Thanks for the review Nick. We have separate ti scales available now and Nerds will be released later this week- G10, Micarts and ti. We continue to increase our availability. Knives are loaded to our website announced and unannounced. Even though this is a small knife, the machining time for these scales is very long. I never carried a Nerd before I put a ti one in my hand- the machining won me over and I slide one into my 5th pocket every day. The detent is a tough one on this knife. I can't flick mine easily, but other people can flick the same knife with no effort. The Nerd is small and not for everyone. We'll be at the NYCKS next month- check one out- even copper ones. Marianne Halpern Owner
I was lucky enough to pick up my nerd in person and got to check out the factory a few months ago! I am a complete nobody but Marianne still took the time to walk me and my girlfriend around and give us the history! Truly awesome! Love my Ti Nerd it will definitely break in beautifully!
I’ve been here since about 6k and it makes me so sad that this Doctors channel isn’t growing much anymore. Such great things he’s done for the EDC community
Excellent point about the scales and the comparison to swapping watch bands. The Apple Watch opened to door to fast swapping bands for many. It is a nice option to have a favorite knife with the ability to change it up easily.
I need a new TRM knife. I had 2 neutrons and pretty much carried nothing but a neutron for 2 years and completely stopped buying new knives. I ended up giving them away as very special gifts, but I do miss them and need to pick up another by them. The Holy Nerd would be the perfect knife for Boston.
I like dressing up a knife. Having "fancy" scales and utility scales for a favorite carry is good, IMO. I wish Flytanium would make something for the Baby Banter (which is my most carried these days).
I recently got one of these with Merlot Micarta Scales from their most recent January Drop and it actually has a different pocket clip, the one I got has two screw holes on top and a slot on the part that screws into the scale, the screws don't fit flush and I don't feel it's a hotspot in my hand. All of the body and clip screws for mine also look like they went through a tumble dry cycle, just real beat up, and the action on receiving was super gritty and bad. I had to disassemble and clean it out to get it to a good spot. I gotta say it was not a good first impression and I was super close to trying to return it but ultimately after cleaning it out and oiling it, I decided I would keep it and the action has improved quite nicely. I would say if you're on a super thin budget you could honestly pick out a Kershaw Shuffle for like $14, a CRKT Chehalem for about $20, a CRKT Trask for a bout $45, a Baby Banter for around $55 or if you wanna start getting up there the Knifecenter Exclusive baby banter in S35vn for about $85, or the Drop + Erich Ochs Otter for about $150(Depending on model). I think a lot of these are good alternatives for mostly less and either will of course be not as high quality materials in most cases, will save siginificant money or in the case of the Baby Banter in S35vn or the Otter(also s35vn) you will likely get a more refined final product due to them being established production knives. Of course, these aren't made in the USA and don't offer the easy swap scales, I just thought I'd throw out some alternatives since the TRM Nerd is largely unavailable and I am personally a huge fan of "5th pocket" sized knives.
Got lucky and I was able to pick one of these up a couple months ago on their site. It's an excellent little knife, I'm really happy with it. I totally agree about the clip, but I feel that way about the clip on all of their knives. It's not terrible to live with though. Lil'Native is another solid comp, although also sometimes tricky to find in stock.
Thank you for continuing to review knives with blades under 2 1/2 inches! I have a Dragonfly, Tuff Lite, Roadie, SAK Cadet, Buck 55 (please review it), my original 1968 Camillus Cub Scout, and my Three Rivers LTC Nomad modern slipjoint. The LTC Nomad is discontinued and highly in demand . When people see my photos of it on social media and Facebook EDC groups they commonly offer me more than twice what I paid for it. I'm thinking of using it as a trade to acquire one of these titanium Holey Nerds. What do you think, Nick et al? Thanks and have a wonderful rest of your day!
To me TRM knifes with fancy scales just seem a bit off, they are good but the whole package just doesn't feel quite as premium or nice as other knifes in that price range. I think the sweet spot is the basic micarta scale versions, cost much less and have more of a tool like presence as it should be.
