Kershaw and Gerber both suck?

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Sorry OE for the misunderstanding, as knarfeng mentioned I was more referring to a couple of the "other" fanboys. I believe you are quite objective in your evaluations, and have handled enough of most everyone's products to see clearly. You also are also respectful when you have an issue or are down on a knife or factory. I believe that that is essential when it comes to a constructive debate of this nature.

It's a great time for people to be into knives, as there are really solid blades out there on the market. We're having fun and are pushing to get better everyday. 08 will bring forth a whole new generation of products of which we hope you are pleased.
 
Kershaw knives are very good knives, I love my Speedbump:thumbup: I don't think you'll find any better customer service either ;) They make a model for just about everyones taste ! As for Gerber, I've had some ok knives & some junk knives from Gerber, so I just stay away from their knives. But I do have a Gerber multitool & it's a very good piece of equipment , no complaints about it & I use it all the time !
 
Well I am too new in Blade forum, but i have some knife experience with Kershaw products.
I have Bear Hunter 2, Roug heck, Blur-SG2, JYD2, Storm 2, and Lahar VG10.
All they are excellent knifes! Until today i do not see something with Kershaw logo that is not good knife.
My Lahar cut like a laser and stay sharp and shave!:thumbup:
 
I have quite a few Gerbers I like a lot. Kershaws, too. I think most of the models they both make are worth the asking price. The Gerber LMF II is a great survival knife, even if it is uglier than the LMF was. My Kershaw SpeedBump and JYD II are pretty good folders for the money. I wouldn't say Kershaw and Gerber suck. They are affordable decent knives.
 
Thomas W said:
S

It's a great time for people to be into knives, as there are really solid blades out there on the market. We're having fun and are pushing to get better everyday. 08 will bring forth a whole new generation of products of which we hope you are pleased.
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Uh oh, new knives ! :eek: Any glimpse into the future Thomas?

ON the subject of other brands its best to just not say anything if its going to be all bad. Dont speak badly of the other guy, someday it could be you.
I like Spideco and Benchmade but its hard to find a Benchmade for much under $100.00 Kershaw has a broad price range and I like the variety of price and product.

Some products and prices work for some people and some don't, so, buy what makes you happy! Its the best statement you can make on the brand of your choice.
 
I do not currently have any Gerbers (other than a vintage Mark II that I keep on a display shelf) or Kershaws. But I did use them alot 20 years ago. They were good knives and held up well for me. Some of their newer designs are pretty nice. Decent prices as well.
 
In case you don't want to read everything, I made a succinct suggestion at the bottom:

The fact of the matter is, Gerber knives generally DO suck. They use to be made in the US, but then they ended up in China. Pretty much all the ones you see in stores for under $40 are crap. I've owned about 400 different knives, and currently have about 150, and I've only had two Gerbers. My experience with them mostly comes from when I was deployed to the desert, and my friends were issued Gerbers. They always ended up getting bent or broke, and they didn't hold an edge long. BUT most of the knives that I own retail for over $100, so it is unfair to compare them to a nice Benchmade (my favorite). Still, for $50, you can go buy a Kershaw Leek, Spyderco Delica, Benchmade Mini-griptilian, or Buck folding Alpha Hunter, and they will beat the SNOT out of a similar priced Gerber. I must mention though, one of my all time favorite knives is actually a GERBER! However, it is made in the US and is an auto. Strong aluminum handle, S30V steel (2nd to D2), and super smooth, strong and tight. Not to mention, it is literally my sharpest knife. Of course, it retails for about $250, so it's on another level than a Gerber Parish. Many Gerbers that retail for $100 or more seem to be good knives. I just prefer Benchmade, Spyder, and Kershaw once I get that high. Also, Kershaw knives are my third favorite (Benchmade 1st, Spyderco 2nd), and they make some AMAZING KNIVES. In fact, my absolutely #1 all-time favorite knife is my first edition splattered paint Kershaw Offset. Another one of my favorites is the Kershaw titanium Bump. Both knives retail for about $300 though. Kershaw knives are simply awesome. Even though I have at least $15,000 worth of knives, I use a plain Kershaw Leek as my everyday carry. I abuse the hell out of it, I resharpen it after awhile, and then I do it again. And they're only $30 on Ebay. Anywho, this is my first post, so I figured I'd make it a long boring one. :jerkit: Thanks for reading!

Buy a Kershaw Leek, Spyderco Delica, Benchmade Mini-griptilian, or Buck folding Alpha Hunter.

V/R,
Richard
 
leopardprey said:
I do not currently have any Gerbers (other than a vintage Mark II that I keep on a display shelf) or Kershaws. But I did use them alot 20 years ago. They were good knives and held up well for me. Some of their newer designs are pretty nice. Decent prices as well.
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The thing is, the knives you had 20 years ago were made in the US. The cheaper ones nowadays are from China, and the quality just isn't the same (but neither is the price).

