I have to agree with your thoughts on this subject. It is a great marketing campaign for a new knife model. I believe it used the positive points of other manufacturer’s strategies and put them together. Unique artwork, limited quantiles, unique packaging, materials not used on most factory slip joint made knives. The ideas seem to mimic GEC marketing strategies along with commonly successful others. Tube Art, unique trinkets, interesting names and praise from other collectors make it something some knife collectors enjoy. Thinking this makes a knife higher in quality than it can possibly be. It is up to the individual to decide what they think is a value worth paying for. New and not so practical understanding knife collectors are easily swayed to jump on the hook and buy the next newest knife. If it costs more, it has to be better, changes after experience.🔪
Keen observation! Very much GEC inspired, I love collecting GEC and I think the way Bill does things is great. I've taken other interesting approaches gleaned from other brands, spun it all together with my own ideas in my own recipe and there you have it. It's just another option for collectors at the end of the day. And you are right, people as individuals will decide what they think is a value worth paying for. The reason my knives cost more, is not simply to make them cost more. They are expensive to make, expensive to distribute, and they are made in small batches relative to my competitors. But they do have features my competitors knives don't, so at the end of the day, it's just another option that won't appeal to everyone, but hopefully appeals to some! Truth be told, none of us need any of these, they are purely luxury goods. I am blessed to be able to offer these to you guys and thank for all the support I've gained so far. Have a great day and thanks for commenting! -Ben
I agree, the marketing here has been exceptional. I also see the similarities to GEC, but that’s another brand where the hype exceeds the substance. The GEC knife collecting bubble is like any other and they all burst in the end! I appreciate that this isn’t the popular view, but I’ve never worried about being in a minority position, it doesn’t mean I’m wrong. When your have laser cut, CNC ground, vibrio polished, machine jigged, un-dished liners, riveted not pinned knives that are then limited in production numbers to ape the output of a traditional artisan, then you are selling mock-traditionals, with little more authenticity than a Rough Rider! Whatever I may say about JW knives, they have none of the handmade traditional BS, they are honest about what they are “Modern Interpretations, Timeless Design”.
Finally a true non bought opinion. 👏 If someone gives you a 300 dollar knife & promises to give you more, for a year, your opinion has been purchased. There's an old saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth. " In other words, if it's a gift don't say anything bad about it, or you won't be getting anymore 🎁 gifts. That's just my opinion. I have received knives as gifts, not from the manufacturer, and it is very difficult to say anything negative about something given to me. Again, thank you for speaking your mind Eric. 💯 The fan boys will be all over you for your opinion, probably myself also for saying this. 🙄. Oh well. c'est la vie 🤠
Yes, RUclips is saturated with glowing, bought opinions about these knives. I have always thought that they are way more expensive than they should be but the ‘marketing’ is expensive.
I take a similar view, but I don’t want the slip either. I’ve countless better made ones kicking about. Collectors, rather than everyday users are a key market here, and we need to keep the set pristine and unused to preserve the integrity of the piece.
Thank you Eric - if there's one person I wanted to review a Jack Wolf knife it would be you. It seems like there's been a lot of orchestrated hype about the release of these new knives, and without buying one myself I wouldn't know if it justified that hype. Certainly onscreen the looks alone are still failing to thrill me. It looks to be a worthy product but at its price point I want more than that. I'd say purchase if it grabs you, not because of the rave reviews.
I’m not sure that the hype is orchestrated, so much as an inevitable result of the promise of a $300 knife every month for a year. I’m certain Ben hasn’t insisted on the sycophantic fawning we’ve had to endure. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of it makes him feel a little uncomfortable, but I’m glad I’ve shaken this up a bit. Maybe some reviewers will think a little on how they come over. We can only hope!
I don’t agree with any of your opinions that are critical as these are the reasons I purchase every Wolf - I just love them. That said, love your point of view!
Nice honest review. For what it's worth, I don't think Ben would put a drug reference on his product. Thanks for being another person who doesn't love the carbon fiber; I feel less the odd man out. Cheers!
Clearly it wasn’t, but I can see no reason why it shouldn’t have been, after all marijuana is legal in Arizona. Traditionally the stamp on pl;d Sheffield knives said “oil the joints”, not “joint”. It must just be a miss type.
I think that they’re very good knives, but not as amazing as some would have us believe. I do like the latest one though. It’s a modern take on the GEC #85 and, if I had a spare $300, I’d have one.
It's a slip-joint knife. "Oil the joint," just means oil the joint of your knife. I like the the clip point blade. The finish may be a personal thing, IDK. There are many modern innovations that I don't care much for. I'm more of a traditionalist. I agree with you about the over done packaging. A bit too gimmicky.
Oil the joint also refers to putting drop of hash oil or THC on a Blunt. It can also refer to adding the same substance or other drug to a marijuana cigarette to increase its potency. So it was definitely a play on words.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias LOL it was not intended that way but hey, that's the beauty of art, it's in the eye of the beholder! Tell Cheech and Chong I said Hi!
@@TheMartialist LOL! Stuff I learned going through safety and drug awareness training in the education arena. Funny Story, We used to conduct "Health and Welfare Inspections" (drug searches) when in the army. One month, my Company CO happened to find a glass tube containing white powder. The private who had the white powder asked the CO not to open the tube. The CO obviously ignored the request opened the tube and got a good strong whiff or CS (tear gas) powder, then threw the tube which broke and got CS powder all over the place. Worse yet , it put the poor drug sniffing dog out of commission for several weeks and that really pissed off the MP accompanying the the CO. The MP told the CO that the dog would've alerted on the tube regardless of the rubber stopper had it been cocaine. Anyway, CS powder was also contraband so the poor private had a lot of explaining to do. On another side note, the drug sniffing dog was a little Yorkshire Terrier.
