Best Kershaw Knife — Reviews of Top 9 Products

When it comes to pocket knives, my philosophies are simple and unadorned.

I don’t worry much about the knife as an art; I am content with the knife as a tool. I want a blade that will hold its edge, not its appraised value. That’s precisely why I am a big fan of Kershaw knives.

Kershaw has the smallest, lightest knife lineup that will get the job done effectively. They are your go-to knives when you have no affection for bulk knives that are hard to conceal.

With so many blades to choose from, selecting the best Kershaw knife can be a real challenge. But have no fear because I am here to help you make the perfect selection.

The Best Kershaw Knives Are:

Product	Details
1. Kershaw Blur 1670BLK Knife	Top Pick	Drop point blade shape SpeedSafe assisted opening Right handedness Dark coating finish Aircraft aluminum handle	Check Current Price
2. Kershaw Link 1776 Knife		Multiple variations are available 420HC stainless steel blade SpeedSafe assisted opening system Convenient reversible pocket clip Glass-filled nylon handle	Check Current Price
3. Kershaw Scallion 1620 Knife		High carbon 420HC stainless steel blade Compact and durable design Glass filled nylon handle SpeedSafe assisted opening system Secure dual blade locking system	Check Current Price
4. Kershaw Clash 1605 Pocket Knife		8CR13MOV stainless steel blade Liner locking mechanism SpeedSafe assisted opening system Reversible clip with ambidextrous flipper General all-purpose EDC knife	Check Current Price
5. Kershaw Knockout 1870 Knife		Three-position deep carry pocket clip Modified drop point blade Sub-frame lock SpeedSafe assisted opening Anodized aluminum handle	Check Current Price
6. Kershaw Leek 1660ST Pocket Knife		Three-inch modified drop point blade Stainless steel handle Ambidextrous SpeedSafe assisted opening Partial serration Frame lock and reversible pocket clip	Check Current Price
7. Kershaw Brawler 1990 Knife		8CR13MOV stainless steel blade Glass-filled nylon handle SpeedSafe assisted opening 4-position pocket clip Secure liner lock system	Check Current Price
8. Kershaw Cinder 1025X Knife		High performance 3cr13 stainless steel blade Glass-filled nylon compact handle Upswept tip blade style Bottle opener and key chain accessory Integrated finger grooves	Check Current Price
9. Kershaw Select Fire 1920 Knife		8cr13mov stainless steel blade Textured glass-filled nylon handle Onboard accessories included Liner lock system Manual opening with thumb stud	Check Current Price

1. Kershaw Blur 1670BLK Knife — Overall Best

The Kershaw Blur 1670BLK looks unlike any other cutter you’ve ever owned, and it can outperform most of them and it opens easily and quickly.

This amazing knife is crafted from stainless steel, which is great because this material is more durable as well as long-lasting.

It is fitted with a DLC coated handle that is reinforced with an inset liner lock to provide extra strength, added safety, and improved durability.

I really appreciate the reversible pocket clip design of the knife, considering how easy it is to change the tip position of the blade for quick storage.

Another good feature is the SpeedSafe assisted opening system, which allows for fast deployment by simply applying manual pressure to the thumb stud.

What I don’t like; however, is the fact that you can receive an everyday carry (EDC) model that has a defective liner lock. This can be a significant safety hazard.

Conclusion

When you consider all the knives from this brand, this one is the overall best Kershaw knife for everyday carry. Not to mention that it is probably the sharpest model you have ever used.

Overall Rating – 4.8

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Kershaw Link 1776 Knife — Highest Performing Steel Blade

If you are looking for an EDC knife that has multiple variations for preference and the highest performing steel blade, look no further than the Kershaw Link 1776.

The Kershaw Link 1776 features assisted opening with a flipper, which is great because it allows for effortless one-handed opening.

I am particularly impressed by the quality of the 420HC stainless steel blade, which provides remarkable wear resistance and edge holding capabilities.

