Kershaw OD-1

[FLYBYU44]

Before I got into Spyderco's I usually had a Kershaw in my pocket. I had a string of them which I considered inferior designs and decided not to purchase anymore. So I started purchasing Spydies. Lately I noticed that Kershaw had come out with a new framelock model called the OD-1. I like framelocks a lot so I wanted to try one out. It took a while for them to start showing up on ebay, about a month ago there were a few on there and I decided to bid on one. I believe the MSRP on one is around $80. I bid $45 on this one and managed to get it for $42, how can you go wrong? Two weeks later a package appeared in my mail box and I opened it to reveal that classic Kershaw box. Well I have to say that Kershaw has improved miles since my last one, or at least with this knife they have. What I got for my $42 was a folder almost exactly the size of a Delica, it has a black G-10 scale on one side and a stainless steel framelock on the other. Also it has a lockbar stabilizer similar to a Hinderer or Strider, very cool.

What's unique about this knife is the total lack of thumbstuds for opening, or a tang for a flipper. Instead there is a small knurled knob sticking up, pull it back and the blade flies out like an automatic knife. When the blade is open the knob folds into the handle and is out of sight. This gives the knife a really clean look. The OD-1 had incredible fit and finish and opens so smooth, for a knife that is less then $50 it's incredible. Although not a Spydie I think this knife will be in my rotation a lot. My one beef with the whole knife is that the pocket clip allows almost half the knife handle to stick out of your pocket, not really discreet.

[christopher]

I'm wondering how this knife, as described, avoids the laws regarding switchblades?
Sounds like a fair copy of one.
Chris:):):)

[ousanas]

the lever for opening is a flipper, it rolls a half circle inthe handle to open the knife, it's not spring or torsion bar at all. You have to push the flipper lever all the way in to get the knife open. On BF a guy tore one apart to see how it worked, it feels and acts nothing like a auto actually. the AO knives are faster, harder opening with just a thumb nudge on the flippers/studs. If you did the same amount of push on this, the blade would open about 1/3 of the way.

I really liked that knife, I HATED the tip up carry points. As much as I love kershaw, more and more I hate the way they set up knives for tip up, so I don't have any anymore.

[biagrin]

I looked at one of these at my local Wal-Mart, they have them for $39.95. I liked the G-10 and the size and weight, but not sure about the flipper knob. It looks rather large, and combined with the tip-up carry, I'm concerned that it could partially deploy if bumped against or snagged on something else in my pocket. If I got one, I would probably move the clip to tip-down.
Very sleek looking knife open, but I don't care for the knob when closed.
Anyway, the wife thinks that I have to many knives already.:(

[FLYBYU44]

Yeah it is just a flipper knife, nothing more, no springs or torsion bars in this one. It does open very fast though, at least as fast as the Leek I used to own. The tip up carry is horrible. I actually removed the clip but I reinstalled it because I found I was putting my fingers on the lockbar while opening it with no clip. Overall it's an awesome knife, but Kershaw really screwed up with the pocket clip. STR over on bladeforums was making titanium deep carry clips, but he wants $40 for them, that is almost what I paid for the knife, not worth it. It is fine to carry at work or other places you don't have to worry about being discreet.

[JBE]

Nice review and thanks for the pics...I've been having my eyes on one of these since they were released. That and the ZT 0350.