How does this knife hold its edge &amp; how easy is it to sharpen?
1790670
Edge retention is amazingly good. I have it now almost a year and have only needed to do light touch-ups now and then. I use it almost every day and I am amazed at how little I have to sharpen it. I live in Germany and also bought a sharpening system from Spyderco, which my mom still has at her house in Florida. I have been sharpening it half-ass using the underside of a coffee cup every few months and like I said, is still very sharp. The wide blade is the only thing that bothers me sometimes, not always easy to cut things when space is limited to get a blade between things. But overall it is a great knife.
1605061
Ity's been solid for me...you can't use a knife sharpener on it. I took it to a shop to have the edge put on it.
2019961
The blade is of the gauge and configuration of a decent steak knife. I wouldn't split logs with it. I would not de-burr ferrous metals with it. Aluminum, maybe, but only occasionally. Mine tests at 56 R(c). Don't try to pry anything with it. It takes and holds a good edge, what one would expect from a decent pocket knife. 'Hard' use might want a beefier blade. The locking method is super secure, though, and the handle is forever, even though there is no metal liner. I like this blade, and recommend it, but it isn't for everyone, and everything. Close, though.
1924787
Couldn't tell you, but it holds an edge very, very well. I've used knives with some of the fanciest high-tech blade steel (ATS-34, CPM54, etc.) and this knife holds an edge as well or better. Part of it is blade geometry, as the splinter-like tip and generally very thin blade slip through material without excessive pressure. Part of it is that it's a somewhat petite knife to start with, and doesn't encourage abuse like a heavier duty model would. Most of it, I suspect, is that the steel on the edge half of this knife is just very good quality. I have dozens of pocketknives, but this is the one that I carry more than any other. My only criticism is that I wish Kershaw made one just a bit bigger. Couldn't tell you, but it holds an edge very, very well. I've used knives with some of the fanciest high-tech blade steel (ATS-34, CPM54, etc.) and this knife holds an edge as well or better. Part of it is blade geometry, as the splinter-like tip and generally very thin blade slip through material without excessive pressure. Part of it is that it's a somewhat petite knife to start with, and doesn't encourage abuse like a heavier duty model would. Most of it, I suspect, is that the steel on the edge half of this knife is just very good quality. I have dozens of pocketknives, but this is the... » Read More Couldn't tell you, but it holds an edge very, very well. I've used knives with some of the fanciest high-tech blade steel (ATS-34, CPM54, etc.) and this knife holds an edge as well or better. Part of it is blade geometry, as the splinter-like tip and generally very thin blade slip through material without excessive pressure. Part of it is that it's a somewhat petite knife to start with, and doesn't encourage abuse like a heavier duty model would. Most of it, I suspect, is that the steel on the edge half of this knife is just very good quality. I have dozens of pocketknives, but this is the one that I carry more than any other. My only criticism is that I wish Kershaw made one just a bit bigger. « Show Less
255547
Edge retention is amazing CTS XHP is by far one of my favorite blade steels. I have not had to sharpen it yet just strap it a few times and it's factory sharp. Awesome little knife.
1848594
I have never had a problem with my knife. Wish I had gotten it sooner! I am going to get their other knives in the near future.
971506
I use it almost daily (4-5 days of the week) for cutting bailing twine, cardboard and package tape. It holds an edge rather well. I do run it along a stone every so often but in my opinion super nice knife for the price. Hope this helps!
799851
Have not had to sharpen yet. It is a small knife, but very well made. Also, there are different types of blades in terms of metal, on Case knives.
1831406
This is an excellent knife. It is my everyday carry knife. It holds up well to all my uses. Th is knife is durable. No scratches or problems with the handle since I have had it.
1503976
The knife seems to be high quality, and is stainless steel. I haven't tried to sharpen it yet, but it should be as easy as any knife. A honing steel can also be used if you take care to follow the curved edge.
1873860
I am sorry; I just keep the knife in my car for emergencies, and have not tried to sharpen it yet. I cannot answer your question.
630701
I think so. The knife is reportedly stronger and holds an edge longer but I have not tried to break it or had a need to sharpen it.
2019960
I haven't used mine extensively. The blade is fairly thin, the handle is pretty rigid, the lock seems pretty secure. It would depend on what you mean by hard use. I sure wouldn't try prying or batoning with it. It sharpens well and holds an edge pretty well. It's great at slicing with it's full flat grind. I like it. There is now a very similar model just a little bigger with a thicker blade, I think it's called the Eland. You might want to investigate that before making up your mind. I think either would be a very good buy considering how little they cost.
781201
This knife has a thin blade. It has a little give to it but the thin blade makes dicing small items like shallots and garlic a breeze.. however, if you are cutting up a potato, the knife tends to bend a little and not make a perfect cut. This seems to be my go to knife for all the small stuff. For the price it can't be beat. It also stays sharp. Hope this helps.
1834112
It is sharp. I'm not an experienced cook so haven't had much experience with knives. I like this knife. It seems just sharp enough to me.
1098285
IIRC, out of the box the blade was good and sharp.If you sharpen your own, you'll *love* the way this thing takes an edge. My Zetsurin is just about the sharpest thing I own. After a bit of work ;)
143701
It depends on how much you tighten it. You can tighten the pivot until you can't even get the blade out if you want.Out of the box though, it was slightly towards the easy to open spectrum. The lock up was tight but it still managed to open easily. Not really worried about it opening in a loose bag easy, but able to flipped out with a thumb or by harshly waving the knife, sure.