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Kershaw is a recognizable, popular knife brand with a long history in the knifemaking industry, but are Kershaw knives any good? Kershaw knives may be well-known, but is the reputation backed up by a quality product?
Kershaw knives are excellent knives for EDC and outdoor activities. They have a good reputation warranted by the high quality of the knives. The designs are simple but practical, and the knives have proven to be durable and reliable. The range of Kershaw knives is less than some other knife brands.
A good knife is vital for many purposes in our daily lives, from cooking food to outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and fishing. Our reliance on knives means we need a reliable knife that will perform well but still offer good value in the purchase price. Does Kershaw fall into this category, and should you consider these knives for your next knife purchase?
If you are interested in checking out Kershaw pocket knives you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
Are Kershaw Knives Good?
Knife buyers are becoming more discerning in their knife choices and want assurances that they get value for money when buying knives.
Kershaw knives have been around for a long time and have developed a dedicated following in the knife community. Kershaw was one of the first name-brand knives I heard of when I was a youngster looking for my first good-quality, more upmarket knife.
Kershaw Knife History
Kershaw is among the top names in the knife industry, and part of the reason is that the company has been producing high-quality knives since 1974.
Kershaw was founded in Oregon, USA, and has a rich history of producing innovative, high-quality knives for various needs and preferences.
The company was founded by Pete Kershaw, who knew something about quality knives as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.
In the company’s early days, Kershaw mostly made hunting knives, but as demand grew for quality EDC pocket knives, these were included in the product range.
The Kershaw brand has gained a reputation for producing some of the most reliable and durable knives in the market, and its commitment to quality has earned the trust and loyalty of many knife owners.
Kershaw Blade Quality
The quality of a knife’s blade is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when evaluating its overall performance.
A good blade should be sharp, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, which requires quality steel and blade geometry.
Kershaw Knife Blade Material
Kershaw Knives are known for using high-quality materials in their blades, including stainless steel, Damascus steel, and carbon steel.
The type of steel used depends on the specific knife model, but all Kershaw knives are made with top-notch materials that ensure excellent sharpness, durability, and resistance to corrosion and rust.
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Kershaw Knife Blade Design
Kershaw knives come in various blade designs, from drop point to tanto and serrated edges. The blade design plays a crucial role in the knife’s functionality and performance, and Kershaw knives offer a wide range of options that cater to different preferences and needs.
Kershaw makes folding pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, and some multi-function tools. The blade design and steel type are selected for the intended purpose of each knife model. This ensures the knife will perform as expected for its intended purpose.
Kershaw Blade Sharpness
Kershaw knives are known for their razor-sharp blades that make cutting and slicing effortless. The brand uses advanced sharpening techniques to ensure that its blades remain sharp for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
The steel used in the knives’ manufacture allows them to display excellent edge retention when used for their intended purpose.
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Kershaw Handle Quality
A knife’s handle is just as important as its blade, as it affects the knife’s grip, comfort, and overall performance.
A good handle should be durable, comfortable to hold, and provide a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the handle quality of Kershaw knives.
Handle Material In Kershaw Knives
Kershaw knives use various materials in their handles, including aluminum, titanium, G-10, and polymer.
The choice of material depends on the specific knife model, but all Kershaw knives have durable handles that are resistant to wear and tear.
Handle Design Of Kershaw Knives
Kershaw knife handles come in various designs that cater to different preferences and needs. Some models have textured handles that provide a secure grip, while others have contoured handles that offer enhanced comfort.
Kershaw knife handles are designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring they are comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip. The brand uses advanced technology and materials to create handles that fit snugly in the hand and reduce hand fatigue, making them ideal for extended use.
Kershaw knife handles are of excellent quality, offering a range of materials and designs that ensure durability, comfort, and a secure grip. Even after years of heavy use, I have yet to have a handle on a Kershaw knife fail.
