Kershaw Vapor?

calyth

calyth

#!/bin/sh of a man
Joined
Feb 23, 2002
Messages
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I've seen this new one in my local knife store.
It's all metal construction, marked Ken Onion designed.
Despite being made in China, the blade is still very sharp when I tested it. Only thing bad is the thumbstud is not ambidexterous.
Anyone have more experience on this than I do?
 
Carry one every day.Solid feel and stays sharp.I have the 154cm model.
 
The Kershaw Vapor is one of the best knives in production today, when price is a factor.
 
154CM? Wow, I'd definitely get a 154CM version even if the thumbstud's only right-handed. Is it a production piece?

Zero
 
The Vapor is a great knife. I can't believe how cheap it is. I would love an upgraded version.
 
Funny thing is the blade, the clerk, and even Kershaw's site doesn't have the information on the steel of the knives.
 
Last I knew, it was AUS-6A. Only thing that calls it any other steel -- AUS-8 -- is the Hersirs site.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Zero
 
I thought the blade was 420HC! Oh well, dunno what it is exactly, it aint the primo stuff, but the knife is a best buy at $25. I don't know how anyone could pass on buying one of these. Mine takes care of all kinds of daily tasks.

And I'd like to hear about where Randy got one in 154CM! They've not made any with that steel to my knowledge, but then again, Randy is the president of the Bay Area Knife Club!

~Mitch
 
The thing is, Kershaw had made the scallion with 420HC and it's deadly sharp when I tried it. I didn't know it was 420HC until I checked.
 
I bought a Kershaw Vapor II when they first came out which I ended up giving away to a friend. The first models were made in Japan, but my current sample is made in China. As far as I know, the Vapor I and the larger Vapor II have blades of AUS-6. Nifrand, 154CM? I wasn't aware that they had versions in 154CM. It certainly isn't mentioned on Kershaw's site. Anyway, despite the "China" stamp on the blade, the knives are very well made and are very sharp. My Vapor II has one of the smoothest actions of any production folders I own and the lockup is solid. I really like the slim profile of the folder, but I would have liked a slightly (wider) pocket clip. Other than that it is one of the best bang for the buck folders for the price.
 
I guess you have to be some sort of czar to get a 154CM version...:D

Onion designs are beginning to eat at me. I think I'll get both Vapors I and II regardless of the steel. Too bad about the thumbstud. Hope it's "correctable."

Zero
 
I've been carrying the Vapor II daily for a few months now and can't speak highly enough about it. The only thing is that I would prefer a more premium steel than the AUS-6A (and a different blade finish). By the way, Ken Onion posted the blade steel used in these knives on this forum a while back, so this should be correct. I've been shopping for a good replacement with better steel in prices up to about $130, but I literally can't find anything I would rather carry than this $30 knife for my needs/tastes. I've decided to just stick with the AUS-6A and sharpen more frequently unless/until Kershaw offers a different version. If anybody knows where I can get one in 154CM or whatever, please let me know.

As it is, it's a whole lot of knife for the money and I would buy another one in a heartbeat if I lost it. It's a highly recommended purchase.

Best points: Buttery smooth action and lock engagement/ disengagement. Blade is solidly supported in frame with close tolerances. Ergonomic shape is friendly to the hand and pocket. Artistic design gives a gentleman's appearance to a work-horse. Overall robustness of design gives this tool great strength and reliability you can count on. Clip looks great and provides the correct grip without any wear on clothing.

Recommendations: Thumb-stud is sharp, remove and soften with a file. May also want to soften the thumb-serrations on blade spine.
 
I guess this is one of those great knives with great prices thing....
This is compounding my choices of knives... :(
 
I had a Vapor II. Whe I got home with it, I took it apart and brought everything to a high polish. I liked it, but the printing on the blade didn't look good, so I HP'd the blade. Since the blade got polished, I figured I might as well do the rest. I saw an ex GF on Saturday while I was recruiting at "redneck festival" and gave it to her (with her mom's permission, of course). I hope she enjoys it. I love her like the sister I never had and figured she needed a better knife than a dinky SAK.
 
I like my Vapor11 but hated the bead blast handles,they always look dirty so I high polished and stone washed them.Pic sucks:(

fdd1b274.jpg
 
As a side note...how do you stonewash a blade?

Zero

Edit: Lurker, is that a "flipper" I see on your vapor? What the fuschizzel?
 
Atomic,

Stonewashing a blade usually involves putting it in a tumbler with stone/chalky material and a liquid. It turns in the tumbler for a while and the stones actually scuff the material in random directions creating the effect.

I don't think it's a bead blasted finish on the handle (or the blade). Kershaw has this thing where it's more like a really fine stonewasher. It's a pretty good piece of equipment. It's the same process as on the regular Chives.

~Mitch
 
Thanks for the clarification, Mitch.

I'm pouring some Kool-Aid and little rocks into my dryer right now!

Zero
 
Zero: that isn't any flipper, just the space between his fingers.
 
Originally posted by Atomic Zero
Thanks for the clarification, Mitch.

I'm pouring some Kool-Aid and little rocks into my dryer right now!

Zero
Click to expand...

Now that is LMAO funny! Made me smile before 9:00 AM. No small task.
 
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