I was asked if we’ve got a top Kershaw knives round up by a reader the other day, and since we haven’t yet gotten one up, here we are.
Kershaw is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of knives, and frankly, if you are reading this, I very much doubt you haven’t owned one – let alone handled one of their designs.
Kershaw historically did a mixed bag of design. In fact, I even still own a Kershaw Gulch, which if you are new to knives, will not look anything to you like a stereotypical “Kershaw” style knife.
It’s easy to dismiss Kershaw as that company that does modern flippers (though that’s also true), but it would be a mistake. Kershaw has had a long history of putting out interesting knives, way before flippers came into play. In my opinion, along with Gerber, I think Kershaw has put out some of the sexiest vintage knives around. Check out the Kershaw 1050 on eBay (pretty much the only place you will be able to snag one up) and tell me that knife is not a beauty!
In any case, Kershaw certainly doesn’t need me to stick up for them. Over the past 20 years, they have made a lot of waves in the cutlery world, with critically acclaimed innovations like the Speedsafe assisted opening system. They’ve also helped considerably in making flippers genuinely accessible to the mainstream – which is something all knife aficionados should be thankful for!
When I think Kershaw, I think flipper, and for good reason – no manufacturer (correct me if I’m wrong in the comments) makes as many flippers as Kershaw. In my opinion they have really nailed the mechanism. My first flipper was a Kershaw (I think it was a Leek) and admittedly I was unsure about the whole concept – flipper + spring assist? Totally foreign concept for someone who used to EDC Spydercos 24/7. But here we are. It’s 2017, and after doing quite a few reviews, I think it’s fair to say I am a convert to the Kershaw fan club, and you should be too.
Kershaw’s consistency cannot be faulted. I know when I pull down the flipper of my Link – the blade will fire right out like a bat out of hell. Same with any other Kershaw flipper I own.
First time, every time. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Top 5 Best Kershaw Knives
1. Kershaw Blur
I know, I know, many people in the comments will be outraged that I didn’t pick the Skyline as the #1 Kershaw knife (make your own list!), and will be annoyed that I didn’t even pick a flipper in the #1 spot, but honestly, I love my Blur. Regardless of performance or bang-for-buck, some knives you just love, and this is one of them for me.
The Blur has fantastic fit and finish and a very solid, comforting feel. It’s hard to put into words, but to me, it’s in the same category as my CRKT Hissatsu. It’s a knife I simply will never get rid of and is easily in my top 5 models from any manufacturer. Solid design with “just right” everything. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the thumb stud, but the Speedsafe spring assisted system makes deployment a breeze, and you guys all know I love my nested liner lock folders.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Blur
2. Kershaw/Emerson CQC-6K
When Ernie first announced his collaboration with Kershaw, I was stunned. These are legit Emerson designs with great manufacturing from Kershaw at an obscenely low price point. I promise I am not sponsored by Kershaw, but with the amount of praise I showered on this knife when I reviewed it, I should be.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K
3. Kershaw Leek
In my opinion, the classic flipper. I absolutely love mine even though it’s a touch heavy relative to its cutting power, but nonetheless it has a super, super acute needlepoint blade which is remarkable as manufacturers tend to avoid true needlepoints due to them snapping off during hard use, and thus having to deal with endless warranty issues. If you haven’t owned a real needlepoint before, you need to. Absolutely love it. A real modern classic.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Leek
4. Kershaw Link
Bang for buck, I reckon this is the best Kershaw. Super sexy design with high performance blade, super nice flipping action with the Speedsafe system, and feels like a knife that should cost $100! Oh, and did I mentioned it’s USA-made? No one does bang for buck like Kershaw and this is the perfect example.