These have been consistently available since Christmas. The titanium scaled variety usually hang around the longest because of the price. If you check the website every day you will certainly get one. If you don’t want to check the website everyday, just look at the FAQ on the website and it will clue you in pretty much exactly when these will go up. They are supposed to go up next week and there will likely be copper scaled NERDs which will be beautiful. The only model that is nearly unobtainable is the Shadow. You will have to be very diligent and persistent to grab one of those.
They have gotten good at announcing upcoming batches, so you can set a calendar reminder insread if checking their site every day. Note that scale choices will vary per batch. I was waiting for carbon fiber, but went with Tekwood instead. I am not disappointed.
Now can we get a left handed version? There so many designs that look to be awesome design but the cut outs to make everything easier is all for the right hand crew.
I think Spydercos lil’native is more of a direct competitor. No titanium options that I’m aware of so there’s that. Price is lower and there’s two cruwear options recently available. Nice we have American options in this size or style market
I have a holey Nerd and a Lil Native, and although they are close in size, the experience is very different! The nerd has a classy feel and a slow roll deployment of a light knife and thin blade. The Spyderco is beefier, so it can be flicked out, but it is heavier with a purposeful handle scale. I’m enjoying both, but the nerd gets more pocket time along with my birdseye Chaparral.
The action improves but still needs wrist (granted, I've only had for a few weeks). I feel like it's more about the small size and physical logistics of deployment. Dunno...I still like it but the fidget monster inside me isn't entirely satiated. Love the knife as a whole though!
Glad you did the size comparison Vs the Neutron.. Now I know it’s a bit small for my preference.. Also how do refrain from commenting back to all these smart asses with ever video you make 😂
I have an original non-hole nerd, a holey nerd, and a Nuetron 2 (newtron). I am frankly disappointed with all 3 of them. TRM knives actions are subpar and the knives are overpriced. The knives are sensitive to pressure against the handles when opening. That is to say, if you don't hold them gingerly, the liners squeeze against the blade making the action very stiff. The Nerd has a very weak detent and a rough action. It's simply not good. The position of the Neutron thumb studs is, well, it's not good. There is not enough gap between the stud and liner/handle especially on the lock side. It makes for a bad angle when trying to actually use the thumb studs. The shape of the thumb studs... awful, uncomfortable, smooth and slippery yet has a sharp ridge that doesn't really even work well, it's just bad. The shadow is sadly kind of a disaster IMO. Poor QC consistency. They can't get blade centering figured out, tweaked/bent/twisted liner/frame issues. All of their thumb stud knives have issues with the thumb studs being loose out of the box or coming loose soon. I see this complaint very frequently even on their own FB group. Pressed in thumb studs. stop it. Honestly, I really cannot understand why they have such a cult following when they have so many issues. Sure, their customer service is good... But that has to be backed up by quality and consistency in production.
I am a bit biased but the majority of your complaints are personal preference. If the knife isn’t for you, that’s ok. But no need to bash the company. Price I’d say is very debatable. Maybe being USA made doesn’t matter to you, but it does to many people and their prices are very competitive in that market. The reason the shadow has not seen wide scale release is due to QC concerns on their part. They do not want to put them out until they feel they are right. If they aren’t up to their standards, they don’t want them out in the world. While many people would probably be ok with them. Some would not. TBH, their QC is well and truly above most companies. Especially when you factor in the customizable nature of their knives. It’s a lot easier for a company to make a knife and say this one is fine and sell it. Assuming that the knife is the knife. And will remain in that same state through its lifetime. The scale swap feature on atoms neutrons and nerds means that any knife they make needs to work with any set of scales they make. Scales that have a wide range of materials and designs all need to work on any knife that of that model. It may seem a simple feature but it is far more complicated than people give it credit for. I am sorry that you are not happy with the products you’ve purchase. But if there are real issues TRM will gladly make it right or offer a refund.
