Kershaw Blur and Shallot(general opinions)

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lonestar1979

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Mar 2, 2014
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How is general quality of these knives, how durable they are, how they cut and how is the edge holding?I don't have much experience with Kershaw knives , have seen few videos on you tube but no practical testing(paper cutting doesn't show me what Im interested in).Im not interested in kershaws 14c36, but their s30v , elmax or Damascus versions.
 
Both the Shallot and Blur are solid knives, I believe only the Blur is currently available with s30v or Elmax, and only the Shallot is available in Damascus. As far as edge retention, 14c28n is a decent steel, it outperforms 420HC it is easier to sharpen than 440c and holds an edge about as well in my experience, it's not a steel to be afraid of, but it certainly isn't as nice as S30V or Elmax. Damascus is an inferior steel in my opinion, it looks nice but isn't a great EDC blade steel, it will rust and edge retention isn't as good as the super steels or mid grade blade steels like 14c28n. Both knives have top notch build quality, both are as durable as anything else you'll find in the same budget category. If you're most concerned with the blade steel I'd recommend a Blur in Elmax, I find it's easier to sharpen than S30V and holds an edge just a bit longer, I find S30V prone to chipping, at least in the one S30V blade I own, Elmax doesn't seem as easy to chip.
 
The 14C28N is a great steel so don't exclude it. Experience is a good teacher. I love this stuff and some custom knife makers like it better than S30V (their opinion, not mine). It will hold a razor edge longer than S30V but S30V will hold a duller edge longer. 14C28N is, however, easier to touch up to a razor edge.
These are both great knives. Only the Blur and the Leek are available in S30V, and these are solid performers.
 
The Blur is a practical knife, the Shallot is not...I own two Blurs and a Shallot and NEVER carry the Shallot because it is so unergonomic and generally impractical. Don't spend your money on the slippery, tiny flipper Shallot and spend it on the Blur, whichever model you fancy.
 
Do you prefer a thumb opening or a flipper opening? That would affect your decision. I have an s30V blur, but no shallot. I do have a leek and a chive though. I was not a huge fan of the blur until I removed the assist and cleaned/lubed it well. It flips open almost as smooth as my zt0801 now.
 
I have a blemish Blur in S30V from kershawguy. Excellent knife and has held it's edge very well.
 
14C28N is good steel, I much prefer S30V though. I'd imagine that the reason many makers may state the like 14C better is because it would be much easier to heat treat and grind than S30V would. 14C takes great polish as well.
John_0917 said:
The Blur is a practical knife, the Shallot is not...I own two Blurs and a Shallot and NEVER carry the Shallot because it is so unergonomic and generally impractical. Don't spend your money on the slippery, tiny flipper Shallot and spend it on the Blur, whichever model you fancy.
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Well, I would disagree a bit here. The Shallot is a very well designed knife, big blade, and thin. I'm not sure why it is impractical, but it obviously is not going to be ideal for everyone, due to many thing. The ergonomics are pretty much spot on, and it keeps on selling. Otherwise it would have gone the way of so many other discontinued models. I do wish it came with some grippy G10 though.
 
The Shallot isn't a small knife, perhaps you have it confused with one of the other Onion series.
 
The blur is a great knife many,many religous followers of this knife they collect them.I like it but I realy like the thumb studs.wish it would be on more models.shollot is a great knife I bought a sheet of clear grip tape.at my local surf shop and cut out patern and placethem on the scales for better grip .its a slick knife.I.do this on allot of mt slick knives the clear tape looks good and comes off without damaging paint on most knives.you can get other colors also.you can make some cool paterns.damascus is for show unless its on certain steels.cut citrus with jt and the whole look is ruined.im not much for assisted opening its like a lazy auto.with everyone using bearings its no longer neaded.get the I love this new trend in my opinion all folder should have bearings why not.I would get both dont tryem trade or sell the one you dont likeI
 
Maybe Ill order Blur in s30v and shallot in Damascus;) love the looks of both knives, had one Kershaw long time ago and it was in 13c36 and didn't like the steel (don't like and use high polished edges)
 
I have a scallion, great little knife and it's only needed a touch up now and then to keep it sharp. Mine is the all black version and the black has held up well over a year now.
 
lonestar1979 said:
Never tried 14c28, how does it compare to cold steel aus8?
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Seeing as how your name rhymes with my name, I'll go ahead and take a stab at this. Kershaw does a great job with their Sandvik. It's moderately tough, corrosion resistance is fair, and edge retention has been good in my experience. I've used it on many different models and it has never let me down. It's basically a razor steel so you can bet it sharpens up to hair-popping levels with very minimal effort. It's a good choice for an EDC steel.

In regards to your Cold Steel question, in my eyes the Sandvik is a step above. That's not to say Cold Steel's Aus8 is a slouch. They do a good heat treat and their blades are pretty solid. But Kershaw takes the lead with their steel.

lonestar1979 said:
I like s30v because it is very agressive cutting steel.
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Well then it sounds like you need to pick up an S30V Blur. It's a fantastic knife. Great ergos, nice flat grind, beautiful stonewash finish, dual thumbstuds with Speedsafe, and hell, you can even de-assist it if you prefer manual knives. What are you waiting for?
 
kornphlake said:
As far as edge retention, 14c28n is a decent steel, it outperforms 420HC it is easier to sharpen than 440c and holds an edge about as well in my experience, it's not a steel to be afraid of, but it certainly isn't as nice as S30V or Elmax. Damascus is an inferior steel in my opinion, it looks nice but isn't a great EDC blade steel, it will rust and edge retention isn't as good as the super steels or mid grade blade steels like 14c28n.
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I agree. 14c28n probably will hold an edge longer then Damascus will


John_0917 said:
The Blur is a practical knife, the Shallot is not...I own two Blurs and a Shallot and NEVER carry the Shallot because it is so unergonomic and generally impractical. Don't spend your money on the slippery, tiny flipper Shallot and spend it on the Blur, whichever model you fancy.
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I find the Shallot very ergonomic and practical :confused: It is thin, decent weight, and its a long blade for the handle size...
 
RevDevil said:
14C28N is good steel, I much prefer S30V though. I'd imagine that the reason many makers may state the like 14C better is because it would be much easier to heat treat and grind than S30V would. 14C takes great polish as well.


Well, I would disagree a bit here. The Shallot is a very well designed knife, big blade, and thin. I'm not sure why it is impractical, but it obviously is not going to be ideal for everyone, due to many thing. The ergonomics are pretty much spot on, and it keeps on selling. Otherwise it would have gone the way of so many other discontinued models. I do wish it came with some grippy G10 though.
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I don't consider it practical for EDC use because it is very slippery and the tiny little flipper is uncomfortable to use and easy for your finger to slip off of. Yes, it is thin and has a big blade for the size and it is fairly thin, but it is HEAVY due to the all steel construction/scales. G10 certainly would improve this a lot, but it would also change the whole "character" of the knife as it were. For one who wants a steel frame lock in a similar blade shape & size I would recommend the Kershaw/Emerson CQC6.

Another issue I have had with my Shallot is that it rusts like crazy, even without being exposed to anything that should cause rust. Mine sits in a desk drawer at home and it accumulates surface rust even there.
 
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