Knife Review: ​Kershaw Innuendo

The Kershaw Innuendo

Kershaw and their fans know that there is nothing that compares to a Kershaw. They have the award-winning technologies, they have the advanced materials, they have the solid sound of the blade lockup. All of this means that when you are carrying a Kershaw, you know that you are carrying the real deal.

So what does the real deal mean? Well, Kershaw says, “The real thing means value and plenty of it. With Kershaw, you get incredible bang for your hard-earned buck. Even our inexpensive models are impressive. In fact, everything about a Kershaw is solid, crafted, reliable. That’s why we can back each of our knives for the life of its original owner against any defects in materials and construction with our famous Limited Lifetime Warranty.

“And yes, people do own their Kershaw knives for a lifetime. (Although, occasionally, a Kershaw has been known to get accidentally left at a campsite, lost in the garage, or permanently borrowed by a friend.)

“The point is, you can always look to Kershaw for everyday carrying knives that can tame any cardboard box and liberate any purchase from its plastic packaging, sporting knives that make hunting, fishing, watersports, and camping even better, work knives that won’t let you down, and tactical knives that ensure you’re ready for anything.”

They were founded in 1974 with the mission to design and manufacture tools that knife users were going to be proud to own, carry, and use. This means that each and every one of their knives need to be made with the highest quality. From hunting knives to collectors knives, Kershaw makes sure that they choose the high-quality materials and pair it with intensive craftsmanship to get a top-quality knife.

Not only that, but they have a commitment to innovation. They say, “Our SpeedSafe assisted opening knives were first-to-market. We introduced the concept of knives with interchangeable blades in our Blade Traders. Recently, our Composite Blade technology, which combines two steels into one blade, gives knife users the best of both worlds by enabling us to use steel known for edge retention on the edge and steel known for strength on the spine. And we will keep on innovating, bringing new and better technologies and materials to today's knifemaking industry and knife-using public.”

The good thing about Kershaw is that you know you will always be able to rely on their knives. They have a good selection coming out this year, so keep your eyes peeled for all of their new knives hitting the shelves. The one that we will be discussing today is called the Innuendo. It is set to hit shelves in 2019, which means that you will be able to get your hands on one of these puppies before the year is out.

The Blade:

The blade on the Innuendo is made out of 8Cr13MoV steel. When Kershaw is describing this steel, they say, “You may have heard that 8Cr13MoV stainless is basically the equivalent of AUS8A. And it’s true. For everyday use, even a serious “knife knut” would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a well-made 8Cr13MoV blade and a well-made AUS8A blade. Nevertheless, there are slight differences in the steel formula. While most other components are relatively equal, 8Cr13MoV has slightly more carbon for hardness and wear resistance and slightly less nickel. The key to blade performance for both of these steels is manufacturing quality. That’s where Kershaw’s expertise comes in. Kershaw precision heat-treats 8Cr13MoV steel to bring out its best high-performance characteristics: the ability to take and hold an edge, strength, and hardness. 8Cr13MoV is top-of-the-line Chinese steel and, we believe, offers our customers an excellent value. HRC: 57–59.” That is something that is unique about a Kershaw knife made with this steel. While this steel is commonly seen as a budget steel that holds its own, but not much else, Kershaw’s heat treatment transforms this steel into one that can excel at what it does. This means that you get better quality for less money. Truly, more bang for your buck.

• Budget steel keeps the overall cost of the Epistle down.
• Kershaw’s heat treatment allows it to excel.
• Easy to sharpen.

The blade on the Innuendo has been finished with a titanium carbo-nitride finish. Kershaw explains why they us this coating, by stating that this finish “increases the blade’s hardness, helps maintain the edge, and increases the overall lifetime of the blade.” This means that it is going to enhance the durability, corrosion resistance, and lifetime of the blade. This also means that the blade is going to require less maintenance, because you don’t have to worry about the blade being worn or corroding. This finish is going to stay on better than other coatings, however, it is not a PVD coating, so it may still scratch off with time or heavy use.

• Coating prolongs the life of the blade.
• Coating can scratch off after time or heavy use.

The blade has been carved into a drop point blade shape, which is one of the most common on the market. This one has a lowered tip, which is going to give you more control over your cuts. It also has a broader tip, which is going to add strength and durability to the blade. This broadness is what allows the drop point to be as versatile and reliable as it is. Lastly, the blade has a large belly, which makes slicing a breeze with it. The only major disadvantage of the drop point blade shape is that the broad tip does mean that you won’t be able to pierce as easily.

• Lowered and broad tip add strength and control.
• Large belly for ease of slicing.
• Broad tip does reduce piercing ability.

