Kershaw Cryo vs Cryo II
Bottom Line Up Front: The original Cryo is better for most users seeking an everyday carry knife, offering a more manageable size and discrete carry while maintaining solid performance. The Cryo II provides extra cutting power but comes with noticeable weight and size penalties.
Key Differences: The original Cryo weighs 4.1 ounces with a 2.75-inch blade, while the Cryo II jumps to 5.5 ounces with a 3.25-inch blade. This half-inch difference fundamentally changes how each knife carries and performs in daily use.
Both knives represent Rick Hinderer’s design philosophy translated into budget-friendly packages by Kershaw. They share the same 8Cr13MoV steel, SpeedSafe assisted opening, and frame lock mechanism, but their size difference creates distinct use cases for each model.
Introduced as part of Kershaw’s budget-friendly collaboration with Rick Hinderer, these models bring premium design features to the sub-$50 price point. The original Cryo debuted first, with the Cryo II following as a larger alternative for users requesting more blade length.
Kershaw Cryo vs Cryo II: Key Specifications
Cryo: Blade Length: 2.75 inches Overall Length: 6.5 inches Weight: 4.1 ounces Steel: 8Cr13MoV Price: $30-40 Cryo II: Blade Length: 3.25 inches Overall Length: 7.75 inches Weight: 5.5 ounces Steel: 8Cr13MoV Price: $35-45
Kershaw Cryo vs Cryo II: Real-World Differences
The Cryo II isn’t simply a larger Cryo – it’s a distinctly different knife in practice. While the original Cryo disappears in your pocket and excels at everyday tasks like opening packages and breaking down boxes, the Cryo II feels more like a tactical knife. It’s noticeably heavier and more substantial in hand. The original Cryo feels more refined and balanced despite its all-steel construction.
Its smaller size makes it more office-friendly and less likely to draw attention. The Cryo II, on the other hand, provides more blade length for serious cutting tasks and feels more suited to heavy-duty use. In daily use, the original Cryo’s more compact size makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, while the Cryo II’s larger blade excels at longer cuts through materials like cardboard or rope.
The extra blade length of the Cryo II comes in handy for tasks like food prep or outdoor use, but it can feel oversized for basic EDC tasks. Both share the same excellent SpeedSafe assisted opening and frame lock mechanism, but the Cryo II’s larger size makes it slightly slower to deploy from pocket. The original Cryo feels more nimble and quick to access.
The choice between them really comes down to intended use. The original Cryo is better suited for urban EDC and office environments, while the Cryo II makes more sense for users who regularly tackle heavier cutting tasks or prefer a more substantial knife.
Kershaw Cryo vs Cryo II: Practical Applications & Recommendations
Daily Carry Experience The original Cryo carries much more discreetly – its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it practically disappear in the pocket. The Cryo II, while still manageable, announces its presence more. You’ll definitely notice that extra 1.4 ounces throughout the day. Both feature excellent deep-carry clips, but the original Cryo’s smaller profile makes it significantly more pocket-friendly.
Office Environment If you work in a professional setting, the original Cryo is clearly the better choice. Its smaller size and more subdued appearance make it less likely to alarm coworkers. The Cryo II, while an excellent knife, can appear somewhat intimidating in office settings due to its larger size. Cutting Performance The Cryo II isn’t just longer – it actually cuts differently. Its longer blade provides better slicing geometry and more cutting edge, making it notably better for longer cuts through materials like cardboard or rope.
The original Cryo, however, offers more control for precise cuts and detail work. Think of it as the difference between a paring knife and a chef’s knife. Ergonomics
- Original Cryo: Better for smaller hands, more precise tasks
- Cryo II: Provides more real estate for larger hands, better for gloved use
- Original Cryo: More nimble manipulation
Cryo II: More comfortable during extended cutting tasks
Best Uses For Each:
Original Cryo:
- Urban EDC Office environments
- Precise cutting tasks
- Discrete carry
- Light to medium duty work
Cryo II:
- Heavier cutting tasks
- Outdoor activities
- Workshop use
- When wearing gloves
- Tasks requiring longer blade length
Value Proposition Both knives offer excellent value, but they serve different needs. The original Cryo provides better value for everyday carry and general utility, while the Cryo II makes more sense if you regularly need a larger blade or tackle tougher cutting tasks.
Kershaw Cryo vs Cryo II: Recommendation:
- Choose the original Cryo if:
- You prioritize discrete carry
- Work in professional environments
- Have smaller hands
- Prefer lighter weight
- Mainly handle everyday cutting tasks
- Choose the Cryo II if:
- You regularly tackle heavy-duty cutting
- Have larger hands
- Don’t mind the extra weight
- Need more blade length
- Often use your knife outdoors
In my experience, most users will find the original Cryo more practical for everyday carry. Its size-to-capability ratio is nearly perfect for urban environments and typical EDC tasks. However, if you frequently find yourself wishing for more blade length or regularly tackle tougher cutting jobs, the Cryo II’s extra size and capability make it worth the trade-offs in pocket space and weight. Both knives share the same excellent build quality and materials, so the choice really comes down to your specific needs and preferences. The original Cryo is the better “jack of all trades” while the Cryo II excels as a more capable cutting tool when size and weight aren’t primary concerns.