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Kershaw Ken Onion Tactical Blur Folding Knife with Speed Safe
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Kershaw Brand: Kershaw Model: 1670TBLKST Color: Black Product features: - Folding knife for outdoor adventures with partially serrated blade
- Blade made of premium 13C26 stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance
- Anodized aluminum handle with rough Trac-Tec material for a non-slip grip
- SpeedSafe assisted opening system for smooth, one-handed opening
- This item is not for sale in some specific zip codes
Accessories:
Sports reviews of Kershaw Ken Onion Tactical Blur Folding Knife with Speed SafeCustomer Review: Easily one of the best EDC values Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Like jumper cables, duct tape, or any of those ubiquitous domestic tools we all keep handy, the tanto Blur performs mundane functions reliably and efficiently. But a mundane tool it's not.
Out of the box (I have 7 or 8 Blurs in different blade configurations): Shaving sharp, precisely machined (no wobble; no tightening or loosening necessary), and backed by Kershaw's well-known reputation for above-and-beyond customer service. This knife at this price-point is an excellent value.
Blurs---like other Kershaws in this price range---definitely hold their own against Benchmade's "blue" line of blades, which usually cost 20%-30% more. I'm not bashing Benchmade by any means (I have a 551S in my pocket right now, and I love it); and I'm not suggesting the Kershaw offerings are superior; I'm just saying: The cost of a Kershaw is generally a virtue, not an indication of poor materials or fitment.
The tanto Blur's pleasing balance, in-line drop-point tip, and full-length hollow grind encourage control and precision for piercing, slashing, push-cuts, and short slices. The SV13C26 blade will make short work of typical cardboard, most ropes and twine, and that all-too-common "protective" plastic packaging. If configured with a combo edge, it'll also back-saw large bushes and woody vegetation with ease. The addition of serrations does take away a full half of the bottom straight edge, leaving not much more than an inch. But it's not likely to be space wasted if you intend to use the knife for everyday tasks, and no piercing power is sacrificed.
The tanto Blur does a respectable job of retaining its sharpness. An occasional two-second touch-up with a little fine-grit compound keeps the edge in shape. Just don't take too much metal off the tip. Unfortunately, while the full-length hollow grind gives the blade a shallow angle on both segments of the tanto edge, it also leaves the tip without much support. This is compensated for somewhat by the classic drop-point configuration of the spine, but don't bury this knife into tabletops, and don't try to use it as a cold chisel to pry your paint cans open. The tip will likely break in short order. If you want a comparably-priced folder that you could plunge straight through your monitor screen with complete confidence, consider something like the SOG Trident tanto, with its hollow-ground bottom edge and heavy, flat-ground tip. But that's another beast entirely.
SpeedSafe (Kershaw's assist implementation for this category) is just a rock-solid joy to use on all of the Blur models (Kershaw's impressive Shallot comes in a close second; SpeedSafe works great on that one too). You have no idea how fun AND functional the Blur SpeedSafe opening is until you try it for yourself. Smooth and super-fast, it's certainly as good as or better than the assist on any other folder I've ever held, no matter the price-point.
Like other Ken Onion knives, the attention to detail sets the Blur apart; e.g. the generous quillon and fat handle belly; a large choil/ricasso area that (combined with the SpeedSafe) makes it quite difficult to cut yourself closing the blade; the durable, comfortable, and highly-functional no-slip textured coating on the handle; the point-switchable pocket clip, the thick and obviously durable liner lock, etc., etc.
Any forward or reverse grip is comfortable, but there is no stop at the heel of the handle, and the thumb-ramp is somewhat slight. Nevertheless, the level of control provided still inspires confidence in my average-sized hands.
BOTTOM LINE: Kershaw has put together a high-quality product that easily provides the best overall value I've personally seen in this price range. 5 stars from me, without hesitation.
Description of Kershaw Ken Onion Tactical Blur Folding Knife with Speed SafeMost knife injuries occur because of a poor grip on the knife. Kershaw's Blur solves the problem with a unique handle that features advanced materials to ensure a safe, secure grip every time, even under extreme conditions. The Blur also features incredible, multi-tasking performance, the highest quality materials, and the kind of good looks knife users will be proud to own. For smooth, one-handed opening, all Blurs are SpeedSafer equipped. The Blur's 6061-T6 aluminum handle not only precisely fits the user's hand for a comfortable, secure fit, but Kershaw also CNC-machines each handle to accept textured Trac-Tec inserts for a secure grip. Features:SpeedSafe Assisted OpeningCoatingSerratedThumb StudPocket Clip Constructed of 13C26 stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance, Kershaw's Ken Onion Tactical Blur folding knife features a 3-3/8-inch partially serrated Tanto blade. Ideal for extreme or everyday situations, the Blur series offers power and performance. A lightweight anodized aluminum handle offers Trac-Tec inserts which provide a non-slip grip even in wet and slippery conditions. Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted opening system helps you to smoothly open the knife with a manual push on the blade's thumb stud or Index-Open system. SpeedSafe's torsion bar helps keep the knife closed, preventing it from being opened by accident. In order to open the knife, apply manual pressure to the thumb stud to overcome the resistance of the torsion bar. After the blade is out of the handle, the torsion bar moves along its track and takes over. The blade opens smoothly and locks into position, ready for use. About Kershaw Knives Since the company's founding in 1974, Kershaw Knives has been dedicated to quality that has led to a worldwide reputation for performance and innovation in tools and knives. From state-of-the-art manufacturing to advanced materials, customers rely on Kershaw for products that provide "technology with an edge." Today, Kershaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kai Corporation--for over 90 years. Japan's premier blade producer. Kai's innovative approach to product development has resulted in over 10,000 superior products.
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