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Kershaw Crown II

It's never easy to replace a favorite EDC. But in fact I was looking for just such a replacement. The Kershaw Crown II comes by recommendation from an iKC member. It is a slightly smaller version of the Kershaw Crown.

Initially viewing the knife in its clam shell packaging I was a little disappointed. I mean I knew it came that way but was still kind of surprised not to see it in a conventional box. I hoped it did not mean it was a sub-par knife.

I also noted the small plastic clip at the point of the knife...is this really necessary...I thought?

First a little about the CrownII :

Steel is 8CR13MoV,satin finish
Handle is satin finished steel and polished micarta
the knife comes with a Limited Lifetime warranty
the blade length is 2 7/8 inches
Closed length of the knife is 3 3/4 inches
The weight of the knife is a mere 2.6 oz.

Overall the fit and finish of the knife was quite well done. No gaps or noticeable spaces were in evidence.

From day one I put the KCII through its paces with a great deal of skepticism. It was temporarily replacing my trusty KaBar and about to face several days of challenges. Would it stand up to the tasks at hand?

My usual day consists of all kinds of cutting chores. Cutting open baled hay, removing splinters, shaving a marking pencil, twisting wire, opening bags etc.

I have to say for as nice as the knife looked, it was a small workhorse and performed all the above quite easily. The edge of the blade was good although not deadly. On my scale of sharpness out of the old clam pack, 1-10 with 10 being the sharpest, I would rank this KCII about a 7. It could be sharper yet did everything I asked and then some.

The other thing I noticed was the lightness of the knife. Honestly, I had to check several times to see if it was still there. I do prefer to carry my EDC on a pocket clip. It drives me crazy when that knife sinks way down in my jeans pocket and I have to try and find it. I prefer to wear it on my pocket like a tool which to me it is. More on the clip in a minute.

What didn't I like....well a few things. One it is a small knife for me and I do prefer a bit more "gripping power". I sometimes had to use fingers from both hands to handle the knife and perform the task. Not something I would want to do on a regular basis.

The other thing was the knife carried tip up. I don't know about you but my personal preference is tip down Tip up seems a bit alien. The clip itself is mounted high so the knife rides low enough to stay out of my way and stay in my pocket. The clip is sturdy and has good tension that holds on yet releases without tearing my pants. I would have preferred the clip be blacked out so it does not stick out there and announce "KNIFE". Future enhance may be a powder coat job.

Another nice feature is the clip has a good sized bend up at the bottom so if you do have to pull that clip you can without breaking a finger trying!

My overall impression of the knife was very good. It looks nice and handles well. It is a dressier knife so perhaps it more suited to social events, shows or other get togethers. Its light, easy opening and sharp enough to perform most of what you might need. the knife is inexpensive so you won't get hysterical if you lose it. This knife came from Sonoran Desert Knives and should be available from your favorite retailer.

Tags: crownII, kershaw, review

7 members like this

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Replies to This Discussion

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on January 30, 2012 at 18:13

Hog, that looks like a well put together little knife. I have found that replacing a knife that I am use to is very hard some times. I use a knife alot every day and I guess that I get use to the weight, lenth, grip, balance and overall feel of a knife. Good luck with your new EDC.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Moon on January 30, 2012 at 21:41

Nice review - thanks! I bought a few of these for gifts to a few of the guys in my family - people I wanted to give a good knife, but people that I also knew would perhaps lose or break the knife. This way I can get them hooked on our hobby, not break the bank, and still give them a decent knife. The Crown fit the bill and the guys were all happy to receive the knives.

Thanks for the review and pictures.

best

mqqn

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Leopold Lacrimosa on January 30, 2012 at 22:23

Nice review Steve, to the point (No pun intended) and thanks for the plug!

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on January 30, 2012 at 23:07

Two thumbs up.

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on January 31, 2012 at 8:47

Steve...

I need the iKC's help. I am doing a little research for Knives Illustrated. As a potential reader about firearms, knives, camping and other outdoor related subjects, what would a magazine cover have which would attack you to stop and pick it up and open? Steve can you please pass this along to the other members for their consideration and reply. I will appreciate every reply. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 31, 2012 at 9:46

Good advice Robert and until you mentioned it, I am doing exactly that, comparing to what I currently use. there is quite a bit to consider when switching. Thanks for that thought!

Robert Burris said:

Hog, that looks like a well put together little knife. I have found that replacing a knife that I am use to is very hard some times. I use a knife alot every day and I guess that I get use to the weight, lenth, grip, balance and overall feel of a knife. Good luck with your new EDC.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 31, 2012 at 9:47

Thanks Ron, surprisingly a nice EDC and my day won't be ruined if it "walked away."

Ron Dumeah said:

Looks like a good knife Hog. Has great shape to form the pocket and not stick out. I am still looking for an EDC since mine up and walked away on the job. Good luck with it and hope it serves you well.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 31, 2012 at 9:50

Andy, you did the right thing for sure. I think this knife as a gift is a great idea. Its a good size, not overwhelming, fast opening yet not an auto. Hopefully your friends will pick up the hobby and join iKnife Collector!

Andy Moon said:

Nice review - thanks! I bought a few of these for gifts to a few of the guys in my family - people I wanted to give a good knife, but people that I also knew would perhaps lose or break the knife. This way I can get them hooked on our hobby, not break the bank, and still give them a decent knife. The Crown fit the bill and the guys were all happy to receive the knives.

Thanks for the review and pictures.

best

mqqn

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 31, 2012 at 9:51

Thanks JJ!

J.J. Smith III said:

Two thumbs up.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 31, 2012 at 9:52

Clint, try here: http://www.iknifecollector.com/forum/categories/ikc-community-surve...

Clint Thompson said:

Steve...

I need the iKC's help. I am doing a little research for Knives Illustrated. As a potential reader about firearms, knives, camping and other outdoor related subjects, what would a magazine cover have which would attack you to stop and pick it up and open? Steve can you please pass this along to the other members for their consideration and reply. I will appreciate every reply. Thanks.