Looking for a budget Kershaw

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dataz722

Joined
Apr 2, 2011
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I am looking to get my first decent folder and I want to go with Kershaw. I am trying to keep it inexpesive as possible and really looking to keep it under $50. I also need it to have a blade that is 3" or shorter due to the damn Delaware laws.

I am looking at both the Zing-Tanto and Clash which both fit right into my budget. Is there any other ones that I should consider that would fit my needs? Suggestions as to which one to go with?


Thanks.
 
The Kershaw Clash is a very nice blade, I own one and love it! I would also recommend looking at the Baby Boa, Leek, Chive, Scallion and Drone.
 
This may be a tad expensive and a tad over 3" [3.25] but I have been eyeballing this - Kershaw Knockout +/ Kershaw Echelon. That would be pushing the envelope i suppose though. Do you have any other requirements/wants/preferences? eg. blade shape/preferred steel/preferred handle material?

Another knife thats on the cusp of your price range is the Kershaw Leek. A tried and true knife with a lot of variable steels etc to fit peoples price range. You should be able to find a sandvik steel variation for about 50 bucks+sh. Amazing slicer/edc

Some other thoughts:

Kershaw RJ 2 - imo quite fantastic at its price [I have handled + gifted the RJ 1 - basically just a larger version] its 3" around 25+sh$, has g10, assisted opening, nice low ride pocket clip. This would be my go too for a budget folder in this range. Uses 8Cr13MoV

Kershaw Brawler - I have recently played around with this. It is quite nice, it would be a toss up for me between the RJ and this. It uses a glass filled nylon, but the texturing they did on the handle makes it feel like g10. Which was a pleasant surprise. Has nice gimping, and great looking blade grinds. The interesting thing to me is, this feels way better in the reverse grip lol. It just molded into my hand. I use medium sized gloves [small if I need to do a lot more dextrous work], and the handle fits in the palm of my hand with the handle sticking out about .5 inch horizontally. Uses 8Cr13MoV. Similar in price to the RJ


I have used all of these except the echelon/knockout. Can't really go wrong in these price ranges + kershaw :p
 
I own a blur, it has been work very hard and still performs flawlessly. I think it may be a touch over 3" though.
 
I'd Contact KershawGuy He can get you into some great knives are great prices. I'd look at the Leek (3inch Blade) and the Scallion (2 1/4 inch blade) and the Cryo Whenever its available
 
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Screw the laws and get a Skyline. Most blades under three inches start to have a handle that is too small anyway. Maybe look at the R.A.M. also. I just got an Echelon, I would second that personally as well, but it is longer than three inches and over $50, so maybe not. For $50, you can get 14C28N blades, and that is worth the bump in price over 8Cr13MoV imo. Good luck, you will most likely love whatever you get from Kershaw though.
 
I really like the Chive. Great little knife. The Scallion is a touch bigger but still under 3". I'd look at it. We are under 3.5" here so I carry the Blur the most (along with 8 or so other Kershaws).
 
Thanks for all the advise guys. A few in there that I really like.

phrenik said:
Do you have any other requirements/wants/preferences? eg. blade shape/preferred steel/preferred handle material?
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I like tanto's and other ones that I have no idea what they would be called but to me are just more of a rounded tanto if that makes any sense. Similar to the Clash. That is the main reason that I don't care for the leek. I don't like how it comes to a point on the tip. I know that is a minor detail and I might still end up getting it because of all the great things I have heard about it.

As far as steel, I don't know much about which one is which and don't have toooo much of a preference there. I want something that will take some abuse without chipping though.

Handle material? I don't have a damn clue.

chester22 said:
I'd Contact KershawGuy He can get you into some great knives are great prices. I'd look at the Leek (3inch Blade) and the Scallion (2 1/4 inch blade) and the Cryo Whenever its available
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I had looked at his site the other day but it didn't any details about the blemishes. I wouldn't have a problem most likely but would like to know what was wrong with them.
 
dataz722 said:
Thanks for all the advise guys. A few in there that I really like.
I had looked at his site the other day but it didn't any details about the blemishes. I wouldn't have a problem most likely but would like to know what was wrong with them.
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IF they are listed as Blems its 9 outta 10 times a tiny nick or scratch on the finish and thats all. If you email him he could point you in the right direction. I'd go with a Composite Leek Blem. Its right at 3 inches and an awesome steel/price. Most blems I've seen in composite it was because the blade steel was darker then normal.
 
I'm getting a select fire as my new EDC. I think the knife is okay (not speed safe), but the bit set is nice, and I already have a T Tool, so I'l probably put those in there so I have it all (hoping they fit).
 
Ore_Ele said:
I'm getting a select fire as my new EDC. I think the knife is okay (not speed safe), but the bit set is nice, and I already have a T Tool, so I'l probably put those in there so I have it all (hoping they fit).
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I was curious after reading this so, I just tried it. The bits from the T-Tool fit perfectly into the Select Fire. :thumbup:
 
Ore_Ele said:
I'm getting a select fire as my new EDC. I think the knife is okay (not speed safe), but the bit set is nice, and I already have a T Tool, so I'l probably put those in there so I have it all (hoping they fit).
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i've got a serrated version...i like having that stout blade available on a multitool...and that bit driver has been REALLY handy since i've had it; i've been using it more than the blade...
 
dataz722 said:
I like tanto's and other ones that I have no idea what they would be called but to me are just more of a rounded tanto if that makes any sense. Similar to the Clash.
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The Clash has a "drop point" blade shape.

If you're not in any hurry, I'd wait for the Kershaw Cryo to come out.
 
I've handled and used the RJ1 and was really impressed with it.
If you're not picky about the steel, it's worth looking at the RJII (same as the I, but smaller @ 3") : tanto blade, assisted open (if you dig that), well built and surprisingly comfortable in the hand.....all for about $20-25.
Kershaw has many well priced options, so you'll likely find exactly what you need.
Good luck.....
 
Oso sweet, drone, burst, rj1 are all in your price range. Actually if you look around enough I bet you could get two;);) kershaws for $50!:D
 
I know I sound tacky because I have one for sale, but the Drone is my favorite small assisted opening knife. It has a nice hollow ground 2 3/4" blade. For what it's worth, I have a Clash for sale too, but it is around 3 1/8-1/4" depending on how you measure it.
 
bad_juju said:
Oso sweet, drone, burst, rj1 are all in your price range. Actually if you look around enough I bet you could get two;);) kershaws for $50!:D
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And I am thinking that may happen. Thinking about a leek and another since I am not sure how I will like the leek but I feel I need one. :D

anthony cheeseboro said:
I know I sound tacky because I have one for sale, but the Drone is my favorite small assisted opening knife. It has a nice hollow ground 2 3/4" blade. For what it's worth, I have a Clash for sale too, but it is around 3 1/8-1/4" depending on how you measure it.
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I might have over looked it. Link?
 
Hahaha it always starts with I just want one nice folder! Most all of the ones we recomended are right at 3" or under, a few of those are just over. What helps me is thinking about what you would like in a folder(assisted, non ass., serrated, flipper, thumbstud, both, liner lock,frame lock, pocket clip, black blade, etc..). Maybe try one one way then your second go the opposite direction that way you can figure out exactly what you do and don't like. With most of those around the $20- $30 range you are not exactly breaking the bank. And you can always sell or trade for one you do like! By the way you can't go wrong with a leek I have had a few and they are great for light edc and dressy situations! But good luck making a decision as there are a ton, ask Leek freak!
 
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