Kershaw Know-It-Alls...

[TripleB67]

I have a Kershaw Cryo G10 that someone sent me several years ago - at the time I received it I really liked the knife - sharp and a fantastic flipper. But over time, as I've acquired other knives, it seems to have found its way out of my pocket and into my knife holder pouches.

Now when I pick it up it seems somewhat heavy, not as sharp as it used to be, the flipper doesn't feel as smooth, and the blade is a good bit off center when closed.

I would like to try another Kershaw flipper but want something on the cheap. So, for any of you who are extremely familiar with Kershaw knives, what are your thoughts on these cheap flippers?

Kershaw Oso Sweet (1830) Assisted Flipper 3.1" ($23)
Kershaw Jens Anso Fraxion (1160) Flipper 2.75" ($25)
Kershaw Natrix (7007) Assisted Flipper 3.25" ($30)
Kershaw Al Mar AM-3 (2335) Assisted Flipper 3.125" ($30)

I appreciate any and all feedback.

TripleB67

btw: as far as the quiet knife from my other thread...I'm going to try and fidget with my Dragonfly 2 without opening it all the way...if that doesn't work I'll be ordering one of the knives you mentioned in the post

 

[MolokaiRider]

I’d suggest the Kershaw Dividend or Link.

Made is US and quality 420hc stainless steel. I actually prefer the FRN models, but you can also get them with Aluminum scales.

The Dividend is a smaller knife than the Link.

 

[MolokaiRider]

 

[dirc]

14c28n (as in the leek) is significantly better than their 8cr13

if you want an upgrade from there, it isn't much more : )
it's worth going to the dividend in m390, they're under $80 on sale right now

 

[TripleB67]

it's worth going to the dividend in m390, they're under $80 on sale right now

Amazing looking knife and tremendous deal for $80...especially with that steel.

I was trying to stay under $30...if I was going to $80 I'd probably go on to $94 and get the Civivi Appalachian Drifter in Damascus (currently my dream knife)

TripleB67

 

[dirc]

lol, I was looking at that drifter also... but in the end I thought it was really busy looking
if they had a simple folded damascus I would probably get it

I do love the burlap micarta, I wish it was offered more often

you could get a leek on the forum for around $40 maybe

 

[sgt1372]

I would like to try another Kershaw flipper but want something on the cheap. So, for any of you who are extremely familiar with Kershaw knives, what are your thoughts on these cheap flippers?

Kershaw Oso Sweet (1830) Assisted Flipper 3.1" ($23)
Kershaw Jens Anso Fraxion (1160) Flipper 2.75" ($25)
Kershaw Natrix (7007) Assisted Flipper 3.25" ($30)
Kershaw Al Mar AM-3 (2335) Assisted Flipper 3.125" ($30)

I appreciate any and all feedback.

TripleB67

I own them all including the Cyro and, given these 4 choices, IMO the Natrix is the best of the bunch.

It is a very lightweight and versatile EDC knife. It is one of my favorite Kershaws.

It also has a heritage that the other knives do not have being the cousin of the moderately priced ZT 0770 and the rare and collectible ZT 0777.

If you want to take it to the "next level" in a Kershaw, then I'd recommend the Knockout (1870) which was available in 14C28N & M390 steel. Unfortunately, this knife was discontinued and is now only available on EB and other 2ndary sites for much more $ these days. About $100 for the 14C28N and $200 for the M390, which puts it in the ZT class pricewise.

For more affordable knives (more than the Natrix and less than the Knockout) there are also the Dividend (1812), Link (1776) and Bareknuckle (7777).

These are going for around $35-100 depending on the steel, either 420HC, M390 or 20CV. Some Dividends and Links were made w/M390 steel. I know because I own a version of each of them w/M390 steel. The Link is now made w/20CV but it does not appear that the Dividend is made w/a premium steel anymore.

