Kershaw discontinued the Knockout? Why?

sgt1372 said:
I feel the same way.

While there are still a few 'newer" models in my collection, I only collect "vintage" (at least 10 yrs or older) Kershaws & ZTs that are no longer made.

At last count, I owned 68 Kershaws & 48 ZTs but I have 1 ZT (a 0560CBCF incoming) so that'll make that 49 ZTs shortly.

The oldest Kershaws go back 50 years & the oldest ZTs around 20.

They were all "better" back then. ;)
Click to expand...
All of this old Kershaw talk made me pull out my collection of Kershaw's. I threw this one in my pocket yesterday and agree about them being so much better back in the day. A classic from 2007 the "Junk Yard Dog" 🐕 IMG_20241011_082829676~2.jpgIMG_20241011_082841848~2.jpg
 
Another knife that I thought was great that was strangely discontinued by Kershaw was the Skyline. What did that knife do wrong to get discontinued? Maybe it's just me, but I was really surprised to see that model discontinued as well, especially with some of their stuff still going that isn't near the quality craftsmanship. But... I guess that brings us full circle back to our point about the lack of quality in today's America.
 
I bought a Knockout 1870 years ago and it's been forgotten about and unused new in box inside a gun safe ever since. I took it out the other day and had to ask myself what I was thinking...I love this knife! One of my son's fell in love with it too and asked me if I'd get him one for his upcoming birthday. I wish I'd discovered what I had on hand before it (and the premium versions) was discontinued!
 
Hvactech said:
All of this old Kershaw talk made me pull out my collection of Kershaw's. I threw this one in my pocket yesterday and agree about them being so much better back in the day. A classic from 2007 the "Junk Yard Dog" 🐕 View attachment 2682967View attachment 2682968
Click to expand...

Loved the JYD2 that I had...well, have..but I dunno where it is :D
The Kershaws back then were solid USA made knives with good quality if not fancy steel blades. They were innovative and interesting, and buying a ZT meant you were getting a bruiser of an overbuilt knife. Times have changed.
 
Tajbral said:
Another knife that I thought was great that was strangely discontinued by Kershaw was the Skyline. What did that knife do wrong to get discontinued? Maybe it's just me, but I was really surprised to see that model discontinued as well, especially with some of their stuff still going that isn't near the quality craftsmanship. But... I guess that brings us full circle back to our point about the lack of quality in today's America.
Click to expand...
Really wish I grabbed the last Skyline sprint I saw, a BHQ M4 edition
That was a while ago, but I feel like that is one they could bring back realistically as I don’t believe it’s tied to any famous designer.
That’s a workhorse of a knife, a good alternative to a Rat 2
 
I always like the parameters of the Knockout, and really wish I would have grabbed one while they were still in production. IMHO it was one of the best, hard-use/tactical folders they made. It should have out sold the Blur in my opinion - but that just my opinion. At least the Launch 1 seems to be a fairly close match to it. But I’ve got my knife budget earmarked for other things first.

Definitely agree with the fact that Kershaw (and many other companies as well) are playing ‘catch’em while you can’ with their line-ups. I guess it makes sense if collecting is your thing. And I get it that that’s what is keeping most manufacturers afloat. Unfortunately for me, it’s not. I’m always looking for a good, solid user/edc, and too often these are discontinued in favor of what’s trendy and in style.
 
Kershaw has devoted much of their US manufacturing capacity to the Launch series. They must be doing well as they keep bringing out new models…I think we’re up to Launch 20?

The Livewire has done well too, so we may see more OTFs.

If Autos are making the money, that means something has to be cut…like the Knockout, the Skyline, the Shallot, the Original Zing, the Groove, the Rake, the Piston and the JYD (although the JYD has the worst pocket clip ever!).

It’s sad how many great knives are gone. I decided a long time ago to grab knives when I had a chance. Still kicking myself for not grabbing a Spyderco Nirvana.
 
Hackenslash said:
Kershaw has devoted much of their US manufacturing capacity to the Launch series. They must be doing well as they keep bringing out new models…I think we’re up to Launch 20?

