Kershaw Onion Black Chive Pocket

Those of you who have read my reviews may realize that I am a bit of a knife nut. I am. And this knife is one of the better users to come out of the Kershaw factory in the last few years.

Another design by Custom Maker Ken Onion from Hawaii, this one is the Avalanche and was freed when it comes to the same time as the Boa. The ordinary pattern of this knife is similar to the Blackout and Whirlwind knives which are lower end models with for less materials and steel.

Stats:

Blade Steel – CPM-440V Black Ti Coated

Handle – G-10

Blade – 3-1/8″

Closed – 4-1/2″

Weight – 4.5 Oz.

The CPM-440V (now renamed to CPM-S60V) was a hot steel at the time, and has now lost in popularity to CPM-S30V, which was invented by Crucible Steel as a Cutlery steel. It is the firstborn steel made exclusively for Cutlery. CPM440V is still a wondrous steel, and has a very high level of wear resistance, but it takes evermore to sharpen and with a manual sharpener that means cramped fingers if you wait too long amid sessions.

The Avalanche features rough textured G-10 handles which have extraordinary grip, but likewise grip very tightly to your pants when clipped, to the point where if carried each and everyday for a month or 2, you will have shredded pockets! I know this from experience, yes! I solved this by sanding down the part of the G-10 handles that is under the pocket clip area.

This knife, like most from Kershaw and Ken Onion these days likewise has the Speed Safe Assisted opener mechanism, which fires the blade out mechanically once you push it open with regards to 1/8″. Most of the newer Kershaws have a “trigger” which protrudes from the back of the knife and is share of the blade.. it facilitates posing no difficulty usage of the Speed Safe technology. However this knife being older, does not have that, and the thumbstuds ought to be used. That is adverse since this is such a outstanding simple design that could gain so much from the “trigger”. New knives like the Kershaw Bump are very costly ($180US+) and demand a premium when new… while older knives like this Avalanche may be purchased for a mere $60US.

The quality of the knife is excellent. There are a few imperfections such as the machining marks on the edges of the Titanium liners, but the liner lock engages in a positive manner on the blade tang and there is no blade wobble.

Overall I would say this knife is a superb value for the money, and with a little sanding may be made for splendid day-to-day carry tool.

Kershaw Onion Black Chive Pocket

Gorgeous Ladder Pattern Damascus Blade. Stainless Frame. Lanyard Hole. Speed Safe Assisted Opening. Dual Thumb Studs. Made in U.S.A. Lifetime Warranty.

Kershaw Onion Black Chive Pocket Image

Kershaw Onion Black Chive Pocket Picture

Kershaw Onion Black Chive Pocket Picture

Kershaw Onion Black Chive Pocket Photo

Most helpful client reviews

3 of 3 humans found the following review helpful.
very nice
By Danny Wills
I am 52 years old and have carried a pocket knife for when it comes to 40 of those years. Without a doubt, this is best pocket knife I have ever owned. The craftsmanship shows a severe personal attention to detail and the damascus steel blade is gorgeous to look at, a pleasure to sharpen. I can’t seem to keep it in my pocket though for wanting to play with it. ‘Assisted opening’ is genuinely just a nice way of saying ‘switchblade’.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Awesome Little Knife
By Courtney Dietzmann
This knife is perfect! I have little hands, and don’t genuinely like to carry anything that’s bulky. It fits nicely in my pant pocket, or [even better when in sketchy areas] in my coat pocket.
As far as the ‘neat’ factor – I own a set of Shun kitchen knifes (also by Kershaw), and I LOVE them. I have high hopes for this pocket knife. And the damascus blade makes it particularly ‘neat’ (and, dare I say, rather pretty).
Note: Ladies – These little guys are likewise handy for quickie manicures.

0 of 1 persons found the following review helpful.
Not Kershaws finest
By andy
This knife was delivered with the lock back not working. I called smoky mountain and they said call Kershaw. I just bent the lock back to work but the grooves are not cut in so I have to use my fingernail to unlock. Also the blade was noware near sharp.

See all 3 client reviews…