Kershaw Echo/Zipit Combo in Orange

[SCRooster]

I stumbled across this Kershaw Echo/Zipit Combo in Orange today at Sportsman's Warehouse, clearance sale, $21.95.  I was there with a $50.00 gift certificate I got for Christmas from my son and was looking for a diamond sharpening stone ... saw the combo on sale and decided to throw the balance of the card at it.

Figured I probably didn't need another skinner with a separate gut hook, but this one caught my eye ... first orange knife I have ever owned.  Brought it home, worked up a really slick edge using the new diamond stone I bought (EZ Lap Model 62 F), and now I'm looking forward to field dressing a buck with this thing later this year maybe.

I've got expensive knives out the ying yang from Busse to Scrapyard to Swamp Rats and a lot of things in between.  This is the first inexpensive mass produced knife I have bought in decades.  I see it retailing for anything from $59.95 to the more common $34 - $38 range.

Anyway, anyone own a Kershaw?  It reminds me a lot of some of the Scandinavian blades, with regard to the steel.   It came with a surprisingly heavy duty sheath.

[Dand]

I have had several small Kershaw pocket knives that I really liked. Have lost several but just Friday I found one I'd left on a high shelf at work some time last fall.  Really made my day and today I was working on the edge to tune it up. I forget the series - made in the 70's with AUS8  steel and darned good edge holding - Japanese made. I have to use a one of those lansky kits to get them truly sharp but they'll keep a good edge a long time with a little care. Got my son a Skyline folder for Christmas.  Seems ok, US made but its seems a little flimsy for hard work and I am a bit wary of liner locks - price was pretty moderate.  We'll have to see how it holds up.  Generally I think Kershaws are good for the money. I try to stay with US or Japanese made.  Last fall while in an Arizona knife shop I handled one of the big Kershaw Outcast knives.  It felt good and is made of D2 steel, something came over me and I bought it. Not really a machete and darned big for most knife work.  I carried it in my pack all winter while snowmobiling but really had no occasion to put it to use. But it was handier than my bigger machetes to have along if needed.  Its real comfortable in my hand and I've fooled with it for kindling around the house - I wish they had kept more weight in the outer end of the blade to help w chopping.  Instead they've ground the back bone down for the outer 3 inches or so.  But I'll have to try it out this summer on brush etc and see how it does.  I see they have discontinued the Outcast for the Camp 10 - which is quite similar but  full tang handle and it has a bit of Kukri curve to it and they don't indicate what the steel is.


edit 5-6-12  Forgot I also carry a Kershaw folding Blackhorse (II I think).  I used it on my moose last fall.  Its got a nice rubber handle and very strong lock back. The steel is 420 stainless I think and not near as hard as my little Rouge AUS8 knife but pretty good. I got it to replace a Puma folder. Its not as good as that old Puma was. I really like the Kraton or rubber grips in wet or really cold weather. That's why I'm frustrated with some of the recent knives that have aluminum scales - not a good idea for working at -20 or colder where your hand might freeze to it.

[freddogs]

I'm kind of a Kershaw fan. I have a few of their smaller knives. I carry a G-10 because it's a nice general purpose knife and holds an edge well. I use the black horse for hunting. I lost one after gutting a deer in WY. So I can see where the orange color seems like a good idea. I like Kershaws better than most commercial knives like Gerber or Buck.

[charles p]

I have a small Kershaw that I carry.  It has the number 3000 on the blade.  It has a thicker blade than most pocket knives its size.  Sharpens very well on a stone followed with a steel.  It will take a lot of abuse.  It's a lock back and the handle is covered in a soft rubber.  About 3" closed.

[kynardsj]

I carry a Kershaw Clash. One finger assisted opening, liner lock, heavy duty pocket clip and excellent steel. Couldn't ask for more. In fact, when I find something I really like, my closest friends get one for birthday or Christmas. My three closest have one of these now.

[gcrank1]

Having been wet and tired enough to get stupid, I can see the sense in having that orange handle on a 'survival' knife. For most of us it likely makes way more sense than cam 'whatever'. A lost knife is of absolutely no value.
My recent on sale Sheffields from Menards have been getting good use this year. Even though I considered them 'throw-aways' Id hate to lose one now.

[drdougrx]

Just picked up a Kershaw Diskin Hunter....haven't used it yet but will this fall.  It's sharp and looks pretty good.  The steal is also quite good.  Paid $30 something for it.