I've always liked Kershaw knives and I've owned many in the past couple of decades or so and I still have a few to this day. They've always been an innovative company but some examples could be of spotty quality now and then and most suffered from the "less than sharp" syndrome.
I've read good reports lately of the new Kershaw knives. With all the hoopla surrounding their JYD1 and JYD2 models, I decided to try a new one.
The JYD 1 & 2 are nice knives but the one that stood out in my mind was the Needs Work. I just love wharncliffe blades and this thing looked like an ideal folding kitchen or utility knife.
I went ahead and ordered one from our friends at New Graham and received it today. What can I say except this knife is a winner! The flipper is placed just right for me and unlike what some folks reported, my particular AO example snaps open with authority!
I know some folks don't like AO openers and I admit, I'm of the persuasion of manual openers myself. However, this thing is so smooth and fun to open, I can't stop myself!
Now understand, this is not my first AO opener as I still have an original Ricochet, Model #1520. This Kershaw AO opener is light years ahead of it!
Some other highlights of this knife are that this knife is sharper than any Kershaw I've ever owned in the past. It is shaving sharp! Also, these new Polyimide scales are so superior to the usual FRN scales on most inexpensive knives, that there's no comparison. I love this stuff! It has a quality feel and they are so expertly fitted to the knife that I've had custom knives where the scales didn't have a fit this good and that's saying something!
I'll admit that Spyderco has been my favorite production knives since I purchased my first one circa 1986. I still love Spydies but their quality has become slightly sporadic. This Kershaw with it's razor sharp edge, quality build and wonderful price, could push my preference to Kershaws over Spydercos! Great job Kershaw!
P.S. I also want to give Ken Onion credit where credit is due. Great job on your designs and innovation Ken!
I've read good reports lately of the new Kershaw knives. With all the hoopla surrounding their JYD1 and JYD2 models, I decided to try a new one.
The JYD 1 & 2 are nice knives but the one that stood out in my mind was the Needs Work. I just love wharncliffe blades and this thing looked like an ideal folding kitchen or utility knife.
I went ahead and ordered one from our friends at New Graham and received it today. What can I say except this knife is a winner! The flipper is placed just right for me and unlike what some folks reported, my particular AO example snaps open with authority!
I know some folks don't like AO openers and I admit, I'm of the persuasion of manual openers myself. However, this thing is so smooth and fun to open, I can't stop myself!
Now understand, this is not my first AO opener as I still have an original Ricochet, Model #1520. This Kershaw AO opener is light years ahead of it!Some other highlights of this knife are that this knife is sharper than any Kershaw I've ever owned in the past. It is shaving sharp! Also, these new Polyimide scales are so superior to the usual FRN scales on most inexpensive knives, that there's no comparison. I love this stuff! It has a quality feel and they are so expertly fitted to the knife that I've had custom knives where the scales didn't have a fit this good and that's saying something!
I'll admit that Spyderco has been my favorite production knives since I purchased my first one circa 1986. I still love Spydies but their quality has become slightly sporadic. This Kershaw with it's razor sharp edge, quality build and wonderful price, could push my preference to Kershaws over Spydercos! Great job Kershaw!
P.S. I also want to give Ken Onion credit where credit is due. Great job on your designs and innovation Ken!