I think you've distilled it down well. Personally, I'm torn between cheering on someone who has got off his ar*e and injected some pizzazz into the slipjoint market... and the value of the products themselves. Each to their own and I wish I didn't have to be so price sensitive. I've just been looking at another chinese slipjoint, The Trevisa Pisces - Bohler M390, TC4 Titanium, Desert Ironwood. It's £90. Admittedly, likely less soul than a £35 TEW, but value coming out of its pores. You can't have everything, and for me that includes a Jack Wolf.
@@BenBelkin Well, you're in the mould of many of the old 'greats' from yesteryear. They were, at the end of the day, great salesmen. George 'oil the joints' Wostenholm being one of the best.
I’ve nothing against Ben or what he’s done here. If I have a problem, it’s that some of the reviewers give the impression that these knives are the unassailable pinnacle of the cutlery universe. They are very good, but short of the hype… in my opinion!
@@slick_slicers As Ben says, his customers are mostly first time slipjoint owners. They'll gobble up the grand-dad stuff and GEC hints. But, you never know, they might get interested in them. Buy more. Manufacturers then make more. We get more variation and innovation. It's probably always been this way.
Hi Eric, thank you for your purchase and for sharing the knife with your audience. I am sorry you were underwhelmed with your purchase. If you would like a full refund, please let me know and I will work that out with you. First and foremost I want my customers to be satisfied. I appreciate you allowing me this opportunity to respond to some of your remarks. I always appreciate constructive feedback and find it a great way to learn. I am pleased to hear you say the knife is a competent knife. I’ve sold over 2,000 knives to date and I can honestly say that people are overwhelmingly satisfied with their experiences, as far as I can tell. However I understand my knives are not for everyone and will not suite everyone’s tastes. A lot of what you find in a Jack Wolf product reflects my personal tastes that I thought the market would also appreciate. For example, the aluminum oxide blast on the Titanium I much prefer over the glass blast; I like the texture and I like the color over the otherwise silvery appearance. I understand it snail-trails but I find that characteristic of the finish and not an issue personally. I also really like the fancy colorful carbon fibers and the market certainly has demanded more of those! I like when products come in high quality artistically inspired packaging and includes stickers for my workbench. I find having quality micro fiber cloths on hand to be very useful, and I love carrying my knives in a leather slip. Many of my purchasers are first time slip joint buyers who don’t have a drawer full of leather slips, at least not yet, so I’ve had many people thank me for including one in the can. I also really like the belt satin finish they provide; I find it strikingly beautiful in its varying striations. They do offer other finishes as well so if enough people complain there are other options to consider. There are certain aspects of other modern traditional knives I don’t fancy, so that’s why I don’t deploy them. For example the stop pin (it changes the acoustics) and ambidextrous nail nicks (I am a lefty and still don’t like them). At the end of the day, I’ve taken a large financial risk by bringing a product line to the market that are a balance of my own personal tastes and what I think the market as a whole will desire, while trying to present something artistic and unique in a very crowded field. I know they are not for everyone, and that’ s ok. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy one and it’s just another option on the table for people to consider. For people who want to spend less, or don’t like the packaging, or don’t like the materials, or don’t like the finishes, there are several other options in the marketplace, and there is nothing wrong with that! And last but not least, oil the joint is not a drug reference; rather is is what Charlie Campagna always says on his written prose found on the back of his GEC Special Factory Order knife runs, and refers to only lubrication. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great week. -Ben
Ben and Slick, funny thing. I've been a lefty all my life and I always thought it was funny that slip joints have a nail nick that favors us. Maybe it is just the bass-ackward way I open my single blade knives and the way my left hand rotates around the handle so that at no time is blade facing my body or hand and once opened the blade is pointing out ward and is aligned properly in my hand. And well we already know about the oil the joints. I'm sure Slick is well aware of the British Army knives but it is also a drug reference in some circles. Anyway, this lefty finds slip joint nail nicks just about perfect
@@ianrosie4431 , same here. The old British Army Knives. I wasn’t the one who mentioned the GECs. I mentioned it something that has been obliquely transferred to drug use, especially cannabis and hash oil as well as THC. It’s fairly uncommon but it gave me a snicker when Eric mentioned it.
Finally! A review that isn't praising these bloody things to the sky when, in reality, they are utterly, utterly average. Yes, they are nice, but that is it. Every other RUclips reviewer has been blindly sucking that company's 'bolster' for far too long, acting like some wacky packaging, bright colours and slight variations on traditional designs are somehow reinventing the wheel. Total hype over content. Sick of seeing the products and sick of seeing people's opinions so easily bought. If someone truly likes them then great, get 'em all. I truly hope the company succeeds beyond their hopes, however I do have a problem with what has increasingly felt like advertising disguised as opinion. Purchased opinion is almost always some distance from the truth. Again, I want to state I have nothing against the company, the knives look nice, I wish them success. However the flood of praise has been very fishy and engenders some deep mistrust. Sorry, rambling on, just so very pleased to see some common sense in a review.
