What's your opinion of Kershaw's S30V steel and specifically on the Avalanche?

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I just ordered a stonewash version of the Kershaw Avalanche for only $45.95 + shipping. I haven't gotten it yet, but at that price it just seems like an absolute steal and great deal, if not the best knife you can buy for under $50.

I'm interested in hearing from any of you guys that own this knife what your opinions are about it. Specifically, I'm curious to know how Kershaw's S30V steel compares in quality to other manufacturers versions. Based on what I've read Kershaw seems to be keeping it's Rockwell hardness to 57-58 well short of the 60-61 they could be heat treating it to...I'm wondering why and how it fairs in real world cutting performance.
 
Many users of Kershaw's/ZT's S30V have said that their heat treatment of ALL of their steels are the best heat treated knives for a non-custom knife. IIRC, Kershaw runs the S30V at 58-59, but I could be off by a point.

Out of the S30V knives from Kershaw that I have, I can vouch that they do hold an edge for a long time, as well have "tough" properties (I've pried, batoned, etc.) :thumbup:

Some others will chime in with much more experience than what I have.

By the way, nice score on the avalanche. Those are one of the best deals around.
 
I like the lower RC myself, the S30V out of Kershaw is very tough and wear resistant, and it doesn't chip nearly as quick as some harder treated S30V I have used. My S30V Leek has seen a rough life and it's holding up very well. That blade is both thin and pointy, so it speaks to the durability of the treat.
 
My brother has this Avalanche and it is a really impressive knife. I agree with the softer heat treated S30V being an all around better blade steel.
My question is where are you finding this knife for less than $50.00? That is a great bargain.
 
I don't think I'm allowed to publicly advertise where I bought it from but if you want to give me your email address I will be happy to send you the info.
 
I had the S60V version, and I regret selling it off. Great, underrated knife.
 
autoopen said:
I don't think I'm allowed to publicly advertise where I bought it from but if you want to give me your email address I will be happy to send you the info.
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You already have access to his email. Click on his name above his post. You will get a list of options. One of them is "send an email".
 
I love my avalanche. I havent had it for long but it is a very stout knife and the grippiest g10 I have EVER seen on any knife.
 
I just received my knife this morning. I like it. Just the right size for my hands, not too big or too small, the blade is RAZOR sharp and cutting paper like butter but my only complaint is that the SpeedSafe seems to barely be working, almost like there is way too little tension in the torsion bar.
Could it be that the pivot screw is too tight and is inhibiting the opening action? Or is it more likely a weak torsion bar that needs replacing? Even if I manually open the blade up half way and then release it, the SpeedSafe doesn't have enough power to snap it open... Anyone else have this kind of problem with any Kershaw SpeedSafe models?
 
autoopen said:
I just received my knife this morning. I like it. Just the right size for my hands, not too big or too small, the blade is RAZOR sharp and cutting paper like butter but my only complaint is that the SpeedSafe seems to barely be working, almost like there is way too little tension in the torsion bar.
Could it be that the pivot screw is too tight and is inhibiting the opening action? Or is it more likely a weak torsion bar that needs replacing? Even if I manually open the blade up half way and then release it, the SpeedSafe doesn't have enough power to snap it open... Anyone else have this kind of problem with any Kershaw SpeedSafe models?
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I would back the pivot off just a little or just use it and it will get faster. The one I use opens very hard and fast.

As for the steel...it's good but not BOS good. I think Buck runs theirs at about 60. I also have a S60V one. It holds its edge better but doesn't seem to get as sharp as the S30V.

Over all it is great knife and way under rated. It is my 2nd most carried Kershaw.
 
autoopen said:
I just received my knife this morning. I like it. Just the right size for my hands, not too big or too small, the blade is RAZOR sharp and cutting paper like butter but my only complaint is that the SpeedSafe seems to barely be working, almost like there is way too little tension in the torsion bar.
Could it be that the pivot screw is too tight and is inhibiting the opening action? Or is it more likely a weak torsion bar that needs replacing? Even if I manually open the blade up half way and then release it, the SpeedSafe doesn't have enough power to snap it open... Anyone else have this kind of problem with any Kershaw SpeedSafe models?
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Before messing with the pivot, put a drop of oil on it and open it a few times. It will loosen up with time.

And remember Kershaw "tunes" the bar to an opening speed they feel is best for the knife. As an example, my Boas don't open nearly as quickly as my Leeks or Shallots.
 
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