@@btl5008 I disagree with your characterization of my complaints being preference. Some, maybe. Also, you wrote a lot so I won't really be able to respond to all of it... I also disagree with your assertion that they are price competitive. Sure, US manufacturing means... something, but it's not everything. Benchmade prices are absurd (especially recently) so I wouldn't consider the benchmade tax as a fair comparison. Spyderco is following the trend as well. I think TRM knives are priced a good 50$ too high. Maybe a more in a couple cases. Especially considering the issues. Look at a 20cv Hogue Deka that can be had for 130$ compared to 280$ for a shadow or 200+ for a neutron? It's not the only example, just a widely popular USA made knife for comparison. How about a USA made Pro-tech Runt automatic 20cv or magnacut for $150? compared to about 200$ for a nerd? Your defense of TRM QC issues by the scale swap gimmick is not valid. Every knife with a liner and scale construction has all of the same features and challenges you described. They can swap scales of many materials as well and all fit. The only difference is other knives use the same holes/screws to hold the liners and scales together rather than separate screws. Frankly, It's a pretty simple change. While I think that is a good idea and I like it... It's not an excuse for the issues. Lot of people like them, although I think most of it is from the Nick Shabaaz hype machine and low availability followed by confirmation bias after the fact. As far as the shadow, again I think your defense is, well... frankly it's nonsense. They still produce and sell them regardless of QC issues. Yes, their customer service is good, and I acknowledged that. As I said, that only goes so far. The product still needs to hold it's own.
Why do you keep reviewing knives nobody can ever buy? Who cares about TRM - there is no way for anyone to buy one of these. (EDITED TO REMOVE THE LAST LINE. THAT WAS UNNECESSARILY HARSH - SORRY NICK!)
These have been consistently available since Christmas. All of the models, in so many scaled varieties, have. I’m talking about lingering for many days. Check the website, especially the FAQ and you can get one with minimal effort these days. The Shadow is the only model that you cannot obtain unless you know someone who knows someone, or you are a reviewer.
I believe that there may have once been available inventory at some point, but this review came out yesterday. Today there's no TRM available anywhere (and I've checked a ton in the past). At least someone like Grimsmo has a lottery (got one - hate it!), and even if Winter Blade Co sells out in 2-minutes, Nick's review was before the drop and Bryan still allowed pre-orders on drop-2 and gave people a ton of warning (got one -love it!). There are a lot of great makers that can get you a knife in a reasonable amount of time (Tactile, Skiff, etc). Without picking on TRM, I wish availability, even the broadest definition, would be a component of review criteria. Nick is my favourite knife reviewer, and I love the high end stuff, but if there's no way to buy, it's just EDC masterbation.
@@mickeypopa I understand. The reason I can say that the other models have been in stock is because when I emailed TRM they told me Shadow drops were completely random, although I’m sure special people are told. So what do I do? I check the website multiple times an hour all day everyday and I can say, even though the FAQ says drops would happen in January, none have. But the other models have been hanging around in stock for much of the time I’ve been watching.
Thanks for the review Nick.
We have separate ti scales available now and Nerds will be released later this week- G10, Micarts and ti. We continue to increase our availability. Knives are loaded to our website announced and unannounced. Even though this is a small knife, the machining time for these scales is very long.
I never carried a Nerd before I put a ti one in my hand- the machining won me over and I slide one into my 5th pocket every day. The detent is a tough one on this knife. I can't flick mine easily, but other people can flick the same knife with no effort. The Nerd is small and not for everyone. We'll be at the NYCKS next month- check one out- even copper ones. Marianne Halpern Owner
copper? Guess Ill be driving to New York
I was lucky enough to pick up my nerd in person and got to check out the factory a few months ago! I am a complete nobody but Marianne still took the time to walk me and my girlfriend around and give us the history! Truly awesome! Love my Ti Nerd it will definitely break in beautifully!
Always fun to share our history.
For a guy that's into watches, I'm shocked that Nick never calls the 5th pocket by it's original name, the Watch Pocket.
Yes, but he isn't into pocket watches.
@@Dan_Ondutydriving PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:: DO NOT GET INTO WATCHES!!!!!!
I’ve been here since about 6k and it makes me so sad that this Doctors channel isn’t growing much anymore. Such great things he’s done for the EDC community
TRM, Quiet Carry, and Tactile Turn are 'grail' knives for me.
Along with a left-handed Mnandi in Bog Oak and something made by Herman.
Excellent point about the scales and the comparison to swapping watch bands. The Apple Watch opened to door to fast swapping bands for many. It is a nice option to have a favorite knife with the ability to change it up easily.
