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The Whirlwind was my first non back-lock old school knife. I just replaced the spring and it still works great! I owe my pocket knife obsession to that knife for sure!
Thank you for your list. Half of your list wouldn’t make list considering I don’t like auto or assisted folders OTF’s for that matter but I’d consider the kershaw live wire! I appreciate your content and am a fan of the channel
About a year and a half ago you prompted me to seek out the Kershaw Iridium knife in titanium. I found one and it was expensive ($287) but I love it. I'm glad to see you included a version of it in your list. Question: I own about 95 automatic knives including 55 Protechs. Should I still buy the Launch 16? PS. You were right about the Bel Air.
I had a couple Kershaw Leeks many years ago, maybe almost 25😂. I don't think the knife hobby was anywhere near what it is now, at least to my knowledge at the time. But i really liked those knives and thought they were cool. Very usable, but also super slim and easy to carry. Much prefer my larger knives now though.
I really like my Link in 20cv but it's so heavy. That's definitely a knife that would benefit from releasing unassisted. You could thin out those beefy liners.
The Kershaw Blur is probably my overall favorite Kershaw knife. Specifically the one with the black, partially serrated tanto blade. I had one years ago but I left it at a get together one night and somebody swiped it.
Been loving Kershaw this year. Got the black out Bel Air and carry it a bunch. The Livewire is my favorite OTF right now and I got the red/black Leek in Magnacut because how could I not? Iridium is cool too, especially the CF M390 version. Can't wait for 2025 ↗
I love Kershaw in that theyre quite commonly my users. They arent always the most glorious looking designs, (well, that Launch 16 still makes my eyes sparkle,) but every time I try a new one, I fall in love with them as users all over again They are also common knives I recommend to decent knife newbies looking for something great, maybe USA made, that wont break the bank Cheers!
@@dubcityfx4841 i have an iridium and it is pretty good. Probably the better knife just not better materials. But hard to say because I don't have the belair
I still think the Launch 20 beats them both out. Looks like a classy knife and solid build. But the Bel air was tempting. Don’t think you can go wrong with either. 💯
Kershaw has always held a special place in my collection as "budget knives I bought to work to death, but never died." I have to give 2 honorable mentions to the Volt II and the Scallion 😅. Volt II was one of my very first brand-name knives, and its half serrated blade was great for ties and banding at my job. Used as a beater for years and is probably still in a drawer somewhere. As for the Scallion, pretty much your experience with the Leek and happened to fit the small blade requirement an employer had at the time.
A blacked out Kershaw Shallot was the knife that got me into knife collecting/carrying. Such a cool looking knife. My most carried knife to date. I think they are discontinued now.
Yeeaaasss! Bring back the U.S. Made Bareknuckle! F'n great EDC. That being said the Kershaw Tyrade is by far the coolest kershaw ever made, no questions asked
I was disappointed with the Bareknuckle. Loved everything about it except for the ridiculous subframelock, which has all the disadvantages of liner and frame locks, but none of the advantages. I don't like knives that require careful finger position to open.
@monkpato i would take an ignorant guess and say you've never really used it. I have 3. One of them is my Go To beater knife & guess how many times it's super weak locking mechanism has failed on me. Here is a hint: its less than 1.
@@jeffscalfano3100 I can't really imagine the locking mechanism failing. But it's not stronger than a liner lock, not that that matters because I've never had one of those fail either. (I think lock strength is an overrated characteristic in general.) But the lock does make it sensitive to opening. I remember when I had just got one in 20cv and was showing it off to my dad, he couldn't open it because of the hold sensitivity.
Woah, that Bareknuckle is insane. If they brought that back with magnacut, m4, or something like that, I wouldn’t mind it having an aluminum frame or anything. That is a sweeeeet looking knife. Like seriously probably my favorite looking kershaw I’ve seen
@@gmoorachooof, what a steal. I’m wondering if they stopped doing it because they wanted to make it a ZT design? Looks like they have some similarly modeled knives. I can’t figure out why they would discontinue the Bareknuckle though. From the looks of it it appears to be a super solid knife!