I think “utterly, utterly average.” Is a bit harsh! They really are very good, just not the pinnacle of perfection some reviewers would have you believe. I’ve reviewed three, bought one and unless something markedly more innovative comes along, I’m happy to stick at that.
wow that finish is very poor for the price. Not keen on the carbon fiber either. The other examples I've seen looked much nicer and really impressed me as probably my favourite range of modern-traditionals. Except for the price. I couldn't justify it myself. But in terms of the blade pattern, dimensions I've seen, they're pretty perfect imho
Thank you for the kind words! The finish appears the way it is supposed to look. It may not be aesthetically for everyone,, but it was correctly applied to his knife. I really like the way it looks, but I am clearly biased. Thanks for reading! -Ben
The carbon fibre is an aesthetic choice. It’s not to my taste, but the micarta was all gone. To me it looks gaudy, others love it. The blade finishing is as whole different kettle of fish! It’s inconsistently applied across the blade. It was the same on the other two I’ve had in for review, so I can only assume it’s supposed to be that way, but compared to the JE Made, it looks crude.
This knife and it’s reception in the community, month after month, was one of the (many) reasons I have unsubbed all of the knife content dudes. Your review here is a breath of fresh air, I think.
Thank you! Many of the reviews are fine. My concern was that some give the impression that these knives are on another level of perfection and without flaw… I’m not convinced.
Each monthly iteration of these freebies is as/more perfect than the last. Perhaps it was just the tubers I was subscribed to, but a “community” shilling for one of its own isn’t something I get too excited about.
Yes, I felt very constrained reviewing the two loaners, and I was right to worry. When I didn’t praise them to the stars, the supply stopped. I bought this one, so I was free to say what I thought.
Not sure if I've seen that J.E Made before, what a beauty, and that Shing, I'm kind of glad I didn't get caught up in the JW flurry. Thanks for your honest review ❤️🔪
Pogs were toys for 12 year old boys who liked to play tiddlywinks but didn't want to call it tiddlywinks. Americans (as you may have guessed) will collect anything! Very Competent knife! You were correct when you were said honest and unbiased. Really great history of the Lanny's Clip. Learned quite a bit. I think the reason some makers don't say they make certain brands is for legal issues as in the contract agreement from the brand stipulates that the maker keeps their mouth shut. Properly made traditional knives don't need stop pins. That said, I agree is you're going to make modern slip joints you just as well put in the stop pin My favorite was that JE Made! Now that was a beauty and I don't like Carbon Fiber! I have to say, I like Frost wood more than the Blue/Black Fiber. To me, these are basically Brother or Rough Ryder Reserve Knives or the RoseCraft line of knives with a higher end steel that I don't really need.
Hi Tobias, you are right about OEMs, it is usually the exception not the rule across multiple industries that OEMs state who they make products for. I can agree to disagree on the inclusion of the stop pin, I know they make sense from a functional standpoint but I much prefer the acoustics of the knife when the kick lands on the spring! Thanks for reading. -Ben
@@BenBelkin , and it makes sense that OEM keep such information private. It should also be pointed out that just because an OEM makes products for different brands, it doesn't mean that the same quality of product is found in the different brands. And often a reputable OEM could very well be getting paid to make exclusive parts for a specific brand or will be held to a higher QC level depending on the brand. So just because parts are being made by the same company and/or assembled in the same factory doesn't mean the product is made to the same specs. What's more; some times a brand might have similar products that originate from different providers or factories. Brands are also known to shop around and might change OEMs if they find a better company, similar quality at a lower production cost, or have increased demand and need a new manufacturer who can handle increased production numbers. If the brand comes out and says they are tied to a specific manufacturer, this becomes problematic on many levels. All of this leaves it up the collector to guess and make assumptions but rarely leads to anything more than a wink or nod from the brand or OEM. It's all part of the fun of the hobby.
@@BenBelkin I think this also why a certain company uses "Tru-Sharp Surgical Steel". The grade of the steel changed over the years, but the steel remained their Trademark Tru-Sharp! and they continue to stand behind it.
I am irritated by OEMs refusing to allow their identity to be revealed. I was recently trying to do some research on early Spydercos and contacted Moki, their original OEM in Japan. They outright denied any involvement despite, no doubt out of turn comments, comments by Sal Glesser and Al Mar! You should be proud of everything you make.
Thank you for an actual honest review. I personally don't watch any reviews unless the reviewer has some skin in the game. It's virtually impossible to be 100% objective when you know the wrong words may cost you thousands of dollars in knives.. I understand these are really well-made knives but very over-priced compared to its competitors. Over twice the price of the Lionsteel, Viper and Fox modern traditionals available.
Hi Steve, the price is a factor of the cost to produce, the standard dealer's margin, and then I have to make a reasonable profit or it isn't worth the 60+ hours a week it takes to run this company. They are expensive to make, the dealers take a big bite, and that's where it lands. The dealers make more dollars than I do on these. While the Italian knives are less expensive, they are also different in certain aspects of fit and finish. Specifically the hafting process, the hand ground hollow ground blades, the handle materials and the packaging. Thank you for your time! -Ben
@@BenBelkin I have no doubt these are very fine knives. I don't doubt that there are extra steps involved in making them. I don't doubt that giving the knives to influential reviewers is a great marketing ploy. It's my personal opinion that isn't the best way to get a 100% honest review. There are reviewers that I used to follow that I no longer follow due to this practice. If I plop my hard-earned $265 dollars down for a knife then you can bet that I will tell you exactly what I like and dislike about my purchase. It will not be sugar-coated nor will it be full of venom, just the truth.
