Kershaw Cannonball Transforms A Premium Winner Into An Affordable EDC
Some days, it amazes me that knife brands continue to come out with new models. It seems like there are only so many ways to combine materials and shapes. Then you get something in your hands like the Kershaw Cannonball folding pocket knife and know exactly why they never quit designing.
As soon as we took the knife out of the box, we had flashbacks to the Zero Tolerance 0095—a knife Clint still carries every day after more than 6 years. We dove deeper to see if Kershaw’s 2061 can be just as epic.
Kershaw Cannonball Blade
Kershaw moves toward the upper half of blade material selection with D2 steel for the 2061. In terms of edge retention, it’s significantly better than 8Cr13MoV that comes on Kershaw’s entry-level knives but not as good as the super steels. It remains easy to sharpen and has decent corrosion resistance. Overall, it’s a step up from value steels without getting into the pricing of premium blends.
The D2 is shaped into a classic drop point design with a big belly that’s great for slicing. The spine gets some additional angling and a grind that adds visual interest before finishing off with a section of jimping. It’s 3.5 inches long and gets it no-nonsense look from a BlackWash coating. At 0.112 inches thick, it’s not the beefiest blade we’ve ever used, but it’s plenty strong enough for nearly anything.
To deploy the blade, there’s a substantial finger flipper that makes up a generous finger choil when the blade is out. The opening is spring assisted and quick.
Kershaw Cannonball Handle
The handle is stainless steel and contributes significantly to the knife’s 5.4-ounce weight. It features a similar angular design to the ZT 0950 rather than the smooth curve of the Blur. It’s 4.5 inches long and just over an inch tall, filling your hand and offering a secure grip.
Rather than sharing the scratch-hiding BlackWash coating of the blade, the handle receives a grey PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating instead.
Set into the side is a strong frame locking mechanism. While there’s nothing wrong with a good liner lock, I personally prefer the security of a frame lock and I don’t mind that it breaks up the look of the handle. It gives the knife a look that matches its strong overall personality.
On the back of the handle is a deep carry clip that comes pre-installed for a right pocket, tip-up carry. If you prefer it in your left pocket, the clip is reversible to the other side.
Kershaw Cannonball Price
The retail price of the Kershaw 2061 is $86.99 and online prices are running closer to $54.99. For a D2 knife with the look, feel, and function the Cannonball has, that’s a good price. Kershaw backs it with a limited lifetime warranty and also offers a mail-in sharpening service.
The Bottom Line
If you’re obsessed with knives, you know your favorites by name. The Zero Tolerance 0095 has been one of ours for years. The Kershaw Cannonball takes what we love about the 0095’s design, gives it a Kershaw makeover at an affordable price, and we freakin’ love it! Get your hands on this model if you’re looking for a hardworking EDC built to take whatever your day has in store for you.
Specifications
- Model: Kershaw 2061
- Blade Steel: D2 with BlackWash coating
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel with PVD coating
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches
- Closed Length: 4.5 inches
- Open Length: 8 inches
- Lock: Frame
- Opening: Spring assist
- Clip: Reversible deep carry
- Weight: 5.4 inches
