Titanium slabs with a decent steel. Why no love? Kershaw 3810.

[Aloha]

Titanium anything seems to invoke a lusty response in many gear junkies.  We've seen our share of Titanium OPTs that flooded the market.  Lights made from Ti as well as the sought after LM Charge TTi. 

I don't follow knife forums nor the latest and greatest new knives as they come out.  I'm rather slow actually when it comes to that kind of stuff.  I've also mentioned that I'm not really a knife nut either.

This brings me to the knife for which this thread is about.  Kershaw 3810 Dimension.

What gives?  The highly thought of Spyderco Tenacious uses the same blade steel.

The LM Charge TTi has extremely thin Ti slabs as compared ( I know apple to oranges ).  I included this tool because many find the lure to get the Charge TTi vs Wave.  The Wave being nearly identical with noted exceptions like S30V blade and Ti. 

Anyway I'm not saying this knife deserves anything.  I just found it odd that there was not much if anything mostly luke warm or tepid reviews. 
I have a speed safe's from Kershaw and I tend to like them.  My Leek and Cryo are both IMO great knives.  My Leek did have a broken torsion bar but Kershaw replaced it for free no problem.   

I picked this up cheaply.  Missing is the torsion bar and some scale screws. I'd imagine the previous owner tried to fix it and lost the parts.  I've already emailed Kershaw and am confident they'll sort me out. 

BTW did I say this knife can be had for approx $35

   

[Grathr]

I dont know why its not getting much love.
Its assisted though, so illegal over here.

[Aloha]

I dont know why its not getting much love.
Its assisted though, so illegal over here.

I get that Kershaw puts out a ton of knives that are mostly considered Cheap and Cheerful.  I guess I was just a bit surprised that a seriously affordable Titanium knife and not much mention. 

I guess the assisted opening limits many as well.  The weight is considerable but so was the Cryo to many.  I can tell you this is one smooth opening knife.  Feels great in hand too and not just cause the Ti slabs. 

 

[captain spaulding]

I had no idea it existed. A titanium Kershaw for $35 sounds just right. 

I do not like the look of it, but for $35 I could get around that.

[captain spaulding]

BHQ is trying to sell them for over $60. Shame, shame BHQ. 

[Aloha]

I know you don't use flea bay but I've seen them there for $35ish and if I'm not mistaken amazn also has them for $34.xx.  I agree Capt Titanium or not if one doesn't like the style or then no reason to get it. Heck on second thought who can say they have a Titanium beater  .

Its not bad in hand, those flat parts on the handle are quite comfortable YMMV.

The blade is a thick mofo and over all built like a tank. I'm not familiar with button locks at all tho I know how they work.  Clip is deep pocket carry which for some is a big plus. 

Again I was just curious why not much love.  Seems all things Ti get some love.     

[powernoodle]

The only real purpose titanium scales have over other materials is perceived upscale bling.  But when you put titanium on an entry level knife, the result is cognitive dissonance because bling and budget are polar opposites.  So I think that the bling crowd (CRK and Hinderer owners, for example) are not attracted to it because it is a budget knife, and the budget crowd may not care for it because titanium adds no actual utility - and is heavier and less grippy than G10 or FRN.

I love almost all knives, especially those on the lower end of the price scale, so I would like to have one someday.

What I really like about it is that it undermines the mythology that titanium makes any knife "better" and more exclusive. "Look at me, $450 knife owner, I can get titanium for $35".

[Grathr]

The only real purpose titanium scales have over other materials is perceived upscale bling.  But when you put titanium on an entry level knife, the result is cognitive dissonance because bling and budget are polar opposites.  So I think that the bling crowd (CRK and Hinderer owners, for example) are not attracted to it because it is a budget knife, and the budget crowd may not care for it because titanium adds no actual utility - and is heavier and less grippy than G10 or FRN.

I love almost all knives, especially those on the lower end of the price scale, so I would like to have one someday.

What I really like about it is that it undermines the mythology that titanium makes any knife "better" and more exclusive. "Look at me, $450 knife owner, I can get titanium for $35".

