Help me pick a new Kershaw

cgmblade

cgmblade

Joined
Jun 4, 2009
Messages
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I'm mainly a Spyderco guy, but I want to buy a new Kershaw to show my support for the company based upon the great customer service so many people on this forum have received.

I only have two Kershaws now. A little folder, a DWO I think, and a Barrage 2445ST.

I'm not a fan of AO or flippers so was looking for a model just with thumb studs. I think the Storm fits the criteria. Anybody have any other suggestions.

Thanks
Chris
 
If there is one Kershaw to buy now it's the Avalanche for less than $50 with S30V steel and thick, grippy G10... check it out before they are gone.
 
If you can overcome your aversion to flippers and AO, the G-10 Tyrades with the composite D2/CPM154 blades are an excellent value at less than $100.

Here's my orange one.

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Don't have any pics of it next to my Military, but do have pics of both next to a ZT0350:

ZT0350 and Orange Tyrade

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Orange Milli next to a ZT0350:

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The Storm II is a fairly large knife. Nice and rugged with a great frame lock. If you like the larger knife, I'd consider a Lahar also, but its a flipper. The Blurs will work as you want with the torsion bar removed. Most all of Kershaw's AO's will do this, but some need a little detent tweaking. The Blur seems to be the most non-AO friendly of the bunch.
 
The Tyrade is probably the best value for the quality of materials and fit and finish of any knife I own.

Another choice in the non-AO/non-flipper is the ZT0500. I don't own one yet, but have heard nothing but positive reviews.

I'm not that familiar with the other non-AO/non-flippers that Kershaw makes. I was going to suggest the RAM or Junkyard Dog, but they're listed as flippers, too.
 
I need to find a place where I can handle them before buying if possible. I like the blade profiles on both the Tyrade and the Blur. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
I have had a Kershaw Leek by Ken Onion since February now and I love it. The action is smooth, it's the most comfortable knife I've every held. But, it is assisted. I would deffinitely recomend it, but I'm sure there's something you might like more if you don't like AO's.

I don't have one, but I would recomend one of the Zero Tolerances. Especially the ZT200. I hear it is a great knife, and after I get a Spydie or two I will probably get another Kershaw.

Which by the way, you wouldn't happen to have a Spyderco Caspian Salt, Kuhkuri, or Centofante, would you? Sorry if you were the one who posted on my thread that you do.

Hope this helps.
 
It's a flipper but you can't go wrong with a RAM. Very cool knife and will get very sharp.
 
Okay I broke down ;), here are pics of my Miitary and Tyrade, both in Orange G-10, for comparison.

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The Millie is longer and the Tyrade is thicker from side to side.
 
I really think you'd like the blur. Try it with the AO spring in and if you just cannot warm up to it then pull it out. Right now is a great time to pick one up with so many different steel choices... s30v, cpm 154, zdp-189! Shoot I think I just talked myself into another one to compliment my s60v;)
 
C0D1! M.D. said:
I have had a Kershaw Leek by Ken Onion since February now and I love it. The action is smooth, it's the most comfortable knife I've every held. But, it is assisted. I would deffinitely recomend it, but I'm sure there's something you might like more if you don't like AO's.

I don't have one, but I would recomend one of the Zero Tolerances. Especially the ZT200. I hear it is a great knife, and after I get a Spydie or two I will probably get another Kershaw.

Which by the way, you wouldn't happen to have a Spyderco Caspian Salt, Kuhkuri, or Centofante, would you? Sorry if you were the one who posted on my thread that you do.

Hope this helps.
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Thanks for the info. and yes, I posted in your other thread. No problem. I have the cento 3. I like it a lot, great blade profile, thin blade stock so it's a great slicer. It's very light and carries well, but the handle is just a bit longer than the D4 and for general edc use I fell more comfortable w/ the Delica. Although, those who have used the cento knives hard report that they hold up well. The cento 4 looks good too.

FlaMtnBkr said:
It's a flipper but you can't go wrong with a RAM. Very cool knife and will get very sharp.
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I'll check it out, thanks.

PG5768 said:
Okay I broke down ;), here are pics of my Miitary and Tyrade, both in Orange G-10, for comparison.
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Thanks, you take great pics. How does the Tyrade carry in the pocket? One of the things I like about the Military is that it carries like a much smaller knife.

Flashpoint said:
Hold off a bit and get a Speedform when they come out.
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Never heard of it, but I'll look it up, thanks.

nevermind35 said:
I really think you'd like the blur. Try it with the AO spring in and if you just cannot warm up to it then pull it out. Right now is a great time to pick one up with so many different steel choices... s30v, cpm 154, zdp-189! Shoot I think I just talked myself into another one to compliment my s60v;)
Click to expand...

It's a good looking knife. I'll certainly consider it. Thanks.
 
My first thought was the Speedform (if you're willing to wait).

Other suggestions are the RAM and ZT0500 MUDD. Both feature the unique Hawk Lock. While technically a flipper, the RAM also has thumbstuds and is not assisted (though it can open as fast as an AO if you want it to). The MUDD is a tough, solid, knife with very smooth opening and sealed mechanism.
 
cgmblade said:
Thanks, you take great pics. How does the Tyrade carry in the pocket? One of the things I like about the Military is that it carries like a much smaller knife.
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Carried the Tyrade to work today. Left front pocket of my Levis. It carries well for a knife of its size. The main thing I noticed was the flipper when reaching in to my pocket. Otherwise, walking, sitting or driving it was un-noticeable. Had to pat my pocket to make sure it was there. ;)

Carried the Mille this evening out shopping on a trip to Costco and Raleys. It feels thinner in the pocket than the Tyrade, but not by a whole bunch. No flipper to get in the way, but the end of the handle near the pivot is noticeable when reaching in to the pocket. Same situation with the Millie walking, sitting and driving, didn't notice it was there.

I think they both carry very well for such large knives, with the edge going slightly to the Millie. Now if I could get a Millie with a flipper, then it'd be a tie. :D

BTW, thanks for the compliment on the pics. I'm trying, but still have a long way to go.
 
PG5768 said:
I think they both carry very well for such large knives, with the edge going slightly to the Millie. Now if I could get a Millie with a flipper, then it'd be a tie. :D

BTW, thanks for the compliment on the pics. I'm trying, but still have a long way to go.
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Thanks for the info. I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out which to get.

On the Photography; do you use a light box?
 
cgmblade said:
Thanks for the info. I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out which to get.

On the Photography; do you use a light box?
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I don't own a RAM or 0500, but they might be more to your tastes if the spring assist is out of consideration. Plus, I hear the Hawk Lock is very nice. Otherwise, a G-10 Tyrade before they disappear, since they were limited runs.

On the photography, I should use a light box, but I just use a fluorescent desk light, with an old jacket for a background.
 
My picks:

Speedform.

The Ram can be used as a thumb-stud opener. Very fun knife.

I've carried a blur for a couple years now--right now have one in each pocket--Orange and OD Green. Truly an EDC knife.
 
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Have you looked at the kershaw ram. I know it is a flipper but it has thumbstuds and it is one smooth opening knife and feels good in the hand. Oh yeah and I really like the blade shape.
 
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