Spyderco Vs. Kershaw

Scoper said:
How is Kershaw's assisted opening compared to other companies?
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The best. Hands down.

I personally hate lockbacks after having a Cara Cara close on my fingrer (trip to the ER...) but I will say that it was an odd set of circumstances, and I dont believe it to be a design flaw or mechanical failure anymore than I was responsible for putting the knife in a situation to fail. However, I refuse to use a "mid-grip" lockback anymore, and that excludes a TON of Spydercos for me. I also find more variety and better bang for my buck in the Kershaw line. The value you get is stellar.

As others have said: Find what works for you. This isnt a war. There's a reason that we all like different cars. If you like Ford, GM, Honda, or Toyota...who cares aside from you...you have what you want.

Competition has done a great thing for this hobby. Options, options, options!
 
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benchmade, because i love the axis lock, designs and overall quality.
kershaw, because they make great knives also, i like the designs (especially the RAM)
spyderco, great knives, im just not a big fan of thumb holes
theyre all great companies with excellent customer service
 
I really like the ZT300s, but none of the ones I've handled were flawless with (minor) blade play being an issue, so I'll stick to my Military.
 
Kershaw - but purely on looks - I hate the image that Spydie thumbhole imparts - knife always reminds me of a gecko or baby croc
 
I still prefer Spyderco, but for me Spyderco, Benchmade and Kershaw are the big three in modern knife manufacturers.
 
All three companies are great and offer a completely different set of knives with regard to design and function. I think they all complement each other nicely. As a knife nut, its nice to be able to swing from BM, to kershaw, to Spyderco and back again.
 
• Spyderco
• Benchmade

Round hole openers with lockbacks? Sign me up!

I love the axis lock. I have no idea how the ball bearing lock compares, but I have yet to see it in a knife I like the design of.

I haven't seen anything from Kershaw I'd want to own. No offense, but someone here said it best--Kershaw designs follow Ken Onion. And no offense to him personally, I'm just not the biggest fan of recurve blades, or wild organic curves in my knives.
 
Order for me
Benchmade, spyderco, Kershaw
Benchmade is on top because of the looks, cutting preformance, ergos, axis lock, smooth handles and tendancy to manufacture in the US, spyderco (USA made) is next because of the ergos and cutting preformance, Kershaw is third simply because their knives dont catch my eye as much as BM and Spyderco, but i will get a Composite JYDII with my christmas money, if I dont get enough for a sebbie that is.
 
For me, Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco. All have their strengths, for me it is just personal preference, nothing inherently wrong with Spyderco that places it at the bottom of this list, just don't care as much for the overall designs of many of their knives. IIRC I have eight Kershaw knives in my collection, and three each BM and Spydercos.
 
It's kinda pointless trying to compare the big three since it comes down to opinion. That being said, if you want a random bladeforums guy's opinion, I go with Kershaw/ZT because they work for ME in MY situations in MY part of the country.

Benchmade comes next, but I only like one knife out of their whole product line.

Spyderco... uhh... I handled one, and it was not for me, sorry.

So there you have it, don't go with opinions, go handle some.

K&G
 
I've had plenty of BM Spydercos and kershaws and I prefer Spyercos by far most BM have access locks which are nice but its just one more thing to go wrong with the knife and I'm not into BM excessive use of D2 also it seems every new knife the have is D2 steel and Kershaw feel cheap to me...I would take a TI Mini Cyclone though. Spyderco has the best line up of all different knives and they are always using a variety of different materials so that their knives are distincly different from one another...not like BM where every osbourne looks exactly the same....Just my opinion though...knives are sweet in general so any one you get will be awesome.
 
Both companies are constantly innovating, bringing in new designs, pushing for better steel, and have good interactions with us on the forums. They both have their share of high value budget priced knives and exceptionally well made high end models. Kershaw has a very good balance of aesthetics and ergonomics, where Spyderco is more focused on the feel of the knife in your hand.

Both companies do so many different things, it's would be almost impossible to choose... Except that Sal designed my favorite knife, the Spyderco Military.
 
Until now, I have read this thread with great interest. Choices are a wonderful thing! But I can't let the following opinion go unchallenged:

David Lowry said:
I don't know why everyone is so nuts over A/O. It's going to get more knives banned because it was a way for companies to pretty much make an automatic but get around the law. I have no interest in carrying one.
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David, you have made it quite obvious you have no desire for Kershaw knives, and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinions.

However, regarding the blanket statement you made above not only shows your lack of knowledge of the construction, mechanics and laws regarding assisted opening knives, it also is completely inaccurate and misleading. There have been several cases involving assisted opening knives, and all were defended successfully. They are not trying to get around any laws. They are not autos. Period.

In another light, the pivot of any non-AO can be loosened to where they can be flicked open with merely the wrist, thereby falling under the category of gravity knives. Does this present an issue for knife manufacturers? No, just as AO's aren't illegal.

johnnycakes, I think the best advice you have received so far came from Offsetlover. Go to a knife store, spend some time, and find out what you like. As samhain mentioned, you may or may not want to consider customer service and/or warranty. Kershaw will send you parts, or freshen up your knife if you decide to send it in, free of charge. I have read that Spyderco charges for parts (screws, clips, etc.) and will void your warranty if you open up the knife yourself. Kershaw encourages this, as their knives are easily repaired should the occasion arise.

There's really no "better than" between most of the recognized manufacturers. All will do the required task, so pick what you like. Personally, I prefer Kershaw. I also own knives made by Spyderco, Benchmade, Buck, Schrade, Gerber, Chris Reeve, RAT Cutlety and handful of customs. And I apologize to the manufacturers I have left off the list!

Its great we live in a country where we have this many choices, Yes? :thumbup:
 
It's amazing that in my ten years or so of collecting I've never owned a Kershaw. None of the designs appeal to me. It seems like they're mostly AO and liner locks. I'm not a fan of either.
I started off with Buck knives and then moved to Benchmade. Much later I became interested in Spyderco.
Now I put Spyderco ahead of Benchmade because Spyderco seems to be the king of fully flat ground blades with thin edges. I admire their innovative designs and appreciate a CEO who monitors the board here and responds to customers.
The axis lock is great though and everyone should have one. I also want to try Spyderco's ball lock.
 
svrider3 said:
Why? :confused:
Have any of them stepped on your toes, harassed or threatened you?
Or do you just like making inflammatory sarcastic remarks, Jake? :confused:
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Whoa.. lets put away the brass knuckles brother. It was purely sarcasm. (as was the brass knuckles bit) ;)
 
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