The most versatile production knife ever

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
4,761
The Kershaw Bump line. Name a price and it had you covered.

The blade shape could do anything, the handle was comfortable, usually 3 dimensional, the knife had not one but two different locks to choose from, the materials ranged from decent to top-of-the line depending on your price range, the size was just right...I could go on and on.

At any rate, there was a point where you could name a price and have a Bump made almost specially for you.

1595.jpg


KS1595ALBLKA.jpg


specbump.jpg


ksbump.jpg


I have no idea why these aren't still in production.
 
I must say I really like my spec bump.
There is just something about it... it's just a cool knife.
Someday I'd like to get a Ti bump.
 
i was able to buy the one in the second pic for a pretty sweet price just recently, its a great knife that is packed with a few different features.
 
For the list price of $200 (or even a moderate discount), I'm not sure that the Spec Bump is that competitive. After all, you could get a ZT 0200 for less. Maybe that's why it's discontinued. For the clearance price of under $60 shipped, though, which is what I got mine for, it was an incredible value. Love the unique blade shape, stud lock, and 3D G10.
 
As I recall the Spec Bump sold for about the same price as the 0200 does today. I think they went for $130 street, but then, they had better materials and AO and a more sophisticated lock (albeit not as tough).

$60 is a steal...they go for about $150+ on eBay right now
 
Artfully Martial said:
As I recall the Spec Bump sold for about the same price as the 0200 does today. I think they went for $130 street, but then, they had better materials and AO and a more sophisticated lock (albeit not as tough).

$60 is a steal...they go for about $150+ on eBay right now
Click to expand...

Good point about the better steel. Although I think the construction of the 0200 is more solid, especially since it has barrel backspacers instead of a plastic strip. According to Ken Onion, the stud lock should be one of the strongest out there. Although if it doesn't line up properly, which happened on some knives, it will disengage accidentally.

I had no idea that the street price right now was so high. It seems like knifeworks had it clearanced for the price I got it at for quite some time before they sold out.
 
man, if I had known I'd have bought three or four. The only reason I've been able to resist a spec bump after all these years is because I've had Ti Bumps instead.

I really like the stud lock, but I'm a bit concerned that it uses only one spring and it's exposed to the elements. But, like the axis lock, there's no reason in principle you couldn't shove a twig in there if it failed while camping, etc. I'll take reliability over strength any day.

That said, I've had stud locks for...five years or so and never had a problem. I like how they're symmetrical and, I just like having something different in the collection.

If KO comes back to Kershaw and wants to introduce some more models with the stud lock, I'll definitely buy in...
 
I'd say a TI bump more than makes up for missing out on the Spec Bumps :thumbup:

Congrats on 4500 posts, BTW.
 
I would love to have the ti framelock version. I had one of the newer ones, it has CPM154 blade steel, but was switched over to S30V shortly after it's introduction. I gave this knife to my son and he has it in his edc rotation and really seems to like it. I just could never get a fondness for the stud lock and haven't had one since, although I agree that it has good ergonomics!
 
I love my spec bumps, hands down the most comfortable knife to hold that I own. It just fits in my hand so well and I love recurves so its a joy to use as well.
 
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