Kershaw blur Question

[Travis35]

I have a few scallions but want to keep those for collecting and get a blur for my edc.

My question now is which blur to get. I like the S30V looks without the black blade personal pref, but is the s30v worth the extra money?

How much better is the s30v than the black blades?

Also I have noticed differences in opening speeds between the same knifes, I want one that pops. If I get one and its slow, is there anyway I can improve the opening?

And lastly how many models of the blur do they offer with a plan metal / stonewashed blade look.

Thank you - Travis

 

[JustinWatts]

1. Kershaw's s30v is all-American and forged by Crucible; one of the most reputable steel manufacturers in the business. That being said, the s30v will serve you well, but comes at a pretty hefty price for $100+.

2. I believe the "black" blades are DLC (Diamond Like Coating) 14C28N. Like all coatings it will wear with moderate use, but it all depends on personal preference; I prefer satin finished blades.

3. I've never owned or handled a Blur, but I've had a few Kershaws and the SpeedSafe deployment system has impressed me so far. I don't think you'll have to worry about slow deployment.

4. There are different variations of handles, but the only two steels they use in satin (silver) finishes are s30v and 14C28n.

My suggestion is that since you've never owned a Blur, you should first try out the 14C28N steel in case you don't like the ergo's or performance of the blade. It's still a decent steel, and is perfectly fine for EDC if you know how to sharpen your blades. I'd say after a while of using the blade and forming your opinion, you should go for the s30v model assuming you like the design of the knife. Heck, you could sell the 14C28N Blur on the forums and pick up a brand new s30v model for around $70. Hope you find a solution soon, good luck!

Edit: Was thinking Spyderco, Kershaw offers 14C28N, not 8Cr13MoV.

 

[N Gremory]

The 'black blades' that you are referring to is a coated Sandvik 14C28N steel blade. They also have models in this steel that are not coated.
The 14C28N will hold a razor edge longer than S30V.
The S30V will hold a working edge longer than 14C28N.
One isn't quite 'better' than the other, in general. They are different, though, and you should choose one to suit what you do.

For the price difference, it may be in your interest to get the 14C28N version (unless you feel that S30V would suit you better).
S30V would be better for rough cutting jobs where a more durable slicing edge is necessary.

I would say that 14C holds an actual razor's edge a little longer than S30V does before it dulls, but S30V's edge just keeps on trucking while coarse whereas 14C jut gets dulled out.

^ In agreement with many statements of others.

As far as non-coated blades go.. 1675RD/1675RDST (ST being partially serrated), 1670S30V (plain edge stonewash in S30V), and 1670CF154. (Carbon fiber and aluminum handle, CPM-154 steel)

Opening speeds differ depending on the individual knife. A change in the blade steel wouldn't really affect it. Luck of the draw, unless you want to go to a brick and mortar store and purchase one that you've handled.
I'm not too versed in assisted knives. I wouldn't really know what you could do to increase the speed.

 

[K.O.D.]

For me, thus far, the sandvik 14c has been excellent. I don't think s30v is worth the extra dough.

 

[Travis35]

Thanks guys that helps allot. I think I will try a 1670GBBLKST I found cheap for my first blur to see how I like it. Then maybe the s30v etc. I have mainly had Schrade knifes in the past until 2004 when they went china. Now really getting hooked on Kershaw they have some sweet knifes, USA and so sharp out of the box!

 

[flarp]

I find the S30V does hold an edge better than 14C28N. Both will take a fine edge. The S30V steel can be more difficult to sharpen, depending on what you're using.

One other difference of note is the grind on the S30V blade vs. the standard Sandvik 14C28N. The S30V blade features a high flat grind, and the 14C28N blades have a hollow grind. Some of the older Sandvik Blur blades had the high flat grind, but I believe all the more recent ones feature the hollow grind. The flat grind is thicker, so it can probably withstand harder use. The hollow grind keeps the blade thin behind the edge, offering great slicing performance. For all practical purposes, both should hold up admirably

If you have a Speedsafe knife that is opening slowly, you might try one of the following:
1 - clean the pivot area (open & close the blade repeatedly in hot, soapy water, then dry and oil)
2 - loosen the pivot screw
3 - replace the torsion bar (Kershaw will send them to you for free, or if you don't want to install it yourself, you can send your knife back to Kershaw's warranty department)

As for the different models, you can check out Kershaw's site for a list of current production models. As for overall models, there are a LOT of Blur variations (more than I'd care to even try to list).

A couple of pics of the difference in grinds. The first pic is a S30V blade with the high flat grind, and the second is the 14C28N blade with hollow grind.