Have you ever wondered what makes a good knife? Are you looking for a reliable everyday carry (EDC) tool, a robust piece for your outdoor adventures, or perhaps a collector’s item that combines innovation and quality? If so, Kershaw Knives is a brand that should definitely be on your radar. Known for its excellent value for money, Kershaw has forged a formidable reputation in the cutlery industry, blending cutting-edge design, durable materials, and meticulous attention to detail. But what’s truly behind this brand? Join us to find out!
—
A Journey Through Kershaw’s History: Innovation Since 1974
Contents
- A Journey Through Kershaw’s History: Innovation Since 1974
- Constant Innovation: Cutting-Edge Technology and Materials
- A Kershaw Knife for Every Need: Diversity of Models
- Sharpening and Maintenance: Keeping Your Kershaw Always Ready
- Beyond the Edge: Sustainability and Community Connection
- Accolades and Reviews: What Do Experts and Users Say?
- Conclusion: Is a Kershaw Knife Worth It? Absolutely!
The history of Kershaw Knives is a fascinating tale of perseverance and adaptation. It all began in 1974 in Portland, Oregon, when Pete Kershaw, a visionary former employee of Gerber Legendary Blades, decided to found his own company. Pete, an outdoor enthusiast, started selling his knives directly from the trunk of his car, building a loyal customer base thanks to his unwavering dedication to quality and functionality.
From its inception, Kershaw focused on producing practical and durable knives, such as the iconic Model 1050 Folding Field, a versatile folding knife for outdoor use. As demand grew, Kershaw expanded its product line, including pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, and multi-tools.
A turning point came in the 1980s with collaborations with renowned designers like Ken Onion and Grant & Gavin Hawk. These alliances led to innovative designs, the most notable being the 1996 patent for the revolutionary SpeedSafe® assisted opening mechanism, developed with Ken Onion. This technology, which allows for quick and secure blade deployment with minimal effort, marked a before and after in the industry and remains a distinctive feature of Kershaw.
Kershaw is part of the Kai USA Ltd. group, headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, USA. Although their first knives were manufactured in Japan, the company opened its factory in the United States in 1997. It is important to note that, today, Kershaw manufactures knives both at its Oregon facilities and in overseas factories, including China.
—
Constant Innovation: Cutting-Edge Technology and Materials
Kershaw’s reputation is built on its unwavering commitment to innovation. In addition to SpeedSafe®, the brand has introduced other notable technologies:
- Composite Blade Technology: Introduced in 2011, this innovation merges two types of steel into a single blade, leveraging the best properties of each material, such as excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. A notable example is the Leek model, designed by Ken Onion, which combines CPM-D2 steel for the edge and Sandvik 14C28N for the spine.
- Advanced Locking Mechanisms: Kershaw utilizes robust systems like the DuraLock and KVT (Kinetic Opening System) ball bearings, which ensure smooth opening and secure blade lock-up on models such as the Iridium and Broadside.
- Premium Materials: The brand uses high-quality steels such as Sandvik 14C28N, CPM D2, CPM S35VN, CPM S30V, CPM 20CV, and even CPM MagnaCut in select models. For the handles, materials like anodized aluminum, G-10, GRN, and titanium are employed, offering durability and a comfortable grip.
Kershaw knives and pocket knives are of the highest quality. Whether it’s a pocket knife, a hunting knife, or a special collector’s edition, Kershaw always chooses appropriate, high-quality materials and is dedicated to intensive craftsmanship. Along with extremely strict tolerances and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, this ensures that Kershaw knives provide lifetime performance.
Kershaw pioneered the use of many advanced technologies and materials that are now standard in the knife industry, such as SpeedSafe assisted opening knives, which were the first to be commercialized. The patented Sub-Frame lock allows for the manufacture of lightweight knives with secure blade lock-up.
The exclusive Composite Blade technology, which combines two steels in one blade, gives knife users the best of both worlds by allowing us to use steel known for edge retention and steel known for its strength on the spine. And we will continue to innovate, bringing new and better technologies and materials to the knife manufacturing industry and to the knife-using public today.
—
A Kershaw Knife for Every Need: Diversity of Models
Kershaw offers an amazing variety of knives for diverse applications, from everyday use to demanding professional tasks:
- Folding Knives (EDC): These are Kershaw’s strength. Models like the Leek, the Blur, the Iridium, and the Shuffle are highly popular. The Shuffle, for example, is an ultra-compact EDC that even incorporates screwdrivers and a bottle opener into its handle. The Blur stands out for its assisted opening and industrial design, suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users.
