Let’s Dive into Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is more than just a knife; it’s a statement of preparedness. Designed by the renowned Ken Onion and manufactured by Kershaw, this knife boasts a potent blend of speed, strength, and stealth.
For years, I have relied on a variety of knives for everything from field dressing game to rigging shelters in the wilderness. My older knife was failing, the assisted opening had become sluggish, and the blade wouldn’t hold an edge. I needed a reliable, versatile tool that could handle the demands of both everyday carry and challenging outdoor situations, and this knife seemed to fit the bill.
Unboxing the Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion immediately impressed me. The knife felt solid in hand, the black anodized aluminum handles exuding a sense of durability and the Trac-Tec inserts providing a confidence-inspiring grip.
I considered the Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, both excellent knives. However, the Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion‘s assisted opening and partially serrated blade offered a specific combination of features I found appealing for its intended uses. The SpeedSafe mechanism, promising rapid deployment, further sealed the deal.
My initial impression was one of excitement. The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion felt like a serious tool, ready to tackle any task I threw its way.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test for the Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion came during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for everything from preparing food to cutting rope for setting up our tents.
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performed admirably, even in damp conditions. The Trac-Tec inserts ensured a secure grip even with wet hands, and the assisted opening mechanism worked flawlessly every time. I was particularly impressed by how effortlessly the partially serrated blade sliced through thick rope, a task that often proves challenging for non-serrated blades.
There were no surprises or issues, just reliable performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has proven to be a dependable companion. I’ve used it for everything from opening packages to more demanding tasks like clearing brush and preparing kindling.
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion‘s DLC coating shows minimal wear, resisting scratches and maintaining its sleek appearance. The Sandvik 14C28N blade steel holds an edge exceptionally well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a sharpening steel. Cleaning is simple, a quick rinse and wipe-down usually suffices.
Compared to my previous knives, the Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion offers a noticeable improvement in both edge retention and overall durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
Specifications
- Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N with DLC coating. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention.
- Handle Material: 6061-T6 anodized aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts. The aluminum is lightweight and durable, while the inserts enhance grip.
- Blade Length: 3.4 inches (8.6 cm). The blade length is ideal for both everyday carry and more demanding tasks.
- Closed Length: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). This allows for comfortable pocket carry.
- Overall Length: 7.9 inches (20 cm). The overall length provides a good balance of control and reach.
- Weight: 3.9 oz. (110.6 g). This knife is lightweight enough for all-day carry without fatigue.
- Opening Method: SpeedSafe assisted opening with thumbstud. This allows for quick and easy one-handed blade deployment.
- Locking Mechanism: Locking liner. This ensures the blade remains securely open during use.
- Pocketclip: Reversible (tip-up/tip-down). This allows for customized carry options.
- Serrations: Partial. The serrations provide enhanced cutting power for fibrous materials.
- Lanyard Hole: Included. This allows for attaching a lanyard for added security.
These specifications translate to a knife that is both highly functional and incredibly durable.
Performance & Functionality
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion excels in its intended purpose. It is a reliable cutting tool that performs consistently across a wide range of tasks.
The SpeedSafe assisted opening is lightning-fast and reliable, ensuring the blade is ready for action in an instant. The partially serrated blade easily handles tough materials like rope and webbing, while the recurved blade shape provides excellent slicing capabilities. The only weakness I’ve found is that sharpening the serrated portion can be a bit tricky, requiring specialized tools.
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion not only meets my expectations but exceeds them in terms of speed and grip.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion‘s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The black anodized aluminum handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the SpeedSafe opening mechanism is intuitive and easy to use. There is virtually no learning curve, making it accessible to both experienced knife users and beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is built to last. The high-quality materials and solid construction ensure it can withstand years of use and abuse.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional sharpening will keep the blade in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes standard with a reversible pocket clip. The pocket clip offers versatile carry positions (tip-up or tip-down).
While there are no specific Kershaw-branded accessories designed exclusively for the Blur, its durable construction and versatile design make it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket lanyards and sharpening tools.
Pros and Cons of Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
Pros
- Lightning-Fast SpeedSafe Assisted Opening: One-handed deployment is effortless and incredibly quick.
- Superior Grip with Trac-Tec Inserts: Provides a secure and confident hold in all conditions.
- High-Performance Sandvik 14C28N Blade Steel: Offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
- Durable and Lightweight Aluminum Handles: Ensures long-lasting performance without adding excessive weight.
- Versatile Partially Serrated Blade: Capable of handling a wide range of cutting tasks.
Cons
- Sharpening the serrated portion of the blade requires specialized tools and skills.
- The DLC coating, while durable, can show minor scratches over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?
This knife is perfect for everyday carry (EDC), outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, survivalists, and anyone who needs a reliable and versatile cutting tool. Its assisted opening and secure grip make it an excellent choice for first responders and tactical users as well.
Those who prioritize ease of sharpening over cutting power or prefer a non-assisted opening knife might want to consider other options.
A good sharpening kit designed for serrated blades would be a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
The Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is an outstanding knife that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. It’s a well-designed, durable, and versatile tool that is perfect for a wide range of tasks.
The price is justified by the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and performance. It offers excellent value for the money.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Kershaw Blur Black Serrated Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to anyone looking for a high-quality, dependable EDC knife. Add it to your cart today and experience the difference a truly great knife can make!