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Best 19 Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Knives
A detailed comparison of Kershaw's Ken Onion Blur models, analyzing their performance, durability, and value as part of the brand's popular series.
The Kershaw Ken Onion Blur combines exceptional performance with a sleek design, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry users. Our detailed review examines its key features, including its durable blade material and precision-lock mechanism, to help you determine if it's the right knife for your needs.
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Reviews
Kershaw Ration Teal Automatic Knife
The Kershaw Ration has you covered whether you're roughing it in the great outdoors or just trying to save a few ounces in your everyday carry. This compact utensil does double duty as both fork and spoon, with those long tines and deep bowl making short work of everything from trail mix to pasta. The non-locking blade lets you slice open packets and break down foods without the bulk of a full-blade knife. The teal powder coat and carabiner clip are just the right touch for keeping it handy while you're on the move.
Kershaw Keroil Knife Oil
This handy little bottle of Kershaw knife oil packs a powerful punch when it comes to keeping your blades running smoothly and protected from corrosion. The specially formulated SMT technology soaks deep into metal pores for lasting protection without leaving messy residues. Whether you're packing a few blades for a weekend camping trip or maintaining your home collection, a few drops of this non-toxic lubricant work wonders for keeping your knives in top condition.
Kershaw Taskmaster Saw 2 Folding Knife
The Kershaw Taskmaster Saw 2 packs a serious cutting punch in its 7-inch silver blade while keeping the weight down to just 0.63 ounces. The glass-reinforced nylon handle grips like a vice, whether you're wearing gloves or not, thanks to those rubberized panels. And when you're done using it, you can attach it to your lanyard and forget about it - it's that simple and reliable.
Kershaw Thermal 2.95 Satin/Grey Automatic Knife
The Kershaw Thermal combines premium stainless steel craftsmanship with a practical, everyday carry design. That razor-sharp 8Cr13MoV blade holds an edge perfectly, while the high-contrast satin finish with black oxide flats gives it a distinctive look. The assisted opening and flipper design make it a breeze to deploy, with the reversible clip letting you carry it right or left-handed.
Kershaw Parley Automatic Knife
At just 4.1 inches closed, this traditional slipjoint design features a 3.1-inch cleaver blade that's both functional and eye-catching. The polished black canvas micarta handle pairs steel bolsters with brass liners for durable comfort. The 7Cr17MoV stainless steel construction delivers excellent edge retention while maintaining impressive toughness. The satin-finished blade looks great and performs even better, as reviewers praise its reliability and cutting ability. Whether you're camping, doing chores, or just adding to your collection, the Parley folding knife is a well-made addition to any arsenal.
Kershaw 9.5" Narrow Fillet Knife
The Kershaw 9.5" Narrow Fillet Knife combines a sturdy 420J2 stainless steel blade with a generous 9.5-inch cutting length, making it a versatile addition to any fisherman's or chef's toolkit. The glass-filled nylon handle features Kershaw's reliable K-Texture grip pattern and rubber overmold, providing excellent traction in wet conditions. Whether you're cleaning large salmon or deboning chicken, this fillet knife has earned praise for its sharpness and durability.
Kershaw Deschutes Caper Fixed Blade Knife
Crafted for precision game processing, the Deschutes Caper features a stonewashed D2 blade and durable rubber-coated polypropylene handle. At just 1.7 ounces, it's a nimble partner during detailed field work, while its molded sheath keeps the blade secure during transport. The light yet robust design makes it an excellent everyday carry for both hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kershaw Ration XL Automatic Knife
Made from durable 3Cr13 steel with a sleek silver finish, the Kershaw Ration XL provides a comfortable grip for larger hands. The non-locking blade, while missing a can opener, offers solid construction and a practical clip that keeps it attached to your gear. At just over two ounces, it strikes a balance between weight and substance, making it a practical choice for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kershaw Chive 7 inch Fillet Knife
This versatile fillet knife combines Japanese 420J2 stainless steel with a flexible 7-inch blade that expertly handles fish from tilapia to tuna. The comfortable black grip with neon-orange accents and durable ABS sheath make it a practical addition to both fishing trips and kitchen countertops. Built in the USA by Kershaw's skilled craftspeople, it lives up to expectations as a reliable choice for serious anglers and home cooks alike.