- Fixed-Blade Knives: Ideal for outdoor activities, survival, and hunting. The Camp series (such as the Camp 10 and Camp 5) is known for its robust construction.
- Automatic Knives (Launch Series): Kershaw also produces high-quality automatic knives, such as the Launch line, which are highly regarded for their performance and reliability.
- Zero Tolerance (ZT) Line: In 2006, Kershaw introduced the Zero Tolerance (ZT) line for professionals such as military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders. ZT knives are distinguished by their robust construction, premium materials (CPM S30V, CPM 20CV), and cutting-edge designs, often in collaboration with designers like Rick Hinderer and Dmitry Sinkevich. Interestingly, US-made Kershaw knives and Zero Tolerance knives are produced in the same factory by the same team, which speaks to the high standard of quality.
- Kitchen Knives (Shun Cutlery): For gastronomy enthusiasts, Kershaw’s Shun series offers handmade Japanese knives with VG-MAX steel blades, synonymous with culinary excellence.
- Multi-tools and Sharpeners: In addition to knives, Kershaw offers practical multi-tools and a wide range of sharpeners to keep your blades in perfect condition.
—
Sharpening and Maintenance: Keeping Your Kershaw Always Ready
Keeping your Kershaw knife sharp is crucial for its performance and safety. Here are some tips, especially for popular models like the Blur with its 14C28N steel blade:
- Sharpening Angles: Generally, Kershaw knives are sharpened at angles between 20° and 22°.
- 14C28N Steel: This steel responds very well to sharpening, achieving a “razor-sharp” edge with relatively little effort.
- Sharpening Tools:
- Kershaw Diamond Oval Sharpener (600 grit): This is a good starting point, but it’s recommended to finish with a 1000-grit sharpener for a more polished edge.
- Lansky Systems: These are excellent sharpeners, although standard flat stones may not be ideal for blades with pronounced curves like those of the Blur. Diamond stones are not strictly necessary for 14C28N, but they speed up the material removal process.
- Spyderco Sharpmaker: This is a highly recommended option for beginners due to its ease of use. It is especially effective for recurved blades like the Blur, as its triangular rods allow easy access to the curve. The diamond rods in the Sharpmaker are more for profiling or repairing very dull edges, rather than daily maintenance if the knife is already in good condition.
- The Blur “Trick”: Some Kershaw Blur users suggest removing the tension bar from the assisted mechanism to achieve even smoother opening. However, this can weaken blade retention, so it’s recommended to carry the knife tip-up to prevent accidental openings.
—
Beyond the Edge: Sustainability and Community Connection
Kershaw not only focuses on the quality of its products but also on its social and environmental impact:
- Responsible Material Sourcing: The company ensures that its materials come from ethical and sustainable sources.
- Environmental Impact Reduction: They implement recycling programs and energy-saving initiatives at their facilities.
- Support for Charitable Causes: Kershaw has collaborated with non-profit organizations such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Special Operations Care Fund, even creating limited edition knives to raise funds.
- Culture of Responsibility: They foster ethical business practices and community engagement among their employees.
In the digital age, Kershaw has adapted by building a strong online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. They use these channels to showcase their products, offer maintenance and sharpening tutorials, and most importantly, foster an active community of knife enthusiasts.
—
Accolades and Reviews: What Do Experts and Users Say?
Kershaw’s dedication to quality and innovation has resulted in numerous awards. They have repeatedly won the prestigious “Overall Knife of the Year” award from Blade Magazine (2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012) and the “American-Made Knife of the Year” (2010, 2011, and 2018).
Within the user community, Kershaw is widely praised:
- Many consider it the “gateway drug” to knife collecting due to its affordability and quality.
- Its excellent value for the price is highlighted.
- US-made models are consistently rated as very solid and reliable.
- Models like the Leek, Blur, and more recently the Iridium, are consistently recommended as excellent EDCs.
—
Conclusion: Is a Kershaw Knife Worth It? Absolutely!
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader, Kershaw Knives has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a knife for your daily tasks, a robust tool for work, or a collector’s item with an innovative design, Kershaw offers a high-quality option for every budget.
The brand continues to push the boundaries of knife design and technology, and its impact on the industry is undeniable. So, if you’re looking for a durable, functional, and impeccably designed cutting tool, don’t hesitate: a Kershaw knife is an investment that will bring you years of satisfaction!
Ready to find your next Kershaw knife? Explore the wide range available and discover why so many trust this brand!