Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife is a tactical folding knife that immediately catches the eye. Manufactured by Kershaw, this knife blends aggressive styling with practical utility, offering a unique combination of self-defense potential and everyday cutting capability.

I’ve been searching for a compact, easily deployable knife that could serve both as a backup self-defense tool and a general-purpose cutting instrument for outdoor activities. The karambit design, with its secure finger ring and hawkbill blade, seemed like a promising option.

Upon unboxing, the Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife feels solid and well-built. The BlackWash finish on the blade gives it a rugged, used look, while the GFN handle provides a secure grip. Compared to other karambits I’ve handled, the Kershaw Outlier strikes a good balance between size and concealability. I chose this over similar models primarily for Kershaw’s reputation for quality and the assisted opening mechanism. My initial impression is positive, with a sense of excitement about putting this knife through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife was during a weekend camping trip. I used it for various tasks, including cutting rope, opening packages, and preparing kindling. The blade performed well, slicing through materials with relative ease.

The assisted opening mechanism took a little getting used to, but once mastered, it allowed for quick and reliable blade deployment. While the weather was dry during the trip, I intentionally got the handle wet to test the grip, which remained secure even with moisture. A slight surprise was the learning curve associated with the karambit grip styles, requiring practice to become proficient.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife has proven to be a reliable tool. The blade has maintained its edge reasonably well, showing no significant signs of chipping or dulling. Occasional sharpening is required to keep it at its peak performance.

The BlackWash finish is holding up well, effectively concealing minor scratches. The knife is easy to clean, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after use. Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Kershaw Outlier stands out for its unique design and rapid deployment, although it is less versatile for general tasks than a traditional drop-point blade.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife

Specifications

• The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife has a blade length of 2.6 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Its closed length is 5 inches, making it easily concealable in a pocket.
• The blade material is 8Cr13MoV steel. This provides a good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening.
• The Kershaw Outlier was designed by Kershaw Originals.
• The blade has a plain edge, making it suitable for slicing and general cutting tasks.
• It is classified as a folding blade knife.
• The overall length of the knife when opened is 7 inches.
• The blade shape is hawkbill, which is ideal for hooking and pulling cuts.
• The handle material is GFN (Glass-Filled Nylon). This material provides a durable and lightweight grip.
• The blade finish is Black Oxide, offering corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance.
• The blade thickness is 0.105 inches.
• The Kershaw Outlier does not come with a sheath.
• The handle color is gray.
• The knife weighs 3.6 oz.
• The opening method is via thumb stud and flipper with assisted opening.

These specifications contribute to the overall performance by providing a good balance between size, weight, and cutting ability. The steel selection and assisted opening mechanism enhance the user experience by ensuring reliability and ease of use.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife performs exceptionally well in specialized cutting tasks. The hawkbill blade excels at making hooking cuts, ideal for opening boxes, cutting rope, or even defensive applications. Its quick assisted opening makes it ready for action almost instantly.

The knife’s strengths lie in its rapid deployment, secure grip, and specialized blade design. A weakness is its limited versatility compared to more traditional blade shapes for tasks like food preparation or carving. It meets my expectations for a compact, readily available tool, but surpasses them in terms of its secure grip and rapid deployment.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife is commendable for its price point. The GFN handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, while the BlackWash finish on the blade adds to its aesthetic appeal. The weight feels balanced in hand, making it easy to control during use.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the karambit design, specifically in mastering the various grip styles and deployment techniques. Once these are learned, the knife becomes intuitive and user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife is built to last with proper care. The 8Cr13MoV steel is reasonably tough and resistant to corrosion. The BlackWash finish helps to conceal scratches and wear.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring occasional cleaning and sharpening to keep the blade in optimal condition. The simple design makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble for thorough cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife comes standard with a deep-carry pocket clip that can be reversed for left- or right-hand carry. There are limited options for aftermarket customization, as the karambit design is relatively specialized. Some users may choose to add paracord to the finger ring for enhanced grip or personalization.

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife is compatible with most standard pocket clip replacements, allowing users to adjust the clip’s position or style to their preference.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife?

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife is perfect for individuals seeking a compact and easily deployable self-defense tool. It is also well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who need a specialized cutting tool for tasks like cutting rope or opening packages. Tactical professionals and martial arts practitioners may also find the karambit design beneficial for self-defense applications.

Those who primarily need a versatile general-purpose knife for everyday tasks should consider alternative blade shapes. Beginners unfamiliar with karambit techniques may find the learning curve challenging.

Must-have accessories include a sharpening stone for maintaining the blade’s edge and potentially a length of paracord to customize the finger ring.

Conclusion on Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife

The Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife is a well-designed and affordable option for those seeking a specialized tactical knife. Its rapid deployment, secure grip, and durable construction make it a reliable tool for self-defense and specialized cutting tasks.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the added value of the assisted opening mechanism and reversible pocket clip. I would personally recommend the Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife to anyone looking for a compact and effective karambit-style knife. Equip yourself with the Kershaw Outlier Karambit Knife and experience the tactical advantage firsthand!