Does kershaw make good knives?

Kershaw Leek was my gateway knife. It's my only Kershaw and my only assisted knife. I have other, more expensive, brands now but that Leek's not going anywhere soon.
 
The USA made Kershaws are great knives. I particularly like the 14C28N Sandvik steel they use. The 12C27 is pretty good, too. They also use steels like S30V and Elmax in some of their higher end knives. And of course, they make Zero Tolerance knives, as well.
The Chinese made knives are another story. While Kershaw's Chinese made knives are better than some, I still to not trust the quality. I know for a fact that when it comes to mainland China, what you see is rarely what you get.
 
IMO Kershaw's are GREAT! And to me one of their best is the Kershaw Knockout!
[video=youtube;-swkJoRFBbY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-swkJoRFBbY[/video]

Cigarhiker said:
Hey I was wondering if anyone carries a kershaw or knows if they are any good. They are attractive because I'm on a budget but I was just wondering how the company was. Also why aren't they on many forums?
Click to expand...
 
I've only had experience with three models...

First was a blacked out Leek I bought at Walmart. I would describe that knife as average to mediocre. The overall design and ergos weren't for me (subjective) and the action and centering were poor. I surely would've snapped the tip off, even if the rest knife was perfect. I wound up returning it.

Second, a 14c28n Skyline which I love, will never part ways with and consider the best Kershaw knife currently in production. Its such a simple and well thought out design, using high quality materials and is US produced...all for around $45.

The third was a Injection 3.0 which I also bought at Walmart. I had high hopes for that knife as I had read and seen numerous positive reviews on the blade. My example definitely did not live up to the hype. The blade was very far off-center, the edge grind and bead blast were quite sloppy and the thumbstuds were not the distinctive ones in the original Rexford design. While I'm still not positive, my theory is that Kershaw builds lower quality versions of their regular production knives for the big W Superstore. I documented my experience and solicited input here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1261951-Kershaw-Injection-3-0-Curiosity?highlight=kershaw+injection

As a result of those two 'negative' experiences, along with my other knife preferences (constantly evolving over time), I can't say that any other of the jillion Kershaw models really appeal to me. IMO, they desperately need more mid-range knives in the $50-150 range. Spyderco has really set the bar in that price point with the likes of the Native 5 and Manix 2 LWs. I'm by no means saying Kershaw's blades are all junk, just not my first, second or third choice. The market is just too competitive.
 
I have owned a ton of the USA models going back over 15 years now and still have a good number. I have owned 3-4 Chinese models that I have sold or gifted. They still make a good knife but the really good ones are the Onion series that are their staples.
 
I would make and post a video here of me breaking a Kershaw by prying heavy stuff with a blade but it won't break
 
ZuluKilo said:
I've only had experience with three models...

First was a blacked out Leek I bought at Walmart. I would describe that knife as average to mediocre. The overall design and ergos weren't for me (subjective) and the action and centering were poor. I surely would've snapped the tip off, even if the rest knife was perfect. I wound up returning it.

Second, a 14c28n Skyline which I love, will never part ways with and consider the best Kershaw knife currently in production. Its such a simple and well thought out design, using high quality materials and is US produced...all for around $45.

The third was a Injection 3.0 which I also bought at Walmart. I had high hopes for that knife as I had read and seen numerous positive reviews on the blade. My example definitely did not live up to the hype. The blade was very far off-center, the edge grind and bead blast were quite sloppy and the thumbstuds were not the distinctive ones in the original Rexford design. While I'm still not positive, my theory is that Kershaw builds lower quality versions of their regular production knives for the big W Superstore. I documented my experience and solicited input here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1261951-Kershaw-Injection-3-0-Curiosity?highlight=kershaw+injection

