Hello all...First knife...tips for the newbie?

H

hhkang63

Joined
Apr 19, 2009
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Hello all, my name is Hunter and I am officially an owner of a pocket knife as of 4/16/09! For me, it'll be used just for every day use, nothing hardcore, and I'll be carrying it around as often as possible.

After comparing many different brands and models, I decided to go with a Kershaw Blur, plain edge. I believe it is a Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel blade, but I can't verify this...I heard it used to be in an inferior type of steel, and they changed it to this one sometime, but is there any way for me to check which steel I have?

Also, I have no idea about basic knife care...I know there are threads dedicated to this on this forum, but it seems like the search function isn't working...can anyone teach me some basic knife care or link me to the proper thread?

Thanks in advance! I'm looking to get a lot of good use out of my new, and first, knife! :D
 
for starters, i would suggest investing in a simple sharpening system. the spyderco sharpmaker is a very good product. ag russell also has some inexpensive but good quality sharpening systems.

don't let it get dull before you try and sharpen. depending on useage, touch up the edge periodically.

keep lint and other gunk out of the mechanism and between the scales.

if it gets wet, be sure to dry it off completely.

re: the steel type, many knives have the blade steel stamped on the blade near the pivot. if not, perhaps it is on the box? i don't own any kershaws, so im sort of guessing here.


most importantly, use it and enjoy it!!!

welcome to bfc!
 
Things to get

-Cleaning cloth or just use a good rag
-Rem oil, militec etc..
-Sharpmaker would be a great first sharpener
-Kershaw tool or pick up a t-6 and t-10 drivers to work on the knife when needed

If you shake your blur when open and the torsion bar rattles. .you can fix that with a bit of grease like white lithium..

Keep it dry, clean, lightly lubed and sharp...

Have fun ,
Matt
 
welcome! The Blur is a great knife! I would recommend it to anyone... newb or experienced... I gave one to my best bud for his b-day, and he hardly carries it because it is his "fancy" knife... I like everything about the Blur. One aspect that I LOVE about it is how the spring not only assists the knife opening, but it also retains the blade closed... GREAT design! it is also the only knife that Kershaw makes that I like... YMMV.

As far as "advice" goes.... I'd say take the forums with a grain of salt and a spoonful of sugar at the same time.. Watch out for the "hype." People (including myself) can get a little excited about these sharp things.

Also there is NO need to run out and buy a Sebenza. It really is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, but this industry ain't what it used to be, and IMO The bigger production companies have all but caught up with the Seb. If you get "hooked," Spyderco's got yer back... The Sebenza mainly offers bragging rights...

Do a LOT of research if/when you buy... There are SOOOOOOO many offerings from several great companies.... info is half the fun anyway!

..until then, ENJOY that Blur and USE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!
 
BTW, my EDC is a Camillus Blaze (older) with AUS-8 that has been my EDC for over a year.

That's a long time for me to have a favorite knife.
 
hhkang63 said:
Hello all, my name is Hunter and I am officially an owner of a pocket knife as of 4/16/09! For me, it'll be used just for every day use, nothing hardcore, and I'll be carrying it around as often as possible.

Nice choice

After comparing many different brands and models, I decided to go with a Kershaw Blur, plain edge. I believe it is a Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel blade, but I can't verify this...I heard it used to be in an inferior type of steel, and they changed it to this one sometime, but is there any way for me to check which steel I have?

There is a date stamp on your blade, backside. Any date after JUL 07 is the Sandvik

Also, I have no idea about basic knife care...I know there are threads dedicated to this on this forum, but it seems like the search function isn't working...can anyone teach me some basic knife care or link me to the proper thread?

As already suggested, a Spyderco Sharpmaker is a fine sharpener and can tackle most tasks.
The search function is for paying members.
Here is a link to the Maintenance section. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=794

Thanks in advance! I'm looking to get a lot of good use out of my new, and first, knife! :D
Click to expand...

Have fun with your new Blur.

mike
 
Get out while you still can. Knife acquiring is an addiction. and once you get the bug, you will never have any money again. Just kidding. Welcome to a wonderful hobby. I think the best advice so far, is to not let the knife get too dull. It is relatively easy to touch up a blade, but full bore resharpening requires more time and more skill.
 
hhkang63 said:
After comparing many different brands and models, I decided to go with a Kershaw Blur, plain edge. I believe it is a Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel blade, but I can't verify this...I heard it used to be in an inferior type of steel, and they changed it to this one sometime, but is there any way for me to check which steel I have?
Click to expand...

You have chosen wisely. What's the Blur's made on date. Chances are it is the 13C26, which in my opinion, is a good upper middle level steel.
 
Welcome to Blade Forums! This is where the fun starts. Be careful though, as knives can get addictive, but just hang on and enjoy the ride. :D You will find a lot of helpful tips and advise in this forum. You will like your Kershaw, and by the way, Happy belated birthday. :)
 
popcornpicker said:
Blur is a great knife but a little big for most people. I have two and love them, just a little big for EDC.
Click to expand...

A little big? It's (legally) too big for most muniscipalities (sp?) but it's a great size for EDC. If anything it I'd like about a 4" blade with double torsion bars with the blur's ergos and blade shape for more intensive EDC.


But yes, you made a great decision buying the blur. One of the best in kershaws product line for EDC.
The sharpmaker gets everybodies recommendation, I still don't have one, but I suggest you buy one because a sharp knife is a safe knife.
 
It is date stamped JAN 09, so I'm assuming it's the Sandvik.

How often should I be oiling and doing some touch-up sharpening? Once a week? Once a month? Any things I should avoid cutting with the knife? And again, anyone recommend any particular knife-care threads I should be looking into? The maintenance section has lots of threads, I was wondering if there are any particular favorites you guys recommend?

Also...really weird story here. I ordered it from yourcornerstore.com, and the knife got here last Thursday, and then ANOTHER one, exact model, EXACT SAME ORDER NUMBER, arrived Saturday. Checked the credit card statement online, I only got charged ONCE. I'm gonna hold out for about 2 weeks to see if they contact me or charge me twice, but I think I might have gotten a free knife :D

And thank you for the belated DavidZ...I just turned 18 and enjoyed my first cigar :thumbup:

-Hunter
 
i wouldn't worry too much about oil/lube, which tends to attract dust and other particles.

a little on the pivot area is fine, but typically not necessary.

i tend to touch my knives up at least weekly, but im a little obsessive about it. in general, it depends on how much it gets used and what you have been cutting.

some materials are obviously more abrasive to an edge than others. cardboard is particularly hard on a knife edge.

as far as what materials to avoid, common sense is the best indicator.

don't pry anything, and you should be fine.

as far as the extra knife, i would return it. i dont like to take advantage of mistakes like that, but that's just me. let your conscience be your guide on that one.
 
Send the knife back. Karma is a real thing and you want to get on it's good side.
Don't pry or twist when you cut and you should be fine. Avoid cutting cardboard, aluminum cans (a guy did that with a blur about a month ago and complained about a chipped blade) and most importantly, don't cut flesh. It hurts. :D
 
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