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Kershaw and Gerber both suck?
- Thread starter southbeachlaw
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Before I got into knives I bought a Kershaw Ace at Walmart for about $10. It has served me well for very light tasks. I am a bit of a "steel snob" now and also carry a Lone Wolf T-1 (154CM).
I can't think of anything bad to say about the Kershaw, it is great for what it was meant to be.
I can't think of anything bad to say about the Kershaw, it is great for what it was meant to be.
My experience with Gerber is not good, and when going, and buying Kershaws at Walmart you are getting the cheapest knife, geared towards a user who has no idea about knives(really who goes to Walmart for knives). But many of the other Kershaws are great! My experience with the JYD2 are awesome, and I won it here from Thomas W., amny other great Kershaws are yet to come, they have more sprint runs with special materials than any other knife company I am aware of, and they are one of the absolute best at giving you the most knife for you money. the 25$ Chive at Walmart is a hellova lot more knife than the fake stag handled chinese knockoff next to it with the same pricetag. Absolutely the best prices in the world of knives.
Gerber sucks, yes. They probably make one or two models that I would consider looking at if the company weren't just a marketing ploy.
Kershaw on the other hand makes good products all around, their manufacturing quality is second to none. Not everything is made of tip top materials like Spyderco and Benchmade generally are, but for what they charge you can't beat their offerings.
Kershaw on the other hand makes good products all around, their manufacturing quality is second to none. Not everything is made of tip top materials like Spyderco and Benchmade generally are, but for what they charge you can't beat their offerings.
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Gerber still makes a few goodies, but most don't interest me. My wife's Chive, like my Scallion, Leeks, and Blurs - were made here and work quite well. They are easily sharpened, too - which won't be as critical with their newer blade metal (7/07 and later).
I've had folks tell me how bad Bucks are as well. Generally, they have a Benchmade... sort of snob apeal, I suppose. I own more Bucks than anything else - especially the 110 Folding Hunter - America's 'Best Buy' in a folder - and made here, too. Most of the time such opinions/ratings are made by folks who have never owned an example of their detested brand - take that with a grain of salt. And, yes, I have a Benchmade... but a Buck or Kershaw see's much more tote time, that's for sure! I haven't seen my last Gerber in a while...
My wife's pocket companion is a rainbow Chive - and it has held up extremely well, as has it's finish, despite bouncing around with her keys, etc, for years.
Stainz
I've had folks tell me how bad Bucks are as well. Generally, they have a Benchmade... sort of snob apeal, I suppose. I own more Bucks than anything else - especially the 110 Folding Hunter - America's 'Best Buy' in a folder - and made here, too. Most of the time such opinions/ratings are made by folks who have never owned an example of their detested brand - take that with a grain of salt. And, yes, I have a Benchmade... but a Buck or Kershaw see's much more tote time, that's for sure! I haven't seen my last Gerber in a while...
My wife's pocket companion is a rainbow Chive - and it has held up extremely well, as has it's finish, despite bouncing around with her keys, etc, for years.
Stainz
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- Feb 2, 2005
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- 4,272
If you like some of the Kershaw designs, try them out and see how they feel to you. They have a wide selection of knives made from high end materials that should work fine for you.
If you're looking for a more traditional folder, Buck's 500 series folders are single blade lockbacks that are slim and light, USA made, and still work very well in an office environment.
A G Russell also has a titanium and VG10 lockback on their web site that is right at 2" blade length. That shouldn't scare anyone, and VG10 is one of the best stainless steels available for folders.
If you're looking for a more traditional folder, Buck's 500 series folders are single blade lockbacks that are slim and light, USA made, and still work very well in an office environment.
A G Russell also has a titanium and VG10 lockback on their web site that is right at 2" blade length. That shouldn't scare anyone, and VG10 is one of the best stainless steels available for folders.
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
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- 3,817
Usually you are getting, what you paid for. Few years ago I bought two Gerber knives, cheap steel, knives got dull very soon, but I didn't know any better.
Few years ago Kershaw was using 440A a lot, not anymore, may in couple models. To the best of my knowledge, most of Kershaw knives made in US (some of them are using Sweden or Japanese steel, which is OK for me). If you want good Kershaw knife, than not a probem, just spend about $70-80 and get Blur with S30V or SG2, S30V Leek (or many other models) and you will be all set for many years of cutting.
Now days Kershaw is making many very good, high end knives, using top of the line materials.
just my personal opinion. By the way I am Spyderco man, but I handled few Kershaws and was impressed. I own Kershaw Blur SG2.
