We already reviewed the Kershaw Blur folding knife 1670BLKST nearly a year ago. That line comes in multiple colors as well as both plain edge and a partially serrated modified drop point. The Kershaw Tiger-Stripe Blur (1670BLKTSX) features the same super grip handles and proven SpeedSafe assisted-opening system. The blade, however, gets a striking Kershaw Tiger-Stripe treatment.
Kershaw Tiger-Stripe DLC Coating
This black and grey DLC (“Diamond-Like Carbon”) blade coating uses Physical Vapor Disposition (PVD). This process instantly evaporates and ionizes metals via a high-current, low-voltage arc. A negative voltage then permanently deposits a thin metal coating on the blades. The end result gives you a striking, extremely scratch-resistant appearance.
And we tested this by using the Kershaw Tiger-Stripe Blur knife in a ton of applications. The blade finish still looks great.
The Steel Beneath the Surface
Of course, the “decorative” Tiger-Stripe coating still sits atop the tried and true high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This nitrogen-rich steel benefits from corrosion resistance as well as a 58-60 rating on the Rockwell hardness scale.
Depending upon what you consider to be the best knife sharpener (we use a Lansky knife sharpening system), you should get great results.
Kershaw Tiger-Stripe Blur Knife Features
Having already reviewed the standard Kershaw Blur knife, it bears going over some of the finer points of this knife again. It’s actually one of our favorites.
For starters, the modified drop point style of this knife, while the same as in our prior review, lacks the partially serrated edge. While not a pro or con—we find that users simply have their preferences. The Kershaw blade has a nice and thick gentle convex-curved top edge. As it drops down to the point, the top spine narrows while bevels along the top edge give the blade a truly aggressive look. You get a lot of belly on this knife, which I found to be useful when slicing open packaging tape without using the tip to avoid damaging the contents.
Anodized Aluminum Handle with Trac-Tec Inserts
The Kershaw Tiger-Strip Blur uses 6061-T6 anodized aluminum for its handle. The CNC machined the handles have recesses, letting Kershaw fill them with Trac-Tec textured hard rubber inserts. It creates a perfect grip.
The blade has absolutely no wiggle or flexing between the sandwiched aluminum. The SpeedSafe assisted-open blade sandwiches the mechanism right into the handle. Even with the Trac-Tec and SpeedSafe, the handle measures just over 7/16-inch thick.
We found the stainless steel liner lock easy to use. You can easily open and close the knife one-handed. That liner lock also nests right into the aluminum handle, rather than adding to its thickness as an entirely separate piece of spring steel.
Reversible Tip-Down Pocket Clip
The Kershaw Tiger-Stripe Blur pocket clip comes oriented so that the blade is tip down, but it can be reversed. It can’t, however, be moved to the other side, so southpaws might find this knife less pocket-friendly.
Kershaw Tiger-Stripe Blur Testing and Use
You cannot lose your grip on this knife. We tried the Kershaw Tiger-Stripe Blur with greasy hands, gloved hands, and, of course, sweaty hands. In all cases the knife simply wouldn’t come loose—at least not through any fault of its own. This is the type of tool you can really use confidently and quickly. Whether sharpening carpenter pencils or cutting through nylon rope during a recent camping trip, the blade proved to be very sharp, durable, and effective at making cuts. Once we finally managed to get the blade dull, it sharpened easily and quickly—even better than new.
Conclusion
The Kershaw Blur is a great knife. It’s a solid design and has one of the most innovative and successful handle designs we’ve ever used. The Tiger-Stripe Blur (1670BLKTSX) takes a great knife and really makes it look even more impressive. This is the kind of knife that not only cuts well and feels good in the hand, it looks good from across the room. Seriously, open up this knife in front of your friends and you’ll soon have a crowd… um, for the right reasons. We have used this knife for several weeks now as our EDC (every day carry) and it just might be our new favorite.