The knife is fitted with a glass-filled nylon handle, which provides remarkable stiffness for a very secure and comfortable grip.

I really appreciate the reversible pocket clip on this edge tool, considering how easy and nicely it slides on and off my pocket.

But the thing is, you may receive a model with a flawed locking mechanism that may fail to open fully and secure the blade properly.

Conclusion

This is a high-quality edge tool that offers great ergonomics, great action, and a considerably long service life at a good price point.

Overall Rating – 4.8

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Kershaw Scallion 1620 Knife — Best Compact Design

Are you looking for a convenient everyday carry knife that’s designed to deliver the best cutting performance? Look no further than the Kershaw Scallion 1620.

The Kershaw Scallion 1620 has a high carbon 420HC stainless blade with a bead blasted finish, which is great because it provides excellent edge retention.

The amazing blade comes in a drop point style, this convex curve of the spine towards the edge of the knife adds strength to the tip for effective slicing.

I really appreciate the glass-filled nylon handle, given the fact that it provides excellent grip when performing cutting and daily utility tasks.

This everyday knife has a one-position clip for pocket carry and a pre-drilled hole near the butt that allows you to attach a thong or a lanyard.

But the thing is, the knife may be too stiff for some users to open fully and safely, which may present a safety hazard to some users.

Conclusion

The drop point blade style comes remarkably sharp for cutting, slashing, and stabbing. But I wish it had a deep carry clip.

Overall Rating – 4.8

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Kershaw Clash 1605 Pocket Knife — Easiest Folding Mechanism

This edge tool is a great budget utility knife that is made with lightweight materials in a smart design that’s perfect for everyday carry and common tasks.

The blade has drop point shape made from 8CR13MOV stainless steel blade with great properties for its low cost.

The drop point design has a large belly, which is a great feature because it provides point strength that is ideal for slicing.

It comes equipped with Kershaw’s flagship SpeedSafe assisted opening design, which allows for fast, secure, and smooth one-handed blade deployment.

The flipper fin has jimping along the edge for a bit of extra finger purchase, which provides a superior grip on the tool beyond the bolster.

This amazing edge tool has great value, except that some models may feature a defective locking mechanism.

Conclusion

The Kershaw Clash 1605 offers a unique cutting performance and durability. It is an ideal choice for hunting, farming, fishing, and climbing.

Overall Rating – 4.7

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Kershaw Knockout 1870 Knife — Best Drop Point Blade Style

Whether you tackle your daily grind or navigating outdoors, the Kershaw Knockout 1870 Knife is the ideal choice, for all your slicing, cutting, and dicing.

The Kershaw Knockout 1870 has a unique sub-frame lock, which is a great feature because it is much stronger on the compact design.

I really appreciate the modified drop point blade in which the edge curves up and the spine curves down, providing you with a great tip for detailed work.

The blade is made of Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel for superior cutting strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

Another good feature that comes with this knife is the three-position deep carry pocket clip, which is easy to access and hard to see when clipped deep in your pocket.

What seems to be off about this model is the poor durability of the blade, which might give in and break after some time.

Conclusion

This knife comes highly recommended with its sub-frame lock, modified drop point blade, SpeedSafe assisted opening, and deep carry pocket clip.

Overall Rating – 4.7

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Kershaw Leek 1660ST Pocket Knife — Best Frame Lock

The Kershaw Leek 1660ST comes with a fantastic design. With slim handles and a narrow blade, it makes a highly refined EDC knife.

The blade has a modified drop point design with a very acute point, which is great because it’s going to pierce very well when opening packages and envelopes among other things.

The SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism has been a key part of the brand, and Kershaw knows how to dial it in for super-fast deployment.

The blade can be opened either with the small thumb studs or with a press on the flipper tab, which also creates a nice small finger guard when it’s opened.

Another good feature is the tip lock slider, which helps prevent the blade from opening accidentally when it’s in your pocket.

