Kershaw Ken Onion Knives are usually designed in collaboration with Ken Onion, a reputable knife maker. Ken Onion has undertaken designing most of the Speed Safe assisted opening knives that have been produced by Kershaw. He started off as Kershaw’s designer back in 1998, and has successfully designed some of their most exclusive models. He has also designed several select fixed blades, a complete line of Shun Cutlery and also worked on designs for some parts of the Zero Tolerance line together with Mick Strider, another knife maker.
There are numerous reasons why this Ken Onion Blur model has remained among the most popular knives by Kershaw. If you don’t own a Kershaw Blur, it’s likely because you’ve never held one in your hands. Once you lay your hands on it, you’ll certainly understand why it is a favorite among most knife enthusiasts.
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife Review with Detail Features
The Kershaw Blur Desert Sand bears a similar build and performance to that of an ultimate general purpose knife, having everyday carry attributes as well. It is an assisted opening knife that has proved to work far above what is expected of it. This Kershaw Ken Onion Blur model comes in Sandvik 14C28N. We’re going to start off this Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife Review by looking at its features.
Anodized Aluminum
The handle of the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur is made out of anodized aluminum. The anodizing process changes the microscopic texture of the aluminum’s surface. This allows for the application of a porous coating or film, which will accept a dye. This process also strengthens the aluminum. Anodic films tend to last much longer than other surface colorations. This feature makes the knife handle highly fade and scratch resistant.
Speed Safe
Kershaw was among the first to introduce Speed Safe assisted opening knives to the market. This launched a remarkable revolution in the opening systems. It actually contributed greatly to the many industry awards Kershaw won along the way. Today, almost all knife manufacturing companies offer various sorts of assisted opening knives. However, none of them have been able to match the proven durability and popularity of the original.
Speed Safe is a patented, unique system that assists you in opening the knife easily and quickly with just a single, manual push on the pull back or thumb stud on the flipper. The innovative Speed Safe technology makes use of a torsion bar to enable moving the blade from the handle. The torsion bar is the heart of Speed Safe. When closed, the torsion bar works to prevent the knife from being opened by other factors such as gravity.
Once the blade has been moved out of its handle, the knife’s torsion bar moves along a half moon track and takes over. It conveniently allows for easy and smooth one-handed opening. The blade opens and locks into position smoothly, ready for use.
Inset Liner Lock
Kershaw has designed a strip of stainless-steel, riveted inside the handle of this Ken Onion Blur knife, especially where the handle is made out of lightweight material. The inset liner lock enables you to create a lighter and slimmer knife, while still availing the security and strength of a good locking liner.
Sandvik Steel
Kershaw worked together with Sandvik Steel, a leading manufacturer of special alloys and stainless steel, to make this high performance tactical knife. With increased nitrogen in their formula, 14C28N can be hardened as well as having excellent corrosion resistance.
The Kershaw Ken Onion Tactical Blur Folding Knife is coated with diamond-like carbon, which is suitably hard, good-looking and non-reflective. It makes this knife an excellently durable piece. Sandvik labels 14C28N the highest-performing knife steel that earns and still maintains the productivity benefit of its fine-blank able nature.
Reversible Pocket Clip
Pre-drilled holes have been added to this knife’s handle, enabling you to easily change the side it carries or even the tip position. Pocket clips ease and enhance comfort in how you carry the knife. Its pocket clips are perfectly compatible with the materials and style of the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife.
The position of the clip will determine how the knife carries while in your pocket. You can choose to carry the knife tip up, such that the blade’s tip is pointing upwards or tip down, with the blade’s tip pointing downwards. The clip is quite sturdy and easy to use.
Safety
The black diamond-like carbon coating has been matched with Trac-Tec grip tape handle inserts for convenience. The Trac-Tec material is rough enough to provide a good non-slip grip, even in wet, slippery conditions. A locking system secures the blade in position once it has been opened.
This essentially helps to prevent accidental closing. The resistance of the torsion bar ensures that the blade doesn’t snap shut. You are guaranteed of complete safety by practicing the use of Speed-Safe technology.
Made In the USA
The Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife is made in the USA, in Kershaw’s Tualatin, Oregon, manufacturing facility.
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PROS:
- The recurved blade is perfect for multitasking and offers top notch slicing and piercing capabilities.
- The 14C28N stainless-steel blade, coated with diamond-like carbon, allows for additional corrosion and wear resistance.
- The handle has an extremely convenient, solid grip.
- Its handle is notably durable, composed of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum, which is commonly referred to as aircraft aluminum.
- The handle’s nature makes the Kershaw Blur knife quite lightweight and hence easily portable.
- The anodized material allows colored handles which are scratch resistant and extra tough.
- The pocket-clip is easily reversible and foldable for your desired choice of tip-down or tip-up carry.
CONS:
- The thumb studs may gouge your thumb once you’ve opened the blade.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the knife ambidextrous or is it intended for right-handed users?
A: The blade has a thumb button at both sides. It’s totally ambidextrous.
Q: What is the blade’s thickness?
A: The thickness of the Kershaw Blur measures approximately 1/8 inch. However, the blade itself measures 2 inches long once opened.
Q: Is the clip removable?
A: The clip is absolutely removable, but you’ll need a small torx screwdriver. The company itself sells a kit with a Philips head tip and two torx tips.
Final Verdict
The Kershaw Ken Onion Tactical Blur Folding Knife is a great choice if you’re seeking an efficient, convenient knife. It has an astonishing cutting performance and many more benefits. It has been specially designed for use at work, sporting and any other everyday situation in which one-handed opening is safer and preferable. It has become a popular favorite for fishermen, hunters and those who require one-handed opening while on the job site.
After reading this Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife Review you can see that it’s a great knife and offers more than what you’d expect of it, especially when you take its price point into consideration. The single con is outweighed by the extensive list of benefits it has to offer. The styling is appropriately practical and attractive. This is a good option if you desire an excellent all-round performance knife and want high value for what you pay.
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