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!
Jubayer says
I would like to read an article on what to eat while in jungle.
Elise Xavier says
Thanks for the request, Jubayer! We’ll see what we can do.
Elise Xavier says
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.
2yellowdogs says
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.
Elise Xavier says
Whew, indeed! Your favourite knives are safe. :)
William says
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.
Providedzero says
April fools guys!
cardsfanbj says
Is this a bad April fools joke?
Elise Xavier says
…or is this a good April Fools joke?
jeff adamson says
ok..Im an idiot….Whats a flipper?
Elise Xavier says
A knife that flips open :).
Ellison says
April Fool’s!!
Mike says
Happy April Fools!
Kelly says
Uhhhh….April fools.
Tom says
Y’all do realize what day it is, right?
Kyle says
In other news today, Spyderco is admitting the spyderhole is kinda silly, and are starting to do studs.
Elise Xavier says
Ironically, we did that bit last year.
Randy says
April fools!
Dave says
Haha! Let’s see some videos of you guys “flipping” those open. ;)
Elise Xavier says
;)
Aaron says
April FOOLS motherf*ck*rs!!!!
Mark says
better be aprilfools joke
Nikki says
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.
Elise Xavier says
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.
Rudge says
It’s hard to believe…. a news story like this, that comes out on April 1st… ;)
Elise Xavier says
Uncanny. :)
Vonna says
This has got to be an April Fool Day joke, guys. I’m not buying it.
Rick says
This is an April fools joke, right!?
Mr-Glass says
Guys – you do realize this is April – 1 —- right?
Katelyn says
This is the worst April Fools Joke. You suck.
Scott says
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.
Nate says
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.
socmarine87 says
If you have a ZT you don’t need anything else.
Nate says
No doubt! Just bought my first ZT about a month ago at a gun show. Thing is awesome….
Dylan says
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.
Elise Xavier says
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!
LANShark says
Wow. You almost had me. I felt like I’d lost my best friend. Good one…
Tyler says
Clever ;D
Stephen King says
Now I will have to find a new favorite brand. After all these years.
Erik says
I prefer SOG knives over Kershaw any day of the week!
Stephen King says
I misunderstood, thought it meant spring assisted. Still love the Blackout.
Gustavo says
Good one, April’s fools !!!
http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/leek-composite-blackwash
Chad says
The reason is April Fools
j.r. guerra in s. tx. says
Is this an April Fools joke ? Or is this for reals ? :^)
Larry says
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.
Larry says
Oh, wait a minute….
Elise Xavier says
Yup. You got it ;).
Chris says
I’d bet my favorite Kershaw that this is an April Fool’s joke! A good one to boot! :)
Elise Xavier says
You’re keeping that Kershaw – that’s for sure.
Melvin Askew says
This must be an April Fool joke. lol
TCF says
Check the date, my friend.