CRKT Shenanigan VS. Kershaw Blur

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seanp

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Jul 4, 2013
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Just looking for some advice if anyone has had the opportunity to compare the two.

I am specifically looking at the partially serrated tanto versions of each. Due to price point, I'd be looking at the synthetic scaled version of the Shenanigan. I have carried a full size CRKT M16-14SF as my EDC for work for the last five years and like the blade configuration. However, the guards on the blade are quite rough and rub on shirts, etc... when wearing jeans. I've gone through numerous "casual" EDCs from Leeks to Enduras and have not been satisfied.

Most recently, I've been looking at the Shenanigan and the Blur. I can get them online for within $15 of each other, and of course they are both Ken Onion designs, with a lot of similarities. Other than manufacturers, I'd like to know what the significant differences are. I am leaning towards the Blur because of the un-recurved tanto and that at the same price it would be aluminum framed.

There is no brick and mortar store that carries either knife in stock near where I live, so I would be buying online without being able to handle either one, and would love some concise information before I spend the money on shipping and handling.

Any thoughts?
 
I prefer a flipper, so I'd lean towards the CRKT Shenanigan. Plus I like Aus 8 over 440A.
 
S30V blur is one of the best values out there, FYI. I don't think it's a tanto though. I wasn't a huge fan of any of the CRKT knives I've owned. HT seemed rather sub-par on all of them. Kershaw, on the other hand, tends to do a good job.
 
Yes, the flipper is something that I appreciate on both the Leek and the M16. I've never really had a button actuated folder that I liked as much, but I do like the speed-safe assist.

The tanto style blade isn't available in S30V which I would like to try one of these days. I'm not too clear about the practical difference between AUS8/440A/13c26. I touch up my edges pretty frequently and they don't get very hard use.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
S30V blur is one of the best values out there, FYI. I don't think it's a tanto though. I wasn't a huge fan of any of the CRKT knives I've owned. HT seemed rather sub-par on all of them. Kershaw, on the other hand, tends to do a good job.
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He's looking for half serrated.
FearAgent said:
I prefer a flipper, so I'd lean towards the CRKT Shenanigan. Plus I like Aus 8 over 440A.
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There is no current production Blur that has 440A, it has been loong replaced by 14C28N.
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The tanto Blur and tanto aluminum Shenanigan are actually comparable in price if you think the metal handle is preferable.
I have the normal black non tanto aluminum Shenanigan and the ergonomics are quite good, they are actually contoured to fit the hand. I suspect mine has Acuto+ steel because it is first production run and they changed to AUS-8. If you get an AUS-8 Shenanigan, you're going to essentially have the same steel as on the Blur's 14C28N(Very similar properties, negligible differences). If you get an Acuto+ Shenanigan, the steel technically should be slightly noticeably better in edge retention than 14C28N, but again, the differences are not noticeable unless you're deliberately trying to find them.
I used to have the Tanto Blur before I lost it a long time ago, and the ergonomics were quite good, the grip tape inserts in the handle never failed me even when wet.
However, the scales are much flatter than those on the Shenanigan, so when I would try to cut things with a lot of pressure it was not as comfortable as the Shenanigan.
The serrations on both knives are pretty comparable, in that they rip material more than cutting.
I think the handle is more comfortable on the Shenanigan, but in the end I think you should decide on which one looks better to you, you will definitely not be let down by either of these high quality knives from these high quality companies.
 
I have them both and the Blur is hands down favorite,the Shenanigan(acuto+ steel) has a cheap feeling rubber insert for handle grip was bummed the knife looked pretty nice in the catalogs.
 
BITEME said:
I have them both and the Blur is hands down favorite,the Shenanigan(acuto+ steel) has a cheap feeling rubber insert for handle grip was bummed the knife looked pretty nice in the catalogs.
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That's not really any different from the Blur. The blur has Trac-Tec inserts which are functionally the exact same as rubber.
 
FearAgent said:
I prefer a flipper, so I'd lean towards the CRKT Shenanigan. Plus I like Aus 8 over 440A.
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The regular Blurs are no longer 440A, they are made out of 13C26 (pretty similar to 440A, though).

