Kershaw Tension review

[Haakon]

Cabelas had these on sale for $20, for that price I figured it was worth checking out even though I'm a lefty and don't like right hand liner locks.

The packaging was a little bit of a surprise, I expected a box, but this works. The blade is marked 8cr13mov, from what I've read that's similar to AUS8, so no super steel (but what do you expect for $20?), but should get the job done.

Fit and finish is quite nice on this knife. I like the G10 scales, enough texture for a good grip, but not rough on the hands. Similar to the ZT line it has a very beefy 3.25" blade that opens and closes very smoothly with noticably less effort than my ZT350. There is some slight side to side blade play when open, but none vertically.

I wish they made a left handed version, I'd add it to the EDC rotation, as it is I'll give it to my son and see how it holds up to some boy scout campouts.

The edges look a bit odd in these, I guess that's what you get when using a cellphone for close ups.

 

[pilote]

...closed, it looks like a zt350...i like the new kershaw low end line up; lots of knife for the $...

 

[tfields]

i have a clash and tremor from the kershaw value line-up both are great knives sharp hold a decent edge great user knives!

 

[00ChevyScott]

That thing does look like an 0350 closed. Not a bad knife for $20!

 

[Haakon]

Strongly reminiscent of the 350. A flipper on the Tension would have been nice, but the studs work fine. Adding a flipper might have made it too much like their higher end knives.

 

[pilote]

Strongly reminiscent of the 350. A flipper on the Tension would have been nice, but the studs work fine. Adding a flipper might have made it too much like their higher end knives.

...after looking at those pics, i'm going to source one LOL...body of a zt350, blade sort of like a lahar, $20...yep, gonna get one...

 

[Cal45]

nice! Thanks for making me spend 20$!

 

[JGguns]

Haha yea I'm reaching for my wallet as I type. Will be a new work knife.

 

[dakine]

Saw this at Cabelas too, Kershaw is hitting home runs with these "value" models. I really like all of them.

 

[scottabrandeberry]

I saw these on sale on the Cabela's web site and had to get one for myself as well. It certainly is not a lightweight, lol! Seems to be a great knife for the price.

 

[Daddyo16]

I ordered two of these this morning. Shows you how much will power I've got...:dispirited:

 

[Leek_Freak]

Reminds me a little of the one ton. I might have to pick this up as well.

 

[Haakon]

I think I need to contact Kershaw about a commission.

 

[FriscoTx]

I just bought one of these yesterday at Cabelas and it seems to be very solid. Mine was easy to flip open and had no play in the blade. Great knife for the price and fits well in the pocket.

 

[tfields]

i just got me kershaw tension from cabelas and wow for 20 bucks its a steal. razor sharp outta the package no blade play at all smooth opening. moved the clip too tip up and put it in my pocket!!!! good blade centering as well, i know its not a super steel but i like it. i mostly own cheaper blades a kershaw clash, tremor spyderco tenacious byrd cara cara 2 , crkt summa and m16g10 good edc working blades in my opinion, great job and thx kershaw!!

 

[sooner7nc]

I agree, these are a hell of a deal. I like the fact that the blade appears to have brass bushings that it pivots on. The 8cr13mov seems to be a pretty good steel especially considering where it came from and for godssake it's got G-10 handles. What more can you ask out of a $20 bill?

 

[tfields]

it does indeed have the phosphur-bronze bushings in it 1 on each side i find the detial and quality just amazing on a 20 dollar knife kershaw just blows my mind lol, need too try and save up for a U.S. made one i can only imagine the quality there as being better!?

 

[TX180SX]

I'll have to check it out when im over at Cabela's at lunch.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

After seeing this review this morning, I got a Tension myself at Cabela's. The Tension is seriously overbuilt! In all seriousness, a soldier or cop could get three of these for $65, and they would probably last longer than a ZT knife. I understand the appreciation of a good knife, so I am not knocking ZT, but I am thinking like a person who might really need a good knife but is not a knife nut.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

After playing with this knife for another day, I am just struck by the quality of this knife's construction. Another knife it reminds me of is the old Benchmade CQC7. Although it is heavy by my standards, it is compact, and comfortable to carry. My only quibble with the Tension is that I wish it's handle were maybe a 1/4" - 1/2'' longer because it would then really fit my hand perfectly.