Tell me about this Kershaw folder

S

shakeylegs

Joined
Feb 9, 2007
Messages
4
Hi everyone. I've just picked up this Kershaw 2100 Rotary folder and I'm wondering if anyone knows the blade steel used and the history of this model.
Kershaw2100Rotary.jpg

The only description I can find is:"This rare rotary lock folder was discontinued in 1985. Scales are Thailand water buffalo bone. Opens and closes without touching the blade." The blade is stamped Kershaw, Oregon USA on one side and "by Kai Japan 2000".
Any additional info would be welcome.
Thanks
 
Dave (kershawguy) or Thomas W (Thomas W) will eventually see this...you'll have your answer soon.....
 
Mike, thanks for that PDF. I appreciate the effort.
Though it takes two hands to open, the action is smooth, the blade is razor sharp, and the knife sits nicely in the hand for a small folder.
 
The 2100 Rotary lock Knives were in the 1979 catalog and that is the first year I am seeing info on them. They had a suggested retail of $49.95 that year. I would say there is a 98% likely hood of the blade steel being AUS6 , it was the steel of choice for pocket knives and AUS8 for hunting knives. If you have read my article you know it was my first and remains one of my favs, although I have at least 100 favs. LOL. They also made a rotary lock in a different style , see photo. There have been sveral of these on Ebay lately. In fact the person you got yours from is a friend of mine and a Kershaw collector from Texas. The ones like you have are harder to come by than the one pictured here, and only come up on the bay a couple times a year. Enjoy !!!
 

Attachments

  • 361_2.jpg
    361_2.jpg
    81.3 KB · Views: 66
  • 361_1.jpg
    361_1.jpg
    56.8 KB · Views: 48
kershawguy said:
The 2100 Rotary lock Knives were in the 1979 catalog and that is the first year I am seeing info on them. They had a suggested retail of $49.95 that year. I would say there is a 98% likely hood of the blade steel being AUS6 , it was the steel of choice for pocket knives and AUS8 for hunting knives. If you have read my article you know it was my first and remains one of my favs, although I have at least 100 favs. LOL. They also made a rotary lock in a different style , see photo. There have been sveral of these on Ebay lately. In fact the person you got yours from is a friend of mine and a Kershaw collector from Texas. The ones like you have are harder to come by than the one pictured here, and only come up on the bay a couple times a year. Enjoy !!!
Click to expand...

dude, what don't you know??
 
Dave, thanks very much for that history. I enjoyed reading your article.

BTW, I did pick this up from a gentleman and fine ebayer in Witchita Falls, TX. I like the look and feel very much and am tempted to carry it unless it's so collectible it should be put aside. It is in great condition - your friend gave it excellent care.

Thanks again
Steve

edit: I just found a Japanese site, translate in babelfish, that confirms the AUS6 blade steel.
 
kershawguy said:
The 2100 Rotary lock Knives were in the 1979 catalog and that is the first year I am seeing info on them. They had a suggested retail of $49.95 that year. I would say there is a 98% likely hood of the blade steel being AUS6 , it was the steel of choice for pocket knives and AUS8 for hunting knives. If you have read my article you know it was my first and remains one of my favs, although I have at least 100 favs. LOL. They also made a rotary lock in a different style , see photo. There have been sveral of these on Ebay lately. In fact the person you got yours from is a friend of mine and a Kershaw collector from Texas. The ones like you have are harder to come by than the one pictured here, and only come up on the bay a couple times a year. Enjoy !!!
Click to expand...

Hey cool I have one of those but it's not quite mint. Thanks for the info because I didn't know jack squat about it. It is an interesting lock for sure. The blade is a full mirror polish and the fit and finish is impeccable.

One side is marked:
kershaw
OREGON USA

other side is:
by kai JAPAN
2105
 
I bought mine in 1986. Then they were going for $45 - 65 Canadian. I bought two and gave one to my friend. The bone is allegedly petrified waterbuffalo bone. I say allegedly because I've never gotten that confirmed by an authoritative source. My hands are smallish and I still feel that the handle is most comfortable in my fingertips. Mine's never been used and has the original edge. It's a little treasure that I just keep tucked away.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top