Kershaw Tanto Groove

[T-BAG]

My first impression when I opened the box was how light this knife is. I have a Lahar and it's built like a tank but this knife is built like a lightweight fighter ( the person, not the knife). It had no extra doodads or thingamabobs for weight and just a flipper for opening.

It opens like lightening with a little practice and I was one who didn't like flippers when they first came out but they are growing on me. It's all jet black and the blade is almost a work of art....and yes it's razor sharp....actually sharper than my razor. The striations are verticle on the main portion of the blade and as you get to the tip they get horizontal.

I tested the blade on foam peanuts, 3/4 inch poly rope and rubber tubing. It handled all three with ease and still was hair shaving sharp, right out of the box. This would be a great EDC since it is so light and a good defense knife if the need arises although a little small for the latter in my opinion....but you can make a good defense knife from a small Boker so this would be an upgrade from there. It would be sharp enough to make divots and slashes and the tip is good for penitration even tho a little small for me, but I'm 6' 3" and weigh around 280.

This is my third Kershaw in 6 months so they must be doing something right. It is a great knife for the price, $79.00 dollars or cheaper and you get a knife to show your buddies that is really unusual.

I have a friend that is a machinist (30 years) and he said this was prolly a bitch to initially make after the design was made. I feel you get your moneys worth and more for the quality of knife you get. Just my humble opinion. AND It's made in the USA

Stats :Type Folder
Blade Tanto
Lock Framelock
Clip Reversible
Ambidextrous Yes
Origin USA
Blade Length 3-1/2"
Closed Length 4-1/2"
Weight 4.8 oz.
Handle Stainless w/G-10
Blade Steel13C26 ----Rockwell 58-60.

 

[knivesandguns]

Thanks for the review. The knife used to look sorta distasteful to me, but now it's growing on me... gahh! too many cool knives!

 

[vpsaline]

Dumb question, which is better, Kershaw Groove Tanto, Blur Tanto, Cyclone Tanto, or 0400 Tanto? Do all three have the speedsafe? Do all three have "frame locks"?

 

[CL01]

Dumb question, which is better, Kershaw Groove Tanto, Blur Tanto, Cyclone Tanto, or 0400 Tanto? Do all three have the speedsafe? Do all three have "frame locks"?

Only the Groove (Of the listed knives) has a frame lock. However, the ZT's liner lock is just as thick or thicker than the Groove's frame-lock (I know longer have my ZT 0400, so I can't measure it).

As far as which one's better, that depends. If you're talking about JUST the tanto versions of these knives, then the ZT 0400 the highest quality, but it's also the largest & most expensive of the group. Personally, I think the Groove is the best of the 3 Sandvik steel models (Blur, Cyclone, & Groove). I find the Groove just fits my hand better, it flips open great, & the flipper acts as a finger guard (& keeps the hand from slipping forward better than the other 2, IMHO).

However, if you're willing to spend a little more & like larger folders, the ZT 0400's a great knife.

Hope that helps.

 

[Midwest Ninja]

My regular Groove is not Speedsafe; its just the action of the flipper. I think the tanto is the same.

 

[jaislandboy]

good review, I like mine plenty