anyone use Kershaw?

GlenL

GlenL

Joined
Oct 22, 2002
Messages
19
I just bought my first knife the other day. A buddy of mine has the Kershaw blackout, so I took a look at it, liked it, and bought myself one also. I haven't heard much about Kershaw on this board, mainly Spyderco, Emerson... so I was just wondering if I should return the Kershaw I got for 60 bucks and get a better one? I'll carry mainly for backup self-defense. Haven't gone hunting... yet.

Glen
 
I just handled a Kershaw blackout this past weekend on a hunting trip to NC. (Shot a nice buck also) I have several higher end knives, but I liked the blackout. There is really nothing wrong with Kershaw. Just a word of advice, handle the piece you plan to buy, not just a floor model, but the actual piece. I have handled some with some blade wobble (side to side). I can't stand ANY blade wobble. Most seem to be good, but there are some that slip through. Also, Kershaw blade steel is not as hard as some, I think most are 440C. If you can keep em sharp, then you're good. I'm not saying they are soft, just that you can dull em faster. It also means they are usually easier to re-sharpen than some of the super steels out there.
 
Glen, Not sure why they aren't mentioned,may be just a choice to be more low profile. My understanding is they make good knives. They make quite a number of top notch Ken Onion designs and from what I've seen at least on those, the quality control is excellent.

I just bought a Onion-designed Vapor II which is an integral frame side-lock design with a bead-blasted matte finish all round. Its a real looker, but where it got me was with its slick, slim profile and the super smooth action. My previous favourite EDC was a Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Covert combat folder, but this one has now replaced it.

Instead of opening with my thumb (I slashed open my thumb while making a new knife a few weeks ago) I flick the thumb stud with my index finger, which I bring across to the thumb side of the handle. This is a new "alternative" opening technique that I'm trying to teach people. Its actually more secure and faster than the thumb technique. With this technique, the pivot action has to be extremely smooth. On the Kershaw Vapor II, it snaps open almost like an auto.

I'm not entirely familiar with the Kershaw line but if they are anywhere as good as this one, they are worth the money.

Cheers.
 
Get a Kershaw Random Task, and you won't have to worry about the steel. These are CPM 440V - definitely a cut above (no pun intended)

Ken
 
Thanks for the info, manowar669. Luckily, mine doesn't have any blade wobble, as I should've known to check it when I bought it. I don't intend to use it as a utility knife b/c I have a Super Tool for that. I was just hoping I didn't buy some chain store crapola.
 
I have a few of the SpeedSafe models and I'd say, IMO, Kershaw is a good value. I sort of bought them because the assisted opening feature is really cool, but I haven't used one as a working knife... yet.



steve
 
I can't quite move my index finger in such a way to push at the thumb-stud. Either I need longer fingers or an extra joint. I'd like to know more about it if it's worthwhile. The Random Task costs way more!
 
Kershaw makes some excellent products, most of which are very good values. The Random Task is probably the best of the speed-safe lot (IMO). But they discontinued the left hand version about a year ago.:grumpy:
 
Originally posted by steve-in-kville
I have a few of the SpeedSafe models and I'd say, IMO, Kershaw is a good value. I sort of bought them because the assisted opening feature is really cool, but I haven't used one as a working knife... yet.



steve
Click to expand...

Totally agree. I don't own any Kershaws personally but I have handled several and they are built quite nicely. Excellent value per dollars ratio and then some IMO.

Yes, they do have a few 440A models as mentioned, however they offer models with higher end steels and G-10 scales. Those ones can be pricey.

The Speed Safe is a hoot. What a brilliant idea that circumvented silly automatic knife laws.

If you are primarily using it as a self defense knife (which I hope you do responsibly) then you don't really need the best steel on the market, G-10 scales, etc. Just make sure the lock up and overall construction is solid.

I've actually purchased a kubotan as a non-lethal self-defense weapon and carry a blade only as a back-up in case the kubotan isn't effective enough.

My first line of defense is still to diffuse the situation by talking my way out.

:)
 
Glen, not everyone will like the technique. I use it out of necessity. Here goes. I'll try to explain it.

Hold the knife in your right hand, as if you are about to open it in the normal "thumb" fashion. Place your thumb against the thumb stud as if you are about to pivot the blade open. Your opposite side fingertips should be clear of the blade, ready for opening.

Now move the thumb back a bit. You are NOT going to be using your thumb. Instead, your thumb is going to hold the knife in place.

Bring your INDEX finger from the other side and place it on the same side panel as the thumb. The knife is now held (like a push dagger) between your index and middle fingers.

Place the index finger nail against the thumb stud. Now snap your index finger forward into a "pointing position," pushing at the thumb stud all the way. If you snap the finger fast, with the blade pointing down, the blade will whip open and hopefully lock up. I also call this the POINTER TECHNIQUE.