I need a new TRM knife. I had 2 neutrons and pretty much carried nothing but a neutron for 2 years and completely stopped buying new knives. I ended up giving them away as very special gifts, but I do miss them and need to pick up another by them. The Holy Nerd would be the perfect knife for Boston.
I like dressing up a knife. Having "fancy" scales and utility scales for a favorite carry is good, IMO.
I wish Flytanium would make something for the Baby Banter (which is my most carried these days).
Your reviews are simply peerless.
I recently got one of these with Merlot Micarta Scales from their most recent January Drop and it actually has a different pocket clip, the one I got has two screw holes on top and a slot on the part that screws into the scale, the screws don't fit flush and I don't feel it's a hotspot in my hand. All of the body and clip screws for mine also look like they went through a tumble dry cycle, just real beat up, and the action on receiving was super gritty and bad. I had to disassemble and clean it out to get it to a good spot. I gotta say it was not a good first impression and I was super close to trying to return it but ultimately after cleaning it out and oiling it, I decided I would keep it and the action has improved quite nicely.
I would say if you're on a super thin budget you could honestly pick out a Kershaw Shuffle for like $14, a CRKT Chehalem for about $20, a CRKT Trask for a bout $45, a Baby Banter for around $55 or if you wanna start getting up there the Knifecenter Exclusive baby banter in S35vn for about $85, or the Drop + Erich Ochs Otter for about $150(Depending on model). I think a lot of these are good alternatives for mostly less and either will of course be not as high quality materials in most cases, will save siginificant money or in the case of the Baby Banter in S35vn or the Otter(also s35vn) you will likely get a more refined final product due to them being established production knives. Of course, these aren't made in the USA and don't offer the easy swap scales, I just thought I'd throw out some alternatives since the TRM Nerd is largely unavailable and I am personally a huge fan of "5th pocket" sized knives.
Got lucky and I was able to pick one of these up a couple months ago on their site. It's an excellent little knife, I'm really happy with it. I totally agree about the clip, but I feel that way about the clip on all of their knives. It's not terrible to live with though. Lil'Native is another solid comp, although also sometimes tricky to find in stock.
I actually carry mine with a tab from the Shadow.
Thank you for continuing to review knives with blades under 2 1/2 inches! I have a Dragonfly, Tuff Lite, Roadie, SAK Cadet, Buck 55 (please review it), my original 1968 Camillus Cub Scout, and my Three Rivers LTC Nomad modern slipjoint.
The LTC Nomad is discontinued and highly in demand . When people see my photos of it on social media and Facebook EDC groups they commonly offer me more than twice what I paid for it. I'm thinking of using it as a trade to acquire one of these titanium Holey Nerds. What do you think, Nick et al? Thanks and have a wonderful rest of your day!
I bought mine on the very first drop. It has broken in very nicely. Easily flips open and drops shut.
To me TRM knifes with fancy scales just seem a bit off, they are good but the whole package just doesn't feel quite as premium or nice as other knifes in that price range. I think the sweet spot is the basic micarta scale versions, cost much less and have more of a tool like presence as it should be.
Oh noooo…. I still haven’t been able to grab one of these and now that the Shabazz vid is out, it’ll be that much harder!
These have been consistently available since Christmas. The titanium scaled variety usually hang around the longest because of the price. If you check the website every day you will certainly get one. If you don’t want to check the website everyday, just look at the FAQ on the website and it will clue you in pretty much exactly when these will go up. They are supposed to go up next week and there will likely be copper scaled NERDs which will be beautiful. The only model that is nearly unobtainable is the Shadow. You will have to be very diligent and persistent to grab one of those.
They have gotten good at announcing upcoming batches, so you can set a calendar reminder insread if checking their site every day. Note that scale choices will vary per batch. I was waiting for carbon fiber, but went with Tekwood instead. I am not disappointed.
I feel that my faith in TRM has been restored. This nerd is just miraculous. 😏😉
They are really great people and great knives. Finally got a Shadow and it is as good as they say
in germany it would still be illegal to carry, because you can open it with one hand.
fixed blades however up too 12cm are allowed.
Hi nick I love your videos
Nick is this knife as nice as the Olamic Busker? Those are two knives on my radar screen. Thanks
Now can we get a left handed version? There so many designs that look to be awesome design but the cut outs to make everything easier is all for the right hand crew.