I’d recommend getting the aluminum blackwash version that I got. Much better feel.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Link
5. Kershaw Dividend
Full disclosure, I haven’t received mine in the mail yet (damn you Atlantic ocean!) but I already know it’s a winner. Besides, this guy said it was a real winner and I trust his opinion to a fault.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Kershaw Link Assisted Open Folding Flipper Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ
More Excellent Kershaw Options? Other Worthy Contenders
1. Kershaw Skyline
Yes, it’s super popular and for good reason. Great utility/all around EDC flipper and made in the USA to boot. Great, solid knife that is almost universally loved.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
2. Kershaw/Emerson CQC-10K
Almost full size Emerson for sub $40. Couple that with one of the sexiest blades I have seen – I know it’s at the top of my list to review this year. I really love what Ernie & Kershaw are doing together, and you should too.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Emerson CQC-10K
3. Kershaw Cinder
I own a few of the lil’ knives (they cost less than $10 each!) and I think they’re pretty much the best key chain knife currently on the market. I wish the steel was better for the sake of edge retention, but let’s be real, you are not going to use a knife this size to cut mounds of cardboard. This is a solid little tyke with a good lockup and great ergonomics with size taken into account.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. Kershaw Cryo 2
Extremely popular design. Very low entry price point with solid performance and great durability. If I had to have 1 knife for rough work (think along the lines of cutting dry wall) I think this would be it. I don’t know how it could possibly get damaged and the Speedsafe assist will make sure the blade flies out even if the knife is all gunked up. Great beater option.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Cryo II
5. Kershaw Camp 14
Full tang, carbon steel blade that happens to measure 14 inches long. One hell of a lightweight chopper with great reach. I like to think of it as a North American machete – better on thicker branches, but still lightweight enough to wield all day. I know a lot of you didn’t like the Gerber Parang (I loved it, sorry), but I think this is a solid alternative.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
6. Kershaw Volt
I gave this to a friend of mine who EDCed it for over 2 years. This friend happens to work in construction cutting drywall and does pretty tricky things with it, every single day. This is the knife that made me realize how great the Speedsafe assisted opening system is. If you work in a dirty environment where you need to whip out a knife and cut stuff roughly all the time, this is one of the best options you’ve got. The blade never stopped for a break and to this day it’s still working away like a champ. Dependable to a T.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Volt
7. Kershaw Thermite
As far as I know, the Thermite is now discontinued – which is a damn shame. But fear not, as it’s still available if you hunt stores (especially on eBay), the Thermite is a legit Hinderer design with amazing ergonomics. Photographs just don’t do the knife justice. When I first handled it, I was shocked. The grip is so natural that I really couldn’t believe it. Rick designed a real winner here and I really wish Kershaw kept this one in production!
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Thermite
8. Kershaw Injection
Super affordable Rexford design which is beautifully minimalist with very nice 3D machined G-10 scales. Very impressive and when I say affordable, I’m talking sub $20 here.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
9. Kershaw Secret Agent
Alright, the Secret Agent is basically the sort of knife I would own for collection purposes only. I dig it because it’s badass and everyone should own something this fun. This is a legit dagger, not a knife, but a dagger. I like to think of it as a modern take on the Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
10. Kershaw Chill
I am a huge fan of this knife as you know if you have read my review. It’s particularly interesting as it’s an extremely affordable flipper and yet doesn’t have the Speedsafe system. A spring assist flipper will allow you to have looser tolerances and still have a perfectly functional knife so I am very impressed with Kershaw for creating a legit manual flipper that actually works at such a low price point. The detent is solid and its sleekness/portability is best in class. Pound for pound, you get a lot with this flipper.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Chill
11. Kershaw Launch 3
The Launch 3 is sadly a knife I will never own. The UK does not allow me to play with fun things like automatic knives because it’s a nanny state and thus I am forced to live vicariously through other people who can buy it. So why is it on this list? Just look at it. It’s probably the prettiest automatic (sorry not sorry Microtech), and I want it.
