Nick's take on Bias in the Gear Review world

Today, join me as I service a few pocketknives, and rant a bit about the idea and sources of 'bias' in gear reviewing.

[ensampojken]

I'd like to share a few words from my professor in jurisprudence which I feel fit in here. She said them in the context of arguing for one's standpoint/opinion as a lawyer but it's applicable in other situations: "If someone tries to counter your arguments/opinion by saying that it is just your own personal opinion, you reply by saying "Yes, it is my personal opinion. But that's not the reason you should listen to me. You should listen to me because of my arguments which supports my opinion/cause." "
Yes, you do have a bias. Yes, it is your personal opinion. But you legitimize your opinions via arguments.

[fxrober]

'These "philosophical" vids are the best of the best that you do. Keep 'em coming.

[TheSpectre]

I'm glad you recognize all of this. Makes you one of the best reviewer out there because of it.

[sindrefalk]

Enjoyed this. Your explanation of your thoughts on bias is excellent on and shows a profound understanding of the many factors that might or might not affect one's objectivity. You come across as humble and perfectly aware of your own potential shortcomings as a human being and Youtube personality. This separates you from a lot of the hobbyist reviewers out there and makes you the to go to source for folding knife reviews and quite frankly one of the best hobbyist reviewers regardless of niche on Youtube. Your stuff is an excellent starting point before looking up other reviews to get sort of a baseline before making up one's own mind about a product.

On a side note. You are very articulate and express yourself very well, this makes your videos a joy to watch, even just as sort of a podcast in the background. A mix of concise gear reviews and various other bits and pieces like this makes the channel more interesting. The cheesy and exceedingly dry humor you display on/off tops it off. Please continue and keep up the good work.

[tonyhutton]

I enjoyed the Rant, but then, I'm Bias... :)

[elizabethnicoletti]

Nick, You’re a gem of a human being, I am sorry you’ve had a ruff week. You need to listen to your own close, ”have an absolutely wonderful rest of your day!” It always picks me up at the end of my days! Keep up the amazing work! We appreciate everything you do, regardless of hand size!
Ps. I have small hands too.

[SgtKong]

Excellent!
It took me a bit to grow accustomed to your voice and disposition. As time goes on, I find my appreciation for your channel increasing. You crack me up. You're like a well kempt hand model to boot!
All the channel is lacking is a military/combative perspective, in my biased opinion 😉
Keep up the exceptional work Nick!

[jamesgurr]

I love to hear your 'musings' on the gear world in general. Knives are where my interest lies and philosophical takes on them are always enjoyable- thinking back to your 'cost, carry comfort' video and I loved the one which was about what returns you can expect when paying more for knives, and how eventually you can end up with rapidly diminishing returns once you get to a certain point. I would really enjoy a fairly regular video on this stuff as a series, or however you wanted to do it. Thanks for 'keeping it real' Mr Shabazz, and all the best to you and yours..

[brucemcconnell]

I could say that this format is an interesting format but then I might be biased.

[citizen]

Great recovery. Just keep talking and your point will come back around! Nick I think you have a wide eyed view of our world and human nature. Mature, honest (I am convinced anyway), thoughtful and personal reviews. That is why I return for each video. Thanks and keep it up!

[larryjackson]

That was an awesome video. Interesting, funny as hell, and well, professional. Loved it.

[artiem]

Thank you for you thoughts, and voicing your introspection -- all of us see things from where we stand.

[GearSkeptic]

Shabazz’s Law: everyone is biased.
Shabazz’s Corollary: if you think you aren’t, you’re probably even worse than the rest of us.

[MetalEffort]

I agree on every point. In my last philosophy video I specifically told people my biases so they know where I'm coming from. At least I can mitigate the negatives of having a bias by telling people what they are. It's so good having a lot of reviewers so you can find one that has the most similar silo of biases as yourself.

[VincenzoNero]

Good video nick. This is something that I’ve just recently started understanding. I have many videos that I never posted because of this. And the one you saw recently that I took down to re shoot.

I do pride myself on pointing out positive aspects that not allot of others see in knives.

[sublyme]

A lot of gear channels have turned into infomercials. If it's along the lines of "Here's my new blah-blah-blah-bag with links to everything in the description...", it's probably an infomercial. Hey, reviewers gotta eat.

Our tastes and preferences don't always match, but your informative arguments (err, bias) is always appreciated. :)

[bobb.]

I think that I have inherently understood that all knife reviewers has biases. Any one of a number of biases, which you aptly expanded on. What is cool about the knife community is as I get to know certain reviewers, I get to know "their" biases and that familiarly with "them" helps me get the most out of "their" particular review and understand the knife more completely for my own needs. It's all always interesting, even if I do not agree with someone's take. Great discussion.

[NomenclaturalMan]

Really great video, I enjoy seeing this kind of stuff from you Nick, keep up the stellar work!

[roningraves]

Great video. You should do a series on random topics of intetests related to your knife, watch, pen collecting experiences. I think we would love to hear your POV beyond reviewing gear. You've been a source of knowledge, entertainment, and even great inspiration. I'm thinking about producing some videos of my own and wouldn't have even thought it possible without having your channel as a great example. I'd love to hear you and other channels talk about knife laws, prices vs value perceptions, fashion, trends, and constants, how we got into collecting... on and on. Sky's the limit!

[michaelherrmann]

I like when you do these kind of brain ticklers. Keep it up!