Kershaw Gents Lockback Folder

[STR]

I know a few guys that are waiting for some comments and feedback on this folder from someone that has one in hand. Mine just arrived today and although I cannot write a detailed review of it just yet, I can make some comments about it that I already do know to satisfy any perspective buyers.

First off, the knife has one of the finest fit and finish jobs of any production folder I have seen in recent years. Its flawless in every way. Most knives I've owned with this flawless of a finish have been at least twice this price point. The blade is centered perfectly when closed. The blade opens and closes with silky smooth precision. No grittyness with this baby. There is zero blade play in this knife and the line that separates the lock bar from the blade when it closes on the blade to lock it in the open position is nearly invisible to the naked eye and completely invisible to the fingers and finger nail.

The brass and lock bar are all polished highly and unlike many knives in this price range even the inside parts of this knife are all highly polished. It appears there was no spot on the knife missed by the excellent craftsman responsible for the building of this one. The lock up is rock solid. The lock bar is in exactly the same position (read flush with the liners) closed looking down the body with both eye and fingers as it is in the open position. Truthfully the fit and finish of this folder is on par with the really high dollar William and Henry folders I've owned. Its that good.

The brass liners are a very distinctive nostalgic touch to the folder in my opinion and they go so well with the highly polished black micarta scales.
Also, the knife is thin. It is very comfortable carrying it in your pocket. To my ruler the blade measures 3 and 1/16". The handle is 4 and 3/16" closed. The folder is also very light weight. The Gents Lockback comes with a really high quality leather carry sheath that is a nice blending of old world leather craft with the new kydex/polymer technology. The clip used on the sheath is made of this same Kydex looking type space age material. Its a very nice sheath. I will not be using that though.

It appears the edge bevel is approximately 18 degrees to look at the folder but the blade is hollow ground nice and thin. It is possible the bevel is set at 15 degrees but I won't know for sure until I have to resharpen the blade. The pivot is a stainless pin done with one of the very old and nostalgic 'birds eye' rivots to add an even more classic look to the folder. The drop point blade is razor sharp and ready to go. I am sure this knife is going to more than meet my expectations for a new everyday carry pocket folder.

If there is a fault with this knife I have not found it just yet. So far it has me wanting to shout to the knife world that Kershaw has a real winner here. Anyone looking for a traditional looking lockback folder along these lines needs to give a serious look over of this wonderful new folder to hit the market. It is a classic piece of Moki Japan craftsmanship and although I have not had the chance to run it through the paces just yet I do have enough experience with knives to know this one is one fine example from Kershaw. I will write about it further when I know more. I am posting a link to Fred's site to allow you to see the knife I"m talking about. I ordered one from him and cancelled the order the next day before it was processed to wait and see if I really was going to want two of these and I can tell you with assurance that I'll be replacing this order with him. I have this policy that when I find a knife I really really like and feel will inevitably become a classic that I buy two. (one to use and one to keep mint) This one is no exception to that rule. I've paid a lot more for knives that were far less bang for the buck. This knife is worth every cent.

http://knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=KER19932

STR

 

[MSCantrell]

....and the line that separates the lock bar from the blade when it closes on the blade to lock it in the open position is nearly invisible to the naked eye and completely invisible to the fingers and finger nail.

I really appreciate that in a knife. :thumbup: I'm always surprised where I find it and where I don't. My wife's Spyderco Dragonfly- perfect. The other six or eight Spydercos I've owned, not even close.
Somehow this is one spot that just seems very indicative of attention to detail. When I see it spot-on, I think "Man, somebody did that RIGHT." And when it's off, "Man, somebody didn't give a crap."
Now, I know that's probably not true. QC/QA guys in knife shops are probably concerned first with anything that might affect the function of the knife and only afterward with small fitting issues. But it's that extra level of attention to detail, you know?
I'm surprised that forumites almost always mention blade centeredness, but rarely mention lockbar engagement. (Even after taking into account that all folders can center, but only lockbacks have lockbars.)

Mike

 

[gunmike1]

Looks like a real nice gents knife, but my ZDP Jess Horn covers that niche for me already. The micarta and the fit and finish you decribe, not to mention the VG-10, make that a great piece. The Fallkniven U2 would seem like a nice smaller companion to that, with the SGPS laminate, but obviously the FRN won't be as classy as the micarta and brass of the Kershaw.

 

[STR]

I have to tell you guys. This knife is a flat out great performer. The blade is super for kitchen work and food prep. It keeps its edge quite well even doing other tougher jobs like ripping down boxes to throw out, cutting fiberglass tape and thick heavy card paper and brown paper bags. Its not just good looking but fits the hand like a glove. Its so thin you don't even notice its on you and yet still big enough to fill the hand when you use it too with ample room for all my fingers which is a great plus. I love it!
This Kershaw Gentlemans Lockback folder is simply one of the best knife buys to come along for me in all of 2006.

STR