- Joined
- Nov 1, 2000
- Messages
- 28,365
I was in Chico, Kalifornia last weekend and as always, I dropped by Cutlery Works. I had a fixed amount to spend and the man said he would work with me because I have bought a fair share of knives from him. They had a numbered TSEK from a first production run that caught my eye, but then I looked at the Kershaw display... 
I said "Lemme see that black one." At that moment, I knew this was coming home with me. He gave it to me $20 off retail. 
BLADE
This thing is SHARP!!! This is my first knife in CPM-440v and now I know why everyone likes it. Looking at the tip from the dull side, it looks like this knife would make some nasty tip rips and back cuts. It is the perfect size (3 1/8") for most utility and self defense needs. I cut an apple up with paper under the apple in a way that the blade would hitwhen it went through. After a few slices, I checked the paper to see perfect razor cuts wher I had been cutting. Scary sharp is an understatement.
GRIP
The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was the aggressive G10 scales. Same texture as a Buck/Strider. In that area, the knife excells... but. Kershaw should have put a notched thumb ramp and notching on other key grip points.
Bottom line is, I would thrust but using extreme caution. I would've also preferred it better in tip up carry as opposed toit s clip on the pivot end.
ACTION/LOCKUP
Fookin slick!!! It took some getting used to proper thumb placement and then not following through but it is easy to learn. I played with it every chance I had and wound up with a sore thumb. The lockup is rock solid. The 410 liners will not budge. I especially like the recessed liner release, it passes the white knuckle test and spine whack with flying colors.
This knife is definitly worth checking out, you just might adopt it.
I said "Lemme see that black one." At that moment, I knew this was coming home with me. He gave it to me $20 off retail. BLADE
This thing is SHARP!!!
This is my first knife in CPM-440v and now I know why everyone likes it. Looking at the tip from the dull side, it looks like this knife would make some nasty tip rips and back cuts. It is the perfect size (3 1/8") for most utility and self defense needs. I cut an apple up with paper under the apple in a way that the blade would hitwhen it went through. After a few slices, I checked the paper to see perfect razor cuts wher I had been cutting. Scary sharp is an understatement.GRIP
The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was the aggressive G10 scales. Same texture as a Buck/Strider. In that area, the knife excells... but. Kershaw should have put a notched thumb ramp and notching on other key grip points.
Bottom line is, I would thrust but using extreme caution. I would've also preferred it better in tip up carry as opposed toit s clip on the pivot end.
ACTION/LOCKUP
Fookin slick!!! It took some getting used to proper thumb placement and then not following through but it is easy to learn. I played with it every chance I had and wound up with a sore thumb. The lockup is rock solid. The 410 liners will not budge. I especially like the recessed liner release, it passes the white knuckle test and spine whack with flying colors.
This knife is definitly worth checking out, you just might adopt it.