Practise it a couple of times, then try it with your eyes closed.

Tips - doing it with the knife pointing downwards will use gravity to snap the blade open. If the blade pivot is not as smooth as you'd like, use your normal wrist flicking action to help. Imagine trying to flick a ball of fluff off your jacket with the tip of your finger. That flicking action is stronger and actually longer than anything your thumb can do. By first placing your thumb against the thumb stud, you are "indexing" or marking the position of the thumb stud so your index finger will find it easily even in the dark.

The advantages are - its something different. Its actually more positive. BUT the big diff is, wheh opening a non-assisted folder with your thumb, your thumb is the only finger holding the knife on that side, and its expected to flick and move around as well. At that point of the opening, your grip is very poor. Hockheim's SFC martial techniques exploit that momentary weakness to whack the half-opened knife out of your hand. Even without someone trying to whack your hand, try opening a knife 100 times after 50 pushups or with wet hands. I counted that for someone who can open a knife half-asleep, in the dark, not knowing what knife it is, the knife actually fell out of my hand 3 times in 100 draws.

having the thumb there but used in a pincer fashion to secure rather than trying to do 2 things at once, is the key to security in this method.

Once again, it won't suit everyone but it might. Tell me what you think. This is an exclusive preview to this technique.

Cheers.
 
bought the Vapor as my toss in the desk drawer knife and also picked up a Double Cross....great little knife there..2 blades both liner locks....sweet lil wharncliff blade too !

Kershaws are what I recommend to friends who say they want a decent knife for low money. And for under $90 ( EBAY ) the BOA is a heck of a knife !
 
I still carry a Kershaw 1416-XXL Starkey Ridge alot. It's a very nice knife.
 
Jason, I still can't open it with my index finger. I don't have enough index finger strength to get it past that initial opening. In fact, it won't even budge. I'll keep trying and let you know if/when I'm successful. Does the Speedsafe require more initial push to get past that hump?
 
No need for the pointer technique if you already have a SpeedSafe. Assisted opening is the way to go. That pointer technique is actually for the true manual openers where the finger can actually access the thumb stud securely. It doesn't work on Spyderco holes in the tang. Yours may have quite a potent closing detent to prevent accidental firing eg.- inside a pocket. Like I said doesn't work for all types. I don't think my index finger is that strong though. I must be doing a lot more aggressive pointing than I realised ! The Vapor II can't be opened by any normal swinging of the wrist or arm.

I'm recommending it on the sorts of knives like the Vapor II and the Reeve Sebenzas where the knife is actually very slim, with little grip. Unfortunately, the pivot action has to also be very smooth. Even on my Gerber AF Covert, the finger flip alone will rarely open the blade completely, I have to compliment it with a wrist flick.

I'm promoting it as just another way to do the same thing, especially when your thumb is chopped up. The solution to all these questions is to get a fixed blade !

Cheers.
 
I have owned several models from Kershaw. All of them were well made, but the Boa really blew me away. Even near the top of their price range that is an exceptional value!

The Boa can hold its own for quality, style, function, reliability, and even toughness against better-known classics in its price range like the Benchmade 710, the Spyderco Military, and the Al Mar SERE 2000. The Boa is still my favorite non-custom in the 3"-4" category. Great knife!

--Bob Q
 
kershaws are great knives especially the KEN ONION models! the boa is one excellent knife, they can be had for around 90 bucks or so and imho it's much better then some of the more expensive knives i've got. the lower end onions are nifty knives too but not my cup of tea, and vapor is indeed an excellent knife when i kept hearing about how good this 20 dollar knife is i told myself bah, how good could a 20 dollar knife be? well when a friend asked me to sharpen his vapor i was REALLY impressed with it, fit and finish are great and the action is super smooth, i mean like smoother then most knives many times it's price, i'm looking forward to the upcoming, whisper, sapphire and rainbow leek, my only grip is the knives should be tip up carry with reversible clip, and better steel wouldn't hurt on some models
 
I own 5 avalanches (three in beadblasted, two in black). 4 whirlwinds, 4 scallions, 3 chives, and three leeks, and I also have 4 leveractions.


Ive carried an avalanche for over two years and its been a great knife from the start!!!! ive used it for everything!! whittling, cutting strings, cords, rope, tape, camping, ect. ect. ect.:) :) :)
 
I second the thoughts on the Boa. It's a beautifully designed knife and very well executed by Kershaw. With top-notch steel, a very secure liner lock and bronze bushings it's IMHO up there with the best of the best in production folders.:cool:
 
I have a kershaw model 1015 fixblade with a very thin 4" blade in my kitchen, and I hardly use any other knife, except I need a longer blade. I use it almost every day, since about 15 years now, and hardly ever needed to sharpen it. It's really good.:)
 
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