Few years ago Kershaw was using 440A a lot, not anymore, may in couple models. To the best of my knowledge, most of Kershaw knives made in US (some of them are using Sweden or Japanese steel, which is OK for me). If you want good Kershaw knife, than not a probem, just spend about $70-80 and get Blur with S30V or SG2, S30V Leek (or many other models) and you will be all set for many years of cutting.
Now days Kershaw is making many very good, high end knives, using top of the line materials.
just my personal opinion. By the way I am Spyderco man, but I handled few Kershaws and was impressed. I own Kershaw Blur SG2.
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- May 28, 2007
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- 78
Thanks for all the replies...appreciate every one of them. Like I said, I'm new to knives.Don't know what it is....can't explain it...my wife thinks I have enough knives and I only just got started. She asks why do you need more than a 2 or 3? I say, for the same reason you have so many shoes and purses....5 in every color...
Like everything when you start, there is a very steep learning curve. If you check the forums you WILL find a few posts saying Kershaw knives have gone down in quality and thus my thread started. I'm not saying I agree with this, because, heck, I don't know crap. I have nothing to compare it to. But was only asking....I know there is a bias for everything in life...including knives. However, since I don't know squat, have to ask....even dumb questions.
I think I definetly took a step up getting my first kershaw from the Gerber fastdraw (my first knife). The gerber did what it was supposed to do, cut what i wanted, but the edge didn't keep that well. It is the only knife I've tried to sharpen out of my small growing collection until I learn to do it right. I scratched the hell out of the blade..now it's a "frankenknife". I'll use it to cut stuff that I think my mar my kershaw....
Like I said, I'm as green as they come, buy in my humble no nothing opinion, the construction quality was better, tighter, and damn the blade on both my kershaws came razor sharp. Word to the wise, if you buy a kershaw chive in polished stainless....it is slippery if you try to close it with one hand...nicked myself once as it slipped.
Last question...what is the easiest and best sharpening system...I hear the lansky..then I hear free handing it....anyone have a suggestion for a newbie?
I thank you gentlemen for your input based on your wisdom and experience...learn more everyday as I read through the endless forum. Having a great deal of fun with my new hobby!
Respectfully,
Nick
Like everything when you start, there is a very steep learning curve. If you check the forums you WILL find a few posts saying Kershaw knives have gone down in quality and thus my thread started. I'm not saying I agree with this, because, heck, I don't know crap. I have nothing to compare it to. But was only asking....I know there is a bias for everything in life...including knives. However, since I don't know squat, have to ask....even dumb questions.
I think I definetly took a step up getting my first kershaw from the Gerber fastdraw (my first knife). The gerber did what it was supposed to do, cut what i wanted, but the edge didn't keep that well. It is the only knife I've tried to sharpen out of my small growing collection until I learn to do it right. I scratched the hell out of the blade..now it's a "frankenknife". I'll use it to cut stuff that I think my mar my kershaw....
Like I said, I'm as green as they come, buy in my humble no nothing opinion, the construction quality was better, tighter, and damn the blade on both my kershaws came razor sharp. Word to the wise, if you buy a kershaw chive in polished stainless....it is slippery if you try to close it with one hand...nicked myself once as it slipped.
Last question...what is the easiest and best sharpening system...I hear the lansky..then I hear free handing it....anyone have a suggestion for a newbie?
I thank you gentlemen for your input based on your wisdom and experience...learn more everyday as I read through the endless forum. Having a great deal of fun with my new hobby!
Respectfully,
Nick
Almost every company has foreign made blades. However, Kershaw makes most in the US, and they are HIGH QUALITY. No its not super steel, but most folks won't need it anyway. Buck, Kershaw and Leatherman have been doing 420HC very well for many years. It takes a good edge, keeps it long enough, and is REAL easy to touch up. People drive themselves nuts over premium steels, including myself.
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- May 28, 2007
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- 78
Thanks for all the replies...appreciate every one of them. Like I said, I'm new to knives. Like everything when you start, there is a very steep learning curve. If you check the forums you WILL find a few posts saying Kershaw knives have gone down in quality and thus my thread started.
I think I definetly took a step up getting my first kershaw from the Gerber fastdraw. The gerber did what it was supposed to do, cut what i wanted, but the edge didn't keep that well. It is the only knife I've tried to sharpen out of my small growing collection until I learn to do it right. I scratched the hell out of the blade..now it's a "frankenknife". I'll use it to cut stuff that I think my mar my kershaw....
Like I said, I'm as green as they come, buy in my humble no nothing opinion, the construction quality was better, tighter, and damn the blade on both my kershaws came razor sharp. Word to the wise, if you buy a kershaw chive in polished stainless....it is slippery if you try to close it with one hand...nicked myself once as it slipped.
