Keshaw Thermite

JD Mandrell

JD Mandrell

Joined
Apr 20, 2001
Messages
18,423
After a long love/hate relationship with assisted opening folders, and buying 8-10 that I eventually sold or gave away, because I didn't like them, I have found one I really like.

Kershaw Thermite


Got it earlier this week, and it may rival the Ontario RAT 1 for "bang for the buck" in knife quality/value. Mine is razor sharp, zero blade movement in anyway, opens smooth and the lock is rock solid. I've had issues with AO's, mostly related to being a southpaw, but this one has none of that, other than the supplied pocket clip screws are to short to attach the clip through the G10 scale for lefty carry. (I was aware of this before I bought it from reading reviews online, but knew that Kershaw would take care of it, and I've already called them and new, longer screws are on the way)

Also, mine had no issue with removing the screws as some early Thermites was did.

Just an amazing quality knife, for under $40.00 shipped!!!

PS, Kershaw's customer service was very pleasant to deal with. When the lady on the phone asked "How may I help you??, I told her "Well, I bought a Thermite, and it's a great knife, but I'm left handed." she immediately chuckled and said "I bet I know why you're calling." They took my info' and said the replacements will be here in a week or so.
 
ioerror said:
Blade shape reminds me of Hinderer knives.
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The Thermite, as well as Cryo and new ZT 566 (and a few other ZT's) are Hinderer designs.

I love my Thermite - I'll clean up the detent hole I drilled to finish de-assisting it soon. I couldn't agree more re: bang for the buck.
 
Thanks for the review Bear Claw. I really like this one too. The spanto grind is what caught my eye way back when it was previewed. I actually forgot about it until I saw your review!
Looks like it would be a nice affordable EDC knife.
 
I agree. Great bang for your buck.

I may get a second one....maybe the black bladed one. Comes with a black pocket clip which is nice for carry.
 
I really like my Thermite. THe only problem I've noticed is that the assisted opening is weak and lethargic. A lot of times it won't open all the way to a locked position. At first I thought it just needed a little time to wear in, but I've had it for a month now with daily use and a lot of playing, and it still doesn't want to open all the way. My ZT's and Leek and Oso Sweet open lightning fast, but this one won't. Other than that, I love the knife. The blade is the perfect size and shape for my EDC needs and I love the tough as nails frame lock.
 
I laughed when I saw you mention the Rat 1 b/c that's just what I thought when mine arrived on Friday. Cool design..but I do think the Rat 1 is still a better all around user...it's just so slicey! ;) :D The handle ergos on the Thermite are very, very good for me though! :thumbup:
 
Varg Lobos said:
I agree. Great bang for your buck.

I may get a second one....maybe the black bladed one. Comes with a black pocket clip which is nice for carry.
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Mine's due to be delivered tomorrow. :) I like this one so much, I wanted the black one, and saw a "5% off of all Kershaws" sale this weekend, so went ahead and ordered one. :)
 
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Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
Mine's due to be delivered tomorrow. :) I like this one so much, I wanted the black one, and saw a "5% off of all Kershaws" sale this weekend, so went ahead and ordered one. :)
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Nice! Post some pics here when you get it. :thumbup:

My assisted opening was a little lethargic for the first 3 or 4 times but after that it was good to go.
 
Mine did that once, and I put a small drop of oil in the pivot and let it set overnight, seems to have fixed it.
 
Fresh off the mail truck!





Overall, the quality and fit are just as great as the original one, I have one minor problem with the 3880BLK, the pocket clip screws, much like some of the original Thermite 3880's, are STUCK. They will not budge. There appears to be blue loc-tite on them, which should not be this hard to get them out, but I've tried soaking the knife in hot water, and applying flame from a lighter directly to the screw heads, and they will not move in the slightest, all I've managed to do is ruin the tip of a Craftsman T6 driver. :(

I've got a visitation for my uncle who passed away sat., so I don't have time to keep trying today, I have to go buy another T6 and then may try a hot air gun on them.

Other that this little "oops", knife is great!
 
Thermite is good value at $40, Same as the cryo 2. Kai is really making some very good inexpensive knives lately
 
It seems like a good knife for the money, I saw one at Cabelas and for a budget knife, the style very attractive and materials are what you expect.
 
Nice photos -- thanks.

Just for fun, show your non-knife friends your Thermite and 566 together.
 
Looks good, Chris! I'm glad it worked out for ya.

If you had to choose, which version do you prefer?
 
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