Which Ken Onion Folder?

S

Stiletto Raggio

Joined
Jan 29, 2000
Messages
546
After a trip to a local sporting goods store, i have ditched the desire for a Goddard Lightweight in favor a Kershaw Ken Onion knife with torsion assist. I tried both the whirlwind and ricochet, and was very much impressed with the mechanism.

Both have similar dimensions and blade designs, but the Ricochet costs twice as much. I just finished a side job where I made a bit of cash, and I promised myself a new knife, but i can't see spending twice as much just to get CPM 440V steel instead of regular 440A. I know that 440V is supposedly a great steel, but is there really that much difference?

Will they come open in my pocket (AAAHHHHHH!!!)?

Also, how strong are the respective locks? I don't own any liner locks, and I hadn't planned on getting one until i tried these.
 
Most of the knives I own have liner locks and they have never been a problem.
From personal experience I can tell you that the knife will not open in your pocket.
The Ken Onion knife that I own is a Boa so I do not know much about the models that you are looking at, but I have handled the Whirlwind and it seems like a very good knife.
smile.gif
 
Stiletto,

The Ken Onion Kershaw knives are awesome! Don't worry about it opening in your pocket, it WON'T.

The lock question really depends on the knife itself. With any liner lock knife, sometimes you get a bad one. Check the knife before you buy it. Especially the Torsion knives. There were a lot of QC issues in the beginning that can still be running around out there. Examine the knife, or if you are buying online ask the dealer to inspect it for you. Take care.

------------------

Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com
Knives, Weapons and equipment. Best prices anywhere.
-------------

"only the paranoid will survive"
 
Stiletto,
I think nobody can reliable advise you is the difference worth extra cost. As usually this depends on knife intended use
smile.gif

I did not try the Whirlwind but the Ricochet is very elegant knife. Please visit my reviews on Ricochet here and on Avalanche here.

Or wait a moment for the newest Ken Onion - Kershaw collaboration Boa - Really Cool Knife! I'm going to review it while later.

------------------
Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 07-14-2000).]
 
I bought used Whirlwind about 6 months ago for about 40 USD and I like the knife very much. Even though the handle looks cheap, the knife is well manufactured. It will not open in your pocket, the blade has nice "utility" shape and stays sharp for quite a long time.

I also got the Avalanche and you can see my opinion here: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001903.html

I got the Avalanche from one internet dealer for 75.00 USD so it was not that expensive but still think that they (Kershaw) should do something about their Quality Control.

David

------------------
DIVERTI NESCIO

---------------
My Photopoint pictures

Mikov Knives

Visit our region
 
Buy the Ricochet.You won't be sorry.IMO

------------------

have a"knife"day
 
S.R.- I have a Random Task and I love it. Good fit and finish, good lock, excellent edge retention, functional blade shape. I've never had a problem with liner locks, but I don't ever abuse them. I'm glad I spent the extra $'s and got the 440V. Good luck!
smile.gif
 
What do you all think of the Blackout?

This is one of my daily carry's. I love the way the handle shape feels in my hand when using and when holding in pocket. But, I have relatively small hands, so ymmv.

It locks fine, opens quick, and I have not had any mechanical problems.

But, I am not super crazy about the particular type of black finish they use. No matter what I do, I just can't get it to look "right". What type exactly is it, and what other knives use it. Actually, what are all of the different types of black coating?



------------------

---------------
Lundo
 
RANDOM TASK. RANDOM TASK. RANDOM TASK!
i did my homework with this knife- even got on the computer with Mr. Onion himself. i know that they tested the lock to around 200 lbs. (more than enough i'd think). and the liner lock is thick, it holds very well. they definitely won't open in your pocket, but will open with a snap when you want them to. i chose the Random Task cause i liked the blade style once i saw it in person. Very unique.
 
I have both the Whirlwind and the Blackout from Kershaw/Ken Onion, and like both. The Whirlwind has been my daily carry for about the last 4-months, and I'm very pleased with it. The handle is very comfortable in the hand, although it does feel a little short to me, probably because of the tapered end. The blade has an excellent edge, and while I may not use my knives as heavily as some users, the blade has held up well for me. The pocket clip is excellent, and lets the knife ride low in your pocket. The only problems I've had with it, is when I first got it, the opening mechanism didn't give much assist, and the knife would only swing open about 3/4 of the way and stop. But a little adjustment of the pivot screw (I loosened it a couple of turns), and WHOA! Beautiful opening mechanism. I love the "snakt" sound when it opens, and the lockup is solid. The blade does have some very small amount of side to side play in it if I twist it in my hands; maybe someone can clarify whether it still needs further adjustment, or whether this just a function of the speed safe mechanism? But overall, a fun knife that I've been very happy with.

Badger
 
Just an update to my post about the Whirlwind. After re-reading my post, I thought.. there shouldn;t be any blade play. So I went back and played around with the tightening the blade a bit more. I tightened it almost a 1/2 turn, which was too much, loosened it a 1/4 turn and tested it. Much better. There seems to be no blade play now, and the action seems better too. Awesome knife.

Badger
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top