Durability Of Kershaw Knives
Durability is an essential ownership factor to consider when evaluating the quality of a knife. A durable knife should withstand wear and tear, resist rust and corrosion, and maintain its sharpness over time. Here is my take on the durability of Kershaw knives.
Kershaw Build Quality
Kershaw knives are known for their excellent build quality, and I have found this to be the case after owning several knives from the brand over the years.
Each knife is made with precision and attention to detail. High-quality materials are used in the knives, ensuring they are durable and long-lasting.
Another point I like about Kershaw is the consistency in the quality. You don’t often hear someone expressing disappointment in one of these knives.
Kershaw Knife Maintenance
A proper maintenance routine is crucial for ensuring the longevity and durability of a knife. Kershaw knives require minimal maintenance, but regular cleaning, oiling, and periodic sharpening are all required to keep the knife ready for anything.
The company also offers useful tips and guides on caring for its knives on its website, ensuring users can keep them in top condition.
Kershaw Knife Warranty
Kershaw Knives offers a limited lifetime warranty for its knives, guaranteeing they are free from defects in materials and workmanship.
The warranty offered by Kershaw also covers repairing or replacing knives that fail due to normal use, ensuring that users can have peace of mind when using their knives.
The warranty is a limited lifetime for the original purchaser of the knife. A free sharpening is included in the service of any Kershaw knives sent in for repair or replacement of missing parts.
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Performance Of Kershaw Knives
The performance of a knife is often the deciding factor when evaluating a knife. If the knife does not perform as advertised, it could let you down when you need it most.
- Sharpness. Edge retention is always important, and Kershaw knives do not disappoint in this department. Kershaw knives are designed to maintain their sharpness even after extended use.
- Functionality. Kershaw offers a good range of knives that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a knife for everyday use, camping, or hunting, Kershaw has options that perform exceptionally well in these applications.
- Reliability. Reliability is one of the cornerstones of the Kershaw brand and has created a consistent popularity of the knives over the years.
Kershaw is one of my favorite knife brands, and I have received excellent service from these knives as EDC knives or bushcraft knives.
TIP: Find out my TOP 3 picks of pocket knives if you are interested in buying a pocket knife (Amazon link):
- Victorinox Swiss Army Rangergrip knife: Our favorite feature is the one-hand-opening lock blade, a crucial feature of this tool.
- Opinel No.8 Carbon Pocket Knife: Robust, reliable everyday carry knife, suitable for those who only want a knife blade on their pocket knife.
- Spyderco Para 3 Maxamet Pocket Knife: Lightweight knife featuring a blade made from high-performance Maxamet steel, with a full flat grind for edge durability and easy sharpening.
Pricing Of Kershaw Knives
Price is not always a reliable indicator of value, but in the case of the Kershaw knives, the lower price compared to many other brands offers excellent value for money.
Kershaw knives come in three main ranges when categorized by price range.
Kershaw Affordable Knife Range
Kershaw knives offer a range of knives that cater to different budgets, with options available at various price points. Kershaw knives are known for their affordability, with even its premium models offering excellent value for money compared to other brands.
The affordable range is generally the smaller pocket knives with a minimalistic look and feel. These knives range in price from $25 to $70, making them within reach of almost anyone.
Mid-Range Price Kershaw Knives
Kershaw mid-range models offer an excellent balance between price and performance, with knives priced around the $60 to $100 range. These knives offer high-quality materials, excellent build quality, and reliable performance, making them ideal for everyday use and outdoor activities.
Premium Model Kershaw Knives
Kershaw premium models are priced higher, around the $100-$200 range, but offer exceptional quality, advanced features, and superior performance. These knives are ideal for serious knife enthusiasts or those that require a good knife for demanding outdoor activities that require the best possible performance.
Kershaw premium range knives are comparable in quality to many other knives that often cost more than double the price of the Kershaw knives.
This makes top-quality Kershaw knives available to a wider range of people with a lower budget for their knife purchases without compromising quality.
