Kershaw Clash opinions

E

emjay

Joined
Nov 27, 2012
Messages
171
Hi everyone

One of my friends recently got himself a Kershaw Clash, the half serrated one. He knows I like knives and showed it to me. Damn, what a nice knife. Felt good in the hand and was of solid construction. I really liked it

Just wanted to know the general opinions on this knife? I don't mind the 8Cr13MoV steel, I actually like it, but one of the things that bugs me is the speedsafe mechanism. It's nice but how long do those mechanisms last? If I get me a Clash I'm going to be EDCing it and use it for everything from gutting fish to slicing cheese for a sandwich. I don't want that mechanism to get gummed up or break anytime soon, that's my main concern. I won't flip it 3000 times a day, but I do play with my knives now and then. I've heard they can break in the first week to never, but it obviously depends on how you use the knife, but how long should the speedsafe last with normal use? No batoning, chopping, or any of that stuff reserved for a better tool. Good old normal use, open it up, cut something, close

So overall opinions of this knife? Durability of the handle? Longevity of the speedsafe mechanism? Etc...

Thanks

Mike
 
In my opinion, the Clash usually clashes with my wardrobe, clashes with my personality, clashes with the sort of people I hang out with, clashes with my home decor, and clashes with my sense of well-being in general.

On a more serious note for Speedsafe though, Kershaw says that it should last about 10 years minimum with normal use (or 10,000 openings, in fact I think it is guaranteed for 10,000 openings.) Then you can just get a torsion bar replacement and have fun all over again. ;)
 
I haven't worn out the Speedsafe on any of my Kershaws and I carry them all the time.

And Kershaw's budget knives are great, I carry them all the time. The 8Cr13MoV steel does dull faster than some do, but as long as you're okay with touching them up when it happens, there's nothing wrong with them.
 
Great thanks everyone :)

I like Kershaw I've had a few of their knives, but I once had a Kershaw Storm that I couldn't stop from getting rust spots. Everyday I had to clean it up because it went spotty. I hope it's not the same case with this Clash...
 
emjay said:
Great thanks everyone :)

I like Kershaw I've had a few of their knives, but I once had a Kershaw Storm that I couldn't stop from getting rust spots. Everyday I had to clean it up because it went spotty. I hope it's not the same case with this Clash...
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I think you'll be alright. Years ago I had a half-serrated Storm II model that had similar rusting problems. Didn't carry it much because it was partially-serrated. Some years later, I picked up the plain edge version and despite carrying it more often, it did not exhibit any rust issues.
 
I have a plain edge Clash, it's OK but I wouldn't buy it again. I like the blade design but wish the handle wasn't so thick, also the GFN texture isn't the best. For the price ($25 or so) it's a fine knife, but I would suggest other options. The Thermite is about $10 more, but it has the feeling of a knife costing about $100. As far as the Speedsafe failing, it does happen but can be easily fixed. The assist mechanism is actually just a curved piece of metal, it can break but can be easily replaced, there is nothing complex about it.
 
John_0917 said:
I have a plain edge Clash, it's OK but I wouldn't buy it again. I like the blade design but wish the handle wasn't so thick, also the GFN texture isn't the best. For the price ($25 or so) it's a fine knife, but I would suggest other options. The Thermite is about $10 more, but it has the feeling of a knife costing about $100. As far as the Speedsafe failing, it does happen but can be easily fixed. The assist mechanism is actually just a curved piece of metal, it can break but can be easily replaced, there is nothing complex about it.
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Thermite is definitely a good knife. Got one sitting beside me now.
 
RedLynx said:
Thermite is definitely a good knife. Got one sitting beside me now.
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It sure is, I'd love to see them come out with more versions, maybe something like a tanto or a slicer grind, I expect they will in the next couple of years. I was about to write that I wish they would make a Thermite in premium steel, then I realized that is called a ZT (or a Hinderer)!
 
John_0917 said:
I have a plain edge Clash, it's OK but I wouldn't buy it again. I like the blade design but wish the handle wasn't so thick, also the GFN texture isn't the best. For the price ($25 or so) it's a fine knife, but I would suggest other options. The Thermite is about $10 more, but it has the feeling of a knife costing about $100.
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To each his own, I'd take the Clash over the Thermite anyday, much more comfortable in hand IMO.
 
When I felt the Clash in my hand, I never thought it was too thick, but then again my hands are fairly big. Felt just right in my hand. Regarding the Thermite, I don't quite like the handle style, not my taste. The Clash looks and feels just about right for my edc needs

Thanks for the comments everyone
 
I also have the half serrated clash, which was a gift from my father. For me, its a cool knife, but its just slightly larger than I like for EDC. (For that I have a Kershaw Zing SS...) Anyway, the Clash is alright overall. It locks up nicely and closes easily. My only complaint is that it suddenly had a couple of small rust spots. Just keep it clean and oil it a little occasionally and you should be able to avoid that. Its a nice knife and the price is great. I wish mine were a plain edge, but oh well...
 
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