The Iridium is my favorite. The Bel Air is great too, but the Iridium is one of the few knives I've bought multiples of. I've got the aluminum with a tanto blade, then the topo aluminum, carbon fiber (M390) and Dessert Warrior with the drop point. In fact, for the first time ever I'm searching the secondary market for the titanium version. BladeBinge had one but it's long gone. 😢 I live in Hawaii and just found out that earlier this year they made it legal to own switchblades so I ordered a Livewire yesterday! Can't wait for it to arrive. I ordered the 50th anniversary edition from DLT for only $200! Not sure why that one's $30 cheaper than their regular price, so hopefully the quality is still all you talked about.
I de-assisted my Magnacut Blur and added some small but strong magnets to the assist spring compartment to give it a magnetic detent and it is one of my most carried edc’s maintaining equally shared pocket time with my M390 Bugout, 15V PM2, Magnacut Ritter Hogue, and others of the same edc caliber. Like you, I wish they would release non-assisted versions of everything (especially the Leek). I’ve considered getting a Link since they released a Magnacut version, and the Bare Knuckle is def an epic design. I’ve actually never heard of the Knockout until now, but looking at it, I agree it looks like an epic edc design. Have you tried a Kershaw Induction? I don’t think think it’s list worthy, but it was my knife that pulled me into the knife community, and knowing what I know now, I find it fascinating that it was actually an early G&G Hawk design, with a lock they were so proud of they named it the “Hawk Lock”! I’ve owned 2 and find it a cool piece of Kershaw and knife history. I also have another G&G Hawk design, from Kershaw, the Rapid Fire, which in my opinion is one of the best Knife/Screw Driver combo tool designs ever made! Would love to see it also be re-released, possibly with a front flipper.
The Kershaw Heist in S35VN is my favorite (feel and configuration is better IMO than the bel air, which is also good). Unfortunately the S35VN version seems to be discontinued so now it’s only in D2.
I loved my live wire a lot. The looks and feel of it are great. But I've had problems out of mine. It broke a main spring. I sent it out for repair got it back and immediately out of the box it broke the same way. I havent bothered to send it back for repair again :(
Kershaw has great customer support. You need an assist spring or pocket clip and screws -- they will mail it for free. My favorite budget Kershaw is the Volt II (R.J. Martin design). I love the thick 1/2" handle -- unlike most people. I only wish the blade steel, handle scales, and the ridiculous pocket clip were better. I did not like the Volt SS (stainless steel handles). The frame lock sticks (like the CQC-4KXL) and is hard to disengage. Most disappointing knife was the Cryo -- I never understood the hype (other than Hinderer design).
@Lonestar It's like taking a 360 while you pull up your skirt for a curtsy. Or spinning your gun around your finger a couple times before you point at the bad guy.
Cant have auto's her in Norway ,but my favorite kersh is actually the shuffle2 😂 (its a love hate thing ,i love the functionality, hate the quality ,kersahaw -please make the shuffle2 2 in aluminium handle and 14c28n or better 🤟🤟🤟🔥🔥it will go off like a rocket
It was so curious how you pulled out a RAT, a Para 3 and a third knife while you were talking about a knife (I think the Launch 20), then a minute later just moved them away again. I thought there was a size comparison incoming.
I think you missed the best launch -15. Magnacut, big blade, and so slim and easy to carry. I have several launch versions. IMHO, I don't think any company is doing better out the side autos for the cost, regardless of country of origin. But it's made here, USA. What's not to like?
I got a Bareknuckle in 20CV, new for $100. It was a Smokey Mountain Knife Works exclusive. I consider it the best value knife with a premium steel. I have nicer more expensive knives. But, the price, it's hard to beat my Bareknuckle in 20CV. I don't understand how Kershaw could discontinue this knife. Bring it back with a premium steel... Or would be a ZT then?
