Kershaw Kindred Review

What Makes Kershaw Kindred Stand Out?

The Kershaw Kindred is a knife that immediately catches the eye with its sleek profile and promises a smooth, satisfying experience. From the reputable Kershaw brand, known for quality and innovation, this knife features a spear point blade crafted from D2 tool steel, an aluminum handle, and a button lock mechanism. Its combination of premium materials, user-friendly design, and the KVT ball-bearing opening system make it a standout contender in the everyday carry (EDC) market.

I was looking for a reliable, high-quality EDC knife that offered both exceptional cutting performance and a sophisticated aesthetic. I needed something that could handle daily tasks with ease, from opening packages to more demanding cutting chores, while also being comfortable and discreet to carry.

My first impression upon unboxing the Kershaw Kindred was one of immediate appreciation for its clean lines and quality feel. The aluminum handle felt substantial yet lightweight, and the action of the button lock and KVT ball bearings was remarkably smooth and responsive.

Compared to other knives in my collection, such as my Benchmade Bugout and Spyderco Para 3, the Kershaw Kindred stood out for its unique button lock mechanism and the premium feel of its D2 tool steel blade. I chose the Kindred because I wanted to try something different from the typical liner lock or frame lock knives I was used to.

I was genuinely excited by the Kershaw Kindred. The button lock, the drop-shut action, and the overall refined design exceeded my expectations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Kindred to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Kershaw Kindred was a combination of everyday tasks and a weekend camping trip. I used it for everything from opening boxes and cutting rope to preparing food and whittling small pieces of wood.

The Kindred performed admirably in various conditions, including a bit of rain during the camping trip, maintaining a secure grip even when the handle was slightly damp. The D2 steel held its edge well, and the full flat grind made slicing a breeze.

The Kershaw Kindred was incredibly easy to use right out of the box. The button lock was intuitive, and the KVT ball-bearing system made opening and closing the blade a joy.

The only minor issue I encountered was a slight stiffness in the button lock initially, but this smoothed out quickly with repeated use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kershaw Kindred has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. The aluminum handle has shown no signs of wear, and the D2 blade has maintained its edge exceptionally well, requiring only occasional stropping to keep it razor-sharp.

There are no significant signs of wear and tear, even with daily use. The blade is still centered, the lock-up is solid, and the overall fit and finish remain impressive.

Maintaining the Kershaw Kindred is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after use and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Compared to other EDC knives I’ve owned, the Kershaw Kindred stands out for its smooth action, robust blade steel, and overall build quality. It has definitely exceeded my expectations, becoming one of my go-to knives for daily use.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Kindred

Specifications

• Blade Steel: D2 Tool Steel. D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel known for its excellent wear resistance and edge retention, making it ideal for demanding cutting tasks.
• Handle Material: Aluminum. Aluminum offers a lightweight yet durable handle material that is comfortable to grip and resistant to corrosion.
• Locking Mechanism: Button Lock. The button lock provides a secure and easy-to-operate locking system, allowing for smooth and ambidextrous blade deployment and closure.
• Opening System: KVT Ball Bearings. Kershaw’s KVT ball-bearing system ensures a fast, smooth, and reliable blade deployment with minimal effort.
• Blade Style: Spear Point, Full Flat Grind. The spear point blade offers excellent piercing capabilities, while the full flat grind enhances slicing performance.
• Pocket Clip: Deep-Carry, Reversible. The deep-carry pocket clip allows for discreet and comfortable carry, while its reversibility caters to both left- and right-handed users.

These specifications contribute significantly to the knife’s overall performance. The D2 steel provides excellent cutting ability and longevity, while the aluminum handle keeps the weight down. The button lock and KVT system make it a pleasure to use.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Kindred performs exceptionally well as an EDC knife. Its sharp D2 blade makes quick work of various cutting tasks, and the smooth action of the button lock and KVT system makes it easy to deploy and close with one hand.

The knife’s strengths lie in its exceptional blade steel, smooth action, and comfortable ergonomics. A potential area for improvement could be the texturing on the aluminum handle, which could be slightly more aggressive for enhanced grip in wet conditions.

It meets and exceeds expectations for an EDC knife in this price range. Its smooth action, sharp blade, and comfortable ergonomics make it a pleasure to use daily.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Kindred boasts a sleek and modern design. The aluminum handle is lightweight and comfortable in hand, and the spear point blade adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.

The knife is very user-friendly. The button lock is intuitive and easy to operate, and the deep-carry pocket clip makes it a comfortable and discreet carry option.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Kindred is built to last. The D2 blade is known for its excellent wear resistance, and the aluminum handle is durable and corrosion-resistant.

The knife is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Kindred comes with a deep-carry, reversible pocket clip. While there aren’t many specific aftermarket accessories designed solely for the Kindred, the standard hardware allows for potential customization with aftermarket pocket clips or lanyard beads that fit standard Kershaw knives.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Kindred

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Kindred?

The Kershaw Kindred is perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and stylish EDC knife. It’s ideal for professionals, urban dwellers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable cutting tool for everyday tasks.

Those who prioritize extremely aggressive grip or require a knife for heavy-duty tasks beyond typical EDC use might want to consider other options. Individuals who are not comfortable with button lock mechanisms may also prefer a different style of knife.

A must-have modification would be adding a lanyard with a bead for enhanced grip and aesthetics.

Conclusion on Kershaw Kindred

The Kershaw Kindred is a standout EDC knife that offers a compelling combination of performance, style, and value. Its D2 tool steel blade, smooth button lock action, and lightweight aluminum handle make it a pleasure to use and carry daily.

At $71.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, the innovative design, and the overall performance of the knife. It offers excellent value for money compared to other EDC knives in its class.

I would highly recommend the Kershaw Kindred to anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and high-performing EDC knife. Experience the smooth action, exceptional blade steel, and overall quality of the Kershaw Kindred for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!