Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals Review

Let’s Talk About Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is a slim, assisted-opening pocketknife designed for everyday carry. This knife boasts a unique blade shape and comfortable ergonomics, making it an intriguing option for knife enthusiasts. Kershaw is a well-respected brand known for producing quality knives at reasonable prices, and the Believer aims to continue that tradition.

I was looking for a new EDC knife that was slim, easy to carry, and had a unique design. I was tired of the same old drop-point blades and wanted something that stood out. I’ve always been a fan of Kershaw knives, and the Believer’s distinctive clip-point blade and assisted opening caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, the Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid. The dark gray PVD coating on the blade gives it a sleek, tactical look. The handle, while stainless steel, is nicely contoured and feels comfortable in hand, exhibiting good fit and finish.

I considered the CRKT Pilar and the Ontario RAT Model 2 before settling on the Believer. The Pilar had a similar minimalist design, but lacked assisted opening. The RAT 2 is a classic, but I wanted something with more visual flair than the utilitarian RAT 2.

My first impression was one of excitement. The assisted opening is snappy and reliable, and the blade shape is truly unique. I was eager to put it to the test.


Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals during a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope, and whittling small pieces of wood. The knife performed well in dry conditions.

The SpeedSafe assisted opening was especially useful when I needed to quickly deploy the blade with one hand. The slim profile made it easy to carry in my pocket without feeling bulky. There were no initial issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily carry and regular use, the Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals has held up reasonably well. The PVD coating on the blade shows some minor scratches from everyday use. However, the blade itself remains sharp and functional.

The frame lock is still solid and secure. The assisted opening mechanism is still snappy, although it occasionally requires a bit more force to overcome the initial resistance. Cleaning is straightforward, a quick wipe down with a cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point is usually enough.

The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals performs admirably for its price point. While it might not outperform higher-end knives in terms of edge retention or overall durability, it’s a reliable and practical EDC option.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

Specifications

  • The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals features a 3.25-inch blade made of 8Cr13MoV steel. This steel offers a good balance of edge-holding capability, strength, and ease of sharpening.
  • The overall length is 7.3 inches, with a handle length of 4.125 inches. The blade thickness is 0.12 inches, contributing to its slicing ability.
  • The knife weighs in at a comfortable 3.8 ounces. This makes it easy to carry without feeling weighed down.
  • The handle is made of stainless steel with a silver/gray finish. The blade has a dark gray PVD coating for added protection and a tactical look.
  • It features a frame lock mechanism for secure blade lockup. The assisted opening is Kershaw’s SpeedSafe system.
  • The knife comes with a reversible deep-carry pocketclip. This makes it suitable for both left- and right-handed carry.

These specifications matter because they contribute to the knife’s overall performance and usability. The blade steel determines how well the knife holds an edge. The size and weight dictate how comfortable it is to carry and use.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals performs its job as an EDC knife quite well. The modified clip-point blade is excellent for slicing and general cutting tasks. The assisted opening makes it quick and easy to deploy the blade with one hand.

One strength is the slim profile, which makes it comfortable to carry in a pocket without being too bulky. A minor weakness is that the 8Cr13MoV steel, while easy to sharpen, doesn’t hold an edge as long as more premium steels. The knife meets my expectations for a budget-friendly EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is generally good for a knife in this price range. The stainless steel handle is contoured and comfortable to hold. The weight is well-balanced.

The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is user-friendly, and there’s no learning curve. The assisted opening is intuitive, and the frame lock is easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals should last for several years of regular use. The stainless steel handle and PVD-coated blade are reasonably resistant to corrosion.

Maintenance is simple; just keep the blade clean and oiled, and occasionally tighten the pivot screw. The SpeedSafe mechanism may require occasional lubrication to maintain smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals comes with only the reversible pocketclip as an accessory. There are no official customization options offered by Kershaw.

While you cannot change handle scales or other major components, you can find aftermarket pocketclips. These can be purchased in various colors and materials. The pivot screw may also be replaceable, but finding a compatible one could be challenging.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

Pros

  • Unique blade shape that stands out from typical EDC knives.
  • SpeedSafe assisted opening provides quick and easy one-handed deployment.
  • Slim and lightweight design makes it comfortable for everyday carry.
  • Reversible deep-carry pocketclip for versatile carry options.
  • Excellent value for the price.

Cons

  • 8Cr13MoV steel requires more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels.
  • PVD coating is prone to scratching with heavy use.


Who Should Buy Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals?

The Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable and stylish EDC knife. This includes students, office workers, and casual outdoor enthusiasts. Its slim profile and assisted opening make it a convenient and practical tool for everyday tasks.

This knife is probably not ideal for those who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks. It also may not appeal to users who prefer premium blade steels with superior edge retention.

A must-have accessory is a good sharpening stone or honing steel to maintain the blade’s edge. Some users may also benefit from a lanyard for added grip and security.

Conclusion on Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

Overall, the Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is a solid EDC knife that offers excellent value for the money. Its unique design, assisted opening, and slim profile make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

The price is definitely justified considering the features and build quality. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish EDC knife without breaking the bank.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw Believer Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals to anyone seeking a capable and affordable EDC knife. Give it a try – you might just become a Believer yourself!

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