Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals Review

One Tool, Many Questions: The Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

For a long time, my EDC (everyday carry) has been a rotating cast of characters, each serving a specific purpose but none truly hitting that sweet spot of versatility and aesthetic. The search for a reliable, well-built folding knife that could handle everyday tasks without screaming “tactical operator” led me to explore a wide range of options. After much deliberation, my attention was drawn to the Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals. This particular knife promised a blend of useful features with a touch of refined design, making it an intriguing prospect for my varied needs. I’d previously used a few Kershaw models, and their reputation for solid construction at reasonable prices made this one a strong contender against similarly priced options from brands like Ganzo or Opinel, which offered simpler designs. My first impression upon unboxing was one of pleasant surprise; it felt substantial without being overly heavy, and the finishing was notably clean.

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Flourish was during a weekend spent tackling a few DIY projects around the garage. Unboxing it, I was immediately struck by the heft and the smooth action of the SpeedSafe mechanism. The slightly larger 3.5-inch blade, a departure from my usual smaller EDC, proved invaluable when breaking down cardboard boxes for recycling.

Later that week, I took it on a short hike, using it to trim some stubborn errant threads from a backpack strap. The modified clip-point blade handled these minor tasks with ease, slicing cleanly without any hesitation. Even after being stowed in a pocket alongside keys and loose change for a few days, the Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals showed no significant scratches on its Blackwash finish, a testament to its robust treatment.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into months, and the Flourish has become a dependable companion for a multitude of tasks, from opening stubborn packaging in the workshop to precisely cutting twine in the garden. Its reliability has been consistently impressive; the liner lock has held firm under moderate pressure, and the assisted opening remains snappy and consistent, even after being deployed dozens of times daily.

Durability has been excellent so far. Despite occasional exposure to dust and light moisture in the workshop environment, there’s no hint of rust or stiffness. Cleaning is straightforward, usually just a quick wipe down with a dry cloth and an occasional application of pivot lube. Compared to some cheaper folding knives I’ve owned, which quickly developed blade play or dull edges, this Kershaw knife feels like it’s built to last.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

Specifications

The Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals boasts a 3.5-inch blade, which is a generous size for everyday tasks. This blade is crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, a common choice known for its balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening. The blade profile is a modified clip-point, featuring a top swedge and a hollow grind, designed for efficient cutting.

Further enhancing the blade’s appeal are the aesthetic and functional elements: a machined recess adds visual interest and slightly reduces weight. The blade undergoes a Blackwash finish on the grinds, which effectively hides scratches and adds a unique look, while the blade flats are finished with a satin treatment, creating a stylish two-tone effect. The knife’s closed length is 5 inches, making for a comfortable carry, and its overall length when open is 8.5 inches.

The handle is constructed from G-10 scales, known for their durability and grip, further enhanced by a carbon fiber overlay that lends a high-tech appearance. The handle material offers a secure grip, especially with the chamfering designed for hand comfort. For locking the blade, a sturdy liner lock mechanism is employed, ensuring safety during use.

The Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals also includes a built-in lanyard tie-off that is notably large, easily accommodating paracord. A reversible pocketclip is provided, allowing for ambidextrous carry in either left- or right-handed configurations, typically in a tip-up orientation. The SpeedSafe assisted opening system is a key feature, designed for quick and easy blade deployment via either the thumbstud or flipper.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, cutting, the Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals performs admirably. The 3.5-inch blade is versatile, capable of handling everything from opening mail and packages to preparing food in a casual outdoor setting. The hollow grind on the blade, combined with the 8Cr13MoV steel, allows for a keen edge that’s easy to maintain with a sharpening stone.

The SpeedSafe assisted opening is a standout feature, providing a rapid and reliable deployment that feels satisfying and efficient. This mechanism significantly reduces the effort required to open the knife, making it accessible even in situations where one-handed operation is crucial. The modified clip-point shape, with its subtle swedge, provides a good balance of piercing capability and a fine point for detailed work.

