The forgotten Kershaw

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
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I've played with a ton of new knives this week and one really struck me for two reasons:
It was an excellent knife
and two
I had seen it a million times before and it never caught my attention.

I'm speaking of course of the Kershaw Avalanche. It's been around since before a lot of our current Kershaw favorites, and despite high end steel and G10, doesn't seem to get a lot of press, overshadowed by the also great Bump line and Outcast at the top, the Blur, blackout and leek at the bottom.

The texture of its G10 is fantastic, I like it even more than Strider and Spyderco. I like the simplicity of its handle and blade design...it's very minimalist. It looks more like a silhouette than most other knives.

I suppose what I find most intriguing is how it doesn't match up with so many of my preferences and yet remains desireable. I don't like black blades, I'm not especially fond of linerlocks, it doesn't have a flipper or a choil, I'm not a big fan of AO...
But the knife is more than the sum of its parts.

Kershav-Avalanche-D.jpg
 
I liked the 440V version as I'm not as fond of S30V ( which I still think is a good steel - don't want to start that argument again).

I agree, it is a good knife and worthy of EDC in 440V or S30V. Joe L.
 
I own four (4!) of them, the last one a S30V. I really like this model. Had to change some springs from time to time, but it's a really great knife IMO.
 
I almost forgot the best part. This knife routinely sells for only 80 dollars, a good 30 dollars (on average) less than the Spec Bump. Hard to do better than this one price wise.
 
Artfully Martial said:
Yep, has a nice tip down clip...don't think it's reversable....

Kershav-Avalanche-4.jpg


Pretty low profile though.
Click to expand...

I believe those three little holes on the other end mean that it is reversable. :D
 
Looks like a G10/S30V Leek with a different blade. I was not a Kershaw fan until I got my G10 Leek. I have not held this knife, but my instinct tells me that it would fit my hand great. I really like the looks of that Knife!! Is it an AO?
 
It's very AO...for some reason, the action seems more intense than on my bump or mini mojo. But you're right, it does share a lot with the g10 leek, although this is the original...
This is a much more substantial knife though, in my opinion...it feels extra sturdy, a little on the heavy side for it's size. The leek is very thin and light.
 
I've had an Avalanche in 440V for quite some time. The knife has been a first class performer at cutting chores and it has a very secure grip. The one thing that bothers me is that it has an opening assist but lacks a lock and the blade has accidently snapped open several times after it worked open enough. This is embarrasing and can be dangerous.

I remedied the situation by purchasing a Spec Bump two days ago. It has a sliding lock stud right along side the opening flipper. With the lock secured, it should never open accidently but, at the same time can be unlocked and opened quickly. The 3D carved G10 handle provides an even better, more ergonomic grip than the Avalanche.

The Spec Bump's lock is a new species of animal. It is contained entirely in a small slot in the blade and uses an ambidextrous, spring loaded, sliding thumb stud to engage dual ramps on the SS liners. The blade is closed in one continuous motion by pushing the thumb stud against spring pressure until it disengages from the ramp and continuing until it closes.

Only time and testing will tell for sure, but this lockup seems like it could be the strongest ever! It locks directly opposite the direction of the closing blade and uses a strong, one piece stud to engage both liners. It is totally exposed for easy cleaning or lubing when needed.

The knife came shaving sharp. The bump works well for various applications but I still have to get used to it. I hope it can be sharpened as well as my conventionally shaped blades.
 
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