Backside Line
The Kershaw Blur is a reliable pocket knife designed for customers who want a sturdy, high-performance blade. Its sharp Sandvik chrome steel blade is a high-performing on a regular basis carry blade(EDC) that requires minimal upkeep. The SpeedSafe assisted opening system is an actual deal with and permits quick, one-handed operation. On the identical time, the Trac-Tec inserts on the anodized aluminum deal with present wonderful grip and stability, even in moist or slippery circumstances. The ergonomic design is a superb match for bigger fingers, although its barely heavier weight may not attraction to everybody.
We put the Kershaw Blur to the take a look at whereas doing on a regular basis chores, on tenting journeys, and in a number of side-by-side comparisoncutting challenges. The Blur is fairly sturdy, however its liner lock mechanism can fail underneath excessive stress, elevating considerations for heavy-duty purposes.
Throughout testing, we got here near slicing our hand attributable to this, so we advocate this blade for extra average duties. The small thumb stud, although efficient, can pressure your thumb with repeated use. Regardless of these drawbacks, the Blur’s mix of sturdiness and efficiency makes it a stable worth pending the use case.
If this blade isn’t the correct match, the Blur is available in customizable deal with colours and blade sorts, from easy to serrated edges. Discover our information to one of the best pocket knives for extra choices.
Fast Specs
Kershaw Blur
Workhorse Pocket Knife with an Ergonomic Deal with
CleverHiker Ranking:
84
Worth:
$115
Measured Weight:
3.9 oz.
Blade Size:
3.4 in
Total Size:
7.9 in.
Blade Materials:
14C28N Stainless
Professionals
- Giant blade
- Very sharp
- Assisted one-hand open
- Wonderful grip
- Ergonomic thumb studs
- Reversible pocket clip
Cons
- Costly
- Havier and bulkier than some
Construct High quality
Very similar to the Kershaw Leek, the Kershaw Blur is exceptionally constructed. From the second you maintain it, the premium really feel is clear, with anodized aluminum handles that provide sturdiness with out including pointless heft.
The match and end are very good—there are not any noticeable gaps or unfastened elements, and the blade aligns completely with the deal with when closed. The usage of Sandvik 14C28N chrome steel for the blade gives long-lasting reliability, even after prolonged use.
After a number of rounds of testing, together with harsh circumstances and heavy use, the knife stays stable. Whereas the construct high quality is close to flawless, the pocket clip feels a bit inflexible, which might make it barely difficult to clip onto thicker supplies, particularly in case your fingers are chilly and shedding dexterity.
Blade Retention & Stability
The blade retention of the Kershaw Blur is excellent, sustaining its edge even with day by day use. We sliced by supplies like cardboard, wooden, rope, and produce to check its skill, and the sting confirmed little to no dulling after repeated cuts.
Whereas the Blur usually affords wonderful blade stability, the blade exhibited slight wobbling throughout heavy-duty testing. Intense slicing duties, comparable to slicing by wooden, brought on the blade alignment to shift at instances however not persistently. Even a slight blade wobble could make it much less dependable for precision duties and improve the danger of unintentional slips. That is partially as a result of liner lock safety, which we are going to talk about in additional element under.
Though these occurrences had been rare and primarily underneath excessive stress, they spotlight a possible weak spot within the blade retention system. Customers who steadily have interaction in heavy-duty slicing would possibly discover this facet of the Blur much less reliable in comparison with different knives with extra sturdy blade stabilization options.
Ergonomics & Grip
The Kershaw Blur has a contoured aluminum deal with and Trac-Tec inserts for a greater grip. The knife matches securely in hand however is simpler to carry with bigger fingers. When performing duties like carving or repetitive actions, the Blur is snug to carry and feels balanced and pure.
Regardless of its ergonomic benefits, the Kershaw Blur’s deal with would possibly really feel cumbersome to customers with smaller fingers or choose a extra compact grip. The scale and form of the deal with, mixed with the substantial blade, could make the knife really feel heavy and fewer nimble for exact duties. The inserts may also gather particles over time, requiring occasional cleansing.
Moreover, the small thumb stud, though efficient for fast deployment, turned uncomfortable and strains the thumb with repeated use, particularly throughout intensive duties like whittling or carving wooden.
