Kershaw's Skyline... another try?

Seanski · May 4, 2009

hows the skyline been for you guys? I picked one up awhile ago and the liner lock was loose against the blade (vertical play) and it wouldn't lock up properly. I could whack the spine not all that hard on the top of my leg and it would release. So I ended up taking it back. I found the blade to be quite a bit thinner than I am use to as well although it wouldn't prevent me on it's own from owning one. I loved the look and definitely the price point. Should I give this knife another go around?
Have they locked up solid and have you had any issues with this particular knife guys? thanks.

Sean

UpChUcK · May 4, 2009

Love mine. I bought mine the same time I bought my OD-1 and favored my OD-1 initially due to the flipper action on the Skyline not being fast and deploying completely with just flipper action and no wrist action. But after taking it apart, re-lubing it, adjusting the pivot tension and loctiting it, it is a wonderful flipper and is now my favorite EDC knife. I do not have any issues with lock strength as it locks up solidly without blade play in any direction. I do not like my EDC knives to be large so the size and weight of the Skyline are just about perfect for me. I carry other knives in my backpack that are larger (Spyderco Endura4, Kershaw Lahar) for hard use situations, but for pocket carry EDC, the Skyline fits the bill.

Sep · May 4, 2009

Haven't had any issues with mine. Since it's a lightweight design, the thumbstuds double as stop pins, and one of it rests directly against the G10 frame. G10 is not as hard as steel, so a little "give" in the lock up is normal. but, it shouldn't have any "play".

The blade is on the thin side, but I think it's appropriate for the purpose (EDC).

gnius · May 4, 2009

Seanski said:
hows the skyline been for you guys? I picked one up awhile ago and the liner lock was loose against the blade (vertical play) and it wouldn't lock up properly. I could whack the spine not all that hard on the top of my leg and it would release. So I ended up taking it back. I found the blade to be quite a bit thinner than I am use to as well although it wouldn't prevent me on it's own from owning one. I loved the look and definitely the price point. Should I give this knife another go around?
Have they locked up solid and have you had any issues with this particular knife guys? thanks.

Sean

I love the knife. If not for some circumstances outside of my control, it would likely be my EDC due to its cost, blade shape, weight, etc...

My skyline flips well with a bit of wrist action, and locks up really tight with no blade play. However, it doesn't survive the spine whack test. I have been contemplating sending it to kershaw, but haven't gotten around to it thus far. In my normal use, lock failure has never been an issue, but then again - I never apply any real torque counterclockwise to the pivot... I don't normally stab things on an every day basis.

J.Mattson · May 4, 2009

I love the skyline. I dont have any issues with the lock up, but I guess you may have gotten a lemon. The knife is light enough to carry all day without getting tired of it. The G10 feels great in hand. Ive never had an issue with the strength of the knife, but as far as hard use goes it is a liner less edc knife and shouldnt be mistaken for something else. The blade is the best bit. The length and profile of the blade is fantastic.

The steel is good, I havent had any issues with it. Out of the box it was very, very sharp but since Im unemployed and have a great deal of time on my hands I did thin out the edge a bit and now I like the knife even better. Just to see how the new thinner edge would perform I cut up some cardboard, food, rope, carpet (again I got no job and a lot of time) the steel held its edge and didnt suffer any damage.

The OD-1 gets a lot of press and dont get me wrong I think its a great knife. But in my mind I prefer the skyline. I like to give knives as gifts and once I get a job again the skyline is going to be my go to gift knife.

Peter Parker · May 4, 2009

No issues on mine. Good solid lock up, and outstanding quality at this price point!!

Macchina · May 4, 2009

MY WORD YOU GUYS! STOP SPINE WHACKING!!! Not only is it abuse of a knife not covered by warranty (even attempting it weakens your lock), but this is the most ridiculous test of a knife I have ever heard of! To not carry a knife because it fails the spine whack is like not marrying a girl because she fails the spine whack test. What are odds you will use your knife for SD? What are the odds you will use your knife for SD and hit the spine on something? What are the odds you will use your knife SD, hit the spine on something, the lock disengages, the flipper somehow disregards your index finger positioned right behind it and the blade folds, then you get cut on your finger. Then what? Do you instantly die?

You are much more likely to get cut doing a spine whack test then you are of the lock ever failing on a flipper, and the flipper not catching the blade. Think about it. This is like not buying a car because the front of the hood ornament doesn't save you after an accident in which you were not wearing your seatbelt!

J.Mattson · May 4, 2009

michaelmcgo said:
MY WORD YOU GUYS! STOP SPINE WHACKING!!! Not only is it abuse of a knife not covered by warranty (even attempting it weakens your lock), but this is the most ridiculous test of a knife I have ever heard of! To not carry a knife because it fails the spine whack is like not marrying a girl because she fails the spine whack test. What are odds you will use your knife for SD? What are the odds you will use your knife for SD and hit the spine on something? What are the odds you will use your knife SD, hit the spine on something, the lock disengages, the flipper somehow disregards your index finger positioned right behind it and the blade folds, then you get cut on your finger. Then what? Do you instantly die?

You are much more likely to get cut doing a spine whack test then you are of the lock ever failing on a flipper, and the flipper not catching the blade. Think about it. This is like not buying a car because the front of the hood ornament doesn't save you after an accident in which you were not wearing your seatbelt!

Good post.:thumbup:

But how do you spine whack a girl and what would a failed test look like?

A.P.F. · May 4, 2009

michaelmcgo said:
MY WORD YOU GUYS! STOP SPINE WHACKING!!! Not only is it abuse of a knife not covered by warranty (even attempting it weakens your lock), but this is the most ridiculous test of a knife I have ever heard of! To not carry a knife because it fails the spine whack is like not marrying a girl because she fails the spine whack test. What are odds you will use your knife for SD? What are the odds you will use your knife for SD and hit the spine on something? What are the odds you will use your knife SD, hit the spine on something, the lock disengages, the flipper somehow disregards your index finger positioned right behind it and the blade folds, then you get cut on your finger. Then what? Do you instantly die?

