???'s about Volt 3600

C

clutchjunkie

Joined
Oct 3, 2012
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So, being new to the knife world I just recently found out about the Volt 3600. I know it has been discontinued and only a little over 300 were made, but why? Is there a story behind it? Looking at pics and videos of the knife, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be a hot seller unless it was rediculously overpriced. I haven't found one for sale yet so I don't know how much they were or how much they go for now.

I was also wondering if anyone has both the 3600 and the new Volt II Stainless and would be willing to take some comparison pics? I like the Volt SS, but if it is that much better, I may just try to go straight for the holy grail 3600.

Also, if anyone would be so kind, how thick is the blade on the Volt II SS?
 
I'm pretty new to this too, so one of the vets can correct me where I'm wrong (or all of them). Kershaw (or any knife company for that matter) will put out limited production pieces where they basically pull out all of the stops in terms of what they can do: materials, workmanship, design. The Volt in particular was designed by legendary (am I safe in saying this?) custom knife maker RJ Martin. The Volt has a composite blade which is a fairly exotic process (2 knife steels, one on cutting edge and one on spine).

Volt's are certainly rare, though they do appear from time to time. You're going to definitely have to be willing to put down a nice chunk of change. Correct me if I'm wrong please, and hope I answered some of the question.
 
The 3600 volt is made of very high end material and is not cheap, nor is it overpriced. Kershaws high end are runs are always limited, they aren't intended for mainstream consumers but more people like you find on here. Do a search on here for the Volt and pics should be easily found.
 
I believe the Volt 3600 was the first 3d machined titanium from the skunk works in Tualatin.

I bought a couple of blems, having found out about these fine knives well after the pre-orders for them were closed.

It is one of my favorite knives - I really like the RJ Martin styling, beautiful lines to the blade and grind, and that great thumb-ramp.

Just a great knife - I am very much looking forward to the ZT iteration of this design.

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best

mqqn
 
This is my favorite kershaw design of all time. Its too bad Ill never have one cuz they made like three pieces and one blem. I made a thread last month actually in hopes that a PROPER sequel gains momentum. The best reply I got was about the ZT600 rj. I'll get one, but I hope they do another high end faithful reproduction of a Volt one day. Materials...I'll leave that up to the guys in The O
 
Had one, sold it, never looked back.
There were 349 produced, including 71 blems. Too many blems & too much time to produce one had shorten the run. Titanium is 3D machined and combined with G10. Blems I saw had imperfections on titanium handle. Blems were sold for 150USD here, on BF. I can't really remember how much USD I paid for a "good one", maybe 30$ more?
It was known from the start that it will be a limited run and that the design will not be reused. At least, that was the plan.
Nowadays you've got more production knives using M390 steel to choose from.
Also - the clip on this knife is kind of a joke.
For carry and use I wouldn't bother trying to find one.
If you want great RJ Martin design - consider upcoming ZT 0600 which is closer to Q-36.
 
My brother handled the blem sales for the Volt. Some he sent to Dave.
Most of the blems had some cosmetic copper issues on the blade where the steals were joined. I don't recall any handle issues.

I think I still have the list of all the blems and what the issue was with each. I'll try to find it.

I have a few Volts and might have a Volt II to do some comparison shots. Maybe this afternoon.
 
Yeah, I recall now - small spots with copper missing.
2 knives I've seen had one or two small (~0,5mm) missing spots on titanium (frame-side) but these were not blems - my mistake.
 
2brothers said:
I think I still have the list of all the blems and what the issue was with each. I'll try to find it.

I have a few Volts and might have a Volt II to do some comparison shots. Maybe this afternoon.
Click to expand...

I would like to see that list, I'm curious/interested.

And let us know if there's a Kershaw model you don't have :D
 
Quick shot of the Volt 3600 compared to the Volt 3655 SS. Sorry, all 4 sets of batteries for the camera are being re-charged. :o

SomeVolts-1.jpg
 
rustle said:
Had one, sold it, never looked back.
There were 349 produced, including 71 blems. Too many blems & too much time to produce one had shorten the run. Titanium is 3D machined and combined with G10. Blems I saw had imperfections on titanium handle. Blems were sold for 150USD here, on BF. I can't really remember how much USD I paid for a "good one", maybe 30$ more?
It was known from the start that it will be a limited run and that the design will not be reused. At least, that was the plan.
Nowadays you've got more production knives using M390 steel to choose from.
Also - the clip on this knife is kind of a joke.
For carry and use I wouldn't bother trying to find one.
If you want great RJ Martin design - consider upcoming ZT 0600 which is closer to Q-36.
Click to expand...

Does "349 produced" mean that 71 of those 349 were blems, or 349 were normal and then there were 71 blems, meaning the total would be 420? Sorry, for the confusion.
 
KnottyEagle said:
Does "349 produced" mean that 71 of those 349 were blems, or 349 were normal and then there were 71 blems, meaning the total would be 420? Sorry, for the confusion.
Click to expand...

The post you quoted says there were 349 produced including 71 blems. So 349 total.
 
I missed the boat on this one, as well, and never saw anything about it 'til after they were all gone, including blems. I was in a money rut, and couldn't afford to look at knives.

Well, after they were all gone, and selling above MSRP, I found one in a local knife shop, right at the $300 MSRP. It sat there for several months, and by then I had done some research, and allowed myself to fall in love. Saved up a bit of money, and gladly put down the full retail price on it.

After having owned it for a while, and compared it to the 0300, 0560 and 0550 series knives, I believe I got the better knife, by far. Much less bulky than the ZT's mentioned, and materials, fit and finish, and style win, hands-down.

Would I have loved to have gotten one at around $200 at the original asking price? Sure! Am I happy with the knife at full retail? Absolutely!:D
 
Hi Daniel: Don't feel bad, I paid about that for the two I bought for my sons. And I designed the thing! LOL

KERSHAW does great work, whether it's a high-end ZT, USA made production knife or an import. My two current favorite KERSHAW's, the Volt SS and ZING SS
are of very high quality but are priced to be used hard. Terrific values, IMHO.

I'm very happy to be working with KERSHAW!

Thanks everyone for your kind words on the VOLTS!!
 
Huh, didn't realize they made a VIB groove. I love the normal one I have now, always seem to miss the black ones when they come up for sale.
 
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