The Livewire has done well too, so we may see more OTFs.

If Autos are making the money, that means something has to be cut…like the Knockout, the Skyline, the Shallot, the Original Zing, the Groove, the Rake, the Piston and the JYD (although the JYD has the worst pocket clip ever!).

It’s sad how many great knives are gone. I decided a long time ago to grab knives when I had a chance. Still kicking myself for not grabbing a Spyderco Nirvana.
Click to expand...
Lol I agree with everything but I never understood the hate on the JYD clip! That's one of the features that I like about it myself 😁
 
Really wish Kershaw/ZT would bring update some models, even discontinued ones. Have a CQI program like Spyderco that improves on an already good knife. KVT bearings on the leek, blur, knockout, ZT 0770cf, 0350 and bring back the 0566 series with titanium instead of stainless steel and use KVT bearings as well. They won’t but one can dream….
 
yamsi12 said:
Really wish Kershaw/ZT would bring update some models, even discontinued ones. Have a CQI program like Spyderco that improves on an already good knife. KVT bearings on the leek, blur, knockout, ZT 0770cf, 0350 and bring back the 0566 series with titanium instead of stainless steel and use KVT bearings as well. They won’t but one can dream….
Click to expand...
What would be the point of bearings in assisted openers?
 
  • Like
Reactions: BJE
yamsi12 said:
Really wish Kershaw/ZT would bring update some models, even discontinued ones. Have a CQI program like Spyderco that improves on an already good knife. KVT bearings on the leek, blur, knockout, ZT 0770cf, 0350 and bring back the 0566 series with titanium instead of stainless steel and use KVT bearings as well. They won’t but one can dream….
Click to expand...
I just want them to rerelease the Emerson and LG models!
 
Not the place to post them again here but, if you care to search for them, I've posted numerous pics of my vintage Kershaw & ZT acquisitions & collections elsewhere,
 
Last edited:
yamsi12 said:
Really wish Kershaw/ZT would bring update some models, even discontinued ones. Have a CQI program like Spyderco that improves on an already good knife. KVT bearings on the leek, blur, knockout, ZT 0770cf, 0350 and bring back the 0566 series with titanium instead of stainless steel and use KVT bearings as well. They won’t but one can dream….
Click to expand...
Your “that guy” that is the reason we have bearings in nearly everything now 😂.

Bearing pivot is nearly a deal killer for me, several knives out there that I lusted after til I found they have bearings instead of washers.

It’s like the cars these days, over complicated and too full of tech I don’t want.
While I don’t hate bearings, I strongly prefer PB washers, and wish they weren’t the market trend so much so that even inexpensive knives have them.
Bearings in a budget folder are never better than good PB washers IMO.
 
Hvactech said:
Lol I agree with everything but I never understood the hate on the JYD clip! That's one of the features that I like about it myself 😁
Click to expand...
The JYD clip was awful, pointy and more for form than function, kershaw has more pocket clips than anyone else I can think of that just lack for some reason or another.
The pocket clip on the knockout is awesome though, and I’m not even a fan of low riders, but they did that one well.
 
The knockout had a few things I dislike, such as the ergos, it’s comfortable to hold, but the handle is angled too far for my liking and forces a specific grip, I prefer the blur in that regard.

The other dislike is that it’s a flipper, it opens much better via thumb studs.

Lastly, I dislike AO, though the knockout is a good one as far as that’s concerned.

With the negatives out of the way, what I enjoy/like/love about the knockout

The thumbstuds are perfect! Big and so comfortable yet don’t get in the way of sharpening, not something readily apparent until held and used. They are amongst the best studs IMO.

The pocket clip just works, tensioned just right, slides in and out perfectly and doesn’t get in the way of gripping the knife, it’s subtle and not gaudy. Good job.

The handle is thin thin thin, love it, carries well and feels great, lightweight, yet feels solid. All folding knives should be this thin. Not a pocket brick. Full size knife that carries like a smaller one. Color and finish on my green handled one is very nice, feels nice to the touch, not overly polished or slippery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top