I will pretend outrage that the Select Fire didn't make the cut. Clunky as a boat anchor, but that 1/4 inch drive and a handful.of bits has been priceless on the bike. Cool overview otherwise.
I was disappointed with the Bareknuckle. Loved everything about it except for the ridiculous subframelock, which has all the disadvantages of liner and frame locks, but none of the advantages. I don't like knives that require careful finger position to open.
I'm torn about that version of the leek. Part of me thinks lit looks like mint chocolate chip ice cream, but the other half sees it as the "explosive diarrhea" version.
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Love all Kershaw made in USA and assisted knifes!
I’m really glad you included the Link. I’ve thought for a long time that is a really excellent knife that nobody seems to talk about.
I've been carrying the same link as one of my edcs for the better part of 10 years now. It absolutely is an unsung hero
The Whirlwind was my first non back-lock old school knife. I just replaced the spring and it still works great! I owe my pocket knife obsession to that knife for sure!
Listened to this in the car, had to wait until after the LiveStream to watch it. Another fun, informative video.
Love how you included the Leek and Blur they are timeless Ken Onion designs
I bought a bare knuckle in DLC 20CV blade because of your videos and it's been a awesome knife.
First knife I ever bought, 2 weeks ago, was the launch 16. The black one with serrations. I absolutely love it. 😊
Thank you for your list. Half of your list wouldn’t make list considering I don’t like auto or assisted folders OTF’s for that matter but I’d consider the kershaw live wire! I appreciate your content and am a fan of the channel
I think you pretty much nailed the top 10. I own four of the top ten, versions of the blur,link,barenuckel, and the belair.
My Kershaw link is what got me into the knife world and now I own 4 of them. My favorite Kershaw knife is going to have to be the launch 16
About a year and a half ago you prompted me to seek out the Kershaw Iridium knife in titanium. I found one and it was expensive ($287) but I love it. I'm glad to see you included a version of it in your list. Question: I own about 95 automatic knives including 55 Protechs. Should I still buy the Launch 16? PS. You were right about the Bel Air.
I had a couple Kershaw Leeks many years ago, maybe almost 25😂. I don't think the knife hobby was anywhere near what it is now, at least to my knowledge at the time. But i really liked those knives and thought they were cool. Very usable, but also super slim and easy to carry. Much prefer my larger knives now though.
Can't wait to get my livewire, first otf and I'm super excited.
I really like my Link in 20cv but it's so heavy. That's definitely a knife that would benefit from releasing unassisted. You could thin out those beefy liners.
The Kershaw Blur is probably my overall favorite Kershaw knife. Specifically the one with the black, partially serrated tanto blade. I had one years ago but I left it at a get together one night and somebody swiped it.
Great list. I wish I could have an auto knife - I’d get the launch 16 in a heartbeat. Really like the bare knuckle too though.
I love the Kershaw „Analyst“, a black Tanto, half serrated, similar to the launch 16 but with an assisted flipper and its only 40 bucks 😎
Been carrying a leek spring assist for over ten years. The perfect knife, not too big. Very fast to deploy.
Been loving Kershaw this year. Got the black out Bel Air and carry it a bunch. The Livewire is my favorite OTF right now and I got the red/black Leek in Magnacut because how could I not? Iridium is cool too, especially the CF M390 version. Can't wait for 2025 ↗
Launch 1 is an excellent knife. Solid lock up. Just a great value for a quality auto.
I like this series you should do every brand
I love Kershaw in that theyre quite commonly my users. They arent always the most glorious looking designs, (well, that Launch 16 still makes my eyes sparkle,) but every time I try a new one, I fall in love with them as users all over again
They are also common knives I recommend to decent knife newbies looking for something great, maybe USA made, that wont break the bank
Cheers!
