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Home » My Honest Review of the Kershaw Blur

My Honest Review of the Kershaw Blur

  • Great value for the price: Durable construction, reliable performance, and excellent steel for a reasonable price.
  • Versatile blade options: Tanto with serrations excels at tougher tasks, while the recurve blades handle fine cutting well.
  • Impressive edge retention: Sandvik 14C28N steel stays sharp with minimal maintenance. Just a leather strop or honing rod is usually enough.
  • Comfortable grip: The Trac-Tec inserts provide a non-slip, secure hold in both dry and wet conditions.
  • Smooth SpeedSafe opening: Assisted opening is quick, reliable, and easy to use one-handed.
  • Dependable liner lock: Keeps the blade secure during heavy use, and easy to unlock when finished.

Cons of the Kershaw Blur

  • Can be overkill for light tasks: Might be too robust or bulky for those who only need a simple pocket knife for light cutting.
  • The handle can be a bit large for small hands: While it’s comfortable for most, people with smaller hands might find the grip a little too bulky.
  • Not the best for heavy prying: While it can handle some prying, the Blur is better suited for cutting tasks. Using it for hard prying can stress the knife.
  • Price: Although an extremely high quality knife, $85 is a large price tag for most people.

My Experience with the Kershaw Blur

Over the past two years, I’ve carried three different Kershaw Blur models: the recurve plain edge, the recurve with serrations, and the tanto with serrations. Out of the three, the tanto with serrations has been my favorite. It just fits my needs best.

I always carry at least two knives with me, so I don’t see much point in carrying two identical ones. That’s why I gravitate toward the tanto Blur—it complements my other knife, the CRKT M16-03KS, perfectly. Where the CRKT covers more straightforward slicing and fine cutting tasks, the serrated tanto Blur excels in tougher jobs where precision and power meet.

General Questions

  1. What is the Kershaw Blur knife?
    The Kershaw Blur is a folding pocket knife with a rugged, practical design that works just as well for everyday carry (EDC) as it does for outdoor tasks. It’s been my go-to knife for everything from cutting rope to food prep on camping trips.
  2. How much does the Kershaw Blur cost?
    Depending on the model, it runs between $70 and $100. For what you get—great steel, solid construction, and reliable performance—it’s worth every penny.
  3. Is the Kershaw Blur worth the price?
    After years of using it daily, I can say it’s been one of the best investments in my gear. It’s outperformed cheaper knives I’ve owned, and I trust it to handle hard use without fail.

Tanto Blade with Serrations: My Favorite Variant

Out of the three models I own, the tanto blade with serrations is my top pick. Here’s why:

  • Blade Design: The tanto tip is fantastic for piercing tasks, and the serrations make cutting through rope or tougher materials a breeze. I like having the extra functionality for tasks where my CRKT knife falls short.
  • Durability: After two years, the blade has held its edge well, and the serrations have stayed sharp without any special maintenance.
  • Versatility: It’s not just about power—it’s precise too. The tanto tip makes it great for detailed cutting, and the serrations help with heavy-duty jobs, especially in outdoor settings.

What Makes the Kershaw Blur Reliable?

  1. Blade Material: The Sandvik 14C28N steel has been one of the standout features of the Blur for me. It holds its edge incredibly well—honestly, unless I’ve really put the knife through the wringer, it hardly needs much sharpening. Most of the time, a leather strop or a honing rod is all it takes to keep the blade razor-sharp. Over two years of carrying it, I’ve only had to do serious sharpening once or twice, and that was mostly my fault for letting it get dull. For the price, the steel punches way above its weight.
  2. Handle Design with Trac-Tec Inserts: The handle design is another thing I’ve grown to appreciate. The aluminum body is lightweight but solid, and the Trac-Tec inserts are a lifesaver. They add just enough grip without feeling rough on my hands. I’ve used the Blur in wet conditions while fishing and during sweaty hikes, and it’s never slipped out of my hand. It’s not something you notice at first, but once you’re in the middle of a job where a good grip matters, you realize how much it helps.
  3. Opening Mechanism: The SpeedSafe assisted opening is smooth and quick. It’s a feature that’s just… reliable. I know it’s going to work every time, and after years of use, it’s still just as snappy as when I first got it.
  4. Locking System: The liner lock is about as dependable as they come. When it’s engaged, the blade feels like it’s part of the handle—there’s no wiggle, no doubt that it’ll hold steady. I’ve put a lot of pressure on it while cutting through rope or hacking away at small branches, and it’s never failed me. At the same time, it’s easy to unlock when I’m done using the knife. It’s simple and sturdy, which is exactly what I want in a lock.

Why I Always Carry Two Knives

Carrying two knives isn’t overkill for me; it’s about versatility. My CRKT M16-03KS is my everyday slicer—it’s sleek and perfect for tasks like opening packages or precise cutting. The Kershaw Blur, particularly the tanto with serrations, is my workhorse. It’s there when I need something tougher, like cutting through rope, preparing firewood kindling, or tackling anything that needs a bit more power.

By carrying two different knives, I cover a wider range of tasks without redundancy. The Blur’s serrations and tanto blade are a great complement to the straight-edge design of the CRKT.

One of the main reasons I always carry two knives is because, let’s be honest, most people don’t carry one. Inevitably, someone asks to borrow a knife—whether it’s to cut some tape, open a box, or handle some random task. Rather than handing over the knife I want to keep sharp and looking nice, I carry a “scrap knife” for those moments.

My “scrap knife” is the one I use for hard, messy jobs or when someone needs to borrow one. It’s not that I don’t trust people; it’s just that knives take a beating when they’re not handled with care. By keeping a knife specifically for rough use, I don’t have to stress about scratches, chips, or misuse.

Meanwhile, my nice knife—like the Kershaw Blur—stays ready for tasks where I need precision or reliability. It’s the knife I trust for more important work or when I want something dependable in my hands. This setup lets me lend out a knife without cringing and still have my go-to blade for the jobs that matter most to me.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a versatile, dependable knife, the Kershaw Blur is a fantastic choice. Whether you prefer the recurve or the tanto blade, it’s durable, sharp, and ready for just about anything. For me, the tanto with serrations has proven itself as the perfect companion knife for outdoor adventures and daily tasks alike. It’s a tool I trust and a piece of gear I’ll continue to carry for years to come.