Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a compact and stylish everyday carry knife, immediately catching the eye with its subtle yet appealing olive drab handle. Designed by the renowned Ken Onion and manufactured by Kershaw, this knife promises a blend of practicality and aesthetics, making it a potentially great addition to any gear collection. Its assisted opening mechanism and compact size suggest ease of use and convenient carry.

I had been searching for a reliable, yet discreet pocketknife for daily tasks around the ranch and occasional backcountry trips. I was looking for something easily carried, easily deployed, and wouldn’t break the bank.

Upon unboxing, the Kershaw Scallion Olive feels remarkably solid despite its lightweight construction. The anodized aluminum handle provides a comfortable grip, while the bead-blasted blade exhibits a clean, matte finish. The assisted opening is smooth and quick.

Compared to my older Spyderco Delica 4, the Scallion is noticeably slimmer and lighter, making it more pocket-friendly. It also seems a step up in aesthetics from my trusty, though utilitarian, Gerber Paraframe Mini. While the Benchmade Bugout offers similar lightweight qualities, its higher price point made the Kershaw Scallion Olive a more attractive option.

My first impression is positive, and I’m eager to see how the Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performs in real-world situations. The olive color is a nice touch.

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kershaw Scallion Olive on a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The knife performed adequately in all these tasks.

The conditions were dry, but I intentionally wet the blade to observe its corrosion resistance. The Kershaw Scallion Olive’s assisted opening was especially convenient when I needed one-handed operation. I didn’t need much time to get comfortable with it, thanks to its intuitive design and comfortable grip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Kershaw Scallion Olive daily, it has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve used it for everything from opening packages to cutting zip ties. The blade has held its edge reasonably well.

There are minor scratches on the anodized handle, but no significant signs of wear and tear. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it in good condition. Compared to my experience with cheaper folding knives, the Kershaw Scallion Olive shows a marked improvement in edge retention and overall durability.

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

Specifications

The Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion boasts the following specifications:

• Blade Length: 2.4 inches. This compact blade is ideal for everyday tasks and easy pocket carry.
• Closed Length: 3.5 inches. It’s small size makes it disappears in the pocket.
• Blade Material: 420HC steel. This offers a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This keeps the knife lightweight and strong.
• Opening Method: SpeedSafe Assisted Opening. This allows for rapid, one-handed blade deployment.
• Overall Length: 5.75 inches. A great size for a variety of tasks.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the knife’s overall practicality and performance. The Manufacturer, Kershaw, has a reputation for quality, which is reflected in the choice of materials and design.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performs admirably as an everyday carry knife. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is a standout feature, allowing for quick and easy blade deployment with either hand. It’s reliable and consistent.

Its primary strength lies in its compact size and ease of carry. Its weakness may be that the blade is too short for heavy-duty tasks. It meets expectations for a small, EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The olive anodized aluminum handle is comfortable in hand and provides a secure grip, even when wet. The knife is lightweight, making it easy to carry.

The knife is very user-friendly with little to no learning curve. The assisted opening and liner lock are intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction with 420HC steel and aluminum, the Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is expected to last for years with proper care. Occasional sharpening and lubrication are needed.

Maintenance is straightforward. The bead-blasted finish hides scratches well.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a single-position pocket clip (left, tip-down) and a lanyard hole. There are limited customization options directly from Kershaw, but aftermarket pocket clips and lanyards are readily available.

The standard pocket clip is functional, but some users might prefer a deep-carry clip for enhanced concealment. The knife is generally compatible with aftermarket accessories designed for similar-sized Kershaw knives.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?

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

• Everyday carry enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and stylish knife for daily tasks.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable pocketknife for light-duty tasks during camping or hiking trips.
• Individuals who appreciate a quality knife with assisted opening for easy one-handed use.

This knife is not ideal for:

• Those who require a larger, more robust knife for heavy-duty tasks such as batoning wood or processing game.
• Users who prefer a more customizable knife with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.

Must-have accessories or modifications may include a lanyard for easier retrieval from the pocket or an aftermarket deep-carry pocket clip for enhanced concealment.

Conclusion on Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a well-designed and practical everyday carry knife. Its compact size, assisted opening, and durable construction make it a solid choice for various light-duty tasks. The olive anodized handle adds a touch of style.

At a price of $81.99, the value is justified, considering the quality of materials and craftsmanship. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet pocketknife for everyday use. If you need a dependable and stylish EDC knife, the Kershaw Scallion Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is an excellent option.