Kershaw model 1776 "Link"

E

EDCanAdamas

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Sep 8, 2013
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Anyone else get the new Kershaw Link? I ordered one last week and it came in the mail a few days ago. I ordered the aluminum handled version.

The product description said that the model 1776 is supposed to be a "link" between USA production quality and budget cost. What it seems like to me is the beginning of a line of Kershaw Branded knives that are effectively entry level ZT's. My example seems as well built as my 566 (both knives are of a similar size) is, although the materials (aluminum, 420HC) are not the premium stuff. The steel liners on the Link actually seem THICKER than the liners on the 566 are, but this could be because the Link is a liner-lock.

The only other knife company really making a tactical folder in the $45 range right now is Buck with the Vantage Force series. Kershaw is venturing into interesting territory here. Imagine if sales are great, which they should be, and other big companies (Gerber comes to mind) suddenly realize that there is less of a market for Chinese made junk for $40+. Perhaps the $35-$75 range will open up again with more USA-made designs.

I'd love to hear what you think, or if you like/hate the new Kershaw 1776.
 
I also picked up the Link. I got the 1776GRYBW as well. I do have to say that it's a nice little knife that's for sure. Kinda bought it just cause it was new for 2015 and the price was unbeatable.
 
I am waiting for the tanto version. Reminds me of a hinderer tanto. I want the satin blade with the aluminum handles, so will probably end up getting both the plastic and aluminum handled versions and do a blade swap.
 
I like that just about every component is made in the USA, the 420HC blade steel instead of 14c28n because it's a US made steel. I don't believe it's an entry level ZT, it's just a continuation of Kershaw's tradition of high quality USA made knives. The Link is comparable to the Scallion, Leek, Blur, and Knockout in terms of materials and workmanship, just in a different shape. It's a cool knife, to my eyes it's the most appealing knife Kershaw has added to their lineup in the last couple years, the new Camber is another one that I've been eyeing, ~$70 for a USA made knife with a S30V blade is pretty awesome.
 
I can agree with that! I'm really enjoying the USA made factor. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1428492013.778010.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1428492024.298028.jpg

Although I think I've decided I want to sell the Grey Link to help soften the blow of picking up a 562CF with M390 on the exchange yesterday.
 
I wish they would put the steel (420HC) on the blade somewhere. Hey, they put "8CR13MoV" on the Chinese-made Kershaws. I like when knives are marked, and there is no reason that Kershaw cannot be happy with the 420HC steel in these knives. I have used 420HC for years and had no problems with it. 420HC steel is underrated for the entry level market in my opinion.
 
I just received the Link as well and am extremely impressed by it. Great value for only $45.
 
I bought the GRYBW from Kershawguy.com -

Great knife. Centered, well ground, very sharp with a nice even edge, good feel in the hand, snaps open with authority, and has a great blade shape with a nice amount of belly and a very sharp point.

The blade is thick enough and appears able to handle being abused a little. Deep carry pocket clip. Nice machining, all around a very nice knife for under $50.

best

mqqn
 
have the Link on order it looks very interesting. It may be 420HC but its not Bucks 420HC which has what is arguably the best heat treat in the industry(BOS)and holds an edge better. I got one of the very first Kershaw Cambers. It is an awesome knife. Ive read that the Camber is supposedly a design offshoot of the Blur. Idk who thought that cause the Blur and Camber have nothing in common. The Camber has the blade shape of the Piston. To me its a mini Piston with S30V. The Camber came shaving sharp and perfectly centered. The assisted opening on it is really strong. Much stronger than most Kershaw Speed Safes. The stonewashing on the blade is first rate.
 
Going to hold off for now since I'm hoping that they drop in price a bit but I see one in my future.

I love that blade shape.
 
EDCanAdamas said:
Anyone else get the new Kershaw Link? I ordered one last week and it came in the mail a few days ago. I ordered the aluminum handled version.

The product description said that the model 1776 is supposed to be a "link" between USA production quality and budget cost. What it seems like to me is the beginning of a line of Kershaw Branded knives that are effectively entry level ZT's. My example seems as well built as my 566 (both knives are of a similar size) is, although the materials (aluminum, 420HC) are not the premium stuff. The steel liners on the Link actually seem THICKER than the liners on the 566 are, but this could be because the Link is a liner-lock.

The only other knife company really making a tactical folder in the $45 range right now is Buck with the Vantage Force series. Kershaw is venturing into interesting territory here. Imagine if sales are great, which they should be, and other big companies (Gerber comes to mind) suddenly realize that there is less of a market for Chinese made junk for $40+. Perhaps the $35-$75 range will open up again with more USA-made designs.

I'd love to hear what you think, or if you like/hate the new Kershaw 1776.
Click to expand...

Your thoughts are pretty much spot on with what Kershaw was going for with this series of knives.

You really can't beat the quality, materials, and the fact that it's made right here in the USA. The prices make these things a steal considering there are Chinese-produced knives going for the same, if not higher, numbers.
 
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