Kershaw Material Question

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TheGent

Joined
Aug 3, 2009
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684
I recently noticed that Kershaw took the traction tape from their knives (ex: Blur) and replaced it with rubber inserts. The Storms in the display looked like the same rubber inserts. I'll admit this turned me off and I requested to purchase the older display Blur. That and the rubber was already peeling out of the of the Blur that was new out of the box. I didn't check any of the others. I have been a Kershaw user for years, since the Liner Action came out and I love their knives, but this new rubber stuff seems to be a lower quality. I understand there are a few bad apples in the bunch. That's not the issue. My question is: What else has been internally replaced in the new production models that may be of lower quality? Just trying to find out, because part of me doesn't want to put out the same amount of money for lower quality materials.

Thanks,

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I think you are being paranoid. You are assuming a lower quality material based on one observation.
 
Uh, most of the 440a, 420 steel that Kershaw used has been replaced with 13c26 or, more recently, 14c28 Sandvik steel. That's not a bad thing, though, Sandvik is great stuff for the price range, definitely a cut above 440A or 420 :thumbup:

Other than that, don't think anything has been replaced, and I definitely can't think of anything that's been downgraded :confused:
 
I handled one of those older style trac tec inserts and thought it was too rough. I am much more happy with the hard rubber replacements so far. I've wondered what leaving my Blur in the car on an 85 degree day might do though.
 
I think Kershaw moved away from the rough-textured TracTec because users didn't like the way it tore up their pockets. I don't think it was simply because it was cheaper.
 
I'd prefer Kershaw would stop using inserts altogether. I know it's just my personal l opinion but I just don't like the looks of an insert.
 
Smash05 said:
I think you are being paranoid. You are assuming a lower quality material based on one observation.
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No. I'm simply asking if there is anything else internally that I cannot see that has been replaced with a lesser material. I know some people on here take there knives apart to observe the internals. It's an honest question. Yes, I do think the rubber insert is a lesser quality than the tractec insert. I'm not flaming Kershaw for the change either. I won't stoop to that level.
 
Never had any form of peeling issue, and many of my blurs have gone through tasks and environments. I personally like the two-tone look that the inserts have with the more colorful models. They do make the OCC Blur with no inserts:

KS1670OCC-a.jpg
 
TheGent said:
No. I'm simply asking if there is anything else internally that I cannot see that has been replaced with a lesser material. I know some people on here take there knives apart to observe the internals. It's an honest question. Yes, I do think the rubber insert is a lesser quality than the tractec insert. I'm not flaming Kershaw for the change either. I won't stoop to that level.
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To answer your question, no. I have a few Kershaw models and I have not noticed anything that has been replaced with inferior parts.
The Blur I have in my pocket right now has the new rubberized inserts. I'm really not for or against them.
I know there were complaints of the Trac-Tec being too rough, I was not one of them.
I always felt it gave an excellent grip. The one I've been carrying lately seems to work just as well in the grip category.
Haven't come across anything where I really needed to hold it tight.

I wouldn't doubt it if the new inserts actually cost more. It wouldn't be surprising.

I don't think you're being inflammatory. You saw something that was different and didn't like it.
It just made you wonder what else might have changed. No biggie. We all do that.

Plenty of new items coming out over the next few months, so keep an eye open. :)
 
TheGent

I'm unsure why you would ask the question, and/or even reach the conclusion that we are cutting manufacturing corners and materials based on one Blur, and a dislike for our insert material...:o

We haven't changed up production or lessened any of the materials used. As for the change in inserts, we switched out quite some time ago. The current material is made by the same manufacturer, less the "sand" ingredient that made for a overly aggressive feel. Pricing for the materials are essentially the same.

We, and many of our customers enjoy the inserts. They've turned out to be included in some of our very best sellers.

Hope that helps ease your concerns. :)
 
Reeek said:
I'd prefer Kershaw would stop using inserts altogether. I know it's just my personal l opinion but I just don't like the looks of an insert.
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That would make me happier than a squid on Easter.

No offense to my lovely Kershaw but I sincerely dislike the inserts , in my humble opine they dtract from an otherwise flawless knife , but that's just me :)

Thankfully Kershaw has plenty of knives that do not use inserts !


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