Kershaw Chive

Kershaw Chive by Ken Onion, Model 1600

Coolest "gentleman's" pocket knife ever.  And damn functional, too.

Some will find this model too small.  There's the Scallion and Leek in larger formats.  However, if you're looking for a nice blade to throw in your pocket any day of the week, then this is a great choice.  At 2 7/8 " closed and 1.9 oz. in weight, you'll hardly notice it jingle around with your loose change.  Here it is in my average sized hand:

The finish on this knife is really high quality.  Even non-tool appreciating neanderthals will get it.  The case is curved perfectly to accept index, middle, and ring fingers along the underside.  There's very functional grooves at the base of the blade to provide friction for you thumb.

As with many Kershaw knives, the blade is soft, but razor sharp.  Although the attached clip is very strong and typically secures the knife well on top of my jeans pocket, I have had it pop out a couple times.  On both occasions the knife opened when it hit the ground (there's a safety lock, but I don't use it) and the blade got dinged.  The nice thing about a soft blade, though, is that it's easy to repair.  A couple passes on one of my sharpening stones and it was back to perfect.  Of course, Kershaw is happy to refurbish your knife for free.  My other favorite knife is an over 10 year old piece that recently came back from Oregon as good as new.

The auto action is a bit surprising at first and on such a small knife it does take a little practice to feel comfortable with.  However, it's smooth and absolutely usable even on such a diminutive blade.

I do find it a bit small for closing one handed.  There's a little too much resistance in the spring and not enough blade back to quite get it closed without feeling like I'm going to drive the point into my palm.  It doesn't mean I can't or don't ever close it one handed, but if your hand were any bigger it would probably result in lots of new lines on your palm.

People will give you a look though when you pop this little guy.  "How's that different form a switch blade?", I was recently asked.  I don't know and I really don't care.  It's a perfect little knife and that's that.