A choice of three Kershaws...

BusyBailey

BusyBailey

Joined
Jun 19, 2015
Messages
93
I keep going back and forth about what my next blade purchase will be. I've mostly got it narrowed down to two flippers of roughly the same size/build and one that is slightly larger with different materials. I'm looking at the Kershaw chill as it is one of Kershaw's few remaining manual flipper options though I haven't heard much about it. The Kershaw Strobe is another option, though I would have to change the scales down the line because they don't look good new. Finally and best of my choices is the Skyline (probably not the limited edition) USA built with Sandvic steel. Any input, recommendations, or horror stories to contribute about those options?
 
Forget the Chill. I got two of them because of their low price and they proved the point "you get what you pay for." The blade pivot is strictly old-school; there are no ball bearings to smooth the flipping action. Both of my samples needed a vigorous wrist flick to deploy the blade. Blade centering, if it matters to you, was also indifferent. Chills are indeed cheap, you have to give them that.

On the other hand, the Strobe is a great flipper. In fact, its flipping action is by far the best of the three - crisp and positive. Bear in mind that it's a fairly heavy knife relative to the Chill or the Skyline.

The Skyline is okay if you value its qualities of slimness and light weight above positive flipping action.
 
Strobe!

It is a bit heavy but I'm not a weight weenie. I love the blade shape and flipping action.

Skyline is super popular but I'm not sure I see why. May just be me. I had one and gave it away. Didn't do it for me.
 
Of those I'd take Skyline.

Ofcourse I have not used Strobe, so I can't really say anything for or against it.

Skyline is good knife, my current edc with Delica. It flips fine, and can't say anything bad about it.

Chill is slightly smaller, I carry one now and then, and the one I got flips great and got no probs.
Blade centering is fine, everything's ok.
(Guess there is better and worse knives...)

Hope this helps even just a bit. :)
 
Skyline

The Skyline was my first "high end" EDC, upgrading from cheapo Gerbers.

Though I've since moved onto even higher-end knives, I still have my first Skylines and play with them fondly.
 
So far I'm not hearing a lot of love for the Chill, or rather I should pick one up in person so I can be choosy about fit and finish. I've got a JYDII currently and I love its materials and action, people tend to be spooked by it and its huge. I keep looking at the skyline and thinking its just a scaled down JYD but I get the sense they don't compare so easily. That Strobe is looking ever more likely. Anymore personal experiences from Strobe owners?
 
i have the jyd composite blade as well, the skyline is kinda similar, but much lighter and sheeple friendly
 
The Strobe is the best flipper and a great knife for the money. I don't own one though because it just reminds me that I can't afford a Volcan Flipper and that makes me sad.
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The Skyline is a legend in the EDC world for a reason. It's a great knife, but not the best flipper. Really depends on the detent which can be hit and miss.

The Chill is a great, classy little knife for the money, but I've owned three and they were all crappy flippers. The detent just wasn't strong enough to overcome the friction. Needed wrist flick.
 
Well folks thanks for all the input. I made the leap over the weekend and ordered the Strobe and I'll know how it turns out sometime in December.

I'm really trying to scoop up some of Kershaw's better options before they're all discontinued. They've been one of my favorite brands for a long time but they seem to be trending toward the lower end of the market and leaving the nicer stuff to ZT. I'm curious to see how folks like the Dash though, its interesting if nothing else and I'm excited to see another USA made option from them. Next knife, the Skyline.
 
Have numerous Kershaws. The Skyline is a great knife no question about it. I also have the Crown, Oso-Sweet, Volt II and a couple other models of Kershaws (oh, also the Drone - as discontinued AO). I think Kershaws are great knives and am looking at getting a couple other models.

Rich
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
I would buy a Link. Then de-assist it.
Click to expand...

Absolutely!! Just got the LE at HOB couple weeks ago and I am literally blown away by it!
What a great little knife! Great action.....really great!! Even assisted!! Awesome blade shape! Solid knife!
Definitely worth a look for ~ $80 delivered!!
Joe

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If you're thinking about the Kershaw 1776 Link, direct your attention to just the aluminum-handled models; the glass-filled nylon ones are okay, but don't instill the same pride of ownership. For one, the GFN handles make for a noticeably fatter grip than aluminum, and opting for a GFN model saves you very little weight, something on the order of just 1/2 ounce. In addition, you'll also lose the left-handed American flag if you go GFN.

And finally, don't forget the damascus Link. I have two, and both are very, very pretty.
 
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As of mid-2015 people were reporting success in deassisting the Link, so it is entirely possible a useable detent was present at that time. Of course you must realize that Kai/Kershaw can add and delete features as they please at any time.

But take this for what it's worth: if you really hanker for a nonassisted flipper it may be prudent to just buy one. If you're committed to an American-made Kershaw, then one of the upgraded Skyline variants might suit you.
 
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