12. Kershaw Shuffle
Full disclosure; I am not the biggest fan of this knife but my better half is. Elise loves this little tyke, and admittedly, it is extremely functional and very cute with solid performance relative to size.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Shuffle
Kershaw Blur Ken Onion Folding EDC Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ
Interestingly Weird Options: Coolest Quirky Kershaws Around
I had to add these to the list somehow because they are just too damn cool looking to be forgotten, even if they are not top-list worthy compared to the knives listed above.
1. Kershaw Sinkevich Pub
What on earth where you thinking Dmitry? This is one of the weirdest looking little-big knives I have seen. Not only that, it’s technically a multi-tool as it features a bottle opener and a screwdriver. If you want a really quirky EDC, this is it.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Pub
2. Kershaw Barge
A lot of knife companies add a vague prybar shape to the butt of their knife. Thus so far, I think only Kershaw has gone full tilt and actually added a legit prybar function. And when I say prybar, I mean it. This is a chunky steel prybar that extends way beyond the scales. No excuse to use your blade for prying now, aye?
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
3. Kershaw Camp 12
Clearly a chopper designed by someone who wanted maximum chopping power, aesthetics be damned. It’s a brute of a blade and this makes me like it. Like an ugly, loyal dog that you can’t help but love.
Kershaw Cryo 2 Assisted Opening Folding Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ
What Are Your Favourite Kershaws?
Your turn to chime in now!
What do you think deserve to be the top 5 Kershaw knives? Time to make your own list and rattle it off to me in the comments.
Any cool offerings you’ve seen from Kershaw in the past that I’ve forgot to mention? Let me know about those, too.
Don’t hold back! Leave your opinions in the comments.
re: kershaw dividend; neither the link you provided nor a search of his archives turn up any remarks on that item.
it has been released in a sprint run with m390. i like it very much.
We do the best we can to keep the links updated but sadly with the sheer amount of content we have on the site, it would be a full time job. :(
I’ve sent this to Elise to see whats up with the divident, thanks mate!
I have 3 Chills and one Leek (had a $50 coupon and it was $50). One Chive, too.
Which do you prefer between the Chill and Leek? Similar size but very different feel and mechanism.
The Chill. Low cost, slick flipper, thin, and I like the way it looks. Standard jacket pocket carry.
Love the Chill, greatly undervalued flipper in my opinion.
I absolutely love it. It’s a smaller gentlemans type but it fits my needs most days.
Agreed, I think Kershaw excel at the smaller stuff to be honest, have you checked out the Kershaw Cinder?
The Kershaw Splinter (discontinued) designed by Ken Onion is one of my all time favorite knives!
Now that is a weird looking folder! From what I can tell, the scales attach on top and the frame hangs off- is it comfortable?
Thomas, if you recall, a while back I tweeted about my favorite “Little” Kershaw knife – the 1313BLK.
Although it’s tiny (not as tiny as the Cinder – which I also have) it is a solid knife. I carry it everywhere. And boy does it come in handy. It has proven to be much more useful than I anticipated.
It has remained rock solid, no need to tighten it and it holds an edge very well.
If you ever get around to doing a post on the Best Tiny Knives be sure to include it!
Hey Jim,
Yeah I saw the Kershaw Spoke but I have yet to ever handle it in real life. That blade looks super useful (great grind profile)- glad to hear its holding up. The budget Kershaw’s are really kicking ass over the past 5 years aye? I’ll be sure to remember this recommendation if I ever do a best tiny knife compilation!
Thanks for dropping by mate, I appreciate.
Keep up the good work! You have some solid info and your followers are great.
Best,
Jim
Aye, my followers are the greatest! Thanks for the compliments Jim!
As an update, I left one on my boat and one in the trailer, but I miss it as an EDC.
Rumor has it there may be a 3rd in my Christmas Stocking ??
I”ve had a Lifter for almost 2 years as my EDC. It’s a tremendous knife, especially considering the ridiculously low price point.
It’s been used for everything from opening mail to cutting rope while camping to cleaning dirt out of my best friends grave marker.
My only issue is it doesn’t hold an edge as well as I’d like….but other than that it’s damn near perfect for me.