The Handle:

The handle on the Innuendo is made out of stainless steel. This is going to add durability, strength, and corrosion resistance to the knife. Stainless steel also adds the heft that you crave out of a knife. With the Innuendo, you won’t ever have to question if the knife can withstand the task at hand. However, stainless steel does feel rather cold to the touch, it is semi-prone to scratches, and it doesn’t offer the best grip that you can find on the market.

• Stainless steel adds durability and strength.
• Stainless steel does not offer the most grip.

The stainless steel handle has been finished with a bead blasted finish. This is created when small ceramic beads are blasted at the handle at a high pressure. This creates an even, matte grey finish. However, it also creates micro-abrasions in the stainless steel, which will make it more prone to rusting or corroding. To prevent this, make sure that you thoroughly dry off the handle after each use and oil it occasionally.

• Bead blasted finish is even and gray.
• Finish cuts down on glares and reflections.

The handle is simple with a spine that curves down toward the butt. The handle does have an elongated finger groove, which is there for grip. There is a little bit of texture carved into the face of the handle, to add in the grip that stainless steel wouldn’t’ offer you. There is no lanyard hole.

The Pocket Clip:

This is a reversible, deep carry pocket knife. On this knife, it can be attached for right or left handed carry, effectively making this an ambidextrous friendly knife. However, the clip can only be attached for tip-up carry, which is the more dangerous way to carry a knife. That being said, the Innuendo has also been equipped with a frame lock, so you won’t have to worry about this coming open inside of your pocket.

The clip is a dark gray, which matches the blade well. It is kept in place by black screws, which do match the rest of the hardware on it.

The Mechanism:

This is a manual knife, which means that it has no mechanical assist. To help you open the knife, it has been equipped with a thumb disk. To lock up the knife, it has been equipped with a frame lock.

The thumb disk is located right above where you would find a thumb stud. The advantages of a disk over a stud is that it offers more area, which means that it is going to be easier to access. You can also access it from either side of the handle, which does make it ambidextrous friendly. Other than that, it is almost exactly like what you would get out of a thumb stud: easy to use, easy to get the hang of, and lets you open the knife with just one hand.

• Thumb disk is easy to use, easy to access.
• Thumb disk is ambidextrous friendly.

The frame lock is one of the sturdier locking mechanisms that you are going to come across. This is because the frame is made out of the two handle plates, which are most commonly metal. Kershaw says, “When the knife is opened, the metal side of the frame, the lockbar, butts up against the backend of the blade (the tang) and prevents the blade from closing. To close a frame lock knife, the user pushes the frame to the side, unblocking the blade, and folds the blade back into the handle. Like locking liner knives, frame locks are manufactured so that the locking side of the frame is angled toward the interior of the knife, creating a bias toward the locked position. Both the blade tang and the lockbar are precisely angled so they fit together for a secure, reliable lockup. The thickness of the frame material blocking the blade open makes the frame lock extremely sturdy.”

You know that because there is a frame lock, the Innuendo is going to be able to take on some of those tougher tasks. You can rely on the frame lock to not close on your fingers when you are in the middle of using it, or to fail and spring open when you are not using it. Really, with the frame lock, you are as safe as you can be.

• Frame lock is sturdy and reliable.
• Frame lock is secure.
• Frame lock allows you to take on tougher tasks.

The Specs:

The blade on this knife measures in at 3.3 inches long with a handle that measures in at 4.25 inches long. This means that the overall length of the open Innuendo is going to measure in at 7.6 inches long. This Kershaw weighs in at 4 ounces even.

Conclusion:

When Kershaw is discussing this knife, they say, “Kershaw and custom knifemaker Les George teamed up to offer you a sharp knife that takes subtle inspiration from the dramatic lines of an exotic sportscar.

“Inspired by the sweeping lines of a Lamborghini, the Innuendo's smooth, stainless steel handle provides a solid, comfortable grip. Handle cutouts to the left and the right of the pivot help reduce the Innuendo's weight and add visual interest. There's more sportscar inspiration in the pivot—a custom-like addition that just might remind you of top-of-the-line tire rims.

“The Innuendo's 8Cr13MoV blade steel takes and holds a sharp edge, yet resharpens easily when needed. Titanium carbo-nitride blade coating enhances hardness and increases the overall lifespan of the blade. The 3.3-inch drop-point blade offers a healthy amount of belly so you can breeze through your slicing tasks. The Innuendo opens manually with a thumb disk. Once open, the blade locks into place with a sturdy frame lock, so you to work with confidence and safety.

“With its reversible, deep-carry pocketclip, both leftys and rightys can enjoy the Innuendo's sharp looks on their respective show sides. With this kind of style at a value price, this beautiful tool is great choice for budget users and enthusiasts alike.”

Shop all Kershaw brand knives here.