These are good quality, expensive knives. I bought mine and intend to keep it. However, I have thoughts about how and where the money was spent and the overblown hyperbole of some of the paid ($3,000+ in knives) reviewers. I’ve expressed my views in the video as a knife buyer, user and collector of 50 years experience. Had I been sent a knife for pre-market comment (and return), I would have made many of my comments privately, and with the obvious exception of the reviewers, they would have been similar.
@@BenBelkin Let me start by saying I know nothing about running a business but surely there is something wrong when the dealers make more money per knife than you do? Wouldn't the knives be considerably cheaper if you distributed/sold them yourself? Am I being naive? Do huge companies let the dealers earn more per item than they do?
BEN IF YOU'RE READING THIS I WILL NO JOKE SELL RIGHT THE F OUT IF YOU GIVE ME A KNIFE A MONTH. THIS IS NOT A JOKE OR SARCASM. I AM READY TO SELL OUT IF YOU'RE READY TO BUY ME FOR THE LOW LOW PRICE OF FREE KNIFE 99!!!! (really though, I mean it. Give me free knives!)
I really appreciate your honesty in the review, but I feel that you should not let yourself get distracted or become offended as to how people obtain their gear as it’s really irrelevant when all said and done, There will always be haves and have nots in the world and if people are allowing themselves bought with freebies as you allude to, then that makes your honest and objective reviews all the more valuable and you could be putting subs off watching them as they may think there’s an air of jealousy in your content, I’m am also slightly confused as to why you bought the knife on that configuration knowing you did not like the Ti finish and carbon especially when micarta is available and at a lower price point as you seem concerned about cost prices and your ability to afford one (I personally have chosen not to allow myself to afford one as a matter of personal circumstance, could I buy them, yes but I could also spend that money elsewhere in my family’s lives that would bring me greater enjoyment so decide I appreciate them, free or otherwise, from afar). I think the materials bring a breath of fresh air to the modern traditional slip joint world, rather than the blade patina from carbon steel traditionals these will show on the bolster giving character to the piece without compromising the blade, as for the carbon fibre I’m sure in the time of wood, stag and bone, collectors thought Micarta and G10 covers were “trashy” and those collectors may think the new wave of composites are also “trashy” and so on, but without innovation all you get is stagnation which is no good in any aspect of life and if we all stayed stuck in the old ways it could lead to hobbies like ours becoming boring and fizzling out, all that said great review, thanks for the content and thanks for letting us know how you truly feel 👍🏼 Mr Ben Belkin, thanks for putting your neck out to bringing these creations to life and if you ever need a tester… 😉
Before I bought this I had two others on loan for review. Though I had to return them, I still felt a degree of reluctance to say anything less than positive. I tried to find words that gave a balanced view of the knife, but didn’t stop the stream of review samples coming. Unfortunately, it appears anything short of full praise was unacceptable, and no more were forthcoming! I should stress that this had nothing to do with Ben. He replied to my videos like the gentleman he is. I don’t accept free samples for review. I do accept dealer samples, but I pay for the ones I want to keep and return or give away the rest. Of all the JW knives on their website, the Benny’s Clip was the one I wanted. The only finishes available were CF, and I chose blue. I bought it at full retail price from Ben in the US. My comments on the knife are in this video.
Also, I find it very telling that the person who was providing the knife would stop providing the knife when you gave an honest appraisal and not the appraisal he wanted to hear. Had a similar thing happen a few years ago. If you don't want an honest opinion then don't ask me to look at your product. Some people value their personal reputation more than a free knife.
@@BenBelkin , no Ben. I have had no business with you. As for the person in question, I hold no animosity toward them. I chalk it up to differing opinions in business procedures.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias ok thanks for clarifying as I wasn't sure what you meant by saying it was telling when the person providing the knife would stop providing one, I wasn't sure who you were talking about. have a great day bud.
@@BenBelkin and to you Ben. Best of luck in your endeavors. We definitely travel in different circles when it comes to knives but that doesn't mean I can't admire what you're doing.
Good review. I truly believe that all of these china-made knives will not hold their values over the long haul. People susceptible to market hype are the primary buyers of this type of knife. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But collectors should stay away.
I like your honest knife reviews. A breath of fresh air.
You’re an intelligent man who if very fair in reviewing knives.
Without fear or favour… I hope!
I have to agree with your thoughts on this subject. It is a great marketing campaign for a new knife model. I believe it used the positive points of other manufacturer’s strategies and put them together. Unique artwork, limited quantiles, unique packaging, materials not used on most factory slip joint made knives.
The ideas seem to mimic GEC marketing strategies along with commonly successful others. Tube Art, unique trinkets, interesting names and praise from other collectors make it something some knife collectors enjoy. Thinking this makes a knife higher in quality than it can possibly be. It is up to the individual to decide what they think is a value worth paying for.
New and not so practical understanding knife collectors are easily swayed to jump on the hook and buy the next newest knife. If it costs more, it has to be better, changes after experience.🔪
Keen observation! Very much GEC inspired, I love collecting GEC and I think the way Bill does things is great. I've taken other interesting approaches gleaned from other brands, spun it all together with my own ideas in my own recipe and there you have it. It's just another option for collectors at the end of the day. And you are right, people as individuals will decide what they think is a value worth paying for. The reason my knives cost more, is not simply to make them cost more. They are expensive to make, expensive to distribute, and they are made in small batches relative to my competitors. But they do have features my competitors knives don't, so at the end of the day, it's just another option that won't appeal to everyone, but hopefully appeals to some! Truth be told, none of us need any of these, they are purely luxury goods. I am blessed to be able to offer these to you guys and thank for all the support I've gained so far. Have a great day and thanks for commenting! -Ben
I agree, the marketing here has been exceptional. I also see the similarities to GEC, but that’s another brand where the hype exceeds the substance. The GEC knife collecting bubble is like any other and they all burst in the end! I appreciate that this isn’t the popular view, but I’ve never worried about being in a minority position, it doesn’t mean I’m wrong. When your have laser cut, CNC ground, vibrio polished, machine jigged, un-dished liners, riveted not pinned knives that are then limited in production numbers to ape the output of a traditional artisan, then you are selling mock-traditionals, with little more authenticity than a Rough Rider! Whatever I may say about JW knives, they have none of the handmade traditional BS, they are honest about what they are “Modern Interpretations, Timeless Design”.
