I'm done with speed-safe

Another argument for the Speed Safe Kershaw Onions:

If the Torsion Bar Breaks, you can still open the knife manually and use the knife like any other. But if the Axis Lock on a BM breaks, the knife can't be used safely at all.

Jeremy
 
Only the Scallions and Chives are 420 steel, all the other onions are 440A or better.

The base Leeks are still that *&*#$$% lousy 420 steel actually. The one I bought over the weekend was anyway. The ads at places like knifecenter still call it 420. Joe
 
Just wanted to throw out that out my three AOs, only one broke...I think it was defective, as it broke in like two weeks.

That said, it works totally fine as a manual and doesn't bother me at all. Better yet, it broke while being CLOSED, so if I really needed it, I theorize that the AO would work before it broke--that is to say, it wouldn't break on the draw, only when I'm done with it.
 
I only have one assisted opener and I've had it a year or two. A SOG Flash. Last night, I took out the spring and I like it much better without the assist.

I don't see myself purchasing another assisted opener.

Phil
 
Mastiff, the website was wrong.

Check out the Kershaw site (for what it's worth), or their printed catalog and you will see that all the other KO designs are 440A or better. There are a couple of S30V Leeks, a ZDP Leek:cool: , and the rest are 440A. Thomas W, can you confirm???

Jeremy
 
The blade steel on it and my Leek and Chive is beyond horrible, not to mention the flimsy construction. I've come to the conclusion that Kershaw is making ridiculously overpriced, poorly made knives for people who don't know any better. In my opinion, they are making probably the worst knives for the money on the market

moonwilson, a couple of thoughts,

To respond to your criticism (which I find odd coming from an artist), we only utilize 420HC on our Chives and Scallions.
The steel is heat treated with great care and is very serviceable for most folks. It is straightforward when manufacturing, is affordable for most, and stays quite pretty. Corrosion is a much bigger issue with warranty and with the masses than edge retention (surprisingly enough). IMO it will always be that way.

We also operate with 440A, this is true. Again, practical for the masses, affordable, undemanding in production, and it also stays quite pretty. We are more moving toward the Sandvik steels, and I think you will find we will be eliminating all 440A in 2007. I'm not sure if these Swedish steels meet with your standards, but thought I would bring you up to speed.

We also use the following performance steels as well; S30V, 3V, ZDP-189, AUS8, D2, Clad VG10. No doubt you are familiar with these, as they seem more suited for your needs.

I won't go into our successes concerning the movement of "volume" USA made cutlery, just know we continue to try and improve each and everyday.

Now I certainly wouldn't want to jump your case just because you're more of a BM/Spyderco guy, but if you honestly believe what you wrote, I do have to question your level of understanding quality cutlery. Just do a quick Kershaw search and I think you will find you are a big minority with your negative Kershaw opinions. I know the gifted Ken Onion would not agree with your assessment. Men like Ken don't invest their time and efforts into making the "worst knives on the market". Ken is man of tremendous character that happens to also be very talented. He has an impeccable reputation, and is thought of very highly industry wide. It would not be fitting of him or us, to be "making ridiculously overpriced, poorly made knives for people who don't know any better". Just something to think about.

I'm not exactly sure what you were trying to accomplish with your post, but I would look to try and be more conscious with your words prior to submitting your future replies. One might tend to think you have a lack of respect for those that are trying diligently to bring you both the knives for today, and even better ones for tomorrow.

Maybe someday we will have a knife that is just right for you moonwilson, I sure hope we will.

edited for spelling
 
:thumbup: Clap, Clap, Clap!:thumbup:

That is why I love Kershaw! When was the last time anyone from Spyderco or Benchmade stood up for their products? Do they even have a Rep that cares enough about their Knives to post on these forums? If so, no offense, but Kershaw has completely ruined me for other knife companies. I feel like an adulterer when I hold a BM or Spyderco. A little melodrama anyone?:jerkit:

I think some of us might be a little spoiled by the service that Thomas W and the Kershaw family provide us.:o

I know I will continue my regular "donations" to KAI/Kershaw USA, and hope ya'll do the same!

Thanks for the passion and enthusiasm Thomas!