I think Spydercos lil’native is more of a direct competitor. No titanium options that I’m aware of so there’s that. Price is lower and there’s two cruwear options recently available.
Nice we have American options in this size or style market
I have a holey Nerd and a Lil Native, and although they are close in size, the experience is very different! The nerd has a classy feel and a slow roll deployment of a light knife and thin blade. The Spyderco is beefier, so it can be flicked out, but it is heavier with a purposeful handle scale.
I’m enjoying both, but the nerd gets more pocket time along with my birdseye Chaparral.
Wish they made a full sized version on bearings
I like that it’s made in my home state 😊
Hey nick I have this knife I think this knife is screaming for a front flipper tab what do you think?
hahaha
“In many ways, The Shadow is a giant Nerd”
"The Shadow is a Giant Nerd." -- Nick Shabazz, 2023
The action improves but still needs wrist (granted, I've only had for a few weeks). I feel like it's more about the small size and physical logistics of deployment. Dunno...I still like it but the fidget monster inside me isn't entirely satiated. Love the knife as a whole though!
I think that the nerd is too short and light to flick without wrist. I like the light weight, so I’ll take the trade-off.
The milling on the nerd looks so much better than the atom and newtron
Glad you did the size comparison Vs the Neutron.. Now I know it’s a bit small for my preference.. Also how do refrain from commenting back to all these smart asses with ever video you make 😂
I have all different TRM’s. But I have 2 Nerds.
I dont understand why trm doesn't pump out the shadow knowing its the most sought after model!! Especially in full titanium
Long story of headaches for our Shadow. See FAQ #1 on our website. Hoping for about 75 this month, building towards an announced release.
I got a g10 slate gray Shadow yesterday. You just have to be patient and persistent. It is really as good as they say
Did you ever even publish your first Nerd review?
It is out there if you search.
They are now going for $342.50
Size comparison to a bugout??
Way smaller!
@@NickShabazz Thankyou
Once mine broke in it can flick with no wrist. That said, it’s so small you do need to get used to the size to do it correctly.
i think for 315 bucks you shouldn't have such obvious milling marks on your ti-scales, just my two cents.
I never saw the price at $300 only price I seen was $480 at one of the big stores. My head spun
480? wow that's crazy! they need to do a lot better to earn that price tag if you ask me😅
Being so small maybe no clip, just a filler tab.
Jeez you really like TRM😂...... That's not a knife.... Etc etc😂.... Its a toothpick
This design never did it for me.
I have an original non-hole nerd, a holey nerd, and a Nuetron 2 (newtron). I am frankly disappointed with all 3 of them.
TRM knives actions are subpar and the knives are overpriced. The knives are sensitive to pressure against the handles when opening. That is to say, if you don't hold them gingerly, the liners squeeze against the blade making the action very stiff. The Nerd has a very weak detent and a rough action. It's simply not good.
The position of the Neutron thumb studs is, well, it's not good. There is not enough gap between the stud and liner/handle especially on the lock side. It makes for a bad angle when trying to actually use the thumb studs. The shape of the thumb studs... awful, uncomfortable, smooth and slippery yet has a sharp ridge that doesn't really even work well, it's just bad.
The shadow is sadly kind of a disaster IMO. Poor QC consistency. They can't get blade centering figured out, tweaked/bent/twisted liner/frame issues. All of their thumb stud knives have issues with the thumb studs being loose out of the box or coming loose soon. I see this complaint very frequently even on their own FB group. Pressed in thumb studs. stop it.
Honestly, I really cannot understand why they have such a cult following when they have so many issues. Sure, their customer service is good... But that has to be backed up by quality and consistency in production.
Please return any of our knives that you're unhappy with for a full refund. Marianne Halpern
I am a bit biased but the majority of your complaints are personal preference. If the knife isn’t for you, that’s ok. But no need to bash the company.
Price I’d say is very debatable. Maybe being USA made doesn’t matter to you, but it does to many people and their prices are very competitive in that market.
The reason the shadow has not seen wide scale release is due to QC concerns on their part. They do not want to put them out until they feel they are right. If they aren’t up to their standards, they don’t want them out in the world. While many people would probably be ok with them. Some would not.