You are much more likely to get cut doing a spine whack test then you are of the lock ever failing on a flipper, and the flipper not catching the blade. Think about it. This is like not buying a car because the front of the hood ornament doesn't save you after an accident in which you were not wearing your seatbelt!

Than you for your rant Michael. It saves me the trouble of doing the same rant myself.

shecky · May 4, 2009

michaelmcgo said:
MY WORD YOU GUYS! STOP SPINE WHACKING!!! Not only is it abuse of a knife not covered by warranty (even attempting it weakens your lock),

No.

From the OP:

I could whack the spine not all that hard on the top of my leg and it would release.

If it happens under these conditions, there is no way it would be considered a functional lock.

FWIW, I have no issues with my Skyline. The blade thickness is perfect. I'd prefer the edge bevel to be thinner and more acute, but it is OK out of the box.

Sep · May 4, 2009

J.Mattson said:
But how do you spine whack a girl and what would a failed test look like?

She would fail the test if she folds, obviously.

Spine tap against leg is ok. If the lock fails, you're justified in sending it back.

Seanski · May 4, 2009

I'm actually not into spine whacking blades generally. However, when I get a dud/lemon like I did with the Skyline I decided to test it on top of my leg. I didn't hit it that hard obviously because it would be painful but I did want to test it seeing the lock was very loose if it even worked properly. It didn't. I realize and have seen on youtube some of the torture tests guys put some brand of knives through and kind of chuckle.
If the blade is suppose to lockup and doesn't properly, lightly and I guess I should have used the word "tap" it against one's leg isn't a ridiculous testing method if gripped right is it? How would you test the lockup any better?

thanks,
Sean

oh btw. thanks for those great pic's of your skyline.

J.Mattson · May 4, 2009

Seanski said:
I'm actually not into spine whacking blades generally. However, when I get a dud/lemon like I did with the Skyline I decided to test it on top of my leg. I didn't hit it that hard obviously because it would be painful but I did want to test it seeing the lock was very loose if it even worked properly. It didn't. I realize and have seen on youtube some of the torture tests guys put some brand of knives through and kind of chuckle.
If the blade is suppose to lockup and doesn't properly, lightly whacking it against one's leg isn't a ridiculous testing method if gripped right is it? How would you test the lockup any better?

thanks,
Sean

STR has a few thoughts on the spine whack test. He shares them as well as an alternative test here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=633521&highlight=Spine+Whack

And here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4848597#post4848597

Its all a good read. And just about everything STR says makes good sense.

Dekz · May 5, 2009

LOVE my Skyline, it is probably my most-carried knife, which makes me feel bad for the others sometimes

Seanski · May 5, 2009

dekz,

absolutely beautiful!! I love damascus blades. Thanks for posting that pic.

sean

Jake Bauer · May 5, 2009

really good knife, very sharp, grippy G10, very ergonomic... however, the bead blast finnish causes it to develop rust spots.

jonnymac44 · May 5, 2009

Very well put Michael!:thumbup:

Now as far as the OP's question goes.....you definitely got the odd duck of the bunch. I own several Skylines and have sold many many more out of my shop. I always open up packages prior to selling or shipping them to make sure everything is cool, and I have yet to find one without a very solid lockup. I'd say give it another try. It's one of the best values in the American made knife market today.

michaelmcgo said:
MY WORD YOU GUYS! STOP SPINE WHACKING!!! Not only is it abuse of a knife not covered by warranty (even attempting it weakens your lock), but this is the most ridiculous test of a knife I have ever heard of! To not carry a knife because it fails the spine whack is like not marrying a girl because she fails the spine whack test. What are odds you will use your knife for SD? What are the odds you will use your knife for SD and hit the spine on something? What are the odds you will use your knife SD, hit the spine on something, the lock disengages, the flipper somehow disregards your index finger positioned right behind it and the blade folds, then you get cut on your finger. Then what? Do you instantly die?

You are much more likely to get cut doing a spine whack test then you are of the lock ever failing on a flipper, and the flipper not catching the blade. Think about it. This is like not buying a car because the front of the hood ornament doesn't save you after an accident in which you were not wearing your seatbelt!

dreydin · Nov 18, 2009

michaelmcgo said:
MY WORD YOU GUYS! STOP SPINE WHACKING!!! Not only is it abuse of a knife not covered by warranty (even attempting it weakens your lock), but this is the most ridiculous test of a knife I have ever heard of! To not carry a knife because it fails the spine whack is like not marrying a girl because she fails the spine whack test. What are odds you will use your knife for SD? What are the odds you will use your knife for SD and hit the spine on something? What are the odds you will use your knife SD, hit the spine on something, the lock disengages, the flipper somehow disregards your index finger positioned right behind it and the blade folds, then you get cut on your finger. Then what? Do you instantly die?

You are much more likely to get cut doing a spine whack test then you are of the lock ever failing on a flipper, and the flipper not catching the blade. Think about it. This is like not buying a car because the front of the hood ornament doesn't save you after an accident in which you were not wearing your seatbelt!

aahahahahaha! awesome post. im peeping the Skyline and got a kick out of this :thumbup:

any chance that you post on XDTalk?

Dekz said:
LOVE my Skyline, it is probably my most-carried knife, which makes me feel bad for the others sometimes

lol

thejamppa · Nov 18, 2009

My skyline is one the most comfortable filders to use. Even liner lock doesn't lock fully (in mine is around 3/4 of liner that locks up the blade, its still rock solid. Here's few pictures of my skylines lock.