Jeremy
 
nygiantsfan3342 said:
:thumbup: Clap, Clap, Clap!:thumbup:
When was the last time anyone from Spyderco or Benchmade stood up for their products? Do they even have a Rep that cares enough about their Knives to post on these forums?
Spyderco's founder and owner, Sal Glesser, posts here almost daily with the same enthusiasm and respect for buyers and knives and has defended his product respectfully many times over since long before Thomas of Kershaw was even an active member here. No disrespect meant towards Thomas. I also appreciate him and what Kershaw have done lately very much. I'm sure Thomas, who knows and respects Sal and Spyderco, would agree with me here. Just and FYI.
 
My bad. I have seen Sal Glesser's posts, but didn't realize who he was. Apologies Sal...

I actually like Spyderco, but don't feel the same excitement as I do for Kershaw. I just like AO knives, and Kershaw has the best ones!
 
NYG Fan, Thanks for the Update. I'll mention it to the K.C. tomorrow and see about getting them updated.

I'm curious about one thing though. What's coming out in 3V? Are they going to change the outcast to the more appropriate ( for chopping) steel or is it a different project.

We do need a Kershaw Forum. Joe.
 
I'm sure Thomas, who knows and respects Sal and Spyderco, would agree with me here.
J8, of course Kershaw and Spyderco have a very strong relationship. I have in fact even worked for Sal in the past. Sal and I talked at length at the Blade show this year, in particular I asked him for advice on communicating within the forums. Of course he gave me some marvelous advice, which has indeed has helped me greatly.
Sal was really the first one to take an active role with direct communication, and has done a brilliant job in creating a direct link with his customers.

Mastiff, we are contemplating a 1095 version of the Outcast, thoughts?

Now you all get over to the ZDP Cyclone thread, and give me some feedback already.
 
Mastiff, we are contemplating a 1095 version of the Outcast, thoughts?

To keep it affordable, with the performance that steel is capable of I'd say it was a good choice. I love 1095. I was thinking the shock resistance of 3V would help but that would probably put it's price up out of reach.

I'd figured a change was coming. You could even go down to 1050 with a good heat treat and have a very satisfactory product. If it was my project I'd go with the best price on the best quality on 1070- 1080 ish steel with a dependable supplier and not look back. A very good coating will be really important of course.

1095 is of course great, but almost too high carbon for a chopper. It'll do almost any job asked of it with the right heat treatment, of course. My opinion anyhow. Regards, Joe
 
Thomas W said:
AM, our new Cyclone's have the ability, with a flip of a switch, to turn SpeedSafe on/off. You want manual, np, you want an AO, just turn it on. Couple of sizes, USA made, 13C26, street values in the $50-$60 range.:thumbup:


That's a terrific idea Tom! Tom, you do an admirable job of representing Kershaw as a top-class manufacturer. Rock on!
 
Why not A2 for the Outcast. And please offer it without a coating on the blade! People used tool steel knives for years without them. You still have to care for the knife to keep the edge from rusting. 1095 would be nice too.
Jason
 
jasonwilldermood said:
Why not A2 for the Outcast. And please offer it without a coating on the blade! People used tool steel knives for years without them. You still have to care for the knife to keep the edge from rusting. 1095 would be nice too.
Jason

That might be good for knife knuts, but as Thomas indicated before, the general knife buying public prefers knives to stay shiny.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
nygiantsfan3342 said:
But it is still a matter of preference. Ford vs. Chevy, BM vs. Spyderco vs. Kershaw, etc...

I have several BM and Spyderco from the big, beefy Manix and Skirmish to the more diminutive 921 and Jess Horn ZDP. I recently bought a Kershaw Cyclone with the sandvik steel and this guy is great! Fantastic ergos, a slim fit, and it holds a good edge. It went on a sea kayak trip with me a couple of weeks ago in the Apostle Islands.

While I've had some minor corrosive spotting after getting the blade soaked in sweaty shorts, :o it always polished right out. During the kayak trip it stayed in my pfd and got plenty wet. No problems at all with spotting from fresh water. The pivot got a little crusty from sand but it rinsed out easily and was back up to speed.

It's only been a EDC for about a month now but my opinion is that it feels like a much more expensive folder. The Leeks, Chives, etc., never fit my hand well but the Cyclone has really changed my opinion about Kershaw. :thumbup:

Good luck!
 
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