Kershaw Gravel Pocket Knife, Perfect EDC, 2.5" 8Cr13MoV Steel Reverse Tanto Blade, Pocketclip

I never post reviews, and I buy a lot of stuff from Amazon. I felt compelled to share my opinion on the Kershaw Gravel Pocket Knife. This knife is perfect for me. What I needed was a temporary replacement for my stainless steel Kershaw 1600SS Ken Onion, which I purchased in 2012.The action on the Ken Onion wasn’t opening fully, so I sent it to Kershaw for repair. I wanted something similar to the 1600SS. I wanted a reliable, low profile, everyday knife that I barely knew was in my pocket, but had fast action and a sharp blade.I initially purchased the Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife, 3”, 14C28N, because it looked similar to the Ken Onion that I loved so much. I wound up returning the Leek, because it was a little too large and a bit too heavy for me.I always remove the pocket clips from my everyday knives in order to make them as slim and low profile as possible. I also didn’t love the fact that the Leek’s lock always had to remain engaged, because the action was so fast and simple, and the blade was so darn pointy and sharp that I couldn’t risk the possibility of it accidentally opening in my pocket.What I love most about the Gravel is that it is slim, with a sharp and thick blade. As always, I removed the pocket clip, and I didn’t feel bad about it since it was quite small. Removing the clip did end up being a bit of a challenge. One of the two screws came out easily, but the second one turned out to be a bugger. I ended up drilling it out.Now I have a low profile, reliable, sharp and strong blade with perfect action. The Gravel doesn’t have a lock because the way the spring assist was designed, a lock is not required. It won’t ever accidentally open in my pocket, but when I need it, the blade is simple enough to open with my index finger.If you need a knife in which I just described, order yourself a Gravel, remove the pocket clip, slide it in your pocket, and call it a day. At a price point of less than $40, you won’t be disappointed.

Blade length is about 2 - 7/16 when measuring from the tip to the leading point of the handle.I do like the reverse tanto style. Maintains a steady full-length curve on the edge, and makes the tip taller than a drop point for added strength. I have a Kershaw with a more typical tanto, and I didn't like the angle where the tip met the rest of the blade. That made it awkward to cut with the tip.Edge is sufficiently sharp. But the taper from the spine to the edge drops very quickly, making most of the blade very thin. It's thinner than my other knives, making me a little concerned about durability.Grip. This is a frame lock without handle scales. The frame surface is smooth, so it can be a little slippery. The top of the spine does have some jimping. Would have been nicer if it went all the full length of the finger cut-out.Clip is tip up, with left or right side. Clip height is sufficiently deep-carry.Light weight, since there are no handle scales.I like Kershaw's assist mechanism. It will almost always fully deploy after the finger flipper is turned a certain amount. The flipper also has jimping. The spring will bias toward closing when the blade gets near the handle, and there is resistance to closing when the blade reaches about 90 degrees for additional safety.I have no issues with the frame lock.I prefer a solid color vs the the washed gray coating. But the washed pattern will probably hide scratches better.

I've had my fair share of blades over the years. That said, the Kershaw Gravel Folding Pocket Knife has genuinely surprised me with its quality and overall performance.The blade, a 2.5-inch reverse tanto design, arrived incredibly sharp, showcasing Kershaw's dedication to providing ready-to-use tools. The contouring on the blade is a standout feature, offering an excellent balance between piercing power and slicing capability. The blade shape is versatile, tackling an array of tasks with ease, from opening packages to detailed cutting work.The knife employs Kershaw's trademark SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism, which really shines once the knife is broken in. Post break-in period, the opening action is both smooth and strong, allowing for swift and effortless deployment of the blade.The handle, while lacking in texture, offers its own advantages. Its smooth finish facilitates an easy in-and-out from the pocket. The ease of deployment when the knife is clipped to your pants is also noteworthy, making the knife always ready at hand.As someone who typically prefers larger knives, I initially had reservations about the Gravel's more compact size. However, the knife's performance and quality have largely mitigated this concern. The size might actually be an advantage for those seeking a more discreet carry or for those with less room to spare in their pockets.My only quibble is a minor one. While the Gravel performs remarkably well for its price point, I do find myself wishing for just a bit more size in the handle and blade. This is, however, a personal preference and does not detract from the knife's overall functionality and value.In conclusion, the Kershaw Gravel Folding Pocket Knife is a solid buy. With its quality blade and reliable assisted opening mechanism, it delivers an exceptional value for money. It's a robust, compact tool that has earned a permanent place in my everyday carry.

Tuff and pretty sharp good little knife

Has held an edge extremely well. I run a shop and find myself using a knife to do things it probably shouldn't be used for like scraping gaskets or cutting something despite knowing I'm going to hit metal on the opposite side. To be honest, I usually lose the knife or the screws holding it together fall off and get lost long before i destroy the blade. Great quality, still nice and tight at the blade pivot where knives for me usually wear out. Still locks in place in the open position like it did new.

Carry it daily, great pocket knife for the price. Rugged/durable and practical.