New Kershaw--Shallot, black or stainless?

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shandrydan1

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Feb 16, 2011
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Alright, so I have decided that the Shallot is gonna be my next Kershaw. What I was wanting to find out was whether or not the black or stainless version was preferred. I have a few select black knives and I really like the looks of the black version but my biggest concern really is how the coating wears on the handle. I know its all based on personal opinion but wanted to get some thoughts as whether or not its gonna chip/knock off when I pull my keys out of my pocket, etc. I can deal with a few scratches but if the coating is gonna be worn off in a few months I'd just go ahead and get the stainless.
 
I've always been impressed with Kershaws coatings. The Shallots are a little slick feeling, but I've heard the black coating adds a little grip. I've thought about getting a black one and putting my 110 blade in it.
 
damascus ;)

kershawshallotfront.jpg
 
I have owned both; the stainless handle is so much slicker, or greasier, than the black coated handle. I put grey, non-grit grip tape on the stainless knife to remedy the situation. The black coating adds much grippiness to the shallot handle.
 
looks like black it is then. if i got the damascus i would have to get 2 because they look so good and i should probably avoid that so as to avoid the silent treatment at home :D
 
I'd go with the stainless the black finish while tough probably isn't going to last forever but I think the black looks a heck of a lot better.
 
Id say get black or damascus. I like the Shallot's look black more than stainless and damascus is just too awesome at it's price point. If its going to be your edc, id say try to find someone to make you an aftermarket g10 scale to improve on the grip IMO... And it looks cool too :D
 
My experience with Kershaw's Black Tungsten DLC, has been that it is tougher than most things that come in contact with it. What I generally see happen is that things like keys that rub against it leave a mark and can look like they scratched the coating, when in reality material from the key has actually rubbed off onto the coating. The reverse "scratches" can usually be cleaned off.

Obviously there are going to be materials that will scratch the DLC, but those will also leave some nasty marks on the stainless as well.

Plus there's something about the black Shallot that just looks cool. :D
 
Why not have both? A Blackened Damascus Shallot. Just sent mine in for service, it just wasn't feeling right.

IMG_0895.jpg


Sorry for the low quality photo, I'm not really a picture taking wiz.
 
bob7 said:
I have owned both; the stainless handle is so much slicker, or greasier, than the black coated handle. I put grey, non-grit grip tape on the stainless knife to remedy the situation. The black coating adds much grippiness to the shallot handle.
Click to expand...



I was going to suggest some black 3M Stair Step tape. It is a little grittier than the grey tape, but it sticks in place and stays there! Just need to clean the metal surface real good, degreaser, before applying. I always try to curve it so that it has no corners to get "picked up".


EDITED TO ADD;

DLC coatings have a rockwell C hardness in the low to mid 80's. As kneedeep mentioned, the surface of the knife doesn't get scratched up as much as something rubs off on the surface of the knife because of it's high hatdness.
 
Mine is black,with several hours' use.
No scratches thru the DLC,yet.

Rode a little too high in my pocket,was my only complaint.
Fixed that,with one of STR's fine Ti low-rider clips.
Turned a Very Good Knife,into a GREAT Knife,IMO.
 
I have one and my advice is to not buy it at all but if the black one is indeed less slippery, go for that one.
 
Black is the biggest seller for me, and by far the most popular at gun shows. It is my preference as well, of course the "Kershaw Mafia" Shallots are pretty hot too !
 
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