Kershaw Zing Review
After carrying the Kershaw Zing for six months, I can confidently say it’s one of the most underrated knives in the sub-$40 category. While often overlooked in favor of more popular models, its combination of SpeedSafe assisted opening, practical design, and reliable performance makes it an excellent choice for everyday carry.
History
The Zing was introduced as part of Kershaw’s effort to provide quality assisted-opening knives at budget-friendly prices. Available in both plain edge and partially serrated versions, it represents Kershaw’s ability to deliver practical features in an affordable package. The design has remained almost unchanged since its introduction, though Kershaw has offered it in various handle materials and blade finishes over the years.
Kershaw Zing Review: Technical Specifications
Blade Length: 3 inches Overall Length: 7 inches Closed Length: 4 inches Weight: 3.3 ounces Steel: 8Cr13MoV Handle: G10 Lock: Liner Lock Made in China Price Range: $30-40
Real-World Experience
Breaking In The SpeedSafe mechanism comes slightly stiff but breaks in nicely after 100-150 deployments. The liner lock starts with appropriate tension and maintains it well. The G10 handles provide good grip from day one with no break-in period needed. Daily Carry The Zing carries exceptionally well thanks to its lightweight design and slim profile.
The pocket clip provides secure retention while allowing easy retrieval. During extended carry periods, the knife’s modest weight and size make it comfortable and unobtrusive in the pocket. EDC Tasks I’ve used this knife for typical everyday tasks including package opening, food prep, and general utility work. The 3-inch blade proves ideal for most EDC cutting needs, while the assisted opening provides reliable one-handed deployment.
Kershaw Zing Review: Performance Details
Edge Retention The 8Cr13MoV steel performs admirably for its price point. During regular EDC use, including breaking down boxes and cutting various materials, the edge maintains usability for about a week of moderate use. While not premium steel, it sharpens easily and takes a keen edge quickly. The hollow grind provides excellent slicing performance. After processing numerous packages and light-duty cutting tasks, the edge remained workable with occasional stropping.
The blade geometry excels at everyday cutting tasks, though it’s not designed for heavy-duty use. Maintenance Needs The 8Cr13MoV steel requires regular maintenance but responds well to basic sharpening tools. A few passes on a ceramic rod quickly restores the working edge, while full sharpening is straightforward with standard stones. The simple construction makes cleaning and maintenance easy – occasional cleaning and lubrication keeps it running smoothly.
Lock Performance The liner lock provides reliable lockup with minimal blade play when properly adjusted. After thousands of deployments, the lock shows minimal wear and maintains proper engagement. Lock-up is consistent and secure, though not as robust as some higher-end options. Handle Comfort The G10 handles provide excellent grip in various conditions.
During extended use, the ergonomics work well for medium-duration cutting tasks. The texture provides good traction without being overly aggressive, and the handle shape fits most hand sizes comfortably. SpeedSafe Performance The assisted opening mechanism provides consistent deployment throughout testing.The flipper tab offers good, consistent activation, while the whole mechanism runs smooth and dependable. The detent is well tuned as it prevents any accidental deployment, while it also deploys open reliably.
Long-Term Evaluation
Following six months of carrying it routinely, my Zing exhibits normal wear but is functionally perfect. The G10 handles have maintained their texture, while the liner lock continues to provide solid engagement. The pivot remains smooth with no blade play development. The pocket clip has maintained proper tension, and all screws have remained tight with occasional checking. The SpeedSafe mechanism continues to function flawlessly, showing no signs of weakening or inconsistency.
Kershaw Zing Review: Pros/Cons & Buying Guide
Advantages: Lightweight design Reliable assisted opening Excellent ergonomics Good value Practical blade size Comfortable G10 handles Limitations: Basic steel Average edge retention Assisted opening not legal everywhere Limited color options Basic clip design Best prices typically appear during holiday sales. Watch for deals where prices can drop to around $25-30.
Alternatives
Kershaw Cryo ($35) Heavier but with frame lock and more robust construction. Consider this if you prefer a more substantial feel. Ontario RAT 2 ($35) Manual folder with similar size and better materials. Choose this if you prefer non-assisted opening and don’t mind manual deployment.
Kershaw Zing Review: Final Thoughts
The Kershaw Zing is among the best budget EDCs that offer great performance and comfortable carry. Not able to go head-to-head against high-end knives in materials or cutting performance, it nevertheless represents a perfect choice for users in search of a dependable everyday knife thanks to its combination of practical features and solid construction.
Where to buy: Purchase through authorized dealers like BladeHQ, Amazon, or directly from Kershaw to ensure warranty coverage. Avoid unauthorized sellers due to potential counterfeits. I recommend the Zing for: First-time knife buyers Those wanting a lightweight assisted opener Budget-conscious EDC users Anyone needing a reliable daily carry Users preferring a medium-sized blade While it may not appeal to those seeking premium materials or manual actions, the Zing’s combination of assisted deployment, comfortable handling, and reasonable price make it a compelling choice for users who want a reliable EDC knife without breaking the bank.
Remember: This is a practical tool designed for everyday use. While it may lack premium materials, its performance and reliability make it an excellent value for users who need a dependable knife for daily tasks. The Zing proves that good design and functionality don’t always require a premium price tag.