Thanks for the detailed review. Learned a lot.
Thank you for watching.
Finally a true non bought opinion. 👏 If someone gives you a 300 dollar knife & promises to give you more, for a year, your opinion has been purchased. There's an old saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth. " In other words, if it's a gift don't say anything bad about it, or you won't be getting anymore 🎁 gifts.
That's just my opinion. I have received knives as gifts, not from the manufacturer, and it is very difficult to say anything negative about something given to me.
Again, thank you for speaking your mind Eric. 💯 The fan boys will be all over you for your opinion, probably myself also for saying this. 🙄. Oh well. c'est la vie 🤠
100% agreed, William 🙂👍
Also, I love your videos🙂👍
@@perkin2000 Thank you.
It ain't no Danny's Lanny, that's for sure....
Yes, RUclips is saturated with glowing, bought opinions about these knives. I have always thought that they are way more expensive than they should be but the ‘marketing’ is expensive.
@Paul Jeffery
Lots of free knives add up.
I find it incredible how so many people can appear to be less than objective for so little.
Cold hard truth is always the best policy. A comparison between the two production brands is greatly appreciated.
I agree with the excessive packaging; I don't want to pay for the tin, cloth, pog, and artwork. I like the slip but nothing else is required.
Hi Greg, thanks for the feedback. Have a great day. -Ben
I take a similar view, but I don’t want the slip either. I’ve countless better made ones kicking about. Collectors, rather than everyday users are a key market here, and we need to keep the set pristine and unused to preserve the integrity of the piece.
Thank you Eric - if there's one person I wanted to review a Jack Wolf knife it would be you. It seems like there's been a lot of orchestrated hype about the release of these new knives, and without buying one myself I wouldn't know if it justified that hype. Certainly onscreen the looks alone are still failing to thrill me. It looks to be a worthy product but at its price point I want more than that. I'd say purchase if it grabs you, not because of the rave reviews.
I’m not sure that the hype is orchestrated, so much as an inevitable result of the promise of a $300 knife every month for a year. I’m certain Ben hasn’t insisted on the sycophantic fawning we’ve had to endure. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of it makes him feel a little uncomfortable, but I’m glad I’ve shaken this up a bit. Maybe some reviewers will think a little on how they come over. We can only hope!
That JE Made has a nice looking edge in it ✨
I don’t agree with any of your opinions that are critical as these are the reasons I purchase every Wolf - I just love them. That said, love your point of view!
lol thanks David! You're amazing my friend!
It’s only my opinion. Thank you for watching and commenting.
@@slick_slicers Absolutely - I really like your review style and I love to hear different opinions. Really fun to watch!
Nice honest review. For what it's worth, I don't think Ben would put a drug reference on his product. Thanks for being another person who doesn't love the carbon fiber; I feel less the odd man out. Cheers!
You are correct!
Clearly it wasn’t, but I can see no reason why it shouldn’t have been, after all marijuana is legal in Arizona. Traditionally the stamp on pl;d Sheffield knives said “oil the joints”, not “joint”. It must just be a miss type.
@@slick_slicers Hi Eric, it was not plural as all of these knives so far have only one joint to oil.
Excellent & Truly honest review Eric, You know my thoughts on these knives - easily said, I'll take a $150 Schatt & Morgan...✌️
I think that they’re very good knives, but not as amazing as some would have us believe. I do like the latest one though. It’s a modern take on the GEC #85 and, if I had a spare $300, I’d have one.
Good solid review. Thank you.
Thank you for watching.
Excellent review!
Thank you!
It's a slip-joint knife. "Oil the joint," just means oil the joint of your knife. I like the the clip point blade. The finish may be a personal thing, IDK. There are many modern innovations that I don't care much for. I'm more of a traditionalist. I agree with you about the over done packaging. A bit too gimmicky.
Oil the joint also refers to putting drop of hash oil or THC on a Blunt. It can also refer to adding the same substance or other drug to a marijuana cigarette to increase its potency. So it was definitely a play on words.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Who knew a veteran could also be a pot smoking hippie ;)
You are correct, oil the joint is the oil the joint of the knife. It is not a drug reference. Thanks for your feedback on the packaging. -Ben
@@KnifeChatswithTobias LOL it was not intended that way but hey, that's the beauty of art, it's in the eye of the beholder! Tell Cheech and Chong I said Hi!
@@TheMartialist LOL! Stuff I learned going through safety and drug awareness training in the education arena. Funny Story, We used to conduct "Health and Welfare Inspections" (drug searches) when in the army. One month, my Company CO happened to find a glass tube containing white powder. The private who had the white powder asked the CO not to open the tube. The CO obviously ignored the request opened the tube and got a good strong whiff or CS (tear gas) powder, then threw the tube which broke and got CS powder all over the place. Worse yet , it put the poor drug sniffing dog out of commission for several weeks and that really pissed off the MP accompanying the the CO. The MP told the CO that the dog would've alerted on the tube regardless of the rubber stopper had it been cocaine. Anyway, CS powder was also contraband so the poor private had a lot of explaining to do. On another side note, the drug sniffing dog was a little Yorkshire Terrier.
