Kershaw Junkyard Dog

NjHart

NjHart

Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
715
Howdy yall,

I finally bit the bullet after being indecisive for weeks now and decided my next knife would be the kershaw junkyard dog! Hopefully it will arrive before the end of the week and I can offer an update on what I think. I was looking for a fairly large EDC knife for ranch work (where I live no one bats an eye at someone carrying a fixed blade on their hip much less a folder of any size). I had read that it was fairly durable and I opted for this one instead of zt350 to save a little cash and the blade shape seems easier to sharpen. Does anyone have experience with this knife (I opted for the cheaper non composite blade)? Did I make an ok selection? I'm still rather new to knife scene so to speak, and I'm still picking up new information. Hopefully this can handle a little hefty work while I save up for my new object of desire- any one of those gorgeous strider SMFs I've just saw on youtube.
 
I have the composite, but the traditional blade is similar. They're excellent knives. Mine feels like a more expensive zt. It's hefty, and it opens so smooth you wouldnt believe it. Overall I dont think you can go wrong at all with the JYD.
 
I've been using this basic model since early '08, for "dirty jobs." It's held up really well. It holds a razor edge and has taken everything I could throw at it. This includes scraping paint off walls, and using the back of the blade for a screw driver. The flipper is great, and the knife feels good in the hand in general. If you're right handed, the wide clip actually feels nice in your palm, when you are using it.

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I'm glad to hear it! I forgot to mention, I'm left handed so I have a nightmarish time with most thumb studs, and I really liked the flipper (at least from pictures) on the JYD. I tend to overuse my knives as tools, so I'm happy to hear its hefty. Actually the extra weight is sort of what drew me to ZT to begin with- I like feeling that extra weight in my hand when I'm using it. Hopefully it will arrive before the end of the week so I can have it for any weekend activities, aka beaver hunting. I know its on the lower end expense side, but I'm actually quite excited for it. Since losing my benchmade exactly four days after buying it (the one and only knife that ever fell out of my pocket), I've been carrying a kershaw 1ton and I'm looking forward to a change.
 
Holding it in my left hand, I notice my middle finger indexes in the bottom curve of the pocket clip. Very comfy to hold that way too.
 
I think you'll enjoy it. They blade profile while large isn't overbuilt in the least bit and can cut very gracefully. I like the JYD II and the composite steel is a cool concept as far as I'm concerned.
 
Love the JYD! I own 25+ Kershaws and it is the smoothest flipper of them all except the TiLT. It carries well, takes a great edge, and is extremely ergonomic. Looks good in orange too. :cool:

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The only thing I don't like is the design of the pocket clip. I wish STR still made replacements.
 
This is the 4th one I've done, and although they're not as polished as other aftermarket clip offerings, it's actually pretty easy to bend your own clip for the JYD.

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Great knife but the pocket clip with the three holes is a disaster. I like the pocket clip on that D2 model!
 
I'm genuinely thrilled that it's a consensus good call. Being left handed and the clip being a bit large and fantasy-ish, I may try to modify it or even make a replacement (with beer and a few tools man can accomplish much). Once I get my hands on it, I'll know pretty quickly what I want to do about it. After I started looking into replacement knives for my lost benchmade, my dad I always carries benchmades so in utter opposition to my character I did zero research, I started learning a little about modern knives and knife steels. I was a little worried about buying a knife made of steel there didn't seem to be much written about, but if so many people speak to the knives durability I'm relieved. I enjoy sharpening and I can always use the practice so spending some time on my stones regularly certainly wont be an issue. And I do love the flipper and blade shape.
 
@gooeytek mind sharing exactly what you did to make that? It looks really great and I really couldn't care less about the polish.
 
T.L. said:
Great knife but the pocket clip with the three holes is a disaster. I like the pocket clip on that D2 model!
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I happen to like the pocket clip. I usually carry it in my waist band so no one sees the clip in the first place, and I think the larger clip adds to how it feels in hand.
 
I've been pleased with mine. I picked it up here in the F/S Forum. The pocket clip has been modified as well.
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Showing a strider (hopefully my next purchase after saving a bit) next to the knife I'm eagerly waiting on with some very impressive modifications? I'm very jealous! Also, which strider model is that as a point of reference for future research?
 
NjHart said:
Showing a strider (hopefully my next purchase after saving a bit) next to the knife I'm eagerly waiting on with some very impressive modifications? I'm very jealous! Also, which strider model is that as a point of reference for future research?
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Strider PT.
 
Awesome, thank you! I actually like the clip modifications on your knife quite a lot. I'll, of course, see how it feels and looks with the stock clip once I have it in my hand, but my first modification instinct was to do exactly what looks like someone has done for yours and just grind off the points from the sides. If both of those fail, I'll probably try to manufacture one similar to gooeyteks. Hopefully it arrives asap so I can start the fun- patience is a virtue that escapes me.
 
hey Nj, I can't PM you so I'll post this here. I got the pre-formed titanium clip from usaknifemaker, under their 'folding knife parts' section. Yiou'll know it when you see it. I drilled my own holes to match the orientation of the JYD, make sure you do it slow with steady pressure (I don't have a drill press, but having one will make it a lot easier). I then heated the bend area with a MAPP torch. Try to get your bending done in as few heat cycles as possible.
 
Thanks again! If I'm unhappy with the look or feel once I get it and can't modify it successfully that's is precisely what I'll do.
 
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