Kershaw Spec Bump

kamagong

kamagong

Joined
Jan 13, 2001
Messages
10,973
I received my first Kershaw today, one of the discontinued Spec Bumps. Obviously I don't have much experience with it so the following are my limited impressions of it.

This is a good sized knife, shorter closed and OAL than a Spyderco Military but thicker in cross section. Finish is excellent, but the fit isn't as good. The backspacer isn't flush with the scales and liners, and you can feel it when you run your fingers over the back.

The blade is where it gets interesting. This particular version has a stonewashed blade, but it is different from other stonewashed blades that I am familiar with. This one is bit coarser-feeling and while it looks like a typical stonewashed blade it feels more like a bead-blasted one. As you already know the blade is a very pointy recurve design. I don't know how I feel about it yet, the only recurves I owned prior to this were khukuris.

The Spec Bump uses the Stud Lock mechanism. While it seems robust and effective, the one on my particular knife is a little inconsistent in operation. Sometimes it disengages easily, other times it take a bit more effort. Hopefully it smooths out with use.

I don't know if I'm going to carry this knife. The textured G-10 handles, while grippy, would just case excessive wear on my pants' pockets. I also don't like the extra step of disengaging the safety when deploying this knife. And to be honest, I don't look forward to sharpening the recurve, I can just tell it's going to be a major PITA.

On the other hand, this knife is just downright cool. The blade shape is unlike anything else I own. And the SpeedSafe system is fascinating. While I don't think the Spec Bump is the most practical knife design, it doesn't really matter as it is fun to use.

kershawspecbumpclosed.jpg


kershawspecbumpopen.jpg
 
I have A Spec-Bump and love it. Bead blasted or stonewashed is apples and oranges. The lock on my knife has held up well. Good choice.
 
The lock was the same way on mine but after a little break-in it will be smooth as butter. Don't worry about it tearing up your pockets that's why there is a smooth spot in the middle of the scales.
 
I have one and I do like the craftsmanship.

I never took to the stud-lock, as it feels too un-natural for me.

Remember to let everone know how you like the knife after a couple of months carry.
 
I have the Speed bump with a slightly different handle. I really like it. It is one of the most comfortable knives I have ever held. The lock took a bit to get used too but like anything once your used to it, its very comfortable for me to use. I bought my Sister's Fiance one and he has used the hell out of it. He has had issues with the screws for the clip not staying tight....thats the only complaint I have heard. Mine has not had these issues.
 
I like the overall design, shape and feel of the Spec Bump. What kept me from buying one was the stud lock and "safety" (not into superfluous features; too many things to break at the wrong time) and the pocket clip being mounted on the wrong end.
 
The Spec Bump is one of my favorite knives. I never use the safety. I also don't find the scale texturing to be course enough to be an issue with pocket wear.

Sharpening re-curves does take extra effort but isn't all that bad once you get the hang of it.

The Spec Bump is one of those knives that I keep coming back to.
 
Que said:
The Spec Bump is one of my favorite knives. I never use the safety. I also don't find the scale texturing to be course enough to be an issue with pocket wear.

Sharpening re-curves does take extra effort but isn't all that bad once you get the hang of it.

The Spec Bump is one of those knives that I keep coming back to.
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+1 on this highlighted portion. You will find that this scale texture is much easier on pants pockets than a finer "all-over" texture like on most G10 handled knives.

The Stud lock will wear in over time.
 
my stone washed Bump came today,
high quality, zero blade-play, one of the sharpest knives out-of-box I've ever had

I really don't know why it is so cheap ? Only 50$ ?
 
Cuz they DC'ed it and they are getting rid of their excess parts (I think).

Edit: just checked the mail, mine came today too! NICE!
 
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H2H907 said:
I like the overall design, shape and feel of the Spec Bump. What kept me from buying one was the stud lock ...
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Same here. I checked one out on Saturday and overall, I liked the feel in the hand and the specs of the knife. And I like the flipper/SpeedSafe design. But the location and operation of the stud lock required me to totally shift my hold of the knife to release the lock for close - that felt cumbersome and very awkward. (As compared to an axis lock, for example, which is located right where you'd want it for easy operation.) The stud-lock is not a design that I would be happy using. If others felt similarly, that could that be why they DC'ed the knife?
 
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kamagong said:
I don't know if I'm going to carry this knife. The textured G-10 handles, while grippy, would just case excessive wear on my pants' pockets. I also don't like the extra step of disengaging the safety when deploying this knife. And to be honest, I don't look forward to sharpening the recurve, I can just tell it's going to be a major PITA.
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The G-10 has lots of grip at each end. I actually prefer the way that the slabs are sculpted to rise beyond the liners. It's like jimping that I never need to clean and oil.

If the safety gets in the way, you can tighten it down in the OFF position to defeat it - nice feature.
 
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