TBH, their QC is well and truly above most companies. Especially when you factor in the customizable nature of their knives.
It’s a lot easier for a company to make a knife and say this one is fine and sell it. Assuming that the knife is the knife. And will remain in that same state through its lifetime.
The scale swap feature on atoms neutrons and nerds means that any knife they make needs to work with any set of scales they make. Scales that have a wide range of materials and designs all need to work on any knife that of that model. It may seem a simple feature but it is far more complicated than people give it credit for.
I am sorry that you are not happy with the products you’ve purchase. But if there are real issues TRM will gladly make it right or offer a refund.
@@btl5008 I disagree with your characterization of my complaints being preference. Some, maybe. Also, you wrote a lot so I won't really be able to respond to all of it...
I also disagree with your assertion that they are price competitive. Sure, US manufacturing means... something, but it's not everything. Benchmade prices are absurd (especially recently) so I wouldn't consider the benchmade tax as a fair comparison. Spyderco is following the trend as well. I think TRM knives are priced a good 50$ too high. Maybe a more in a couple cases. Especially considering the issues. Look at a 20cv Hogue Deka that can be had for 130$ compared to 280$ for a shadow or 200+ for a neutron? It's not the only example, just a widely popular USA made knife for comparison. How about a USA made Pro-tech Runt automatic 20cv or magnacut for $150? compared to about 200$ for a nerd?
Your defense of TRM QC issues by the scale swap gimmick is not valid. Every knife with a liner and scale construction has all of the same features and challenges you described. They can swap scales of many materials as well and all fit. The only difference is other knives use the same holes/screws to hold the liners and scales together rather than separate screws. Frankly, It's a pretty simple change. While I think that is a good idea and I like it... It's not an excuse for the issues.
Lot of people like them, although I think most of it is from the Nick Shabaaz hype machine and low availability followed by confirmation bias after the fact.
As far as the shadow, again I think your defense is, well... frankly it's nonsense. They still produce and sell them regardless of QC issues.
Yes, their customer service is good, and I acknowledged that. As I said, that only goes so far. The product still needs to hold it's own.
@@trmusakniveslive1420 I only bought the Newtron and a set of scales or two from you directly. The nerds were second hand.
@squirts1 2nd hand models aren't always up to our standards. You can return and we'll give them some love.
Why do you keep reviewing knives nobody can ever buy? Who cares about TRM - there is no way for anyone to buy one of these. (EDITED TO REMOVE THE LAST LINE. THAT WAS UNNECESSARILY HARSH - SORRY NICK!)
These have been consistently available since Christmas. All of the models, in so many scaled varieties, have. I’m talking about lingering for many days. Check the website, especially the FAQ and you can get one with minimal effort these days. The Shadow is the only model that you cannot obtain unless you know someone who knows someone, or you are a reviewer.
I believe that there may have once been available inventory at some point, but this review came out yesterday. Today there's no TRM available anywhere (and I've checked a ton in the past).
At least someone like Grimsmo has a lottery (got one - hate it!), and even if Winter Blade Co sells out in 2-minutes, Nick's review was before the drop and Bryan still allowed pre-orders on drop-2 and gave people a ton of warning (got one -love it!). There are a lot of great makers that can get you a knife in a reasonable amount of time (Tactile, Skiff, etc). Without picking on TRM, I wish availability, even the broadest definition, would be a component of review criteria.
Nick is my favourite knife reviewer, and I love the high end stuff, but if there's no way to buy, it's just EDC masterbation.
@@giantfatberg
Incidentally, The Shadow is the only TRM knife I want to spend my money on but not able to.
@@mickeypopa I understand. The reason I can say that the other models have been in stock is because when I emailed TRM they told me Shadow drops were completely random, although I’m sure special people are told. So what do I do? I check the website multiple times an hour all day everyday and I can say, even though the FAQ says drops would happen in January, none have. But the other models have been hanging around in stock for much of the time I’ve been watching.
@@mickeypopa get one right now cause they are in stock
At $315, you need to get the detent right.
Thar has been a challenge. The same knife can't be flicked by one person and another person flicks it with ease using a different technique.