Favorite Kershaw?

[Max Archer]

I'm usually not much of a Kershaw guy, but I just picked up a CQC-5K and like it a lot. Really nice smooth action and a great blade shape, and it came impressively sharp and with a good grind.

I only bought it because I wanted something inexpensive for airline travel (so I can leave it in a checked bag and not spend the whole flight worrying about theft or lost luggage), but I like it enough that I'll probably use it on a somewhat regular basis.

 

[JDX]

I don't have a ton of experience with Kershaw either, but I really enjoy my Leek in Elmax. Great little knife!

I had the leek and I was just so nervous about the tip breaking. I don't know if better Steel really effects that because it's still a very very thin tip. What's your experience with it? Also what tasks do you use the leek for?

 

[JDX]

What model is this?

 

[WiredDutchman]

My favorite would be the 1870 Knockout. But the 1776 Link is a very close second.

 

[flatblackcapo]

What model is this?

It is the Kershaw ET Model # 1900 Designed by G&G Hawk. They are a fun knives with a interesting design, pick one up if you get a chance.

 

[JDX]

My favorite would be the 1870 Knockout. But the 1776 Link is a very close second.

Which one would you say has a thicker stock? And which one would you say has the stronger lock mech? I've never handled a sub frame lock like the knockout, I feel it would be weaker than a typical frame lock

 

[FOG2]

I was gifted Scallion and liked everthing about except it was just to small. So I bought this Leek and I couldn't be happier. As far as the thin tip goes I always have something on me with a stronger one. Like the GEC 25. My gf is not a knife nut but she likes my Leek as well.

 

[WiredDutchman]

Which one would you say has a thicker stock? And which one would you say has the stronger lock mech? I've never handled a sub frame lock like the knockout, I feel it would be weaker than a typical frame lock

The frame lock on the Knockout is very sturdy, stronger than the liner lock on the Link.
I would call the Knockout a hard use knife. It has a bigger blade with thicker blade stock and the stronger lock.
The Link is more of a "formal carry" knife to me. It is a classy looking knife, especially with the grey aluminum scales and blackwash blade, with a thinner blade stock and weaker (but still plenty strong) liner lock.
I think the Knockout and the Link make a great pair. Knockout for work, Link for after work. They will handle any knife needs that you have.
If you are looking for strength, a frame lock is going to be stronger lock than a liner lock about 99% of the time.

 

[WiredDutchman]

Which one would you say has a thicker stock? And which one would you say has the stronger lock mech? I've never handled a sub frame lock like the knockout, I feel it would be weaker than a typical frame lock

Didn't quite answer your question there sorry. I would say that when it comes right down to it, the sub frame lock is not as strong as an integral frame lock. But that isn't saying much. You would really have to beat on a sub frame lock to cause a failure. They went with the sub frame lock on the Knockout for cost savings I'm sure. I have never had the lock fail on me, and I have used it to split 2x4's and pry tack strips up.
So yes it is probably weaker than an integral frame lock, but ultimately I don't think it matters, it has more than enough strength.

 

[RiderOnTheStorm]

My two favorites. Launch 1 and knockout.

 

[vpsaline]

I love my kershaw thermite. It feels like a 40$ knife that you can stack up against 100$ spydercos any day of the week

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I haven't had alot of Kershaws but the only two I hung onto are a Leek and a Knockout both Sandvik blades.

 

[Dan of Bazz Clazz]

I own 3 Kershaw's. Like all of them though a little surprised no one has mentioned 2 of the 3 so far. Like others, I have a Leek. Beautiful knife. Second one is my EDC. Have never said "I wish I had a different knife" when I needed to use it. I have said, "I need to go get another ASAP" when I have temporarily misplaced it. Luckily, it is very easy to replace, both in price, and in location. It is a "Hotwire", an exclusive at Walmart and sells for under $10. Ridiculously good for the price.

Last of my 3 is one I am really surprised no one else has mentioned. I have a "Amplitude 3.25". And not just because of my years working in recording studios adding a connection with the name. Slim, sleek, easy to carry and use, with classic lines. One of my Gentleman knives. That one gets into my pocket more than the Leek does.

Hotwire


Amplitude 3.25

 

[Nedser]

1. R.A.M.
2. Leek
3. Skyline

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Have to admit I've never see one of those Amplitude 3.25 ... it is a good looking knife.

 

[JB in SC]

I like the Scallion, surprisingly nice knife. Made in the USA at a great price.

 

[Old Biker]

A quick count says I currently own 10 different models of Kershaw knives. I have owned may more than that in the past. But my favorite, that's easy. It is my 1725SG2 Junkyard Dog.

O.B.

 

[JB in SC]

I'm quite fond of the old Lahar and a VG-10 lockback they used to make (I think it was called Gentleman's Lockback or something like that). I feel those knives never got the attention they deserved.

Out of the current production models I really like the S30V Blur and the Knockout, as well as the whole Launch series (lovely autos at a very decent price).

The Gentleman's Lockback 19932 was an incredibly well made knife, shame it was discontinued. That knife would sell for around $200 now. And it came with a nice leather case as well.

 

[knives_in_nature]

offset or energy

 

[yamsi12]

ugh, too hard to choose just one. Leek, Blur, Knockout off the top of my head.