As a result of those two 'negative' experiences, along with my other knife preferences (constantly evolving over time), I can't say that any other of the jillion Kershaw models really appeal to me. IMO, they desperately need more mid-range knives in the $50-150 range. Spyderco has really set the bar in that price point with the likes of the Native 5 and Manix 2 LWs. I'm by no means saying Kershaw's blades are all junk, just not my first, second or third choice. The market is just too competitive.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that you had a had experience with the Injection you bought at Walmart. That knife was before my time and I ended up deleting it. I didn't see any value. On your second point, though, I can assure you that Kershaw isn't running a secondary production line for Walmart or anyone else. Yes, my Shuffle is 3cr unlike everyone else's 8cr (again, before my time - I wouldn't have done that) but it's a $15 knife... You win some, you lose some. On the rest of Kershaw's bread and butter - Kuro, Cryo, Link, Leek, and Blur, the only difference between mine and everyone else's is maybe the color. It's a common refrain, and a true one in some areas, that WM's first instinct is to start stripping features in order to get costs down. My approach is different and like that of Amazon, I'll just buy more.
 
Yes, Kershaw makes good knives. They really hit the sweet spot in the lower priced range, especially Chinese-made models. Those knives are almost always exceptionally well built and come blazingly sharp. Their USA models are also affordable and well made but not quite the bargains like those from China. Kershaw likes quirky designs that sometimes work and sometimes don't--I like the Junkyard Dog but the clip design is ridiculous, for instance. Kershaw is now firmly hitched to Speed Safe assisted opening designs and/or flipper models. I don't care for those features so I haven't paid much attention to Kershaw recently. If you like AO, flippers and the design of their knives, Kershaw is a really good brand to own.
 
I have one Kershaw. It is the Cryo. I bought it as it checked a few boxes for me.


It is smallish, yet still substantial (I know some of the hardcore EDC folks preach for the featherweights but I like some heft.)
It is a Frame lock (wanted to try and now really like)
It is a Flipper (Again wanted to try and now like)
It is a Hinderer design at a beater price. (real ones not really in my Knife budget)

I love the knife! and because of that win for me I will likely go for the Kershaw/Emerson collaboration as well. (it has the wave feature which I wouldn't mind trying.)
 
Last edited:
I have a couple dozen Kershaws, a handful of which are part of my EDC rotation. My favorites are unfortunately discontinued (Lahar, Cyclone tanto, Groove) but plenty of their other designs that appeal to me. I've had generally good results with Kershaw knives across all the price points and countries of origin. I've been pleasantly surprised with the initial sharpness and edge retention of their Chinese 8Cr13MoV blades, which I suspect says something about their heat treat compared to other brands.

Not every Kershaw knife I've bought has been a winner right out of the box, but the only true dud (a $12 Shuffle) was replaced under warranty. In other cases, it was minor annoyances that kept a knife out of my rotation, be it a QC oversight or a poor fit for my hand.

IMO, they desperately need more mid-range knives in the $50-150 range.
Click to expand...

I agree. I have to assume that their is a concern (probably justified) that if a mid-priced Kershaw line ala Piston, Knockout and Camber gets expanded at the same rate as the Chinese models, it will cut into Zero Tolerance sales. As more varieties of steel get added to the US-made models, such as S30V and Elmax (and even more with the Blur line) it starts muddying the waters between a top-end Kershaw and entry-level ZT.
 
I don't have many folders left since I have gotten traditional fever but what I do have most are Kershaws. When I do feel like carrying a folder 9 times out of 10 it's my Elmax Blur. Great knives given the price point.
 
I'm a fan of Kershaws. In fact, a Leek was my gateway knife into the lifestyle. I must have five different ones, maybe six. I've lost count. Awesome knife!

I do have a Blur, and several Cryos (I think they are mediocre, really). However, the Knock Out is another crazy great knife. I love that thing!

A Skyline is on my radar. I've just not pulled the trigger yet. It's coming though.
 
I own a dozen Blurs
A pair of Scramblers
A pair of premium Skylines
A Thermite
An Emerson
A Tremor
And they are all great knives per their respective price ranges.
So +19 Kershaw makes some good (budget friendly) knives.
 
Several people have recommended a Cryo. The standard models are too slippery for me. If you go with a Cryo, I recommend the G10 model.

Good luck - and welcome to BladeForums!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top