There are a billion and one reputable knife brands out there, and then a billion and one knife brands out there that you wouldn’t even think of being worthy of your time, but are. Buck, Gerber, Benchmade, Spyderco and countless others top the former list; then brands like CJRB, CIVIVI, and WE Knives top the second.

Each of them is commendable, in some part or other, for its reliability, durability, and general utility, but there is one brand that every EDC rotation should contain: a Kershaw pocket knife.

Many Brands, One Kershaw

Regardless of the legendary reputations held by Buck, Spyderco, ESEE and others, there is only one Kershaw, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It might be a relative newcomer, but owing to the following considerations, there’s room in every pocket for one - or several.

1.Advanced technology

Topping the list of reasons that Kershaw knives are worthy everyday carry essentials is their advanced technology, notably their SpeedSafe Assisted Opening technology. Opening and closing a knife can be risky and inexperienced knife users may cut their hands doing so.

Kershaw’s SpeedSafe Assisted Opening (a preferable feature for some in an automatic knife) makes it easy and efficient to open Kershaw knives that feature it with one hand. With a minimum of pressure, the knife can be opened in a blink and will solidly lock up, without the need for a second hand. This is not only convenient, it is a lifesaver when your other hand is occupied.

2.Solid blade locks and lockups

Any given Kershaw pocket knife is likely to make use of one of two different types of locks, either a liner lock or a frame lock. All things being equal, frame locks are sturdier and more reliable than liner locks, and less likely to deform or fail under stress.

However, the quality of a lock system can be assessed not only by the method of its operation but also by the high quality of its construction. Kershaw pocket knives lock solidly and fluidly, and provide no play in the blade - it’s the image of a solid-lockup.

3.Durable components

Kershaw pocket knives are made with durable components, which is a claim that by right should require no additional justification or explanation. Nonetheless, their knives are made with stainless steel and other durable metal scales, some of them coated with TiNi, or titanium Nitride, for a sleek look and corrosion resistance. Many others are made with G10 or other equally bombproof synthetics, that are wear resistant, impervious to the elements, and comfortable as well.

4.Rock-solid construction

Whether you’re concerned about the mounts for the pocket clip, the bearings around which the blade rotates, or the fit and finish of the scales, you have nothing to worry about with a Kershaw pocket knife. They are specifically noteworthy for the durability and quality of their components, and you need only to pick one up to understand this firsthand. They are literally much heavier than they appear, which is in part attributable to the density of their quality components.

5.Better steels

There are plenty of budget stainless steels in Kershaw knives, but then again, Kershaw makes artful use of both excellent steels and what is known as “Composite Blade” technology. With respect to the former, many Kershaw knives are made with super steels like S30V and 154CM, superior for toughness as well as edge retention.

Respecting the latter, “Composite Blade” technology entails a proprietary process in which either two chemically different steels are forged together, or in which the same steel is afforded a differential heat treatment, giving the blade the benefits of strength, hardness and a differential temper, all in one package.

6.Ergonomics

Finally, there is the value of ergonomics, and there is little more important in a Kershaw knife for EDC than this. One need only take a quick look at a Kershaw Leek, Chive or one of the entries in their CQC line to know inherently that these knives are designed to slip easily into a pocket and to be comfortable in the hand.

Rounded edges, swells and a general lack of sharp corners and protrusions makes it easy to carry and use a Kershaw pocket knife. Also, on the note of ergonomics, some Kershaw knife designs give you the flexibility of changing the mounting and orientation of your pocket clip, so you can carry as you please.

Get Your Next Kershaw Pocket Knife Here

It should be evident by this point that a Kershaw knife’s appearance is pretty slick but it is designed for optimal performance as well. Whatever you’re looking to add to your EDC rotation, we have it here, and at great prices as well.

Take a look through our Kershaw pocket knife collection and if you can’t see what you like on the first pass, get in touch with us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com. We’ll help you find it.