Joshua J: It is hard to tell from your pics which is bigger the Volt or the Military. In some pics the handles look to be about the same length but then in others the Military looks like it is an inch or more longer. Do you happen to know how much longer the Military is?
I always thought the Military was way too big the couple times I have handled them so I hope the Volt isn't that big. My ideal size is a handle length right about 4 3/4". I'm also not a huge fan of frame/liner locks so I passed on the blems since they were almost as expensive as the regular ones and they don't have a warranty. I do have one on the way to me so hopefully it is as good as it looks. I wish someone would do some cutting tests so we could get an idea of how well the M390 steel holds an edge since it is being called a 'super steel' by some.
There are quite a few new steels hitting the market and I would like to know how this one stacks up. The Sleipner steel in the Lionsteel SR-1 has really impressed me and so far is right up there with M4, ZDP, and S90V as far as how easy it takes an edge and how well it holds it.
Hi FlaMtnBkr -
I used my Volt on a piece of wood to carve a sharp end on it for one of my granddaughters - and I had to "hack" a knot smooth.
I recently did this with an 01 steel blade and it put small dings in the edge, but after about two minutes of carving and small chopping strokes, the edge on my Volt is untouched. I can still easily shave hair from my arm - the edge came very sharp from Kershaw.
Since mine is a blem (although the blem is nearly invisible), I will be using it like any other knife I would carry.
I have worked the Volt open and closed a lot to try to break in the lock bar - it was sticky as all get-out, and my thumb was very sore from the lock bar, I had to switch hands and pry it loose a few times when the bar stuck badly.
However, after cycling it several hundred times (estimated), the lock is now getting smooth and the flipping action is very smooth. The lock is not as smooth as my Acies yet, but I expect it will be with a little more wear.
I do like the machine work on the scales - I have not dropped the knife, which I have done with my Acies several times. I prefer the feel of the Acies, it just feels great in the hand, but the Volt does not slip out of my hands.
I cannot believe that the clip is so sharp on the edges with such squared off corners. It holds the knife in your pocket very well - I have not had one problem with the clip and the knife is very nicely tucked into pocket, but that sharp leading edge and corners of the clip bother me. I will want to tame that down like Joshua did when I get the courage to go at it with my dremel.
Just like the Acies, the cut-out at the leading edge of the lock bar has a sharp-edge where your index finger rests in a normal grip - and although I have not done any extended cutting with either knife, I know that it will be uncomfortable and the knife would be improved if Kershaw would put a slight bevel on that edge. I did not notice this on my Acies until Tony8179 mentioned it, but it was one of the first things I looked at on the Volt.
I REALLY like my Volt, and like someone mentioned here, I also had to pick one up for a friend at work who loved the design as much as I do.
To close, I notice that A G Russell has them on his web site, but they list the steel as a M390 spine and a CPM D2 cutting edge, where I thought the reverse is true. I am not expert in steels, but I believe the darker colored steel is the D2.
best regards -
mqqn