Kershaw Bel Air is USA made magnacut for $140 bucks. That's crazy good
Love my Bel Air. Just need someone to make aftermarket scales in micarta
FR. How the Iridium ranked higher than the Bel Air is a head scratcher.
@@dubcityfx4841 i have an iridium and it is pretty good. Probably the better knife just not better materials. But hard to say because I don't have the belair
I still think the Launch 20 beats them both out. Looks like a classy knife and solid build. But the Bel air was tempting. Don’t think you can go wrong with either. 💯
@@drewpfeif5028 Facts. Different color aluminum, micarta, Titanium, g10. It would be freaking amazing.
Kershaw has always held a special place in my collection as "budget knives I bought to work to death, but never died." I have to give 2 honorable mentions to the Volt II and the Scallion 😅. Volt II was one of my very first brand-name knives, and its half serrated blade was great for ties and banding at my job. Used as a beater for years and is probably still in a drawer somewhere. As for the Scallion, pretty much your experience with the Leek and happened to fit the small blade requirement an employer had at the time.
A blacked out Kershaw Shallot was the knife that got me into knife collecting/carrying. Such a cool looking knife. My most carried knife to date. I think they are discontinued now.
I love the looks of the Launch 16, but you're right. Automatics scare me, so I won't be picking that one up.
#1 is the SKYLINE IMO🤷♂️
Agreed. It's an EDC legend and one of the best knives Kershaw ever made.
I was shocked it didn’t make it either. It was my first knife my dad bought me
Skyline is good confirmed 👍
They should bring back the Skyline XL in magnacut !
I was hoping for him to say it
My favorite Kershaw knives are Iridium & Iridium Reverse Tanto, Blur, Leek, Shuffle II, and Oso Sweet. I own one of each, multiple copies of some.
Yeeaaasss! Bring back the U.S. Made Bareknuckle! F'n great EDC. That being said the Kershaw Tyrade is by far the coolest kershaw ever made, no questions asked
I was disappointed with the Bareknuckle. Loved everything about it except for the ridiculous subframelock, which has all the disadvantages of liner and frame locks, but none of the advantages. I don't like knives that require careful finger position to open.
@monkpato i would take an ignorant guess and say you've never really used it. I have 3. One of them is my Go To beater knife & guess how many times it's super weak locking mechanism has failed on me. Here is a hint: its less than 1.
@@jeffscalfano3100 I can't really imagine the locking mechanism failing. But it's not stronger than a liner lock, not that that matters because I've never had one of those fail either. (I think lock strength is an overrated characteristic in general.)
But the lock does make it sensitive to opening. I remember when I had just got one in 20cv and was showing it off to my dad, he couldn't open it because of the hold sensitivity.
Love this list!!
Gave the Smokey mountain black on black bare knuckle to my buddy, great buy at the time. Great intro knife especially with 20cv.
I have the Kershaw Clash, it’s one of my favorites.
Launch 11 is my personal fav. Launch.
I like Kershaw too. A D2 leek was my first modern folder.
Eris. I’ve used 2 and given 10 as gifts. Awesome edc
Woah, that Bareknuckle is insane. If they brought that back with magnacut, m4, or something like that, I wouldn’t mind it having an aluminum frame or anything. That is a sweeeeet looking knife. Like seriously probably my favorite looking kershaw I’ve seen
I've got one in 20CV. It was a SMKW exclusive for $100. Hard to beat at that price.
@@gmoorachooof, what a steal.
I’m wondering if they stopped doing it because they wanted to make it a ZT design? Looks like they have some similarly modeled knives. I can’t figure out why they would discontinue the Bareknuckle though. From the looks of it it appears to be a super solid knife!
Iridium for me. For the price it made me stop looking at benchmade all together
Cryo 2 is also a great choice.
Great list!
I really like the scales on that leek.
