The New Kershaw One Ton -- First Impressions

[Gadfly22]

I received the new Kershaw One Ton in the mail on Saturday. My quick first impressions:

1. Blade -- The blade is the broad profile showing up in a number of upcoming Kershaw issues (like the Knockout and Echelon) and is in keeping with its smaller sibling, the Half-Ton. But, uncharacteristically for Kershaw, the edge was not great out of the box. It doesn't take much to make 8Cr13MoV sharp, so that's no big deal. But it was still a surprise.

2. Thumb-Stud -- I find the One Ton a bit hard to open. The stud sits close to the scales, and the width of the blade makes it difficult for my (short) thumb to lever the blade completely open.

3. Ergonomics -- Here is where the knife falls short for me. The handle is stubby and sits uncomfortably in my (small) hand. It feels underdeveloped. The G-10 scale sits only on one side. The frame-lock on the other side locks up nicely. But the knife is very narrow, so that naked metal on the offside cuts into the hand. I can't see using the knife for long doing the hard tasks that it could otherwise handle.

4. Overall -- A fairly heavy (4.6 oz.) but thin and strong knife. It's inexpensive, and so arguably a good value, but the ergonomic failings make it hard to put it in your pocket if the prospective tasks of the day call for long and difficult use.

 

[flash900]

Thanks for posting that, Gad. I was eagerly awaiting this knife as well as the Three-Quarter Ton that Kershaw decided not to issue. But, as we know, unfortunately, sequels don't always live up to the original.

If you're ok with the steel, the Half-Ton is really a good value. I like the broad blade, the double thumb-studs, and the fact that you can open AND close this manual folder one-handed. The color scheme also helps make it sheeple friendly. The Half also makes a great first knife.

 

[flarp]

Looks interesting. I got the Half Ton some time ago, and it is actually a pretty handy little knife. I'm curious how well that design scales up. I kind of liked the red handles though...

 

[Thomas W]

I'm unsure if the One Ton could be be considered unfortunate, and not living up to the Half-Ton based on one initial evaluation, but I guess that happens.

It should be noted that we have opted on the 3/4 ton being part of the family. It will be available in 2012. Early Proto image.

Another for fun...

 

[flash900]

[QUOTEIt should be noted that we have opted on the 3/4 ton being part of the family. It will be available in 2012. Early Proto image.

That's good news, thanks, especially considering the last such post I saw from you on the topic said there would be no 3/4.

 

[Gadfly22]

I may not have sounded completely enthusiastic about the One Ton, but I'm glad to hear the Three Quarter Ton is still in the pipeline. I'll likely get that one too. That size might be a better scale-up from the Half-Ton (or scale-down from the One Ton).