Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is a cleaver-style folder that immediately grabs your attention. Manufactured by Kershaw, this knife boasts a unique blade shape and a robust design, blending tactical aesthetics with everyday practicality. I was particularly drawn to the cleaver blade and the promise of a secure grip, elements that I value in a versatile EDC (Everyday Carry) knife.

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time outdoors and also appreciates a well-designed tactical tool, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife piqued my interest. I’ve been searching for a folding knife that could handle a variety of tasks from simple cutting chores to more demanding outdoor applications. I needed a blade that felt substantial in hand, offered a reliable grip, and could hold an edge through regular use.

Upon unboxing the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife, my first impression was positive. The knife felt solid and well-balanced, with the stonewashed blade giving it a rugged, ready-for-anything look. The glass-filled nylon handle provided a surprisingly comfortable and secure grip, while the SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism felt smooth and responsive right out of the box.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian (a benchmark for EDC knives) and my CRKT Pilar (another compact, robust folder), the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife stood out due to its unique cleaver blade. I chose the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife over similar knives primarily because of its distinctive design and the promise of enhanced grip and cutting power. I was hoping that the cleaver blade would offer advantages in certain cutting tasks, particularly those involving chopping or scraping.

My initial feeling was one of excitement and cautious optimism. The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife certainly looked the part, but I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios. The build quality appeared solid, but the true test would be how it held up under prolonged use and demanding conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first serious test of the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife took place during a weekend camping trip in the Deschutes National Forest. The diverse tasks of setting up camp offered ample opportunity to evaluate the knife’s capabilities. I tested its ability to baton small pieces of firewood, prepare kindling, and open packages of food.

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife performed admirably in dry conditions. The assisted opening was reliable, even with slightly gloved hands. The nylon handle provided a secure grip, and the cleaver blade proved surprisingly versatile for slicing and chopping.

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife was easy to use. I immediately felt comfortable with the handle ergonomics and the SpeedSafe opening mechanism. The blade shape required a bit of adjustment for certain cutting tasks, but overall, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife felt intuitive and efficient.

The only minor issue I encountered was that the frame lock felt a bit stiff initially. However, after repeated use, it became easier to disengage. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife held its edge after some initial use, maintaining a sharp cutting surface despite the abuse of batoning small logs.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. I’ve used it extensively for tasks ranging from opening boxes and cutting rope to preparing food and performing light maintenance on my gear. It has become a staple in my EDC rotation.

Despite frequent use, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife has held up remarkably well. There are some minor scratches on the stonewashed blade finish. The nylon handle still looks and feels like new, and the frame lock remains secure and reliable.

Maintaining the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is straightforward. I simply clean the blade with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot point. The stonewashed finish helps to conceal scratches and smudges, making the knife relatively low-maintenance.

Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife has exceeded my expectations in terms of its versatility and durability. The unique blade shape and secure grip make it a standout performer in a variety of tasks. While other knives may excel in specific areas, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife offers a compelling balance of performance and value.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife

Specifications

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife features a 3.4-inch blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This steel is known for its balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The closed length of the knife is 4.4 inches, and the overall length is 7.75 inches.

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife has a handle made from glass-filled nylon with a steel pivot overlay. The handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. It features a frame lock mechanism for secure blade lockup and a reversible deep-carry pocketclip for right- or left-hand carry.

The cleaver blade shape is ideal for chopping and slicing tasks, while the SpeedSafe assisted opening makes deployment quick and easy. The lanyard hole allows for attaching a lanyard or keychain. The overall weight of the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is 4.3 ounces, making it relatively lightweight and easy to carry.

These specifications translate to a knife that is well-suited for a variety of everyday and outdoor tasks. The blade material ensures a sharp and durable cutting edge, while the handle material provides a secure and comfortable grip. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is a convenient feature that allows for quick and easy deployment.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife performs exceptionally well in a variety of cutting tasks. The cleaver blade shape is particularly effective for chopping and slicing, making it a useful tool for food preparation, processing small firewood, and other outdoor activities. The blade’s thickness of 0.11 inches provides excellent strength and durability.

One of the main strengths of the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is its versatility. The knife handles everything from opening boxes to preparing meals with ease. The frame lock is solid and reliable, providing confidence during demanding tasks.

While the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is a versatile tool, it does have some limitations. The cleaver blade shape may not be ideal for precision cutting or intricate tasks. The relatively short blade length (3.4 inches) may also be a limiting factor for some users.

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife mostly meets my expectations. While it’s not a replacement for a dedicated fixed-blade knife for heavy-duty tasks, it performs admirably as an EDC blade. Its unique design and comfortable grip make it a pleasure to use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics. The combination of the stonewashed blade and the black nylon handle gives it a rugged, tactical look. The steel pivot overlay adds a touch of visual interest.

The materials used in the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife feel solid and durable. The glass-filled nylon handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The knife feels well-balanced in hand, making it easy to control and maneuver.

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is generally user-friendly. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is intuitive and easy to operate with one hand. The reversible pocketclip allows for convenient carry, and the lanyard hole provides additional carry options.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is built to last. The blade is made from a durable steel, and the handle is constructed from a tough nylon material. The frame lock is secure and reliable, ensuring that the blade stays open during use.

With proper care and maintenance, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife should provide years of reliable service. The stonewashed blade finish is resistant to scratches and smudges, and the nylon handle is easy to clean. Regular cleaning and oiling will help to keep the knife in optimal condition.

Maintaining and repairing the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is simple. The knife disassembles easily for cleaning and maintenance. Replacement parts are readily available from Kershaw if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife does not come with any specific accessories. However, the lanyard hole allows for attaching a lanyard or keychain for added convenience. The reversible pocketclip is also a useful feature for customizing carry options.

While the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is not designed for extensive customization, there are some aftermarket accessories that are compatible. For example, you can replace the pocketclip with a different style or material. You can also add custom handle scales to personalize the look and feel of the knife.

Some users may also choose to replace the blade with a custom-made blade from a third-party manufacturer. However, this is generally not recommended unless you have experience with knife modification. Kershaw accessories are readily available and compatible.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife?

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and everyday carry (EDC) users who appreciate a versatile and durable folding knife with a unique design. Those looking for a reliable tool for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to preparing food, will find the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife to be a valuable addition to their gear.

Someone who needs a very fine-tipped knife for intricate work or a knife with a very long blade should skip this product. Additionally, those who prefer traditional blade shapes or prefer a manual opening mechanism might find the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife not to their liking.

A must-have accessory is a sharpening stone or system to maintain the blade’s edge. A quality knife oil will also help to keep the blade and mechanism functioning smoothly.

Conclusion on Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife

The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is a well-designed and versatile folding knife that offers a unique combination of features and performance. Its cleaver blade shape, secure grip, and SpeedSafe assisted opening make it a standout tool for everyday carry and outdoor activities. While it may not be perfect for every task, it excels in a variety of cutting applications.

The price of around $60.00 is justified by the quality of the materials, the build quality, and the overall performance of the knife. The Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife represents a good value for those seeking a reliable and versatile EDC blade.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife to anyone looking for a unique and capable folding knife. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or simply need a reliable tool for everyday tasks, the Kershaw Bracket Folding Knife is sure to impress. Get yours today and experience the versatility and performance of this exceptional cleaver-style folder!