IMPORTANT INFORMATION

About Your NEW Kershaw Knife

Cleaning & Oiling

Always keep your knife clean. Wipe away debris and, if needed, wash with a mild detergent and dry thoroughly. Do not let your knives sit in water. Due to the high carbon content of the quality steel in our blades, the blade may corrode if not properly cared for. To protect your knife, simply wipe a coating of Kershaw Knife Oil on the blade before storing it. We recommend using Kershaw Knife Oil.

Blade and Handle Coatings

The technologically advanced coatings on the blades and handles of some Kershaw knives are designed to add beauty to the products and to enhance specific performance features. Although Kershaw coatings are designed to stand up to continual knife use, in time, all coatings will show some wear. Scratches and other signs of wear should be expected and considered normal.

Care for Kershaw Shears

Keep shears debris free. If needed, wash with mild detergent. Then wipe dry and add a light coating of oil to the blades and pivot point. The blades of your Taskmaster shears separate to make cleaning especially easy.

Adjusting Screws

Please use Torx bits (not an Allen wrench, which will strip the screws) to adjust screws on Kershaw knives. Most screws may be adjusted using either a T6 or T8 Torx bit, we recommend using the Kershaw TX-Tool. T6 fits pocketclip, handle, and safety-lock screws on current model knives. T8 fits the pivot screw. Some older models (prior to 2000) may require a T4. If screws on your knife are coming loose or you think the holes could be stripped, use thread locker (such as blue Loctite 243) and let it set for 24 hours before using your knife.

Sharpening

Your knife comes with FREE lifetime sharpening. Just send the knife into our Tualatin, Oregon facility, we’ll sharpen it and return it to you. You can also sharpen your knife with the Kershaw Ultra-Tek Sharpener or aftermarket sharpener that can sharpen between 20° and 22°. Follow the included instructions when using Kershaw’s Ultra-Tek Sharpener.

1. Hold the blade against the Ultra-Tek at the original sharpened angle of 18°–22°.
2. Beginning at the base of the blade and tip of the sharpener, pull the blade down and toward you across the top of the sharpener in a slight arc as shown in the illustration. Do the same thing across the bottom of the sharpener as shown. This sharpens the top of your blade.
3. Repeat this “over and under” motion approximately three to five times on each side to fully sharpen your knife.

Correct Pocketclip Usage

To ensure the knife remains closed until you open it, put the knife inside your pocket with the clip to the outside as shown. The blade side of the knife should be snugged up against the seam of the pocket.

Using the pocketclip properly makes carrying your knife safer. A clipped knife will be less liable to open accidentally, even if the flipper is impacted by another object you’re carrying in your pocket, purse, or backpack. Not using the pocketclip may lead to serious physical harm.

Pocketclip Carry Options

Many Kershaw knives come pre-drilled for a variety of carry options. See photos for the safe pocket carry positions for these various options. A tight clip, combined with this placement will help ensure your knife does not open accidentally during carrying.

CAUTION: Do not clip the knife to your belt. Carrying a pocketknife loose in your pocket is not recommended.

Identifying The Parts of Your Knife

NOTE: Not every stud on a Kershaw blade is a thumb stud. If the stud contacts the handle when the knife is open, the stud is a blade stop and prevents the knife from over extending. A thumb stud enables one-handed opening; the blade stop does not. In some cases, the blade stop may be used to open the knife—but the flipper usually works better.

Opening a Kershaw Manual Folder

With Flipper (including KVT)

Hold the knife handle in one hand with the butt end resting firmly in the palm of your hand. Place your index finger on the highest point of the flipper. Push down strongly and quickly on the flipper. The blade will move out of the handle and lock into place.

If you have trouble moving the blade fully out of the handle, add a slight flip of the wrist.

With Thumb Stud

Hold knife handle in one hand. Place thumb on the thumb stud. Push outward on the thumb stud. Continue pushing and follow as you rotate the blade out of the handle, and lock it into place.

Opening a Kershaw Assisted Folder

With Flipper

If your knife has a Tip-Lock, slide the Tip-Lock (located on the back of the handle near the lanyard hole) toward the butt of the knife to release it.

Hold the knife handle vertically in one hand. Place your index finger on the top of the flipper. Gently apply downward pressure on the flipper. The assisted knife opens quickly and easily, and the blade locks into place.

With Thumb Stud

Hold the knife handle vertically in one hand. Place your thumb on the thumb stud. Gently push outwards on the thumb stud. The assisted knife opens quickly and easily, and the blade locks into place.

With Flipper and Thumb Stud

Use either of the methods described above to open your knife.

IMPORTANT! When you open a Kershaw knife with assisted opening, avoid getting nicked by keeping your thumb and fingers on the handle and out of the way of the opening blade. All it takes is a pull back on the flipper or outward push on the thumb stud to open your knife.

Closing a Kershaw Folder

About our Locks

Kershaw knives close slightly differently depending on which type of lock the knife employs. Here’s how to unlock each type so that you can easily close your knife. Be sure to keep your fingers away from the blade edge while closing.

Mid-Lock

Hold the knife handle in one hand. Hold the back of the blade (away from the edge) with the other hand. With your thumb, press down on the mid-lock to release it. Slowly guide the blade back into the handle, making sure to keep your fingers out of the path of the blade as you close it.

Frame Lock or Liner Lock (Including Sub-Frame Lock and Inset Liner Lock)

Hold the knife handle in one hand. Turn the knife so that you can see the interior of the handle. On the left side of the handle, you will see that one side of the handle (also called the “frame”), the steel liner, an inset piece of steel, or part of the frame is positioned behind the blade. This is the lock.

