Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife arrives with a name that promises something futuristic, something beyond the ordinary. Kershaw, a name synonymous with value and solid performance in the knife world, has taken a bit of a risk with this manual out-the-front (OTF) design, offering a unique experience for its price point. I’ve spent years testing knives from various manufacturers, and the Interstellar’s manual OTF intrigued me with its blend of novelty and practicality.

I was searching for a reliable EDC (Everyday Carry) knife that offered a unique opening mechanism without the legal concerns often associated with automatic OTF knives. The promise of a bottle opener was also a definite draw. The Interstellar looked like it could potentially fill that niche, offering a functional blade and some added utility.

Unboxing the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife, I was immediately struck by the handle’s texturing. It has a distinctly modern, almost sci-fi look. The weight felt good in hand, not too heavy, but substantial enough to inspire confidence. The action of the sliding button felt relatively smooth, although a bit stiff at first. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – it looked cool, but how would it perform?

I considered the SOG-TAC AU and the CRKT M16-01KZ before settling on the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife. The SOG was a bit too aggressive for my everyday needs, and the CRKT, while a classic, lacked the Interstellar’s unique appeal. The Kershaw offered something different, something that felt both practical and fun.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife certainly looks the part of a futuristic tool, but the manual OTF mechanism at this price point made me question its long-term reliability. Would it be a gimmick, or a genuinely useful addition to my EDC rotation?

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. The conditions were fairly typical: dry, with temperatures ranging from cool mornings to warm afternoons. I used it for various camp tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling.

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife performed adequately in these situations. The partially serrated tanto blade made quick work of the rope, and the blade shape allowed for controlled slicing. The handle provided a secure grip, even when my hands were slightly damp from the morning dew. After some initial use, the OTF action smoothed out a bit. However, I noticed that dust and debris could slightly hinder the smooth operation of the button lock.

I experienced no major issues during the first use, but I did feel the manual OTF mechanism required more deliberate action than a standard folding knife. It wasn’t as quick to deploy one-handed as I’m used to with assisted-opening knives.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily carry and use, the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife is holding up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the black oxide blade finish, but that’s to be expected with regular use. The handle shows no signs of wear, and the texturing is still providing a good grip.

The button lock mechanism feels a little looser than it did initially, but still locks securely. Cleaning and maintenance have been relatively simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the blade pivot point and OTF mechanism keeps it functioning smoothly. I’ve noticed that lint and pocket debris can accumulate inside the handle near the button lock, requiring occasional compressed air to clear out.

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife doesn’t outperform my Benchmade Griptilian in terms of overall robustness and lock strength. However, it offers a different user experience and a unique look that makes it a fun alternative. It hasn’t disappointed, but it hasn’t completely replaced my other go-to knives.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.7 inches. This shorter blade is ideal for EDC tasks and conforms to many local regulations.
• Closed Length: 4.25 inches. This makes it compact enough to easily fit in a pocket.
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV. This is a decent budget steel that offers a good balance of edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening.
• Designer: Kershaw Originals. This signifies that the design is unique to Kershaw.
• Serrated: Partial. The partial serrations are useful for quickly cutting rope and fibrous materials.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. This is a standard folding knife design.
• Overall Length: 6.9 inches. This is a comfortable size for most users.
• Blade Shape: Tanto. The tanto blade offers a strong tip for piercing tasks.
• Handle Material: GFN (Glass-Filled Nylon). GFN is lightweight and durable, offering good grip.
• Blade Finish: Black Oxide. The black oxide finish provides some corrosion resistance and a non-reflective look.
• Blade Thickness: 0.108 inches. The blade thickness provides a good balance of slicing ability and strength.
• Lock Type: Button Lock. This is the locking mechanism for the OTF action.
• Sheath Material: No Sheath. It comes with a pocket clip for carry.
• Handle Color: Black. The black handle provides a sleek and tactical look.
• Weight: 3.1 oz. It is lightweight enough for comfortable everyday carry.
• Opening Method: Manual. It features a manual out-the-front opening with a sliding button.

These specifications contribute to the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife‘s identity as a lightweight, EDC-friendly knife with a unique opening mechanism. The 8Cr13MoV steel strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it a good choice for a budget-friendly knife.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife performs reasonably well for its intended purpose: everyday carry tasks. The blade is sharp enough for most cutting needs, and the partial serrations add versatility.

The manual OTF action is the knife’s defining feature. While not as fast or effortless as an automatic, it provides a unique and engaging user experience. However, the mechanism can be a bit finicky and requires occasional cleaning to maintain smooth operation. I’d say it meets expectations for a budget OTF, but there’s definitely room for improvement in the smoothness and consistency of the action.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price. The GFN handle feels sturdy and provides a secure grip, even with wet hands. The texturing is both visually appealing and functional.

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife is fairly user-friendly. The sliding button is easy to access and operate, although it does require a bit of force. The symmetrical design makes it comfortable for both left- and right-handed users.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife seems reasonably durable. The 8Cr13MoV steel is known for its toughness, and the GFN handle can withstand considerable abuse.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to keep the OTF mechanism functioning properly. A simple disassembly for deep cleaning might be required from time to time, depending on the amount of use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife does not come with many accessories. It includes a single-position, deep-carry pocket clip.

There are limited customization options available for the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife. Due to its unique design, aftermarket parts are scarce. The user is mainly limited to modifying the lanyard or pocket clip.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife?

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife is perfect for:

• EDC enthusiasts looking for a unique and affordable knife.
• Individuals who appreciate novelty and a different opening mechanism.
• Those seeking a budget-friendly knife with a bottle opener.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who require a super-reliable, heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks.
• Individuals who prefer a traditional folding knife or automatic OTF.
• Users who dislike regular maintenance and cleaning of knife mechanisms.

A must-have accessory is a can of compressed air for cleaning the OTF mechanism.

Conclusion on Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife

The Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife offers a unique blend of style and functionality at an accessible price point. Its manual out-the-front mechanism is a standout feature that provides a different user experience compared to traditional folding knives. While not without its drawbacks, it offers decent performance for everyday carry tasks and the added bonus of a bottle opener.

The price is certainly justified for what you get: a functional knife with a unique design and a conversation-starting opening mechanism.

I would recommend the Kershaw Interstellar Folding Knife to anyone looking for a budget-friendly EDC knife with a twist. It’s not the perfect knife, but it’s certainly a fun and interesting one. Go ahead and try something a little bit different.