Kershaw Whisper Update

Dexter Ewing · May 23, 2001

I have been informed by a rep from Kershaw that the Whisper is still slated for production. Instead of making it in their Portland facility, production of the Whisper has been shifted to their facility in Japan. They also have changed the Vault Lock around a little in terms of the release. Other than that it's pretty much the same knife as pitured in my post about the knife elsewhere in this forum. Kershaw is hoping to have them out on the market in about 2-3 months.

My prediction is that because the knives are made in Japan, they will cost less than the projected SRP of $350 should it have been made here in the States.

At the Blade Show Kershaw will unveil the Vapor, a new Ken Onion design.

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NC Knife Knuts @ Table 18-B at the Blade Show

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UW Mitch · May 24, 2001

Dex,

I've played with Ken's custom Vapor...pretty cool knife. Tell us more about the production model!

~Mitch

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Tom Carey · May 24, 2001

Now you have my interest. What do you know about the Vapor? Come on Dex spill the beans. =)

Regards,

Tom Carey

Dexter Ewing · May 26, 2001

Honestly guys, I know nothing about the production Vapor at this point in time. Ask me after the show and I can give you the lowdown.

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

NC Knife Knuts @ Table 18-B at the Blade Show

Living life on the edge

GigOne · Jun 21, 2001

Dex,

Any new info on the Kershaw Whisper and Vapor ?

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Livin' Life ~ Full Throttle
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[This message has been edited by GigOne (edited 06-21-2001).]

Dexter Ewing · Jun 23, 2001

Gig - IIRC Kershaw said they would ship the knives in about a month or two from Blade Show time. Of course, nothing is etched in stone and is subject to change. The only thing IMO those knives need is the Speed Safe

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

Living life on the edge

Paul Davidson · Jun 22, 2001

I thought the Vapor kicked ass when I handled it at the Blade Show. The steel was nothing great, but with a MSRP of $39.95 I think it's going to be a steal. A frame lock with a street price of less than $40. It felt good in my hand, seemed to lock up great, and had a good general blade shape.

Now for the bad news. The first run of Vapors will be made in...(OK I can't remember for sure, Japan or U.S.). After than they will be made in China, not Taiwan, China.

The Kershaw rep at the Blade Show told me this was to keep costs down. O.K. so sell it for $50 and make it in a free country. I have nothing against the Chinese people, where I used to live I had several Chinese friends. I do have problems with the Chinese Government though.

I hope I can get one of the Vapors that is not made in China. Otherwise I doubt I'll buy one.

Paul

MAURICE · Jun 25, 2001

ok ok ok...
i have heard NOTHING about the vapor until tonight. never even heard of it.
heard of the chive,but not vapor.

tell me more,show me pics!!!

ROBB · Jun 27, 2001

Dex,I thought the Whisper was going to be made with the speed safe from the start.Did I miss something? I've been eagerly awaiting this knife for some time.I hope its everything I hoped for.Dex,any info would be appreciated

Dexter Ewing · Jun 28, 2001

ROBB - not to worry, the Whisper is going to be made with the Speed Safe. What we were talking about above is the new, low-cost Onion design that is just a side lock with no SS....totally different from the Whisper.

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

Living life on the edge

BarkinDog · Jun 30, 2001

I just wish Kershaw hadn't stop making speed safe versions of better quality, like the Ricochet and Random Task. I'm sure they do sell more of the lower end models but many people don't mind spending more for better quality materials.
If they make any of them in China, I won't buy any knives from them. Sure the customer pays less...but at a higher cost, if you catch my dirft. :barf:

donovan · Jun 30, 2001

Originally posted by BarkinDog
I just wish Kershaw hadn't stop making speed safe versions of better quality, like the Ricochet and Random Task.

If you haven't already you should check out the Boa, BarkinDog. IMO it is an EXCELLENT high end (production) knife.

If they make any of them in China, I won't buy any knives from them.

I agree with you here and it would force me to stop supporting a company I really like.

Jack