Kershaw suggestions for a person beginning a collection

[Sep]

Leek because it's the most popular model and a good representative of Ken Onion design with speedsafe.

Groove because of its unique 3D striation pattern designed by RJ Martin.

Junkyard Dog because of its ergonomics and distinctive design by Tim Galyean.

Ram because of Hawk Lock and distributed thumb studs, designed by Grant and Gavin Hawk.

 

[Dekz]

I looooove my new Blur. I know you said you are already getting one, but may I recommend this particular model;

Sorry, it's so new that I haven't even taken pics of my own yet.

Some of my favourite Kershaws in my collection:

Damascus Skyline

Composite Junkyard Dog II

The RAM has the best flipper out there IMO. Custom Dobson scales

 

[SPXTrader]

Thanks for all the recommendations. On the Blur I will be getting a cpm 154 version if I can, just because that steel is not used much and I have over 15 knives in s30v.

If you've never tried ZDP189, check with kershawguy here in the dealer section. I believe he still has some new and some blems at ridiculously low prices. While CPM154 is excellent, everyone should try ZDP once in their lives. Remarkable steel. And Kershaw's composite blade technology is very neat too. The discontinued Blur in SG2 was a monster slicer also, if you can find one.

So I guess I have to get a leek. I was looking at the Lahar, but no one recommended that.

The Lahar is often overlooked. You have a bunch of Ken Onion designs, this one is done by Tim Galyean, and it's worth a lot more than the common street price. The VG-10 will take a razor edge, and the knife itself is on the larger size if that matters. Very slick flipper. But everyone needs a Leek. Tough decision here. Get both.

I guess I will get a RAM, just to try the hawk lock.

Excellent idea and a great knife.

That will give me 6 kershaws, I think that will qualify me as having an idea about their knives.

I will probably hit ZT after the 550 comes out.

Let me second the idea of a Groove. Its an RJ Martin design, and a great frame lock flipper. Very cool looking too. As for the ZT line, entering that relm is like first getting into knives. I'm looking forward to the 550 to compliment my 0200 (the best value from ZT), 0350, and 0301.

Nice start.:thumbup: I don't think you will be disappointed in any knife you choose from Kershaw.

 

[LawyerSam]

Good thread. I have a Spyderco Persistence and really like it, it being my first knife. Have held a Benchmade Mini Griptilian and at first, liked it, but I am thinking it is that Axis lock I like. Held it last night at Bass Pro and then held a Leek and a Scallion and for some reason, liked the hand-feel of them better. Kinda not all that thrilled with the all stainless Leek, but it really ain't all that bad. As I recall, the Scallion's blade was curved and I was worried about sharpening it.

So what would be a good EDC knife that is light, easier to sharpen and keep keen, and is in the 2 1/14" to about 3" range. I don't want a clone of my Persistence, but I don't want something far out there. Also, Kershaw guy has some blems and for the prices ($20 to $38 or so, shipped) I am probably gonna use him - he has Blackout, Leek, Scallion and a few other. By the way, the regular sized Griptilian had a nicer hand feel but it seemed way too big. I did hold a SOG Twitch 2, about a 2 1/4" blade and super light, but it seemed small compared to even the Leek.

Suggestions?

 

[UpChUcK]

Thanks for all the recommendations. On the Blur I will be getting a cpm 154 version if I can, just because that steel is not used much and I have over 15 knives in s30v.

If you've never tried ZDP189, check with kershawguy here in the dealer section. I believe he still has some new and some blems at ridiculously low prices. While CPM154 is excellent, everyone should try ZDP once in their lives. Remarkable steel. And Kershaw's composite blade technology is very neat too. The discontinued Blur in SG2 was a monster slicer also, if you can find one.

I agree with SPX. ZDP-189 is a must have. Buy a Blur in ZDP-189 now or later, but do buy it.

So I guess I have to get a leek. I was looking at the Lahar, but no one recommended that.

IThe Lahar is often overlooked. You have a bunch of Ken Onion designs, this one is done by Tim Galyean, and it's worth a lot more than the common street price. The VG-10 will take a razor edge, and the knife itself is on the larger size if that matters. Very slick flipper. But everyone needs a Leek. Tough decision here. Get both.

The Lahar is a very underrated folder IMO. It is a very tough folder with a beefy VG-10 blade, nice G-10 handles and robust liner lock. It just screams hard-use. I had one for a while but sold it since my hard-use folder is now my ZT0300.

Good thread. I have a Spyderco Persistence and really like it, it being my first knife. Have held a Benchmade Mini Griptilian and at first, liked it, but I am thinking it is that Axis lock I like. Held it last night at Bass Pro and then held a Leek and a Scallion and for some reason, liked the hand-feel of them better. Kinda not all that thrilled with the all stainless Leek, but it really ain't all that bad. As I recall, the Scallion's blade was curved and I was worried about sharpening it.

So what would be a good EDC knife that is light, easier to sharpen and keep keen, and is in the 2 1/14" to about 3" range. I don't want a clone of my Persistence, but I don't want something far out there. Also, Kershaw guy has some blems and for the prices ($20 to $38 or so, shipped) I am probably gonna use him - he has Blackout, Leek, Scallion and a few other. By the way, the regular sized Griptilian had a nicer hand feel but it seemed way too big. I did hold a SOG Twitch 2, about a 2 1/4" blade and super light, but it seemed small compared to even the Leek.

Suggestions?

At a hair under 3", the Leek is a great EDC knife. If you don't like the steel handles, an S30V Leek with G-10 handles is available. I personally don't mind the steel handles. It is quite the slim knife which is great foe pocket-carry.

The SOG Twitch 2 is roughly a 1/4" shorter than the Leek. The handle is shorter too. It is a nice EDC knife too but I used mine for mainly dressed-up EDC. My Twitch 2 had excelelnt fit & finish and jewel-like operation. It had decent steel too and a simple and clean design that was well suited for office EDC or when you may "dress up". But I got rid of mine since any SOG is no longer desired by me for personal reasons.

 

[LawyerSam]

Chuck, thanks. Im not worried about dress, or a gentleman' folder per se. I work for myself, no office staff. I need something that is light and can take with me when I run around on the weekends or dress casually at the office. Im probably gonna be concerned about price and some of the blems Kershawguy has, well, I got my Persistence from him and am very happy. That Twitch was very light.

 

[futz]

I saw a picture in there, but nobody has mentioned the Zing (anything by R.J. Martin is great!). It's a must-have Kershaw as well, along with the Leek, Groove, NRG 1 & 2, and all the rest already mentioned.

 

[richw]

Thanks again for the suggestions.

I think I will get a lahar, leek, a blur, and a ram, but thats it. On the blur, i really don't like brown, orange, or olive/black combos, are there any way to buy different grips. I am still leaning towards the cpm 154...

 

[Tostig]

The Groove is what I consider a low price , hard use flipper , made in USA and oozes quality.

Dont forget to check out the Groove