The Bareknuckle is still available for around $80-100 in 14C28 or 20CV. However, one site I saw had a 14C28 version on sale for $55, which is a good deal. They never issued the Bareknuckle w/M390 steel as far as I know. The Bareknuckle also incorporates the Locking Subframe Assembly that is also found on the Knockout and in certain ZTs, which makes the knives lighter in weight.

Among this group, the Bareknuckle would be my choice because it has a longer blade and is lighter than the Link which would be my 2nd choice. The Dividend is the smallest, lightest of the 3 but is not something that I personally would carry as an EDC, because it is so small which limits its usefulness IMO.

Good luck finding/buying the one you like best!

 

[lieferung]

I tried a Cryo too once, thing broke down after rather basic use. I had more luck with both the Blur (cut well but not a fan of a recurve) and the Link (very nice and hand filling but I preferred other large blades). I always thought the Link was basically a less fancy Natrix (btw if you don't know how it earned its name, it's a bit of a fun read), if you're going for cheap I'd say get the Link but I'm sure the Natrix is a good knife in its own right.

 

[Mass1632]

Based on the options listed, most would probably agree the natrix is your best option.

You can find links for around $36 if patient. A smokey mountain company had a sale around a month ago i think for gray aluminum links in that price vicinity. Theres not much you can find wrong with the usa made kershaw knives.

 

[mwhich50]

I have the Natrix (China) XL, and the deployment, and stiff lock-bar are really bad. Lots of hotspots. No wonder they were giving them away for $26. Maybe it will break in over time?
The Kershaw/Al Mar I owned had the same issues, except the hot spots, and it was heavy for it's size.
The Oso Sweet is great for the $. Other than it being ugly, and the handle feeling cheap, I have no complaints. Like the blade shape.
The Fraxion is too small, has lots of hotspots, and a little, stiff lockbar. It looks cheap in hand.

I got a plastic handled Link (USA) on sale at Walmart. It was great, melted into my hand with no hot spots, fast reliable deployment, one handed operation, perfect size 3.25" for edc. Love the blade shape.

 

[Planterz]

I bought a Fraxion as a "carry on" travel knife - something to put in my luggage that I wouldn't be too disappointed in having swiped by a light fingered TSA goon. The 8Cr13MoV obviously isn't going to win any awards in edge retention or even corrosion resistance, but as a vacation knife where I wouldn't be likely to use it all that often, it suffices. Easy to get very sharp and the geometry cuts well. The handles, although G-10 overlayed with a thin amount of carbon fibre, do not feel premium, but they're better than FRN or cheap thermoplastic. The KVT action is surprisingly good. Not as good as my CF/M390 Bareknuckle, but that's hardly unexpected. Fun for knifesturbation. Overall, it's not a bad choice. I also kinda think of it as a knife I might give away to someone that needed a decent blade but wouldn't turn it into a screwdriver or prybar.

 

[dirc]

I bought a Fraxion as a "carry on" travel knife - something to put in my luggage that I wouldn't be too disappointed in having swiped by a light fingered TSA goon. The 8Cr13MoV obviously isn't going to win any awards in edge retention or even corrosion resistance, but as a vacation knife where I wouldn't be likely to use it all that often, it suffices. Easy to get very sharp and the geometry cuts well. The handles, although G-10 overlayed with a thin amount of carbon fibre, do not feel premium, but they're better than FRN or cheap thermoplastic. The KVT action is surprisingly good. Not as good as my CF/M390 Bareknuckle, but that's hardly unexpected. Fun for knifesturbation. Overall, it's not a bad choice. I also kinda think of it as a knife I might give away to someone that needed a decent blade but wouldn't turn it into a screwdriver or prybar.

I use hard shell luggage like this, with good combination locks to avoid this kind of bs... but yes, it's happened to most of us I think, which is really stupid - paid employees no less :/

 

[Planterz]

I use hard shell luggage like this, with good combination locks to avoid this kind of bs... but yes, it's happened to most of us I think, which is really stupid - paid employees no less :/

I've never had anything swiped myself, but I've heard too many stories to really want to risk losing something I actually have an attachment to (or something expensive).

