What happened to Kershaw?

The Kershaw brand now competes with the likes of CRKT. The bread-and-butter market is the casual big-box store shopper who might buy a knife because it "looks kewl" or was "only $12 on clearance!" (maybe they even clear the rack: one for the tackle box, glove compartment, tool chest, office drawer, etc.) Most don't care much about steel, materials, country of origin, or designer names--if the brand name vaguely rings a bell, they'll buy it. En masse, they buy more knives than we do.

I would agree with the sentiment that the ZT line is largely responsible for the lack of higher-end Kershaw branded knives from KAI; especially since ZT no longer just makes over-built tactical pocket bricks. The ZT line-up now includes lighter, sleeker models with all the bells and whistles a knife-nut could want. And they're still made in USA --very important to a lot of knife aficionados who do shop in the $100-$300 range.

Just my two coppers for the pot... preachin' to the choir... :)

-Brett
 
I love the designs that they are coming out with, but I refrain from buying them due to their small blade size, weight, cheap steel, and country of origin. I have found a few on sale that I wanted to give a try (Thistle, Emerson colab, Shuffle). They all deploy poorly (sticky), and feel cheap, even for their prices. They make decent gifts for friends, and family that don't know the difference between Kershaw and Spyderco. The only thing that gets me excited about Kershaw is the limited editions/new variations of the Leek, and Blur.
 
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Just bought my brother a Link for his birthday. Nice knife. I have zero complaints. I know he'll love it.
Snaps out hard, locks up good 👍
 
It really seems like they have given up on any sense of quality in the China made models. Most are now 3cr with handles made from who knows what toxic chemicals, stories abound avoid new models literally smelling toxic. The Emerson collabs look good half of them are total junk. It almost seems as if they want to kill off their budget line.

On the flip side, there are quite a few nice newer models that are US made like the Launch series and the Link.
 
I won't buy from china, Japan yes. Spyderco. There is nadda made in USA unless you want to pay top dollar. Some company in USA is cheaper or gone but you get lower quality or expensive model. A- hole Trump may change this, but I will be satisfied with Spyderco from Japan ,. Gary
 
Kershaw really lost its luster for me. Zt has some but I've already bought them. You gotta look elsewhere.
 
At this point I really only even look at the US models anymore, the rare exceptions being the 6-7k Emerson collabs and the Thermite, which is basically a mini XM with cheaper materials.

Oddly enough, I've gotten more into Cold Steel, not the absurd models but the normal ones like the AK and Code 4. Since they upgraded their steel and coatings they have really become a good buy. I have no problem paying $90 for a 3.5" folder with CTS XHP and a DLC coated blade.
 
Not a bad looking knife at all, but every time I see a nice looking $25 knife, I always think about what could've been with some better materials.......and I pass.
Joe
 
The last 2 Kershaws I've acquired were sent to KAI customer service for diff reasons...brand new knives were sent back to me and both problems (liner lock issue and blade rubbing liner) quickly presented themselves again. They don't get used now and won't be by me. Their overall quality has def dropped in my opinion.
 
palonej said:
Not a bad looking knife at all, but every time I see a nice looking $25 knife, I always think about what could've been with some better materials.......and I pass.
Joe
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I think this knife already came out with better materials in the ZT 0900. Both knives are Les George designs. The 0900 never really got on my radar, but the Valmara has me looking at it again.
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It's nice to see Kershaw actually putting some design thought into the clips of these cheaper knives...yeah, I'm looking at you, Skyline...
View attachment 661827
 
GaryC said:
I won't buy from china, Japan yes. Spyderco. There is nadda made in USA unless you want to pay top dollar. Some company in USA is cheaper or gone but you get lower quality or expensive model. A- hole Trump may change this, but I will be satisfied with Spyderco from Japan ,. Gary
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Seriously? Are you suggesting Spyderco makes no affordable models from the US factory? The Manix 2 immediately comes to mind. FRN UKPK is there. The Military is not too expensive. The Native 5 is available. What do you consider top dollar? 80$? If that's your range then you're always going to be a bit limited in the offerings from the US you can find.


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The RJ Martin Volt 2 SS just blew my mind for $15. Though I wish it wasn't an AO of course. Look like the new Spyderco Advocate (on preorder) will have a very similar design. I really wish Kershaw would put out more Sandvik unassisted knives, but otherwise they are killing it in the budget market right now... the sheer number of models is incredible.

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Murdamook said:
Seriously? Are you suggesting Spyderco makes no affordable models from the US factory? The Manix 2 immediately comes to mind. FRN UKPK is there. The Military is not too expensive. The Native 5 is available. What do you consider top dollar? 80$? If that's your range then you're always going to be a bit limited in the offerings from the US you can find.
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Yup, there are some reasonable USA made Spydies as well as Kershaws (Link, Blur, Skyline, Leek). There's even a new player with the Boker USA brand.
View attachment 661829
This knife is made in USA and very reasonable. I don't have any firsthand experience with it, but it seems to have been well received.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Plus-Patriot-Lock-Back-Knife--35806
You can find some nice USA made offerings with Buck Vantage also, so long as you can handpick one with good fit and finish.
 
I just bought a Chinese made Kershaw "Chill" flipper for about $25. It has G-10 scales, 8 whatever steel blade and flips like a champ out of the box. Was plenty sharp and nice design as well. Was not expecting it to be like my CRK. Not much to complain about for the cost really as I see it. Then again I'm new here.

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Is the original Cryo considered a good knife?

Or does it fall under the "What happened to Kershaw" umbrella?
 
dgf said:
I just bought a Chinese made Kershaw "Chill" flipper for about $25. It has G-10 scales, 8 whatever steel blade and flips like a champ out of the box. Was plenty sharp and nice design as well. Was not expecting it to be like my CRK. Not much to complain about for the cost really as I see it. Then again I'm new here.

766dda0e73a2fc00f63701b8bd2af2ef.jpg





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I carry a Chill at work... I bought a bunch from eBay for $18 each.. when they get messed up I give them away or throw them away and grab another...great little beater knife.
 
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