We received some samples of knives to be reviewed from Kershaw the other day. To say the least, we were a little bit surprised when we saw them. In our package, we got a Kershaw Leek, Thermite, and Cryo II, but something was definitely off about the way they looked. Quickly realizing that all the knives we received were not flippers (which they of course are on the market), we emailed Kershaw to enquire about whether we’d gotten a botch shipment.
They responded that we did receive the right knives, and that these were the new models of the Kershaw Leek, Thermite, and Cryo II that would be released in the upcoming months. Apparently, the staff at Kershaw felt strongly about taking a new direction with the company in the upcoming years. They wanted to change direction specifically with regards to their product line and the types of knives that would be offered in the future. Kershaw notified us that they’re gong to be stopping production on flippers, and cutting them out of their product line.
Supposedly there was some discussion, after which they decided it would be best if they re-released a number of the knives in their current lineup in non-flipper versions, due in part to the massive popularity of these knives. The Leek, Thermite, and the Cryo II all made the cut, which is why they sent these new versions our way for us to review.
I know a lot of you are going to be disappointed by this news; it’s certainly not something we expected and I know a lot of you like the fact that Kershaw offers quite a few flippers. It’s why we wanted to give you the heads up about this change before we did any of the reviews for the knives we got.
Not sure if Kershaw will change their minds about this. They seemed pretty adamant, but if it’s any comfort, these non-flipper samples we got are just as good as the original versions. We reviewed the flipper/assisted open version of the Kershaw Cryo II before, so we have a good comparison point. Quality certainly remains top notch, as is custom of Kershaw knives.
Anyway, keep your eye out for the individual reviews in the future. We’ll get those up as soon as possible!
I would like to read an article on what to eat while in jungle.
Thanks for the request, Jubayer! We’ll see what we can do.
Indeed it is an April Fools joke guys! Just went back and approved all the comments that gave it away ;). Was hiding them to make sure it didn’t throw the prank off before April 1st was over! Didn’t wanna spoil the fun! :)
Your Kershaws are safe; or for those of you who liked the “new versions”: apologies! Sorry they’re not real! :)
Thanks for those who played along and to those of you smartie pants who got it right away – you sure are a skeptical bunch! ;)
You can see the photoshopping here in case you’re interested.
The first thing that came to mind when I read this was the Skyline…one of the best EDC blades on the planet. Kershaw couldn’t be so stupid as to alter that design.
The second thing that came to mind was the date.
Whew.
Whew, indeed! Your favourite knives are safe. :)
I doubt very seriously that Kershaw will discontinue the Speedsafe action that has made them a popular option. I can see them releasing these as another choice consumers can make.
April fools guys!
Is this a bad April fools joke?
…or is this a good April Fools joke?
ok..Im an idiot….Whats a flipper?
A knife that flips open :).
April Fool’s!!
Happy April Fools!
Uhhhh….April fools.
Y’all do realize what day it is, right?
In other news today, Spyderco is admitting the spyderhole is kinda silly, and are starting to do studs.
Ironically, we did that bit last year.
April fools!
Haha! Let’s see some videos of you guys “flipping” those open. ;)
;)
April FOOLS motherf*ck*rs!!!!
better be aprilfools joke
Your “April Fool’s joke” is just rude. Being a distributor for these people, I have already had to field calls regarding this article. They have asked you to remove the article, you ought to comply.
Kershaw never once asked us to take down this article. If they hadn’t been okay with it, they never would’ve shared this post on their Facebook page.
It’s hard to believe…. a news story like this, that comes out on April 1st… ;)
Uncanny. :)
This has got to be an April Fool Day joke, guys. I’m not buying it.
This is an April fools joke, right!?
Guys – you do realize this is April – 1 —- right?
This is the worst April Fools Joke. You suck.
I have always been a fan of the Kershaw flippers, I have a Thermite that is my EDC. I do not like thumb stud knives from both a tactical and functional standpoint. I truly hope that Kershaw will cater to both sides of the knife house. I can honestly say that my current Thermite will be my last Kershaw folding knife if they go thumbstud only.
I like Kershaw, but I will never buy a thumbstud only knife. Need the flipper for speed, ease, tactics IMHO. Love my new ZT, doubt I will buy a different brand anyway.
If you have a ZT you don’t need anything else.
No doubt! Just bought my first ZT about a month ago at a gun show. Thing is awesome….
Kershaw owns ZT & if they are eliminating flippers then ZT will probably lose them too…
The real question is why. I can think of a few possible reasons:
1) most likely is there is legislation in some states that will re classify them as switchblades & Kershaw wants there products to be 50 states legal.
2) possibly a patent issue… Maybe with Ken Onion…
Hopefully Kershaw will honestly tell us because we all know the only reaso they sell so many knives is because of the flipper.
And the answer is of course that this is an April Fools day joke, but those would’ve been some great explanations if it were true!
Wow. You almost had me. I felt like I’d lost my best friend. Good one…
Clever ;D
Now I will have to find a new favorite brand. After all these years.
I prefer SOG knives over Kershaw any day of the week!
I misunderstood, thought it meant spring assisted. Still love the Blackout.
Good one, April’s fools !!!
http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/leek-composite-blackwash
The reason is April Fools
Is this an April Fools joke ? Or is this for reals ? :^)
Did they give a reason? Are they not selling? I love my Skylines, and would hate for newcomers to knives not to be able to find them. And Leeks are pains in the butt to open using the thumb studs.
Oh, wait a minute….
Yup. You got it ;).
I’d bet my favorite Kershaw that this is an April Fool’s joke! A good one to boot! :)
You’re keeping that Kershaw – that’s for sure.
This must be an April Fool joke. lol
Check the date, my friend.