With your thumb, press the lock to the left so that it is no longer blocking the blade. With your other hand, hold the back of the blade (away from the edge) and begin to guide the blade back into the handle. Move your thumb out of the way as you finish guiding the blade back into the handle.

Push Button Lock

Hold the knife handle in one hand. Place your thumb on the button lock. With your other hand, hold the back of the blade (away from the edge) and begin to guide the blade back into the handle. Keep your fingers out of the path of the blade as you finish guiding the blade back into the handle. Release the button so the lock engages the blade.

Hawk Lock

Hold the knife in one hand. To open the knife, pull back the spring-loaded latch plate in the knife handle. To close the knife, pull the lock slider toward the butt of the knife and fold the blade back into the handle.

DuraLock

Hold the knife in one hand. Place your thumb on the lock near the front of the handle. You can use either your right or left thumb on either side of the handle. Pull the lock towards the butt end of the handle so that it is no longer blocking the path of the blade.

Then, using the same hand, press the spine of the blade with your index finger and guide the blade into the closed position. Keep your fingers out of the blade path as you close the knife.

CAUTION! Do not depress the mid-lock when gripping the folding knife handle.

Kershaw Fixed Blade Knives

Many Kershaw fixed blade knives come with their own sheaths, which protect the blade during storage and make them easy to carry. In addition to storing them in their sheaths, fixed blade knives also benefit from the care and maintenance noted in the care instructions previously mentioned.

WARNING: Do not use any Kershaw knife with a gut hook for any purpose other than field dressing/gutting a game animal.

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Kershaw knives from Kai USA Ltd. carry a limited warranty for the lifetime of the original owner, except when stated otherwise. We guarantee our knives against manufacturing defects in material and construction and to perform as advertised when properly used and maintained. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is non-transferable and does not extend to normal signs of wear, rust, damage, or breakage due to improper use, improper maintenance, accidents, loss, or theft. This warranty is void on products that have been modified in any way. Any product we determine to be defective will be repaired or replaced solely at our discretion. To receive warranty repair or replacement, the owner must send the product to be evaluated by Kai USA Warranty Services in our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. In addition to the provisions of this warranty, the owner may also have other rights that can vary by state. The Limited Lifetime Warranty does not apply to the TX Tool, Firestarter (1019), or Kershaw Knife Oil. No other warranties are implied or expressed other than what is specifically stated here. Kai USA Ltd. reserves the right to determine what constitutes normal wear, improper use/maintenance, and modification.

We reserve the right to make changes to this warranty at our discretion and without notice.

For warranty information, shipping tips, and the Warranty/Service Form required for warranty service, please visit our service and warranty page.

Blade replacement

If you accidentally break your Kershaw folder’s blade, we can replace it for $25. Blades that break due to a manufacturing defect will still be replaced under warranty, free of charge.

Parts replacement

Some replacement parts can be shipped to you. Please see our replacement parts website for shipping and warranty service information. Replacement parts are offered as a courtesy for small repairs. They are not for resale, and we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone exploiting this program.

Vouchers

There may be cases when your knife has been evaluated and is eligible for warranty service but is not able to be repaired or replaced. This can be true with discontinued models of which we no longer have stock. In such cases, at our discretion, we will offer a voucher for a replacement knife of equal or lesser value, as defined by the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The voucher can only be used through the Kai USA Warranty Department and some exclusions apply. If you prefer to have your original knife returned instead of using the voucher, please call our warranty team toll-free: 1-800-325-2891. We will retain the knife for 30 days from the date the voucher is issued. If you do not call us to let us know by then, the knife will be recycled.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

Kershaw knives are intended and sold for legitimate everyday carry and/or sporting purposes only. The purchase, use, and ownership of knives are subject to a wide variety of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Always comply with all laws and regulations in effect in your area. Due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area. You, and not Kai USA Ltd., are solely responsible for any claims resulting from violation of these laws and/or regulations.

WARNING!

Knives are extremely sharp tools and should only be used or handled with the utmost care and caution. Any use other than cutting (such as prying or twisting) is considered misuse and abuse—and will void your warranty. Kershaw Knives/Kai USA Ltd. is not responsible for any injuries resulting from misuse or abuse of the product.

Do not use any Kershaw knife as a throwing knife (other than the Ion 1747BWX or Aethon 1748X throwing knives) or a stabbing device. Throwing knives and knives developed for stabbing have a distinctly different design and function. Kershaw knives are not intended for throwing or stabbing; they are designed for cutting purposes only.

We reserve the right to change shipping terms, specifications, materials, or discontinue products at any time, without notice.

Kershaw Products are covered by one or more pending and issued U.S. patents. Here is the list of past and present patents that we have utilized: 4,715,121; 4,741,106; 5,802,722; 5,815,927; 6,006,385; 6,397,476; 6,388,431; 6,412,130; 6,145,202; 6,223,372; 6,338,431; 6,378,214; 6,397,476; 6,427,334; 6,591,504; 7,086,158; 7,370,421; 7,395,599; 9,120,234; D303,748; D316,802; D317,390; D321,818; D329,185; D348,818; D351,328; D365,725; D366,605; D375,243; D392,131; D410,833; D437,197; D438,085; D450,228; D454,043; D454,768; D455,062; D467,783; D474,669; D479,104; D479,114; D484,770; D488,045; D565,918; D566,222; D569,212; D570,180; D572,542; D572,562; D575,614; D576,466.

If your Kershaw knife needs repair, please see information about the Limited Lifetime Warranty.