Nice replacement for a Kershaw Scallion - Friends first kid

B

bhtkevin

Joined
Apr 18, 2016
Messages
10
So I have a co-worker/friend that has been trying to have a kid for a while and they are finally due (A boy) in June. He carries a Kershaw Scallion 24x7 and likes the following about it:

Size: 3.5" Closed
Blade: Assisted Open Drop Point Style
Weight: 2.7oz
Safety: Pocket Lock

I am looking for a replacement in the sub $200 range (flexible) that will fit the EDC needs of smaller and lighter, but will also last a lifetime.

I was looking at the Benchmade Emissary 470-1, but thought I would see what you guys would recommend.

Thanks!
Kevin
 
Congrats to your friend/co-worker.

If you want smaller and lighter than the Scallion, there's the Chive. From the specs on the Kershaw site, it's 2.9" closed, 1.7oz, and it's also an assisted-opening flipper with safety lock. The Emissary is larger and heavier than the Scallion (from Benchmade's site: 4.55" closed, 3.95 oz).

In the same price range as the Emissary, I'd highly recommend the ZT 0450CF. It's a great medium-small sized knife (ZT's specs list it as 4.1" closed, 2.7oz). It has a slim profile, so if the smaller in-pocket footprint was one of the attractions of the Scallion, the 0450CF should fit the bill well. It weighs the same as the Scallion but has almost a bit over 3/4" longer blade. It's a manual opening flipper, but the combination of the KVT (bearing pivot) and well-tuned detent makes it open just as consistently and reliably as an assisted-opener.
 
It's really hard to find a "nicer" knife than the Scallion that meets those 4 criteria you listed. I can't really think of any other 3.5" closed, Assisted, 2.7Oz, safety locking knife that have nicer materials, fit and finish than the Scallion. Maybe a better Scallion...like with Damascus steel or something?

Another couple of Benchmades that don't fit your criteria exactly but that might be of interest are the 530/531 series and the 485 Valet. The ZT 0450 is a solid choice also.

Personally, I'd see if there was any way I could afford it and move directly to small knife nirvana and get a CRK Inkosi ;).
 
Best assisted knife I've come across and the only assisted knife I have is the ZT0770CF.
 
My first choices would be the two ZT's listed above also. The BM470 looks very nice, but why mess with an additional lock if not really needed? The people I show the zt450 to, think it's assisted because of the speed it flies open. Or if the assist is the most wanted feature, the zt770cf is a lot of knife in the package. My Scallion seems to require very little tab movement to activate the speedsafe mech, so the manual lock was appreciated. But the 770 seems to need a bit more nudge, so I've had no worries with it in my pocket without a lock.
 
Yeah the 0450 flies open like an auto. It's nice.
Quick vids
0450CF

0770CF





Can't go wrong with either.
 
Last edited:
ZT0450 or ZT0450cf. Lifetime warranty. Free sharpening and if you break the blade only $30 to replace it.
 
That's a lot of money to spend taking the chance that you may never see him carry it and it might end up in his drawer. Just a caution--that happens a lot when you gift someone a knife you think someone will carry forever after. Just be ready for that is all I'm saying....

I'd play it safe and get him a Leek composite blade. I've seen that knife kick a lot of similar knives out of someone's rotation and pocket.
 
Thanks for the help guys. Will do some looking now.

EChoil, once I give it to him, he can sell it and buy 40 trash can bags of cotton candy if he wants. I don't really look at gifts that way. I suspect he will like it though.
 
bhtkevin said:
.....EChoil, once I give it to him, he can sell it and buy 40 trash can bags of cotton candy if he wants. I don't really look at gifts that way. I suspect he will like it though.
Click to expand...

That's good. Most people don't have that attitude, so just thought I'd mention it. I've seen people give personal items then develop a resentment thing when the recipient doesn't utilize it as the giver thought they should.

Btw, I think a lot of these people are right who suggest a flipper. A recently perfected technology, it does pretty much negate assisted opening and makes for a much smoother knife without that kickback at closing. I bet your friend would like it if he doesn't have one yet.
 
Most of the knives I would recommend are up there already, but if OP wants an assisted knife, he can look at the Kershaw Camber (S30V), Knockout in Elmax.
 
The 0900 is a great little knife. Length-wise, the 0900 may not measure much longer than a Scallion, but it is a pretty beefy knife. I'll take a couple of side-by-side shots when I get home.

[edit] pics below...

From left to right: Chive, Scallion (framelock), Scallion (linerlock), 0900, Camber, 0450CF, 0770CF, Knockout, Scallion, Nura 3.5
(I included the Nura 3.5, since it seems to almost exactly match the blade length, closed length, open length, and weight of the Benchmade Emissary, based on specs)

1390055_comparison1_open_800x386.jpg


1390055_comparison1_closed_800x242.jpg


1390055_comparison1_length_800x377.jpg


Here's another lineup, but with a Mini-Griptilian. It's obviously not a flipper, but if you had an interest in Benchmades at around the size of a Scallion, this is a good option.

1390055_comparison2_open_800x486.jpg


1390055_comparison2_closed_800x326.jpg


1390055_comparison2_length_800x461.jpg


And a couple just to show the thickness of the 0900 compared to the framelock and linerlock scallions. The 0450CF and Mini-Grip are about the same thickness as the linerlock scallion.

ScallionFL_ZT0900_thickness_800x311.jpg


ScallionLL_ZT0900L_thickness_800x309.jpg


[/edit]
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top