbnuts!!!!!
awesome review!!!
Thank you for your review. I was just thinking on whether or not to buy a Yojimbo 2 to add to my collection. I decided not to. Thanks again.
YoRybo. Great video.