After three months with the Kershaw Skyline, I understand why this discontinued model still commands attention and steady secondary market prices. At its original $45 price point (now $60-80 used), it represents one of the most well-executed minimalist designs in the knife world.
Kershaw Skyline Review: A Brief History
Released in 2009, the Skyline was designed by Kershaw’s in-house team as an exercise in minimalism. What started as a simple USA-made EDC knife evolved into a benchmark for lightweight carry. Despite its discontinuation in 2021, the Skyline’s influence on knife design remains evident. Its popularity has actually increased since being discontinued, with secondary market prices reflecting its respected status.
Technical Specifications
Overall Length: 7.375″
Blade Length: 3.1″
Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik
Handle Material: G10
Weight: 2.5 oz
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Made in: USA
Secondary Market Price: $60-80
Kershaw Skyline Review: Real-World Experience
First Impressions
The Skyline’s simplicity is striking. There’s nothing extra here – just a thin blade, minimal G10 handles, and a liner lock. In hand, it feels impossibly light for its size. The flipper deployment was stiff initially, but I could tell there was potential in the mechanism.
Daily Carry and Use
After a brief break-in period, the Skyline revealed its true character. The narrow profile and light weight make it disappear in the pocket – I often had to check if I was still carrying it. During a week of office carry, not a single person noticed it clipped to my dress pants, despite its full-size blade.
What really won me over was a weekend project building a treehouse with my nephew. The Skyline’s thin blade sliced through rope and wood with surprising authority, while the lightweight design prevented hand fatigue during hours of use. The G10 handles, which seemed almost too simple at first, provided perfect grip even with sweaty hands.
The 14C28N blade deserves special mention. During an impromptu camping trip, it handled everything from food prep to feather sticks without complaint. When it finally needed touching up, a few passes on a ceramic rod brought back the razor edge. This steel might not have the cache of modern super steels, but it offers a perfect balance of performance and maintainability.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
Three months in, the Skyline continues to impress with its reliability. The liner lock, though thin, shows no signs of wear or stick. The pivot remains smooth without adjustment, though it did take about two weeks to break in fully. The G10 handles have developed a subtle patina that adds character without compromising grip.
What’s particularly impressive is how the blade has held up. The hollow grind, which I initially worried might be delicate, has proven remarkably durable. Even after some admittedly questionable use (like prying open a paint can – sorry, knife people), the edge remained chip-free and the tip intact.
Kershaw Skyline Review: Community Legacy
The Skyline has developed an almost mythical status among knife enthusiasts. Stories circulate of decade-old examples still serving as primary EDC blades. The design has influenced countless others, with many modern knives clearly drawing inspiration from its minimalist approach.
Some users have turned Skyline modification into an art form. Popular upgrades include:
Custom scales in everything from carbon fiber to exotic woods
Blade refinishing and acid etching
Aftermarket clips for deep carry
Bearing upgrades for smoother action
Kershaw Skyline Review: What’s Good and What’s Not
The Good Stuff
Incredibly lightweight
Excellent blade geometry
USA-made quality
Timeless design
Perfect EDC size
Practical steel choice
Discreet carry profile
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Discontinued (harder to find)
Basic flipper mechanism
Plain appearance
Stiff initial action
Thin liners may concern some
Limited handle colors
Secondary market premium
Kershaw Skyline Review: Final Verdict
The Kershaw Skyline represents something increasingly rare in the knife world – a design that prioritizes function over fashion. Its discontinuation has only enhanced its reputation, proving that sometimes the simplest designs are the most enduring.
Who It’s For
The Skyline particularly suits:
Minimalist EDC enthusiasts
Those valuing lightweight carry
Users appreciating USA production
Collectors of modern classics
People wanting discreet carry
Alternatives to the Skyline
Having carried the Skyline extensively, I can suggest several modern alternatives that capture similar qualities. Here’s what I’d recommend based on what aspect of the Skyline you’re looking to match:
For Similar Weight and Minimalist Design:
CIVIVI Elementum ($50)
Slightly smaller but similarly thin
Better action out of the box
D2 or 14C28N steel options
More modern styling I found the Elementum carries just as discreetly and offers comparable cutting performance, though it lacks the Skyline’s USA production.
For USA Production at Similar Price:
Kershaw Leek ($65)
Made in USA
14C28N steel
Assisted opening
Slightly thinner blade While not as minimalist, it offers similar quality and American craftsmanship. The assisted opening isn’t for everyone, but the blade geometry is excellent.
For Similar Blade Profile:
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight ($105)
Similar weight
Better steel (BD1N)
More ergonomic
Compression lock It’s pricier, but offers upgraded materials and arguably better lock design. I’ve found it fills the same EDC role effectively.
For Budget Alternative:
QSP Penguin ($30)
D2 steel
Similar size
Excellent action
Multiple handle options While lacking USA production, it offers remarkable value and similar practical capability. During testing, I found it surprisingly comparable in daily use.
For Premium Upgrade:
WE Knife Banter ($104)
20CV steel
Similar profile
Better materials
Modern manufacturing Offers everything great about the Skyline with modern premium materials. Worth considering if budget allows.
Each of these alternatives brings something unique while maintaining aspects of what made the Skyline special. Your choice might depend on which Skyline characteristics matter most to you – whether that’s weight, USA production, or cutting geometry.
Real-World Comparison
Having carried both the Skyline and its modern competitors, the differences are telling. While the CIVIVI Elementum offers smoother action and the Para 3 Lightweight provides better steel, neither quite matches the Skyline’s perfect balance of simplicity and capability. It’s like comparing a perfectly seasoned cast iron pan to modern non-stick cookware – sometimes the classics just work better.
Value Proposition
At current secondary market prices ($60-80), the Skyline remains competitive. While no longer the budget champion it once was, its USA production and proven design justify the investment. For those lucky enough to find one at original retail, it’s an absolute bargain.
[Check Secondary Market Prices]
Note: This review combines three months of personal testing with long-term community feedback, as the knife is no longer in production. My test unit was purchased used at market price.
Final Thoughts
The Kershaw Skyline proves that great design doesn’t age. In a market increasingly dominated by complex mechanisms and exotic materials, its straightforward approach feels refreshing. The fact that discontinued examples still command strong prices and loyal users speaks to its enduring appeal.
I found myself appreciating the Skyline more as time went on. It’s not about any single feature – it’s about how everything works together in harmony. The blade shape, weight, size, and materials combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
For those considering a Skyline on the secondary market: Yes, there are newer knives with better steel or smoother action. But few, if any, nail the fundamentals quite as well as this modern classic. Sometimes simpler really is better.
Remember: In a world of increasingly complex and expensive knives, the Skyline stands as a reminder that thoughtful design and quality execution never go out of style.