Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

For years, I’ve carried various knives, always searching for that perfect blend of speed, reliability, and ergonomics. The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion promised to be that ideal companion. This knife, designed by the legendary Ken Onion and manufactured by Kershaw, boasts SpeedSafe assisted opening and a durable build, immediately piquing my interest.

I was looking for a reliable EDC knife that could handle everything from opening packages to more demanding tasks during outdoor adventures. My old knife was bulky and slow to deploy, a liability in situations where speed and efficiency matter. The Kershaw Blur seemed to offer a significant upgrade in both areas.

Upon unboxing, I was struck by the knife’s lightweight feel and aggressive, yet ergonomic design. The olive drab aluminum handle felt secure in my grip, and the black DLC coated blade exuded a sense of quality and durability. The SpeedSafe mechanism snapped the blade open with satisfying authority.

I considered the Benchmade Griptilian and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 before settling on the Blur. The Griptilian felt a bit too bulky for everyday carry, and the Paramilitary 2 was outside my budget. The Kershaw Blur offered a compelling combination of features and price.

My first impression was one of excitement. This knife felt like it could be a true workhorse. It had the potential to replace my older, less reliable EDC knife.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion was a weekend camping trip in the Pacific Northwest. The area is notorious for its damp conditions, so testing corrosion resistance was a priority. I used the Blur for various tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope, and whittling kindling.

The knife performed admirably in the wet conditions. The Trac-Tec inserts provided a secure grip even with damp hands, and the blade remained sharp after repeated use. The SpeedSafe mechanism continued to function flawlessly, even after being exposed to moisture and dirt.

The Blur was incredibly easy to use right out of the box. The ergonomic handle fit comfortably in my hand, and the thumb stud provided a secure purchase for activating the SpeedSafe mechanism. Deployment was fast and intuitive.

One minor issue arose during the initial testing: the pocket clip felt a bit stiff. It required some effort to clip the knife onto my pants pocket. However, this issue seemed to resolve itself after a few days of use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It has become an indispensable part of my EDC setup. I use it daily for everything from opening mail to more demanding tasks like cutting zip ties and breaking down cardboard boxes.

The knife shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The DLC coating on the blade has held up remarkably well, resisting scratches and abrasions. The anodized aluminum handle remains scratch-resistant and the edge retention is still great.

Maintaining the Blur is simple. I regularly clean the blade with a dry cloth and apply a small amount of oil to the pivot point to keep the action smooth. The knife has required no major repairs or adjustments.

Compared to my previous EDC knife, the Kershaw Blur is a significant improvement. It is lighter, faster to deploy, and holds an edge longer. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

Specifications

The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion features a 3.4-inch blade made of 14C28N stainless steel. The closed length is 4.5 inches, resulting in an overall length of 7.9 inches. It weighs approximately 3.9 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to carry.

The handle is constructed from 6061-T6 anodized aluminum in an olive drab finish. It features Trac-Tec inserts for enhanced grip. The blade has a recurve, drop point shape, and a black Cerakote finish.

The 14C28N steel provides an excellent balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. The aluminum handle keeps the knife lightweight while maintaining strength and durability. The SpeedSafe assisted opening ensures fast and reliable deployment.

These specifications are crucial for a reliable EDC knife. The blade steel provides durability for everyday use. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performs exceptionally well in a variety of tasks. The recurve blade excels at slicing, and the drop point tip is well-suited for piercing. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is fast and reliable.

The knife’s strengths lie in its speed, ergonomics, and edge retention. The assisted opening mechanism is smooth and consistent, even after months of use. The main weakness is the recurve blade, which can be slightly more difficult to sharpen compared to a straight blade.

The Blur has met and exceeded my expectations. It has proven to be a reliable and versatile tool for everyday carry and outdoor adventures. It provides high performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is exceptional. The materials are high-quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The knife feels solid and well-constructed.

The handle is comfortable and ergonomic. It fits securely in my hand, even when wet. The Trac-Tec inserts provide excellent grip.

There is virtually no learning curve with the Blur. The SpeedSafe mechanism is intuitive to use. The knife is easy to deploy and close with one hand.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is built to last. The high-quality materials and solid construction ensure durability. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the knife is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that is required. The knife is relatively easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning and sharpening.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a reversible pocket clip. The pocket clip allows for tip-up or tip-down carry. The knife also features a pre-drilled lanyard hole for added carry options.

There are limited customization options available for the Blur. However, aftermarket pocket clips and lanyards are readily available. It is compatible with most standard lanyards.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?

The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is perfect for EDC users. It’s also great for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s an ideal companion for hikers, campers, and anyone who needs a reliable and versatile knife for everyday tasks.

Someone seeking a smaller knife or one with a straight blade might want to skip this product. Also, anyone who prefers a manual opening knife might not appreciate the SpeedSafe assist.

A sharpening stone or sharpening system is a must-have accessory for maintaining the edge. A quality knife lubricant will help to keep the SpeedSafe mechanism smooth and functioning properly.

Conclusion on Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is an outstanding EDC knife. It offers a compelling combination of speed, durability, and ergonomics. Its lightweight design and assisted opening make it a pleasure to carry and use.

The price is justified by the quality of the materials and construction, as well as the knife’s overall performance. The Kershaw Blur provides excellent value for the money.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile EDC knife. It’s a high-quality tool that will serve you well for years to come. Don’t hesitate – add the Kershaw Blur to your everyday carry and experience the difference!