Kershaw Link: A Link to the past.

This time I choose to do a review of a 2015 model of Kershaw, the Link.

It's affordable, comfortable and completely usable.

I chose the aluminum scales as I am a bit turned off of full plastic handles as the base model of the 1776 is full plastic handles or whatever fancy term they want to use for cheap plastic. It has substantial weight but outstanding build quality being made in the USA versus their overseas budget knife counterparts. It feels so solid in hand and almost has a gentlemanly knife feel about it as there is no jimping on the thumb rest of the knife. Not saying no jimping on the thumb rest is a deal breaker but maybe the all plastic version could have had it, more of a worker feel, but that's just me.

The 420HC steel blade has a great shape, me and my sheepsfoot blades, but seriously this modified sheepsfoot has a great piercing tip and robust 3/4 way flat grind which means a great slicer but as well because the blade stock isn't overly thick. They've released a version in S35VN which I'd love to get. Even more recently I've seen they've made an M390 version I'll be ordering ASAP.

The handle of this one is beautifully milled and lightly sand blasted for an amazing velvety texture. Everything sits so flush even the backspacer which doesn't even have plastic mold lines. The fit in hand is nearly flawless for my XL - XXL gloved hand. During prolonged use the only thing that caused any discomfort came from the flipper tab being aggressively ribbed and rubbing against my index. Not sure if I call that a handle or blade problem but I only notice it when holding and using so I'd say handle.

It has Kershaw`s Speedsafe assisted opening function. I still don`t mind that yet but might try to de-assist it at some point, not sure. One thing I have to say about this one is that it fires so much quicker and tighter than any other of the China ones I own.

In conclusion you`d not be disappointed in the purchase of this knife. It`s budget and user friendly and if needed could be a gentleman`s folder in the blink of an eye. Well done Kershaw. This makes for a great American standard in budget knives that anyone could own. Smart model choice 1776.

Boker Plus .50 Cal bolt action pen. The only pen you need? Spoiler alert: Yes, yes it is.

Some may "er" and "ah" and "but!" this post but for me, this is truly the only pen you will ever need to carry. It'd shorter than a full size yet fits a XXL glove hand like a charm, bolt action for solid writing pleasure and takes full size fisher space pen refills!

We're talking about the Boker Plus 50 cal pen. It comes in a variety of finishes from the aluminum, micarta and carbon fiber as well I've seen lately anodized versions popping up. I've owned the aluminum and it slid out of my pocket eventually never to be seen again. I own the micarta now to add some pocket stick. It sort of helps. So well since we're on this topic lets get the one and only bad thing about this pen out of the way first.

Staying in place. I never have a problem with things in my pockets with pocket clips getting snagged non stop or sliding out against something until I got the Boker 50 cal. I find it a little bit too slippery on the jeans and it tends to want to jump out at seat belts or chairs or anything, maybe a bit of metal filing to the clip pressure point may help, but thats a chore for another day.

GOOD STUFF! This pen is super comfortable, clicky, fidget worthy and also tip down! As long as you don't use cheap non pressureized refills there should never be an issue with tip down pen carry. The ink is always right there ready to go as you slide it from your pocket.

It writes smoothly but that's mostly thanks to the space pen refill. It does have a nice solid feeling to it as you write and keeps you nice and close to the paper, this micarta version is especially comfortable because of the added grooving in the barrel of the pen, which also helps with the slipping from pocket issue minutely.

It's not a cheap pen but not an expensive pen either but it is a quality pen that will last you for your days. Also it seems to be a talking piece as most people haven't seen a bolt action pen or even a smaller sized pen like this, I think I nearly sold my boss on one of these when he caught a glimpse of it the other day during inventory.

Also I didn't forget to mention but it can be used as a Kubotan.

Kershaw Natrix. Snake in the grass or total let down?

Today I write a review about a knife. Not just any knife, one that brought with it a lot of controversy. Many people now know of a lawsuit and legal battle between KAI and Marifone about plagiarism of KAI's Zero Tolerance 0777. KAI took this in stride and poked back with the Natrix, a budget version of their ZT0777.

First and foremost I think they could have taken a bit more time to hone this knife in to make it worth the 40 some odd dollars they charge. I don't care about milled G10 costing more or whatever, give me a solid knife.

