Let’s Dive into Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion aims to deliver Ken Onion’s renowned design sensibilities and Kershaw’s quality at an accessible price point. It’s a pocket knife designed for everyday carry (EDC), featuring SpeedSafe assisted opening, a reliable liner lock, and a durable glass-filled nylon handle. This knife promises a blend of speed, practicality, and affordability, making it an attractive option for a wide range of users.
I needed a reliable, easy-to-carry knife for general tasks around the house, campsite, and as a backup during hikes. My older knife was bulky and slow to deploy, hindering its usefulness.
Out of the box, the Kershaw Oso Sweet feels surprisingly solid for its price. The glass-filled nylon handle provides a decent grip, and the blade arrived impressively sharp. Comparing it to a similarly priced Gerber Paraframe and a CRKT Drifter, the Oso Sweet stood out due to its assisted opening mechanism and more robust feel.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Oso Sweet. I expected a budget knife to feel cheap, but the Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion impressed me with its fit and finish, especially considering its price tag of $34.89.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion during a weekend camping trip in the Deschutes National Forest. I used it for various tasks such as cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages.
The Oso Sweet performed well in dry conditions. However, when wet, the grip became slightly slick, requiring a firmer hold. The assisted opening worked reliably, even with slightly damp hands.
The assisted opening was intuitive and fast; it took only a few tries to become proficient with the finger flipper. The liner lock engaged securely, providing confidence during use.
After initial use, the only minor issue was the pocket clip being a bit tight, making it slightly difficult to clip onto my pants. Otherwise, the Kershaw Oso Sweet exceeded expectations for a budget knife.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has proven to be a reliable EDC knife. It has accompanied me on multiple hikes, fishing trips, and daily tasks around the house.
The blade has held its edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain sharpness. There are a few minor scratches on the blade’s satin finish, but the handle shows no signs of wear.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Oso Sweet offers a better balance of size, weight, and ease of deployment.
Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
Specifications
- Blade Length: 3 inches. This provides a useful cutting edge while remaining compact for EDC.
- Closed Length: 4.13 inches. Easy to carry in a pocket without being too bulky.
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV. This steel offers a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
- Designer: Kershaw Originals, Ken Onion. This brings the expertise of a renowned knife designer to an affordable package.
- Knife Application: Folding Blade. Convenient and safe for everyday carry.
- Overall Length: 7.1 inches. Offers a comfortable grip for most hand sizes.
- Included Accessories: Pocket Clip. Allows for secure and convenient carry.
- Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon. Durable and lightweight, providing a decent grip.
- Handle Finish: Textured. Enhances grip, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Blade Finish: Satin. Provides a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish with good corrosion resistance.
- Blade Shape: Drop Point. Versatile blade shape suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks.
- Lock Type: Liner Lock. A reliable and secure locking mechanism.
- Opening Method: Assisted Opening. Provides fast and easy blade deployment.
- Weight: 2.8 oz. Lightweight and comfortable for everyday carry.
These specifications combine to create a lightweight, functional, and easily carried knife. The steel is a good value steel that is found on many knives in this price range.
Performance & Functionality
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion performs admirably for its intended purpose as an EDC knife. It excels at everyday tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope, and food preparation.
Its strengths lie in its quick assisted opening, secure liner lock, and lightweight design. The grip can be slick when wet, and the steel is not as wear resistant as premium options.
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion definitely meets expectations. For a sub-$40 knife, the performance is very high.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion features a simple, functional design. The glass-filled nylon handle is durable and lightweight, although it feels somewhat plastic-like.
The knife is comfortable to hold for extended periods, and the finger flipper is well-positioned for easy deployment. There’s minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is built to last with reasonable care. The 8Cr13MoV steel is relatively easy to sharpen.
Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. This will last a good while if properly cared for.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a single-position pocket clip that can be reversed for right or left-handed carry.
Aftermarket customization options are limited due to the knife’s budget-friendly nature. However, the pocket clip can be replaced with a similar aftermarket clip if desired.
Pros and Cons of Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
Pros
- Fast and reliable SpeedSafe assisted opening for quick blade deployment.
- Lightweight and comfortable for everyday carry at just 2.8 oz.
- Durable glass-filled nylon handle provides a decent grip and withstands daily use.
- Versatile drop point blade shape suitable for a wide range of tasks.
- Excellent value for the price, offering a blend of quality and affordability.
Cons
- Grip can be slippery when wet due to the smooth texture of the glass-filled nylon.
- 8Cr13MoV steel, while decent, is not as wear-resistant as premium blade steels.
Who Should Buy Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is perfect for:
- Everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts looking for a reliable and affordable pocket knife.
- Casual campers and hikers who need a lightweight cutting tool for basic tasks.
- Anyone seeking a backup knife for emergency situations.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who require a high-performance knife with premium blade steel for heavy-duty use.
- Individuals who prioritize a rubberized or grippy handle for wet conditions.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge.
- Consider a lanyard for added grip and easy retrieval.
Conclusion on Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion
The Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a surprisingly capable and well-designed knife for its price point. It offers a winning combination of speed, functionality, and durability, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking an affordable EDC option.
The price is absolutely justified; the Oso Sweet delivers more than expected for under $40.
I would definitely recommend it to friends and family looking for a reliable and budget-friendly pocket knife.
Grab your Kershaw Oso Sweet Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion today and experience the sweet spot between quality and affordability!