![]() Some wonder if the Starter series could be the start of a larger migration toward lower-carbon steels in the overseas Kershaws. There has been forum drama about Kershaw’s use of 3Cr13. It is popular for dive knives because of very high corrosion resistance. Critics snark that 420J2 is “a liner steel not a blade steel.” While companies like Benchmade and CRKT have used 420J2 to make liners, there have been knives from Buck, CRKT, and others that employ it as a blade material. They have automotive-themed names, flippers, Speedsafe assisted opening, all-steel handle construction, a tumbled gray “Blackwash” oxide finish on all components, and blades made of 3Cr13 rather than the 8Cr13MoV traditionally found on Chinese Kershaws.įrom a steel chemistry standpoint, 3Cr13 is basically a Chinese analog of 420J2 in a relatively high carbon rendition of the latter steel. These knives – the Starter, Manifold, and the confusingly named Lifter and Filter-share many features. It was introduced in 2014 as part of KAI USA’s “Starter Series,” a group of larger knives that retail for less than $20 street price. The Manifold is a tactically styled budget EDC knife. In this review, the second of the pair, I’m going a step further to look at the Kershaw Manifold, a budget knife that features 3Cr13, a lower-carbon steel than we typically find from the better US folding knife brands. My bar is definitely low enough to enjoy some knives with 8Cr13MoV, the ubiquitous Chinese stainless found on a zillion modestly priced blades, such as the $15 Kershaw Crown that I praised here a few weeks ago. If so, here’s a question: How low are you willing to go? ![]() Maybe you are similarly open-minded about mid-tier steels (got to throw in some love for 14C28N). Among supersteels, the one I’ve appreciated the most is ZDP-189, which readers know is a Japanese material oriented to high sharpness. So VG-10 was once my most carried steel (so sad they disco’d that knife). I’m a mediocre sharpener who likes sharpness and doesn’t have a lot of time. The small lanyard makes it easier to find and extract from a pocket, pack, glove box, or anywhere else you need a reliable illumination tool.I’m not 100% on board with the supersteel arms race. This light comes ready for work with three included AAA batteries and the 9 individual LED bulbs put out a nice, bright white area beam. For convenient carrying, it also has a reversible, deep-carry pocket clip. ![]() The Swerve opens one-handed with either flipper or thumbstud. Kershaw's exclusive K-Texture on the handle enhances grip. A stonewashed finish hides scratches.įor a good grip, the Swerve has a contoured handle that swerves slightly to fit comfortably in the hand. Unusual jimping on the blade back adds style without being so aggressive that your thumb complains. 3Cr13MoV stainless steel makes the blade sturdy and offers good edge-holding capabilities. The extra-wide, drop-point blade offers excellent slicing and will handle just about any other kind of cutting task as well. ![]() Combined with tactical styling and a comfortable hand-fit, the FreeFall is an easy choice for tough piercing tasks as well as for every day carry. A screw on the knife butt enables you to mount the clip for left- or right-handed carry. The FreeFall also has a reversible and adjustable deep-carry pocket clip. The backspacer has a built-in lanyard hole that's wide enough to accommodate thicker lanyards. Heavy jimping on the blade back and on the lower part of the backspacer add to the grip power of this handsome knife. The handle is contoured to fit the palm and is partially embossed with Kershaw's K-Texture grip for an extra secure hold. The 3Cr13MoV stainless steel, featuring a tactical black finish, provides high performance at an affordable price. The tanto tip is flat-ground for strength. The blade is a modified tanto with a hollow-ground and slightly curved belly for versatile cutting. The Kershaw FreeFall is a tactically styled blade with a palm-gripping, ergonomic handle. Put one in your car and one in your pocket so you're never without one during the day. Both of these knives have ergonomic handles, smooth opening/closing action, are durable, and make great everyday carry blades. Then you get two awesome Kershaw knife models, the FreeFall and Swerve, with black coated blades, index flippers and manual opening actions. The LED flashlight runs off 3 AAA batteries (included), features a knurled black aluminum body and cord lanyard to easily find it in the pocket or in a bag. K3850PROMO: 3 Piece FreeFall, Swerve, LED Flashlight Combo SetĪvailable for a limited time, this Kershaw 3-Piece Combo Set is your way to maximize value and get three great Kershaw items for the price of one.
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