Kershaw Blur Pocket Knife Assessment

Backside Line

The Kershaw Blur is a reliable pocket knife designed for customers who want a sturdy, high-performance blade. Its sharp Sandvik stainless-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 similar time, the Trac-Tec inserts on the anodized aluminum deal with present wonderful grip and steadiness, even in moist or slippery situations. The ergonomic design is a superb match for bigger fingers, although its barely heavier weight won’t enchantment 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 couple of side-by-side comparisoncutting challenges. The Blur within reason sturdy, however its liner lock mechanism can fail underneath excessive stress, elevating issues for heavy-duty functions.

Throughout testing, we got here near reducing 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 strong worth pending the use case. 

If this blade isn’t the proper match, the Blur is available in customizable deal with colours and blade varieties, from clean to serrated edges. Discover our information to the most effective pocket knives for extra choices.

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 obvious, with anodized aluminum handles that provide sturdiness with out including pointless heft.

The match and end are excellent—there aren’t any noticeable gaps or free elements, and the blade aligns completely with the deal with when closed. The usage of Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel for the blade gives long-lasting reliability, even after prolonged use.

After a number of rounds of testing, together with harsh situations and heavy use, the knife stays strong. Whereas the construct high quality is close to flawless, the pocket clip feels a bit inflexible, which may make it barely difficult to clip onto thicker supplies, particularly in case your fingers are chilly and dropping 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 way of supplies like cardboard, wooden, rope, and produce to check its means, and the sting confirmed little to no dulling after repeated cuts.

Whereas the Blur usually gives wonderful blade stability, the blade exhibited slight wobbling throughout heavy-duty testing. Intense reducing duties, corresponding to slicing by way of wooden, brought about 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 enhance 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 point within the blade retention system. Customers who continuously have interaction in heavy-duty reducing may discover this facet of the Blur much less reliable in comparison with different knives with extra strong blade stabilization options.

Ergonomics & Grip

The Kershaw Blur has a contoured aluminum deal with and Trac-Tec inserts for a greater grip. The knife suits securely in hand however is simpler to carry with bigger fingers. When performing duties like carving or repetitive actions, the Blur is comfy to carry and feels balanced and pure.

Regardless of its ergonomic benefits, the Kershaw Blur’s deal with may really feel cumbersome to customers with smaller fingers or choose a extra compact grip. The dimensions 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 also can accumulate 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 out of doors, 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 situations, the blade retained its luster and integrity.

The aluminum deal with with Trac-Tec inserts can also be proof against put on, displaying no degradation after being soaked and scrubbed. If the knife is persistently uncovered to saltwater or acidic situations past typical use, the anodized aluminum deal with may develop minor corrosion or discoloration over time. Whatever the materials limitations in opposition to corrosion, extended neglect of the knife (i.e., not drying the blade after washing or publicity to parts) 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 reducing by way of 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 downside and security concern that customers ought to contemplate.

Weight

The Kershaw Blur weighs slightly below 4 ounces. At this weight, it does a superb job of balancing heft and portability. The load contributes to the knife’s general stability and sturdiness however is way 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 dimensions and weight can improve the blade’s reducing efficiency, offering a extra easy really feel whereas carving and slicing.

Whereas the burden contributes to its stability and efficiency, it might be a downside for some customers. The dimensions and general weight of the knife can really feel clunky in your pocket, particularly if it is advisable to carry a number of instruments or have smaller fingers. Whereas helpful for reducing energy, this heaviness may restrict the Blur’s enchantment 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 out of doors lovers, commerce employees, or anybody searching 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. If you would like a barely larger pocket knife, the Blur is a flexible choice. We don’t advocate it for ultralight backpackers or anybody wanting a extra compact knife. Moreover, the liner lock, although usually dependable, may very well be a priority for customers who deal with extra aggressive reducing duties.

What Different Pocket Knives Ought to You Take into account?

Kershaw Leek Assessment: 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 good for on a regular basis duties and precision reducing (and our choose for the most effective general pocket knife). Its slim profile and 3-inch blade make it a superb 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 perfect for anybody in search of a classy and sensible EDC knife with a smaller footprint.

Benchmade Bugout 535 Assessment: 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 choice. Although much less strong than the Blur for heavy-duty duties, the Bugout is a superb choose for customers who worth light-weight comfort and top-tier supplies in an EDC knife.

Opinel No. 8 Assessment: For these on a funds, the Opinel No. 8 is a basic various with a timeless enchantment. It’s light-weight and has an ergonomic wood 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 good selection for a easy and inexpensive pocket knife.