IMHO, the Blur is a nicer knife. It carries very well, is flat and has a great handle/blade ratio (plus it has a simple pocket clip, not on of those weird ones Kershaw uses sometimes). I don't mean to say that the Shenanigan isn't good, but the price difference is translated into better fit and finish (and the Blur is made in the US, in case you care about that). I prefer the feel of the Blur's aluminum handle to that of the Shenanigan's zytel handle, especially since there isn't a noticeable weight difference (the Shenanigan is a bit lighter according to CRKT's info, but only by 0.4 oz).

If you can find the extra cash, the S30V Blur is definitely worth it.
 
Franciscomv said:
The regular Blurs are no longer 440A, they are made out of 13C26 (pretty similar to 440A, though).

IMHO, the Blur is a nicer knife. It carries very well, is flat and has a great handle/blade ratio (plus it has a simple pocket clip, not on of those weird ones Kershaw uses sometimes). I don't mean to say that the Shenanigan isn't good, but the price difference is translated into better fit and finish (and the Blur is made in the US, in case you care about that). I prefer the feel of the Blur's aluminum handle to that of the Shenanigan's zytel handle, especially since there isn't a noticeable weight difference (the Shenanigan is a bit lighter according to CRKT's info, but only by 0.4 oz).

If you can find the extra cash, the S30V Blur is definitely worth it.
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You mean 14C28N.
 
Mephtyrm said:
That's not really any different from the Blur. The blur has Trac-Tec inserts which are functionally the exact same as rubber.
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The Blur inserts feel of a lot more robust,and they do feel a lot different.
 
How is the speed safe for operating on the Blur?

I love the operation of the Leek, but the only thumb stud assisted opener I have ever used was the CRKT Horus which was poorly designed for CRKT's assisted opening mechanism. Due to the placement of the thumb stud relative to the pivot, it requires considerable force to flick open and I always feel like I am going to slash my thumb open doing. It's not smooth and natural.
 
I only own a Blur (non-tanto) and its a very nice knife. The finish has been pretty durable and the trac tec inserts have a nice quality feel. I have to admit, I don't care for the looks of the Blur Tanto, just doesn't do it for me. The Shenanigan tanto blade shape looks very similar to ZT 0400 which I really love the shape of. As far as steel, AUS 8 is similar to Sandvik 14C28N. If the CRKT rubber inserts would bother you then it makes the decision easier for you. It comes down to which does it for you?
 
I don't have the shenanigan but have a couple blurs, the stud is not my favorite way to deploy an assisted open (I like flippers) but it works well, the stud isn't flat so you can get your thumb in there pretty well. It is a very robust blade and overall I would trust Kershaw more on quality. CRKT has some nice designs but overall fit and finish seems lower except for Ken Onion's stuff. I would go with the blur, many people have used them hard with no complaints.
 
If you get the Blur, try it with the torsion bar removed. You'll be amazed at how smooth it is as a manual opener. I have de-assisted all of mine.
 
I owned one Shenanigan and do own five Blurs. For me the Blur is one of the best designed EDC knives out there. The standard Blur with the Sandvik steel is easy to sharpen and maintain even with the slight recurve. It is also incredibly smooth opening if you remove the torsion bar, which I have done on all of mine. It is moderately thin and lightweight as well. If I had to choose one thing I don't like on the Blur it is the pocket clip. Leaves too much knife exposed, but that is a personal preference. You can also get the Blur with CPM-154 or S30V which makes it even better.

The Shenanigan was a decent knife but in my opinion a design flaw. After pressing the flipper my finger was always getting torn up by the gimping on the top of the handle. The edges on the gimping were too sharp. I sanded them down a little but it still bothered me so I got rid of it. It's also only tip down carry.
 
I went with the Blur. It arrived today by UPS.

My first impressions are very favorable. It's a lot lighter than I had expected. Very gripable, carryable. The inserts aid grip without being obtrusive. Fits my hand marvelously. The jjimping is mild, well placed. The blade is hair-shaving sharp, needle pointed, and the serrations are large and aggressive. Lock up is 100% solid, and the assisted opening is smooth and positive. I probably won't bother removing the torsion bar.

Overall, a very well designed and developed knife. I am well pleased with it.
 
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