Kershaw Barrage Nutnfancy knife review

This is a thin knife. As such the Kershaw Barrage is easily toted and will fit into most into systems seamlessly. In the POU of EDC blade, thinness is a huge plus. But the real charm of the Barrage for many users will be the strong framelock design of the blade. Its 410 stainless steel locking bar engages the back of the blade solidly and has span to accommodate wear. For dudes reluctant to use linerlocks, the Kershaw Barrage might be your blade. But a good EDC needs much more than just a solid lock to enter into the TNP Hall of Fame for EDC blades. Blade design is critical. Reminsecent of the Kershaw Leek to me, the Barrage blade is 3.5" long with an outstanding pointy tip for detail work, hollow grinding, and adequate belly (unlike the Leek). . The edge on the 14C28N steel arrives razor sharp, and like the other popular Kershaw Sandvik choice 13C26, it offers fine edge capabilities, good toughness, adequate edge holding, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. For those wanting to score points in the 2nd Kind of Cool, Kershaw offers a Damscus bladed Barrage in 2009. From Alabama Damascus steels, these carbon steel layered blades are striking in appearance, affordable, and arrive scary sharp. But the Damascus Barrage will demand high attention by the user to prevent it rusting away into oblivion. For EDC use, the 14C28N steel is the best choice (all steels and models subject to change by Kershaw of course). The slim stainless handle has Trac-Tec rubber inserts on one side and a smooth clip side which makes pocket insertion and extraction fast. The Barrage is not assisted opening and but comes out fast when properly adjusted and lubricated. And that's despite the tiny thumbstud which is designed to stay within the width of the low profile handle. A compact ramped thumbstud similar to the Blurs would be preferred but some practice can bring the blade out quick enough. The clip is identical to the 1740 Skyline: strong and serviceable and in this case, positionable for tip up/down carry (excellent job!). Yes the Barrage lacks any meaningful jimping and with its low profile handle, it might not be my first tactical blade choice. But it gracefully combines a rugged lock, fast deployment, good looks, and a razor sharp hollow-ground blade in a slim carry package that will excel in everyday carry duty and user enjoyment.(extra credit given for cool frame lock design) /////////////////////////// Nutnfancy LIkability Scale: 8.5 out of 10