A simple definition of a dividend is the amount that you want to divide up and it looks like Kershaw’s success of their made-in-the-USA Link series knives have yielded a slimmer, sleeker pocket carry, yet still built at a very affordable price called the Dividend. The Dividend is impeccable for individuals who look forward to carrying a slimmer blade and is due in part to its elegant drop-point blade is a perfect 3 inches long and offers enough belly to be an efficient slicer. The anodized aluminum handles in matte grey curves gently to fit the hand comfortably; however, the grey version gripping is more difficult when wet. The Dividend that I reviewed has a decorative molded back spacer with an engraved American Flag and comes with a left/right reversible pocket clip that makes the Dividend both aggressive and handy as well as coming with a little symbol of ‘Merica. This knife is made in the USA in Kershaw’s Tualatin, Oregon factory.
Carrying the Dividend in both jeans and suit pants, my first impression was the weight compared to my original Kershaw Cryo II at 5.5 oz and my normal EDC; the SOG Reactor weighing in at 4.1 oz., the Dividend is only 2.8 oz, which makes a considerable difference. My second impression was how easily it is carried in the front-pocket. The weight, shape, and smoothness of the knife sat very well in the front-pockets of both types of pant; important when keeping a low-profile mindset by not using the clip.
A final feature you will find extremely valuable when carrying this type of knife in your front pocket, it is the ability to draw, deploy, and attack aggressively. The Kershaw SpeedSafe assisted opinion is one of the best features on any knives that I own; it is a true one-finger blade deployment. For those of you that carry Buck knives or Gerber knives the 420HC steel should be familiar. The 420HC, while softer than 440 steel the higher level of Carbon allows the blade to hold an extremely fine cutting edge and easier to sharpen should you find yourself in a SHTF situation and must rely on ancient methods of sharpening. You’ll also be glad you have this type of steel if you are using it in environments known to oxidize metal quickly with its resistance to corrosion better than most stainless-steel grades.
*An interesting benefit of the 420HC is that this steel is not magnetic; so all of you EOD folks out there, this may be a good knife to carry on the job.
Gear in this article:
Kershaw, Dividend, 1812 Grey – $69.99
- Lanyard hole
- SpeedSafe® assisted opening
- Liner lock
- Flipper
- 4-position pocketclip (left/right, tip-up/down)
- Steel: 420HC, stonewashed finish
- Handle: Anodized aluminum
- Blade length: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
- Closed length: 4.25 in. (10.8 cm)
- Open length: 7.25 in. (18.5 cm)
- Weight: 2.8 oz. (79.4 g)
Kershaw, Cryo II, Tanto, Blackwash – $67.99
- Flipper, Thumbstud
- SpeedSafe® assisted opening
- Frame lock, lockbar stabilizer
- 4-position deep-carry pocketclip (right/left; tip-up/down)
- Designed by Rick Hinderer
- Steel: 8Cr13MoV, black-oxide BlackWash™ finish
- Handle: 410, black-oxide BlackWash™ finish
- Blade: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
- Closed: 4.4 in. (11.2 cm)
- Open length: 7.75 in. (19.7 cm)
- Weight: 5.5 oz. (155.9 g)
SOG, Multi-tool, Reactor – $67.00
- Blade Length: 2.5″
- Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
- Finish: Hardcased Black
- Closed Length: 3.8″
- Overall Length: 6.3″
- Weight: 4.1 oz.
- Includes Pocket Clip
