Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

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

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a compact and stylish everyday carry knife. Designed by the renowned Ken Onion and manufactured by Kershaw, it boasts SpeedSafe assisted opening and a secure frame lock, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and easily accessible blade. Its all-stainless steel construction gives it a sleek, modern look that hints at its durability and functionality.

I was looking for a lightweight, easy-to-carry knife that wouldn’t weigh down my pockets but could still handle everyday tasks. I needed something reliable for opening packages, cutting rope, and general utility use during camping trips. The Scallion’s compact size and assisted opening mechanism seemed like the perfect fit, addressing my need for convenience and quick deployment.

Upon unboxing the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The bead-blasted stainless steel handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. Its weight feels balanced, not too heavy and not too light, giving it a premium feel.

Compared to my previous everyday carry, a bulkier Gerber multi-tool, the Scallion is significantly slimmer and lighter. I also considered a Spyderco Delica 4, but ultimately chose the Scallion for its assisted opening, which seemed faster and more convenient for one-handed use. The Kershaw‘s all-stainless steel construction also appealed to me more than the Delica 4’s polymer handle for its perceived durability.

My first impression was one of pleasant surprise. I was expecting a decent knife, but the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion exceeded my expectations with its build quality and sleek design. I was excited to put it to the test and see how it performed in real-world situations.

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was damp, with occasional light rain, providing a good test for the blade’s corrosion resistance. I used it primarily for food preparation, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and opening various packages of camping supplies.

The SpeedSafe assisted opening proved incredibly useful when I needed to quickly access the blade with one hand while holding other gear. Even with slightly wet hands, the stainless steel handle provided a secure grip. The blade remained sharp throughout the weekend, and I didn’t experience any issues with the locking mechanism.

Initially, the frame lock felt a little stiff to disengage, but after a few uses, it became smoother. I also noticed that the bead-blasted finish showed some minor smudges from handling, but they were easily wiped away. Overall, my first use of the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion was positive and encouraging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has held up remarkably well. I’ve carried it daily, using it for various tasks ranging from opening boxes and letters to cutting zip ties and trimming loose threads. The blade remains sharp and the assisted opening continues to function smoothly.

The stainless steel construction has proven to be quite durable, with only minor scratches and scuffs on the handle. I’ve made sure to clean the blade after cutting anything sticky or corrosive. It has required minimal maintenance beyond that. The bead-blasted finish still looks good.

Compared to my previous folding knives, the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has outperformed them in terms of ease of carry and speed of deployment. While other knives may have offered slightly thicker or more robust blades, the Scallion’s balance of portability, functionality, and assisted opening makes it a superior choice for my everyday needs.

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

Specifications

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion boasts the following specifications: a 2.4-inch blade length, a 3.5-inch closed length, and an overall length of 5.75 inches. The blade material is 420HC stainless steel, known for its good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance. The handle is made of bead-blasted stainless steel, providing a durable and comfortable grip.

Other key specifications include a drop point blade shape, an assisted opening mechanism, and a frame lock for secure blade lockup. It also features a Tip-Lock slider to prevent accidental opening during transport and a single-position pocket clip (left, tip-down). These specs combine to make a highly functional and convenient EDC knife.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performs admirably in a variety of cutting tasks. Its 420HC blade offers a good balance of sharpness and durability, allowing it to easily handle everyday tasks like opening boxes and cutting rope. The SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism provides rapid blade deployment, making it ideal for situations where quick access is crucial.

While the blade is not designed for heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood, it excels in its intended role as an everyday carry utility knife. The frame lock provides a secure and reliable blade lockup, ensuring safe use. Some users may find the handle slightly small for larger hands, but overall, the Scallion meets and often exceeds expectations for a knife of its size and design.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is both sleek and functional. Its all-stainless steel construction gives it a clean, modern look. The bead-blasted finish provides a non-slip grip and adds to its overall durability.

The knife is lightweight and comfortable to carry in a pocket. While the handle may feel a bit small for those with larger hands, the overall design is ergonomic and easy to use. There is a slight learning curve to disengaging the frame lock initially, but after a few uses, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is built to last. Its stainless steel blade and handle are resistant to corrosion and wear. The knife requires minimal maintenance.

Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point will keep it in optimal condition. The simple design makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble for thorough cleaning if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes standard with a single-position pocket clip (left, tip-down). While there are limited customization options directly from Kershaw, the knife is compatible with aftermarket pocket clips and lanyards.

Some users choose to replace the factory pocket clip with a deep-carry clip for enhanced concealment. Lanyards can be attached to the lanyard hole for added security and ease of retrieval. Beyond these basic options, customization is limited due to the knife’s integrated design.

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

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

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is perfect for everyday carry enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, reliable, and stylish knife. It’s also well-suited for casual campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a convenient tool for opening packages and performing light cutting tasks. Urban dwellers needing a discreet and functional blade will appreciate the compact design and assisted opening feature.

Those who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks like batoning wood or prolonged use in harsh environments should skip this product. They might prefer a larger, more robust knife with a thicker blade. Must-have accessories for the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion include a quality knife sharpener to maintain the blade’s edge and a deep-carry pocket clip for enhanced concealment.

Conclusion on Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a well-designed and executed everyday carry knife that offers a compelling combination of style, functionality, and durability. Its SpeedSafe assisted opening, secure frame lock, and stainless steel construction make it a reliable tool for a variety of tasks.

At a price of $81.99, the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion represents a good value for its quality and features. While the handle may be small for some users and the frame lock can be initially stiff, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its many strengths. I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a compact, reliable, and stylish everyday carry knife.

If you are in the market for a new EDC knife, consider the Kershaw Scallion Stainless Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion. You won’t be disappointed.