I never handled it and judging by its styling its definitely on the mega tactical/industrial side of things but then again, these days I tend to like any knife that breaks expectations. Tired of black g-10 and 3.5″ drop point blades!
Favorite Kershaw ? That is a hard one to answer if REALLY picking just one, but the Wild Turkey 4150 folder sure fits my pocket without extra bulk and does the EDC job well.
Very cool knife, looks like its made by Moki (styling and fit and finish looks very similar). Reminds me a lot of Al Mar’s!
How do you deal with the lack of a pocket clip?
I just bought the kershaw pub knife-it’s a great little knife-takes an edge well and feels good in your hand.
So the ergonomics are decent? That’s one knife I didn’t expect to feel good in your hands!
Osso sweet, free fall, scrambler, tengo 18 kershaws y me gustan todos
Nice list, out of those I only played with the scrambler. By the time I “found” the Oso sweet it was discontinued. :(
The Oso Sweet is still available on several knife retail sites and on Kershaw’s site.
Sadly, I can’t buy knives from the U.S very often due to the fear of confiscation from overzealous customs agents who view everything shy of a butter knife as a deadly weapon. :(
I’ve personally found that you really need to take Anthony’s (of everyday commentary) opinions with a big grain of salt! He quite frequently will make audacious remarks about gear and philosophy of gear that is just so unfounded it comes off as extremely ignorant! So much so in fact, that Andrew (of Edge Observer) will often slyly pose questions to Anthony that are designed to reel him back in and put his ignorance in full view. I personally think Anthony is very over-the-top on a lot of his views and mentality, and common sense often eludes him. I believe Andrew is a lot more grounded and level headed and people would serve more benefit by listening to what he has to say as opposed to Anthony most of the time. And by the way, I’m referring to the Gear Geeks Live podcast when I make these assessments. Bottom line, I wouldn’t blindly follow everything Anthony has to say. I’ve found him to be WAY off base on many things.
I haven’t listened to the podcast (yet), will see what thats all about but regarding reviewers- I always take their opinions under a bucket of salt. Everyone should, even my opinions are biased, its just human nature. I really love(d) Edge Observer but he seems to have been awol since early last year, no? :( He should definitely come back and start cranking out reviews again.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Dan, a good reminder to read everything and then make your own judgement.
On the newer line up, i really like the Ferrite. I would love to see it in a sprint run with upgraded steel and maybe Ti handle. The Leek was the knife that sold me on assisted opening, and flippers. I carried an AL Mar eagle lightweight before that.
The ferrite does look pretty damn cool, especially the scales. I really dig the style of the clip “filler tab”. Makes it look far more refined for some reason. I do wish it had a different blade shape though- especially if it was a wider version of the “Random Leek” (model: 1660TGRYST) with lightweight aluminium scales (or ti). Would be pretty perfect as a very angular/agressive EDC.
My favorite Kershaw is the Westin. I really like the looks and it feels great in hand, My second pick is the Blur. Third pick is strangely enough, the Barge. It was intriguing enough for me to order but I had really low expexttions that I would actually like it. Personally, the clip is on the wrong end, it is heavy, and I prefer flipper style openers. Despite its drawbacks, I actually like it quite a bit. I find myself carrying it more than I thought I would.
Never seen the Westin (or even heard of it) before you mentioned it, I love Burn Notice so I reckon this may find its way into my collection one of these days! I wonder if it was ever actually used on the show? Good stuff in any case.
I have been really excited to try out the Barge, do you ever use the prybar? If not, then what makes it a “decent” edc?
I do use the prybar. More than I actually thought I would. Most recently to open paint cans. I have used it as a scraper to remove grease and gunk from car parts so I could get a wrench on bolts. I have used it to help separate acutomotive parts that won’t release. The tip is rather blunt so it is hard to get started sometimes, but usually it works. Also, if you wrap your index finger around the neck of a bottle and use your knuckle for leverage it makes a handy bottle opener.