Pros and Cons Of Kershaw Knives
Like any brand, Kershaw has advantages and disadvantages. I have summarized the pros and cons of Kershaw knives below.
Pros of Kershaw knives include the following:
- Excellent blade quality. Kershaw uses high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure its blades are razor-sharp, reliable, and long-lasting.
- Good handle quality. Kershaw knife handles are ergonomic and comfortable and provide a secure grip, ensuring users can use their knives safely and efficiently.
- Durability. Kershaw knives are built to last, with high-quality materials, excellent build quality, and a limited lifetime warranty guaranteeing their durability.
- Good performance. Kershaw Knives provide excellent performance with sharp blades, reliable functionality, and excellent reliability.
- Affordable. Kershaw Knives offer excellent value for money, with a range of knives available at various price points.
The cons Of Kershaw knives are as follows:
- Limited variety. Kershaw’s range of knives is relatively limited compared to other brands, with fewer options in terms of blade shape, handle materials, and features.
- Weight. Some Kershaw models can be on the heavy side, which may not be suitable for users who prefer lighter knives.
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Kershaw Brawler Pocketknife
We can’t discuss the Kershaw knife brand without looking at some individual knives offered by the company.
The Kershaw Brawler Pocketknife is an impressive offering from the brand, featuring a sturdy and durable build, excellent blade quality, and reliable performance that make it a great choice for EDC.
At first glance, the Kershaw Brawler Pocket knife (Amazon link) looks sleek and professional, with a black oxide coating on the blade and handle that provides an eye-catching finish.
The handle is made of glass-filled nylon, which makes it lightweight and durable, while the blade is made of high-performance 8Cr13MoV steel, which provides excellent edge retention and durability.
The blade is 3 inches long and features a modified tanto shape, providing a strong and versatile cutting edge that can handle various cutting tasks.
The handle of the Kershaw Brawler Pocketknife is comfortable to hold, with a contoured shape and textured surface that provides a secure and comfortable grip. The handle also features a reversible pocket clip, allowing users to carry the knife tip up or tip down, depending on their preference.
The Kershaw Brawler Pocketknife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality everyday carry knife.
Kershaw Link Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Link Pocket Knife is a sleek and versatile knife with excellent performance and reliability, and it is one of my favorites for everyday carry.
The Kershaw Link Pocket Knife (Amazon link) features a 3.25-inch blade of high-performance CPM20CV stainless steel with high vanadium carbide content, providing excellent wear resistance, edge retention, and durability.
The blade has a drop-point shape, making it ideal for various cutting tasks, from slicing and dicing to piercing and carving. The blade also has a stonewashed finish, which provides a stylish and professional look.
The handle of the Link Pocket Knife is made of glass-filled nylon, which makes it lightweight and durable. The handle also features a unique aluminum backspacer that adds to the knife’s overall strength and stability.
The handle is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, with a textured surface that adds grip when used.
The Link Pocket Knife is also equipped with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism, which allows for smooth and easy blade deployment with just a flick of the thumb stud.
The knife also features a reversible pocket clip, allowing users to carry the knife tip up or tip down, depending on their preference.
I highly recommend the Kershaw Link Pocket Knife as an excellent choice for a sturdy, reliable EDC pocket knife. My personal preference between the Kershaw Link and the Brawler would be the Link, as I find the drop point more versatile for my purposes than the modified tanto tip on the Brawler.
Conclusion
Kershaw knives are popular for their high-quality knives that offer excellent performance, durability, and value for money. The knives are sharp out of the box and have a track record of reliability. Kershaw knives are also durable and have a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring longevity.
While the brand’s range of knives may be relatively limited compared to other brands, Kershaw Knives offer a good balance between price and performance, with options available at various price points.
The brand’s heavier knives and pocket clips may not suit all users, but overall, Kershaw knives are a great choice for people looking for reliable, high-quality knives at a good price.
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