Bunch of questions from a Kershaw noob.

A

Any Cal.

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Hi everyone. I have been looking at buying a folder, for the first time in years. I typically carry fixed blades, but am considering going to a folder. I found a few that I like, such as the Vapor II, and the JYD. I really like the frame locks, but do not care much for recurve blades. So my questions are:

1) What are the knives with the beefiest locks?

2) What are the knives with the most open assembly? (easiest to wash out?)

3) Are there any that can easily be disassembled for cleaning with no adverse effects?

4) Is there any way to get ahold of a titanium JYDII with the standard 13c26 blade? Is there a simply a large version of the JYD with aluminum handle scales?

5) Is that enough questions for now?:D

I have been looking hard at many knives, but so far Kershaw seems to be the closest to what I have in mind. I have been looking at some that cost many times more, but are not available in the flat grind that I prefer.

I am looking for a knife w/ a good sized blade, easy to clean, w/ good point strength and a flat or sabre grind, and a strong lock. Option for disassemby would be great, and also a grind that would support moderately heavy use.
Exotic grinds/heavy recurve not really wanted.

I must say these knives are viral. I will probably get a Vapor II regardless, but the Blur just looks right. :p Thanks all for any help.
 
From your criteria, I'd say one of the Blurs is a great choice. :thumbup:

The Blurs are liner-lock-equipped, but it's one beefy liner lock...plus, nice open frame, can be disassembled pretty easily if necessary, lots of steel/blade profile/color choices available, and fast A/O. :D

The Blur is possibly Kershaw's most popular current model, although I don't know that for a fact...

With respect to locks, many understandably prefer framelocks for their inherent strength, but Kershaw's well-made liner locks are not a problem. No liner-lock-equipped JYD II here (mine's the SG2 laminate/Ti model), but I'd bet the liner lock versions are quite strong. One of Kershaw's lock innovations is the super-strong Stud Lock, found on the Mojos, Bumps, and Offsets...curvy blades on all of those, however.

I'm sure you'll get a wide selection of answers, so be patient...;)

Ray :)
 
Any Cal. said:
4) Is there any way to get ahold of a titanium JYDII with the standard 13c26 blade? Is there a simply a large version of the JYD with aluminum handle scales?
Click to expand...

If you really want it, you can get the Ti version and standard JYD II then
switch the blades out. I think both will interchange. Maybe someone with
both can confirm this.

SV
 
As to question 2...I'm a total klutz, and after picking up one of the Kershaw "t-tools" (a screwdriver that matches the screws used in Kershaw's knives), it took me a few minutes to completely take apart, clean, and put back together. The knife was a leek, and it was very easy to do. Minimal parts, easy to clean, easy to re-assemble. I figure if I can do it, then pretty much anyone can.

The leek is a fantastic knife, super ergonomic, thin, and a great blade shape. But, it doesn't have a very beefy lockup, mostly for everyday use, if you want something stronger/for police work, etc., check out the ZT line.
 
Any Cal. said:
...my questions are:

1) What are the knives with the beefiest locks?

2) What are the knives with the most open assembly? (easiest to wash out?)

3) Are there any that can easily be disassembled for cleaning with no adverse effects?

4) Is there any way to get ahold of a titanium JYDII with the standard 13c26 blade? Is there a simply a large version of the JYD with aluminum handle scales?

5) Is that enough questions for now?:D

I have been looking hard at many knives, but so far Kershaw seems to be the closest to what I have in mind. I have been looking at some that cost many times more, but are not available in the flat grind that I prefer.

I am looking for a knife w/ a good sized blade, easy to clean, w/ good point strength and a flat or sabre grind, and a strong lock. Option for disassemby would be great, and also a grind that would support moderately heavy use.
Exotic grinds/heavy recurve not really wanted.

I must say these knives are viral. I will probably get a Vapor II regardless, but the Blur just looks right. :p Thanks all for any help.
Click to expand...

Any Cal., here's my .02...

1. The strongest lock is the stud lock. After that are the frame locks, then the ZT liner locks.

2. The most open frames are the frame locks. All Kershaws are really easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. The only exception to this might be the Offset, with it's dual torsion bar set-up.

3. See #2 above.

4. I swapped the composite blade in my JYD II CB with the SG2 blade in my Ti JYD. Everything fit together perfectly. Action and lock-up on both knives is still 100%.

5. There's always more questions...Fire Away!

You said:
I am looking for a knife w/ a good sized blade, easy to clean, w/ good point strength and a flat or sabre grind, and a strong lock. Option for disassemby would be great, and also a grind that would support moderately heavy use. Exotic grinds/heavy recurve not really wanted.

Might I suggest a full-sized Cyclone? At a very inexpensive price point for what you get, I think this knife would serve you well.

Let us know what you decide on!

...the statements above are the opinion of the poster, and most likely will be challenged/rebutted/and or generally scoffed at by the other members of this forum!...
 
I like all the answers. Is there any place that gives the weight of the knives in the specs?
 
Just found what I needed. Looks like the blur will be the knife that beats the rest out. Unless there is just a lot of "buy both" going on. Pics when it happens!:)
 
SPXTrader said:
Any Cal., here's my .02...

1. The strongest lock is the stud lock. After that are the frame locks, then the ZT liner locks. agreed, thought the ZT's may be better than some of the smaller frame locks!