The Iridium is my favorite. The Bel Air is great too, but the Iridium is one of the few knives I've bought multiples of. I've got the aluminum with a tanto blade, then the topo aluminum, carbon fiber (M390) and Dessert Warrior with the drop point. In fact, for the first time ever I'm searching the secondary market for the titanium version. BladeBinge had one but it's long gone. 😢
I live in Hawaii and just found out that earlier this year they made it legal to own switchblades so I ordered a Livewire yesterday! Can't wait for it to arrive. I ordered the 50th anniversary edition from DLT for only $200! Not sure why that one's $30 cheaper than their regular price, so hopefully the quality is still all you talked about.
I'd have to add the old Japanese made 2415 liner lock to that list but probably only because of the sentimental value it has for me.
The 1050 Folding Field is one of the all time best Kershaw's ever made. Probably the classiest looking Kershaw of all time as well
For me it's the Bel-Air, followed by the Blur and Livewire. Kershaw's really on a good run right now in general.
blurrr hands down what the best type of steel you can get in the blur ?
I de-assisted my Magnacut Blur and added some small but strong magnets to the assist spring compartment to give it a magnetic detent and it is one of my most carried edc’s maintaining equally shared pocket time with my M390 Bugout, 15V PM2, Magnacut Ritter Hogue, and others of the same edc caliber.
Like you, I wish they would release non-assisted versions of everything (especially the Leek). I’ve considered getting a Link since they released a Magnacut version, and the Bare Knuckle is def an epic design.
I’ve actually never heard of the Knockout until now, but looking at it, I agree it looks like an epic edc design.
Have you tried a Kershaw Induction? I don’t think think it’s list worthy, but it was my knife that pulled me into the knife community, and knowing what I know now, I find it fascinating that it was actually an early G&G Hawk design, with a lock they were so proud of they named it the “Hawk Lock”! I’ve owned 2 and find it a cool piece of Kershaw and knife history. I also have another G&G Hawk design, from Kershaw, the Rapid Fire, which in my opinion is one of the best Knife/Screw Driver combo tool designs ever made! Would love to see it also be re-released, possibly with a front flipper.
Nice list. I’m missing the Dividend.
just a quick nugget, i got the Cutlery Shoppe exclusive Livewire for $200. it’s orange and black but it’s an incredible value for $200
I agree about the Blur. I’d like to see a manual detent but It’s not necessary for me to love the knife.
The bel air is just so good
The Kershaw Heist in S35VN is my favorite (feel and configuration is better IMO than the bel air, which is also good). Unfortunately the S35VN version seems to be discontinued so now it’s only in D2.
Cool idea for a video! I like Kershaw. They have alot of stuff like CRKT and Cuvivi, but they aren't complete crap. Better rep.
Kershaw Needs Work was my favorite of all time
the lucha deserve to be on list 😎
Wheres the outlier brother i swear its the sharpest kershaw out the box ive ever gotten but great list brother you did good
My all time favorite is the Kershaw 1680 Ken Onion Steven Segal ray skin inlay flipper!
I got the Kershaw blur at Walmart a couple months ago for only 41$ 👍
Dang that's a steal. I think the Blur I bought years and years ago cost me around 80 bucks. I had the black, partially serrated tanto version.
@@CraigTodd-x9d I couldn't believe it. It was the last one to. I have seen some before over a 100$
I love the Belair!
🧐 seem to have forgotten the Lucha somehow. It's okay, I understand you're stressed to make a stellar video! Keep it up, Ole Champ. 😂
I personally like Kershaw's assisted knives.
My favorite Kershaw is the SMKW exclusive copper culpepper.
I'm a leek enjoyer but the bareknuckle is probably something I would purchase today if it was released
My #1 is the Auto-Fact (includes the Fact). I love its styling. It reminds me of a tall slender elegant raven haired woman !
This list needs the Atmos. Its so good. I wish it had better blade steel, it would totally replace the Leek for me in this list.
Launch 13 is my favorite.
Top left PM-2 is in K-390...thats the exact same one i bought from Benton Box. 😊
I would love an od green launch 16 with that grey blade.