Kershaw 9" Curved Fillet Knife
Made for serious anglers and meat-cutters, this durable 9" fillet knife combines razor-sharp 420J2 stainless steel with a comfortable glass-filled nylon handle wrapped in Kershaw's signature rubber overmold. The curved blade design makes short work of even the largest fish, while the included blade protector keeps it safely sheathed for transport in boats, backpacks, or kitchen drawers. Whether you're skinning salmon or breaking down big-game animals, this highly-rated knife has proven itself time and again as a reliable companion in the field or kitchen.
Kershaw 12-Inch Curved Fillet Knife
The 12-inch curved blade packs serious cutting power behind its elegant design, with a razor-sharp 420J2 stainless steel edge that holds up to heavy use. The glass-filled nylon handle wraps in Kershaw's grippy rubber overmold, providing just the right balance of comfort and control for both fish and game. Whether you're filleting a salmon or slicing a steak, this knife makes the job efficient and elegant.
Kershaw Camp 10 Knife
The Kershaw Camp 10 combines a massive 10-inch blade with outstanding durability and precision craftsmanship. Made from robust 65Mn carbon steel, the blade maintains its razor-sharp edge through rigorous use, while the ergonomic rubber handle provides exceptional grip in any condition. This versatile survival tool effortlessly handles everything from heavy chopping to detailed cutting, making it an essential addition to any outdoor or emergency kit.
Kershaw TX Tool
The Kershaw TXTOOL packs eight practical features into a single, lightweight package, with its durable aluminum construction and sleek black-silver design making it a stylish addition to any pocket. The interchangeable steel bits store neatly within the handle, while the included Torx-compatible screwdrivers tackle common knife maintenance tasks with ease. Whether you're adjusting pocket clip positions or performing quick blade maintenance, this versatile tool proves itself time and again through reliable performance and thoughtful design.
Kershaw 7" Boning Knife with Spoon
The Kershaw 7-inch Boning Knife with Spoon handles tough fish cleaning tasks with its 420J2 stainless steel blade and glass-filled nylon handle with K-Texture grip. Whether you're filleting salmon, removing bloodlines, or scraping out guts, this versatile knife does it all while keeping your hands secure in wet conditions. The razor-sharp blade flexes just enough to preserve fish flesh and flavor, making it a reliable companion for both freshwater and saltwater fishing trips.
Kershaw 7.5" Narrow Fillet Knife
With its 7.5-inch 420J2 stainless steel blade, this fillet knife effortlessly handles everything from delicate trout to robust tuna. The slightly flexible blade design makes it ideal for preserving fish flavor while maintaining an incredibly sharp edge that requires only occasional sharpening. The rubber handle provides secure grip, and theincluded sheath keeps the blade protected and dishwasher-safe.
Kershaw Iredale Automatic Knife
At just over 3.5 inches closed, the Iredale packs a powerful trio of blades into a surprisingly versatile package. The clip point and sheepsfoot blades offer distinct advantages for different cutting tasks, while the overall design strikes a perfect balance between traditional aesthetics and modern functionality. The black micarta handle combines striking visual appeal with exceptional durability, making this more than just a practical knife—it's a conversation starter wherever you go.
Kershaw Folding Fillet
This versatile fillet knife combines Japanese 420J2 stainless steel with a glass-filled nylon handle for durable, comfortable use in wet environments. The razor-sharp blade, known for its flexibility and ease of re sharpening, performs exceptionally well for filleting, boning, and general food preparation. While some users have noted occasional issues with the locking mechanism, most enjoy this American-made blade's reliable performance and straightforward design.
