Tough kershaw

lazerboy2000

lazerboy2000

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Mar 3, 2008
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I'll be working for a tree service the next few weeks so I'm looking for a tough knife to be used for cutting, digging out roots, some light prying, and other hard,dirty tasks. I need a knife that'll stand up to these tasks and also be comfortable while wearing gloves and easy to open/close. It also needs to be fairly easy to maintain and clean since it'll be used outdoors in rain/dirt/oils/gas/diesel. I'm also usually not a fan of serrations, but I think they could help in cutting some thick stuff.

I wish I could afford a ZT because those would be perfect, but my price limit is about $50. Thanks!
 
It looks like you need a Kershaw JYD 2. Also the Kershaw Lahar would be another good one for your needs. GOOD LUCK!! Kevin :thumbup:
 
i agree with the tanto blur, you might also want to try a full size tanto cyclone, or a full size cyclone with partial serrations. the scalloped serrations are really quite nice to work with, both cutting and sharpening. obviously it sounds like you could use a zt0200st as that is perfect for your tasks, but its around 120 bucks still.

but if you get a chance to hold them try the tanto blur and tanto cyclone. both will work well.
 
Don't forget the Needs Work.

It's tough, easy to use with gloves and cheap enough you won't
mind sticking it in the dirt.

If not, go for the JYDII as mentioned.

mike
 
How much more strength does the tanto tip of the Cyclone give compared to the droppoint of the JYDII? The tanto Cyclone is $10 more than the JYDII but yet 3 of you have recommended the JYDII so is it strong enough for my tasks or should I spend more for the tanto?

Granted I'm not trying to pry a tank so I dont need something indestructible, but I don't want to worry about snapping the tip.
 
lazerboy2000 said:
I'll be working for a tree service the next few weeks so I'm looking for a tough knife to be used for cutting, digging out roots, some light prying, and other hard,dirty tasks. I need a knife that'll stand up to these tasks and also be comfortable while wearing gloves and easy to open/close. It also needs to be fairly easy to maintain and clean since it'll be used outdoors in rain/dirt/oils/gas/diesel. I'm also usually not a fan of serrations, but I think they could help in cutting some thick stuff.

I wish I could afford a ZT because those would be perfect, but my price limit is about $50. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sounds to me like your requirements run more to a fixed-blade than a folder...just my opinion...;)

I trust my Kershaw folders completely, but this is more than I would be willing to put them through unless I had no choice.

Ray :)
 
Well its not all that common that I need to do that hard work, and the ones I listed are the hardest things I'd come across. Most of the chores would be cutting rope, vines, tape and other materials.

I also realize a fixed blade would be much more suited for the task but I feel it'd be a bit bulky and risky of having the sheath and blade getting caught in something and dragging me into the chipper. I know knives aren't meant to be used for prying/digging and abuse but my job is very demanding and I just need a knife that'll hold up to it.

On another note, does anybody have experience with Kabar Mule or Dozier?
 
Of the Kershaws I've owned(not that many) I'd recommend a Lahar or a Storm II. I've beat the crap out of my Storm II and for the price didnt mind if it got used hard or even lost. Its got a great lockup, sharp as hell, and the thing just wont die I tell ya!
 
i agree with the JYD2. the thing will take a beating and a half. The Lahar will to. I have seen that knife be abused. It holds up well.
 
I'm going to add another vote for the Lahar. I love VG-10 steel, and the heft and "tank-ness" of the Lahar make it a brute!

JYD II is also a good one, so just pick either, sit back, and enjoy the cutting:D

Cheers,
Jon
 
Look at the tip on the Lahar - this is the only part of almost any Keshaw you are ever likely to break - Nice flat chunk of VG-10 runs right out to the tip - if you break the tip off of this thing its going to be doing something well past a "light prying" task.
 
If you are looking for strength, I would recommend staying away from the Ka-bar products as they are Taiwan Aus-8. If they were Japanese you would be able to expect better quality. That being said I have purchased both the JYDII and the Lahar (which is Japanese and AMAZING. 'Course I like Japanese knives.) Two things straight off. The Lahar has the better blade (slightly), but the JYDII has the stronger handle. When I grip the Lahar (granted I'm not super strong but I do practice some bladesmithing) I notice just a bit of flex in the handle. I figure this is due to the thinner scales of the Lahar compared to the JYDII. If you look at them side by side you'll notice that the liners of the JYDII are a good 30% thicker.
My recommendation is this: If you are looking to do a lot of slicing, then get the Lahar. If you are looking for a worry free knife, get the JYDII (if you get the black with the DLC coating you will have better corrosion prevention and AMAZING abrasion resistance.) If you could scrounge $20 extra bucks you could get the best of both worlds with the composited JYDII, but if you're like me that extra $20 can seem elusive. Right now the composite JYDII is my white whale.
 
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