Interesting, I reckon like with all tools once you have it you will probably find a use for it.
I think you convinced me to get one, if nothing else it will make for a “different” review.
i have been using the kershaw blackout for about 4 years now as my EDC and it has never let me down yet! easy to sharpen yet holds a wicked razors edge for a good long while!
Second time in this post someone mentions the Blackout, never realised it was this popular! Maybe i’ll try to snap one up.
Thanks for commenting Tyler
The Blur is my EDC and absolute all time favorite folding knife.
Blur lovers unite! One of us! One of us!
My favorite is the Kershaw knockout beautiful blade.
When it came out with the blacked out blade and OD scales I admit I was super tempted. Maybe in the future i’ll snap one up!
Thanks for dropping by Neil
Do you receive any form of compensation for writing glowing articles about Kershaw knives? I think you have an ethical requirement to disclose whether you do or do not.
Howdy Ben!
The short and long of it – no, we don’t receive any form of compensation/sponsorship from brands.
1. MTJS has never published a sponsored post. Ever. We don’t accept them or any financial “kickback” from any company or individual.
2. We have never received financial compensation from ANY manufacturer whatsoever, knife manufacturer or otherwise.
3. All Kershaws we have reviewed to date we paid for ourselves; we’ve never received one to date for free.
4. We’ve at times received knives for free to review (again, not from Kershaw before), and I am still completely honest about the product whenever we do review one of these knives. Example, Camillus sent us this knife: http://morethanjustsurviving.com/camillus-les-stroud-survivorman-sk-mountain-ultimate-survival-knife-review/ and I hated it. So I said so in the review. Repeatedly.
5. In our FAQ here: http://morethanjustsurviving.com/faq/ I address why so many of my reviews are positive. Essentially, I buy knives I expect to like from companies I like and since I know my own taste, a lot of the knives I do end up liking and writing positively about. There are plenty of knives I hate, I just don’t often buy them, and while Kershaw does have a number of duds (every knife company does), I don’t often bother to concentrate on them since instead I could be talking about the great knives they feature.
This is a post about the best Kershaw knives; would be kinda weird if the list wasn’t positive, no? ;) Guess I could always make a “worst Kershaw knives” list for you, though I doubt seeing the worst of a company is something anyone would be interested in.
I carry a 1304bw for edc. It’s always been my goto.
Does it only come in a 4 piece “kit”? In any case, looks like a decent beater knife that can handle its own although the weight is a bit much for me (nearly 6oz?) Do you find it a touch on the heavy side when EDC’ing it?
Another interesting Kershaw is the discontinued A100 multi-tool. It had the OHO external blade and a locking pliers.
Thats a badass multitool, never seen it before- I wonder why they got out of the multitool game? Not profitable enough?
Thanks for sharing mate.
I think they sold them as a loss leader. If one broke they were giving a $100 voucher instead of replacing them under warranty after they discontinued them. Still one or two on ebay every week. They are heavy though. I suppose they couldn’t compete with the Leatherman wave.
Makes sense- I wonder if they will ever get back in the game and release something new? Would be interesting, especially if its the Zero Tolerance division that designs and produces it!
I have a blur, a leek, and a scallion. Love them all!
I have yet to buy a Scallion or a Shallot (although I think the shallot is now discontinued). Thanks for dropping by Seahag!
I have a shallot. I love it! Great EDC. It’s very low profile so I can keep my phone in the same pocket.
The only thing I am on the fence on is the recurve on that shallot blade, just to my cup of tea. I wonder if they will ever do a reverse tanto model…that would be awesome.
Where I work, blades are limited to 2.5 inches, so my Blur (which I dearly love) is out. But the Scallion is 2.4 inches, which makes it perfect.
thank you very much for the read! love kershaw! you guys rock!
Cheers Tyler, Kershaw make some great knives at equally great price points. Always appreciated them for that.
Kershaw Knockout. Try it , you will fall in love with it .