First Looks - Kershaw Blackwash Linup for 2014

So I pulled the pre-order trigger on that Cryo II blackwash. Anybody have any clue when these badboys will be hitting the streets?
 
I'm debating between the cryo blackwash in tanto or the normal blade shape. Thoughts? The tanto shape is cool looking but it doesn't look as practical (never owned a tanto). I do own the original cryo but the black is sexy
 
I think the blade shape is just a matter of preference. I've had a couple of tantos, and they do work fine. For my uses, I found that I pretty much focused all the wear right at vertex. On something like a drop point, the wear tends to be a bit more even across the entire belly of the blade. The tanto can be a bit easier to sharpen though (2 mostly-straight edges vs. the curved belly), but you will also want to be mindful and not round off the vertex. Again, it's just personal preference and usage patterns.

But, to stay true to the spirit of the forums, I'd say get both. ;)
 
JerryIsAlive said:
Does the tanto on cryo have any advantages to original shape?
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Erm, I wouldn't think so. Not really an advantage over the other blade shape except maybe tip strength. A tanto is a functional design, but they're not the best for practical use. I like them because they are tough and stout. The tip can take a lot of force and it is great for scraping stuff with if you have to.

I think that Cryo 2 tanto with the blackwash is sexy as hell. That alone is reason enough for me to buy it and try it out.
 
Just looked at the photos again and noticed a recurve on the tanto Cryo. I'm not sure if that's actually the case, or if it's just the photo. So, there may potentially be a bit of an advantage for pull cuts on that model versus the original drop point blade. Sharpening recurves can be a bit trickier though.

Personally, I like the original dimensions of the Cryo more. The Cryo II is a fine knife too, but the Cryo just felt better proportioned to me. Now that I am looking at it again, that blackwashed tanto Cryo does look pretty awesome. There may be one in my not-too-distant future. :P
 
There is a slight curve. It is the same blade shape that Hinderer has used in past. I think the black tanto is sexy but don't want to sacrifice function.
 
JerryIsAlive said:
Care to explain more on this?
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Sure. A tanto is a functional design - in other words, it functions as a knife blade shape. It has advantages and disadvantages just like any other blade shape.

Tantos are not the best for practical use - You could use a knife for a lot of different things (showing off, collecting, protection, stabbing people in the middle of a covert black op LOL!) but, "practical use" for a knife is cutting stuff. I cut open a LOT of packages on a daily basis. They are made of aluminum lined cardboard. (actually two sheets of thin cardboard with plastic coated aluminum sandwiched in the middle) That is my benchmark for practical use - will it do what I do with a knife all day long? Yes a tanto will, but most other blade shapes will run rings around it. The blade shape that works best for my practical use is a spear point with a swedge. The spear point with swedge pokes into whatever I'm cutting well. The rest of the blade has very little belly and is mostly a straight edge, which makes it slice well. Tantos on the other hand are not the best for my practical use (poking into and cutting open a lot of stuff). I have tried them and they just don't work as well. Nothing wrong with them, they just don't work as well for me.
 
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