Kershaw VS. Benchmade

Kershaw has been making excellent knives for years and has an unbeatable reputation for customer service. Unlike Benchmade, Kershaw knives come from the factory dangerously sharp! :D Now that they've been working with Ken Onion's designs, they've got the neatest assisted opening personal folders, as well as fixed blades.

Since you mentioned hunting, I suggest you look at the Ken Onion Echo first. If you think you might want a folder, check these out: Blackout, Bump, Blur, Steven Seagal Folder, Storm or Storm II.
 
Z,
They are both good brands, but generally Benchmade uses a higher quality steel in their blades (with higher prices), especially D2 and 440C.
There is more to a good knife than just the steel used in the blade, but it is a good place to start.
My vote is Benchmade.

Michael
 
I'm a big fan of kershaw. I'm relativly new to the knife world, but when I was looking to upgrade my EDC from a vapor II to something a little less then $100, I looked long and hard. I looked at every BM my local knife store had, and I decided to go with Kershaw's tactical blur. I'm a huge fan of the thin profiles the Ken Onion designs seem to have. Also, I have noticed that the benchmade blades seem thinner on a whole. I'm sure either brand you choose won't let you down though.
 
Get whatever that fits you, and what you want it to do.
Buy a knife, not a brand name.
 
For the money, I'd vote Kershaw. You do get a lot of bang for less of a buck when you get one of their knives. Overall quality, though, would still be Benchmade in my book. .
 
Depends on design, and price. Yes, Benchmade is a higher quality, brand. But if I really like a design from Kershaw that matched it's intened function, I would get it. Also price has a bit to do with it. Benchmade is generally more expensive.

Try pick out some models so we can help you out more.
 
I own a couple of Benchmades, and they are some of the finest knives I own, but it's a Kershaw that I carry every day.
 
I replaced my EDPC (Every Day Pocket Carry) from a spyderco to a kershaw assisted opening. I am very pleased with it for everyday tasks. I personally chose an assisted opening knife because I like the ease of the spyerco with a simple thumb push or flick of the wrist it was open. Also having a thin profile is important to me.

Good luck, also you could start with a Kershaw and upgrade to another knife later. :D
 
make this an easy choice. Benchmade. The assisted release on many of the Kershaws can get you into legal trouble in some jurisdictions. Why take the risk? You can get a mini-grip for under $60 with 440C. Kershaw makes a great knife. Benchmade is better. As for what it comes like out of the box, why is that a factor for consideration? Get a Spyderco Sharpmaker and hone it to your heart's desire.

Kref
 
Benchmade.

Krefcenz made a valid point re: assisted opening knives in some jurisdictions.

My opinion? Assisted opening knives like the ones Kershaw manufactures are not switchblades, i.e., they do not use a button to cause the knife to open. Therefore they should be legal in those jurisdictions where switchblades are forbidden.

The reality--my opinion really doesn't count if a security officer or LEO determines your knife is a switchblade due to the way it opens.

Can you argue this in a court of law? Sure.

Do you want to spend the time and money it takes if it comes to that?

I wouldn't, but that's your call.
 
The springs on the Kershaw assisted opening knives break in time, but they will fix it for free, but during that time you have no knife. I do own a Kershaw Bump and love it, Kershaw is mailing me springs for free because the spring broke in this one. The Bump stands out as a very strong knife and the best deal for what you get from Kershaw. But I can open my Benchmade just as fast as any assisted opening knife. When I really need a knife to be there for me for some real hard work I pick up my BM 710. I also like the BM 806 but don't own one yet. I have handled a lot of other models of Benchmades and they are all very solid well made knives for the price.
 
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