2. The most open frames are the frame locks. All Kershaws are really easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. The only exception to this might be the Offset, with it's dual torsion bar set-up. i hate to disagree, but it is you SPX, but the Lahar is imo the worse. the screws strip WAY to easily. thats my only complaint

3. See #2 above. same lol

4. I swapped the composite blade in my JYD II CB with the SG2 blade in my Ti JYD. Everything fit together perfectly. Action and lock-up on both knives is still 100%. i only have the 13c26 version :(

5. There's always more questions...Fire Away! amen!

You said:
I am looking for a knife w/ a good sized blade, easy to clean, w/ good point strength and a flat or sabre grind, and a strong lock. Option for disassemby would be great, and also a grind that would support moderately heavy use. Exotic grinds/heavy recurve not really wanted.

Might I suggest a full-sized Cyclone? At a very inexpensive price point for what you get, I think this knife would serve you well.

Let us know what you decide on!

...the statements above are the opinion of the poster, and most likely will be challenged/rebutted/and or generally scoffed at by the other members of this forum!... well duh!!!!
Click to expand...

my comments in bold :D
 
SPXTrader said:
Any Cal., here's my .02...

1. The strongest lock is the stud lock. After that are the frame locks, then the ZT liner locks.

2. The most open frames are the frame locks. All Kershaws are really easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. The only exception to this might be the Offset, with it's dual torsion bar set-up.

3. See #2 above.

4. I swapped the composite blade in my JYD II CB with the SG2 blade in my Ti JYD. Everything fit together perfectly. Action and lock-up on both knives is still 100%.

5. There's always more questions...Fire Away!

You said:
I am looking for a knife w/ a good sized blade, easy to clean, w/ good point strength and a flat or sabre grind, and a strong lock. Option for disassemby would be great, and also a grind that would support moderately heavy use. Exotic grinds/heavy recurve not really wanted.

Might I suggest a full-sized Cyclone? At a very inexpensive price point for what you get, I think this knife would serve you well.

Let us know what you decide on!

...the statements above are the opinion of the poster, and most likely will be challenged/rebutted/and or generally scoffed at by the other members of this forum!...
Click to expand...


hey did i miss something?

my offset isn't frame lock
 
Sorry Slade for the confusion. I meant that the frame locks seem to be the most open, frame-wise, and therefore by his question, the easiest to clean. When it comes to breaking them (meaning any Kershaw) down, they're all fairly easy to open, clean and reassemble, except for the Offset and it's dual torsion bars. It can present more problems than, say a JYD, Blur or Leek. BTW, I've never taken a Mini Mojo apart...wonder what that's like inside?
 
SPXTrader said:
Might I suggest a full-sized Cyclone? At a very inexpensive price point for what you get, I think this knife would serve you well.

Let us know what you decide on!

...the statements above are the opinion of the poster, and most likely will be challenged/rebutted/and or generally scoffed at by the other members of this forum!...
Click to expand...

You suck SPX! You don't know what you're talking about! :p

Hey Cal, which is more important: Lack of Recurve, or easy to clean?

I recommend the ZDP Cyclone. It has a titanium framelock handle and a flatground ZDP blade. It might be more difficult to clean than a regular knife because of the Speedsafe On/Off feature.

The Blur is good and easy to clean, but it has a slight recurve.
 
You Suck nygf :D...There's no more Ti/ZDP's left in the world (well I do know where 3 are :D), or that's what I would have suggested! For the right price, I maaay know where there's 1, possibly 2 NIB and are for sale. Stocking Dealer...let me check tomorrow!

...Moderators: this is not an offer to sell a knife! I just think I know of a Dealer that might have 2 of these puppies!...
 
The deal is I use a knife constantly while I am working. I carry my fixed blade, as well as a Leatherman Wave. I keep the fixed blade sharp, and it slips through thin plastic sheet and paper when necessary, and gets used for cutting into wood and various tasks. I can't go for too thin or brittle an edge, because it gets used for varied tasks. It does have to take a fine edge, as I use it in place of a razor blade often.

The serrated blade on my Leatherman is my hard use blade, which never gets sharpened. It lives for scraping, prying, digging, etc.

My worries with a folding knife are 1) not having enough stability to the point or edge for heavier tasks, and 2) getting dust/grit/sand gummed up in the works, and not being able to easily clean it up.

My fixed blade weighs 4.5oz, and has a 3.5" blade with a very stable grind. No lock to gum up, no nooks and crannies to clean out, and a .135" thick blade. You can see why it is tough to go to a folder.

I was looking really hard at the Sebenzas due to the solid lock and the easy disassembly. The problem with them, other than the price, is that they only come in a hollowground s30v blade. The hollowground does not work for me, and I am worried about brittleness in the s30v. That is why I am leaning to the 13c26 instead, for heavier use.

I was reading STRs raving about some of the Kershaw locks, so that led me to looking around here. I really appreciate all the replies. I like the full size Cyclone, but once again, do not really want the fancy steel for the large knife. It seems like the ultra hard steels are best suited to a lighter use tool. If anyone disagrees, I welcome your comments.
 
Any Cal. Look at the Shallot; it has, a frame lock, 3.5" blade, 13c26 blade, slim design, solid build. Very nice knife!!
+1 Blur
+1 Cyclone
Also very good knives!
 
dmonay said:
Any Cal. Look at the Shallot; it has, a frame lock, 3.5" blade, 13c26 blade, slim design, solid build. Very nice knife!!
+1 Blur
+1 Cyclone
Also very good knives!
Click to expand...
I love the Shallot's grind and blade geometry!

:thumbup:
 
There's also the Groove. Flat grind, frame lock, very good med/heavy duty knife.
Opens smooth as butta. Easy take down to clean.
 
Any Cal. said:
I am leaning to the 13c26 instead, for heavier use.

I like the full size Cyclone, but once again, do not really want the fancy steel for the large knife.
Click to expand...

The REGULAR Large Cyclone is Sandvik 13c26 steel with a flat grind. Should be right up your alley.
 
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