Let’s Talk About Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals
The Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is a sleek, pocket-friendly blade designed for everyday carry and tactical use. This knife, crafted by Kershaw, boasts a SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism, a durable 8Cr13MoV steel blade, and a grippy glass-filled nylon handle, making it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and affordable tool. I’ve always appreciated Kershaw’s reputation for quality and innovation, and the Barstow seemed like a great way to experience that firsthand.
I was looking for a new EDC knife that was both lightweight and easy to deploy with one hand. Many of my previous knives were either too bulky or required too much effort to open quickly.
Upon unboxing the Kershaw Barstow, my initial impression was that it was surprisingly lightweight and slim. The BlackWash finish on the blade gave it a tactical, understated look, and the textured handle felt secure in my hand.
Compared to my old Gerber Paraframe Mini, which is even smaller but lacks assisted opening, and my CRKT M16-01KZ, which is robust but a bit heavy for daily carry, the Kershaw Barstow seemed to strike a perfect balance. I chose the Barstow over others primarily because of the SpeedSafe assisted opening and the deep-carry pocket clip.
I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and fast the assisted opening mechanism was, and the overall build quality felt solid for a knife in this price range. I was excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals on a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. I used it for a variety of tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling.
The knife performed well in dry conditions, and the textured handle provided a secure grip even with sweaty hands. The SpeedSafe assisted opening was incredibly useful when I needed to deploy the blade quickly with one hand.
It took very little time to get accustomed to the flipper and liner lock mechanism. I experienced no issues on my first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of near-daily use, the Kershaw Barstow has held up remarkably well. The BlackWash finish on the blade has helped to hide any minor scratches, and the edge retention of the 8Cr13MoV steel has been respectable.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear, mostly some slight smoothing of the handle texture where my fingers rest. The liner lock still engages securely, and the assisted opening mechanism continues to function smoothly.
Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Kershaw Barstow has proven to be more reliable and comfortable to carry, particularly due to its slim profile and assisted opening. I am impressed.
Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals
Specifications
Blade Material: The Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals features a blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel. This is a Chinese-made stainless steel known for its decent edge retention, ease of sharpening, and good corrosion resistance, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
Handle Material: The handle is constructed from glass-filled nylon. This material provides a lightweight yet sturdy grip, and its textured surface enhances security and comfort during use.
Blade Shape: The blade has a spear point shape. This design offers a good balance between piercing capability and slicing performance, making it versatile for a variety of tasks.
Blade Finish: The blade features a BlackWash finish. This finish gives the knife a rugged, worn-in look while also helping to conceal scratches and wear marks.
Overall Length: The overall length of the knife when open is 7 inches. This provides sufficient reach for most cutting tasks while remaining manageable for EDC.
Closed Length: The closed length of the knife is 4 inches. This makes it compact and easy to carry in a pocket.
Opening Method: It uses SpeedSafe assisted opening. This allows for quick and easy one-handed deployment of the blade, making it ideal for situations where speed is important.
Lock Type: A liner lock secures the blade in the open position. The liner lock is a reliable and simple locking mechanism.
Pocket Clip: It comes with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. This allows for discreet and convenient carry in either the left or right pocket.
Performance & Functionality
The Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals performs admirably for its intended purpose: everyday carry and utility tasks. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is quick and reliable, allowing for fast deployment of the blade when needed.
The blade is sharp and capable of handling a variety of cutting tasks. The knife is well-suited for opening boxes, cutting rope, preparing food, and other everyday tasks.
The Kershaw Barstow meets my expectations for an EDC knife. It could be improved with a steel upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is solid for its price point. The glass-filled nylon handle is both lightweight and durable, and the textured surface provides a secure grip.
The knife feels comfortable in hand, even during extended use. The knife is very user friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Kershaw Barstow should last for many years. The 8Cr13MoV steel is relatively easy to sharpen and maintain, and the BlackWash finish helps to protect the blade from corrosion.
The knife can be easily cleaned with soap and water, and the pivot point can be lubricated with a few drops of oil to ensure smooth operation. The knife is easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals comes standard with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. While there are not many aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Barstow, the pocket clip can be replaced with other compatible clips.
The knife is not designed for extensive customization. However, the user could consider aftermarket scales.
Pros and Cons of Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals
Pros
- SpeedSafe Assisted Opening: Provides quick and easy one-handed blade deployment, essential for tactical situations or everyday tasks requiring speed and efficiency.
- Lightweight and Slim Design: Offers comfortable everyday carry without adding unnecessary bulk to your pocket.
- Durable 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade: Strikes a good balance between edge retention, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for regular use.
- Textured Glass-Filled Nylon Handle: Provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.
- Affordable Price Point: Offers excellent value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- 8Cr13MoV steel is not a premium steel: Edge retention is decent, but it may require more frequent sharpening compared to higher-end steels.
- Limited Customization Options: There are not many aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Barstow.
Who Should Buy Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals?
The Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is perfect for everyday carry enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking for a reliable and affordable utility knife. It is also a great choice for those who appreciate assisted opening mechanisms and sleek, tactical designs.
Someone seeking a high-end steel should skip this product. A must-have modification is a sharpening kit.
Conclusion on Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals
Overall, the Kershaw Barstow Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is an excellent EDC knife that offers a compelling combination of performance, durability, and affordability. The Kershaw Barstow represents excellent value.
The price is more than justified for what you get.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile EDC knife. Pick one up today and experience the Kershaw difference!