My review of Nick Shabazz. Plagiarizing his format, here's the good, the great, the bad and the ugly as I perceive them.
The Good
Nick caught my attention the first time I saw one of his videos, I knew I'd enjoy watching more. Whether I agree with his opinions or not, he presents them in such a way, as to imply that an invitation to politely disagree with him is always open, if not encouraged. I think it is a "beautiful thing".
He's got a "Woody Allen" vibe where he could insult you to your face and you'd be too busy laughing, to feel insulted.
Recently, I've discovered and really enjoyed his new short format Knife Gripes videos published by KnifeNews.com, especially the well-produced and somewhat grandiose intro which ends with a little dose of humility at Nick's expense.
His obsessive admiration of the Spyderco Slysz Bowie finally compelled me to buy one and I have to say, while it's not perfect, I really like it.
The Great
One of my favorite videos was the one where he breaks down several classes of knives from mass production to one of a kind customs. He reminded me that in a hobby where rare customs and those who create them and own them seem to reap much prestige, most of the community is made up regular guys just like us who enjoy finding great value for reasonable prices.
His impression of Microtech' s owner's regard for his customers is a riot and is absolutely justified. More generally, his Knife Gripe about fancy custom fasteners is spot on.
The Bad
Enough with the Graham, Grimsmo, Rats (1 and 2,) and Endura comparisons. How about some more variety in those comparisons unless that's the extent of his permanent collection.
I have a bunch of knives that seem somewhat less legitimate because I have not yet heard Nick's stylized opinion of them or seen them referenced as a comparison or alternative.
With any luck he's probably going to be rewarded financially from his videos and I hope he retains his "value" perspective as his hobby's proceeds begin to meet and exceed its expenses.
His knife gripes videos are great so far, but how many entertaining "gripes" can he conceive before he has to start unrealistically nitpicking or digging for things to complain about.
The Ugly
An analogy that seems to fit is Nick Shabazz is like having X-Ray vision. 99% of the time he's wildly entertaining, which is a "beautiful thing". 1% of the time his routine can be a bit distracting. Sometimes, I perceive a rhythmic pattern in his "shtick", where he over uses a phrase or uses a phrase in one context and then the exact phrase in another context, and it distracts me from the content. If he focuses on growing his repertoire of quips and "one liners", he can avoid repeating phrases and stale material.
The guy has no public face. If I was to see him a BladeShow, how would I be able to distinguish him from "some random jackass". Most editors traditionally post their picture with a few credentials after their articles. I think anonymity might hold him back a bit from breaking into real stardom...,but "what do I know?".
Conclusion
Finally, if you think I seem like a self righteous jerk for assuming that my opinion is worth the time it took you to read it, you'll understand what's so great and unique about Nick Shabazz. If he had wrote this, you'd have gained respect for his individual opinion, even if you disagree....which is why I think Nick Shabazz is a "Real Gem"
The Good
Nick caught my attention the first time I saw one of his videos, I knew I'd enjoy watching more. Whether I agree with his opinions or not, he presents them in such a way, as to imply that an invitation to politely disagree with him is always open, if not encouraged. I think it is a "beautiful thing".
He's got a "Woody Allen" vibe where he could insult you to your face and you'd be too busy laughing, to feel insulted.
Recently, I've discovered and really enjoyed his new short format Knife Gripes videos published by KnifeNews.com, especially the well-produced and somewhat grandiose intro which ends with a little dose of humility at Nick's expense.
His obsessive admiration of the Spyderco Slysz Bowie finally compelled me to buy one and I have to say, while it's not perfect, I really like it.
The Great
One of my favorite videos was the one where he breaks down several classes of knives from mass production to one of a kind customs. He reminded me that in a hobby where rare customs and those who create them and own them seem to reap much prestige, most of the community is made up regular guys just like us who enjoy finding great value for reasonable prices.
His impression of Microtech' s owner's regard for his customers is a riot and is absolutely justified. More generally, his Knife Gripe about fancy custom fasteners is spot on.
The Bad
Enough with the Graham, Grimsmo, Rats (1 and 2,) and Endura comparisons. How about some more variety in those comparisons unless that's the extent of his permanent collection.
I have a bunch of knives that seem somewhat less legitimate because I have not yet heard Nick's stylized opinion of them or seen them referenced as a comparison or alternative.
With any luck he's probably going to be rewarded financially from his videos and I hope he retains his "value" perspective as his hobby's proceeds begin to meet and exceed its expenses.
His knife gripes videos are great so far, but how many entertaining "gripes" can he conceive before he has to start unrealistically nitpicking or digging for things to complain about.
The Ugly
An analogy that seems to fit is Nick Shabazz is like having X-Ray vision. 99% of the time he's wildly entertaining, which is a "beautiful thing". 1% of the time his routine can be a bit distracting. Sometimes, I perceive a rhythmic pattern in his "shtick", where he over uses a phrase or uses a phrase in one context and then the exact phrase in another context, and it distracts me from the content. If he focuses on growing his repertoire of quips and "one liners", he can avoid repeating phrases and stale material.
The guy has no public face. If I was to see him a BladeShow, how would I be able to distinguish him from "some random jackass". Most editors traditionally post their picture with a few credentials after their articles. I think anonymity might hold him back a bit from breaking into real stardom...,but "what do I know?".
Conclusion
Finally, if you think I seem like a self righteous jerk for assuming that my opinion is worth the time it took you to read it, you'll understand what's so great and unique about Nick Shabazz. If he had wrote this, you'd have gained respect for his individual opinion, even if you disagree....which is why I think Nick Shabazz is a "Real Gem"
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