I thank you gentlemen for your input based on your wisdom and experience...learn more everyday as I read through the endless forum.
Respectfully,
Nick
I think I definetly took a step up getting my first kershaw from the Gerber fastdraw. The gerber did what it was supposed to do, cut what i wanted, but the edge didn't keep that well. It is the only knife I've tried to sharpen out of my small growing collection until I learn to do it right. I scratched the hell out of the blade..now it's a "frankenknife". I'll use it to cut stuff that I think my mar my kershaw....
Like I said, I'm as green as they come, buy in my humble no nothing opinion, the construction quality was better, tighter, and damn the blade on both my kershaws came razor sharp. Word to the wise, if you buy a kershaw chive in polished stainless....it is slippery if you try to close it with one hand...nicked myself once as it slipped.
I thank you gentlemen for your input based on your wisdom and experience...learn more everyday as I read through the endless forum.
Respectfully,
Nick
like you said, you are new to knives and dont believe all you read. where did you read this article? i beg to differ on kershaw and gerber knives sucking. i have sharpened probably more kershaw and gerber knives in all my years of sharpening than you will see in your lifetime and the owners say they just love them. i have a kershaw needs work that was shaving sharp out of the box. i had to put my finishing touch on the edge and now its scarry sharp.
I do not think that is the case anymore with the Leeks. From the Kershaw website it looks like the new Leeks are S30V or 13C26.
I EDC a Kershaw Vapor and for under $20 new it is pretty nice. I bought it to tide me over until I found something in a higher price range that I liked. I haven't found anything yet that jumps out at me as being much better for the money.
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If you are absolutely new to sharpening, I'd suggest starting with something like Spyderco's Sharpmaker. It's a fairly rigid system that asks you to keep the knife level and straight and the Sharpmaker will do the rest. It has some drawbacks, but it should work fine for the Kershaw and the Gerber will be a good learning experience.
There is also a pretty good DVD that comes with the Sharpmaker. I'd watch that a couple of times and then practice on your "frankenknife" before you work on the Kershaw.
You may also want to start learning to sharpen freehand. That seems to me to be the most versatile way to sharpen if you're good at it. I hear it takes a while to get that skill down, however. The Sharpmaker wil get you going faster.
There is also a pretty good DVD that comes with the Sharpmaker. I'd watch that a couple of times and then practice on your "frankenknife" before you work on the Kershaw.
You may also want to start learning to sharpen freehand. That seems to me to be the most versatile way to sharpen if you're good at it. I hear it takes a while to get that skill down, however. The Sharpmaker wil get you going faster.
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Another vote for Kershaw, I love everyone I have. Have to agree Gerber has gone downhill.
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Since I am more into customs, I do not keep up with production models as much as many of the people here, but I do buy one now and then.
I own two Kershaws, both great knives (one in 440V and another in S30V) both are great performing folders that were very reasonably priced, and have functioned well for what I use a folder for (i.e. cutting things with the edge of the knife). No complaints on my end from the fit and finish p.o.v. and I am very picky in that area.
.
I own two Kershaws, both great knives (one in 440V and another in S30V) both are great performing folders that were very reasonably priced, and have functioned well for what I use a folder for (i.e. cutting things with the edge of the knife). No complaints on my end from the fit and finish p.o.v. and I am very picky in that area.
.Gerber has slipped a lot. Kershaw, on the other hand has really improved their game. I'm not a fan of the designs, but they're doing a good job with what they're doing. And have been for quite awhile.
Even before they started churning out designs and improving materials, I have a "liner action" folder from them. Aus 8, pretty sharp and a reliable little tool. My preferences are greatly different than that now, but that knife lives on in one of my car kits. They offered a good performance for the price for many years now.
Kershaw and I have gone in different directions in the market. I now don't like linerlocks, framelocks, metal handles, assissted openers, hollow grinds or recurves. And Kershaw embraced most of those head on.
Phil
Even before they started churning out designs and improving materials, I have a "liner action" folder from them. Aus 8, pretty sharp and a reliable little tool. My preferences are greatly different than that now, but that knife lives on in one of my car kits. They offered a good performance for the price for many years now.
Kershaw and I have gone in different directions in the market. I now don't like linerlocks, framelocks, metal handles, assissted openers, hollow grinds or recurves. And Kershaw embraced most of those head on.
Phil
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Having 19 Kershaws in my collection (along with other brands), I haven't found one that had gone down in "quality" when compared to the ones I bought before. If anything, the quality, materials, fit and finish, and innovations of Kershaw knives is improving greatly as time goes by.
Could you please reference these threads, as I'd like to read them myself. Sometimes a portion or quote of a thread doesn't reveal the true sentiment of the entire thread.
cutlerylover
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