Did I get a good deal on my Kershaw Vapor Knife?

[Hooked on Fenix]

I have lots of fold up knives but none have had any better than 440HC stainless steel. Today I bought a Kershaw Vapor Knife from Walmart for $20. Did I get a good deal? It is a 3" framelock knife with 410 stainless steel handles and a AUS6A stainless steel blade. It was designed by Ken Onion. Can I expect this $20 knife to last and hold an edge better than my other knives? Will this steel rust easily? Will I need a new knife sharpener for this type of steel? Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[jzmtl]

aus6 is pretty much the equivalent of 440a.

 

[Illum]

I bought the vapor II basically for $20 from lighthound, It was a user and kept the edge for paper tasks. It will rust but in spots about 1mm in diameter at most, perhaps it was due to me wearing it on sweat soaked clothes.

its a pretty good knife for $20, I've since then lost it and my EDC replaced by a leek

 

[carrot]

It's a pretty good knife. There are (obviously) better knives out there but it's hard to beat at that price and it is a pretty solid knife. Kershaw offers an excellent bang for the buck.

 

[cutlerylover]

I carried a Vapor for about 4 weeks, it was nice but I had to mod it by using anohter thumbstid from anohter knife...that was my only issue, the stud was pyramid shaped and small so it was uncomfortable for me...

 

[jzmtl]

Oh is it the same stud as kershaw storm? I agree horrible studs, worst I've ever used.

 

[jag-engr]

I have lots of fold up knives but none have had any better than 440HC stainless steel. Today I bought a Kershaw Vapor Knife from Walmart for $20. Did I get a good deal? It is a 3" framelock knife with 410 stainless steel handles and a AUS6A stainless steel blade. It was designed by Ken Onion. Can I expect this $20 knife to last and hold an edge better than my other knives? Will this steel rust easily? Will I need a new knife sharpener for this type of steel? Any opinions would be appreciated.

Personally, I don't like Kershaw knives. They are using very good steels these days, but the balance and ergonomics just seem off to me. If you are looking to get into higher quality knives, there are several good options out there. I see that you seem to really like Fenix lights, so you may want to disregard the advice I'm about to give, as it may be expensive.

Some affordable knives that will deliver a lot of bang for your buck:

1. Byrd knives (made by Spyderco) - available with G10 handles for $20-25
2. Spyderco Tenacious - $35-40 new (I think), occasionally go for cheaper used
3. CLB Boker knives - handle before purchasing, some people (myself included) don't like them - $20-30
4. Spyderco Native - $40 at Wal-Mart, S30V steel (possibly the best steel ever)

 

[husky20]

Kershaw knives are absolutely excellent i disregard any trash talk on them period.and so are Fenix flashlights.