Help me pick a new Kershaw

[Orv]

I've been eyeballing some of the new kershaw models, and can see why people like them. I have a few questions

Are the strobe and nura about the only knives in that price range with the bearing systems? Not sure I would like the speedsafe system. I want a knife I can smoothly flip open, and one handed flip closed.

The skyline is intriguing, but I'm not sure if it will be very smooth with its washer pivot. The reviews I've seen don't cover the smoothness very well. Can I get some input here as well?

 

[grownstar]

I'll say this much, the Strobe is one of the best manual flippers you'll find for under $40. The KVT is just awesome on that model.

I've never had a Skyline but in sure more people will chime in.

 

[wivo9]

The strobe is really nice; nice flipper but my only grip with it is that the flipper tab is a bit on the sharp side and the jimp on the lock bar is a bit much.

I really like the skyline: it's a really nice flipper too if you push button it, nice steel and the liner lock and flipper tab is nice and smooth.

 

[A-MAC]

The Skyline, like most others is stiff when it's brand new. It will wear in though. It will never be as smooth as the Strobe, it is nice right out of the box. A certain GUY that sells KERSHAW knives has damascus Skylines for $57 shipped right now if you are looking for something a little different.

 

[PURPLEDC]

Washer VS bearing makes no real discernible difference as long as the knives are made and tuned properly. A bearing pivot does reduce friction but since the majority of friction is actually from the detent and lock pressure forcing that detent into the blade really the difference between a washer and bearing pivot is usually not felt in smoothness but rather in the speed in which it comes out. I have had bearing knives you would swear had washers and washer knives you would think were on bearings. I have a strobe, and though its a good flipper If I had the extra money I would choose the skyline. But that is just my preference.

 

[grownstar]

I have a strobe, and though its a good flipper If I had the extra money I would choose the skyline. But that is just my preference.

Purple makes a good point. There isn't much of a price difference between the Strobe and the standard Skyline, but if you go for the latter you're getting a superior steel (14C28N is better than 8Cr13MoV), quality coming from the USA (if that makes a difference to you) and possibly easier turnaround time on warranty work due to the fact that Kershaw's factory in Oregon stocks Skyline parts.