Kershaw Knives: A Legacy of Excellence

Forty-five years ago, one bold new company entered the united states knife manufacturing industry. No one knew at the time but Kershaw Knives would go on to become one of the premier creators of high-quality blades that all knife collectors know and love. But, what is it that makes a Kershaw knife so special? Is it the quality materials, masterful design, or memorable branding? No matter how you look at it, Kershaw has found the formula to produce a product that people can't wait to get their hands on and it doesn't seem like that will change any time soon.

The most popular knives produced by Kershaw such as the Cryo, the Blur, and the Chive are some of the best selling knives out there. The Kershaw brand as a whole remains among the top 5 manufacturers in knife sales for a reason.Even after a long period without putting out a bunch of new products in recent years, people still respect the brand just as much now as ever before.

BladeOps is proud to be one of the major online distributors of Kershaw Knives. When it comes to excellence and notoriety in knifesmithing, we only provide the very best for our customers and Kershaw is just one of the elite brands you can get your hands on in our web store but they are definitely one of our favorites. After reading the article, check out our selection here.

The Kershaw Story

The path to greatness for Kershaw begins in Portland Oregon where young Peter Kershaw grew up on a pear orchard, where he developed an appreciation for knives at an early age as a recreational hunter and fisher. This subtle impression lead him to a career in the cutlery industry in the later part of the 1960s. Due to his passion for selling blades of superior quality, he decided to leave his job at Gerber Legendary Blades in 1974 to pursue the development of his own brand of cutlery. After tinkering with a few prototypes produced in Japan Kershaw became a fully operational subsidiary of Japanese Knife powerhouse KAI Group in 1977. Though the majority of Kershaw products today are produced in the USA these roots in Japanese steel forging excellence still support the creation of some Kershaw products.

Master knifesmith Ichiro Hattori was tasked with producing the first shipment of fixed blade Kershaw Knives and that high-level craftsmanship would set the bar for the brand and define its place in the knife market for years to come. These early models which had every shipment checked for quality by Peter himself were known as the "Kershaw Hunters". The set consisted of 6 main blades (models 1029-1034). Their bright brass bolsters and powerful blades gave them some initial success but what really set the brand up for long term growth was model number 1050 which was a folding knife with a back lock and the same aesthetic as the hunters.

The 1050 was a flagship knife for the brand over many years. The brand used this cornerstone to launch international distribution with the addition of a location in Solingen, Germany. By the 1980's the brand was diversifying by producing even more heavy duty hunting knives as well as lightweight folders for everyday carry at the same time! They also released their switchable blade knives or "blade traders" which were extremely popular during this era. The one-knife-fits-all trend didn't last forever but Kershaw definitely had a large part in it.

Next came the 90s which was one of the most important periods for establishing the Kershaw branding many people recognize today. The company entered the modern era with their first liner lock knives (The Liner Action Series) in 1995. More importantly, for the company's image, KAI Group bought a manufacturing facility in the U.S. which is why the well-known "Made In the USA" persona is so synonymous with Kershaw Knives. The first models produced at the Wilsonville, Oregon location include the Wildcat Ridge II, the Black Gulch II, and the Corral Creek II, which were the American models of their Japanese predecessors.

As the American arm of Kershaw grew, they introduced new products, such as the A100 Multi-Tool. This revolutionary new multi-tool was the first of its kind featuring lockable pliers and a lockable blade that opened outside the handle. A100 instantly became a bestseller. This success changed the trajectory of the Kershaw brand forever. The company would now shift it's focus from superior quality alone to innovation in knifesmithing. Peter Kershaw retired around 1997 and that opened up the business to a fresh perspective from new COO Jack Igarashi helped move things in this powerful new direction quickly.

This transformation came by doing a number of things very well. First and foremost was recruiting top talent. KAI Group entered into an exclusive contract with Ken Onion a custom knife maker who would guide the company's product development to major success over the following decade. Ken started by introducing his proprietary assisted opening mechanism to Kershaw branded knives. "SpeedSafe Assisted Opening" launched in 1998 with the Random Task, which was not only introduced innovation to the brand but style as well. This immediately took Kershaw to new heights by winning American Made Knife of the Year at the 1998 BLADE Show.

Though this knife was critically acclaimed, it fell short with consumers due to the Mercedes Benz price point of $175. Kershaw knew they had something so they kept refining their process and produced a SpeedSafe knife for the masses in 1999. The Appropriately named blackout was a black handle black blade that didn't compromise Kershaw quality, even while using more cost-effective materials. This blade not only offered cutting edge features, it really tapped into the emerging trend of "tactical" appeal in the market at the time. At a price point of $99.95, it sold like crazy. The knife sold so well its success ended up spanning around 20 years until it was discontinued!

