Recommend me a non speed-safe Kershaw

M

migo

Joined
Dec 28, 2001
Messages
243
I've brought my Blackout in for the 4th time (and Mini-Mojo 2nd) due to the torsion bar busting. So that's 2 out of 3 speed-safe knives with the speed-safe mechanism breaking on me. I love Kershaw's lifetime warranty, they always handle it well, but I'd rather not have to make use of it. They're letting me replace it with another Kershaw, with a credit equal to what I paid going towards the cost of a new one.

So here's basically what I'm looking for:
-non speed safe, but I like the flipper opening
-serrated blade
-not terribly expensive (the credit is for $115 Canadian, with a bit of a markup for HoK, so that's maybe worth $80-$90, over that is OK, just not by a huge margin, under is fine too, but I really wouldn't want to waste too much)
-reliable, heavy duty knife, I have a tendency to put them through abuse (slicing open aluminum cans and such), so it should be one that puts up with it

The Ram is at the top of my list, but I'm open to other suggestions as well. I'll likely get the same offer with the Mini-Mojo, for which I paid roughly the same amount. On the off chance that I can combine two of them into one expensive knife, something in the $200 range might also be interesting.
 
kershaw lahar
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kershaw steven seagal
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kershaw storm 2
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How about a composite JYD 2? A great knife with a D2 edge that would eat aluminum cans.
 
Kershaw NRG - fliper, no speed safe;
Junk yard dog also a fliper without speedsafe
Kershaw Lahar
 
Storm 1/2 available in CE edge, the Ram also good. But the Lahar is the secret weapon. :)
 
I'll second - or third - the JYDII composite blade suggestion... unless you can find a SG-2/Ti version - they are worth the admittedly over your limit funding... my favorite Kershaw!

Stainz
 
I would have to say RAM or JYD II.
The Groove is another flipper with out A/O.
Also take a look at the OD-1.
 
migo said:
I've brought my Blackout in for the 4th time (and Mini-Mojo 2nd) due to the torsion bar busting. So that's 2 out of 3 speed-safe knives with the speed-safe mechanism breaking on me. I love Kershaw's lifetime warranty, they always handle it well, but I'd rather not have to make use of it. They're letting me replace it with another Kershaw, with a credit equal to what I paid going towards the cost of a new one.

So here's basically what I'm looking for:
-non speed safe, but I like the flipper opening
-serrated blade
-not terribly expensive (the credit is for $115 Canadian, with a bit of a markup for HoK, so that's maybe worth $80-$90, over that is OK, just not by a huge margin, under is fine too, but I really wouldn't want to waste too much)
-reliable, heavy duty knife, I have a tendency to put them through abuse (slicing open aluminum cans and such), so it should be one that puts up with it

The Ram is at the top of my list, but I'm open to other suggestions as well. I'll likely get the same offer with the Mini-Mojo, for which I paid roughly the same amount. On the off chance that I can combine two of them into one expensive knife, something in the $200 range might also be interesting.
Click to expand...

I think most of you are missing his "serrated blade" requirement.

I assume he wants a combo blade so the are only 3 choices that I see that have flipper and are not assisted.

JYD2 without the composite blade. I guess the smaller JYD would also work for you.http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=380&brand=kershaw

Ram http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=454&brand=kershaw

Storm both sizes are nice. The flipper is very small and hard for me to use.http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=99&brand=kershaw
 
Sorry to hi-jack the thread but I had the same problem with their speed-safe knives. I had the scallion and returned it 3 times to be repaired before I requested a comparable knife without the speed-safe option.

Warranty and customer service was first rate and kept this from being a complete pain in the rear experience. I liked the scallion and the speed-safe feature but is this problem with all the speed-safe knives? I was considering getting one of the larger Kershaw knives with this option but if this problem exist across the whole line I will stick with the flippers.

Are these isolated incidents or a common problem?
 
