Does kershaw make good knives?

C

Cigarhiker

Joined
Feb 15, 2016
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5
Hey I was wondering if anyone carries a kershaw or knows if they are any good. They are attractive because I'm on a budget but I was just wondering how the company was. Also why aren't they on many forums?
 
Hi Cigarhiker, welcome to Blade Forums.

Kershaw is a wonderful brand. They offer more, viable choices for sub-$50 EDC than any other knife company. They have so many choices in design and style, it's hard to not find something you like...and whatever you select, you're bound to be satisfied. If not, they offer one of the better warranties (for inexpensive knives) in the business.

I don't often carry a Kershaw, but I own 73. (yes, that's not a typo...I have a "knife problem"). Knives are a harsh mistress and they tend to demand more and more of your wallet as the relationship grows. My Kershaws have been replaced in my rotation by other knives (i.e.: more expensive), but that in no way diminishes them as an awesome gateway drug.

I don't know what your preferences are, but I can suggest a trifecta of Kershaws to look at: Skyline, Link and Leek. Each are made here in the USA at price points I still don't completely understand. If none of those float your boat, there are scads of Chinese manufactured Kershaws that are all good EDC candidates in their own right.

In terms of forum participation, someone else will have to speak to that. If you search old forum posts you'll see that Kershaw used to be very active here with their own subforum. At some time, they stopped participating. Hey, either way, it has no bearing on Kershaw KNIVES. There are still lots of knowledgeable Kershaw users here and Kershawguy has some of the best prices and service you can find. If you have questions about a particular model, chances are a member here can help you. Hey...73 and counting!

If I had one complaint with Kershaw it's that so many of their knives are now Assisted Open. I'm not a big fan of AO knives, but for many knife users they're a great option. Good luck, enjoy the hunt! The fact that you came to a knife enthusiast forum to ask your question only confirms to me that we'll meet some day at knife rehab. :p
 
I own several. I like them just fine.

I've on occasion used their warranty service, and I have found it flawless.

Many of their selections are made in the USA, which I like

If you are on a budget, you're looking at an appropriate brand.
 
In terms of quality to price ratio, they're some of the best for around $30 and under.

They have kind of a "shotgun" approach to knifemaking, you're bound to find something they make that suits your needs and desires.
 
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One of my favorite every day carry knives was a Kershaw Blur. I lost it and to this day I regret not having replaced it. Kershaw makes fine knives.
 
Pick up a kershaw thermite, I feel it is a good test subject to see if you like the brand. If you want something smaller check out the leek.
 
Cigarhiker said:
Hey I was wondering if anyone carries a kershaw or knows if they are any good. They are attractive because I'm on a budget but I was just wondering how the company was. Also why aren't they on many forums?
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Yes they are a good middle of the pack EDC. Their designs are their best feature.
 
Have had many Kershaw knives over the years, they have filled the 'small, inexpensive knife' niche for me and filled it well. Plenty of usable designs and always made of decent materials.

Still have several and my current favorite is the Scallion. I plan to pick up a Skyline soon, the blue handled version strikes me as a really nice looking knife!
 
Here is my drop point spring assist. Great EDC knife and under $40!
Razor sharp!

 
They are all over this forum, mostly ZT's. Check out a Cryo for starts.
 
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I would say yes overall, but you have to weed out the really good ones from dozens of designs that are just average. I just picked up a Nura 3.5 on sale for $23 I love it, and I'm saying that as an owner of ZT's, CKF, and a performance series Southard that is literally 20x the cost.
 
Yes, very much so. You have the classic US models like the Blur and Leek, or if you're on a budget, their China made lineup are about as good as you can get for $20 or so. If you want something higher end, you can go with their Zero Tolerance line.
 
Kershaw makes some of the best knives around. Many import models if price is a concern, also quite a number of domestic pieces that are reasonably priced. My favorite Kershaws to date are the Blur and the Link. However, for the price, nothing comes close to the Link. It's a domestic piece with very capable steel, a great carry size, assisted and can be deassisted if the end user so chooses, comes in a variety of versions and is sub $45!
 
I just bought a junkyard dog which is now my favorite EDC. About a third of my EDC rotation knives are Kershaws.
 
I'll just add my two cents and say that Kershaw has perhaps the best value for dollar out there. I carry and use (hard) a Blur, or a CQC6 while at work, and they're great. I think I have five others to choose from also... Doesn't seem like enough, now that I'm counting. Maybe a Skyline next.
 
As a rule I generally dislike liner locks, but my one exception to that is the kershaw blur. Great knife for the cost and can't beat the warranty or customer service.
 
Yes, Kershaw makes many fine folders at modest prices. I like the Skyline, a minimalist manual flipper. It is very slim and light, yet capable.
 
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