My only disappointment is the quality of the stainless steel parts. They eventually get rust spots, which is quite disappointing.

Conclusion

This is a pretty good edge tool for the price. It can take a beating when cutting and piercing and it will still suffice.

Overall Rating – 4.7

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

7. Kershaw Brawler 1990 Knife — Best Value Model

This is the best value Kershaw EDC knife that’s smooth to open and close. You will be particularly impressed by the sharpness of the blade out of the box.

The handle is made of injected glass-filled nylon, which is great because this material adds a lot of strength for tackling tough cutting jobs.

The three-inch tanto style blade is crafted from 8cr13mov stainless steel, which has amazing corrosion resistance and edge retention capabilities.

Like most Kershaw knives, the Brawler can be opened with small thumb studs or by pressing the flipper tab.

What really takes my breath away is the 4-way clip design, considering that you have four orientations with which you can carry the knife.

But the thing is, the thumb studs are poorly positioned because they are too close to the handle, making them a bit challenging to use.

Conclusion

For the money, the Kershaw Brawler is a great buy. It is a great budget choice for backpackers, landscapers, anglers, and hunters.

Overall Rating – 4.6

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

8. Kershaw Cinder 1025X Knife — Best Compact Model

If you are looking for a compact knife that is packed with unique features, look no further than the Kershaw Cinder 1025X.

This is a very small pocket knife with a total length of 2-5/8-inches when closed, which is a great choice for those looking for a compact edge tool.

I really appreciate the superior quality of the 3cr13 stainless blade, considering that it has good edge holding capability and corrosion resistance.

The 1.4-inch upswept tip blade style offers more edge area for opening packages, breaking down boxes, cutting zip ties, and stripping wire.

Another good feature is the inclusion of a bottle cap opener and key chain accessories, which make the Kershaw Cinder a very versatile choice.

My only frustration is the lack of a flipper tab for opening the blade. The thumb stud works just fine, but it is likely to pop out after some time.

Conclusion

The knife is surely small, but its compact size is what makes it interesting. Not to mention that it comes equipped with a bottle opener and key chain accessory.

Overall Rating – 4.6

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

9. Kershaw Select Fire 1920 Knife — Most Versatile Design

Are you looking for the most versatile mini edge tools? Look no further than the Kershaw Select Fire 1920.

The blade is crafted from 8cr13mov stainless steel, which is a decent quality material that can withstand all-purpose outdoor use.

The handle is integrated with textured glass-filled nylon grooves that not only improve strength, but also provide you with a strong grip for consistent use.

I really appreciate the onboard hex drive, two crosshead bits, and two flathead bits, making it a highly versatile option for the money.

But the thing is, the Kershaw Select Fire doesn’t come with manual opening with a thumb stud. This may require a little bit of muscle to open.

Conclusion

This is a highly versatile and multi-function knife for different types of applications. But you will have to get used to the manual opening system.

Overall Rating – 4.4

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Buying Guide: What To Consider When Buying Kershaw Knives

If you have gone through our top Kershaw knife reviews and you’re still not sure which model is best for your application, don’t worry.

In this section (our buyer’s guide), we will provide you with all the information you need to make the best selection. Here are the key factors that you need to take into account.

Blade Tip: Drop Point Vs Clip Point

The first point of contention when selecting Kershaw knives is the blade tip style. Here is the thing, both clip point and drop point Kershaw knives are good all-purpose types. The acutely pointed tip of a clip point is suitable for delicate cutting.

A drop point blade has a large belly, making it ideal for tackling tough cutting jobs, such as slicing and piercing. Also, a drop point blade provides superior control compared to a clip point.

Opening Mechanism

One of the key factors that separates Kershaw knives is the opening mechanism. There are basically three types of mechanisms you will come across: manual, assisted, and automatic opening.

Manual Opening

The deployment system of this type of knife is manual. There’s a pivoting area that allows the blade to swing out of the handle. Kershaw includes a thumb stud pushing the blade open.