I think you've distilled it down well. Personally, I'm torn between cheering on someone who has got off his ar*e and injected some pizzazz into the slipjoint market... and the value of the products themselves. Each to their own and I wish I didn't have to be so price sensitive. I've just been looking at another chinese slipjoint, The Trevisa Pisces - Bohler M390, TC4 Titanium, Desert Ironwood. It's £90. Admittedly, likely less soul than a £35 TEW, but value coming out of its pores. You can't have everything, and for me that includes a Jack Wolf.
I appreciate any cheering on I can get! Have a great day.
@@BenBelkin Well, you're in the mould of many of the old 'greats' from yesteryear. They were, at the end of the day, great salesmen. George 'oil the joints' Wostenholm being one of the best.
@@ianrosie4431 thanks! I will research him!
I’ve nothing against Ben or what he’s done here. If I have a problem, it’s that some of the reviewers give the impression that these knives are the unassailable pinnacle of the cutlery universe. They are very good, but short of the hype… in my opinion!
@@slick_slicers As Ben says, his customers are mostly first time slipjoint owners. They'll gobble up the grand-dad stuff and GEC hints. But, you never know, they might get interested in them. Buy more. Manufacturers then make more. We get more variation and innovation. It's probably always been this way.
Hi Eric, thank you for your purchase and for sharing the knife with your audience. I am sorry you were underwhelmed with your purchase. If you would like a full refund, please let me know and I will work that out with you. First and foremost I want my customers to be satisfied. I appreciate you allowing me this opportunity to respond to some of your remarks. I always appreciate constructive feedback and find it a great way to learn. I am pleased to hear you say the knife is a competent knife. I’ve sold over 2,000 knives to date and I can honestly say that people are overwhelmingly satisfied with their experiences, as far as I can tell. However I understand my knives are not for everyone and will not suite everyone’s tastes. A lot of what you find in a Jack Wolf product reflects my personal tastes that I thought the market would also appreciate. For example, the aluminum oxide blast on the Titanium I much prefer over the glass blast; I like the texture and I like the color over the otherwise silvery appearance. I understand it snail-trails but I find that characteristic of the finish and not an issue personally. I also really like the fancy colorful carbon fibers and the market certainly has demanded more of those! I like when products come in high quality artistically inspired packaging and includes stickers for my workbench. I find having quality micro fiber cloths on hand to be very useful, and I love carrying my knives in a leather slip. Many of my purchasers are first time slip joint buyers who don’t have a drawer full of leather slips, at least not yet, so I’ve had many people thank me for including one in the can. I also really like the belt satin finish they provide; I find it strikingly beautiful in its varying striations. They do offer other finishes as well so if enough people complain there are other options to consider. There are certain aspects of other modern traditional knives I don’t fancy, so that’s why I don’t deploy them. For example the stop pin (it changes the acoustics) and ambidextrous nail nicks (I am a lefty and still don’t like them). At the end of the day, I’ve taken a large financial risk by bringing a product line to the market that are a balance of my own personal tastes and what I think the market as a whole will desire, while trying to present something artistic and unique in a very crowded field. I know they are not for everyone, and that’ s ok. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy one and it’s just another option on the table for people to consider. For people who want to spend less, or don’t like the packaging, or don’t like the materials, or don’t like the finishes, there are several other options in the marketplace, and there is nothing wrong with that! And last but not least, oil the joint is not a drug reference; rather is is what Charlie Campagna always says on his written prose found on the back of his GEC Special Factory Order knife runs, and refers to only lubrication. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great week. -Ben
Ben and Slick, funny thing. I've been a lefty all my life and I always thought it was funny that slip joints have a nail nick that favors us. Maybe it is just the bass-ackward way I open my single blade knives and the way my left hand rotates around the handle so that at no time is blade facing my body or hand and once opened the blade is pointing out ward and is aligned properly in my hand.
And well we already know about the oil the joints. I'm sure Slick is well aware of the British Army knives but it is also a drug reference in some circles. Anyway, this lefty finds slip joint nail nicks just about perfect
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Us Lefties are the only ones in our right minds, so they say 🤣
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I've always associated 'oil the joints' with Geo. Wostenholm. I didn't know it was a GEC thing too.
@@ianrosie4431 , same here. The old British Army Knives. I wasn’t the one who mentioned the GECs. I mentioned it something that has been obliquely transferred to drug use, especially cannabis and hash oil as well as THC. It’s fairly uncommon but it gave me a snicker when Eric mentioned it.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Thanks. I never used oil, so it went over this head.
Finally! A review that isn't praising these bloody things to the sky when, in reality, they are utterly, utterly average.
Yes, they are nice, but that is it. Every other RUclips reviewer has been blindly sucking that company's 'bolster' for far too long, acting like some wacky packaging, bright colours and slight variations on traditional designs are somehow reinventing the wheel. Total hype over content. Sick of seeing the products and sick of seeing people's opinions so easily bought.
If someone truly likes them then great, get 'em all. I truly hope the company succeeds beyond their hopes, however I do have a problem with what has increasingly felt like advertising disguised as opinion.
Purchased opinion is almost always some distance from the truth.
