New To Folders, Help Me Pick A Kershaw for EDC

T

Tallahassee

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Aug 26, 2013
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I'm looking to choose my first non-SAK folder for EDC. I've carried Vic SAKs for years, but now after time on this Forum I'm looking to add one or two dedicated locking folders to EDC rotation.
I'm trying to decide between several different Kershaw's---the Kershaw Chill, Volt II, Clash, and Knockout. Open to other model suggestions also.

Definitely want a flipper. And a daily 'user'. 3" to 4" blade. I have large hands (but not bear paws)so a good ergonomic grip is important.
I'm not a snob about types of steel. I don't have to worry about not scaring sheeple in the office, so I can choose whatever I personally like the looks of. The models I've mentioned are mostly around $20-$40ish, price isn't a deciding factor.

My use will be the usual suburban homeowner EDC stuff, plus I'd like it sturdy enough that I can possibly take it hiking or kayaking (not TEOTWAWKI survival, just a day or overnight in the woods)--cut a vine, whittle a fire stick usage. I'd wear it mostly with casual clothes & my State of residence lets me wear it however I want.

Right now I can't get to a brick and mortar store to handle these in person. So I'm asking you Kershaw guys, what do you think of the Chill, the Volt, the Clash, the Knockout? Let the suggestions begin.
 
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I haven't handled a Clash, but I do have a Chill, Volt II, and Knockout. If by "Volt I" you meant the original Volt, that's going to be a bit beyond your $20-40 range. :P

Between the Chill, Volt II, and Knockout, those are all pretty different knives. The Chill is a slim and narrow manual flipper. It is very comfortable in pocket, and it has a good length of usable blade. It is a good choice if you want a knife that really isn't noticeable in pocket. The Volt II considerably "fatter" (wider handle and thicker body) and is an assisted opener. It has a beefier feel to it (thicker and more heft) than the Chill. The Knockout has a wider handle and blade than the Volt II, but it is still surprisingly thin and comfortable in pocket.

A couple others in the same categories worth looking at are the OSO Sweet (comparable to the Volt II, but I actually like that one a bit more) or the Piston (a little bit larger than the Knockout). Both of those are also assisted. On the manual flipper side, the Skyline is also worth a look. It's about the same length as the Chill but sports a slightly wider handle and blade (a bit more robust, and more comfortable in hand).
 
RAM and Blur are two great kershaws. The RAM is my favorite but its discontinued so you'd have to pay a little extra, but its just an inexplicably fantastic knife. My dad has a blur. Very solid tactical/edc blade and I've loved it when he lends it to me to sharpen. If those are too steep priced, the cryo is a nice little bargain for edc.
 
Out of the ones you listed, I've got to say Knockout. Definitely one of my favorite Kershaws. Great EDC size and even though the aluminum handles may be a bit slick, the ergonomics really lock your hand in place. It has good steel, and the Speedsafe fires the blade out nice and quick. Plus, it's made in the good ol' USA. Also worth noting is the fact that Kershaw is coming out with the 1870OLBLK, which has a black DLC coated blade and olive green handles. Those are almost out, if you're interested. Anyways, here are some pics!





 
I just picked up a Keshaw Turbuline. Seem to be a nice knife and fits my hand and pocket very nice.:thumbup:
 
Out of the four you listed I would choose the Knockout, followed by the Volt II. However, if you do plan to use it outdoors the G10 scales on the Kershaw Piston (also an AO flipper) might work out better than the aluminum scales on the Knockout. Something to consider... You can get a Piston Blem from KershawGuy for around $45.
 
I would opt for the Knockout of those you listed, with the Chill in second place. I like the idea of buying USA-made whenever possible, and the Knockout strikes me as having more "hard use" potential than the rest. I like the look of the Chill more and could probably do virtually everything with it that I need to do around the house.
 
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Sweet!
 
I really like the Piston. Check it out, youtube it.

Blur's an old standby that's proven to be a great EDC.
 
Kershaw Skyline and go to kershawguy.com to check out any kershaws at best prices. Also check out Kershaw Thermite if u want speedsafe knife. Thermite is my fav edc right now over many 200$ folders i own
 
I love my leek, I have large hands and its quite comfortable, it also meets your flipper requirement. The tip is kinda delicate, but as long as you don't completely abuse it you will be fine. I would also look Into the skyline
 
Kershaw has a lot of great choices. Knockout is a great knife. I actually prefer the Piston myself. Fairly large knife but very light weight.
 
Thanks to everybody so far and thanks for great photos. OK, I've added the Piston and the Skyline and I am giving the Cryo a second look (it did not make my finals list originally because of the metal scales but I am reconsidering the metal scales thing after all the good comments on the Knockout). All these are great knives and Kershaw has a really impressive breadth of offerings...that's why the Forum advice from actual owners is so valuable.

@Leatherman, nice pic--what model is that?

I've also decided I can't narrow it down to just one...I like them all...so I'm going to choose two Kershaws, in two rounds.

Round One. I've just found a Chill straight edge for a great price and ordered it, should be here middle of next week. Once I get it I'll post my reaction. Everyone seems to agree it's a great choice, weightless, low profile but competent. I like the specs (sub 2 ounces for a 3.25 inch blade) and I'm pretty sure I won't regret it either way.

Round Two. So the second Kershaw can be the beefier, bigger one for outdoors/hiking but not too big to wear with khakis to a restaurant. So far I'm considering the Knockout, now also the Piston and Skyline which is thanks to this thread, and the original finalists Volt II and Clash. Plain edge for all.
One of the things I like about the Knockout is the deep carry with the 'hook-over' (what do you call that design, used in most CCW in-band holsters?) pocket clip. In fact the Knockout would be the obvious winner if not for the aluminum scales. Not sure about those. I've handled aluminum scales on flea market $3 Jarbenzas...does the Knockout's scales somehow feel different? Am I making too much of the aluminum scales thing?

Chill (ordered)


Help me pick 1 from these 6: ( I know they're all good, but I can only justify one other for now, and just got the Chill)

Knockout
Piston
Skyline
Volt II
Clash
Cryo
 
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@ Tallahassee

I have a Knockout (prior passaround knife) that is in fantastic condition. It's yours if you want it. Send me your address.

Jason
 
Of the choices, the Knockout by far. If you plan on any hard/outdoors use, the Piston is the way to go. I don't like metal scales for a work knife. Too slippery and easily effected by the elements. I wish I had gone with a Piston over my special edition Skykine and Thermite.
 
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