That leads to another discussion about material prices. The increased material cost cant possibly justify the massive increase in price on sone higher end knives. I get that the atention to detail and craftmanship costs, and I also get that different materials require different tools, and that small runs cost more. But not that much. 
And ofcourse a custom, made specificly to the customers specs, like a Syph, will cost a lot more. But a Microtech cant possibly cost that much more to make than a Syph can it?

[Aloha]

The only real purpose titanium scales have over other materials is perceived upscale bling.  But when you put titanium on an entry level knife, the result is cognitive dissonance because bling and budget are polar opposites.  So I think that the bling crowd (CRK and Hinderer owners, for example) are not attracted to it because it is a budget knife, and the budget crowd may not care for it because titanium adds no actual utility - and is heavier and less grippy than G10 or FRN.

I love almost all knives, especially those on the lower end of the price scale, so I would like to have one someday.

What I really like about it is that it undermines the mythology that titanium makes any knife "better" and more exclusive. "Look at me, $450 knife owner, I can get titanium for $35".

PN I always love your responses  .  I am not a Ti whore myself tho I know Ti for some is "holy grail" material.  Ti looks nice I'll give it that.   At $35ish for what it is I think its a great way to get into a Ti knife for those who really have to have Ti. 

     

[Aloha]

The only real purpose titanium scales have over other materials is perceived upscale bling.  But when you put titanium on an entry level knife, the result is cognitive dissonance because bling and budget are polar opposites.  So I think that the bling crowd (CRK and Hinderer owners, for example) are not attracted to it because it is a budget knife, and the budget crowd may not care for it because titanium adds no actual utility - and is heavier and less grippy than G10 or FRN.

I love almost all knives, especially those on the lower end of the price scale, so I would like to have one someday.

What I really like about it is that it undermines the mythology that titanium makes any knife "better" and more exclusive. "Look at me, $450 knife owner, I can get titanium for $35".

That leads to another discussion about material prices. The increased material cost cant possibly justify the massive increase in price on sone higher end knives. I get that the atention to detail and craftmanship costs, and I also get that different materials require different tools, and that small runs cost more. But not that much. 
And ofcourse a custom, made specificly to the customers specs, like a Syph, will cost a lot more. But a Microtech cant possibly cost that much more to make than a Syph can it?

Oh boy ^^^

These are my personal feeling as well.  I've always felt the same and yes when we are talking customs where craftsmanship plays a huge role then material plus skill will come at a premium. 

This knife does debunk the added cost for "premium" materials. 

Lets talk about the recent change with the MUT pocket clip 

[captain spaulding]

I thought titanium was very impervious to rust. I could be wrong. That's a huge factor for me when buying a knife. It's why I absolutely love my H1's.

[Aloha]

I thought titanium was very impervious to rust. I could be wrong. That's a huge factor for me when buying a knife. It's why I absolutely love my H1's.

You Sir are the reason why I have to have a H1 

[pfrsantos]

Got this one. Pretty nice knife, light, sharp, good construction and smooth operation. Doesn't get much EDC time because it is huge! Well, for my needs, at least...



Boker Plus Titan

[Aloha]

That looks good  .  Not a bad price either for someone looking to get into Ti. 

[powernoodle]

You Sir are the reason why I have to have a H1 

Yeah, I want one too.  Pacific Salt.  Yellow.  Serrated.  I think I already have a Ladybug and Dragonfly in H1.  Can't remember.

As for titanium, a quick google search says it is more rust resistant than steel, but is not immune.  Cappy's H1 plus FRN is probably king of the hill in this area.

[Syph007]

Most blade guys dont care for made in China no matter what features and cost. 

As for the Ti, I dont see it actually saying what Ti it is.. there are many many grades of Ti alloy, and the knife industry standard is grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) which is significantly different than CP grades like 2, or mystery grades with some Ti thrown in to call it Ti, or things like cast Ti (like the wenger Ti scales on that one weird knife they did)

And no, Ti alloys used in knife making can not rust as they contain no iron.  Just Titanium, Aluminum, Vanadium.  This is the same grade used inside people for implants and rods/pins.  It extremely chemically inert, and impervious to acids.  It's awesome stuff.   

[jekostas]

Most blade guys dont care for made in China no matter what features and cost. 

