Mini Cyclone, Blur or RAM?

GregFL

GregFL

Joined
Feb 23, 2009
Messages
564
I'm new to BladeForum and I need a little advice on selecting my next Kershaw. So far I've purchased a Leek and a Scallion, but now I'm looking for something in the 4 1/4" to 4 1/2" closed length in the $60 range. The models I have been looking at are the Mini Cyclone, Blur and RAM (in that order of preference). I was pretty much set on the Mini Cyclone until I ran across kershawguy's S60V Blem post and now I'm really confused.

What are the advantages of one of these models over the other? How much difference will I see in normal use between the various blade steels options and what is the order of preference (Sandvik 13C26, Sandvik 14C228N Tungsten DLC coated, S30V and S60V). I believe that the S60V and S30V are the top two based upon pricing which makes kershawguy's deal look even more enticing. Thanks in advance for any advice you have to offer.

Greg
 
Welcome to our padded room GregFL. Please allow me to confuse you even more. :D

Of the three you mentioned, for quality of steel (IMHO, edge retention) I would rank them S60V Blur, 14C28N RAM and 13C26 MC. The S60V is simply a better steel, but both of the others will sharpen easily, take a great edge and hold it for a good bit of time. The 14C28N is a Kershaw exclusive. Something they cooked up with Sandvik. The Blur and MC are assisted opening, with the MC having a spine flipper. Some prefer this over the thumb stud only Blur. The RAM has the Hawk lock, and has the release on the side of the handle. All three will open very quickly. I'd rate them equal here. As for carrying, all three offer tip up/down. The Blur has a recurved blade, so sharpening on a flat stone can be a bit tricky. All will easily sharpen using the sharpmaker. The RAM has G-10 slabs on the handle, the Blur and the MC have aluminum scales. The Blur has trac-tec inserts in it's handle. All 3 grip well, with my preference going to the Blur or MC. The Blur and MC have a liner lock, and the RAM the Hawk Lock.

So to recap:
Blade Steel: S60V Blur.
Opening: Even.
Grip: Blur.
Lock: RAM.
Ease of sharpening: with a Sharpmaker, even. Without, MC or RAM.

So based on my totally worthless observations, for the money I'd grab the Blur.

Disclaimer: The Kershaw Blems do not carry the factory warranty. If you need a part for it in the future, Kershaw will send them to you, but you have to do the work yourself. Don't let this scare you. They're very easy to open up and tinker with. As for the S60V blade, you break it, you're out of luck. But we don't use a knife as a pry bar, now do we? ;) The Kershaw warranty and CS is the best in the industry. If you go with a MC or RAM, you can send it back anytime for free sharpening or other problems you may encounter if we can't guide you thru a fix here.

Sorry, but I told you I was going to confuse you further! :D
 
Welcome to BF and the Kershaw sub-forum Greg!

SPXTrader said:
Welcome to our padded room GregFL. Please allow me to confuse you even more. :D

Of the three you mentioned, for quality of steel (IMHO, edge retention) I would rank them S60V Blur, 14C28N RAM and 13C26 MC. The S60V is simply a better steel, but both of the others will sharpen easily, take a great edge and hold it for a good bit of time. The 14C28N is a Kershaw exclusive. Something they cooked up with Sandvik.
Click to expand...

DV, where would you rank the S30V? Below the S60V and in between the 2 Sandviks? Or above them?
 
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Welcome to the Forums!

welcome.jpg
 
PG5768 said:
DV, where would you rank the S30V? Below the S60V and in between the 2 Sandviks? Or above them?
Click to expand...

I've found that both Sandviks will take a keener edge than S30V, but need to be touched up more frequently.

Don't get me wrong, but those Sandvik steels are pretty damn good for the price. :thumbup: Linear performance from 14C28N to S30V, but logarithmic from those to S60V and on to the 110V.
 
SPXTrader said:
I've found that both Sandviks will take a keener edge than S30V, but need to be touched up more frequently.

Don't get me wrong, but those Sandvik steels are pretty damn good for the price. :thumbup: Linear performance from 14C28N to S30V, but logarithmic from those to S60V and on to the 110V.
Click to expand...

Thanks DV.
 
All I can say is WOW! I'm a stickler for getting all the details and the information you provided covers everything I wanted and some things I hadn't even thought of yet. I chose those three models basically because of their size and looks. The Mini Cyclone and Blur (Black handle) were pretty much tied for first in that respect. I was originally going to go with the Mini Cyclone because it has been discontinued but after reading your post, I think I'll probably go with the S60V just because of the excellent value it offers.

One more quick question, what color is the anodizing on the S60V Blur? On my monitor it looks sort of brownish green. BTW, I love the Mini Mojo you show in your sig line and it's on my wish list as well. To me, it is the best looking knife Kershaw offers. I just wish they would come out with a 4 1/2" inch version as well.

Thanks Again,
Greg
 
The S60V Blur is green. Very nice looking in person. Thanks for the compliment on the Mojo. It's a great little knife. I've been begging for one with a 3 - 3.5" blade too. Look at the 1595ALBLK Bump. You might like it.
 
Gee thanks, another one to add to the list. My financial adviser (other wise known as my loving wife) is going to come unglued. At dinner tonight my she said "You got another package in the mail today ... what did you order now". Turned out to be a new Jetbeam flashlight. Another sickness that I have developed.

Greg
 
A word of advice: if wifey doesn't agree with your guns/knives/flashlights/computer parts/cuban cigar purchases, get a PO box. It can be worth its weight in gold.
 
PG5768 said:
CPF and BF two of my favorite places! :thumbup:
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Yep!!

The wife isn't really that bad. I went on an H&K and SIG binge a short time ago and she quieted down real quick when she got her very own P229 Two Tone w/ Crimson Trace ;) I just had a brilliant idea! I'll buy a Blue Scallion, put some orange parachord on it and give it to her. She's a Florida Gator nut!
 
See if you can find one of the limited run blue Blurs. 200 pieces each, pe, ce, and DLC coated!
 
GregFL said:
One more quick question, what color is the anodizing on the S60V Blur? On my monitor it looks sort of brownish green.
Click to expand...

This might help with the color.

S60VBlurs1.jpg


You can't go wrong with one and Kershawguy has a great deal on them.

mike
 
2brothers said:
This might help with the color.

You can't go wrong with one and Kershawguy has a great deal on them.

mike
Click to expand...

Thanks for the photos. Every here has been SO helpful and I really appreciate it. I'm contacting kershawguy now!:thumbup:
 
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