Kershaw Piston VS Kershaw Knockout? Recommendations?

B

Brommeland

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
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Hey folks,

I have a need for a fairly stout folder that's not gonna cost me an arm and a leg. For this particular application, I have a fairly high risk of losing the knife so I do not want to use my ZT's or BM's. I want a folder in the 4.75"-5.25" closed range with decent steel and a high degree of strength and durability. These two knives seem to fit what I am looking for. Does anyone have any "hands on" with both of them to get a comparison?

Also, other recommendations are welcome as well. Thank you!
 
I go back and forth between these two. Sometimes I like the Knockout more. Other times, the Piston. You can't go wrong with either. The Piston has a longer blade and handle, and the handle itself is also thicker. The Knockout has a wider blade. Both appear to have the same blade thickness and have a high flat grind. In hand, the Piston feels beefier.

Here are some pics I took some time ago that have a Knockout next to a Piston.
Piston_Knockout_Delica_open_800x476.jpg


Piston_Knockout_Delica_closed_800x498.jpg


Piston_Knockout_Delica_thickness_800x531.jpg
 
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I would go with the Knockout if you want durability. I wanted a Piston until I held one and saw the partial liner set up. Big no thanks to that.
 
I have both and like the knockout just alittle more and im not sure why lol Im not sure but does blur fall into ur needs? new model was just released with BDZ-1 steel
 
The Knockout is one of the best USA made Kershaws, period. From the sturdiness of the sub-framelock, to the stonewashed finish on that wide, drop point blade, to the weight reducing aluminum handle scales, this knife is awesome. Plus the Speedsafe fires hard on this model and the deep carry clip is great. I picked a Knockout over the Piston about a year ago, and I'm glad I did.
 
The Piston wins between these two for me. It has a sleeker and longer cutting edge. Also, I do like the design on the G10 that the Piston has. It's always an underdog though, more people seem to enjoy the Knockout.
 
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grownstar said:
The Knockout is one of the best USA made Kershaws, period.
Click to expand...

I agree with that. Great knife, and its super thin in the pocket. I added a square of grip tape to aid extraction, because its a little bit slick. I also love the deep clip, which in my view is better than the one on the Piston.
 
I have the knockout & really like it.
The good old Buck 110 would also fit.
 
i had both & wound up keeing the knockout. i wish the piston was aluminum,too. The knockout felt a little more solid .
 
I vote Piston, owned both but kept it. Nothing against the KO I just prefer the bigger knife... I actually would have preferred if they kept the KO G10 instead of transitioning to aluminum.

There is no wrong answer, they are essentially large/small versions of each other.
 
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I like everything about both knives except the aluminum handle on the Knockout. I just prefer G10 or micarta. If I had to pick one I'm not really sure I could tell you which is better. The best answer would be - which one looks better to you and has the features YOU like?
 
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I have a Piston and really like it. Great user, like a poor man's 710. Big belly on the blade and the G10 is nice and grippy. I have not used a Knockout but I'm sure it is good as well.
 
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I can't say I own the knockout, but I do own the Piston and it's great. Blade length is near perfect for me and the ergos are spot on. It's light, but still a capable and strong design. I carried it exclusively for about a year with no complaints. I've handled the knockout as well and it's also excellent, I just prefer the g10 scales.

Edit: Sorry, just saw you picked up the knockout! That olive/black version looks awesome. You should post some pics!
 
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The Piston is my go-to knife when it comes to my cutting needs around the house. The assisted opening flipper makes it very easy to deploy, cut up a box, and close, in just seconds. The G10 handle has just the right amount of grip to keep is secure in my hands, and the blade length makes it fit for pretty much any task. It's not as sleek as the similarly priced Blur, but in my house it gets the most action.
 
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