Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George Review

Let’s Talk About Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is a compelling blend of classic design and modern utility. Inspired by the iconic U.S. World War II trench knife, this folder, brought to life by Kershaw and the renowned custom knifemaker Les George, offers a unique aesthetic and practical functionality in a single package. The XCOM aims to deliver a robust cutting tool with a nod to history, all while staying within legal boundaries in many jurisdictions.

I was looking for a reliable EDC knife that could handle both everyday tasks and more demanding outdoor activities. I also wanted something with a unique design and a solid feel in the hand, moving away from more generic tactical folders. The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George immediately grabbed my attention because of its historical inspiration and the promise of a durable, functional blade.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of solid construction and a purposeful design. The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George has a substantial weight that inspires confidence, while the glass-filled nylon handle feels both grippy and durable. The blade’s black-oxide coating gives it a tactical look, and the bayonet grind adds to its old-school appeal.

Compared to my usual Benchmade Griptilian or a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George offers a different experience. The Benchmade excels in smooth action and customization, and the Spyderco is a cutting powerhouse, but the XCOM has a unique blend of historical design and robust build. I picked the XCOM because I wanted something different with a historical connection and a rugged feel.

My first impression was definitely excitement. The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George felt like a knife that was built to last, and its unique design made it stand out from the crowd. I was eager to put it to the test in real-world situations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The weather was damp, with occasional light rain, providing a perfect testing ground for the knife’s all-weather capabilities.

The XCOM performed admirably in the wet conditions. The glass-filled nylon handle provided a secure grip even when my hands were wet, and the black-oxide coating on the blade resisted corrosion. Opening the knife with the thumb disk was easy, even with slightly numb fingers in the cool weather.

The opening action wasn’t as buttery smooth as some of my higher-end folders, but it was reliable and consistent. It took a little getting used to, especially the slightly stiffer liner lock, but after a few uses, I found it intuitive. There were no major issues after the first use, but the stiffness of the liner lock was something I noted for further observation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. The blade’s edge retention is decent for 8Cr13MoV steel, and it has held up well to tasks such as cutting rope, preparing tinder, and opening packages.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, mostly confined to slight scratches on the black-oxide coating. The glass-filled nylon handle remains solid with no cracking or chipping. Cleaning the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is straightforward. I simply wipe down the blade and handle with a damp cloth and apply a small amount of oil to the pivot point.

Compared to previous experiences with other budget-friendly knives, the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George outperforms them significantly in terms of build quality and durability. While it may not have the premium steel or silky-smooth action of higher-end knives, it offers a solid performance at its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George

Specifications

• Steel: 8Cr13MoV with black-oxide coating: This steel provides a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The black-oxide coating enhances corrosion resistance and gives the blade a non-reflective tactical appearance.
• Handle: Glass-filled nylon: This material is lightweight, durable, and offers a secure grip in various weather conditions. The handle is also resistant to chemicals and impacts.
• Blade Length: 3.6 inches (9.2 cm): The blade length is ideal for EDC tasks and provides ample cutting surface for various applications. This length makes it practical for everyday use while remaining manageable.
• Closed Length: 4.4 inches (11.4 cm): This compact closed length allows for comfortable carry in a pocket or on a belt. The compact size makes it unobtrusive for EDC.
• Overall Length: 8 inches (20.2 cm): The overall length provides a comfortable and secure grip while using the knife. The full tang construction adds to the knife’s overall strength and stability.
• Weight: 4.2 oz. (120 g): The weight is substantial enough to feel solid and durable, but not so heavy as to be uncomfortable for everyday carry. The weight is balanced, contributing to a comfortable feel in the hand.
• Opening: Manual with thumb disk: The thumb disk allows for easy, one-handed opening of the blade. The manual opening mechanism is reliable and simple to use.
• Lock: Inset liner lock: The liner lock keeps the blade securely open during use and is relatively easy to disengage. It is a proven locking mechanism that offers reliable blade security.
• Pocketclip: Reversible deep-carry (right/left tip-up): The reversible pocketclip allows for ambidextrous carry and keeps the knife securely in the pocket. The deep-carry design minimizes the knife’s profile in the pocket.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George performs admirably in various cutting tasks. Its bayonet grind provides excellent piercing capabilities, and the blade’s edge is sharp enough for slicing and chopping.

The XCOM’s strengths lie in its durability, secure grip, and unique design. However, the 8Cr13MoV steel may require more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels, and the liner lock, while secure, can be a bit stiff initially. The knife meets expectations for its price point, offering a solid and reliable performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is impressive for its price range. The glass-filled nylon handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is relatively user-friendly, although the stiff liner lock may require some getting used to. The thumb disk is easy to access and provides reliable one-handed opening.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its materials and construction, the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is expected to last for many years with proper care. The blade’s black-oxide coating and the handle’s resistance to chemicals and impacts contribute to its longevity.

Maintenance is easy, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. Applying a small amount of oil to the pivot point will keep the action smooth and prevent corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George comes with a reversible deep-carry pocketclip and a lanyard hole. There are not many official accessories available directly from Kershaw specifically for the XCOM model.

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is compatible with some aftermarket pocket clips and lanyards. Due to its unique design, extensive customization might be limited.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George

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Who Should Buy Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George?

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is perfect for EDC users looking for a durable and unique knife with a historical aesthetic. It is also suitable for casual campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable cutting tool for various tasks.

Those who prefer premium blade steels with exceptional edge retention or knives with exceptionally smooth action should skip this product. Someone who needs assisted-opening or automatic knives would also need to look elsewhere.

A sharpening stone or system is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. Additionally, a lanyard can be added through the lanyard hole for enhanced grip and visibility.

Conclusion on Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George

The Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George is a solid and reliable EDC knife that offers a unique blend of historical design and modern functionality. Its durable construction, secure grip, and affordable price point make it an excellent value proposition.

The price is certainly justified given the quality of materials, construction, and design. It delivers a robust cutting tool with distinctive styling.

I would personally recommend the Kershaw XCOM Folding Knife by Les George to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable EDC knife with a unique design. Pick one up and experience the blend of history and utility!