I’m excited to bring to you my Kershaw Chill review, writing this post and reviewing this knife was something I have been looking forward to because it has become a popular knife since its introduction in 2010. I really like Kershaw knives, and as I’m sure you know, they are a big player in the pocket knife industry with many models to choose from.
The Kershaw “Chill” is one of my favorite Kershaw folding knife designs. This knife was designed by custom knife maker R.J. Martin and it features an overall length of 7 inches and measures 3 7/8” inches when closed. Also, it features a hollow ground, 3 1/8”, drop point blade made from bead blasted 8Cr13MoV stainless steel (Rockwell hardness unknown) with a protrusion on the edge side of the blade behind the ricasso that Kershaw calls a “flipper” because it enables the user to pull back on it while adding a slight wrist roll to open the knife.
In addition, once open, the blade is securely locked into place by a liner lock mechanism which is then easily operated with one hand to allow the blade to close. Plus, it also features stainless steel liners and G10 handle slabs with a lanyard hole. Last, this knife is both light weight (2 oz.) and inexpensive (currently $34.95) and thus, it is an excellent choice for a general purpose everyday carry knife.
As I mentioned previously in this Kershaw Chill review, I really like this knife design since the shape of drop point blade is very practical for general purpose use. In addition, the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel contains 0.8 % Carbon (requires 0.5% to qualify as high carbon), 13 % Chromium (requires 12.5% to qualify as stainless), 0.15% Molybdenum (forms hard, double carbide, bonds which help improve the abrasion and corrosion resistance of the steel), and 0.1% Vanadium (improves wear resistance and refines the gain for both good toughness and the ability to sharpen to a very keen edge) and is normally hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 58 to 59.
However, I have to admit that I am a little put off by the “flipper” protrusion on the edge side of the blade since, by design, it protrudes slightly from the handle when the blade is closed. In addition, I could also do without the deep finger groove ground into the G10 handle slabs. However, I do understand that this was a necessary feature in order to allow the user to access the liner locking mechanism. On the other hand, I do like the choice of G10 for the handle material since this is a very tough composite material that is impervious to absorbing moisture and impervious to changes in temperature. Thus, it will not swell, crack, or chip under hard use and it adds very little weight to the knife.
Consequently, in my opinion, this knife is an excellent choice for a general purpose every day carry knife. In addition, although I am not particularly pleased with the choice of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel for the blade, I have to admit that it is not at all a bad choice for a hard working, general purpose, folding knife since it is reasonably corrosion resistant and the inclusion of Vanadium in the alloy enables the knife to be sharpened to a very keen edge. Thus, when taken as a whole, the “Chill” is a good choice for an inexpensive, good quality, knife that would serve the user very well for most any domestic purpose.
Here’s a Nice Kershaw Chill Review VIDEO
A Little About Kershaw Knives
Kershaw Knives was founded in 1974 to design and manufacture tools that knife users would be proud to own, carry, and use. This has meant that every Kershaw knife must be of the highest quality. Whether it’s a hardworking pocketknife, a special collectors’ edition, or a precision kitchen knife, Kershaw always chooses appropriate, high-quality materials and is dedicated to intensive craftsmanship. Along with extremely tight tolerances and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, this ensures that Kershaw knives provide a lifetime of performance. In addition, Kershaw pioneered the use of many of the technologies and advanced materials that are today standard in the knife industry. For instance, their SpeedSafe assisted opening knives were first-to-market.
Also, they introduced the concept of knives with interchangeable blades in their Blade Traders and recently, their Composite Blade technology that combines two steels into one blade which gives knife users the best of both worlds by enabling them to use steel known for edge retention on the edge and steel known for strength on the spine. So, from award-winning technologies and advanced materials to the solid sound of the blade lockup, when you’re carrying a their knives, you know you’re carrying the real thing. The real thing means value and plenty of it. With Kershaw, you get incredible bang for your hard-earned buck. Even our inexpensive models are impressive. In fact, everything about a Kershaw is solidly crafted and reliable.
Each of their knives is backed for the life of its original owner against any defects in materials and construction with their famous Limited Lifetime Warranty. In fact, people do own their Kershaw knives for a lifetime. Although, occasionally, a Kershaw has been known to get accidentally left at a campsite, lost in the garage, or permanently borrowed by a friend.
The point is, you can always look to Kershaw for every day carrying knives that can tame any cardboard box and liberate any purchase from its plastic packaging, for sporting knives that make hunting, fishing, water sports, and camping even better, for work knives that won’t let you down, and for tactical knives that ensure you’re ready for anything.
Written by Bill Bernhardt
Last updated: August 22, 2023 at 17:34 pm
Hi, again! I carry an early design by Kershaw but it’s after the family sold to the Japanese firm that now produces the knives currently. Kershaw is still a worthy product, for people with limited funds to invest in multiple knives. (Like me) my kitchen knives (big set) are Kershaw also. The rubber handles are a bit of a problem when sharpening, but overall I am pleased with them. Your reviews are straightforward and I enjoy them very much!! Keep going my friend.
i like kershaw knives