- Joined
- Mar 3, 2006
- Messages
- 7,132
First off, I collect Kershaw, Spyderco and Buck knives, so I have a bit of perspective as to the relative quality of these brands. That said, my EDC 'users' are a Buck 110 in BG-42 and a Kershaw Avalanche S30V. I like both of these users, but the one I grab for the most, is without question the Avalanche.
I'll start things off with a few pics of the Avalanche. The thumbs are 'clickable'. I just noticed that the last image appears to show a stain on the blade, which in fact just a shadow.
The first thing that is noteable, are the very 'grippy' G10 scales. The scales will grip your hand solidly, whether they are wet or dry, slimy or not. There is no concern with your fingers slipping onto the blade, as it just won't happen. Personally, I love G10 as a scale material. It is tough as nails and will take whatever you throw at it.
The second thing you may notice is the black (TiNi) coated blade. The coating is 'fairly' resistant to scuffs, but I did polish it in a couple of spots by cutting cardboard. Aside from the occasional scuff, the coating appears to be very resistant to scratches.
The Avalanche is an AO (assisted open) model. The AO is a feature that I find difficult to live without. With AO, you have a fast, one handed opening along with a nice 'snap' as the blade locks open. The AO is no gimmick and I feel is even better than the renowned Spyderco hole.
The blade lock on the Avalanche, is the liner lock system, which I feel is perfect on this knife. The liner engages the tang just a hint past the first third of the tang. This is the ideal spot, as it provides security and allows for future wear. I normally don't buy into 'spine whacks' to test a knife, but I did a few on the edge of a table to see the effect. The lock didn't budge a bit. As long as I am on the topic of liners, the Avalanche employs 2 full stainless liners that are nicely satin finished, which brings me to the fit and finish.
As I mentioned above, I also collect Spyderco and Buck and I can confidently say that the fit and finish on the Alalanche is equal to or better than Buck and Spyderco. In fact, the fit and finish is superb. Perfect blade centering, zero blade play, open or closed, and an edge that is shaving sharp. The S30V steel of the blade keeps it's edge for a very long time and is easily touched up with a fine stone. One other point. Kershaw uses some kind of plating treatment on it's pocket clips (parkerized?) that is extremely resistant to wear. And, for the icing on the 'detail' cake, Kershaw provide a small metal 'pad' under the clip, to more easily draw the knife from your pocket.
Well, there it is. The Avalanche is my constant companion and a reliable one at that. I am hard pressed to name a better knife for my use and an Avalanche is worth every penny of it's purchase price. Enjoy.
I'll start things off with a few pics of the Avalanche. The thumbs are 'clickable'. I just noticed that the last image appears to show a stain on the blade, which in fact just a shadow.
The first thing that is noteable, are the very 'grippy' G10 scales. The scales will grip your hand solidly, whether they are wet or dry, slimy or not. There is no concern with your fingers slipping onto the blade, as it just won't happen. Personally, I love G10 as a scale material. It is tough as nails and will take whatever you throw at it.
The second thing you may notice is the black (TiNi) coated blade. The coating is 'fairly' resistant to scuffs, but I did polish it in a couple of spots by cutting cardboard. Aside from the occasional scuff, the coating appears to be very resistant to scratches.
The Avalanche is an AO (assisted open) model. The AO is a feature that I find difficult to live without. With AO, you have a fast, one handed opening along with a nice 'snap' as the blade locks open. The AO is no gimmick and I feel is even better than the renowned Spyderco hole.
The blade lock on the Avalanche, is the liner lock system, which I feel is perfect on this knife. The liner engages the tang just a hint past the first third of the tang. This is the ideal spot, as it provides security and allows for future wear. I normally don't buy into 'spine whacks' to test a knife, but I did a few on the edge of a table to see the effect. The lock didn't budge a bit. As long as I am on the topic of liners, the Avalanche employs 2 full stainless liners that are nicely satin finished, which brings me to the fit and finish.
As I mentioned above, I also collect Spyderco and Buck and I can confidently say that the fit and finish on the Alalanche is equal to or better than Buck and Spyderco. In fact, the fit and finish is superb. Perfect blade centering, zero blade play, open or closed, and an edge that is shaving sharp. The S30V steel of the blade keeps it's edge for a very long time and is easily touched up with a fine stone. One other point. Kershaw uses some kind of plating treatment on it's pocket clips (parkerized?) that is extremely resistant to wear. And, for the icing on the 'detail' cake, Kershaw provide a small metal 'pad' under the clip, to more easily draw the knife from your pocket.
Well, there it is. The Avalanche is my constant companion and a reliable one at that. I am hard pressed to name a better knife for my use and an Avalanche is worth every penny of it's purchase price. Enjoy.
