Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals Review

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

The Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is not just another pocketknife; it’s a statement. Crafted by Kershaw, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, the Husker boasts a unique blend of sleek design and practical functionality. Its slim profile, upswept blade, and machined all-steel handle immediately caught my eye, promising a comfortable and capable EDC (Everyday Carry) companion.

I was on the hunt for a reliable, yet stylish knife that could handle daily tasks without weighing me down. I needed something more refined than my usual tactical folder, but with the same dependability. The Husker seemed to strike that perfect balance.

Upon unboxing the Kershaw Husker, my initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The knife felt substantial in hand, yet surprisingly thin, a testament to its clever design. The stonewashed finish on both the blade and handle gave it a rugged, yet sophisticated look.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Husker stood out with its all-steel construction and unique industrial pattern on the handle. While the Griptilian is lighter and the Paramilitary 2 has a superior cutting edge, the Husker’s assisted opening and integrated over-travel stop were compelling features. I hoped its unique aesthetics and features would translate to real-world performance.

My initial excitement was definitely justified. The Kershaw Husker appeared to be a well-built, aesthetically pleasing knife with some innovative features. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to my expectations.


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

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals was during a weekend camping trip in the Ozark Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and even some light wood processing for kindling. The humid conditions didn’t seem to affect the grip.

The assisted opening with the flipper was incredibly smooth and fast, even with slightly damp hands. The blade’s upswept design made slicing through vegetables and fruits a breeze, while the handle’s industrial pattern provided a secure grip. After a full day of use, I noticed no hot spots or discomfort in my hand.

My only minor concern after the first use was the stonewashed finish, which seemed to show some initial scratches from cutting rougher materials like wood. However, this was purely cosmetic and didn’t affect the knife’s performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of EDC, the Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals has proven to be a reliable and capable tool. The blade has retained its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a ceramic honing rod. The assisted opening mechanism remains as smooth as day one.

Despite the initial scratches on the stonewashed finish, the knife has held up admirably to daily wear and tear. There are no signs of blade play or looseness in the frame lock. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point keep it in top condition.

Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Kershaw Husker has exceeded my expectations in terms of its combination of style, functionality, and durability. It might not be the absolute best in any single category, but its well-rounded performance makes it an excellent choice for everyday carry.

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

Specifications

  • Blade Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm). This blade length is ideal for EDC, offering sufficient cutting power without being cumbersome.
  • Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV. This steel offers a good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening.
  • Blade Finish: Stonewashed finish. The stonewashed finish hides scratches well and gives the knife a rugged aesthetic.
  • Closed Length: 3.8 inches (9.9 cm). This compact closed length makes the Kershaw Husker easy to carry in a pocket.
  • Handle Material: Stainless steel. The stainless steel handle provides durability and a solid feel in hand.
  • Handle Finish: Stonewashed finish. The matching stonewashed handle complements the blade and enhances grip.
  • Overall Length: 6.9 inches (17.6 cm). The overall length provides a comfortable grip and adequate leverage for various cutting tasks.
  • Weight: 3.3 oz. (96 g). The weight is substantial, lending a feeling of quality, yet not overly heavy for EDC.
  • Opening Action: Assisted SpeedSafe. Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening provides rapid and reliable deployment.
  • Lock Type: Frame lock. The frame lock provides a secure and reliable lockup.
  • Pocketclip: Reversible (right/left tip-up). The reversible pocketclip allows for convenient carry for both right- and left-handed users.

These specifications combine to create a well-balanced EDC knife. The 8Cr13MoV blade provides a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance. The stainless steel handle adds durability, and the assisted opening makes deployment quick and easy.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals performs admirably in a variety of tasks. The upswept blade with its ample belly excels at slicing, making it ideal for food preparation and other everyday cutting chores. The assisted opening is lightning-fast and reliable, while the frame lock provides a secure and confident lockup.

The knife’s strengths lie in its comfortable ergonomics, rapid deployment, and reliable performance. One minor weakness is that the blade steel, while decent, isn’t as premium as some higher-end options, potentially requiring more frequent sharpening with heavy use. Overall, the Husker more than meets expectations for a knife in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Husker boasts a sleek and modern design. The all-steel construction and industrial pattern on the handle give it a unique and stylish look. The knife feels solid and well-built in hand, with a comfortable grip that promotes confident handling.

The assisted opening flipper is well-integrated and easy to operate, even with gloves. The frame lock is easily accessible and provides a secure lockup. There is a slight learning curve associated with the frame lock mechanism if you are unfamiliar with it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is built to last. The stainless steel handle and robust frame lock provide excellent durability. The 8Cr13MoV blade, while not the most wear-resistant steel, is relatively easy to sharpen and maintain.

Maintenance is straightforward: regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are all that’s needed to keep the Husker in optimal condition. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals comes with a reversible pocket clip for right- or left-handed carry. There aren’t many direct customization options for the Husker.

However, some users may choose to replace the pocket clip with aftermarket options for deeper carry or different aesthetics. Since it is built to standard specifications, the knife should be compatible with many aftermarket clips.

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

Pros

  • Sleek and Stylish Design: The all-steel construction and industrial handle pattern give the Kershaw Husker a unique and appealing aesthetic.
  • Rapid Assisted Opening: Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening ensures quick and reliable blade deployment with a flipper.
  • Secure Frame Lock: The frame lock provides a solid and dependable lockup for safe use.
  • Comfortable Ergonomics: The slim profile and contoured handle offer a comfortable and secure grip.
  • Excellent Value: The Kershaw Husker offers a great combination of features and performance for its price point.

Cons

  • Blade Steel: While decent, 8Cr13MoV may require more frequent sharpening than premium blade steels with heavy use.
  • Stonewashed Finish: The stonewashed finish is prone to showing scratches, although it doesn’t affect functionality.


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

The Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is perfect for anyone looking for a stylish and reliable EDC knife. It’s ideal for:

  • Everyday carry enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of form and function.
  • Office workers, students, and anyone who needs a handy tool for daily cutting tasks.
  • Outdoor adventurers who need a lightweight and dependable knife for camping, hiking, or fishing.

Those who should skip this product:

  • Individuals who demand a super-premium blade steel for extreme cutting tasks.
  • Users who prefer a completely minimalist design.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

  • A quality sharpening stone or ceramic honing rod to maintain the blade’s edge.
  • Threadlocker on the pocket clip screws to ensure they don’t loosen over time.

Conclusion on Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

The Kershaw Husker Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is a solid EDC choice that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and affordability. Kershaw has delivered a well-designed knife with smooth assisted opening, a secure frame lock, and comfortable ergonomics. While the 8Cr13MoV blade steel isn’t the absolute best on the market, it offers a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance.

The price of $43.99 is definitely justified given the features and overall quality of the knife. You’re getting a lot of value for your money.

I would absolutely recommend the Kershaw Husker to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish EDC knife that won’t break the bank. Pick one up today and experience the Kershaw difference!

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