Kershaw Rate 1.88in A/O Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Rate 1.88in A/O Folding Knife

The Kershaw Rate 1.88in A/O Folding Knife is a compact, assisted-opening knife designed for everyday carry. Manufactured by Kershaw, this little folder boasts a Wharncliffe blade, a stonewashed finish, and a reversible deep-carry clip, promising utility and convenience in a small package. Its dimensions and feature set suggested it might be the perfect tool for opening packages, breaking down boxes, and other daily cutting tasks without being cumbersome.

I’ve been searching for a smaller, more discreet EDC knife to complement my larger, more robust folders. My primary needs were a blade that could handle typical office and home tasks without drawing undue attention, and comfortable carry in dress pants. The Kershaw Rate seemed to address both, offering a non-threatening blade shape and a deep-carry clip.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Kershaw Rate’s diminutive size and surprisingly solid feel. The stonewashed finish on the blade looks great and should help hide wear and tear. The assisted opening mechanism feels snappy and the frame lock engages securely.

Compared to my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and Benchmade Bugout, the Kershaw Rate is significantly smaller and lighter. I chose the Kershaw Rate over the Civivi Elementum because of its smaller size and more discreet profile. It seemed like a more practical tool for my specific EDC needs than other similarly priced options.

My first impression was positive, though cautious. The size made me wonder about ergonomics for extended use. I was excited to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Rate 1.88in A/O Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Kershaw Rate during a typical work week, primarily using it for opening packages, cutting twine, and breaking down cardboard boxes. The Wharncliffe blade proved surprisingly effective at slicing through materials with precision. I used it both indoors in a climate-controlled office environment, and outdoors in moderately humid, 70-degree weather.

The assisted opening made deployment quick and easy, even with one hand. The smaller size initially felt awkward in my larger hand, but the jimping on the handle provided decent grip. I didn’t experience any major issues, though the small size did make me more conscious of my grip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of carrying and using the Kershaw Rate, it has held up remarkably well. The stonewashed blade finish has indeed helped conceal minor scratches from daily use. I experienced no loosening of the frame lock.

The knife showed no signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning involved simply wiping the blade with a damp cloth and applying a drop of oil to the pivot point. It has exceeded my expectations for durability and ease of care for such a small knife.

Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Kershaw Rate has proven to be far more convenient for discreet carry. It doesn’t outperform my larger knives in terms of heavy-duty cutting tasks. It excels in its intended role as a small, easily accessible, and reliable everyday tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Rate 1.88in A/O Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 1.85 inches – This short blade is ideal for precise cutting tasks and easy carry. The shorter length helps avoid alarming people in non-permissive environments.
• Closed Length: 3 inches – Makes it easily pocketable and discreet. The small size enhances EDC convenience.
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV – A decent budget steel that balances edge retention with ease of sharpening. This steel is known for its corrosion resistance and affordability.
• Designer: Kershaw Originals – This indicates the knife was designed in-house by the Kershaw team, ensuring a design consistent with their brand identity and quality standards. Kershaw is a well-known and respected knife manufacturer.
• Knife Application: Pocket Knife – Clearly indicates its intended use for everyday tasks. It’s designed for convenience and portability.
• Serrated: Plain – A plain edge provides clean, precise cuts, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. Serrations can be useful, but a plain edge is generally more versatile for EDC.
• Overall Length: 4.85 inches – A compact size for comfortable handling. Its compact size makes it less intimidating for non-knife enthusiasts.
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel – Provides durability and a solid feel. Stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion.
• Handle Color: Gray – A neutral color that blends well with most clothing. The gray color adds to the knife’s low-profile appearance.
• Handle Finish: Bead Blast – Offers a non-reflective surface and a comfortable grip. Bead blasting provides a slightly textured surface.
• Blade Finish: Stonewash – Hides scratches and wear, maintaining the knife’s appearance. This finish gives the blade a rugged, pre-worn look.
• Blade Shape: Wharncliffe – Excellent for precision cutting and slicing, with a strong tip. The Wharncliffe shape is favored for its controlled cutting action.
• Blade Thickness: 0.11 inches – Provides a good balance between strength and slicing ability. This thickness allows for a robust yet versatile blade.
• Lock Type: Frame Lock – A secure and reliable locking mechanism. Frame locks are known for their strength and simplicity.
• Opening Method: Assisted Opening – Allows for quick and easy one-handed deployment. Assisted opening makes the knife very easy and quick to deploy.
• Sheath Material: No Sheath – Designed for pocket carry with a clip. The lack of a sheath contributes to its streamlined design.
• Weight: 2.5 oz – Lightweight and easy to carry. This low weight makes it a comfortable EDC option.
• Blade Type: Folding Blade – Provides safety and convenience for storage. A folding blade enhances portability and safety.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Rate performs admirably for its intended purpose. Its Wharncliffe blade excels at slicing and controlled cutting, making it ideal for opening packages, cutting cordage, and other everyday tasks. The assisted opening is snappy and reliable, allowing for quick deployment when needed.

The knife’s primary weakness is its small size, which can be less comfortable for extended use or for users with larger hands. Despite this, it meets and even exceeds expectations as a discreet and capable EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Rate is constructed from stainless steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. The bead-blasted handle provides a decent grip, even though it’s smooth. While its size is a limitation for larger hands, the overall design is well-executed.

The knife requires minimal learning curve due to its straightforward operation. The assisted opening and frame lock are intuitive and easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction and stonewashed blade finish contribute to the Kershaw Rate’s longevity. With basic care, it should last for years of regular use. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe down and occasional lubrication of the pivot point.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Rate comes with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. There are no readily available aftermarket scales or other customization options specifically designed for this model. Due to its simple construction, there are limited customization options.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Rate 1.88in A/O Folding Knife