Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife promises to be an affordable, everyday carry option blending assisted opening, a useful blade shape, and a sleek aesthetic. The Kershaw brand is well-regarded for delivering quality knives at various price points, and the Lucid aims to continue this tradition. It boasts a clip point blade made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, assisted opening, and a textured glass-filled nylon handle.

I’ve been searching for a lightweight, reliable folding knife for general utility tasks and as a backup on hiking and camping trips. I needed something that could handle basic cutting tasks, like preparing food, cutting rope, or opening packages, without adding excessive weight to my gear. The assisted opening feature was also attractive, as it allows for quick, one-handed deployment in situations where speed is essential.

Upon unboxing the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife, I was immediately struck by its clean design and comfortable feel in hand. The dark blue handle provides a subtle yet visually appealing contrast to the stonewashed blade. The knife feels well-balanced, and the assisted opening mechanism snaps the blade open with satisfying speed.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian (more expensive, premium steel) and my CRKT Pilar (simpler, more robust design), the Lucid aims for a sweet spot. The Griptilian is a workhorse, but pricier; the Pilar is tough, but lacks assisted opening. I chose the Lucid because I wanted the balance of features and affordability.

My first impression of the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife was positive. It seemed like a well-made, practical folding knife that offered a lot of value for its price. I was excited to put it through its paces and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

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

First Use Experience

I tested the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. The trip provided a variety of cutting tasks, including food preparation, fire starting (feathering sticks), and gear maintenance. I used it in dry conditions primarily, though there was a brief period of light rain.

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife performed admirably in these conditions. The assisted opening allowed for quick deployment when I needed to access the blade quickly. The clip point blade proved to be versatile, handling both fine cutting tasks and more demanding chores with ease.

No learning curve was involved. The knife felt natural in my hand from the start, and the frame lock was easy to engage and disengage. I did notice that the stonewashed finish on the blade showed fingerprints easily.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. The blade steel has retained its edge adequately with only minor touch-ups needed.

The handle shows no signs of cracking or warping, despite being subjected to moderate amounts of stress. The frame lock remains secure, and the assisted opening mechanism continues to function smoothly. I observed some minor scratches on the blade finish, but this is to be expected with regular use.

Maintaining the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife is straightforward. The simple design makes it easy to clean after use. A quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point have been sufficient to keep it in good working order.

Compared to my experience with other knives in this price range, the Lucid performs as expected. While it doesn’t match the cutting performance or edge retention of higher-end knives with premium steel blades, it offers a solid value proposition for its price point. It has not disappointed.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.2 inches. This length is ideal for everyday carry, offering enough cutting surface for most tasks without being too bulky.
• Closed Length: 4.2 inches. A comfortable size for pocket carry, making it easily accessible without being cumbersome.
• Blade Material: 8CR13MoV SS. This steel is known for its good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening, making it a practical choice for a budget-friendly knife.
• Blade Shape: Clip Point. Clip point blades offer excellent piercing ability and a fine tip for detail work, making them highly versatile for various tasks.
• Handle Finish: Stone Washed. The stonewashed finish provides a rugged look and helps to hide scratches and wear.
• Handle Color: Blue. The dark blue handle color adds a touch of style without being overly flashy.
• Additional Features: Flipper. The flipper allows for quick and easy one-handed blade deployment, enhancing usability in various situations.
• Weight: 4.3 oz. This lightweight design ensures comfortable carry throughout the day without weighing you down.
• Blade Type: Plain. A plain edge blade offers clean and efficient cutting performance for a wide range of materials.

These specifications contribute to the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife’s overall appeal as a practical and user-friendly everyday carry option. The balance of blade size, steel quality, and handle design makes it a versatile tool for various cutting tasks.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife performs its intended function as a utility knife quite well. The blade is sharp out of the box and capable of handling most everyday cutting tasks.

The assisted opening mechanism is reliable and smooth, allowing for quick one-handed deployment. The frame lock provides a secure lockup, preventing accidental blade closure during use. The knife’s strengths lie in its ease of use, portability, and affordability.

The blade steel requires more frequent sharpening than premium steels. I think the blade would benefit from a slightly thicker stock for added strength, but that would likely increase the weight. It meets expectations for a knife in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife features a simple yet effective design. The blue, textured glass-filled nylon front handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.

The stainless steel back handle with glass-filled nylon inlay adds visual appeal and durability. The knife is lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable to carry and use for extended periods. No learning curve is involved, making it user-friendly for both experienced and novice knife users.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife is built with durable materials that should withstand normal wear and tear. The 8CR13MoV stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and relatively easy to sharpen.

The glass-filled nylon handle is resistant to impact and temperature changes. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. With proper care, the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife should last for several years of regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife does not come with many accessories, but it features a reversible pocket clip for left or right-hand carry. This feature enhances the knife’s versatility and makes it suitable for a wider range of users.

Aftermarket accessories like lanyards can be easily added through the lanyard hole. There are limited customization options available for this knife. However, the standard configuration is well-suited for most users.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife?

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife is perfect for everyday carry users looking for a reliable and affordable knife. This includes:

• Casual campers and hikers
• General utility users
• Anyone needing a backup knife

This knife may not be ideal for users who require high-end blade steel or extensive customization options. This includes:

• Professional outdoorsmen or survivalists
• Collectors seeking premium materials and craftsmanship

A must-have accessory would be a sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife

The Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. It’s a well-made, practical folding knife that is suitable for everyday carry and light-duty tasks.

The price is definitely justified for the value it brings.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw Lucid Folding Knife to anyone looking for a reliable and budget-friendly EDC option. It offers a solid balance of features and performance. Pick one up today and experience the Kershaw quality without breaking the bank!