Speed bump vs. Spec bump

C

CQC.45

Joined
Dec 13, 2006
Messages
14
Hi, im a long time lurker but a new member here and was hoping you guys could help me out. I was looking at the Spec bump and the Speed bump and there is obviously a substantail price difference between them. What speciflicly are the differences between the two that justifies this difference? Pictures are weclome :D and so are personal expriences. Thanks.

(on a side note i was almost thinking that if i was going to go with the spec bump, if i should not just go with the offset lol. This knife would be for EDC (i have fairly large pockets) so is the closed offset much larger than the closed spec/speed bump? thanks again lol)

P.S. This is a great forum and im glad to finally be a part of it :cool:
 
I'm not a Kershaw expert (yet :D), but the main difference in price between the two is most likely due to the Speed using 13c26 for the blade steel and the Spec using S30V. 13c26 is substantially more affordable than S30V.
 
With the Spec Bump you get S30V premium blade steel and G-10 scales.
The Speed bump has the standard 13C26 blade and akulon with santoprene scales.
I guess it just comes down to which one you think will better suit your needs....
The higher end steel and scales or the standard steel and scales. There's nothing
wrong with either steel, but if it's outstanding edge retention you want go for the
Spec Bump. That's just MHO.
If you wanna go all out, get the Offset.....been thinking of getting one myself.;)

Oh, welcome to the forums.
 
Welcome to the forum CQC!

The key differences between the spec and the speed will be the blade steel (and finish) and the handle materials.

The Spec has an S30V blade with a black DLC coating and black 3D machined scales.
The Speed has a 13C26 blade (I think it is just bead blasted) and a Akulon handle with Santoprene overmold. There is also a version with black aluminium handles.
 
svrider3 said:
If you wanna go all out, get the Offset.....been thinking of getting one myself.;)

Oh, welcome to the forums.
Click to expand...


That's my plan too. As somebody recently said, the Offset isn't just a knife, it's a statement. :D

And, yes, welcome aboard. :thumbup:
 
I recently realized that my Snap-On tool guy with overpriced tools also sells Kershaw knives so I picked up a Speed Bump he had in stock, and I have a Spec Bump and G10 Offset on the way that he had to special order for me. Best thing is I can make weekly payments on them instead of having to pay for them outright like all other knife purchases I make. Merry Christmas to me!!!!

I think the Speed Bump blade is bead blasted because it has developed some very small rust spots on it since I live in a high humidity climate.
 
If you are looking for an EDC go Speed Bump. Beat on it and don't feel bad about it. I have Speed Bumps, Spec Bumps, Titanium Bumps and Offsets. I most often reach for a Speed Bump. It carries light in the pocket and takes everything I throw at it. I think that the Speed Spec Bump is the perfect comprimise in price and performance but they are rare as hens teeth.
 
I have the black Speed Bump with aluminum handles. I like
it alot. Can't say it's a good user since I don't use it. It sits
pretty in it's little box with desiccant packs and a warm blankie. :)

mike
 
2brothers said:
I have the black Speed Bump with aluminum handles. I like
it alot. Can't say it's a good user since I don't use it. It sits
pretty in it's little box with desiccant packs and a warm blankie. :)

mike
Click to expand...

Mine too! However, the regular Speed Bump gets the bejesus used out of it. It's weird, I like the way the AL Bump feels in my pocket and hand better but I just don't use it.
 
The Spec Bump is a real nice knife. Almost too nice to use.
I sold mine.

However, it's a heavy carry, and sort of bulky as well.

The Speed Bump with aluminum handles is a much more comfortable carry IMO.
And a great AO knife.
 
Tanto Fiend said:
I recently realized that my Snap-On tool guy with overpriced tools also sells Kershaw knives so I picked up a Speed Bump he had in stock, and I have a Spec Bump and G10 Offset on the way that he had to special order for me. Best thing is I can make weekly payments on them instead of having to pay for them outright like all other knife purchases I make. Merry Christmas to me!!!!

I think the Speed Bump blade is bead blasted because it has developed some very small rust spots on it since I live in a high humidity climate.
Click to expand...

You may be able to make payments, but in the end I think the Snap-on guy will get the best of you. I could be wrong, but the mechanics I know in my area tell me the Snap-on truck is way overpriced on Kershaws. They now come to me and let me order them from one of the better online retailers. Maybe it's different where you live? Either way, once you get your new kershaws in hand it's always hard to wipe the grin off your face, no matter what you paid!!;)

Enjoy!
 
I have the offset and spec bump.....On my way to getting the speed bump.
The Offset is just to damn nice to carry...just a collector for me...and it is a bit heavy.
Spec bump is way good, Love it....good feeling in the hand, not too bulky and not too heavy.
Speed Bump i will be getting after Christmas....I have handled one on a few occasions...it also has a nice feel in the hand and is .2 oz lighter then the Spec Bump (5.2 oz)
 
jonnymac44 said:
You may be able to make payments, but in the end I think the Snap-on guy will get the best of you. I could be wrong, but the mechanics I know in my area tell me the Snap-on truck is way overpriced on Kershaws. They now come to me and let me order them from one of the better online retailers. Maybe it's different where you live? Either way, once you get your new kershaws in hand it's always hard to wipe the grin off your face, no matter what you paid!!;)

Enjoy!
Click to expand...

You are absolutely right, they are a lot more expensive than online retailers but at least he isn't charging me full retail:eek: Its a compromise I'm willing to make since its easier for me to acquire these knives since I'm not making the big-time mechanic pay yet. I may even be able to claim them on my taxes like the rest of my tools as a business expense-maybe. Its worth a shot:p
 
It'd be a bit expensive to do, but I'm surprised no one has suggested doing up a FrankenBump.

Transplant that black S30V blade from he Spec into the handle of the aluminum Speed. :D
 
kneedeep said:
It'd be a bit expensive to do, but I'm surprised no one has suggested doing up a FrankenBump.

Transplant that black S30V blade from he Spec into the handle of the aluminum Speed. :D
Click to expand...

Now THAT is a really good idea!
 
thanks for all of the replies guys! Im still debating. The there is just such a huge price difference from the spec to the speed its tough justifying. Is there any differences in feel or quality besides the blade and handle material? is S30V that much better than Sandvik 13C26? is the speed really that much lighter than the spec?

should i just forget about both and get the offset?!
(lol jk, that will come later im sure)

but seriously, what are your personal experiences for those of you that have owned both? Thanks for the replies, keep em comin!

(pics still dont hurt :D)
 
Having owned both, I have a very definite opinion on this.

If you're going to be carrying the knife, get the Speed Bump.
IMO the Spec Bump's shape and weight are simply not suited for EDC.
And the "upgrades" to the Spec Bump are simply not worth the added weight and bulk.
 
Maybe these will help.
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=32
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=31
There is a .2 oz weight difference. Does it make that much difference in pocket feel...um no, you probably have that much lint in your pockets not to mention half a pound of keys and such. The G10 feels better, looks better and will impress your friends more. S30V will hold an edge better than 13C26, but IMO 13C26 is easier to sharpen and will take a good edge. Unless you are cutting up 100 cardboard boxes a day or some thing like that you won't miss the S30V. Go with your gut. If you keep at the Kershaw thing you will eventually be completely unable to hear your wallet screaming for mercy. Might as well get started and get which ever you really want.
 
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