Again, I want to state I have nothing against the company, the knives look nice, I wish them success. However the flood of praise has been very fishy and engenders some deep mistrust.
Sorry, rambling on, just so very pleased to see some common sense in a review.
Hello there! Thank you for the well wishes and feedback. I understand my knives are not for you and that's ok with me. Have a great day. -Ben
I think “utterly, utterly average.” Is a bit harsh! They really are very good, just not the pinnacle of perfection some reviewers would have you believe. I’ve reviewed three, bought one and unless something markedly more innovative comes along, I’m happy to stick at that.
wow that finish is very poor for the price. Not keen on the carbon fiber either. The other examples I've seen looked much nicer and really impressed me as probably my favourite range of modern-traditionals. Except for the price. I couldn't justify it myself. But in terms of the blade pattern, dimensions I've seen, they're pretty perfect imho
Thank you for the kind words! The finish appears the way it is supposed to look. It may not be aesthetically for everyone,, but it was correctly applied to his knife. I really like the way it looks, but I am clearly biased. Thanks for reading! -Ben
The carbon fibre is an aesthetic choice. It’s not to my taste, but the micarta was all gone. To me it looks gaudy, others love it. The blade finishing is as whole different kettle of fish! It’s inconsistently applied across the blade. It was the same on the other two I’ve had in for review, so I can only assume it’s supposed to be that way, but compared to the JE Made, it looks crude.
This knife and it’s reception in the community, month after month, was one of the (many) reasons I have unsubbed all of the knife content dudes. Your review here is a breath of fresh air, I think.
Thank you! Many of the reviews are fine. My concern was that some give the impression that these knives are on another level of perfection and without flaw… I’m not convinced.
Each monthly iteration of these freebies is as/more perfect than the last. Perhaps it was just the tubers I was subscribed to, but a “community” shilling for one of its own isn’t something I get too excited about.
Thanks for letting us know all your other reviews evidently aren’t honest or unbiased 😜
Yes, I felt very constrained reviewing the two loaners, and I was right to worry. When I didn’t praise them to the stars, the supply stopped. I bought this one, so I was free to say what I thought.
Not sure if I've seen that J.E Made before, what a beauty, and that Shing, I'm kind of glad I didn't get caught up in the JW flurry. Thanks for your honest review ❤️🔪
JE makes some lovely knives, I have three of them. The JWs are nice too, but neither are perfect.
Good to see a review of this knife from someone that actually paid for it !
It’s not the only one, but you’re right it was bought and paid for.
I hadda come back and watch this one again
Pogs were toys for 12 year old boys who liked to play tiddlywinks but didn't want to call it tiddlywinks. Americans (as you may have guessed) will collect anything!
Very Competent knife! You were correct when you were said honest and unbiased. Really great history of the Lanny's Clip. Learned quite a bit. I think the reason some makers don't say they make certain brands is for legal issues as in the contract agreement from the brand stipulates that the maker keeps their mouth shut.
Properly made traditional knives don't need stop pins. That said, I agree is you're going to make modern slip joints you just as well put in the stop pin My favorite was that JE Made! Now that was a beauty and I don't like Carbon Fiber! I have to say, I like Frost wood more than the Blue/Black Fiber. To me, these are basically Brother or Rough Ryder Reserve Knives or the RoseCraft line of knives with a higher end steel that I don't really need.
Hi Tobias, you are right about OEMs, it is usually the exception not the rule across multiple industries that OEMs state who they make products for. I can agree to disagree on the inclusion of the stop pin, I know they make sense from a functional standpoint but I much prefer the acoustics of the knife when the kick lands on the spring! Thanks for reading. -Ben
@@BenBelkin , and it makes sense that OEM keep such information private. It should also be pointed out that just because an OEM makes products for different brands, it doesn't mean that the same quality of product is found in the different brands. And often a reputable OEM could very well be getting paid to make exclusive parts for a specific brand or will be held to a higher QC level depending on the brand.
So just because parts are being made by the same company and/or assembled in the same factory doesn't mean the product is made to the same specs. What's more; some times a brand might have similar products that originate from different providers or factories. Brands are also known to shop around and might change OEMs if they find a better company, similar quality at a lower production cost, or have increased demand and need a new manufacturer who can handle increased production numbers.
If the brand comes out and says they are tied to a specific manufacturer, this becomes problematic on many levels.
All of this leaves it up the collector to guess and make assumptions but rarely leads to anything more than a wink or nod from the brand or OEM. It's all part of the fun of the hobby.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I agree with all of that, thanks Tobias!
@@BenBelkin I think this also why a certain company uses "Tru-Sharp Surgical Steel". The grade of the steel changed over the years, but the steel remained their Trademark Tru-Sharp! and they continue to stand behind it.
I am irritated by OEMs refusing to allow their identity to be revealed. I was recently trying to do some research on early Spydercos and contacted Moki, their original OEM in Japan. They outright denied any involvement despite, no doubt out of turn comments, comments by Sal Glesser and Al Mar! You should be proud of everything you make.
Thank you for an actual honest review. I personally don't watch any reviews unless the reviewer has some skin in the game. It's virtually impossible to be 100% objective when you know the wrong words may cost you thousands of dollars in knives.. I understand these are really well-made knives but very over-priced compared to its competitors. Over twice the price of the Lionsteel, Viper and Fox modern traditionals available.
