Kershaw Vapor III photo review

[paranoidsentry]

The original Vapor was my first knife other than a SAK, and I loved it, but sadly lost it. When I went looking for a replacement I learn they had been discontinued but found both a Vapor and Vapor II online. However the change to 8Cr13MoV made them feel a little different so neither got much carry time. Anyway a few weeks ago I saw the Vapor III at a local sporting goods story I picked it up to compare to the originals. After carrying it for a bit I have decided it is a decent cheap frame lock, but not nearly as good as the Ken Onion designed ones.

It is closest in size to the Vapor II so that is the one I will compare it to.

In my opinion the Pocket clip is better on the III, but the plain curve of the spin doesn't feel nearly as good in the hand as the more ergonomic II. Plus the double sided thumb stud tends to catch rather badly when being pulled from a pocket.

Lock up is about the same.

The thumb stud on the III is much smaller, it still deploys well, but not as nicely as the II.

Strangely I like the pins on the III more, though it is a strange place to put the extra bit of effort in the design.


Not mentioned above: The lack of jimping on the III gives you a much less secure grip, especially when a little sweat or water is added. Another thing the III is missing is indentation in the handle behind the thumb stud, which makes it just a tiny bit harder to open. Another difference is the III has a hollow grind as instead of the full flat on the II, my personal preference is for the flat. Still not a bad knife, but not as well designed as the older ones.

If only I could have the originals with a better blade steel. I would buy two of those, or maybe three.

This was my first review, please let me know what you think. Thank you.

 

[338375]

I haven't paid much attention lately, and only recently learned of the VaporIII, and the changing of the blade steel.
I have had an original Vapor for somewhere around 7 years. I picked mine up at the Wally Mart for 13 bucks IIRC.
It's comfortable, the blade is very smooth opening and closing with no movement in any direction when locked open. It was my first knife with a frame lock, and I really like it. Its weird, because it is the least expensive knife I own, and I would never sell it...
IMHO, the knife could have easily sold for 30-40 dollars and still not be over priced. Thanks for the comparison pictures. It is nice to see the difference.

 

[Ore_Ele]

That was actually a very good review. I've seen a lot of reviews where people focus on the particular one in their hand rather than the overall design (like looking at the sharpness of their knife, which is something that can vary from knife to knife, or if a screw is striped). I think though that it should also be noted that the V3 is 33% cheaper than the V2 (based on MSRP).

 

[paranoidsentry]

That was actually a very good review. I've seen a lot of reviews where people focus on the particular one in their hand rather than the overall design (like looking at the sharpness of their knife, which is something that can vary from knife to knife, or if a screw is striped). I think though that it should also be noted that the V3 is 33% cheaper than the V2 (based on MSRP).

Thank you.
The III would shave arm hair out of the box, so I didn't sharpen it before use. I would have given more results about how it cut, but for most of my tasks I have found myself reaching for another knife. All the III has cut is: Tape, paper, cardboard, thin plastic, and an orange. Not exactly heavy work but all these tasks it handle with no problem.
I couldn't find MSRP for the II, it is no longer on Kershaw's website. But I did pay a little more for it, around six dollars more about a year and a half ago. I personally am satisfied with the III for what I paid, but would have gladly paid more for the I and II.