The leek is a great knife EDC one for 20 years
Same !
bareknuckle FTW--amazingly effective blade geometry
Cheers!
I loved my live wire a lot. The looks and feel of it are great. But I've had problems out of mine. It broke a main spring. I sent it out for repair got it back and immediately out of the box it broke the same way. I havent bothered to send it back for repair again :(
The Blur would be perfect to me if there was a deep carry clip, keep or take the assist.
Imo
1. Bel Air
2. Livewire
3. Launch 20
Kershaw USA 💯👌
Kershaw has great customer support. You need an assist spring or pocket clip and screws -- they will mail it for free.
My favorite budget Kershaw is the Volt II (R.J. Martin design). I love the thick 1/2" handle -- unlike most people. I only wish the blade steel, handle scales, and the ridiculous pocket clip were better. I did not like the Volt SS (stainless steel handles). The frame lock sticks (like the CQC-4KXL) and is hard to disengage. Most disappointing knife was the Cryo -- I never understood the hype (other than Hinderer design).
@Lonestar It's like taking a 360 while you pull up your skirt for a curtsy. Or spinning your gun around your finger a couple times before you point at the bad guy.
Bel-air, blur, iridium leek livewire, launch 19
The blur is the same knife that pivot my love for folders
Cant have auto's her in Norway ,but my favorite kersh is actually the shuffle2 😂 (its a love hate thing ,i love the functionality, hate the quality ,kersahaw -please make the shuffle2 2 in aluminium handle and 14c28n or better 🤟🤟🤟🔥🔥it will go off like a rocket
Still have my original Ken Onion Random Task Knive w 440 cpm
Wish they would give us a crossbar lock blur
Iridium better be on here
It was so curious how you pulled out a RAT, a Para 3 and a third knife while you were talking about a knife (I think the Launch 20), then a minute later just moved them away again. I thought there was a size comparison incoming.
Love my link.
We need Launch 16 in some other steel than M4, such as S35VN, S45VN, Magnacut, and 20CV, etc
I think you missed the best launch -15. Magnacut, big blade, and so slim and easy to carry. I have several launch versions. IMHO, I don't think any company is doing better out the side autos for the cost, regardless of country of origin. But it's made here, USA. What's not to like?
Kershaw doing it right
Not crazy about assisted knives but I own 2 dividends the best kershaw ever made
I got a Bareknuckle in 20CV, new for $100. It was a Smokey Mountain Knife Works exclusive. I consider it the best value knife with a premium steel. I have nicer more expensive knives. But, the price, it's hard to beat my Bareknuckle in 20CV. I don't understand how Kershaw could discontinue this knife. Bring it back with a premium steel... Or would be a ZT then?
I really dont understand how that bonkers 50th anniversary knife wasn't EASILY the best kershaw ever made....🤷♂️
Shallot and Lucha, too 👍😁👍
I will pretend outrage that the Select Fire didn't make the cut. Clunky as a boat anchor, but that 1/4 inch drive and a handful.of bits has been priceless on the bike. Cool overview otherwise.
I was disappointed with the Bareknuckle. Loved everything about it except for the ridiculous subframelock, which has all the disadvantages of liner and frame locks, but none of the advantages. I don't like knives that require careful finger position to open.
Im guessing Kershaw is great at subsidizing their USA designs with their more budget Chinese designs
You mean you can’t fit all 20 launch series into a top 10 list? For real though, thanks for sharing.
I carried a leek for 10 years. I figured since I didn't lose it in 10 years, I'll expand into more expensive blades.
Great video! I love that Launch 16 in raw aluminum. If only... I also like the Iridium and the Bel Air, both of which I own.
Im so upset i lost my Bareknuckle, it was such a good knife
Bareknuckle is number 1 in my book
I'm torn about that version of the leek. Part of me thinks lit looks like mint chocolate chip ice cream, but the other half sees it as the "explosive diarrhea" version.