Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife immediately struck me as a unique take on the everyday carry. With its cleaver-style blade and durable construction, it promises a blend of practicality and distinctive design. The Kershaw brand has always been synonymous with quality and innovation at a reasonable price, so I was eager to see if the Hatch lived up to that reputation.

I’ve been searching for a robust EDC knife that can handle both everyday tasks and more demanding outdoor activities. Many knives I’ve used either lack the cutting power for tougher materials or feel too fragile for serious use. The Hatch appeared to offer a good balance, with its D2 steel blade suggesting excellent edge retention.

The unboxing experience was simple, with the knife securely packaged. My initial impression was positive: the knife felt solid and well-balanced in my hand. The glass-filled nylon handle provided a comfortable and secure grip, and the blade deployed smoothly with the thumb stud.

Compared to my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (known for its precision) and my Benchmade Griptilian (praised for its durability), the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife offers a different approach. The Paramilitary 2 is more refined, the Griptilian is a workhorse, and the Hatch seems like a hybrid, aiming for both strength and versatility. I picked the Hatch for its unique blade shape and the promise of D2 steel performance.

I was initially excited by the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife, but also slightly skeptical of the cleaver design’s practicality. Would it be more of a novelty than a truly useful tool? Time and testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I put the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife through its paces during a weekend camping trip in the Adirondack Mountains. The weather was mixed, with periods of rain and cool temperatures. I used it for various tasks, from preparing food to whittling wood for kindling.

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife performed admirably in these conditions. The blade’s shape proved surprisingly versatile, making it easy to slice vegetables and even feather sticks for fire starting. Despite the wet conditions, the GFN handle provided a secure grip, and the blade’s stonewash finish resisted corrosion.

I found the thumb stud easy to operate, even with wet or gloved hands. There was a slight learning curve to the cleaver blade shape, but its slicing capabilities quickly became apparent. After the first day, I was impressed by its edge retention and overall performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it for everything from opening packages and cutting rope to more demanding tasks like field dressing small game. It has become a regular part of my EDC.

The D2 steel blade has shown minimal signs of wear, retaining its edge even after prolonged use. The GFN handle remains sturdy, with no noticeable damage or loosening. Cleaning the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point.

Compared to other knives I’ve owned, the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and versatility. It’s a reliable tool that I can depend on for a wide range of tasks.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.15 inches. This is a sweet spot for EDC, offering enough cutting edge without being unwieldy.
• Closed Length: 4.2 inches. The compact size makes it easy to carry discreetly in a pocket.
• Blade Material: D2 steel. D2 steel is known for its excellent edge retention and wear resistance, making it a great choice for a work knife.
• Serrated: Plain edge. The plain edge provides clean and efficient slicing.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. The folding design makes it safe and convenient for everyday carry.
• Overall Length: 7.35 inches. The overall length provides a comfortable and secure grip.
• Blade Shape: Cleaver. The cleaver shape offers a unique cutting geometry and is surprisingly versatile.
• Handle Material: GFN (Glass-Filled Nylon). GFN provides a durable and lightweight handle with good grip.
• Blade Finish: Stonewash. The stonewash finish helps to hide scratches and wear, maintaining the knife’s appearance.
• Blade Thickness: 0.097 inches. The blade thickness strikes a balance between slicing performance and durability.
• Sheath Material: No Sheath. Designed for pocket carry.
• Handle Color: Black. The black handle is discreet and practical.
• Weight: 2.6 oz. This is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for comfortable everyday carry.

These specifications contribute to the overall performance of the knife by offering a durable and versatile tool in a compact and lightweight package. The D2 steel blade and GFN handle ensure longevity and reliability, while the cleaver blade shape provides unique cutting capabilities.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife performs exceptionally well as a general-purpose EDC knife. Its cleaver blade excels at slicing and chopping, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. It’s easy to deploy and provides a secure grip.

The primary strength of the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife lies in its blade geometry and edge retention. It’s incredibly sharp and maintains its edge even after heavy use. The mid-lock mechanism is secure and reliable.

One potential weakness is the cleaver blade’s point, which might not be ideal for piercing tasks. However, the overall cutting performance more than makes up for this limitation. It met and exceeded my expectations for an EDC knife in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife boasts a solid build quality. The materials used feel durable and well-crafted. The knife is surprisingly lightweight for its size, making it comfortable to carry throughout the day.

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife is quite user-friendly. The thumb stud allows for easy one-handed opening. The handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. There’s virtually no learning curve to its basic operation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife is built to last. The D2 steel blade and GFN handle are highly resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife is simple. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the pivot point will help to keep it in top condition. Sharpening the blade as needed will maintain its cutting performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife doesn’t come with many accessories, as it’s designed for simplicity and functionality. The deep-carry pocket clip is reversible for left- or right-hand carry, which is a nice touch.

While there aren’t many official Kershaw accessories specifically for the Hatch, aftermarket options like lanyards and pocket clip replacements can be used. The knife is also compatible with standard sharpening systems.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife?

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife is perfect for: EDC enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking for a reliable and versatile knife for everyday tasks. It’s a great option for those who appreciate a unique blade shape and durable construction.

Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize a traditional blade shape or prefer a more refined, “gentleman’s” knife. Those who need a dedicated piercing tool might also want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory is a good sharpening system to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife

The Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife is a surprisingly capable and well-designed EDC knife. Its unique cleaver blade, durable construction, and affordable price make it a compelling option for a wide range of users. It successfully blends practicality with a distinctive style.

The value proposition is excellent. At around $48, you’re getting a knife with a D2 steel blade, a durable GFN handle, and a unique design that stands out from the crowd. The price is definitely justified.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable EDC knife. It’s a solid performer that won’t break the bank. Grab a Kershaw Hatch Black 3.13in Folding Knife and experience the difference for yourself!