Kershaw Blur Review

After a while with the Kershaw Blur, I understand why this Ken Onion design remains a benchmark for assisted-opening knives. At around $80, it offers American manufacturing, proven reliability, and versatile performance that still competes with modern alternatives.

A Brief History

Introduced in 2003, the Blur was born from Ken Onion’s collaboration with Kershaw, bringing his Speed-Safe assisted opening mechanism to a practical EDC design. The knife has seen various iterations over the years, from basic models to premium steel variants, but the core design remains largely unchanged – a testament to getting things right the first time.

Technical Specifications

Overall Length: 7.9″
Blade Length: 3.4″
Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik
Handle Material: Aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts
Weight: 3.9 oz
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Made in: USA
Price: Usually $75-90

Kershaw Blur Review: Real-World Experience

First Impressions

The Blur arrives feeling substantial but not heavy. The aluminum handles with Trac-Tec inserts immediately grab your attention – and your hand. The Speed-Safe mechanism deploys with authority, though I noticed the safety switch required intentional manipulation to disengage.

Daily Carry Experience

Over three months of EDC, the Blur proved itself as a reliable workhorse. The slightly recurved blade, which I initially questioned, showed its worth as I put it through its paces. During a week of home renovation, the knife excelled at everything from stripping wire to cutting drywall.

The assisted opening, while not everyone’s preference, proved consistently reliable even in dusty conditions. The thumb studs double as blade stops, a clever way to add strength without bulk.

Durability and Long-Term Use

After three months of heavy use, the Blur’s durability stands out. The Speed-Safe mechanism hasn’t lost any snap, and the liner lock shows no sign of stick or wear. The aluminum handles have developed a subtle wear pattern that actually improves grip, while the Trac-Tec inserts remain firmly in place despite frequent pocket draws.

The 14C28N blade has proven to be an excellent choice. While it needs more frequent touching up than premium steels, it’s easy to maintain and takes a razor edge quickly. The DLC coating on the black version has held up remarkably well, with only minor wear at high-contact points.

Kershaw Blur Review: What’s Good and What’s Not

The Good Stuff

Reliable Speed-Safe mechanism
Excellent ergonomics
USA Manufacturing
Versatile blade shape
Solid lock-up
Great grip in all conditions
Time-tested design

The Not-So-Good Stuff

Safety switch can be fiddly
Pocket clip could be better
Recurve blade harder to sharpen
Not ambidextrous
Relatively heavy for the size
Assisted opening not legal everywhere
Pocket wear from aluminum handles

Kershaw Blur Review: Real-World Comparisons

vs. Modern Competitors

While testing the Blur alongside newer designs like the Civivi Elementum and WE Banter, some interesting contrasts emerged:

More robust than the Elementum but heavier
Better grip than the Banter but less refined action
More practical blade shape than both for heavy use

Community Insights

The Blur has developed a strong following over its long production run. Users report:

Examples lasting 10+ years of daily use
Speed-Safe mechanisms remaining reliable long-term
Successful customization with aftermarket clips
Excellent customer service from Kershaw
Popular modifications include:

Deep carry clip upgrades
Custom scale treatments
Blade reprofiles to remove recurve
Stonewashed blade finishes

Kershaw Blur Review: Final Verdict

The Kershaw Blur represents a sweet spot between price, performance, and reliability. While not the newest or most refined option, it delivers where it counts.

Who It’s For

The Blur particularly suits:

Users who appreciate assisted opening
Those wanting USA-made quality
People needing reliable work knives
Users in demanding environments
Those prioritizing grip security

Value Proposition

At around $80, the Blur competes well with both budget and premium options. The USA manufacturing, proven design, and reliable performance justify the price, especially considering the long-term durability.

Note: This review combines three months of daily carry and use in various environments, including construction work and everyday tasks. The knife was purchased at retail price.

Final Thoughts

The Kershaw Blur endures because it simply works. In an era of bearing pivots and premium materials, its assisted action and aluminum construction might seem dated. Yet, in actual use, these “old school” features prove their worth repeatedly.

What makes the Blur special isn’t any single feature – it’s how everything works together in real-world use. The grip is nice and secure, the blade deploys reliably every time, and the solid construction takes whatever you throw at it.

For those considering the Blur in 2025:

Yes, there are smoother knives
Yes, there are lighter options
Yes, there are more premium choices
But few combine practical features, reliable performance, and proven durability quite like the Blur. It’s not trying to be the newest or most innovative knife – it’s content with getting the job done, day after day.

Remember: While knife trends come and go, designs like the Blur remind us that true utility often outlasts fashion. Sometimes, the best choice isn’t the newest option, but the one that’s been quietly proving itself for years.