Kershaw Shallot.
Dec 18, 2014 4:59:13 GMT
Post by Adrian Jordan on Dec 18, 2014 4:59:13 GMT
Introduction:
Ahoy! Today I'm going to share my new-ish Kershaw Shallot. It is one of the venerable Ken Onion line of Kershaw blades, including the Chive, Scallion, Leek, and this, the Shallot. I cannot say that I've wanted this one forever. As a matter of fact, I always found this one to be a little ugly in photos. Then I saw a review of the "Damascus" version, and I re-evaluated my opinion. I've got to say, I wish I hadn't written this pup off for so long.
I bought this bad boy used(like new) from Amazon for the low-low price of $35.25 shipped. It came quickly, and is in practically new condition. However, they shipped it with the knife outside of the box, free in a larger box of other items. No damage was done to the knife or other items, but I found it annoying as sh#t, hahaha.
Full Disclosure:
I bought this knife used, thus at a discounted price. I do not have any affiliation with the manufacturer or seller.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 3 and 1/2"
Blade Material: 14c28n Sanvik
Handle Length: 4 and 11/16"
Handle Material: 410 Stainless Steel
Weight: 4.4oz
Country of Manufacture: USA
Initial Impressions:
Pretty sweet!
Blade/Opening:
The blade is made of 14c28n Sandvik stainless steel. It is 3 and 1/2" long measured from the beginning of the edge(I took the measurement from here as the handle is steeply angled on each side of the blade). It is a modified clip-point shape, is very sharp and has a nice little belly for smooth slicing action. It has a nice, even satin finish.
Opening is achieved via flipper. There are no thumb-studs, which suits me just fine. The lack of studs lends to the flowing lines of the knife.
Handle/Lockup:
The handle is made of 410 stainless steel, and has a satin finish and black torx screws. It has very nice, flowing lines with pretty good ergonomics. I really like the swell at the blade, which is in line with the flipper when the blade is open to create a nice little choil. The pocket-clip is identical to the one used on all the Ken Onion blades from Kershaw, is oriented for right-hand only, tip up or down carry, and is fairly perfect in retention. This knife is a mostly closed back design, with a black spacer. There is a small lanyard hole at the bottom of the handle.
Lockup is achieved via frame-lock. Very sturdy, and lockup is timed just right, but is somewhat stiff.
Centering is very good.
Jimping:
Very light jimping on the thumb-ramp and choil area. Nearly useless, hahaha.
Final Thoughts:
It's a very nice knife. The ergonomics are great, the flowing design is attractive, and the blade is sharp and well-designed for the duty it was created for. I love the flipper design, and combined with the Kershaw Speedsafe assist it opens easily and in a flash. I find 14c28n to be a fantastic steel for light-to-moderate use, which is where this blade lives. While this model suffers from the same handle-slickness that most metal framed knives do, the choil is great for blocking your hand from slipping forward onto the blade. It rides well in the pocket. It is not totally unnoticeable like the Leek, but is not bulky like the Blur.
This model wont be knocking my beloved Leek off its pedestal any time soon, but it is very good in its own right.
For the pittance I paid, I would surely buy this knife again. At full price(around $50-$55), I would likely opt for the tungsten-coated version to help alleviate the slickness of the handle. I might also elect for the partially serrated version.
Thanks for reading, and please feel free to comment or question. And for the love of God, karma me! KARMA...PLEASE! How can I properly measure my own self-worth without SBG karma points! Can't you see what you are doing to me!?!
Ahoy! Today I'm going to share my new-ish Kershaw Shallot. It is one of the venerable Ken Onion line of Kershaw blades, including the Chive, Scallion, Leek, and this, the Shallot. I cannot say that I've wanted this one forever. As a matter of fact, I always found this one to be a little ugly in photos. Then I saw a review of the "Damascus" version, and I re-evaluated my opinion. I've got to say, I wish I hadn't written this pup off for so long.
I bought this bad boy used(like new) from Amazon for the low-low price of $35.25 shipped. It came quickly, and is in practically new condition. However, they shipped it with the knife outside of the box, free in a larger box of other items. No damage was done to the knife or other items, but I found it annoying as sh#t, hahaha.
Full Disclosure:
I bought this knife used, thus at a discounted price. I do not have any affiliation with the manufacturer or seller.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 3 and 1/2"
Blade Material: 14c28n Sanvik
Handle Length: 4 and 11/16"
Handle Material: 410 Stainless Steel
Weight: 4.4oz
Country of Manufacture: USA
Initial Impressions:
Pretty sweet!
Blade/Opening:
The blade is made of 14c28n Sandvik stainless steel. It is 3 and 1/2" long measured from the beginning of the edge(I took the measurement from here as the handle is steeply angled on each side of the blade). It is a modified clip-point shape, is very sharp and has a nice little belly for smooth slicing action. It has a nice, even satin finish.
Opening is achieved via flipper. There are no thumb-studs, which suits me just fine. The lack of studs lends to the flowing lines of the knife.
Handle/Lockup:
The handle is made of 410 stainless steel, and has a satin finish and black torx screws. It has very nice, flowing lines with pretty good ergonomics. I really like the swell at the blade, which is in line with the flipper when the blade is open to create a nice little choil. The pocket-clip is identical to the one used on all the Ken Onion blades from Kershaw, is oriented for right-hand only, tip up or down carry, and is fairly perfect in retention. This knife is a mostly closed back design, with a black spacer. There is a small lanyard hole at the bottom of the handle.
Lockup is achieved via frame-lock. Very sturdy, and lockup is timed just right, but is somewhat stiff.
Centering is very good.
Jimping:
Very light jimping on the thumb-ramp and choil area. Nearly useless, hahaha.
Final Thoughts:
It's a very nice knife. The ergonomics are great, the flowing design is attractive, and the blade is sharp and well-designed for the duty it was created for. I love the flipper design, and combined with the Kershaw Speedsafe assist it opens easily and in a flash. I find 14c28n to be a fantastic steel for light-to-moderate use, which is where this blade lives. While this model suffers from the same handle-slickness that most metal framed knives do, the choil is great for blocking your hand from slipping forward onto the blade. It rides well in the pocket. It is not totally unnoticeable like the Leek, but is not bulky like the Blur.
This model wont be knocking my beloved Leek off its pedestal any time soon, but it is very good in its own right.
For the pittance I paid, I would surely buy this knife again. At full price(around $50-$55), I would likely opt for the tungsten-coated version to help alleviate the slickness of the handle. I might also elect for the partially serrated version.
Thanks for reading, and please feel free to comment or question. And for the love of God, karma me! KARMA...PLEASE! How can I properly measure my own self-worth without SBG karma points! Can't you see what you are doing to me!?!