Which action is quicker?

trane fan

trane fan

Joined
Jul 25, 2002
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I am seriously considering getting a Flash I within the next three weeks. I currently have a Kershaw Scallion and had a Leek, which I will soon replace (traded it because my dog ate the box). My question is, for those of you who are familiar with both SOG and Kershaw, which action is better concerning smoothness and speed? Also, my need is more for a 2.5 blade than a 3.5 so I'm looking at the Flash I instead of the Flash II. Will I be missing any thing by not getting the Flash II? Please keep in mind that I have an Enudra and an Eundura II so I already have failry large blades when that need does arise.
 
i like the flash I better than the kershaw for several reasons...
1) it is abbidextrious
2) the clip is reversable
3) the steel is a little better(440A/kershaw compared to AUS8/flash
4) never had any probblems with this knife, i like it better than my auto
5) if a problem ever does arise, i KNOW the SOG service team is EXCELLENT!!! (i never had any dealings with kershaw customer support or warranty, so please do not think i am saying anything bad about them, but based on my experience with SOG, it it works, why switch?)
 
Like you, I debated between the flash I and the II and went with the II. I am glad I did as the low carry clip on it is really comfortable. I keep checking my pocket to see if it is there as it carries like a much smaller knife. I would echo the previous posts on the other differences. Good luck!
 
Hello trane_fan,
I owned a Flash I for a short time, and now own a Scallion. To directly answer your questions about smoothness and speed - the Scallion wins without a doubt. I have not owned a Flash II, so I can't answer about that. The above posts do raise very valid points, and should be taken into consideration. Let us know what you decide.
 
One post mentions that the Flash II comes with a "low carry clip". Does the Flash I not come with this same style of clip?
 
Thanks for the input so far. Does any one elase have an opinion as to how these two actions compare?
 
I have both the Flash I and II as well as the Kershaw Chive, Leek, and several other Ken Onion SpeedSafe knives. The action on the Flash II is faster and more smooth than any of the SpeedSafes, however the Flash I has a distinct disadvantage.

The handle is so small that the knife is difficult to flick open with one hand without your fingers getting in the way and impeding the blade. With practice, you can hold the knife and position your fingers in just such a way that the blade will snap all the way open but the whole process is much slower than on the Chive or all the other SpeedSafes. Perhaps the Flash I is better suited to women or to guys with relatively small hands.

Another problem with the Flash series, particularly the Flash II is blade play. It can vary from knife to knife and is more noticeable on the Flash II. It does not affect the cutting action or the safe operation of the knives but can be annoying if you're used to a liner lock or one of SOG's Arc-Locks. All the Kershaw SpeedSafe knives lock up tightly with not a hint of blade play.

I'd definitely recommend the Flash II over the Flash I. If small size is a must, I bet you'd be happier with the Chive or Scallion.

Bob
 
"The handle is so small that the knife is difficult to flick open with one hand without
your fingers getting in the way and impeding the blade. With practice, you can hold the knife and position your fingers in just such a way that the blade will snap all the way open but the whole process is much slower than on the Chive or all the other SpeedSafes. Perhaps the Flash I is better suited to women or to guys with relatively small hands."

my hands are quite large and i have no trouble at all opening the flash I. at first i did, but figured out the BEST way to open it is to "flick" the thumb stud "up" not out, like you would normally do, such as a thumb hole knife. after i learned this technique, i tried it with my other knives with thumb studs and it works GREAT. you do NOT have to "flick" you wrist or move anything except your thumb and the knives open as fast or faster than a switchblade and using this technique, there is no way possible of slowing the blade with your thumb. just push up instead of out on the stud:)

"Another problem with the Flash series, particularly the Flash II is blade play. It can
vary from knife to knife and is more noticeable on the Flash II. It does not affect the cutting action or the safe operation of the knives but can be annoying if you're used to a liner lock or one of SOG's Arc-Locks. All the Kershaw SpeedSafe knives lock up tightly with not a hint of blade play."

any play can be adjusted with a T-6 driver(just as in the arc-locks, benchmades, cold steel, etc) just turn to the best adjustment. EVERY knife i have, the first thing i had to do was adjust the pivots, clips, etc(i am quite picky how my knives perform)

"I'd definitely recommend the Flash II over the Flash I. If small size is a must, I bet you'd be happier with the Chive or Scallion."

the flash has better edge holding(IMO)than the kershaw, the blade is faster on the flash I and the clip is reversable/removable and also has a lock to keep small children from getting cut if they find the knife laying on the table. SOG also has a lifetime warranty, not sure about kershaw, but i do know, SOG's warranty is not a BS warranty like some company's(not directed at kershaw), just speaking from previous experience with warranties:)
 
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