Chive...WOW

N

newknifeguy

Joined
Mar 18, 2001
Messages
815
As the name states, I am a new knife guy. I have five knives, all of which I think are awesome, Buck 110, MT LCC/DA, MT UDT, Camillus EDC CM 154, and now a Kershaw Ken Onion Chive.
I got the Chive yesterday, and cannot believe the knife you get for the price.

Pros: Beautiful design
Razor sharp
Safespeed mech. is like butter
Lock up superb
Liner lock perfect
No bladeplay
Safety lock, easy to lock and unlock
Price ($30)
Size (perfect for edc)
Did I say $30
Feel in hand (I got small hands)

Cons: Lock is alittle loose (I haven't tried to tighten it, I bet I can)

I don't have a ton of experience, but this is an UNBELIEVABLE little knife for the price. I will be filling many a stocking with this baby. I will also be checking out Ken Onion Designs!!!

One question for those in the know...Is this concidered an auto??
 
Glad you like your Chive.
I got a Scallion and was so impressed with it, I went out and got the Chive too. I just love Ken Onion's Speed Safe mechanism.

As to your question about legality.
The Speed Safe does not meet the legal definition of a "Switchblade" in that the operator must manually begin the opening process by moving the blade out from the closed position in order to deploy the blade.
In a "switchblade" the blade is deployed fully from the closed position simply by means of pressing a button or lever.
The Speed Safe folders are legal in all 50 states, but various local ordinances may vary. So, is always best to check your local laws to make sure the hoplophobes have not infringed your freedom to carry yet.;)
 
No one's tried to classify it as an automatic, yet. IIRC, Ken Onion ran his Speed-Safe mechanism past the legal authorities in Hawaii and got a clean bill of health.

Besides, you're in California. Auto's with blades under 2" are completely legal there (one of the few things I miss about the state).
 
I posted this a while ago after I purchased a Scallion (which is great also). This is a response I received direct from Kershaw

Jay, Thank you for your email. We're very glad you are enjoying your new "Scallions". Legalities; our Ken Onion designs that use the "Speed Safe Technology" are not automatic. There is no spring, and no button release. They use a torsion bar/cam mechanism. You have to manually assist the blade open. Hope this is helpful, if you have any questions please email or call our customer service dept.
 
I am waiting for the boron-coated Chive. Does any one know if (and when) this version will be released?
 
Word from Kershaw is NOVEMBER first I am waiting for the first 5000
production knives be be polished.I should receive them next week and start coating then.


Darrell Lewis
Bodycote

"YOU MAKE IT FIRST-WE MAKE IT LAST
 
Thanks Darrell. But I notice another poster in another thread say that they got a coated Chive already. Were there some pre-production models that made it to general public?

I have the Benchmade Park Avenue, which has a boron-coated blade. The coating is great, a big improvement over Black-Ti, I think.
 
Architech
The flat black Chive us coated for Chesapeak knife works prior Kershaw
winning the American Knife of theyear at Blade Show with BORON CARBIDE.
The first 2000 knives were coated with Tigold's Titanium Carbonitride. (BLAKTI)
Production of the Boron Carbide Chive will be released NOV 1st

Darrell Lewis
Dlewis@bodycote-na.com
 
Check out the Nov. issue of Blade. They gave it the American knife of the year award for 2001. Congrats Ken.
 
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