Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

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

The Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion isn’t just another pocketknife; it’s a statement. This knife, born from the collaboration between Kershaw and legendary designer Ken Onion, promises a blend of speed, strength, and striking aesthetics. Boasting a Sandvik 14C28N blade with a black DLC coating and an aggressively textured aluminum handle, the Blur aims to be your go-to tool for everything from daily tasks to demanding outdoor adventures.

I was searching for a reliable EDC (everyday carry) knife that could withstand the rigors of both urban and wilderness environments when I stumbled upon the Kershaw Blur. I needed something that opened quickly, held an edge well, and wouldn’t fall apart after a few months of use.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt substantial in hand, not too heavy, but definitely robust. The black anodized aluminum handle with the Trac-Tec inserts provided an immediate sense of secure grip, while the blade’s dark finish gave it a sleek, tactical look.

Compared to my trusty Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Kershaw Blur stood out with its SpeedSafe assisted opening. While the Benchmade offered smooth manual action and the Spyderco a quick deployment via its Spydie hole, the Blur promised instantaneous blade deployment with a simple push on the dual thumb studs. My initial impression was one of excitement. I couldn’t wait to see if it would live up to the hype.

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

First Use Experience

I first put the Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to the test during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The damp, chilly conditions demanded a knife that was both easy to grip and reliable to deploy, even with gloved hands. The Trac-Tec inserts truly shined, providing excellent grip security despite the wet weather.

The SpeedSafe mechanism proved invaluable when quickly preparing kindling for a fire. The blade zipped open with minimal effort, allowing me to efficiently feather sticks and create tinder, despite the numbing cold. There were no issues during this initial usage, and it quickly became an indispensible tool during the camp setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw Blur has held up remarkably well. The Sandvik 14C28N blade has retained its edge through various tasks, including cutting rope, opening packages, and even some light food preparation. I noticed minimal wear on the black Cerakote blade finish; it resisted scratching surprisingly well.

Cleaning and maintenance have been straightforward. A quick wipe with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point kept the action smooth and prevented rust. In comparison to some of my previous EDC knives, which required more frequent sharpening and careful cleaning, the Kershaw Blur has proven to be impressively low-maintenance and has outperformed my expectations, especially regarding edge retention.

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

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.4 inches: The blade length offers a good balance between utility and portability, making it suitable for various tasks without being too cumbersome to carry. This is a sweet spot for most EDC enthusiasts.
• Closed Length: 4.5 inches: A compact closed length ensures comfortable carry in a pocket without taking up too much space, which is a necessity when you’re carrying other gear. This allows for deeper pocket carry than other, larger knives.
• Blade Material: 14C28N: The Sandvik 14C28N steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good edge retention, and ease of sharpening, offering a solid balance of performance and practicality. This is definitely a high-value steel at this price point.
• Overall Length: 7.9 inches: The full open length provides sufficient reach and leverage for a variety of cutting tasks, increasing the knife’s overall utility and making it comfortable for most users.
• Included Accessories: Pocket Clip: The inclusion of a pocket clip, which is also reversible, allows for convenient and secure carry, offering both tip-up and tip-down carry options for right- and left-handed users.
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum: The 6061-T6 aluminum handle offers a lightweight yet strong and durable grip, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear without adding unnecessary weight.
• Handle Color: Black: The black handle provides a sleek, tactical appearance, while also offering some degree of scratch resistance and reducing visibility in certain environments.
• Handle Finish: Anodized: The anodized finish on the aluminum handle enhances its durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring it remains in good condition even with regular use.
• Blade Finish: Cerakote: The Cerakote finish on the blade provides enhanced protection against corrosion, wear, and abrasion, extending the life of the blade and maintaining its sleek appearance.
• Blade Shape: Recurve, Drop Point: The recurve blade shape enhances cutting performance with a “belly” that excels at slicing, while the drop point provides added strength and control for piercing and detail work. The combination of these features adds to the versatility of the knife.
• Opening Method: Assisted Opening: The SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism allows for rapid, one-handed blade deployment, making the knife quickly accessible in situations where speed and efficiency are crucial.
• Additional Features: Lanyard Slot: The lanyard slot provides an option for attaching a lanyard, enhancing grip security and preventing accidental drops, especially in challenging environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performs admirably in a variety of roles. Its Sandvik 14C28N blade holds a sharp edge through extensive use. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is consistently reliable, deploying the blade quickly and smoothly every time.

The only minor drawback is that the recurved blade, while excellent for slicing, can be slightly challenging to sharpen for those unfamiliar with this blade shape. However, the sharpness and cutting power of this knife easily outweigh any minor sharpening challenges.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Blur boasts a well-thought-out design, combining aesthetics with practical functionality. The aluminum handle is lightweight and comfortable to grip, while the Trac-Tec inserts provide exceptional grip security, even in wet conditions. The knife feels balanced in hand, making it easy to control during cutting tasks.

The liner lock mechanism is solid and reliable, providing a secure lockup without any blade play. The design is very intuitive, so there is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The use of Sandvik 14C28N steel and anodized aluminum ensures the Kershaw Blur is built to last. With proper care, it should withstand years of regular use without significant degradation.

Cleaning is simple: a wipe with a damp cloth after use is typically sufficient. Oiling the pivot point occasionally will maintain smooth action.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes standard with a reversible pocket clip for tip-up or tip-down carry. While it doesn’t have extensive customization options, aftermarket lanyards can be added through the lanyard slot. Aftermarket deep carry clips are also available to provide a more discreet carry.

The knife is compatible with standard knife maintenance tools, such as sharpening stones and lubricants, from various brands, ensuring easy upkeep. Aftermarket options are limited, but the quality of the knife is great straight out of the box.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?

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

• Everyday carry enthusiasts looking for a reliable and quick-deploying knife.
• Outdoor adventurers who need a durable and grippy knife for various cutting tasks.
• Tactical users who value speed, strength, and a low-profile design.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who prefer manual-opening knives or live in areas where assisted-opening knives are restricted.
• Individuals who prioritize specialized blade shapes over general utility.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A quality sharpening stone for maintaining the recurve blade.
• A deep-carry pocket clip for more discreet carry.

Conclusion on Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is an exceptional EDC knife that combines speed, durability, and a sleek design. The SpeedSafe assisted opening, coupled with the high-quality Sandvik 14C28N blade and grippy aluminum handle, makes it a standout performer in its class.

The price is certainly justified, especially considering the quality of materials and construction. I would absolutely recommend the Kershaw Blur to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile EDC knife that can handle a wide range of tasks. Experience the speed and reliability for yourself – grab a Kershaw Blur Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion and elevate your everyday carry game!