I've had a Leek for about two years now and I would say without a doubt its been opened thousands of times and has never broken a torsion spring. It does seem a little weaker than when it was new but it has never broke. To the OP, personally I love the Storm. Built like a tank. It's a frame lock with a flipper and you can get it plain or partially serrated and in two different sizes. Or you could get a Blur and take out the spring. It would work just like any other folder then. Just doen't have a flipper.,,,VWB.
 
There as been several great suggestions, so I won't be repetitive, but I really think you'll like the RAM.

As far as your problems with the Speed-Safe mechanism, that seems very odd to me. I've had several different Models (no Blackout though) and they've all been boringly reliable.
 
jb4gators said:
Sorry to hi-jack the thread but I had the same problem with their speed-safe knives. I had the scallion and returned it 3 times to be repaired before I requested a comparable knife without the speed-safe option.

Warranty and customer service was first rate and kept this from being a complete pain in the rear experience. I liked the scallion and the speed-safe feature but is this problem with all the speed-safe knives? I was considering getting one of the larger Kershaw knives with this option but if this problem exist across the whole line I will stick with the flippers.

Are these isolated incidents or a common problem?
Click to expand...

I've used Kershaw's Speedsafe knifes for 7 or 8 years. When ever the Leek 1st came out. 3 broken torsion bars for me. 1 on a Chive and 2 on different Leeks. It is something that will wear out and break with a lot of use. Kershaw will happily send you new torsion bars, and any other part but the blade. I broke one in a Leek about a month ago had 3 new torsion bars 4 days later. They very easy to replace yourself. You need a T6 and a T8 torx and some grease. Open the blade 1st before you take any screws out.

http://www.kershawknives.com/contactus.php?brand=kershaw
Just click "Warranty Service" under subject.
 
2bkc said:
I would have to say RAM or JYD II.
The Groove is another flipper with out A/O.
Also take a look at the OD-1.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I was thinking. These knives are the best manual flippers Kershaw makes.

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Love my JYD. Flips out almost as quick and easy as an assited opener, but no torsion bar. No experience with the others. One thing about the JYD; it is a beast. Thick, heavy, and tough. Not a lightweight. I like that, but some peole do not. If you are looking for something light that disapears into your pocket until you need it, one of the other suggested models might suit you better.
 
All of my Kershaws have broken at least one Torsion Bar each. All in all I believe I've replaced about 5 torsion bars. So, I'd say it's definitely not an isolated problem.

That part will wear out - if you use your knives enough, it's a given. They last for quite a while, but will need to be replaced eventually. That said, it's a really simple procedure to replace them - less complicated by far than shipping your knife off to have it serviced, imho - and I haven't had to spend a dime in the process. It's definitely the disadvantage of the Speedsafe mechanism. I often wonder whether other assisted mechanisms have similar problems with wear...
 
Hi migo -

I just got a Zing and I really like it.

The polymide handles are very similar to G10, and it has a "flipper" instead of an assisted open design.

I like it a lot - the only caveat is that the grooves on the blade (search google to see a pic of the Zing to see what I mean) have kept me from getting the edge on it that I like - I can get my Leek much sharper, but maybe it is just something I am doing wrong.

It is plenty sharp from the factory - I just like to sit and sharpen my knives to give them as polished an edge as I can.

best regards -

mqqn
 
mqqn said:
Hi migo -

I just got a Zing and I really like it.

The polymide handles are very similar to G10, and it has a "flipper" instead of an assisted open design.

I like it a lot - the only caveat is that the grooves on the blade (search google to see a pic of the Zing to see what I mean) have kept me from getting the edge on it that I like - I can get my Leek much sharper, but maybe it is just something I am doing wrong.

It is plenty sharp from the factory - I just like to sit and sharpen my knives to give them as polished an edge as I can.

best regards -

mqqn
Click to expand...

The Zing's grooves shouldn't affect your sharpening of the edge at all. Just set the bevel like you normally would and go through the progression. The grooves do affect the ability to re-grind the primary bevel, though. I suppose you could regrind a Zing, but it might look funny.
 
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