Kershaw Analyst Tanto Pocket Knife, 3.25" 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade, Liner Lock Folder, EDC

I bought this to replace an M-Tech USA tanto of similar design that I managed to break, a combination of a weak design being used too hard. It was a good knife with excellent steel, but I neglected to focus on its weakness: a large empty space in the spine (weight reduction?) of the blade, and weak mounting. It lasted a couple years, but eventually failed catastrophically.The Kershaw Analyst blade is solid, sharp, and fairly thick. The fiberglass/nylon handle is where I was concerned, but Kershaw focused on design here, too, with a solid steel frame under all of this, plus thick steel mounting hardware. The solidity of the blade when extended gives an honest feel of a long tang fixed blade (which this is not; do not use this as a wedging tool!), something that a folding knife in this price range typically can’t do.The black coating of the blade has been weathered using a tumbling procedure. I didn’t expect what it looks like up close, though. It is very smooth, but with a matte look, and holds on to oil very well. The description says it was done to “prevent scratching” under use. I don’t know if that has any truth, but after a day’s worth of use it wears like ceracoat on a firearm, meaning not at all.The spring action of the mechanism in opening is far stronger than the old knife it replaces, but the strength needed in the “flick” to open it is also greater, meaning little chance of this opening partially in my pocket, while also guaranteeing extension and locking when deploying one handed. To be honest, I will carry this as part of my EDC more as emergency preparedness than for any other reason, so solid use with only one hand is key along with the deep serrated section of blade (needed to quickly cut rope, seat belts, etc.).The belt clip came attached on the wrong side given my preferences, but with a Torx driver it was easy to swap over. A lot of people don’t seem to catch that Kershaw chose to drill and thread mounting positions not just on both sides, but also on both ends of the blade, so regardless one of those 4 positions will suit 100% of any user needing a pocket clip feature.I have carried knives 3-4 times the cost of this in the past, but have been badly sick the last couple years, which has dropped by funds tremendously, but as this is my first Kershaw experience, it’s looking like had this knife been presented to me a decade ago, I would have saved the money and carried this. Overall, probably the best knife I have ever owned!Granted, this is after just a day’s use, so I will be quick to come back and anything should there be something that would change my rating.

I purchased this to have as an extra knife already in the pocket of some of my other pants--I carry a concealed pistol, but ALWAYS want a self-defense blade too. This is a TERRIFIC overall knife! I own a Benchmade and a Gerber which are both about 5-6 times more expensive--this knife is just as rugged and high-quality as these more expensive knives.The handle is metal lined with an adjustment for blade opening tension. The belt clip is RUGGED and can be placed for upside-down carry as well as for South-paws. There's a small hole for a lanyard too.You will NOT find a knife that opens as quickly, effortlessly, and smoothly than this knife--I LOVE the opening mechanism especially due to it's lending itself to ambidextrous opening. The blade locks securely and I have no worries about it prematurely closing. The blade is RAZOR sharp as are the serrations. You can't go wrong with the tanto style blade, either.Okay...now for what I don't like. The handle could be slightly longer, so to be able to use the butt more effectively for striking with the blade open. The handle extends a bit and one could strike with it as I described...this is just my preference, and I don't have exceedingly large hands. On the flip-side of this preference, the size makes this knife VERY easy to carry.The biggest issue I have is the handle texturing should be more aggressive--if there was a lot of blood or something else slick, I think the knife could (that's a maybe, not a definite) be difficult to hold on to. I believe the other edges of the knife handle would compensate for my texturing pet-peeve in the blood/slick substance scenario, and I admit this is another personal preference.There's an eye-opening video on YouTube where high-cost folding knives were compared side-by-side with what some may call "cheap-o" knives, and the cheap-o knives performed just as well, or better, than the expensive ones. Don't be thrown by the low price of this knife. This is an outstanding knife well-made, and well-designed, and worthy of the Kershaw reputation....by the way, it's inexpensive enough that IF one did have to use it for self-defense, one could toss it over a bridge and not break the budget! With that in mind,I think I may just buy another one!

The Kershaw Analyst Tanto Pocket Knife quickly became one of my favorite EDC tools. The 3.25" 8Cr13MoV steel blade is razor-sharp right out of the box, and the tanto shape is great for precise cuts and piercing tasks. The liner lock feels secure, and the assisted opening is smooth and snappy—very satisfying to use.It has a sturdy, well-balanced feel in the hand without being too bulky in the pocket. The grip texture is just right for a confident hold, even during heavier use.I liked it so much, I went ahead and bought a second one! One stays in my gear bag, and the other is part of my everyday carry. For the price and quality, it's hard to beat. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a dependable and stylish pocket knife. 🔪💪

However, it is very sharp and durable she loves it.