A smaller knockout?

I

itssteve

Joined
Jan 6, 2013
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So I've been thinking about getting my first kershaw to find out why everyone online seems to be obsessed with them, I have some spyderco and some benchmade products so I thought why not. I was looking into getting the knockout and almost pulled the trigger until handling it in person. I really like the flipper and sub-frame lock portions of it, as well as the blade shape. However I did not realize how big it is until I held one. I have pretty small hands, and pretty small pants pockets. What is a similar kershaw knife that you guys might recommend that is not quite so beefy?

Thanks
 
I'm pretty sure that the Knockout is the only Kershaw currently in production that they've used the Sub-Frame lock on. If it's thin you're after (and providing you don't mind their fine Chinese products) you could go with a Leek or Cryo. They're both framelocks (several editions of the Leek at least) but they would be a little on the heavy side because of it. The Skyline is a thin blade w/ liner lock but has a big shape for how thin it is. It's also pretty light but is slightly longer.

I'm not sure which part of the Knockout felt beefy for you and I'm not as knowledgeable (well, I'm well-read but lack in hands-on experience). Hopefully someone else here can hook you up! Lots of thoughtful, helpful folks here.
 
Here's the deal. The 1870 Knockout is kind of a rare bird that combines a lot of great features. Sub-Frame lock + Assisted + Flipper opening + Thumbstud opening + Light + Thin + Deep carry pocket clip + Flat ground + Drop Point... I could keep going. It is a thinner knife, so I have to assume you are concerned about the size of the handle/blade meaning you want a smaller (shorter) knife.

Kershaw doesn't make a "smaller knockout", but they do make smaller knives that have some features in common with the Knockout. With that said, if you're okay with non-assisted opening Knives, I'd recommend the Skyline, Zing, OD-1, and possibly RAM. If you would like assisted opening, I'd have to say get a Leek. There are a wealth of Chinese Kershaw's available like the previous poster mentioned (Cryo). Welcome to the forum and I'll be happy to welcome you in to the Kershaw family when you decide on the knife that is right for you.
 
Thanks for the input guys, I should have made it clearer that I realize that no other knife kershaw offers has everything the knockout has, but the skyline looks like a decent replacement for me. However now I am thinking I better just get both :confused: Is the skyline able to be opened with a push of the flipper still without the assisted opening?
 
I know but does the flipper still sufficiently open it? Or do you have to really give it some oomph/wrist action? I've never had the opportunity to use a non assisted flipper.
 
Of the three I have all needed wrist help. But that was before I started taking my knives apart an improving the smoothness. Many Skyline owners report great flipping action, no wrist.

My Zings with the exception of the DLC coated one flip great. Especially the older one with thicker liners. It is as fast as any of my knives including the Tilt. Zings are also non assisted.
 
Thanks for all the help guys, I actually ended up just sucking it up and ordering the knockout, I didn't want to give up the features I liked about it, Ill just have to adjust to carrying a larger knife. However the skyline has a spot on my to buy list for the future now though :P
 
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