Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife

The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife immediately grabs your attention with its futuristic aesthetic. Manufactured by Kershaw, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, this knife boasts a split-material handle, a reverse tanto blade, and assisted opening. Does this knife deliver on its promise of a blend of style and functionality?

As someone who has spent years field-testing knives in demanding environments, I was drawn to the Kershaw Lithium’s unique design. My current EDC knife, while reliable, lacks the visual flair I sometimes crave, plus, I was looking for a blade that could handle both everyday tasks and more demanding cutting chores. The Kershaw Lithium, with its distinctive reverse tanto blade shape, seemed like a promising option.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt solid, despite its relatively light weight of 3.4 oz. The split handle, a combination of glass-filled nylon and bead-blasted steel, offered a comfortable, secure grip. The blade, while not a premium steel, appeared well-finished and sharp out of the box.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian or Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Kershaw Lithium is more of a stylistic departure. I opted for the Lithium because I was intrigued by the design and its potential as a rugged, yet aesthetically pleasing, everyday carry option. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see if its performance matched its looks.

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

First Use Experience

My first test of the Kershaw Lithium was during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used the knife for a variety of tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope, and whittling kindling. It performed surprisingly well in all areas.

The Kershaw Lithium handled well even in damp conditions, due to the grip texture. The assisted opening mechanism made it easy to deploy the blade with one hand, even while wearing gloves. I found the reverse tanto blade shape to be particularly effective for piercing and slicing. No major issues surfaced during this initial test, although I was slightly concerned about long-term edge retention.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. While the edge required more frequent sharpening than knives with premium steels, it remained functional. Minor scratches and wear are visible on the bead-blasted finish, but the knife is structurally sound.

I’ve found that regular cleaning and light oiling are sufficient to keep the action smooth. Compared to other knives I’ve owned, the Kershaw Lithium requires a bit more maintenance. The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife has proven to be a capable, though not exceptional, performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.25 inches, providing a good balance between cutting power and portability. This length is ideal for everyday carry and general utility tasks.
• Closed Length: 4.25 inches, making it compact enough to comfortably fit in a pocket. This ensures easy and discreet carry.
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches, offering a full-sized grip when the blade is deployed. The overall size makes it versatile for different hand sizes.
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, a decent budget steel offering good corrosion resistance and reasonable edge retention. It strikes a balance between affordability and performance.
• Handle Material: Stainless steel with glass-filled nylon inserts, providing a durable and textured grip. The combination offers structural integrity and comfortable handling.
• Weight: 3.4 oz, making it lightweight and easy to carry without feeling bulky. The lightweight nature enhances its everyday carry appeal.
• Blade Shape: Reverse Tanto, offering excellent piercing capabilities and a strong tip. The shape lends itself well to various cutting tasks.
• Blade Finish: Bead Blast, giving the blade a matte, non-reflective appearance. The finish also helps to hide scratches and wear.
• Handle Finish: Bead Blast, matching the blade finish and creating a cohesive look. It provides a consistent aesthetic.
• Blade Thickness: 0.117 inches, providing a sturdy blade that can handle moderate tasks. It gives the knife a robust feel.
• Lock Type: Frame Lock, a simple and reliable locking mechanism. This ensures secure blade lockup during use.
• Opening Method: Assisted Opening with a built-in flipper, allowing for quick and easy one-handed deployment. The assisted opening adds convenience and speed.
• Handle Color: Silver/Black, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. The color combination is visually appealing.
• Designer: Kershaw Originals, ensuring a design that balances form and function. The Kershaw design expertise is evident.

These specifications combine to create a knife that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for everyday carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife performs admirably for its price point. The reverse tanto blade excels at piercing and controlled cuts. The assisted opening is reliable and fast.

The blade’s steel, while not a super steel, holds an edge well enough for daily tasks. The frame lock provides a secure lockup, instilling confidence during use. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to grip, even for extended periods.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kershaw Lithium is undoubtedly its most striking feature. The split handle, with its contrasting materials and textures, is visually appealing. The handle is comfortable in hand, providing a secure grip without being overly bulky.

The deep-carry pocket clip allows for discreet carry, while the reversible design caters to both left- and right-handed users. There is a slight learning curve associated with the assisted opening mechanism, but it quickly becomes second nature. The knife feels well-balanced and comfortable to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife is reasonably durable, thanks to its stainless-steel frame and glass-filled nylon handle inserts. The blade steel is susceptible to scratches and wear over time, especially with heavy use. Regular cleaning and oiling are necessary to maintain smooth operation and prevent corrosion.

I anticipate the knife lasting for several years with proper care, although the blade steel may require occasional sharpening. The knife is relatively easy to disassemble and clean, which simplifies maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife does not come with many accessories, typical for knives in this price range. The only accessory is the reversible deep-carry pocket clip. Customization options are limited, due to the knife’s unique design.

While aftermarket scales or pocket clips are not readily available, some users may be able to modify the knife with basic tools. It is compatible with some universal lanyards or keychains.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife?

The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, stylish, and functional EDC knife. It’s ideal for:

• Everyday carry enthusiasts who appreciate a unique and eye-catching design.
• Budget-conscious users seeking a reliable knife without breaking the bank.
• Anyone needing a general-purpose knife for basic cutting tasks.

Those seeking a knife with superior edge retention or extensive customization options should skip this product.

A small sharpening stone might be a must-have accessory to maintain the edge, and a lanyard could enhance grip and retrieval.

Conclusion on Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife

The Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife offers a compelling blend of style and functionality at an attractive price. While it doesn’t boast premium materials or extensive customization options, its unique design, comfortable grip, and assisted opening make it a solid choice for everyday carry. The $57.99 price is more than justified for what you get in return.

I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a stylish and capable EDC knife on a budget. If you’re looking for a knife that stands out from the crowd and performs reliably, the Kershaw Lithium Folding Knife is definitely worth considering. Add it to your cart today!