First Impression of the Chive

C

Coonskinner

Joined
Mar 28, 2001
Messages
2,491
I just bought a Kershaw Chive yesterday, and I like the way it feels, the way it opens, and the way it cuts. I looked at its big brother, the Scallion, but decided to go with the Chive because I wanted something for dress carry.

With the recurved blade, there is a lot of cutting edge for such a small knife. And while I don't know much about 420HC, other than that it is a low end steel, I cut some burlap and a few other things yesterday, not enough to do a serious test, but enough to get the impression that it will probably hold an edge well enough for its intended purpose. And I sure can't complain about the quality of edge it takes, because the little dude was hair-popping sharp right out of the box.

One wish...I wish the Scallion was also a frame lock with aluminum instead of whatever its scales are. It would be thinner and sleeker, and I would have probably bought one.

All in all, I am well satisfied with my Chive. It's a cute little knife, it is quick and gadgety, and the NF (neat factor) is high.
 
I hope it doesn't break like mine did.

After carrying it and playing with it for a few days, the assisted opening mechanism broke. I very much like the design - it's a cool little knife - but I'm extremely dissappointed that it no longer works as intended after only a few days. :(
 
Originally posted by Wulf
I hope it doesn't break like mine did.

After carrying it and playing with it for a few days, the assisted opening mechanism broke. I very much like the design - it's a cool little knife - but I'm extremely dissappointed that it no longer works as intended after only a few days. :(
Click to expand...

Wulf,
Contact Kershaw customer service and arrange to send it back to them. From what I've read here on the forums, the failure rate for the Chive has been very, very low, and Kershaw customer service has been great about replacing the few that have broken.
 
dsvirsky,
I'm not sure it's worth it for a $30 knife. Technically it's still functional - that is, I can still use it. It's just not nearly as fun anymore.

Good thing I bought two. :)
 
Yeah, Wulf, I hope it doesn't break. I am getting kind of attached to the little knife.

But honestly, if it weren't for the speed safe mechanism, I probably wouldn't have bought it. I tend to like vintage slipjoints when I want to carry a small knife. I bought this one mainly because it was "cool."
 
The Shiny Black BC coated Chives are waaaaay cool! It replaced my regular chive. Have cycles both a probably around 100 times a day and no problems yet! :)

~Mitch
 
I also recently picked one up -

My first impressions . . . very small.
I played with a display of one out in Gatlinburg, TN at a knife store and the "gadget factor" as they say was very enticing . . .

ordered one a few weeks later and my first impression out of the box was -man, this is small- but VERY fast and a great toy! For practical use it is just out of the question for my hands, but if I had to I could bring myself to make use of it - (I agree with the earlier post that if if was not spring-assisted I would not have purchased one). Overall: very well made and as close to an automatic as any non-automatic I have handled! Safety is a nice touch. I like the all-stainless construction and I might be interested in picking up the black version (if I can find one for less than $30). They certainly do make great stocking stuffers! And made in the USA is always good!

I really like the knife and applaud Ken Onion and Kershaw and hope they keep up the great work together! Some say the price just isn't right but I say **** it, if it's cool it's a keeper!
 
Mine rides w/ me as a money clip & "worry stone"- indeed the gadget factor is very high & it begs to be cycled while on the phone, etc- I'm trying to find a way to write it off on my taxes as a therapeutic aid for stress relief. :p
 
Like Rugger, I use it as a money clip, (I've got a shiney new penny in there right now). I bought a half dozen of them and I've been giving them away as gifts, (I gave one to MS P.J. Tomes and he thought it was cool). I've carried and used it every day, it's still sharp and no problems.
Everybody should have one.
 
I bought my Chive about 2 months ago and loved it instantly. It's small yet has enough weight to it to let you know it means business. The assisted opening feature is way too cool, and the blade's factory edge is fantastic. It's probably the sharpest knife right out of the box I've bought so far. It's small size makes it easy to carry without it being noticed by those who fear knives too. I think it's by far worth the $35 I paid for it! I can't wait to get my hands on the Black Chive! :cool:
 
Great drooling material here...for fans of the Chive, check out the Black Chive! Here's the link: Ken Onion Chive I recommend using a handkerchief when viewing this page! *well it made me drool!*
 
Damn it. I just bought the Scallion for myself, and the Speed Safe is as addicting as crack. Now it's my most used knife.

Then I bought the Chive for my brother and I think I like it more than my Scallion. Now both are coming out BC coated, very drool-worthy.

How am I gonna save up for my first custom? Or the Boa? Or that second car? Or the rent? Or, eventually, the alimony payments?
 
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