I got a new Kershaw Fraxion today...

[OzarkJoe]

Like the title says. I got a new knife today. A Kershaw Fraxion. My initial impression is pretty positive. This is my first knife with the KVT ball bearing pivot and it fires out like a rocket. It's a small, light knife so if you have big hands you might not like it but for what it is, it does well.

It arrived sharp, it's centered nicely and the lock is rock solid. The blade is just a bit under 3 inches so it's legal in most places in the US. The clip isn't really a deep pocket carry, there's a bit of the handle sticking out but it seems secure. It's a manual flipper so there's no spring to wear out. I will definitely be buying another Kershaw with the KVT bearing system. I'm hooked.

 

[Lapedog]

Glad you like your new knife. KAI definitely knows what it is doing when it comes to bearing flippers.

 

[rje58]

I was just wondering, OzarkJoe - how do you feel about the Fraxion, four months in? Thanks in advance for the update!

 

[Fire Beard]

I’m curious about this as well. I tend to avoid Kershaw’s Chinese line, but for $30 this looks too good to pass up. I ordered one this evening.

 

[SW-EDC]

Thats a good looking knife. Might pick one up.

 

[`br4dz-]

Best Kershaw there is IMO. Only Kershaw that I've bought and still own as well. Blade shape is wonderful, handle feels nice (to me, ymmv), light and compact, NO SPRING ASSIST, and flies open and locks up perfectly every time.

 

[Fire Beard]

Thats a good looking knife. Might pick one up.

I was just wondering, OzarkJoe - how do you feel about the Fraxion, four months in? Thanks in advance for the update!

I know you weren’t asking me this question, but since mine came in today, and for anyone else interested, I’ll say this: this knife is super light (under 2 ounces!), perfectly centered, flips like a maniac, locks up tight (zero blade play) and came razor sharp. For a $30 Chinese Kershaw I’m very pleased with it. I’m more of a traditional knife guy, but also EDC a Ti Viper Odino and have had multiple higher end knives, from Spydercos to CRK Sebenzas. I’m only mentioning that to say I’m not new to this game. While the Fraxion isn’t in the same category as those aforementioned, it more than holds its own in the budget category. I’ll be using this as a beater and I’m thinking it’ll handle any and all EDC tasks easily. 8Cr13MoV may not hold an edge like some of the better steels, but it’s easy to sharpen and takes one hell of an edge. And it’s a good looking knife to boot. I’m pleased with this one and think you would be, too.

 

[SW-EDC]

Thanks man

 

[Rich S]

I also have a Fraxion. Good knife. As mentioned above, flipper is smooth and fast, blade center, no blade play any direction.
Blade quite sharp out of the box, passed the phone book paper test with no problems; cut the entire length with ease and no drag. My only concern is lack of a metal liner. IMHO adding a light weight metal liner as on the Chill or Skyline would strengthen the knife without adding significant weight. For me it is a light, general light usage knife much like a medium size stockman clip blade. It is a bit short for my average hands, open the handle doesn't quite cross my palm. To me it's not a heavy use folder. Makes a good light weight, light general use knife; definitely not a heavy duty folder. Good knife overall. Not effecting use, but has anyone noted that if you slightly tilt the knife, the handle is like a hologram with different 3D views depending on the direction you look at it - Neat! Kershaw makes a good knife; I have several. This and the Oso-Sweet are my favorites.
Rich

 

[grownstar]

Have y'all seen the newer release with the blue G-10? Looks pretty awesome

 

[Fire Beard]

I also have a Fraxion. Good knife. As mentioned above, flipper is smooth and fast, blade center, no blade play any direction.
Blade quite sharp out of the box, passed the phone book paper test with no problems; cut the entire length with ease and no drag. My only concern is lack of a metal liner. IMHO adding a light weight metal liner as on the Chill or Skyline would strengthen the knife without adding significant weight. For me it is a light, general light usage knife much like a medium size stockman clip blade. It is a bit short for my average hands, open the handle doesn't quite cross my palm. To me it's not a heavy use folder. Makes a good light weight, light general use knife; definitely not a heavy duty folder. Good knife overall. Not effecting use, but has anyone noted that if you slightly tilt the knife, the handle is like a hologram with different 3D views depending on the direction you look at it - Neat! Kershaw makes a good knife; I have several. This and the Oso-Sweet are my favorites.
Rich

I agree with your points. But one of the more attractive features on this one is the weight. A steel liner would add significant weight, even if it had cut-outs in the liners. I’ll also say that the CF on this is so thin it almost looks like a sticker. BUT again, $30. Sweet blade for the price.

Have y'all seen the newer release with the blue G-10? Looks pretty awesome

I agree. I like this one enough (along with the price) that I’m considering the blue one.

 

[Rich S]

Fire Beard -

I respectfully disagree about the added weight, just one thin liner opposite the liner lock such as on the Chill would add an insignificant weight to the knife and make it stronger. I'm just concerned about the long term durability of that thin G10 scale opposite the linerlock.

Also what is the CF? Not familiar with that abbreviation.
I'm overall very pleased with the Fraxion.
Rich

 

[jill jackson]

Carbon fiber.

 

[Cvrobinson]

CF is an essential part of any balanced knife diet. Minimum recommended requirements are at least one every three months for proper health. Thanks all for the info, for the $ sounds like a solid light user.

 

[Rich S]

Cvrobinson -

I've been exceeding the MRR by a significant amount. Hope it doesn't harm my health. I know it is quite harmful to my bank account :-0

Jill - Thanks for enlightening me on the abbrev. CF.
Rich

 

[Cvrobinson]

Cvrobinson -

I've been exceeding the MRR by a significant amount. Hope it doesn't harm my health. I know it is quite harmful to my bank account :-0

Jill - Thanks for enlightening me on the abbrev. CF.
Rich

You just need to keep a balanced diet, that's the main thing. With so many choices it's unhealthy to snack on one thing only.

 

[Fire Beard]

This thread doesn’t have a lot of action, but I’m going to update it anyways. I’ve put my Fraxion through some paces via cardboard boxes and some yard work and I have to say, it’s great. For a $30 Chinese knife it’s amazing. For an edc it’s really good. Super solid lockup (still) and the heat treat must be pretty good because the edge has held up very well for general tasks. The ergos are not great for harder use as there are a few hot spots. But that’s an easy fix with some sandpaper. Just ordered the Benchmade mini crooked river so this’ll remain a beater but not an edc. But for anyone interested you should go for it. It’s not the next big thing and it doesn’t get a lot of love on the forums, but it kicks ass for what it is. And it runs on KVT bearings (not assisted) which Kershaw should do more of on their budget line. I hope my enthusiasm for this one inspires more people to check it out, because it’s a fantastic blade with several color options. A no-brainer for the price.