However, the 8Cr13MoV steel, while easy to sharpen, doesn’t hold an edge as long as higher-end steels like S30V or VG-10. This means more frequent touch-ups are needed if the knife is subjected to heavy, abrasive tasks. The Blackwash finish, while attractive and functional in hiding scratches, can eventually wear down with extensive friction against hard surfaces.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is where its name truly comes into play, with several thoughtful touches. The two-tone blade finish – Blackwash on the bevels and satin on the flats – provides a sophisticated look that’s uncommon in this price range. The machined recess on the blade adds a unique visual flair without compromising structural integrity.

Ergonomically, the handle is well-executed. The G-10 with carbon fiber overlay scales feel secure and comfortable in the hand, with ample grip. The chamfering on the handle ensures that edges aren’t sharp and contribute to a comfortable grip, even during extended use.

The liner lock mechanism is robust and positive, providing a secure lock-up without any perceivable blade play. Its placement is natural for disengaging with the thumb during closing. The large lanyard hole is a practical inclusion, accommodating various types of cordage, which is a welcome detail often overlooked by manufacturers.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals appears to be built for sustained use, rather than being a disposable item. The G-10 handle material is inherently durable and resistant to impact and wear. The liner lock, a common and proven mechanism, is generally quite reliable.

Maintenance is straightforward for this knife. Regular cleaning involves wiping down the blade and handle, and a drop of pivot lubricant applied to the SpeedSafe mechanism helps maintain its smooth action. The 8Cr13MoV steel is forgiving when it comes to sharpening, requiring only basic sharpening stones to bring it back to a usable edge.

While the Blackwash finish is resilient, it’s not indestructible and can eventually show wear marks if subjected to aggressive abrasion. However, this is a cosmetic concern rather than a functional defect, and the underlying steel will remain unaffected. The carbon fiber overlay is also quite durable and resistant to scratches.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals comes with a reversible pocketclip as its primary accessory, allowing for adaptable carry. This is a crucial functional addition that enhances its utility for everyday carry.

While the knife itself isn’t designed for extensive customization in terms of blade steel or handle materials, its standardized construction means that aftermarket G-10 or carbon fiber scales might become available down the line. The lanyard hole also offers a degree of personalization by allowing users to attach decorative or functional lanyards.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

Who Should Buy Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals?

This knife is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a well-built, stylish, and functional everyday carry knife that doesn’t break the bank. It’s particularly suited for individuals who appreciate a knife that looks good and performs reliably for a variety of light- to medium-duty tasks around the house, in the workshop, or during casual outdoor activities. If you’re a fan of assisted opening mechanisms and appreciate thoughtful design elements like two-tone finishes and comfortable ergonomics, this model will likely impress.

Those who need a knife for extremely demanding applications, such as heavy prying, batoning wood, or survival situations requiring prolonged edge retention with minimal maintenance, might consider a model with a more robust steel and a fixed blade. Similarly, individuals requiring a sterile, single-use instrument for critical medical applications should look elsewhere, as this is firmly in the general-purpose utility category. For enhanced EDC, pairing this knife with a quality flashlight and a durable multitool would create a very capable everyday carry setup.

Conclusion on Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

The Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals stands out as a genuinely impressive offering in its class. It manages to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality in a way that many competitors struggle to achieve. The SpeedSafe assisted opening is snappy and dependable, while the 3.5-inch blade made of 8Cr13MoV steel handles daily tasks with ease, and the two-tone finish adds a touch of sophistication.

Considering its price point, the quality of materials and the attention to detail in its design are exceptional. The G-10 and carbon fiber handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it a pleasure to use. While the steel might require more frequent sharpening than premium alternatives, its ease of maintenance more than compensates for this in an EDC context.

I can confidently recommend the Kershaw Flourish Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals to anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and affordable everyday carry knife. It’s a tool that feels more expensive than it is, offering a satisfying blend of form and function that makes it a standout choice for daily use.