Kershaw Bareknuckle OD

I very much wanted to like both of the ones I bought but I couldn't get over how strong the detent was on them. Coupled with the smooth aluminum texture and the less-than-aggressive flipper tab design, and the knives regularly wouldn't open for me. Never had that problem before on any other flipper, and I've owned a ton of them.

Otherwise, I'm stoked to see Kershaw stepping up their US-made line-up.
 
I very much wanted to like both of the ones I bought but I couldn't get over how strong the detent was on them. Coupled with the smooth aluminum texture and the less-than-aggressive flipper tab design, and the knives regularly wouldn't open for me. Never had that problem before on any other flipper, and I've owned a ton of them.

Otherwise, I'm stoked to see Kershaw stepping up their US-made line-up.

I've read that. Hoping it's not that bad.
 
One more family pic of quad 7s.

Remember that Kershaw will replace your blade for $10, which is pretty awesome.



Hows the flipping action. Does pressure vary or is it a consistent strong detent throughout the variations. I'd like it to break in after a while.
 
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Civivi uses 9cr18mov on its 40 dollar models, and 9cr based Damascus on its 100 dollar Damascus models. It is a good steel, I have it on a Baklash, but 14c28n is great. I cut a mountain of cardboard with my Bareknuckle and it barely flinched, until the tip contacted the kitchen tile. Easy to touch up too.

65 bucks for a standard Bareknuckle is a steal imo, especially with the warranty. Sure you can get a ruike in 14c28n for what, 30 bucks? But Kershaws warranty will be there if you have a problem. Civivi makes good knives, I imagine their warranty is good but can't say for sure. They don't use 14c28n though.

You're exactly right, I got the Civivi steel wrong. Plus it'd be unusual for a Chinese company to use European steel on a budget knife instead of something sourced locally.

I haven't seen the green Bareknuckle selling for less than $73 (MSRP is $130). If you could get it for $65, that'd probably be a good deal, but I haven't seen it.
 
Hows the flipping action. Does pressure vary or is it a consistent strong detent throughout the variations. I'd like it to break in after a while.

It definitely breaks in after a little bit. I'll say this much: The newer models I've picked up have a slightly lighter detent out of the box, as well as more pronounced jimping.

But yeah, a drop of lube on the detent ball/path and a few openings and she'll smooth out real nice.

Also, that tip I mentioned about finger placement really does help those who might apply too much pressure to the lock bar. I've never had this problem but it helps my co-workers when they want to check it out.
 
It definitely breaks in after a little bit. I'll say this much: The newer models I've picked up have a slightly lighter detent out of the box, as well as more pronounced jimping.

But yeah, a drop of lube on the detent ball/path and a few openings and she'll smooth out real nice.

Also, that tip I mentioned about finger placement really does help those who might apply too much pressure to the lock bar. I've never had this problem but it helps my co-workers when they want to check it out.

Good call. Sounds ok to me. Part of why i like the design a smaller tab that doesn't protrude much when cutting. I'm pretty anxious to check this baby out.
 
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You're exactly right, I got the Civivi steel wrong. Plus it'd be unusual for a Chinese company to use European steel on a budget knife instead of something sourced locally.

I haven't seen the green Bareknuckle selling for less than $73 (MSRP is $130). If you could get it for $65, that'd probably be a good deal, but I haven't seen it.

I was just referring to the grey version. Not a big fan of the od green lol now if they made it in blue...
 
BellaBlades BellaBlades hope all is well, man! Was looking for an update on this thread haha

We're Doing OK brother. Hope Your good

It met and slightly exceeded my expectations. The detent was initially hard, but has worn in perfectly.

The grind is great for utility. The steel holds a heck of an edge and rivals 154cm for me.

Ive only used it on cardboard , sticks and veggies. Its been great for an EDC. The finish holds up great as well.

Its not mind blowing . But a great value 4 the $

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That's awesome. I'm glad to hear you're satisfied.

I agree that it's a great overall shape/grind for utility. Just thin enough stock to cut well but also thick enough that you're not afraid to use it.

I'm flipping mine right now, actually.
 
I just did a trade this week and got the regular one in grey. Definitely a great value. I had been looking for a ZT "light" for quite a while. That is a ZT'ish knife design that wasn't overbuilt and Bareknuckle fits the bill. It's even slimmer than a Blur. The Blur is a way better work knife but the Bareknuckle is a great full size slim EDC. It's not as svelte as the Metamorph that I traded a forum member too but it's a pretty good knife. It's only main drawback which isn't a big deal is it has a somewhat stiff detent but that's how my Natrix is as well so I've gotten use to that by now.
 
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I like em. The later 2 seem to have lighter detents and are less suspectible to finger placement than the earlier gray model on my examples. I ended up installing a longer clip on that one to have a place to anchor the fingers while deploying which helped. I think its the best folder Kershaw has out currently. IMG_6566.JPG
 
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I just got my first Bareknuckle, it is the one in 14c28n.
It seems really well made and the ergonomics feel real nice.

Mine has a very strong detent and it seems like if I look at the lock bar I cannot get it to open.
Luckily it is much easier to open left handed and after a few minutes I sort of got my hand position correct to open it right handed.

I picked this up used for 50 bucks and although it has a few scuff and scratches on the aluminum scales it still has the factory edge and it does not look like it has cut very much stuff.
It has been a very long while since I have carried a framelock, mostly I go with backlocks and liner locks, so I am curious as to whether I will bond with this.

The weight is perfect and it is a good looking knife so this probably will be a keeper.
 
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