Choosing a Kershaw Pocket Knife

So you're a fan of Kershaw's Composite Blade Technology and SpeedSafe Assisted Opening. You just need to get serious about choosing one.

Well, if you're in the market for a Kershaw pocket knife, here's how to go about the process to ensure you get a good model.

Intended Application

What you will be using the Kershaw pocket knife for is the single most important aspect that will in turn determine which model is the right one for you.

Are you going to be using this pocket knife for EDC? Will it be reserved for food prep as a camp knife? Is this a knife you will carry in the line of duty as a first responder?

Answer these questions first and then you can move onto more targeted qualifications.

Blade Size and Profile

Blade size will determine what you can use the pocket knife most effectively for. For most purposes, and for EDC, a blade between 3 and 4 inches is ideal.

Blades between 2 and 3 inches are very compact and a little small for some heavier chores, and bigger than 4 inches starts to get into camp knife territory. There is a place for these but it is a smaller niche.

Blade profile, that is, the shape of the blade, will also impact suitability. The finer the point, the better the blade will be at detail work. The blunter the point, such as in the case of a sheepsfoot, the better it will handle abuse.

Blade Steel

Blade steel is another thing to consider. The first is whether or not the blade has enough chromium or nickel to be considered stainless, as stainless steels tend to require less maintenance.

Consider also carbon content, and the presence of carbide-forming elements like vanadium. The higher these are, the longer the blade will hold an edge, but the harder it will be to resharpen it.

Handle Scale Material

There are pocket knives made with all kinds of materials, including steel, copper, brass, titanium carbon fiber, micarta, G10, fiberglass, and a whole bunch of natural materials, too.

While knives with natural scales might look pretty, these will be more fragile and require more maintenance than a Kershaw pocket knife made with a metal alloy or synthetic scales.

Lock Type

Lock type is integral to knife ergonomics, and some locks are inherently stronger than others.

Probably, the majority of most Kershaw pocket knives are made with either bar locks (Kershaw calls this a DuraLock) or with a liner lock (or with a variant of a liner lock known as a frame lock).

The DuraLock is one of the strongest lock types on the modern market, and is easy to manipulate with one hand. It also keeps your hands out of the way of the blade while closing.

As for liner locks, these are more affordable to manufacture and can be closed with one hand, but they require you to put your fingers in the blade's path. Moreover, neither liner locks nor frame locks are as strong as bar locks like Kershaw's DuraLock.

Deployment Method

There are many deployment methods out there, but far and away the most common option on a Kershaw pocket knife is going to be a thumb stud, so there isn't much room for deliberation here.

Carry Options

The majority of Kershaw pocket knives are going to come with a pocket clip, and on some models, the clip will be reversible, affording you a good deal of versatility.

Good Kershaw Pocket Knife Models

If you want to look at some specific models to kickstart the process of choosing a Kershaw pocket knife for EDC, here are some good options:

• Bel Air
• Dividend
• Iridium
• Blur
• Link
• Strata
• Dawnstar
• Tumbler

This is, of course, only a short list of many great Kershaw models. For more information see a more complete catalog.

Where to Get Your Next Kershaw Pocket Knife

Regardless of the model of Kershaw pocket knife that you think is for you, you can learn a lot more online at White Mountain Knives. All of the Kershaw models mentioned here are available on their website in addition to many others. Check out their website today for more information or get in touch with them directly at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com.

For more information about Buck Survival Knife and Small Gerber Knife Please visit: White Mountain Knives, LLC.