2021 kershaws....

jbmonkey

jbmonkey

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so video out on stuff. not sure what to think in short videos of knives here....along with bmx and skateboarding models?:D
 
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XL Strata is kinda interesting and Cold Steelish . Slower video here :

 
Looks like they are trying to copy the Cold Steel nonmetallic knives and a couple of their big folders. I've never been a fan of folding knives over 4" to begin with, but a 5.4" framelock on bearings seems like a very bad idea, if that lock ever gives it's coming toward your hand at light speed. I respect that some might like the knife, but if I need that big of a knife that fast a fixed blade would be my choice.

I'm starting to have some mixed feelings about Kershaw's stuff. They do make some good stuff, I like how well they're built and some are really great looking knives, but they're needlessly complicated and some won't handle dirt or sand all that well. Look at the Ontario RAT-1's popularity, it's an incredibly simple perennial design that is well built for a low price, it remains popular as a well built functional tool even if it isn't the most interesting piece in the store.

If they would quit with the "knife spam", put out a few function oriented USA made manual knives in CPM-154 or S30V, no Speedsafe or KVT, build them well, and keep the price down under $75 they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.
 
MarkN86 said:
If they would quit with the "knife spam", put out a few function oriented USA made manual knives in CPM-154 or S30V, no Speedsafe or KVT, build them well, and keep the price down under $75 they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.
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I certainly agree with that. And I also agree with the fact that Kershaw went from being pretty much a working man's kind of knife, a manufacturer geared towards users,to where they are now.

Certainly, there are plenty of great knives in the Kershaw lineup. But to satisfy today's market (I fully realize they need to make money and didn't ask my opinion!) they seem to be making a lot of flashy knives with unnecessary features.

But if they are selling their knives, they are doing their job. But for me most of their new stuff, like their cousins at ZT, just isn't to my taste.

Robert
 
I got the email and watched the video, and...nah.

I'll probably only be interested in sprint runs if they do any more.
 
Strata looks interesting with this navaja style and D2 steel. I'm waiting to see some reviews first. On promotional videos it looks like a slow and lazy opening, hope it is just weight and length of the blade, not a weak detent. They did great job with Fraxion, so they can make a proper detent on a not assisted knife.
I might get it if EU price won't be another poor joke after copper Natrix's $140.

Others not for me, especially with so many good choices and competition in $30-60 range.
But a built in nail clipper on a Platform, haven't seen something like that before.
 
I think the Strata is actually pretty cool. It is a bit large, but of course the Navaja is a big knife. I'd love to see a ZT flipper framelock version of Gudy Van Poppel's Gitano slipjoint, which is also a Navaja-inspired folder. Lionsteel does a really sweet-looking version, but I'd love to see a fast-opening and locking version.
 
jbmonkey said:

so video out on stuff. not sure what to think in short videos of knives here....along with bmx and skateboarding models?:D
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Awful video.

I do like the Strata in both sizes, and the little side slider. I do wish they would've made the slider in a bigger size thought.
 
I was excited about the jumbo Strata -- flippers that size aren't common, let alone from Kershaw! -- until I saw bead-blasted D2. In virtually any other finish, I'd have preordered one on the spot.

Bead-blasting blades always baffles me, but on uncoated D2 I can't imagine that doing well here in the Pacific northwest. :(
 
Dadpool said:
I was excited about the jumbo Strata -- flippers that size aren't common, let alone from Kershaw! -- until I saw bead-blasted D2. In virtually any other finish, I'd have preordered one on the spot.

Bead-blasting blades always baffles me, but on uncoated D2 I can't imagine that doing well here in the Pacific northwest. :(
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I'm not too crazy about the copper inlay, but they lost me on the bead blast, as well. I thought we were done with bead blast!
I expect these will be on clearance by this time next year. Maybe I will get one if the price is right.
Even better, maybe they will upgrade, or make changes.
 
Kershaw regularly disappoints with its Chinese made line. Some I have fallen for and purchased had flaws or issues.

I know I am a hypocrite, since I will eat up Chinese made CRKTs all day. I don't know why... Something about the Chinese Kershaws don't feel right.

To give Kershaw credit, last years "Tumbler" was a good Chinese made knife. But it also hit a higher price point.
 
Yeah, it seems for the most part that most of Kershaws knives are al made in China with the same weird coated finishes like gerber and others are using.
 
it's good to see they have a wide variety of new models...

but personally, I want them to move more 8cr13 into 14c28n as standard - like the leek
and of course, this year, more than ever you have to avoid the minefield of all their 3cr13 and 4cr14 junk steel (my opinion)

the strata or xl version is something I may have to pick up... I'll wait to see some in depth reviews first of course
and I agree, bead blasting is the cheapest option out there, I far prefer a proper satin finish
 
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