This new discovery that style, as well as performance, was needed to achieve commercial success led to the development of some of the best selling Kershaw blades of all time. The Leek released in the early 2000s was a prime example of this new formula. The Leek also capitalized on a developing pattern of lightweight assisted opening flippers. At this time consumers began looking for solutions to maximize pocket real estate for everyday carry. This is still a major factor in the modern marketplace, which is why the leek continues to sell extremely well even now. By 2004 the demand for Kershaw products grew so much that they had to move to a larger factory in Tualatin, Oregon. In 2010 Ken Onion and Kershaw decided to part ways after a great amount of success. This led to the blades that have come out in more recent years.

The newly appointed design team carried over the tradition of high-level talent and developed the Kershaw Originals line that has sustained the company's position as a leader in the world of knives. One of the knives that best exemplifies the Kershaw reputation for speed and innovation is the Tilt. This modern looking folder was the first to implement KVT (KAI Velocity Technology). This new advancement gives the user the speed of assisted opening with a manual blade! This won the BLADE 2010 American Knife of the Year. KVT technology is used in many other popular models today such as the Concierge.

This innovation was quickly followed up with superior locking technology in 2012. The Sub-Frame Lock utilized in models like the Knockout prevents the blade from shutting accidentally. The advantage over a traditional lock frame is that a smaller more ergonomic lock lends itself to the lightweight carry that modern buyers demand.

Occasional collaboration with premier designers took the new foundation of the Originals line and reinfused the highly eclectic selection that made Kershaw sought after by collectors of all kinds, to begin with. New knives like the Cryo display bold style while still maintaining Kershaw quality which was ensured by adding a massive 25,000+ square foot space for testing and ensuring the capacity for high-volume, high-quality manufacturing.

The 430 employees working for Kershaw today took the seeds planted by the original 12 who had only 2 CNC machines to start and grow them into an American manufacturing powerhouse. Today, Kershaw Knives ships over one million knives every year to countries all over the world. Their legacy of excellence powered by American-made quality and innovation is respected more now than ever before.

In 2019 Kershaw revealed even more outstanding knives at the 2019 SHOT Show signaling that they have a very bright future in store. Judging by the high-quality carbon fiber SpeedSafe and KVT handles, the quality and vision are only getting better and better. After a recent dip in knife sales back in 2017, the knife market as a whole has rebounded nicely and Kershaw will be a leader in its growth for the foreseeable future.

Why Collectors Trust Kershaw

When it comes to having an ironclad reputation, American knife manufacturers are among some of the most reputable companies out there. Kershaw has ensured its customers' trust and loyalty in a number of ways throughout the years. Some of the major reasons Kershaw may be your next knife are listed below.

Limited Lifetime Warranty & Longevity

When it comes to getting behind their products Kershaw has always been a huge proponent of the quality guarantee. Because of this, every Kershaw knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty against all manufacturer defects. This also includes free lifetime sharpening and the free repair and replacement of parts including handle screws, the pivot bolt set, washers, pocket clip, pocket clip screws, Safety Tip-Lock (on applicable models), Torsion Bar (For SpeedSafe Assisted Opening models), and KVT ball bearings.

Customers often report that blades they bought as much as twenty years ago are still holding up and in great condition, although slightly thinner from sharpening. It is very rare that people have any reason to exercise this warranty and as a result, many customers have multiple Kershaw products in their collection.

American Manufacturing and Quality Control

Since the mid-90's Kershaw has been manufacturing blades in the U.S.A. There is a widespread perception of the quality of American manufacturing and for good reason. America's rich history of top quality manufacturing and innovation is world renown and even the expert knife smiths of Japan who created the first Kershaw blades know that the brand is in good hands.

Superior machining and engineering are behind every knife they make and their obsession with quality control has raised the bar for the industry as a whole. America is not only good at manufacturing, but it is also extremely competitive. Any brand that can stay near the top in the U.S. is one of the best in the world.

Product Diversity

Since the early years, Peter Kershaw himself was a huge fan of diversity. He knew better than anyone that there is a different knife for each job and that different people needed the right options to pick from. Whether it's a Tick fixed blade hunting knife, an ultra-lightweight manual pocket folder, or a SpeedSafe assisted opener, Kershaw has you covered with the right knife for the job. This tradition has stayed with the company since its inception.

