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- Sep 27, 2007
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This is just a quick initial impression of new Kershaw Blitz and Scamp with some pics included for anyone who's been wanting a good look at a couple of the new models. This is not a thread to debate the virtues or faults of buying knives made in China, so please keep those discussions elsewhere.
Simply put, when these two new models arrived, I was pretty impressed. Both knives can be had for around $30.00 or less and at that price point I feel they are an incredible bargain for everyday use and carry.
The Blitz, originally an RJ Martin design (Groove and Zing), is very close to the original customs that I've seen and handled. I was particularly impressed with the machining of the G-10 handle slabs. Blade steel is 8CR13MoV, almost the same steel as the Benchmade Vex, which has received pretty decent reviews. The knife is a liner lock with fairly thick liners and lockup is good and solid. Opening is smooth and easy with the thumbplate. It feels a bit different than a stud, but is fairly easy to get used to. I've loved the blade shape of the Blitz since I first saw a prototype about a year ago and the production model's is true to shape, with a nice even grind that was very sharp out of the box. The pocket clip is on the small side, very comfortable to use, and sits high enough on the knife that it could almost be called a lowrider clip:thumbup: The Blitz has jimping on three spots, allowing for a good grip and is drilled and tapped for tip up or tip down carry. Overall, I'm very pleased and have not yet taken it out of my pocket since receiving it a week ago. My one complaint with the Blitz is that I would have liked to see the handle screws counter-sunk a bit deeper into the G-10. They are just a bit taller than the slabs and as a result you can feel them when the knife is in the palm of your hand. It's not a huge issue, but something that I noticed.
Now for the Scamp. I believe the Scamp is an in-house design, possibly done up by Tommy but I can't recall at the moment. The Scamp is a touch heavier and longer than the Blitz, but not overly so. It has a blade, also 8CR13MoV that is carbonitride coated. It's not so much black as it is dark grey, but it looks good. The machining on the handle slab is different than the Blitz but nice. Checkering is not very aggressive, but still provides more grip than smooth scales. The Scamp, however, is an RIL framelock. Fit on this knife is good, and the lockup is comparable to any of the stainless handled American made Kershaw framelocks such as the Leek or Shallot. Opening is smooth, and like the Blitz, the Scamp uses a pivot setup with a bronze washer on one side, and a bronze washer AND a urethane washer on the other side. It seems to work well. Again, with this knife, I think it's a great choice for the price range.
Whether you want something that you can really put to use and not worry too much about or you need a knife to recommend to somebody as an inexpensive yet well made entry level piece, these knives will not disappoint.
Thanks for looking,
Jonny
Simply put, when these two new models arrived, I was pretty impressed. Both knives can be had for around $30.00 or less and at that price point I feel they are an incredible bargain for everyday use and carry.
The Blitz, originally an RJ Martin design (Groove and Zing), is very close to the original customs that I've seen and handled. I was particularly impressed with the machining of the G-10 handle slabs. Blade steel is 8CR13MoV, almost the same steel as the Benchmade Vex, which has received pretty decent reviews. The knife is a liner lock with fairly thick liners and lockup is good and solid. Opening is smooth and easy with the thumbplate. It feels a bit different than a stud, but is fairly easy to get used to. I've loved the blade shape of the Blitz since I first saw a prototype about a year ago and the production model's is true to shape, with a nice even grind that was very sharp out of the box. The pocket clip is on the small side, very comfortable to use, and sits high enough on the knife that it could almost be called a lowrider clip:thumbup: The Blitz has jimping on three spots, allowing for a good grip and is drilled and tapped for tip up or tip down carry. Overall, I'm very pleased and have not yet taken it out of my pocket since receiving it a week ago. My one complaint with the Blitz is that I would have liked to see the handle screws counter-sunk a bit deeper into the G-10. They are just a bit taller than the slabs and as a result you can feel them when the knife is in the palm of your hand. It's not a huge issue, but something that I noticed.
Now for the Scamp. I believe the Scamp is an in-house design, possibly done up by Tommy but I can't recall at the moment. The Scamp is a touch heavier and longer than the Blitz, but not overly so. It has a blade, also 8CR13MoV that is carbonitride coated. It's not so much black as it is dark grey, but it looks good. The machining on the handle slab is different than the Blitz but nice. Checkering is not very aggressive, but still provides more grip than smooth scales. The Scamp, however, is an RIL framelock. Fit on this knife is good, and the lockup is comparable to any of the stainless handled American made Kershaw framelocks such as the Leek or Shallot. Opening is smooth, and like the Blitz, the Scamp uses a pivot setup with a bronze washer on one side, and a bronze washer AND a urethane washer on the other side. It seems to work well. Again, with this knife, I think it's a great choice for the price range.
Whether you want something that you can really put to use and not worry too much about or you need a knife to recommend to somebody as an inexpensive yet well made entry level piece, these knives will not disappoint.
Thanks for looking,
Jonny
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I'll have to throw one of each on my next order. They're cheap enough to own both
