Oregon-based knife manufacturer Kershaw has a very diverse collection of pocket knives, but as of late, one unifying feature has pervaded many of their offerings: discretion in design. The Kershaw Concierge is a perfect example of that ennobling virtue, perhaps the common thread is a broad company shift, or possibly it is the earmark trait of the designer, Dmitry Sinkevich? Either way, I was excited to have received this in the mail a month or so ago.
Tale of the tape: specs provided via Kershaw’s site
- Flipper-opened blade spins on a KVT ball bearing
- Liner lock
- Single-position recessed pocketclip (right, tip-up)
- Lanyard hole
- Steel: 8Cr13MoV, titanium carbo-nitride coating
- Handle: G10
- Blade Length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
- Closed Length: 4.25 in. (10.8 cm)
- Overall Length: 7.25 in. (18.4 cm)
- Weight: 4 oz. (115 g)
Much like its eponymous service provider, the Concierge is indeed “discreet and efficient” as Kershaw advertises. The G10 handle looks excellent, if not a little slick, and I mean that literally. Once in hand though, it holds as fast as any of the more aggressive textures I’ve tested in the last year.
The size of the handle is similarly beguiling in its length. With hands that are short and broad, I find myself drawing and holding the Concierge as if it were a full inch shorter: and comfortably. If my hands were considerably larger, I’d still have plenty of room left to grasp.
The flipper and liner-lock are both typical Kershaw: perfectly functional and reliable. No rough finish for the flipper to occasionally catch on, no difficulty unlocking (intentionally or prematurely) the liner-lock. Spot on.
The recessed pocket clip is really nice. Besides being one of the attributing factors to the Concierge’s slim form, it keeps the hand more in contact with the G10 scales as opposed to arching over an excessively rotund clip.
The steel used in the construction of the blade (8Cr13MoV) is becoming more and more common, with good reason. It is a good all-around steel, with regards to its potential sharpness, edge retention and durability. It also regularly outperforms the price point I usually see it in. The Concierge is no exception in this regards, as the edge has held up remarkably well as I’ve used it for cooking, campground tasks and as a general purpose shop tool. I’d tell you how it sharpens, but it still doesn’t need it!
Kershaw once again has put together a really good product. Between the excellent all-purpose blade, the comfortable G10 scale grip, the highly functional flipper and the tucked pocket-clip, the Concierge is loaded with quality beyond its price point. $59.99 is the going rate for a Kershaw Concierge, well worth it in my opinion.
Youtube: Rex Nanorum
