Imagine this: you’re out and about, and a small task pops up. Maybe you need to open a package, cut a loose thread, or even just slice an apple for a snack. What do you reach for? For many, the answer is a trusty everyday carry (EDC) knife. And when it comes to reliable, quality EDC knives, Kershaw is a name that often comes to mind. But with so many different Kershaw models available, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for *you*?
Choosing the right Kershaw EDC knife can feel like a puzzle. You want something that’s tough enough for daily jobs but also comfortable to carry. Maybe you’re worried about spending money on a knife that doesn’t quite fit your needs, or perhaps you’re just overwhelmed by all the choices. We get it! That’s why we’re here to help you cut through the confusion.
By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what makes a great Kershaw EDC knife. We’ll explore what to look for, highlight some popular options, and help you understand which knife might be the best fit for your own adventures. So, let’s dive in and find your perfect pocket companion!
Our Top 5 Kershaw Edc Knife Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Kershaw Clash Black Serrated Pocketknife | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Kershaw Cryo Knife | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Kershaw 8320 Knife Outright 4.4 In Blade Blue | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife; 2.9 in. 4Cr13 Black-Oxide Blackwash Finish Blade | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Kershaw Edc Knife Detailed Reviews
1. Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife
Rating: 9.0/10
The Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife is a small, lightweight tool designed for everyday tasks. Its compact size and easy opening make it a handy companion for anyone needing to cut through tape, open boxes, or slice rope. This knife is built to be both light and strong, making it a reliable choice for your pocket.
What We Like:
- It is lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for carrying every day.
- The black 2.75-inch reverse tanto blade is very sharp.
- The cut-outs in the handle help keep it light but strong.
- SpeedSafe Assisted Opening makes it easy to open with one hand using the flipper.
- The liner lock keeps the blade securely in place when open.
- It has a reversible pocket clip and a lanyard hole for different ways to carry it.
- It weighs just under 2 ounces and is small when closed (3.6 inches).
What Could Be Improved:
- The handle cut-outs, while keeping it light, might collect dirt or debris over time.
- The T6 bit needed to adjust the pocket clip is a small item that could be easily lost.
The Kershaw Appa is a practical and affordable pocket knife. It offers good performance for its size and price, making it a solid option for your daily carry needs.
2. Kershaw Clash Black Serrated Pocketknife
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Kershaw Clash Black Serrated Pocketknife, a tool many Kershaw fans consider the ultimate everyday carry. This knife is a fantastic option for anyone needing a tough, all-around utility pocketknife. It now comes with a sleek black-oxide finish, making it look as good as it performs.
What We Like:
- The 8Cr13MoV steel blade holds its sharpness well and is very strong.
- The partially serrated edge cuts through tough materials like rope with ease.
- Its black-oxide coating helps protect the blade and improves its performance.
- The glass-filled nylon handle is solid and fits comfortably in your hand.
- The deep finger indentation ensures a secure grip, even when your hands are wet.
- Kershaw’s assisted opening and flipper make opening the blade quick and simple, even with one hand.
- The liner lock keeps the blade firmly in place when you’re using it, adding an extra layer of safety.
- It’s lightweight and not too bulky, making it easy to carry in your pocket.
- The reversible pocketclip allows you to carry it your way, either tip-up or tip-down.
- It comes with Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, so you know it’s built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 8Cr13MoV steel is good for the price, some users might prefer a higher-grade steel for extreme tasks.
- The black-oxide coating, while protective, can show scratches over time with heavy use.
The Kershaw Clash is a reliable and affordable pocketknife that handles a wide range of tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a dependable tool for their daily adventures.
3. Kershaw Cryo Knife
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kershaw Cryo Knife is a fantastic everyday carry option. It’s designed by a famous knifemaker, Rick Hinderer, and it feels really good in your hand. People loved it so much that it won awards from Blade Magazine and Men’s Journal!
What We Like:
- The blade is made of strong stainless steel and it’s coated to resist rust and look cool.
- It opens super fast and safely with just one hand using the flipper.
- The special lock system keeps the blade securely in place.
- You can carry it in four different ways to fit how you like it, making it great for work or fun.
- It’s a good size for carrying around every day, not too big and not too small.
- Kershaw offers a lifetime warranty, which means they stand behind their product.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 8Cr13MoV steel is decent, some users might prefer a harder steel for tougher tasks.
- The matte gray finish, while stylish, can show scuffs or scratches over time with heavy use.
This Kershaw Cryo knife is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and stylish pocket knife. It’s built to last and ready for whatever your day throws at it.
4. Kershaw 8320 Knife Outright 4.4 In Blade Blue
Rating: 8.8/10
The Kershaw 8320 Knife Outright, with its 4.4-inch blade in a striking blue, is a versatile tool built for a wide range of users. It’s designed to be both tough and stylish, making it a great companion for anyone who needs a reliable knife.
What We Like:
- The 3-inch 8Cr13Mov steel blade is super strong. It holds its sharp edge for a long time and slices through things with ease.
- The blue PVD coating on the blade looks cool and protects it from scratches.
- The steel handle also has a bright blue, scratch-resistant PVD coating.
- A black G10 overlay on the handle gives you a better grip and looks good.
- It opens quickly and easily thanks to the SpeedSafe assisted opening.
- The frame lock is very sturdy and keeps the blade securely in place.
- The deep-carry pocketclip lets you carry it discreetly and easily.
- It’s affordable but still performs really well.
- It makes a fantastic gift for many special occasions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pocketclip is only for tip-down carry on the left side, which might not work for everyone.
The Kershaw Outright knife offers a great blend of performance and style without breaking the bank. It’s a dependable choice for everyday tasks and a thoughtful gift for almost anyone.
5. Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife; 2.9 in. 4Cr13 Black-Oxide Blackwash Finish Blade
Rating: 8.7/10
The Kershaw Misdirect pocketknife is a fantastic, affordable tool for all sorts of tasks. Kershaw backs this knife with its trusted name, making it a reliable choice for home projects and outdoor adventures. It’s small enough to carry easily in your pocket, bag, or purse. The Misdirect is ready for whatever you need it for.
What We Like:
- It’s a value-priced, helpful tool for any job.
- It’s small and comfortable to carry, with a closed length of 4 inches.
- It features a sturdy frame lock for safety.
- The SpeedSafe Assisted Opening and flipper make it quick and easy to open.
- It has a 3-position pocket clip for convenient carrying.
- The blade has a precision tip and sharp edge, perfect for slicing and cutting.
- It’s great for opening packages, cutting cord, or even roasting marshmallows.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4Cr13 blade steel, while functional, might not hold an edge as long as higher-end steels.
- The black-oxide blackwash finish on the blade and stonewash finish on the handle can show wear over time with heavy use.
This Kershaw Misdirect pocketknife offers great value and is a dependable companion for daily tasks and outdoor fun. It’s a useful knife that won’t break the bank.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Kershaw EDC Knife
Looking for a reliable knife to carry every day? A Kershaw EDC (Everyday Carry) knife is a smart choice. These knives are built tough and ready for anything. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you buy a Kershaw EDC knife, check these important features:
- Blade Style: Different blades do different jobs.
- Drop Point: This is a very common and versatile blade. It’s good for slicing and general cutting.
- Tanto: This blade has a sharp corner. It’s great for piercing and heavy-duty tasks.
- Clip Point: This blade has a curved edge that tapers to a point. It’s good for detailed work.
- Opening Mechanism: How does the knife open?
- Manual Open: You open these knives by hand. They are simple and reliable.
- Assisted Opening: A spring helps the blade flip open quickly. This is fast and easy.
- Outburst®: This is Kershaw’s special assisted opening system. It’s super smooth and fast.
- Locking Mechanism: This keeps the blade from closing when you use it.
- Liner Lock: A metal strip inside the handle locks the blade. It’s common and works well.
- Frame Lock: The handle itself forms the lock. It’s strong and secure.
- Pocket Clip: This lets you attach the knife to your pocket. Look for a clip that can be moved to different sides or flipped.
What’s it Made Of? Important Materials
The materials used in a Kershaw knife affect its strength and how long it lasts.
- Blade Steel: This is the metal the blade is made from.
- Stainless Steel: Most Kershaw knives use good quality stainless steel. It resists rust and is easy to sharpen.
- High-Carbon Stainless Steel: This type of steel is stronger and holds an edge longer. It’s a popular choice.
- Handle Material: This is what the knife handle is made of.
- G10: This is a strong, lightweight material made from fiberglass. It gives a good grip.
- Aluminum: This metal is light and strong. It can feel a bit slippery if it’s smooth.
- FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon): This is a tough plastic that is light and grippy.
What Makes a Knife Great (or Not So Great)? Quality Factors
Some things make a Kershaw knife better than others.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Steel: High-carbon stainless steel is better for keeping a sharp edge.
- Smooth Opening: The knife should open easily and quickly.
- Solid Lock-Up: The blade should feel very secure when it’s open. There should be no wiggling.
- Comfortable Grip: The handle should feel good in your hand and not slip.
- Good Fit and Finish: The parts of the knife should fit together well. There should be no rough edges.
- Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Steel: Steel that rusts easily or dulls quickly is not good.
- Stiff Opening: If the knife is hard to open, it’s annoying to use.
- Loose Lock: A wobbly blade is dangerous.
- Slippery Handle: A handle that slips can cause accidents.
Using Your Knife: User Experience and Use Cases
Kershaw EDC knives are made for everyday tasks.
- Opening Packages: This is what they do best!
- Cutting Rope or Cord: Great for camping or outdoor adventures.
- Everyday Chores: Like cutting food when you’re out and about.
- Light Survival Tasks: If you need to make a small shelter or prepare tinder.
- DIY Projects: For small cutting jobs around the house.
A good Kershaw EDC knife is comfortable to carry and easy to use. It will be a reliable tool for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kershaw EDC Knives
Q: What does EDC mean for a knife?
A: EDC means “Everyday Carry.” It’s a knife you can carry with you every day for different tasks.
Q: Are Kershaw knives good quality?
A: Yes, Kershaw knives are known for being good quality for their price. They use good materials and build them well.
Q: What is the best Kershaw knife for beginners?
A: The Kershaw Cryo or the Kershaw Leek are good choices for beginners. They are easy to use and not too expensive.
Q: How do I clean my Kershaw EDC knife?
A: You can clean it with soap and water. Make sure to dry it well. You can also use a little oil to keep the blade from rusting.
Q: How often should I sharpen my Kershaw knife?
A: This depends on how often you use it. Sharpen it when you notice it doesn’t cut as well anymore.
Q: Can I carry a Kershaw EDC knife everywhere?
A: Knife laws are different in different places. Always check your local laws before carrying a knife.
Q: What is the difference between assisted opening and manual opening?
A: Manual opening requires you to open the blade with your fingers. Assisted opening uses a spring to help the blade flip open quickly.
Q: Is G10 a good handle material?
A: Yes, G10 is a very good handle material. It is strong, lightweight, and provides a great grip.
Q: How do I know if my knife’s lock is strong?
A: When the blade is open, try to wiggle it side to side. If it doesn’t move at all, the lock is strong.
Q: What kind of steel does Kershaw use most often?
A: Kershaw often uses good quality stainless steel, like 8Cr13MoV or Sandvik 14C28N. These steels resist rust and hold an edge well.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.