The main advantage of this type of deployment is fewer moving parts, which means you don’t have to worry about a spring system that could wear out with time. But the thing is, manual deployment can be challenging in self-defense and other applications that require quick deployment.

Assisted Opening

The flagship opening system of most Kershaw knives is the SpeedSafe assisted opening system. Ken Onion developed the SpeedSafe assisted opening to remedy the slow deployment issues of a manual open system.

The SpeedSafe assisted opening technology allows for impressive one-handed operation. But this system is not the most reliable long-term. Why? Because anything that uses a spring to make open can break or get clogged with pocket junk. So, it might fail to open when you need it the most.

Automatic Opening

Kershaw has emerged with a new type of blade opening mechanism, the automatic opening system. This mechanism is featured in Kershaw launch series of knives.

The best Kershaw Launch 1 review reveals that the knife doesn’t need assistance of any kind to deploy the blade. All you have to do is press a button and the blade will be deployed automatically.

Most automatics or switchblade may fail to lock the blade when you close the knife and the coil spring could easily break.

What Different Lock Types Are Available?

The next important distinguishing factor is locking mechanism. There are quite a few of them featured in Kershaw knives: frame lock, liner lock, sub-frame lock, and tip lock.

Liner Lock

This lock has a side-mounted spring lock that butts up against the tang of the blade to prevent it from closing. It can be opened and closed with one hand, making it one of the easiest locking mechanisms for inexperienced users.

Frame Lock

This lock type is very similar to the liner lock mechanism. This mechanism features a lock bar that pinches the blade from moving forward once opened. There is a stop pin that prevents the blade from moving backward. The blade is impeded from moving side to side by the handles.

Sub-Frame Lock

This is one of the most popular locking mechanisms that features an inverted liner lock. The liner is usually thick, while the scale is very thin. The scale has a cutout that allows you access to the lock.

Tip Lock

Another unique locking mechanism found on Kershaw Leek and Kershaw Scallion knives. It is made up of a tip lock slider that prevents the blade from opening accidentally when the knife is not in use.

Does Size Matter When Choosing A Kershaw Knife?

Matching the size of your knife to your main EDC cutting jobs is important. A small Kershaw knife may fit well in your pocket, but may not stand up to heavy use. A larger knife may be great for tough utility cutting, but may not be the best choice for fine detail work.

What Comfort Features Does It Come With?

It goes without saying that all Kershaw knives are designed to be comfortable. But for one reason or the other, one model will be comfier than the other.

A comfortable knife always comes with an ergonomically designed handle. One of the most popular materials used by Kershaw to improve grip performance and strength is glass-filled nylon scales.

When you consider to buy a Kershaw knife with the SpeedSafe assisted opening technology, make sure the thumb studs are strategically positioned for ease of pushing. Also, the flipper tab should be super smooth to push.

Which Pocket Clip Carry Is The Best?

There are various pocket clip types you will come across when selecting a quality Kershaw knife, which include: regular, deep carry, mini deep carry, milled, carabiner, and wire. The most popular ones featured in Kershaw knives are regular, deep carry, and mini deep carry.

A mini deep carry pocket clip keeps the knife a little bit lower into your pocket, providing you with more concealment. A deep carry pocket clip is the real deal because the knife is tucked securely down into your pocket or waist for maximum concealment.

Final Thoughts

The resourceful buying tips and detailed reviews of this buying guide will most certainly help you choose a Kershaw knife that’s suitable for your application and budget.

What I would like to insist on is that not all Kershaw knives perform the same. Some are better than others in quality, versatility, and durability.

In case you are undecided about which product to choose among our top nine reviews, we recommend the Kershaw Blur 1670BLK Knife.

It is the best performing, easiest to deploy and lock, and has remarkable edge holding capabilities. Not to mention that the drop point design does a great job of slicing and piercing.