V/R,
Richard
 
Haze said:
Iv had only happy times with my Kershaws :thumbup: my ZT kershaws are very nice, the 301 is one of my many fave. knives in fact !!! defo. no suckage from kershaw :confused:
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I've been thinking of buying a 300 series ZT. That appears to be one of the best knives right now, along with the Tyrade. My Offset is my fav., but I'm thinking the 301 or Tyrade could take its place. I just wish the ZT was made with D2.

V/R
Richard
 
MAURICE said:
I used to be a steel snob. Then I learned how to sharpen my knives.

You don't have to fork over hundreds and hundreds-or even one hundred- dollars for a good production knife. As long as the knife is structurally sound and will suit the task at hand, that is all you need. You do not need the latest and greatest whiz-bang steel that is being shoved down your throat by the knife rags.

Maurice
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Actually, crappy steel that isn't tempered right is pretty much useless for a knife. It won't get sharp, stay sharp, or thwart chips. Also, the extra money spent on nice knives (like Benchmade) goes to better washers, zero blade play, better handle material, better locking mechanisms, and just overall better craftsmanship. Sure, you can go buy a sawblade, cut out the shape of a knife, throw a plastic handle on it, and cut the crap out of some cardboard. But once you buy a good knife like a Spyderco Police or Kris, a Kershaw Offset or Titanium Bump, or a Benchmade 880, 960, or anything inbetween, you'll realize the difference.

V/R
Richard
http://myworld.ebay.com/bber4life
 
I'm a big fan of the Ken Onion Kershaw line. I love Ken Onions work, and Kershaw makes it possible for me to own a well made factory version of Kens designs. With Kershaw, as with most companies, you get what you pay for. Their less expensive knives have the lower grade blade steels and construction, while their more expensive knives are a high quality product. Both have their place. The ZG Kershaw line in particular is comparable to the best that Benchmade(with the exception of the Gold class) or Spyderco have to offer. Try handling a few Kershaws in a store. If you can find one that "works" for you, don't be afraid to buy it. If it is one of the less expensive ones, you have little to lose if it isn't up to your standards. With the nicer, more expensive models, you don't need to be afraid to buy one of them because it won't fail you.
 
Yeah.... I dont know about all this "Gerbers are great knives"

Your wrong.

For starters, what kind of steel do they use? Its crapy mystery steel.
If you owe Gerber your life, I'm sorry to hear that. Its most likely because at the time, something was better than nothing.

For 6 years I've carried a Benchmade. For a year now, I've also carried a SOG Sealpup.

Both of these knives have blown EVERY GERBER I have ever seen, held, used, or owned, out of the water.

Benchmade - SV30 Steel
SOG - AUS6 57-58 RC

No mystery there.
Do your homework.
Compare your knives.

Gerber [USED TO BE] a legend.
^
Three words worth realizing.
V
Gerber and Fiskar.

I just had this conversation with a friend of mine. He showed me his gerber and I showed him my big boy knives. The machining quality, materials, and overall look and feel of Benchmade, and SOG knives, would put any gerber to shame.
Just my $0.02
 
Welcome to the forums, VectorIsBetter!

It is a shame that your first post is a critical one, especially in a thread that is over a year old.
 
gahh GAHH ZOMBIE THREAD! :eek:

and i am more than pleased with all of my kershaws, they are all great.
 
VectorIsBetter said:
Yeah.... I dont know about all this "Gerbers are great knives"

Your wrong.

For starters, what kind of steel do they use? Its crapy mystery steel.
If you owe Gerber your life, I'm sorry to hear that. Its most likely because at the time, something was better than nothing.

For 6 years I've carried a Benchmade. For a year now, I've also carried a SOG Sealpup.

Both of these knives have blown EVERY GERBER I have ever seen, held, used, or owned, out of the water.

Benchmade - SV30 Steel
SOG - AUS6 57-58 RC

No mystery there.
Do your homework.
Compare your knives.

Gerber [USED TO BE] a legend.
^
Three words worth realizing.
V
Gerber and Fiskar.

I just had this conversation with a friend of mine. He showed me his gerber and I showed him my big boy knives. The machining quality, materials, and overall look and feel of Benchmade, and SOG knives, would put any gerber to shame.
Just my $0.02
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I think it's actually called S30V.
 
ZOMBIE THREAD!:D
Nice to see vector has an opinion... welcome to blade forums
I like the two gerbers i own but then i guess i just play with little boy knives:rolleyes:
cheers
ivan
 
IVANKERLEY said:
I like the two gerbers i own but then i guess i just play with little boy knives:rolleyes:
cheers
ivan
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You're not alone. I wonder if vectorisbetter knows that knives like Benchmade and SOG owe their existence to Blackie Collins and the Gerber LST :p
 
I EDC a Kershaw Mini Cyclone and have no complaints at all, it holds an edge well and can be brought to a razors edge with no problem.
 
I had a gerber folder...it was fine for EDC, and would have lasted me many years for what I did with it on a weekly basis.

In fact I would have never have bought a kershaw folder if I hadn't lost it. But I bought one of the cheapest Kershaw's and it is worlds beyond that gerber. Edge retention? How much trouble is it to sharpen the thing in reality? And when people say it sucks, how long does it take for the knife to lose its edge?
 
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