Spyderco Vs. Kershaw

[hardheart]

Ontario, Camillus, Moki, and I would say some other unknown factories produce knives for other brands. Ones like Cold Steel, Al Mar, Queen, or Becker would be some of the more recognizable. I would say 'same company' if they share other staff and resources, but place of manufacture is a little tricky in the knife realm.

I speculate, but do not know for certain, that some of the brands with 'made in Taiwan, China, Japan, etc.' stamped on knives that get a pass, and some with the same stampings that are looked down upon, share facilities.

 

[Tblock1]

I prefer spyderco. No need to list reasons, we have our own preferences. Someone should start a poll, although I think it's already been done before.

 

[allenC]

I like both Spydeco and Kershaw (especially the Ken Onion designs), but I don't care much for liner-locks these days....so, I find myself looking toward Spyderco more than I do toward Kershaw.


As for Benchmade....
If they didn't have the Axis-lock and Bali-songs, I probably wouldn't even own one.

 

[shotgunner11]

I like both Spydeco and Kershaw (especially the Ken Onion designs), but I don't care much for liner-locks these days....so, I find myself looking toward Spyderco more than I do toward Kershaw.

That's why I'm trying out the stud lock.

 

[SPXTrader]

SPXTrader, I realize they are "NOT" Autos. HOWEVER, most people, in court or otherwise will see an A/O knife as an auto and not see the need for it.

David, not to be argumentative, but this statement doesn't stand up. Unless you have specific proof (i.e. legal verdicts). Again, the construction, mechanics and operation of an auto are completely different from an AO. There are many things that most people don't see the need for. That's why there are so many different manufacturers and custom makers.

If you don't like any AO's, that's your choice. But I think the important point is to provide the OP with the most accurate information possible.

On a side note....Kershaw does the best A/O on the planet.

I'll agree with that! :thumbup:

OP, now that you know to buy what you like....what kind of sharpener are you going to buy.

Now that's mean!

 

[Thomas W]

I would say 'same company' if they share other staff and resources, but place of manufacture is a little tricky in the knife realm.

Kershaw and ZT are produced in the same facility in Tualatin. Both are brand names that fall under the Kai USA umbrella. Kai factory workers produce and assemble both brands. ZT is not an OEM. Hopefully that answers your question.

 

[bladz]

I like Benchmade and Spyderco equally. Right now though I am the most impressed with my new Spyderco Manix.

 

[Limeyfellow]

I use the Kershaw leek as my light use knife when I am not too bothered to put it through too much work and it has nicer aesthetics , but I prefer the functionality of say a Spyderco Delica or Military, especially that is has a nice thumb ramp for control. I don't care for the look of the thumb hole so much, but it works fine. It is a more functional knife, but is harder to find them for sale in this area. The Spyderco will also cost quite a bit more, but you typically get a better grade steel in the blade so it works all out.

I guess if I had to choose just one knife for ecd use, I would probably go with the Spyderco Delica 3 or 4.

 

[vjb.knife]

Both have had some great knives as well as some pretty poor ones. I think they are both above average companies but lately some of the Kershaws have really caught my attention. I recently bought a Leek with the composite D2 edged blade and assisted opening and it is a great little knife.
out of the box it is sharp as the devil and it has held it's edge very well so far. Also as somebody else mentioned their Zero Tolerance line is very impressive

So I think both are great companies in the low to mid price range.

 

[Reeek]

I like both knives a lot but I've been buying mostly Spyderco (and Mcusta/Seki-Cut) lately. Mainly because I started out on a Kershaw buying spree when I graduated out of the newbie phase so I have a few nice Kershaw's already, Spec Bump, Boas, Cyclones and a JYD II Ti (and my 5 ZT's of course).

I took the JYD II Ti out yesterday and I must say, that is a really nice knife.

Kershaw would be doing right by me if they focused on some manual knives these days since I'm full up on AO's right now. I would look at more Kershaws if:

* They offered some new manual knives
* Offered them up without the damned recurve
* Made them less blingy

A good example of what a super nice Kershaw (not ZT) would be to me is something in the form of a JYD II Ti without the industrial art work or stick a couple scales of G10 or Micarta with nested liners and punch a hole in the blade or add a thumbstud. Maybe use top rated single steel blade like S30V, 154CM or VG10 or just a good Sandvik which they do now. A flat grind would top all this off . . . Or even simpler, make a Boa without the AO, leave the blade uncoated and don't bead blast it (stonewash would be cool) and lose the recurve. That would be one hell of a Kershaw!

Outside of the ZT line, the Boa is my favorite Kershaw with the JYD II Ti running second and th Cyclones third.

 

[Brodie002]

Price point is a major factor for me, and my price point is under $70. I think of the 3 companies being discussed, Kershaw is the best at this price. They have a big line-up of American-made knives with nice features in the $40-70 price range. I have a Blur and a Leek, both with S30V steel, the Leek with G10 scales, each obtained for less than $70.

Spyderco has a few inexpensive knives that appeal to me - I have a delica 4 and like everything but the saber grind. The Tenacious is a great value, but I don't like that it's made in China. I think Spyderco really excels in the $90-$130 range. If I had the dough to buy a bunch of knives at that price point, I'd be getting a lot of Spyderco's.

Benchmade doesn't do it for me. I don't like the griptilians, and their higher priced knives seem overpriced to me.

As a price-conscious consumer, Kershaw is the best knife for me.