First of all I'll state some good. I love the blade shape, not necessarily the steel but the shape is AWESOME. My preferred blade shape really is sheepsfoot as it's so versatile and easy to sharpen. and second off, I don't mind the speedsafe assisted opening. You other guys have to stop whining about it and just don't buy it if you hate it so much. But again, THAT BLADE SHAPE!

THINGS I DO NOT LIKE VERY MUCH ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR KNIFE MODEL IN QUESTION...

The handles are G10 or whatever but it's so light and awkward in hand, I think it definitely would have some bonus points if it had steel liners throughout. The texture on the G10 doesn't do anything for grip really.

Another hated part which I've read people are having problems with is the stop pin. To me it looks like plastic and it could (and has) popped out of the knife. Mine is fine so far but I have the urge to mod that before disaster strikes.

It has like 82 washers but still isn't centered.

The G10 rubs against the blade when opening causing scuff lines to appear on the show side of my knife. Another gripe of the G10 is that it was pretty unfinished along the spine as it almost felt as if it wanted to cut me when I flipped the knife open, a little bit of sand paper cured that.

The back spacer is useless black plastic. I think I'd prefer standoffs on this model and from what I've seen they're in that back spacer under red loctite... no thanks.

Sub frame lock works.

Wait for a while and see if they fix some of this stuff or maybe release an American made version before you buy. I'd gladly play 80-100 for an American made one with S30V or whatever! Just do yourself a favor and wait until this goes on sale or gets revamped.

High Value Folders.

Today I'm writing about high value folders, not to be confused with high cost. Value in this sense means you're getting the most bang for your buck, the most blade per cent so to speak. I'm looking at all brands here and may update this list as I see fit with amendments.

What makes a high value folder to me? Ergonomics, blade usage as in how much of the edge or how usable in every situation is the blade and finally the cost ratio to these other points. Materials aren't so much a value point but can be factored in at a whim.

No particular order:

1) Rat Model 1 from Ontario Knife Company. The Rat 1 is highly talked about as a value folder in many circles and after I picked one up I found out why. The blade length is on the large size as well as it makes full use of it, the blade to handle ratio is great as well. The ergonomics of the Rat 1 are stellar for a very budget friendly knife and the fit and finish of the knife is outstanding. I bought the D2 steel version just to try something new and it is a welcome addition to my EDC rotation. When anyone talked about high value folders if the Rat 1 isn't in their list you know they know nothing of what they're speaking of. The quintessential value folder.

2) Folding Razel from CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool). The Razel design in general should be on anyones knife list but for value's sake I chose the CRKT Razel, the full size one as the cost to usage is amazing. The handle is micarta and fits the natural grasp of your hand like nothing else and there is plenty of blade to play with. It has a slight belly too which adds another facet to the Razel design and you can't forget the chisel tip for scraping etc. Another truly amazing knife which is unfortunately discontinued.

3) Delica 4 from Spyderco. I don't own one of these anymore but am looking to get another shortly. The size and ease of use of this knife has forever cemented it in to the hall of fame for many, many users. VG-10 is the stock version of the Delica 4 but it has had many sprint variations, one of which is HAP40 which is the one I'm looking at getting. In terms of usage this blade shape is so well rounded from slicing to piercing to food prep even, the Delica has it all. To top things off most models are FRN handles which make this little carry light too!

4) Link 1776 from Kershaw. The Kershaw Link is a beautifully hand crafted knife from Kershaw's US factory. It uses 420HC steel and is made in the USA which is a huge bonus as seeing a lot of Kershaws from overseas gets that same old 8Cr13MoV steel. I proudly support domestic industry albeit from Canada but never the less this knife is a quick fire sheepsfoot that takes no prisoners. Having the Speedsafe is another fun thing with this knife, many people hate the assisted opening for some reason but I think it's neat.

5) Tuff Lite from Cold Steel. The Tuff Lite comes in a variety of handle scale colors now and with the option of the Tuff Lite mini two different styles too. It's small, light and lethal and would make a great companion to any sort of warehouse or dock work. The ergonomics on this little guy are great with a finger choil up front it's as secure as can be. AUS8a along side the hollow grind in this wharncliffe blade make for one sharp purchase if you catch my drift. The legendary Triad lock will also never let you down.

Thanks for taking a look at what I call some of the best Value folders on the market today.