Bleak,
Welcome! Glad to see you are looking at the religion with open eyes, and investigating from different angles. Research and knowledge is good but JWs try to discourage that and claim the only research (study) needing to be done and knowledge required is from using WatchTower literature.
You mention about JWs knowing their bible. You had it right in saying 'their' Bible as it is unique in subtle ways from other bibles. There is actually more focus placed on WT literature than the bible, with out of context scriptures often referenced to support the interpretation. WT literature is how the interpretation of the bible is conveyed. All JWs are expected to understand and believe the same way. Independent thinking and viewpoints are not tolerated.