How is the Kershaw vapor

S

Sinkolen

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Aug 15, 2006
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I'm thinking about getting one (kershaw vapor, smaller one), can anyone tell me their experiences with it?
 
I have had a Vapor II for 3 years now and have carried it pretty much every day, I have had no problems with it and have been very pleased.
 
It is a nice knife for the money. The thumbstuds are a little pokey, and the ball baring detent is harder to overcome than most frame/liner locks, so it is a little harder to open than most.

Also look at the Buck Mayo Hilo and Cutback. They are similar and, IMO, superior.
 
hows the AUS6 blade? I'm not too familiar with that type of steel (or very man others actually). For instance, how does it compare to 420HC (or any other steel).
 
It is better than 420J2, but I have found properly heat treated 420HC (such as Buck's) to hold an edge better than my Vapor (I didn't know what steel the Vapor was- assumed it was 440A).

That said, my Vapor holds an edge pretty well. It sure isn't a super steel, but it doesn't need a touch-up before the work day is over.

The Buck Mayo Cutback is made of 440C heat treated in China, which I rate as about the same or slightly lower than Buck's Bos 420HC.
 
It's a higher grade steel, some type of Sandvik steel. I don't like the cutting edge shape on the Storm as much, though the handle is much more ergonomic. You'd experience superior edge holding capabilities with it.
 
Good knife, IMHO. Cheaply priced too (I believe I paid approx $27).

kershawstorm002b.jpg
 
the vapors not bad but for a little more the kershaw storm 2 kicks it's butt. I like the kershaw steel much better than the gerber and of course the kershaw is made in the states versus the gerber which is made overseas. I've had both and the kershaw worked much better for me. You might want to look at one of the dozier folders made by kabar, about $20 and have aus 8 blade steel, really good knives for very little money. later,ahgar
 
Just to give a different opinion, I thing the Vapor is pretty good and hate the Storm. I think it looks and feels horrible. Those are very subjective things, though. But I find the Vapor design to be a lot better looking and to feel better in-hand.
 
The appearance and blade shape are superior on the Vapor IMO, but it's too small and thin to be real comfortable for heavier usage to me.

I'm gonna go to Walmart tomorrow and handle them both again. Maybe I'll pick up a Vapor to torture test. I've been avoiding liner and frame locks like the plague, so it'd be a change of pace for me.
 
ahgar said:
the vapors not bad but for a little more the kershaw storm 2 kicks it's butt. I like the kershaw steel much better than the gerber and of course the kershaw is made in the states versus the gerber which is made overseas. I've had both and the kershaw worked much better for me. You might want to look at one of the dozier folders made by kabar, about $20 and have aus 8 blade steel, really good knives for very little money. later,ahgar
Click to expand...

Since when did Gerber start making the Kershaw Vapor?:D

Regards,
3G

P.S. I'd say get the Storm (or Storm II) over the Vapor.
 
ahgar said:
the vapors not bad but for a little more the kershaw storm 2 kicks it's butt. I like the kershaw steel much better than the gerber and of course the kershaw is made in the states versus the gerber which is made overseas. I've had both and the kershaw worked much better for me. You might want to look at one of the dozier folders made by kabar, about $20 and have aus 8 blade steel, really good knives for very little money. later,ahgar
Click to expand...


What gerber knife are you talking about? I don't know if gerber makes a vapor, but I was talking about the kershaw. Thanks for the tip about the kabar.
 
I have the smaller Vapor in combo edge and find it very useful and has a solid feel. The look of it with the full coating is nice but I am not too impressed with its rust resistance. I never take it fishing and do not carry it much but there are few minor rust spots on it. Owned it about a year and I suspect the rust is from water splashing on it above my kitchen sink. Had it on my window ledge for a few weeks. Serrations are very sharp but being pointy not as strong as a shallower serration. Good carry knife for someone with not so big hands.
 
The vapor makes a pretty good beater knife. I have a friend who is a mechanic and has pout the knife through hell, including light prying. The words frame-locky goodness come to mind. For the price its a fairly good knife. My only gripe on it is that the knife needs constant sharpening, And the screws that hold it together are a pain to reassemble once youve cleaned it. But at the 27 dollar pric eof it its a good deal. :D
 
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