Kershaw OD-1 (Initial impression)

dsmegst · Aug 6, 2009

I bought this knife from Walmart at a reasonable price, just around $40.

Good:
- Grippy G-10 scale, better traction than most other brand of G-10 scales with a caveat in that only the front has G-10 scale
- Fast and easy deployment with a caveat in that you must take care not to apply any pressure on the frame lock when deploying the blade *
- Semi open design for easy cleaning
- Blade length maximized in relation to the handle length
- Sleek and pleasing shape when open.
- Grippy Flipper stud with excellent traction even when wet
- Very sturdy pivot with no side to side or up and down play
- Quality Stainless Steel blade (Sandvik 14C28N)
- Blade is nicely centered in the frame when closed.

* It's very easy to press down on the frame lock when deploying the blade. Even a slight pressure make it almost impossible to deploy the blade.

Bad:
- Heavy for it's size. The steel liner is not skeletonized as is often done on other knives and the stainless steel frame on the back adds to the weight.
- The blade retention is weak in the closed position. The blade pops out easily when dropped or bumped.
- No jimping on the back of the blade or on the frame. Very little traction for my thumb
- Only two positions for the pocket clip and tip up carry position leaves a lot of the knife showing in the pocket.
- Not as sharp out of the box as other Kershaw knives - in fact, it's my dullest factory edge on a Kershaw.
- Easy for your hand to slip forward in a thrust - This is a minor hit as I don't see this knife as a tactical design.
- ***The frame lock does not go far enough when deployed. This was a warranty fix on my knife. I got it back with much better lock tension.***

Overall, I give this knife a 7 out of 10. I only had this for a couple weeks and only a couple days of EDC so I don't have any long term data. If I had to do it again, I would not buy this knife. There are better choices for $40 out there.

I hope this helps, (Edit - go easy on a newbie please.

I've also removed my comment regarding the lack of G10 on the back as it's not part of the design. Until I see my issue with the frame lock resolved or I get some kind of explanation from Kershaw, I remain skeptical of this knife. I've contacted the warranty dept about it so I hope to hear back from them soon. I have the knife back and it's been fixed to my satisfaction.)

Update: The frame lock is fixed and it feels much better now. I still think there are better EDC knives out there for the same price as my personal preference is to choose a lighter knife for EDC. I think the stainless steel frame really adds to the weight, but at this price, there's no way they could have used titanium or something similarly exotic. It's a good knife but it has some flaws. The weight and the poor blade retention keeps it out of my EDC rotation.

Dan

Brutus013 · Aug 6, 2009

Frame locks are only supposed to engage about half way in order to allow for wear down the road. Maybe I'm misinterpreting what you're trying to say, do you have a picture of the lock while it's engaged?

dsmegst · Aug 6, 2009

Brutus013 said:
Frame locks are only supposed to engage about half way in order to allow for wear down the road. Maybe I'm misinterpreting what you're trying to say, do you have a picture of the lock while it's engaged?

I understand your point exactly, but the reason it's only engaged half way is that the spring pressure is so light that the frame lock's natural position is to stop at the half way point.

In fact, if I pull the blade as far as it will open, the frame lock comes loose in the half way position instead of engaging further. Another test is when I force the frame lock over to the right so that it's fully engaged, it springs back to the left when I pull the blade open with any force.

I hope that's clear.

I also compared the OD-1 with several other Kershaw frame lock knives I have and none of them have this issue.

Thanks,

Dan

A_Blade_Afficionado · Aug 6, 2009

You can't have G10 on both sides with a framelock, at least not at $40. The detent has to be weak for the Od flipper to work, and the frame lock issue is nonexistant in mine, you might have got a lemon.

Overall, I rate it a 9.5/10, it's the perfect gentlemen's EDC. I wish you enjoyed yours as much as mine, but your milage may vary.

dsmegst · Aug 7, 2009

Regarding no G10 in the back, I agree, the design does not lend itself to having G10 in the back. I will amend my review.

dru9 · Aug 7, 2009

I'm a lefty, so my thumb rests firmly on the lock bar when opening this knife. With the clip set tip down there is no contact.

Flashpoint · Aug 7, 2009

- No jimping on the back of the blade or on the frame. Very little traction for my thumb

If this was more of a utility knife instead a gents folder I would agree with you. But with the handle being so small my whole hand engulfs it and the handle shape conveys a good purchase on the knife when in use. I don't see ever using the knife hard enough that I would need jimping as well.

cerulean · Aug 7, 2009

dsmegst said:
In fact, if I pull the blade as far as it will open, the frame lock comes loose in the half way position instead of engaging further. Another test is when I force the frame lock over to the right so that it's fully engaged, it springs back to the left when I pull the blade open with any force.

That kind of lock-up sounds pretty questionable. I'd send the knife back to Kershaw if there's any vertical blade play at all. You might also want to do a spine tap test to make sure the lock is stable and maybe a static load test.

I had to send my OD-1 in for warranty service because its lock was failing: a relatively light tap on the spine would cause the blade to close. Kershaw repaired it though and it works perfectly now. Turnaround time was only a couple of weeks.

A_Blade_Afficionado · Aug 7, 2009

Kershaw will fix you up and make sure your knife is fixed. I'm sure once it has a tune up you will be happier with it. I meant to go easy on you, sorry if it was harsh. I just wanted to say my thoughts on your discrepancies (to each their own) to give a different angle of the situation.

dsmegst · Aug 7, 2009

I got an email response from Kershaw. They agree that the frame lock on my knife is indeed a problem and it's going back for repairs. I will re-evaluate my review when I get it back.

BTW, I love this kind of fast, no hassle response from a manufacturer.

hwpaintballer · Aug 7, 2009

dsmegst said:
I got an email response from Kershaw. They agree that the frame lock on my knife is indeed a problem and it's going back for repairs. I will re-evaluate my review when I get it back.

BTW, I love this kind of fast, no hassle response from a manufacturer.

If I were you I would ask them to include a catalog in with your knife when they send it back, very impressive catalog :thumbup:

dsmegst · Sep 16, 2009

My OD-1 is back from Kershaw and the loose frame lock has been fixed. Thank you, Kershaw! It took a month and few days to come back. No complaints about the turnaround. I think that's very reasonable.

I'am updating the review.