Why Kershaw why?

vwb563

vwb563

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I love the design of the new Kershaw Link. And I've came close to pulling the trigger on one but I keep backing out because of the 420 blade steel they have chosen for this knife. I know it can be found with S35V but it's at much higher price. Why not use the Sandvik steel like they use in the Leek? Why Kershaw would you choose 420 for such a nice looking design? :confused:
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
I'm curious as to what issue you find with 420hc? I rather like the steel.
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It's not a terrible steel. It's just not known for its tremendous edge holding abilities. In my opinion there are far better steels available that should be around the same price range.
 
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I have a few 420HC knives and they do well. It's not M390 or 3V, but it does a good job. Kershaw already has a ton of knives with Sandvik steel, this was to be a little different. I'd be interested in the S35VN version of the Link, it's an awesome little knife.
 
RevDevil said:
I have a few 420HC knives and they do well. It's not M390 or 3V, but it does a good job. Kershaw already has a ton of knives with Sandvik steel, this was to be a little different. I'd be interested in the S35VN version of the Link, it's an awesome little knife.
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That may very well be the reason. Just something different. I agree RevDevil if I did buy one it would be the S35VN version.
 
vwb563 said:
That may very well be the reason. Just something different. I agree RevDevil if I did buy one it would be the S35VN version.
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I think the reason was to be as American made as possible with the lowest cost possible. I remember reading that they wanted to get an affordable us made folder to the general public, which most wouldn't know the difference from 420 to s35v. Plus the 420 is also American sourced as far as I know. The "link" between affordable and US made
 
RevDevil said:
I have a few 420HC knives and they do well. It's not M390 or 3V, but it does a good job. Kershaw already has a ton of knives with Sandvik steel, this was to be a little different. I'd be interested in the S35VN version of the Link, it's an awesome little knife.
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Agreed. When done right, 420 works well.

But.

The Link is a highly awesome knife. A slight upgrade would make it even better. It wouldn't even have to be S35VN. 12c or 8cr would do everything 420 does, but better.

Nothing wrong with 420HC, but a steel which outperforms it at the same basic price, plus high end steel options at a higher price, would make that knife available to more people who would otherwise pass on it.
 
Then there's this.
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I really liked the Link design when I first saw it, but wasn't crazy about the blade steel.
The Link with s35vn from HOB is an absolute winner! I use mine as a work knife and it takes a ton of abuse. Few minutes on the strop and she's cutting like a laser again.
Really great design that fits the hand really well.
I would recommend it highly! I paid ~ $80 shipped and it's worth every dime.
Joe
e6b96479f16a60883f199c5a3f75d8c8.jpg
 
palonej said:
I really liked the Link design when I first saw it, but wasn't crazy about the blade steel.
The Link with s35vn from HOB is an absolute winner! I use mine as a work knife and it takes a ton of abuse. Few minutes on the strop and she's cutting like a laser again.
Really great design that fits the hand really well.
I would recommend it highly! I paid ~ $80 shipped and it's worth every dime.
Joe
e6b96479f16a60883f199c5a3f75d8c8.jpg
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And there you have it, Joe. You spent $80 on this version and found it worth every dime. Good on you, man.

I spent $40-ish on the 420HC version and also found it worth every dime.

We both scored! Looks like Kershaw is on the right track with the Link so far... in all it's configurations. :thumbup:
 
Very well put Vel!!
As a follow up, I like the design so much, just melts into my hand, I ordered the 420 version also. It does show my wuss side a bit, I like the one I have so much I don't want to destroy it!!
Ugh! I'm completely hopeless!
Great build on a great design backed up by a great warranty??? Worth every dime!
Joe
 
Artifakt said:
Fair enough but I'm not sure you would find out what the Damascus blades edge retention and toughness is. Anyone have any idea?


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I personally don't.

But I remember Damascus was originally a compromise by nature. Mixing the best attributes of this to balance the bad attributes of that.

The main issue is delamination, I believe.

Even back when that was necessary, Damascus and Tamahagane weren't superior to a good, homogenous Spanish steel, or the like. They were just better than using whatever regional steels were available by themselves.

That's based on my own study in a nutshell. I don't know much tho, so correct me of I'm wrong.
 
Jamesh Bond said:
I personally don't.

But I remember Damascus was originally a compromise by nature. Mixing the best attributes of this to balance the bad attributes of that.

The main issue is delamination, I believe.

Even back when that was necessary, Damascus and Tamahagane weren't superior to a good, homogenous Spanish steel, or the like. They were just better than using whatever regional steels were available by themselves.

That's based on my own study in a nutshell. I don't know much tho, so correct me of I'm wrong.
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From what little research I've done on Damascus in general ancient Damascus was indeed just that. But I believe that is different today when knife makers can take any number of good and/or super steels to blend to make blades. That being said I'd be curious to know what steels went into making this blade. I'll look into it and report back here with my findings. Thanks for your responses!


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I have more of a problem with all their damn 8cr13mov. I was happy to see the change with the 420hc
 
Go with the S35VN version. After a few months of owning it the increased cost for it will not bother you. =)
 
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