Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O

The Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O is a knife that immediately whispers “practicality” rather than shouting “tacticool.” As a long-time gear specialist, I’ve seen countless blades come and go, each promising the moon, but few delivering true, reliable performance. Kershaw, however, has a reputation for solid, working knives, and the Achieve aims to continue that legacy with its assisted opening and framelock design.

I was looking for a durable, everyday carry knife that wouldn’t break the bank, something I could comfortably use for everything from opening packages to light camp chores. I was tired of overspending on knives that either sat in a drawer or failed miserably when actually put to work. The Kershaw Achieve seemed to strike a good balance between affordability and functionality.

The first thing I noticed upon unboxing was the knife’s unassuming design. The bead-blasted stainless steel handle gives it a utilitarian, no-nonsense appearance. The weight feels substantial, not heavy, but reassuringly solid. Compared to similar offerings from CRKT and SOG in the same price range, the Kershaw Achieve appeared to have a cleaner, more streamlined design. While others felt bulky, the Achieve seemed more refined and pocket-friendly.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The assisted opening mechanism felt snappy, the framelock engaged securely, and the overall build quality seemed decent for the price. It wasn’t love at first sight, but rather a feeling that this knife might just work, and that’s often the best kind of first impression.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O to work on a weekend camping trip in the nearby national forest. The weather was damp, with intermittent rain, providing a good test of the knife’s grip and blade performance in less-than-ideal conditions. I primarily used it for food preparation (slicing vegetables, opening packaging), cutting cordage for setting up the tent, and some minor wood processing for fire starting.

The assisted opening was a welcome feature, allowing for quick, one-handed deployment even with slightly wet hands. The blade, while not exceptionally long, proved adequate for the tasks at hand. I did notice that the stonewash finish on the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade seemed to offer good corrosion resistance, showing no signs of rust or staining after exposure to moisture. The only minor issue was the bead-blasted finish on the handle becoming slightly slippery when wet.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Kershaw Achieve has become a regular part of my EDC rotation. I’ve used it extensively for everyday tasks like opening boxes, cutting zip ties, and various small jobs around the house and yard. It has also accompanied me on several more camping trips and even a fishing excursion.

The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade has held up surprisingly well, maintaining a decent edge with only occasional touch-ups. There are some minor scratches on the blade and handle, but nothing that detracts from the knife’s overall functionality. The framelock still engages securely, with no blade play. Cleaning is simple: a quick wash with soap and water followed by a light oiling.

Compared to my previous EDC knife, a more expensive Benchmade model with a premium steel blade, the Kershaw Achieve doesn’t quite match its edge retention or overall fit and finish. However, for its price point, the Achieve has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O

Specifications

• The Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O features a 2.75-inch stonewash finish 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade. This blade length is ideal for EDC, offering a good balance between cutting ability and portability.
• The knife has a closed length of 3.75 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• The handle is made of bead-blast finish stainless steel. This offers good durability and a solid grip, though it can become slightly slippery when wet.
• It utilizes a framelock mechanism. This lock type is known for its strength and reliability.
• Other features include a lanyard hole and a pocket clip. These add to the knife’s versatility and carry options.
• The knife weighs 0.2 lbs, or 3.2 ounces. The weight feels substantial without being cumbersome.

These specifications are essential for a functional EDC knife. The blade steel provides a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The framelock ensures the blade stays securely in place during use.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O performs its primary function – cutting – reliably and efficiently. The assisted opening mechanism is fast and smooth, making it easy to deploy the blade with one hand. The blade shape is versatile, suitable for a wide range of tasks.

The knife’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and ease of use. The Achieve is not a flashy or high-performance knife, but a reliable tool that gets the job done. The only minor weakness is the handle’s grip in wet conditions. It meets my expectations for an affordable, everyday carry knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with no noticeable gaps or imperfections. The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the handle is comfortable to grip for extended periods.

The design is simple and utilitarian. There is no steep learning curve: the knife is easy to operate and maintain.

Durability & Maintenance

With its stainless steel blade and handle, the Kershaw Achieve is built to last. It is easy to clean and maintain: regular cleaning and occasional oiling are all that’s required.

The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel is relatively easy to sharpen, ensuring the blade stays in good working condition. The framelock design is inherently strong and reliable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Achieve comes with a pocket clip. There are no included accessories beyond that.

As a fairly standard framelock knife, customization options are limited, but aftermarket pocket clips are available. Paracord can be added to the lanyard hole to enhance grip.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O?

The Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, reliable, and practical everyday carry knife. It is ideal for casual campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a dependable tool for everyday tasks.

This knife is not ideal for those who require a high-performance blade with exceptional edge retention or those who prioritize a secure grip in all conditions.

A must-have accessory would be a small bottle of knife oil for regular maintenance. Also, a sharpening stone or system is essential to keep the blade in top condition.

Conclusion on Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O

The Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O is a solid, no-nonsense knife that delivers reliable performance at an affordable price. It’s not the flashiest or most feature-rich knife on the market, but it’s a dependable tool that will get the job done.

The price is absolutely justified. You get a well-built, functional knife from a reputable brand for under $50.

I would definitely recommend the Kershaw Achieve to anyone looking for a budget-friendly EDC knife. It’s a great option for beginners or anyone who wants a reliable tool without breaking the bank. Pick one up today and experience the reliable performance of the Kershaw Achieve Framelock A/O for yourself!