Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife

The Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife is the kind of blade that immediately catches your eye. Manufactured by Kershaw, its all-steel construction and blackwash finish promises both ruggedness and a sleek aesthetic. This knife boasts assisted opening, a deep-carry pocket clip, and versatile carry options that hint at a tool designed for everyday carry and more demanding tasks.

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for reliable, versatile tools. My search for a robust yet easily portable knife that wouldn’t break the bank led me to the Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife. I needed something for general camp tasks, occasional rope cutting, and as a reliable backup.

Upon unboxing, the Kershaw Radar’s weight felt substantial and reassuring. The Blackwash™ finish gives it a worn-in, almost tactical look, while the smooth action of the assisted opening mechanism impressed me immediately. The all-steel construction exudes durability, and the deep-carry clip promises discreet carry.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Kershaw Radar isn’t as refined. However, it offers a different value proposition: ruggedness and affordability without sacrificing essential features. I chose the Kershaw Radar because I wanted a dependable knife that I wouldn’t hesitate to use and potentially abuse in tough conditions, all while not worrying too much about its price.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It had the potential to be a solid performer, but only real-world testing would reveal if it lived up to its promises. It felt like a strong, working blade, and I was excited to put it through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was damp, with occasional light rain, providing an ideal environment to assess its grip and cutting ability in less-than-ideal conditions. I used it for tasks like preparing kindling, cutting rope for shelter construction, and food preparation.

The Kershaw Radar performed admirably. The jimping on the blade and handle provided a secure grip even with wet hands, and the drop point blade easily sliced through wood and rope. The assisted opening was reliable and fast, even when my hands were cold.

The only minor issue was the blackwash finish showing some slight smudging after repeated use. It didn’t affect performance, but it was a cosmetic observation after its first real test.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. It’s been used on several hiking trips, at the shooting range, and even for some minor tasks around the house.

The blackwash finish has held up surprisingly well, with only minor scratches. The blade still locks up securely, and the assisted opening mechanism remains smooth and responsive. Sharpening the 8Cr13MoV blade is easy, and it holds an edge reasonably well.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is sufficient. Compared to my more expensive knives, the Kershaw Radar may not have the same level of fit and finish, but its ruggedness and dependable performance make it a valuable tool. It definitely outperforms many other budget-friendly knives I’ve used over the years.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Steel: The Kershaw Radar uses 8Cr13MoV blade steel, a Chinese-made stainless steel known for its good balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. This steel is relatively easy to sharpen, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

• Blade Shape: It features a drop point blade, a versatile shape ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks. The drop point offers good control for piercing and slicing, and its robust tip is less prone to breakage.

• Handle Material: The Kershaw Radar’s handle is made entirely of steel with a Blackwash™ finish. This contributes to the knife’s overall durability and gives it a tactical aesthetic.

• Opening Mechanism: The Kershaw Radar features assisted opening, which allows for fast and easy blade deployment. This mechanism uses an internal torsion bar to help the blade fully open once the user initiates the opening process.

• Locking Mechanism: It utilizes a sturdy liner lock. This is a reliable and secure locking mechanism that prevents the blade from closing during use.

• Pocket Clip: The knife features a four-position deep-carry pocket clip. This allows for versatile carry options and ensures the knife sits discreetly in the pocket.

• Weight: The Kershaw Radar’s weight is not explicitly stated, but it feels substantial due to its all-steel construction. This gives it a solid, reassuring feel in hand.

• Other Features: Includes jimping on the blade and handle spine for enhanced grip, a lanyard hole for additional carry options, and a Blackwash™ finish for corrosion resistance and a tactical look.

These specifications combine to create a knife that is both practical and durable. The 8Cr13MoV steel offers a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance, while the all-steel construction ensures longevity. The assisted opening and deep-carry clip enhance its usability for everyday carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife performs admirably for its intended purpose as a general-use folding knife. Its drop point blade excels at slicing, piercing, and general cutting tasks. The assisted opening provides quick and reliable blade deployment, making it easy to use with one hand.

Its strengths lie in its durability and ease of use. The all-steel construction can withstand significant abuse, and the assisted opening and liner lock are reliable and intuitive. One potential weakness is the weight, which might be a bit much for those who prefer lighter knives.

The Kershaw Radar meets and even exceeds expectations for a knife in its price range. It delivers reliable performance and ruggedness that you might expect from a more expensive knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Radar’s design is functional and utilitarian. The all-steel construction provides a robust feel, while the Blackwash™ finish gives it a tactical look. The jimping on the blade and handle enhances grip, even in wet conditions.

The knife feels comfortable in hand, although the all-steel handle can become slippery when wet. The deep-carry clip allows for discreet carry, and the four-position adjustability makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. There’s no real learning curve; it’s ready to go right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

With its all-steel construction and robust liner lock, the Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife is built to last. The 8Cr13MoV blade steel is relatively easy to sharpen and offers good corrosion resistance. The Blackwash™ finish also helps to protect the steel from rust and scratches.

Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Repairing this knife would likely involve replacing entire components rather than repairing individual parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife does not come with any additional accessories beyond the standard deep-carry pocket clip. Customization options are limited due to the knife’s design. However, aftermarket pocket clips that match its screw pattern may be available from third-party vendors.

Generally, the Kershaw Radar isn’t designed for extensive customization. Its value lies in its ready-to-use durability and functionality.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw 5560 Radar Folding Knife