Kershaw - 8CR13MoV

A.P.F.

A.P.F.

Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
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This year, as always, Kershaw has some great designs, many of which are using 8CR13MoV steel. Now, I am assuming that this is Chinese steel, so I am not completely sure of what to expect. Can I expect Kershaw level quality control, or are we at the mercy of the fickle Gods of steel?

I am going to buy the knives in any case, but sometimes I need to be sold twice. ;)

Thomas...anyone?
 
A.P.F. said:
This year, as always, Kershaw has some great designs, many of which are using 8CR13MoV steel. Now, I am assuming that this is Chinese steel, so I am not completely sure of what to expect. Can I expect Kershaw level quality control, or are we at the mercy of the fickle Gods of steel?

I am going to buy the knives in any case, but sometimes I need to be sold twice. ;)

Thomas...anyone?
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I've never had any manufacture problems with a Kershaw knife, regardless of where it was made. Based on the experience of many people, Kershaw's 8CR13MoV seems very comparable to Spyderco or Cold Steel's AUS8 in general performance. The quality control is very high, and many knives, such as the Oso Sweet, the Chill, and the OD-2 are very well recommended by their owners as low cost EDC knives.

Personally, I can't discern a difference between AUS8 and 8CR13MoV as far as sharpening and edge retention go.
 
gomipile said:
Personally, I can't discern a difference between AUS8 and 8CR13MoV as far as sharpening and edge retention go.
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I'd have to second that. I own and have owned many knives made with 8Cr13MoV and it's very similar to AUS-8. Similar corrosion resistance as well. Keep it oiled and you should be fine.
 
+1 Aus-8 and 8Cr13MoV have been very similar, both edge retention and corrosion resistance. It can take a wicked edge.
 
In my experience, with Kershaw's budget products (imports) they have all exceeded my expectations. The Blitz, especially. (CNC'd G-10!?!, fit and finish better than some USA-made knives from other manufacturers?!) :eek: :thumbup:

Edge retention was fine with 8CR13MOV. Holds an edge for long enough and sharpens up VERY quickly. Corrosion resistance may be a problem (clean your knives)

You always have Kershaw's terrific warranty to back you up in case you have a problem.

I did up a review on some of the imports here. I took a whole bunch of knives to Honduras for extensive testing, and didn't bother to clean the knives any to check their corrosion resistance: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=774501

-M
 
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dsmegst said:
+1 Aus-8 and 8Cr13MoV have been very similar, both edge retention and corrosion resistance. It can take a wicked edge.
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That has been my experience as well. It doesn't hold that edge forever, but it is really easy to touch up. I have a couple of work knives that take the brunt of what might be considered abuse to the blades, both with the 8Cr mix. To be exact, the Spyderco Tenacious, the CRKT Drifter, and my favorite, the Ontario Rat 1 folder. All blades have held up extremely well on the construction site. I have never damaged them so badly they can't be touched up pretty easily, and even in my sweaty pockets the collected surface rust is easily dispatched with a pencil eraser.

I did get some commercial grade drain cleaner on my Tenacious, and that made it generate a fine coat of rust immediately (less than an hour!) at the point of contact. I rinsed it well with clear water, sanded the surface with an old piece of 220 gr sandpaper, and oiled it up. Good as new. That's what work knives are for.

As far as Kershaw goes, I would buy with complete confidence. I rarely see anyone unhappy with their knives (I have several, like 'em all) and if there is a problem their customer service seems to be fast and fair. As an added bonus, if he isn't busy with the other 1,000 things he does, Thomas from Kershaw pipes in from time to time with his commentary and help.

Robert
 
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knivesandguns said:
In my experience, with Kershaw's budget products (imports) they have all exceeded my expectations. The Blitz, especially. (CNC'd G-10!?!, fit and finish better than some USA models?!) :eek: :thumbup:
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+1 The Nerve (new name for the Blitz) is a fantastic knife. Very good F&F and design, and they do a great job with their 8Cr13MoV (it's at least as good as the AUS-8 on my RAT 1). In short, even though it's made overseas, it's 100% Kershaw. I'll definitely be picking up some of the new China-made designs Kershaw is releasing this year.
 
neuron said:
+1 The Nerve (new name for the Blitz) is a fantastic knife. Very good F&F and design, and they do a great job with their 8Cr13MoV (it's at least as good as the AUS-8 on my RAT 1). In short, even though it's made overseas, it's 100% Kershaw. I'll definitely be picking up some of the new China-made designs Kershaw is releasing this year.
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Thanks, the name "Nerve" slipped my mind, I was trying to remember it. Too many models buzzing around in my head :p
 
For me, I found that it was harder to put a good edge on my Aus 8 Twitch 2, compared to my Kershaw Chill or Spyderco Tenacious
 
8cr13 is chinese & in the knives imported by spydie & their offshoot of byrd brand are excellent value. at least as good as aus 8 in my experience. --dennis
 
rororo64 said:
For me, I found that it was harder to put a good edge on my Aus 8 Twitch 2, compared to my Kershaw Chill or Spyderco Tenacious
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Ah, I see. I don't own any SOG knives in AUS-8 so I don't really have much experience with them but I don't find much difference between sharpening say my Tenacious and my RAT-1. Interesting to know. If/when I get my hands on a SOG I'll have a better idea.
 
I picked up a clearance kershaw knife for about $8.00 with that steel for my dad. We both thought it was going to be junk because how cheap they were plus being made in china. It was for the price lets try it. It is now his EDC. He had me get several more for his friends. Everyone that has seen one has wanted me to get one. unfortunately the store finally sold out. I think the knife retailed for 30.00 and I would put it up against any U.S made knife in and above it's price range. I prefer to buy U.S made but Kershaw has shown even a decent knife can be made in china which I didnt think was possible. Afterwards I researched the steel a little bit and if done right it holds up to its compeition. If I remeber corectly it may if heat treated correctly have some better atributes in certain areas and of course in other ares the comp wins. Kershaw won me over. I now have 3 kershaws a ZT and one of my kershaws is MADE IN China. plus more Kershaws and ZT's on my wish list
 
Thanks for all the feedback, guys! If the steel is close to AUS8, then it will be fine by me. As I like to do frequent touch-ups, it should be a good performer for all in all.
 
Al, checkout my update on the Sanrenmu thread (18 knives arrived). I'm still working on getting the uniform burr,taking down the secondary bevel from 40ish to 30ish (no measurement, just guessing based on the tilt of the blade against stone). ;)
 
correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't kershaw use a new steel for their blades now?
i think its 14c28n.
 
TTpower said:
correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't kershaw use a new steel for their blades now?
i think its 14c28n.
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They use sandvik 14c28n for a lot of their US made blades and the more expensive blades, but they also use 8cr13 in their "value" line which is made in china.
 
sinsanity said:
They use sandvik 14c28n for a lot of their US made blades and the more expensive blades, but they also use 8cr13 in their "value" line which is made in china.
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Correct. ONLY the imports (China) use the 8cr13 steel.
 
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