Is the Kershaw Chill any good?

C

Corgidog

Joined
Oct 17, 2015
Messages
4
I've been thinking of getting a blade to replace my box cutter as a EDC. The Chill seems to fit the bill. I like the sleek looks and the steel seems OK too. The lightness is also appealing.

Do you guys think it's any good for light EDC tasks? What other knives in the sub $25 range are there that are decent.

Feel free to post pictures of your Chill!

Thank you.
20120924_140803_zps79f8629f.jpg
 
I had a Chill that I gave to a coworker who was always asking to use my knife. It is a good knife for the $20-21 I paid for it. It felt a little small to me, and I ended up not carrying it as much as I thought I would, but it gets really sharp and flips great.
 
Honestly, for not much more, you can get a Strobe or Nura. The chill was the killer budget EDC years ago, but it's been kinda displaced.

The Cold Steel Tuff Lite is less visually appealing than all aforementioned knives, but is leagues ahead in utility cutting performance. Also see the Kershaw Echelon, Spyderco Tenacious, Lansky Responder / X9, and the Ontario Utilitac for other high-quality economical budget utility-oriented knives (all can be found for under $35).
 
FYI: There is a great deal for the OSO Sweet at Grab-a-Gun, shipped for around $21. AUS6a steel, but flips like a much more expensive knife good FF too!
 
I've purchased and given away 5 or 6 Chills and have even carried one for a couple months as I think they are a very nice EDC for the money ($15.00). I really like it's light weight (2.2 oz) for it's blade length, but never really warmed up to flipping a knife open. I found the best lightweight EDC for me was the FRN Byrd Cara Cara as I prefer the spydie hole over all other forms of blade deployment. If that is more blade than you need (coming from a box cutter), you might want to check out it's smaller sibling, the Byrd Meadowlark. Both are available for under $20.00.
 
I think the Chill is a nice little knife. It's slim, light, and very functional. For the $20 or so that it costs, it's a great value.

At around that price, there's also the Kershaw Volt II, Volt SS, and Zing SS (all also RJ Martin designs). Similar in size and specs is the OSO Sweet. All those are assisted-opening flippers. I haven't tried the two SS models mentioned, but the Volt II and OSO Sweet are both pretty nice, although they are a bit thicker than the Chill. I haven't tried with the OSO Sweet, but the Volt II can be de-assisted if you prefer manual opening.

The Spyderco Byrd knives are decent as well. The Cara Cara is similar in size to the Endura, and the Meadowlark closer to a Delica. Despite some similarities in their designs (size, handle materials, lock type, general shape, etc.), there is a pretty different feel between the Byrds and the Delica/Endura.

The KaBar Dozier Folding Hunter is another option. I keep one of these in my work bag to serve as a loaner / beater. It's been abused somewhat, but it has held up well.
 
I like them. I have two and my son has one. I made some thicker scales for mine which make it more comfortable on my hand. They are in my EDC rotation. Great for the price.

Ric
 
Great knife for the price, super light and can take some abuse...
I did a scale job on one and gave it to my buddy who is in construction... yes, also used as a screwdriver :rolleyes:
After a few months, still no blade play and a good lock up.
Easy to sharpen and hold an edge, and does'nt chip as much as a Tenacious.

qy8htd.jpg

n4uqag.jpg
 
A very good little flipper; at that price, I'd also take a look at the CRKT Drifter and Cold Steel Tuff Lite.
 
I'm actually thinking of getting a mini Tuff Lite along with the Chill, that way I get free shipping and I could have a back up blade as a beater.;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top