Kershaw Storm I/II and Vapor I/II

O

Olav234

Joined
Jul 14, 2006
Messages
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Hi all,

I am looking particularly at these knives, and can't really figure out a difference.

I can only buy based off a website, so haven't held either knife in my hands to compare physically.

I'm wondering what the difference between the Vapor and the Storm line is. They both look quite similar, and the price is also similar, so if there is any technical differences, I'd love to know what.

Also, what is the difference between the I and II models of both of these knives?


Thanks so much in advance!
 
Kershaw Storm
Blade: Sandvik 13C26
Handle: stainless steel with Trac-Tec inserts

Kershaw Vapor
Blade: AUS6A
Handle: 410 stainless steel

The II-models are the bigger versions of the I-models.
 
I'd go with the Storm or Storm II. Both have superior steel in my opinion and after owning both I just like the Storm models better. The lock of the Vapor was a bit harder for my thumb to find to release it. It was like very shallow with not much to get your thumb on but other than that it is a fine knife also.

Both of these Kershaw models are good workers and capable of a lot of hard use.

STR
 
Thank you very much for both of your replies. I'll heed your warning and go for the Storm II. It is right in my sweet spot as far as price. Thanks again!
 
Really? I was just reading the specs and it was:

Storm I - 3" Blade 4" Closed
Storm II - 3 1/2" Blade 4 3/4" Closed

Does that 3/4 of an inch in knife length make it so much more unwieldly?

I really wish I could find these locally to phyiscally hold them beforehand. Anyone know a place in NYC that carries these?

yobbos1 said:
A word of caution the Storm II is HUGE! if you like 'em big, go for it.;)
Click to expand...
 
Definitely stay away from the Vapor. Kershaw makes some great knives, and the Vapor is well designed and constructed, but I think they screwed up using AUS-6. Lousy blade steel. Although I have not used Sandvik steel yet, I have heard good things about it. Much better than the AUS-6. Another consideration would be to save up a little more and get a Blur. I love mine, and the 440A blade steel has been very pleasing. It will take a very sharp edge, and holds it quite well. From what I understand, Kershaws heat treating makes it perform better than what an average 440A would. Good luck with your selection, Kershaw knives are great, especially the Ken Onion designs. My $0.02
 
KFLEISIG said:
Definitely stay away from the Storm. Kershaw makes some great knives, and the Storm is well designed and constructed, but I think they screwed up using AUS-6. Lousy blade steel. Although I have not used Sandvik steel yet, I have heard good things about it. Much better than the AUS-6. Another consideration would be to save up a little more and get a Blur. I love mine, and the 440A blade steel has been very pleasing. It will take a very sharp edge, and holds it quite well. From what I understand, Kershaws heat treating makes it perform better than what an average 440A would. Good luck with your selection, Kershaw knives are great, especially the Ken Onion designs. My $0.02
Click to expand...

Storm is made from Swedish Sandvic 13C26 steel which is far better then 440A and AUS6, due to different reason (clear iron ore, well balanced composition- K-carbides etc...).

Storm is great value, also have a look at new Cyclon - bit mor expensive, but still very affordable, same steel plus AO.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Whoops, sorry about that, I meant to be refering to the Vapor as being the one to avoid. Guess I should proofread alittle better. :rolleyes:
 
I have the Storm II and the Storm III, and both have been great knives. They hold an edge well, and they are comfortable to carry.
 
Baphomet said:
I have the Storm II and the Storm III, and both have been great knives. They hold an edge well, and they are comfortable to carry.
Click to expand...

Where is the storm III? :confused:
 
The Storm II is an excellent knife for the price...

- Frame Lock
- Sandvic 13C26 steel
- Metal washers on the pivot
- Very Ergonomic
- Made in the US

You can try one at WalMart....
 
Actually there is a Storm (3" blade), and a Storm II (3 1/2" blade). No Storm III.
 
Ah, I've always seen it called a Storm III, but oh well, have the box somewhere, if I find it I'll let you guys know what it says on it.
 
As for the Vapor II, I find it has better edge retention cutting hose, cardboard, and particle board than Bucks 420 modified in a 887 Police Advocate. Of course this is a matter of small degree compared to AUS8, ATS34, or S30V.

That I paid $40 less for the Vapor II, it carries ride better in jeans, and is less aggressive to my hand in use compensates some for the Made in China etching. The thumb stud is hard to use, as others have noted, but the framelock is sturdy and the finish is holding up. It's not as huge looking compared to the 887 because of the thinner blade - but it's got one inch more edge for the same length due to the lack of finger choil.
And it doesn't look like one of those hyper lethal tactical weapons. :D

If they keep making them like this Maxam and M-Tech will go under.
 
Completely by chance, I carried my Vapor II to work to use today, and remembered why I love this knife so much.

It's thin, rides well, feels great in hand, and has lots of blade for the size of knife it is. Mine's the CE version, and I'm not in love with the serrations, but the knife is great.

I'd be reluctant to use it for extremely heavy duty use because the handle is a little thin, and would hurt the hand, but if you were wearing work gloves, then go for it. The knife was used on a construction site for a month and a half last summer, was carried as an EDC for a couple years before that, and just keeps begging for more. I prefer it to my mini-grip, to my Centofante III, and my Native III, but I do prefer my leek.

Haven't handled the storm, so can't say if it's better than it or not, but I can say that I'd be surprised if you were disappointed with a Vapor. I don't know if it's the best knife, but it's damn good, and I like it.
 
I have freind whos a mechanic and abuses the hell outa his vapor folder. but it has held up. It isnt pertty but it is certainlystill usable.

I favor the storm personally. Its just a great user.


Good luck
 
I've never handled a Vapor, but I definitely favor the Storm because of the way it feels in my hand. Its got a steel handle, but its very comfortable to handle.
 
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