- Joined
- Jul 9, 1999
- Messages
- 3,316
As I picked this knife up at Ruff's, the first thing that struck me was the handle's texture. This is the roughest textured G-10 I've ever felt. It is almost to the point of sharp, but just shy of it. The result is a handle that has grippablity like no other I've held. It almost sticks to your hand. This is the reason I went ahead and bought the knife. Normally, I won't buy a knife without an adequate guard or finger choil as my grip has been compromised by an earlier knife injury, but, this texture grips the hand so well that it inspires confidence in the user that the hand will stay put. For some, however, it may be uncomfortable. If this is the case with you, you may want to knock down the texture with a little sandpaper.
The blade is CPM440V @ Rc 55-57 and is a drop point profile. Blade thickness is about 1/8". The edge on this knife is astoundingly sharp due to the really thin edge. This little beasty is a cutter! It has one of the sharpest OOB edges I've ever seen. Easily comparable with the OOB sharpness on most Spydercos. The tip is a virtual needle point and will excel at splinter picking. My only complaint with the blade is that damned Bead Blast finish. ENOUGH with the Bead Blast finishes already!!!!
The Titanium liner lock (dual Titanium liners BTW), locks tightly into place and readily passes a Spine Whack test. The liner actually sticks a little once it's opened making it a bit tight when closing the blade.
The Speed Safe mechanism is a little slower than on my Whirlwind but is, seemingly, equally as strong in the opening. Go figure.
Another positive and thoughtful feature is the location of the thumbstud. It is back far enough that it does not get in the way when the knife is being used. Very nice, Kershaw!
Overall, I like this knife. It is a nice little "do-all" kind of utility knife that will be quite handy to have around. And with a 440V blade it should stay sharp for a good long while. And, for those of you who want double duty, utility/defense, the thin edge on this knife looks like it will bite all the way down to the bone with relative ease and the lock feels like it will stay in place, come hell or high water.
A good buy for under $80.00, IMHO.
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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
The blade is CPM440V @ Rc 55-57 and is a drop point profile. Blade thickness is about 1/8". The edge on this knife is astoundingly sharp due to the really thin edge. This little beasty is a cutter! It has one of the sharpest OOB edges I've ever seen. Easily comparable with the OOB sharpness on most Spydercos. The tip is a virtual needle point and will excel at splinter picking. My only complaint with the blade is that damned Bead Blast finish. ENOUGH with the Bead Blast finishes already!!!!

The Titanium liner lock (dual Titanium liners BTW), locks tightly into place and readily passes a Spine Whack test. The liner actually sticks a little once it's opened making it a bit tight when closing the blade.
The Speed Safe mechanism is a little slower than on my Whirlwind but is, seemingly, equally as strong in the opening. Go figure.
Another positive and thoughtful feature is the location of the thumbstud. It is back far enough that it does not get in the way when the knife is being used. Very nice, Kershaw!
Overall, I like this knife. It is a nice little "do-all" kind of utility knife that will be quite handy to have around. And with a 440V blade it should stay sharp for a good long while. And, for those of you who want double duty, utility/defense, the thin edge on this knife looks like it will bite all the way down to the bone with relative ease and the lock feels like it will stay in place, come hell or high water.
A good buy for under $80.00, IMHO.

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu