5 Great New Kershaw Knives for under $50

KAI Cutlery, parent of Shun, Zero Tolerance and Kershaw Knives has decades of experience in providing top quality products for every consumer market point.  Kershaw released over 40 new products this year, and here’s our top 5 choices for under $50

#5 – Kershaw 3840 FreeFall

#4 – Kershaw 3850 Swerve – Similar to the 3840 Freefall, the 3850 Swerve has a broad drop point blade.

#3 – Kershaw 1556Ti Cryo II – Product variant of the 1555Ti Cryo, the Cyro II is larger but still retains the impressive heavy duty work aesthetic.

#2 – Kershaw 3890 Scrambler – Designed by RJ Martin, the Scrambler retains the custom knife coolness without forcing you to spend hundreds of dollars

#1 – Kershaw 3880 Thermite – The most popular of the new Kershaw offerings that we’ve seen thus far, the Thermite by Rick Hinderer is a runaway hit.  This is seriously the best bang for the buck out there right now – G10 handle, slim profile, Speed-Safe opening with flipper or thumbstuds, multi position pocket clip and Hinderer design all combine to make this a must have for a smart shopper. 

Finally, this list wouldn’t be complete without this honorable mention:

Kershaw 1660SWBLK – Kershaw discontinued the G10 Leek last year and it left a hole in the product line in our opinion. I wish that the 1660SWBLK was offered in S30V still, but the stonewash blade finish is much better than bead blasting. Truly an improvement over the standard 1660 Leek

We’ve Moved!

UPDATE – We’re having issues with sending confirmation emails and backorder notices through the order management software. It’s not liking the AT&T setup for some reason. We’re working to resolve it

Phones and internet have come up today, but we’re still waiting on the toll free to transfer over.

Please note: The 502-671-5510 number is temporarily inop until VoIP gets ported over correctly. For now, we’ve got some temporary local numbers –

  • 502-581-8286
  • 502-581-8287
  • 502-581-8288
  • 502-581-8289

Photos of the showroom work in progress right now: 

Yeah, it’s a mess!  But, we’re here and we’re unpacking.

Local customers, please note our new address:

921 Barret Ave
Louisville KY 40204

We’re Moving!

We will be moving to a new shop effective June 1.

Our new address will be:

921 Barret Ave
Louisville KY 40204

Google map: http://goo.gl/maps/TOayV

There will be a small period of downtime as we move.  Our phone system will be down from Friday, May 31 until Monday June 3.  We should be back open for normal business at that time. Our toll free number will remain the same, however our local numbers may change until they full transition through the cloud.

Local customers: We will be packing up from now until the move date.  We will attempt to serve you as best as we can during this time.

Web customers, orders will be filled until Thursday May 30 and then will ship again as soon as we have internet access at our new location.

Thanks for your continued business!

Recommendations: Folding Knives under $100 (Work & Utility)

Following on the heels of my previous posting, “What’s the Best [Whatever]?” I figured maybe I should post a few things that I like to recommend to customers.

Top Recommendation: Benchmade 550HG Griptilian.

Pros: The Griptilian is like a Toyota pickup truck: It’s going to function even if you abuse the heck out of it. Consistent attention to detail and quality of manufacture. It’s reliable, easy to use, ergonomic, and suits pretty much everyone. The back of the blade is curved, which allows you to put your index finger atop it, resulting in precise control during fine cutting. As a lefty, the fact that it’s completely ambidextrous with a reversible pocket clip is another huge bonus.
Cons: The Griptilian was introduced around 10 years ago. It’s popular for a reason, but there are better steels and handle materials available these days, especially for the price.  The comfortable ergonomic hand swells make this a pretty thick knife to carry.  On the other hand, if the full size 550HG is too big, consider the Mini Griptilian 555HG instead.

More information here, along with additional product options: http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/benchmade-550-griptilian.html

Number #2: Kershaw S30V Blur

Pros: The “upgunned” version of the standard Kershaw Blur, this model has a blade made out of S30V stainless, a premium grade steel from Crucible.  Stonewashed finish blade is scratch resistant and extremely good looking.  Assisted opening with dual thumbstuds, you can easily open this knife with either hand. Locking liner is mechanically simple. Traction tape inserts on the handle ensure a solid grip, and the handle itself is a pretty slim profile; while wide the handle is not very thick so it carries comfortably.
Cons: Assisted Opening knives are considered switchblades in some areas (Massachusetts in particular) so be careful when carrying and check your local laws.  Pocket clip cannot be reversed,

Number 3: Kershaw Junkyard Dog II Composite Blade

Pros: This knife is beefy.  The D2 cutting edge and softer spine are both attractive and allow for massive cutting performance. Flat G10 handle slabs are very ergonomic. Flipper on the blade allows easy ambidextrous opening. Deep index finger choil for secure grip along with textured G10 handle scales means confidence when cutting.
Cons: Pocket clip is not reversible.  Flipper is only means of opening, so if you prefer thumbstuds this isn’t for you, but I don’t mind.

More information here:
http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/kershaw-1725cb-junkyard-dog-2-composite-blade.html

Fourth Choice: Spyderco Endura 10PBK

Pros: There’s a reason why this knife has been around for decades, and it’s because it works and works well.  Super flat design. Ambidextrous opening with the thumbhole – easy for men, women, people wearing gloves.  Ambidextrous pocket clip.  Great shape for slicing.
Cons: FRN handle might be too slim for some.  If this model is too large for you overall, check out the Delica!

More info here:
http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/spyderco-10pbk-endura-4-plain.html

Fifth Choice: Buck Vantage Force Pro

Pros: The Vantage Force Pro is a newer offering from Buck – S30V blade steel makes it a winner, especially with the contoured and scupltured G10 handle scales. Available in multiple colors and finishes, but I’m partial to the Stonewashed Blade with OD Green handles.
Cons: Medium thickness locking liner – could be much more robust.  Thumb hole is not friendly for some people.

More info here:
http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/buck-knives-847ods-vantage-force-marine-od-green-pro-s30v.html

Benchmade Volli Axis Assist models arriving

Benchmade 1000001 Volli Axis Assit
Benchmade 1000001 Volli Axis Assit

We’ve gotten our first shipment of the Benchmade 1000001 Volli Axis Assist models and they are very impressive. S30V blades in a nice utility drop point shape, high flat ground bevels. Very slim profile sculptured G10 handles.  This knife is going to be a favorite for people looking for a nice quality utility folder.

In a surprising turn of events, Benchmade has decided to switch the SKUs on this knife. The new SKU lineup is as follows:

We apologize for any confusion this may cause.