Though today's models are developed heavily based on market trends, there are still many options for buyers looking for elite quality, style, and precision

Innovation

Since the later 90s, Kershaw has taken big risks and they have paid off big time. The Innovative features that have come to define the modern iteration of the brand ensure customers get maximum value from each and every knife. The collaborations with talented knife designers and commitment to quality control ensure that these features are not only impressive but reliable as well.

Don't be surprised if Kershaw comes out with the next breakthrough innovation in today's knifesmithing. It's in their DNA to be ahead of the curve and the more successful and resources they accumulate, the sooner they will push the envelope once more.

When it comes to Kershaw excellence, here at Bladeops we make sure to stock the best selection available in the online marketplace. Here are some of the Blades our staff loves the most :

Kershaw BlackOut Mini Natrix Flipper Knife, Black Blade [Exclusive]

First on the list is a new take on a legendary classic. The blackout mini takes everything that is great about the original groundbreaking bestseller and fits it all in a tiny new package to save you money as well as pocket real estate. The Natrix model released in 2017 features all the Kershaw bells and whistles from the sub-frame lock to the KVT ball-bearing system. It's all black, ambidextrous, and at a price point of just $27.00 here on BladeOps, it's a great blade for the beginner or bargain shopper who has to have quality.

Kershaw Exclusive FDE Leek Spring Assist Knife, Black Blade

Next up is a long time bestseller with a twist. This BladeOps exclusive variation comes with an FDE anodized handle! This slim, angular blade features a liner lock and of course, the patented SpeedSafe assisted opening system. Another ambidextrous blade except this one features a slide safe protection on the lower back side of the handle as well.It has a reasonable price point of just $39.99, and for that price, you can get your hands on this exclusive Bladeops model to add some style points to the all-around value the leek already provides.

Kershaw 7800BLK Launch 6 Auto Knife, CPM-154 Black Blade

To really enjoy the very best of what a Kershaw Knife has to offer, you have to get your hands on a 7800. This tactically blacked out, ultra slim auto knife is forged from CPM-154 and with that kind of high-level Crucible steel, you know this blade means business. We are talking top of the line edge retention at an unheard of price of just $109.95. We know that's a dangerously low price but don't worry, as an added safety feature the release button is level with the rest of the handle to avoid accidental deployment.

Is Kershaw Right for Me?

At Bladeops we are committed to making sure you get the right knife for you. When making a purchase there are so many factors to consider, so how do you know if a Kershaw knife is right for you? There may be no simple answer to this question. It all depends on your needs but when shopping around you will find Kershaw always provides the following benefits.

Something For Everybody

Whether you are buying your very first blade, looking for something with impressive yet reliable features, a sucker for style, or just in need of something low profile for everyday carry Kershaw has a blade for you. We carry all the best knife brands but what is cool about Kershaw is that they have cheap options as well as blades made from top quality materials as well. Any Kershaw blade is an excellent purchase but on Bladeops you will find some exclusive variations that make your investment that much sweeter.

The Value Buy

What really sets Kershaw apart in the modern marketplace is versatility and value at below average price point. You will often find features that mirror that of knives which cost almost twice as much in some Kershaw models. Because they now run such a massive operation, it has allowed them to lower price points without compromising that Kershaw quality one bit. Even though they are selling more blades than ever it is the consumer who is the real winner when they pick up a Kershaw knife.

Not to mention the limited lifetime warranty with free sharpening doesn't hurt either. This really allows you to rest easy knowing your money was well spent for years to come.

Reputation

Many longtime collectors recognize Kershaw as a certain class of knife but no one can deny the unmistakable impact the brand has had on the knife industry as a whole. In some sense, owning a Kershaw is like owning a piece of knife culture history and whether yours is 20 years old or the latest model of the Leek series, you have a piece of American steel with a track record of reliability and quality that any owner should be proud of.

Check out the Kershaw Knives at BladeOps for your next knife purchase. We will always carry the best brands in the game at prices that can't be beaten. We will do everything we can to ensure you get excellent deals and the most comprehensive information to make the best decision about your next purchase. We have an unparalleled variety of Kershaw knife options as well as anything you could possibly need. We offer FREE shipping on all orders!

If you want to learn more about what makes the knives you love so great, follow our blog to become an expert in no time. We have reviews and comparisons about materials, brands, and which knives give you the most value for your pocket real estate. Be sure to check out our recent article on all the best U.S.A. made blades (here) to see how Kershaw compares to these brands directly.

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