Opinions of Kershaw knives?

[Arrogant Bastard]

I am considering the Kershaw Onion Tanto Blur.

Its primary purpose will be as a belt/utility knife.

What are your opinions of its quality/value? In the $60 price range, would I do better with a different brand? If this is the knife you'd recommend, is $60 the price you'd pay for it, or should I be able to find it for much less?

[Rmac58]

I have the 2 3/8 inch version, highly recommended. It can take a lot of side load, my deal. I paid $35 for it, so it sounds a bit high.
The only issue I've had, is the clip screws loosened up and one fell out, I went to the local gun smith, he gave two screws, then i put loctite on them.

[mavracer]

they are the best. I have 4 onions.
check prices here
http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/main_front.jsp

[jahwarrior]

Kershaws makes some great knives. the price you quoted is a tad high, but if you can spare the scratch, go for it. one of my first "good" knives was the Whirlwind; i paid $20, and i regret giving it to a friend.

[igpoobah]

I EDC the tanto blur and I think it's a great tool.

[Jimmie]

My Scallion is my favorite knife. Unfortunately it's my only Kershaw - I'm sure the others are equally great.

[Arrogant Bastard]

Thanks! I just ordered it.

[Devonai]

I had an Onion, assisted opening. I loved it, but so did fate, and I lost it at some point during my last National Guard weekend. I figure this is a sign I should stick with my Benchmade, but I am sorely tempted to replace the Onion anyway, but this time I'll get one with a lanyard loop!

[Loosedhorse]

I am a shameless endorser of Kershaw knives. I have bought the Scallion, the Offset, the Outcast, and a WHOLE BUNCH of various versions of the Centofante knife (a Scallion-sized assisted, that I have given out as almost-gifts for years).

They are all great. But let me tell you why I really like Kershaw.

I took one of the Centofante's on a camping trip, and the innards were pretty mucky when I got home. I took the knife apart, but managed to lose that little detent ball that is needed to lock the knife in the closed position. (It made a very distinct sound as it fell off my bench and into another dimension.)

I called Kershaw, asked if I could buy one. They said, no, they'd send it free. When the package arrived they had enclosed a Torx Tool (free ), and a complete liner and scale for one side of the knife (the side with the lock)

But no detent ball!

I called, told them they'd been very generous with the Torx Tool, but perhaps I'd been unclear: I just needed that little detent ball. They apologized profusely, and said the solution was on its way.

Well, the envelope arrives, and sure enough, there was the detent ball--except it was hidden inside the new knife they sent me. That's right--I asked for a detent ball, that I had lost and I was willing to pay for; they sent me a new knife, and a Torx Tool, no charge. I suspect other companies stand behind their products, but this was unique.

The knives are great, and if you ever have a problem, they will solve it. Depend on it.

[Rmac58]

^^Quite an endorsement!

[Picard]

Wow, Loosedhorse, that's the best warranty service that I have ever heard of. I like Kershaw but now I have gained a new sense of respect for them.

[Arrogant Bastard]

Thank you, LoosedHorse. I ordered the tanto-serrated blur. I will have to look at the other knives you mentioned.

[PawPaw]

I used to have aKershaw knife that was so sharp that if I wanted French Fries, I put a couple of potatoes in the glove box with the knife and drove down a washboard road in second gear.

For hashbrowns, use third gear.

I wonder what ever happened to that knife?

[3fgburner]

I've got a Cyclone (1630BLKST). Excellent knife. I do need to sharpen it a bit, though. After 2-3 years of heavy use, it doesn't quite shave hair any more.

[yeti]

The knives are great, and if you ever have a problem, they will solve it. Depend on it.

They never really did solve your problem, you never got the detent ball you were trying to get, they bought you off, you sold out to the man.

Now wait about 6 months, and start trying to get the part to repair your knife again. Maybe even get the parts to assemble the liner and scale they sent you, into a knife.

I always have had good luck with Kershaw, they stand behind their products.

[Loosedhorse]

They never really did solve your problem

That was MY first reaction, too: I wanted a detent ball, and all they sent me was a gosh-darn NEW KNIFE!

But, I had to change my tune when I couldn't quite manage to make my "complaint" letter sound rational.

[Arrogant Bastard]

Originally Posted by yeti

They never really did solve your problem, you never got the detent ball you were trying to get, they bought you off, you sold out to the man.

Now wait about 6 months, and start trying to get the part to repair your knife again. Maybe even get the parts to assemble the liner and scale they sent you, into a knife.

I always have had good luck with Kershaw, they stand behind their products.

Actually, although I'd be happy with Kershaw for replacing the knife, I'd still have this nagging feeling of disappointment about the other knife -- I hate letting reparable items go to waste.

[Loosedhorse]

Understood. It hasn't been thrown out. It works fine, just doesn't lock closed.

I will get a detent ball for it (a gunsmith friend of mine says he has lots, and I can pick one out at some point--bring the knife, see what size, you know).

But I think that Kershaw has fulfilled their obligation toward me.

[The Rabbi]

Kershaws are junk suitable for opening letters. A box cutter would be better.

[Arrogant Bastard]

Originally Posted by The Rabbi

Kershaws are junk suitable for opening letters. A box cutter would be better.

Why do you consider them junk, and what do you prefer?

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by Loosedhorse

But, I had to change my tune when I couldn't quite manage to make my "complaint" letter sound rational.

I'm trying to imagine how to phrase the perfect combination of mild annoyance and gratitude myself

[The Rabbi]

Why do you consider them junk, and what do you prefer?

Honestly I don't know a thing about them and I carry a Winchester novelty knife made to look like a shotgun shell.
But just because I am grossly ignorant shouldn't prevent me from having an opinion, right?

[Area 52]

I have the same model/blade type Blur as in the pic, and mine works amazingly. It comes razor sharp from the box, and must be some harder metal because I haven't sharpened mine once and I've had it a year. It's solid. I got mine for $54 plus tax at wallyworld. I also hear Kershaw has legendary customer service.

[Arrogant Bastard]

Originally Posted by The Rabbi

But just because I am grossly ignorant shouldn't prevent me from having an opinion, right?

That's what the Internet is for.

[yeti]

But just because I am grossly ignorant shouldn't prevent me from having an opinion, right?

Irrational, arguments derived from bizarre sources, are unworthy of this Board.