Corrosion Resistance
The Kershaw Blur is designed for outside, all-weather use and has built-in corrosion resistance to guard it from degradation. The model we examined has a stonewashed end, however some variations make the most of a DLC coating, and the 14C28N metal composition additional enhances its resistance to moisture. Even after cleansing and a few publicity to moist circumstances, the blade retained its luster and integrity.
The aluminum deal with with Trac-Tec inserts can be proof against put on, exhibiting no degradation after being soaked and scrubbed. If the knife is persistently uncovered to saltwater or acidic circumstances past typical use, the anodized aluminum deal with might develop minor corrosion or discoloration over time. Whatever the materials limitations towards corrosion, extended neglect of the knife (i.e., not drying the blade after washing or publicity to components) can result in corrosion.
Locking Mechanism
The Kershaw Blur’s has an assisted opening mechanism, the SpeedSafe, making it one of many few one-handed opening choices we’ve examined. The blade deployed effortlessly throughout testing with only a gentle press on the thumb stud, flipping it open. This speedy deployment is advantageous in conditions requiring fast entry to the blade, enhancing each comfort and security. Regardless of the benefits of one-hand opening and shutting, the Kershaw Blur’s liner lock has proven vulnerabilities underneath extra excessive stress or use circumstances.
The lock is dependable for normal use circumstances however can fail when slicing by robust supplies like wooden or being put underneath heavy stress. The blade unexpectedly closed on us whereas testing the stress and resistance of the lock. The potential for lock failure underneath stress is a big disadvantage and security concern that customers ought to take into account.
Weight
The Kershaw Blur weighs slightly below 4 ounces. At this weight, it does a wonderful job of balancing heft and portability. The load contributes to the knife’s total stability and sturdiness however is far bulkier than different EDC choices.
Throughout use, the burden distribution felt well-managed, permitting for exact management, and we didn’t discover the burden inflicting fatigue with prolonged use. The scale and weight can improve the blade’s slicing efficiency, offering a extra easy really feel whereas carving and slicing.
Whereas the burden contributes to its stability and efficiency, it might be a disadvantage for some customers. The scale and total weight of the knife can really feel clunky in your pocket, particularly if you want to carry a number of instruments or have smaller fingers. Whereas useful for slicing energy, this heaviness would possibly restrict the Blur’s attraction to customers who want a lighter knife for discreet carry.
Ought to You Purchase the Kershaw Blur?
The Kershaw Blur is a superb alternative for outside fanatics, commerce staff, or anybody on the lookout for a reliable on a regular basis carry. It has a sturdy construct, sharp blade retention, and ergonomic grip and is especially well-suited for customers with bigger fingers. In order for you a barely greater pocket knife, the Blur is a flexible possibility. We don’t advocate it for ultralight backpackers or anybody wanting a extra compact knife. Moreover, the liner lock, although usually dependable, could possibly be a priority for customers who sort out extra aggressive slicing duties.
What Different Pocket Knives Ought to You Think about?
Kershaw Leek Overview: If you happen to like the feel and appear of the Kershaw Blur and wish one thing equally as sturdy however with a smaller profile, you’ll love the Kershaw Leek.
The Kershaw Leek is a glossy, compact knife excellent for on a regular basis duties and precision slicing (and our decide for one of the best total pocket knife). Its slim profile and 3-inch blade make it a wonderful alternative for these prioritizing portability. Just like the Blur, the Leek has an assisted opening mechanism however a body lock as an alternative of a liner lock. We discover the Leek very best for anybody looking for a classy and sensible EDC knife with a smaller footprint.
Benchmade Bugout 535 Overview: If ultralight is your precedence, look no additional than the Benchmade Bugout 535. It’s gentle, sturdy, and extremely versatile. Plus, it has a decrease profile than the Blur. The reversible, deep-carry pocket clip and outsized lanyard gap make it a discreet and customizable carry possibility. Although much less sturdy than the Blur for heavy-duty duties, the Bugout is a superb decide for customers who worth light-weight comfort and top-tier supplies in an EDC knife.
Opinel No. 8 Overview: For these on a price range, the Opinel No. 8 is a traditional various with a timeless attraction. It’s light-weight and has an ergonomic picket deal with that’s aesthetically pleasing and cozy to carry. It lacks some options that the Blur might supply, like an assisted opening, however it’s a sensible choice for a easy and reasonably priced pocket knife.