Kershaw fans, what do you recommend?

[flash900]

I like a wide blade, 2 1/2 to 3 inches long, manual, with one-hand opening via thumb studs.

No assisted opening, flippers or skinny blades need apply.

I like the Mini Cyclone, but would never use the flipper or A/O.

I have two S30V Blurs with the torsion bars removed. But they are larger than I want for pocket EDCing.

I'm not a steel snob. I prefer S30V, but VG10, 154, 440C or Sandvik are just fine.

I like a frame lock or strong liner lock.

Lighter weight is better than heavy. A silver blade and black clip are preferred.

I have mostly Spydies, a few Benchmades, a couple of Ritters and Bucks, and a Boker Plus Exskelibur II. I love the size, fit and feel of the Sanrenmu 710, but not so much the steel.

Kershaw fans, what say you?

 

[brets-ftw]

well this is a toughie as kershaw kinda pushes their speedsafe and flipper designs, and in all honestly the only thing thats coming to mind is a sog vulcan mini, but if it had to be a kershaw then . . . well honestly nothing comes to mind

 

[neuron]

The Salvo seems to fit the bill.

 

[CrimsonTideShooter]

OD-1. Definitely.

 

[rule#9]

The Skyline is a lightweight knife with a relatively wide blade slightly longer than 3 inches. It does have a flipper, but it also has a thumb stud. Unfortunately, the blade is also relatively thin, but that thinness together with the G10 handle and single locking liner allow it to be extremely lightweight (2.3 oz). The Sandvik steel takes a razor edge, and holds it well enough. I have one, and it's a great little knife.

One bad thing: the thumb stud is very near to the handle when the knife is closed, so it can be difficult to use. This can be easily corrected by grinding off some of the G10 in the finger choil. An annoying flaw, but IMO the Skyline is still worth buying.

 

[Seanifred]

i believe the thumbstud problem you speak of was done on purpose. its primary purpose is to be a blade stop i think. same with the leek. it pissed me off how close it was to the frame closed until i figured out what it was really for

 

[2brothers]

Here are a few suggestions for you.

U.S.A Production
R.A.M.- Thumbstuds, Sandvik, Hawk Lock. 1910
Salvo - Thumbstuds, Sandvik, Framelock. 2445
SpeedformII - Thumbstuds, ELMAX, Linerlock. 3550
Storm - Thumbstuds, Sandvik, Framelock. 1470, 1475 (recently discontinued but still available)

Import
VaporIII - Thumbstuds, 8CR13MoV, Framelock. 1655
Nerve - Thumblug, 8CR13MoV, Linerlock. 3420
Crown - Thumbstuds, 8CR13MoV, Back Lock. 3150,3160 (might be a little "skinny" per your request)

 

[flash900]

Thanks, folks.

The OD-1 is a flipper; doesn't even have thumb studs.

The Skyline, as pointed out, apparently isn't designed for thumb stud use. Nice light EDCer otherwise.

The closest to what I'm looking for may be the Salvo, which is probably a good knife (although it apparently lacks phosphor bronze washers, puzzling at the price.) Unfortunately, the aesthetics of the blade, handle and clip aren't appealing.

Several of the new 2011 Kershaws look interesting. They all seem to be A/O, unfortunately.

 

[Flashpoint]

I bit bigger then your wanting but take a look at the Lahar. GREAT knife.

 

[knivesandguns]

Kershaw Speedform 2.

 

[cmondamnit]

Skyline for the win!

 

[cramsey3006]

Skyline works great with the thumb stud. I have to admit though, that I'm hooked on the flipper. Absolutely love it.

Although it doesn't have a thumb stud, the Junkyard Dog II fits all of the other criteria perfectly. I love mine.

I had a Kershaw Storm and it was great too. Exactly what you are looking for. It was the serrated blade, so I sold it. If it had been plain edge, I'd have kept it.

 

[Tsujigiri]

The RAM is probably your best bet. You could also try taking the torsion bar out of a Leek.

 

[ono724]

Thanks, folks.

The OD-1 is a flipper; doesn't even have thumb studs.

The Skyline, as pointed out, apparently isn't designed for thumb stud use. Nice light EDCer otherwise.

The closest to what I'm looking for may be the Salvo, which is probably a good knife (although it apparently lacks phosphor bronze washers, puzzling at the price.) Unfortunately, the aesthetics of the blade, handle and clip aren't appealing.

Several of the new 2011 Kershaws look interesting. They all seem to be A/O, unfortunately.

Given your requirements, you might want to look at other Manufacturers than Kershaw. There might be more offerings that fit your bill...My .02 cents

 

[THG]

Lots of Kershaw knives are 3.25" like the Salvo, Packrat, Mini-Cyclone, Avalanche/Blackout/Whirlwind, and Speedform II, so watch out for that if you're trying to stay under 3".

 

[dongbeiren]

check out the Kershaw Lahar, it's got the wide silver blade, black clip, manual fliper non-assist opening, VG-10, strong liner lock, the blade length is over 3" though...