Kershaw Federalist Slipjoint Knife
The USA-made Federalist combines refined American craftsmanship with practical functionality. Its CPM-154 blade slices through tasks effortlessly, while the green canvas micarta handle provides superior grip. The double-detent system offers secure blade lock-up and controlled operation, making it a versatile everyday carry that exceeds expectations.
Kershaw Allegory Knife
The Kershaw Allegory packs a powerful punch in its pocket-sized frame, with two precision-ground blades ready for any task. The clip point and spear point blades slice through obstacles while the satin-finished stainless steel catches the light with a satisfying glow. When you're not using it, the carefully crafted black micarta handle keeps your grip secure with its simple yet effective design.
Buyer's Guide
The Kershaw Ken Onion Blur is a versatile, manually operated pocket knife that has become popular for its reliable performance and durable construction. Understanding what makes this blade unique will help you determine if it's the right tool for your needs.
Blade Design and Materials
The blade features a tanto point and straight spine, optimized for piercing and cutting tasks. Made from 440C stainless steel, the blade offers excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. Its black oxide coating provides both aesthetic appeal and additional protection against moisture damage.
Mechanism and Operation
The Ken Onion Blur uses a traditional manual locking mechanism, featuring a captive wire clip and liner lock design. This system ensures the blade locks open securely when deployed, while the compact size makes it convenient for pocket carry.
Carry and Ergonomics
The handle incorporates dual finger grooves and a lanyard hole for secure grip and easy removal from a keychain or pocket. The overall weight and balance make it suitable for daily carry, while the slim profile allows discreet concealment.
Maintenance and Durability
Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and periodic sharpening, will extend the life of your Ken Onion Blur. The solid construction and robust materials can handle regular use, but occasional inspection of the lock mechanism and blade edges is recommended.
FAQ
What makes the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur unique?
The Ken Onion Blur features a distinctive CPM S90vh blade steel that combines superior edge retention with excellent corrosion resistance. The handle includes a 3D-textured, dual-material grip that enhances both comfort and control during use.
The knife's sleek, slim profile makes it highly portable while maintaining the necessary balance and weight distribution for comfortable one-handed operation. The lockback design provides reliable blade lockup with a simple one-finger deployment mechanism.
What are the dimensions of the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur?
The overall length of the knife is 7.9 inches (200mm), with a blade length of 3.2 inches (81mm). The knife weighs approximately 3 ounces (85g).
These dimensions make it a versatile folding knife suitable for everyday carry while remaining lightweight enough for extended use.
What maintenance is required for the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur?
Moderate maintenance is needed to keep the Ken Onion Blur in top condition. Regularly clean the blade and handle after each use with mild soap and water, followed by a thorough drying.
Apply a thin layer of light oil to the blade and pivots monthly to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth operation. Store the knife in a dry environment when not in use.
How does the Ken Onion Blur compare to other Kershaw knives?
Compared to Kershaw's more affordable models, the Ken Onion Blur features premium materials and construction. It shares similar size and weight characteristics with the more expensive S77 variant but offers distinct blade geometry and grip patterns.
The Ken Onion Blur competes with similarly priced blades such as those from Victorinox and Leatherman, offering comparable performance for its category.
What situations are best suited for the Ken Onion Blur?
The dual-sided blade design makes it particularly useful for tasks requiring both precision and strength, such as food preparation, lightweight cutting, and tool-based applications.
Its compact size and robust construction make it a reliable choice for outdoor activities, survival situations, and general-purpose carry where space is limited but performance is essential.
Are there any drawbacks to consider?
The primary considerations are the relatively steep price point compared to basic folding knives and the blade's inability to deploy in particularly tight spaces due to its slim profile.
Some users might find the blade grind a bit aggressive for very delicate tasks, though this depends heavily on personal preference for blade geometry and task requirements.
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