[Deer Hunter]

I've been lurking around, trying to figure out what knife I want to carry. The Buck-110 is nice, yet heavy and a bit much for what I need. I skin animals with it, but that's about it.

I've decided on an assisted opening knife, and I handled a friend's Kershaw Blur recently. It felt amazing. It had everything I wanted in a knife. However, he had serrations and a tanto point. I want the blur that is a drop point without serrations.

As good as the knife felt, I wanted to see if any of you guys knew about the steel that the blade is made of. How does it keep and edge? How tough is the blade?

I'm pretty set on getting the knife, but I would like some imput first.

[mdao]

Blurs come in a variety of steels.

The older mass production Blurs come in 440A, which is workable but likely not your best option. It'll get reasonably sharp, easy to sharpen and is more resistant to rust than most blade steels. On the downside, it's soft and edge holding isn't that great. I'd only recommend it if things have a habit of rusting around you. I have a Blur in 440A that I use when I go fishing or canoeing.

Newer mass production Blurs come in 13C26. It's harder, sharper, and holds a better edge than the 440A version. Still easy to sharpen too. From what I understand, the only major downside is reduced rust resistance due to lower chromium content.

Then there are the sprint runs in various "super steels". Only one that's widely available at this point is S30V. It runs more money (~$25) and it's major advantages over 13C26 is it'll hold an edge longer and is tougher. It's also significantly more difficult to sharpen and stainless steels aren't really that tough. Easily tough enough to handle knife tasks, but I wouldn't do much prying with it.

IMO, the 13C26 steel version is the one to get unless you just never get around to sharpening your knives.

[bikerdoc]

Mdao got it right
your choice in either steel, is a great knife, I like s30v, but that just me. good luck and and keep it clean and sharp.

[hso]

Look through Kershaws website (http://www.kershawknives.com/products.php?brand=kershaw)at all the assisted openers they have available and I'm sure you'll find a whole range of steels available on their various products. A Ti coating will go a long way in preventing the rust monster from putting freckles on any blade so don't worry about a steel like ATS34 rusting as long as it is coated.

[Deer Hunter]

Thanks for the imput guys.

I went with 13C26. I figured it would serve me better.

I hate serrations on knives, especially the new Kershaw serrations.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31TSEKJF8VL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18194

Got the dark finish on the blade, which is nice. I can't wait until it gets here.

[conwict]

Anyone else got input on getting a "burr" or "wire-edge" on the 13C26? That's how I sharpen my knives, although I know it isn't the only way, and this stuff is WAY harder to sharpen than advertised and than word of mouth suggests...or maybe it's just me?

[cbm1948]

I like the Sog Flash II, it can be obtained in smooth or serrated blade. I own several Kershaws and Several Sogs I like the Sogs better.

Clint

Sog Flash II (http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-FSA-8-Flash/dp/B000IXC7IW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1228922007&sr=8-6)

[hankdatank1362]

I have the tanto point with half-serrated blade. Actually, this is my second. I returned the first when I broke the tip off.

It's hard to sharpen (IDK if it's the steel or just the tanto profile in general), and the textrued grips will eat their way into the base of your hand if you keep your hands in your pockets a lot (with the knife clipped.)

However, they're very fast, very strong, well-balanced, and incredibly sharp from the factory. Ergos and retention (thanks to that texture) is fantastic.

[Tom Krein]

The Blur is quickly becoming one of my favorite EDC knives. I have 7 of them now... they are addictive!

I like the old partial serrations, really dislike the new serrations.

Tom

[Limeyfellow]

My Blur is in 13C26 with the plain blade. I really don't care for partial or full serrations as it is generally more work for me and I usually cope just as well with the plain edge. Holds it sharpness well and not too bad to keep razor sharp, as long as you do it once in a while. Rather a nice blade.

[sniper5]

Got one with the smooth drop point blade. LOVE IT. Quick to the hand, and the texture on the grips is better than rubber for non-slip. You could use it in a bucket of STP and not have it slide around. Loved it so much I bought the Chive for my PC/Dress up with suit knife and to use at work so I don't scare the pissninnies.

[Deer Hunter]

So I finally got to play with my knife.

Wow. Wow wow wow.

This is by far the best folding knife I've ever owned. I absolutely love it. It gets carried every day. It's exactly what I wanted in a knife.

[p4+riot]

I picked up a Blur with a black handle and stone washed S30V blade, no serrations. I love mine too.

However, I also bought a Cyclone. I must admit that it is much more fun but would probably scare people if you whipped it out during show and tell.

Congrats on the knife.

[Blarelli]

Love mine. Red, and drop dead sexy. Only real problem with it is it is the grip is so course it wears pretty hard on the fabric of my pants pockets.
http://knivesinfinity.com/blur-serrated-p-598.html

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Glad you like it. I have and like several AO Kershaws.

[Heck]

I have the red drop point non serrated that i have carried every ( when i wasn't flying somewhere) and I have been happy with it. Haven't noticed it wearin gon my pants too bad but i wear slacks daly and they pockets are rather loose.

[hankdatank1362]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/08/71/71/16/0008717116725_500X500.jpg

I can't believe some of the prices I see on these knives online.
$95?
Walmart has it for $55. (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5127449)

And you can always take it back if you manage to break it. I took mine back after 6 months of hard use with a broken tip. No reciept.

[starboard]

I tried a Blur in the laminate powder steel, but just couldn't get over the wrongness of the smooth metal + rubber insert scales. The rubber was too tacky in the pocket yet unconvincing in the hand. I'm not sure what theme Kershaw pursues with its designs -- 20% tactical and 80% Deep Space 9? -- but apparently boring textured G-10 is incompatible with the overall creative vision.

And the recurve is invariably more of a PITA than it's worth. I tried to like it, but gave it away as a present to a non-knifeknut who wouldn't know SG2 from a lollipop.

The knife did seem quite stout, especially considering its light weight. Fit and finish were excellent.

[hankdatank1362]

The inserts on mine are anything but rubber. More like a mating of steel wool and concertina wire.

Very grippy. Not too comfortable.

[tomh1426]

I carried a Kershaw Whirlwind for a few years, the blade became loose and wobbly after a while.
Now I carry a Benchmade D2 Griptillian, my only complaint is Id rather carry tip down.

[JR47]

I, too, have a Blur. Red, with the plain blade. I have no problems with the grips, and find them useful when my hands are wet, or have fish-slime on them. The re-curve is a matter of opinion, if you don't like it, why did you buy it?

I also own several Chives, Scallions, Leeks, Shallots, Cyclones, Blackouts, and Avalanches. I collect knives, as well as EDC them.

The partial serrations are nice if you have to deal with rope, fishing line, and some plastics. Everyone has their own experiences, and opinions. That's why the knives come in different shapes, edges, coatings, scale materials, and blade steels.

Follow the advice given, and buy a specific model after researching the line-up.:D

[Deer Hunter]

JR's on the right track. People who complain about the grip of these knives havn't been elbow-deep in deer blood.

I was skinning a big doe that my dad bartered off a cousin with my new knife. I'm pretty glad it had it's course grip. My old Buck 110 was a little harder to hold onto when skinning a deer.

[hso]

If you find the skateboard tape shredding your pockets clamped under the clip just put some clear nail polish (or colored if you prefer) on the abrasive where the clip pinches the fabric. Do remember to put something under the clip while the polish sets so you don't glue the clip to your knife.

[Mot45acp]

hso,

You win the thread. That is an awesome idea. Thanks