Hi Steve, the price is a factor of the cost to produce, the standard dealer's margin, and then I have to make a reasonable profit or it isn't worth the 60+ hours a week it takes to run this company. They are expensive to make, the dealers take a big bite, and that's where it lands. The dealers make more dollars than I do on these. While the Italian knives are less expensive, they are also different in certain aspects of fit and finish. Specifically the hafting process, the hand ground hollow ground blades, the handle materials and the packaging. Thank you for your time! -Ben
@@BenBelkin I have no doubt these are very fine knives. I don't doubt that there are extra steps involved in making them. I don't doubt that giving the knives to influential reviewers is a great marketing ploy. It's my personal opinion that isn't the best way to get a 100% honest review. There are reviewers that I used to follow that I no longer follow due to this practice. If I plop my hard-earned $265 dollars down for a knife then you can bet that I will tell you exactly what I like and dislike about my purchase. It will not be sugar-coated nor will it be full of venom, just the truth.
@@majorpain1251 Hi Steve, I have no doubt that it would be. Thanks for writing me back. -Ben
These are good quality, expensive knives. I bought mine and intend to keep it. However, I have thoughts about how and where the money was spent and the overblown hyperbole of some of the paid ($3,000+ in knives) reviewers. I’ve expressed my views in the video as a knife buyer, user and collector of 50 years experience. Had I been sent a knife for pre-market comment (and return), I would have made many of my comments privately, and with the obvious exception of the reviewers, they would have been similar.
@@BenBelkin Let me start by saying I know nothing about running a business but surely there is something wrong when the dealers make more money per knife than you do? Wouldn't the knives be considerably cheaper if you distributed/sold them yourself? Am I being naive? Do huge companies let the dealers earn more per item than they do?
BEN IF YOU'RE READING THIS I WILL NO JOKE SELL RIGHT THE F OUT IF YOU GIVE ME A KNIFE A MONTH. THIS IS NOT A JOKE OR SARCASM. I AM READY TO SELL OUT IF YOU'RE READY TO BUY ME FOR THE LOW LOW PRICE OF FREE KNIFE 99!!!! (really though, I mean it. Give me free knives!)
I am reading this!
@@BenBelkin He's definitely not joking, Ben. He could do with a decent knife.
@@ianrosie4431 LOL
Caveman Jack!!!
I really appreciate your honesty in the review, but I feel that you should not let yourself get distracted or become offended as to how people obtain their gear as it’s really irrelevant when all said and done, There will always be haves and have nots in the world and if people are allowing themselves bought with freebies as you allude to, then that makes your honest and objective reviews all the more valuable and you could be putting subs off watching them as they may think there’s an air of jealousy in your content, I’m am also slightly confused as to why you bought the knife on that configuration knowing you did not like the Ti finish and carbon especially when micarta is available and at a lower price point as you seem concerned about cost prices and your ability to afford one (I personally have chosen not to allow myself to afford one as a matter of personal circumstance, could I buy them, yes but I could also spend that money elsewhere in my family’s lives that would bring me greater enjoyment so decide I appreciate them, free or otherwise, from afar). I think the materials bring a breath of fresh air to the modern traditional slip joint world, rather than the blade patina from carbon steel traditionals these will show on the bolster giving character to the piece without compromising the blade, as for the carbon fibre I’m sure in the time of wood, stag and bone, collectors thought Micarta and G10 covers were “trashy” and those collectors may think the new wave of composites are also “trashy” and so on, but without innovation all you get is stagnation which is no good in any aspect of life and if we all stayed stuck in the old ways it could lead to hobbies like ours becoming boring and fizzling out, all that said great review, thanks for the content and thanks for letting us know how you truly feel 👍🏼
Mr Ben Belkin, thanks for putting your neck out to bringing these creations to life and if you ever need a tester… 😉
Thank you Pete! I really appreciate that.
Before I bought this I had two others on loan for review. Though I had to return them, I still felt a degree of reluctance to say anything less than positive. I tried to find words that gave a balanced view of the knife, but didn’t stop the stream of review samples coming. Unfortunately, it appears anything short of full praise was unacceptable, and no more were forthcoming! I should stress that this had nothing to do with Ben. He replied to my videos like the gentleman he is.
I don’t accept free samples for review. I do accept dealer samples, but I pay for the ones I want to keep and return or give away the rest.
Of all the JW knives on their website, the Benny’s Clip was the one I wanted. The only finishes available were CF, and I chose blue. I bought it at full retail price from Ben in the US.
My comments on the knife are in this video.
Also, I find it very telling that the person who was providing the knife would stop providing the knife when you gave an honest appraisal and not the appraisal he wanted to hear. Had a similar thing happen a few years ago. If you don't want an honest opinion then don't ask me to look at your product. Some people value their personal reputation more than a free knife.
Hi Tobias, are you referring to me?
@@BenBelkin , no Ben. I have had no business with you. As for the person in question, I hold no animosity toward them. I chalk it up to differing opinions in business procedures.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias ok thanks for clarifying as I wasn't sure what you meant by saying it was telling when the person providing the knife would stop providing one, I wasn't sure who you were talking about. have a great day bud.
@@BenBelkin and to you Ben. Best of luck in your endeavors. We definitely travel in different circles when it comes to knives but that doesn't mean I can't admire what you're doing.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Thank you for the well wishes brother!
First, wow
Second, interesting as all get out
Lastly . . .
"If you're going to tell people the truth, then you had better make them laugh or else they will kill you."
Oscar Wilde
I hope no one’s going to kill me!
Good review. I truly believe that all of these china-made knives will not hold their values over the long haul. People susceptible to market hype are the primary buyers of this type of knife. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But collectors should stay away.
If you don’t keep the full packaging, I suspect the price will plummet.