As for the Ti, I dont see it actually saying what Ti it is.. there are many many grades of Ti alloy, and the knife industry standard is grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) which is significantly different than CP grades like 2, or mystery grades with some Ti thrown in to call it Ti, or things like cast Ti (like the wenger Ti scales on that one weird knife they did)

And no, Ti alloys used in knife making can not rust as they contain no iron.  Just Titanium, Aluminum, Vanadium.  This is the same grade used inside people for implants and rods/pins.  It extremely chemically inert, and impervious to acids.  It's awesome stuff.   

I think you nailed it right here.  "Made in China" turns off a lot of people, especially the sorts of people who would be inclined to show off their purchases online.

Personally?  Too heavy for me.

[Yalius]

I have one, and it's a nice knife but has one issue that keeps it from being a great one. It's a fairly low hollow grind on a very thick blade stock. It's 0.16" thick, even thicker than an 0200. It's not really the best cutter.

[kmanct3]

I love all Kershaws 

[Syph007]

I actually still use my kershaw select fire as a shop knife as its a handy thing to grab to cut things and the screwdriver has the bits I use to the most.  The funny thing is I would never use a fancy knife that way so its low cost means it gets used more than the expensive stuff.  But its not the kind of thing Id take over to a buddies house to show off, but it for sure fills a role.

[Aloha]

Most blade guys dont care for made in China no matter what features and cost. 

As for the Ti, I dont see it actually saying what Ti it is.. there are many many grades of Ti alloy, and the knife industry standard is grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) which is significantly different than CP grades like 2, or mystery grades with some Ti thrown in to call it Ti, or things like cast Ti (like the wenger Ti scales on that one weird knife they did)

And no, Ti alloys used in knife making can not rust as they contain no iron.  Just Titanium, Aluminum, Vanadium.  This is the same grade used inside people for implants and rods/pins.  It extremely chemically inert, and impervious to acids.  It's awesome stuff.   

I think you nailed it right here.  "Made in China" turns off a lot of people, especially the sorts of people who would be inclined to show off their purchases online.

Personally?  Too heavy for me.

I understand this as well.  I however don't care about country of origin so long as the item is what I deem quality.   

I did see several knives from Reate/Kizer that also featured Ti (6AL4V) and S35VN priced IMO incredibly.  These are Chinese made so I can again understand why they also don't get much love from "hard core blade guys/gals".

I have one, and it's a nice knife but has one issue that keeps it from being a great one. It's a fairly low hollow grind on a very thick blade stock. It's 0.16" thick, even thicker than an 0200. It's not really the best cutter.

Thanks for your input.  It is a really thick blade.  The copy I have is wicked sharp ( cuts receipt paper ) with ease.  Once I get it sorted out I will refine the edge even more and see how much more sharp I can get it. 

 

[shark_za]

Titanium used for locks is quite different to that used for just a scale material.
I actually have enough knives with "lock rock" to dislike titanium integral locks.

[Aloha]

Titanium used for locks is quite different to that used for just a scale material.
I actually have enough knives with "lock rock" to dislike titanium integral locks.

I'm guessing this is why on Ti frame lock knives there is an insert ( not Ti ) to engage the blade rather than straight Ti?  Is this what you are referring to?

[Syph007]

Titanium used for locks is quite different to that used for just a scale material.
I actually have enough knives with "lock rock" to dislike titanium integral locks.

I think that's the reason some makers are going to carbide inserts on the lockbar end, as Ti wears down over time and once it rounds it doesnt take alot of force on the blade spine to have the lock fail and disengage.

[shark_za]

Yeah, inserts and carbonising try and fix the inherent issues.

Grade 5 costs a lot more because it has flex and can be used for locks.
Lower grades of cheaper titanium not used with locking mechanisms are used for simple scale materials, surely this Kershaw is not Grade 5?

[Aloha]

Yeah, inserts and carbonising try and fix the inherent issues.

Grade 5 costs a lot more because it has flex and can be used for locks.
Lower grades of cheaper titanium not used with locking mechanisms are used for simple scale materials, surely this Kershaw is not Grade 5?

Not likely.  If it was used they'd be more than happy to list it in the descriptions.   

[shark_za]

$87 here