Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

Let’s Dive into Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a compact, everyday carry (EDC) knife designed for versatility and ease of use. Kershaw collaborated with renowned knife designer Ken Onion to create this popular, smaller sibling to the Leek and Scallion. It boasts assisted opening, a safety lock, and a bead-blasted finish, making it a stylish and functional tool for various tasks.

I needed a reliable, pocket-friendly knife for daily tasks without feeling bulky. I was specifically searching for a knife with assisted opening for quick deployment and a discreet design suitable for everyday carry in an urban environment.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the knife’s sleek and slim profile. The bead-blasted finish on the stainless steel handle and blade gives it a sophisticated, matte look, and the knife felt surprisingly solid for its size, exuding quality craftsmanship.

I considered the CRKT Pilar and the SOG Twitch II, but the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion stood out due to its smaller size and integrated safety features. The CRKT Pilar felt a bit too bulky for my liking, and the SOG Twitch II lacked the Tip-Lock safety found on the Chive.

My first impression was positive; the knife felt like a well-designed tool that balances portability and functionality. The assisted opening was smooth and fast, and the overall size was perfect for slipping into a pocket without being cumbersome.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to the Test

First Use Experience

I primarily tested the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion during everyday activities such as opening packages, cutting rope, and preparing food while camping. I also took it on a weekend hiking trip in the local mountains.

The knife performed admirably in various conditions, from dry and sunny to slightly damp. The bead-blasted finish provided a decent grip even with slightly wet hands, though I wouldn’t rely on it in extremely wet conditions.

The Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion was easy to use right out of the box, requiring no learning curve. The SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism was intuitive, and the frame lock provided a secure blade lockup.

My only initial concern was the small size of the handle, which felt a bit cramped during extended use. However, this was expected considering the knife’s overall compact design, and I quickly adapted to it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has held up remarkably well. The blade remains sharp, and the assisted opening mechanism continues to function smoothly.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily minor scratches on the bead-blasted handle. The blade has shown no signs of chipping or corrosion, which speaks to the quality of the 420HC steel.

Maintaining the knife is straightforward; I simply wipe the blade clean after each use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot point. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, and the overall design is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning, if required.

In comparison to a previous budget-friendly folding knife I owned, the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion significantly outperforms it in terms of edge retention, durability, and overall quality. It feels like a more refined and reliable tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

Specifications

• The Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has a blade length of 1.9 inches. This makes it a legal carry in many jurisdictions and ideal for smaller tasks.
• Its closed length is 2.88 inches, making it incredibly compact for pocket carry. This makes it very discrete and easy to conceal if needed.
• The blade material is 420HC stainless steel. This provides a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• The handle material is 410 steel, offering durability and a solid feel. The steel handle adds to the knife’s overall robustness.
• It features an assisted opening mechanism, known as SpeedSafe, designed by Ken Onion. The SpeedSafe allows quick and easy one-handed blade deployment.
• The overall length is 4.8 inches when fully opened. This provides a reasonable cutting surface while remaining compact.
• It weighs 0.2 lbs, making it lightweight and comfortable for everyday carry. You will barely notice this in your pocket.
• It has a bead-blasted finish on both the blade and handle. This provides a matte appearance and helps to reduce glare.
• The blade shape is a Wharncliffe/Drop Point, which is versatile for various cutting tasks. This makes the knife very practical.
• It features a frame lock, providing a secure and reliable blade lockup. The frame lock gives peace of mind during use.

These specifications are important because they define the knife’s overall functionality and suitability for everyday carry. The size, weight, and materials make it a practical tool for various tasks while remaining comfortable to carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion excels at everyday cutting tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting rope, and food preparation. Its sharp blade and assisted opening make it a quick and efficient tool.

Its main strength lies in its compact size and ease of carry, making it a convenient option for those who prefer a smaller knife. The blade’s edge retention is also commendable for its price point.

However, the small handle can be a drawback for users with larger hands, potentially leading to discomfort during prolonged use. It may not be the best choice for heavy-duty tasks that require a larger, more robust blade.

The knife meets my expectations for a compact EDC knife, providing a good balance of functionality, portability, and value. However, potential buyers should consider the handle size if they have larger hands.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is excellent for its price range. The materials feel durable and well-assembled, and the overall design is sleek and modern.

The knife is relatively comfortable to hold, though the small handle may not be ideal for everyone. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to deploy the blade with one hand.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the Tip-Lock safety, but it quickly becomes second nature with practice. Overall, the design is user-friendly and well-suited for everyday carry.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion should last for many years. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, and the frame lock provides a durable and reliable blade lockup.

Maintaining the knife is simple; regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are typically sufficient. The knife is also relatively easy to disassemble for more thorough cleaning if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a pocket clip for convenient carry. While there are no official accessories available directly from Kershaw, the knife is compatible with aftermarket pocket clips and lanyards.

Due to its popularity, there are also numerous third-party customization options available, such as replacement scales and hardware. The Tip-Lock can also be removed if preferred, but this will void the warranty and is not recommended.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?

The Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is perfect for:

• Individuals looking for a discreet and easy-to-carry EDC knife.
• Those who value assisted opening for quick blade deployment.
• Anyone needing a reliable knife for everyday tasks like opening packages or cutting rope.

Who should skip this product?

• Users with very large hands might find the handle too small.
• Those needing a knife for heavy-duty tasks should consider a larger, more robust option.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A small lanyard can be added for improved grip and ease of retrieval from the pocket.
• Consider aftermarket scales for a more personalized look and feel.

Conclusion on Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

Overall, the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact, reliable, and stylish EDC knife. Its assisted opening, durable construction, and discreet design make it a valuable tool for everyday tasks.

The price is justified by the knife’s quality, performance, and overall value. It is a well-made tool that offers a good balance of functionality and portability.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to anyone looking for a high-quality, compact EDC knife. It’s a fantastic tool that is well worth the investment. Grab yours today and experience the convenience and reliability of the Kershaw Chive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion!