Kershaw Strobe: greatest budget knife ever?

R

RissyQuicks

Joined
Jul 29, 2013
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I don't know about the rest of you guys but I can't seem to put my strobe down. I've had it for a little less than a month now and it's still kicking knives out of my pocket that cost 5x or more than it. Its has an awesome and practical design, and the KVT bearing system makes it smooth as hell. It is the perfect size for me and gives me a relatively large blade for the overall size of the knife. When most people think of the all around 'best bang for your buck' kershaw, they generally think skyline; I think the skyline is going to have to move over, and in a hurry too. This is definitely a knife that needs to be pimped out, I'll probably get some custom copper and carbon fiber scales to bring out the true looks that a knife like this deserves. All in all, this is turning into one of my favorite knives fast; I can't be the only one around here that thinks this, right?
 
I don't think you are the only one as evidenced by the fact that their sold out just about everywhere.
 
Mystery steel? All KAI says is that it's stainless. What's that supposed to mean? Or is it the legendary Rostfrei alloy I've heard so much about? ;)
 
8Cr13MoV, according to their catalogs (page 39 on the "Consumer" catalog, page 65 on the "Dealer" catalog). Looks like they just left off that spec on the web site.

The Strobe looks pretty awesome. It also looks like there is some good potential for customization as well. I've seen some pics where people have removed the K-Texture material from the handle, leaving it open for custom scales.

I haven't gotten one (yet), but it has certainly caught my interest.
 
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Don't own one but it would be to small for me. I think the Enlan EL-01 would be my vote.
 
Much sexier than a skyline. I'd say it's still not King of Budget Blades, though. The Rat 1 & 2 are tough to beat.
 
RevDevil said:
The Blur, standard black/black around $50, would be my choice.
Click to expand...

Love the value of the American made Blur. To do this correct we would need to set perimeters though. Tough to compare a USA made blade to a foreign one.
 
I do want a Strobe someday. But for me, a true "budget" knife is down there in the $20 or $25 range or below, like the entry level Kershaws, the Ontario Utilitac, Sanrenmu, etc. I'm thinking about the minimum wage dude who needs a decent knife for EDC or the workplace. The Sanrenmu 710 at $10.95 shipped is probably the king of the hill for me.
 
The strobe looks sweet for sure.. KVT bearings, flipper, framelock (more or less) etc. Its just hard for me to pull the trigger on budget blades anymore because I always think "for 30 more bucks I could get a blur, for 40 more bucks I could get a 350 blem etc. But you peaked my interest with this thread. How bout some pics??
 
I picked one up on a whim at (local sporting good store) after handling one and I've been really impressed by it.
It has kicked my Skyline, and other, more expensive knives to the curb (for now).
It flies open with authority the Skyline has never had.

I will agree that it is a bit on the small side, but that's also due to the Diskin design. But if feels solid in the hand, to me at least. The handle doesn't feel as slim as it looks.

Perhaps ZT will collaborate with Matt Diskin on something like an upgraded version of the Strobe....
About 30% bigger.
Ti and carbon fiber
Blackwash Elmax blade
Improved pocket clip

I'd easily drop $200 on something like that.

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Thanks for the pics, I think I am sold. I agree, a ZT Diskin would be a home run. Only thing I can really knitpick at is the K textured handles, but for 40 or so dollars its a non issue. Looks like a slicing machine.
 
Couldn't agree more with OP. Ordered one on a whim a month or so ago and have been very impressed. Easily my favorite sub $50 knife.
 
I can't wait to get my custom scales in for this bad m1234ker. I'll post pics when they arrive
 
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I bought one on a whim,too,and I think its great.it really flips well, and it carries real nice,too.For 37.00 you cant go wrong. I thought it was 3cr13 steel, which I wasn't too crazy about getting, if its 8cr that's definitely better.A real fun flipper..
 
Wish they kept the G10 but I guess the new handle doesn't make much of a practical difference. Would love the original smooth G10 scales, but until then it won't do much to kick the Kershaw Injection off the #1 spot on my top budget knife list.
 
For the over seas value kershaw I think the cryo 2 is a huge winner. Decent size and good design. I really like the cryo 2 for a budget knife. Great value for the money
 
There are a lot of really good budget knives coming out recently. It is encouraging to see companies not abandoning the less expensive lines.
 
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