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

The TSA has the ability to open those locks. The case is made so it can be opened with a particular key. A key every TSA location has (Have a look on the lock, you'll see the keyhole.). They can open any case they want for whatever reason they want. Even if it means destroying the suitcase because someone used a non-TSA approved lock. The thing that sucks is the owner has absolutely no recourse if it happens to them.
The locks are there so the baggage handlers can't easily get into the case.

I use hard shell luggage like this, with good combination locks to avoid this kind of bs... but yes, it's happened to most of us I think, which is really stupid - paid employees no less :/

 

[Billy The Hungry]

Do yourself a favor and grab a Kershaw Link. Under $50, made in USA, and their 420HC is excellent. That was one of my best knives, and I regret giving it away.
The fit and finish on my copy was perfect, as well.

 

[TripleB67]

I do love the burlap micarta, I wish it was offered more often

That's a beauty as well!

To be honest, for $50, I'm even intrigued by the Civivi Elementum...seems like a very simple design but gets amazing reviews!

TripleB67

 

[Velitrius]

I have a Kershaw Cryo G10 that someone sent me several years ago - at the time I received it I really liked the knife - sharp and a fantastic flipper. But over time, as I've acquired other knives, it seems to have found its way out of my pocket and into my knife holder pouches.

Now when I pick it up it seems somewhat heavy, not as sharp as it used to be, the flipper doesn't feel as smooth, and the blade is a good bit off center when closed.

Hahahaha, yep that ol' Cryo G10 is a heavy chunk of carry, and the quality-to-weight ratio just won't let it ride around with me.

And you are right, it wears out kinda quick. I find that the low profile deep carry pocket clip is pretty much this knife's only redeeming feature.

Carried the Oso Sweet for a piece, I liked the weight and the blade shape, but the overall package just didn't do it for me. It was under $20 though.

I found that I liked the RJ Martin Zing and the Volt II okay. They weren't much money either when I bought them.

BUT HERE'S WHAT YOU DO>>> Every time you think about buying a $30 knife, put that money in a jar. You'll have that Appalachian Drifter in no time!

No sense in carrying around an 8Cr wannabe knife when you can target your dream knife, eh? Crush aluminum cans, sell newspapers... Go get that thing!

If you simply must have a Kershaw cheapy in the meantime, go grab a Made in USA blem from Kershaw Guy.

Or fire me off a PM and I'll send you a RJ Martin Volt II for free to tide you over until you can buy yourself that Drifter.

 

[TripleB67]

Hahahaha, yep that ol' Cryo G10 is a heavy chunk of carry, and the quality-to-weight ratio just won't let it ride around with me. And you are right, it wears out kinda quick. I find that the low profile deep carry pocket clip is pretty much this knife's only redeeming feature.

BUT HERE'S WHAT YOU DO>>> Every time you think about buying a $30 knife, put that money in a jar. You'll have that Appalachian Drifter in no time!

Or fire me off a PM and I'll send you a RJ Martin Volt II for free to tide you over until you can buy yourself that Drifter.

Glad to hear it isn't just me thinking that Cryo is a bit heavy. I agree, the deep pocket is nice. I'm not sure if it's my pudgy thumbs or my weak fingers but I also had problems getting it unlocked.

Great idea on the knife jar - I'll definitely work on that!

I appreciate your generous offer, I really do, but wouldn't want to take a knife from you that one of your friends or a family member would like to have! Message sent!

Thank you!

TripleB67

 

[GatorFlash1]

I'm a fan of KershawBlur Blue-Black Scales, DLC Coated M4 Blade, made in USA. I still edc my Gayle Bradley 1, but bought one of these for a friend and thought it is was a very decent knife. This is a beast!

Blur M4, Navy Blue - YouTube

 

[TripleB67]

I do love the burlap micarta, I wish it was offered more often

How does the micarta feel and last/wear compared to their other handles? ie: G10, Guibourtia wood, Black Ebony wood, G10 with Carbon Fiber Overlays

Thanks!

TripleB67