Kershaw Blur S30V Review: Is It The Ultimate EDC Pocket Knife?
In the vast ocean of everyday carry (EDC) knives, few silhouettes are as instantly recognizable as the Kershaw Blur. Designed by the legendary Ken Onion, the Blur has been a staple in pockets for nearly two decades. But today, we aren’t talking about the standard 14C28N Sandvik model. We are diving deep into the premium, high-performance variant: the Kershaw Blur S30V.
Why does this knife matter? Because it bridges the gap between affordable production folders and high-end super-steel tools. If you have been browsing our Blue Ridge Knives reviews looking for a hidden gem, you know that finding premium materials at a mid-range price point is rare.
In this extensive Kershaw Blur S30V review, we will tear down the specs, analyze the metallurgy of the blade, test the SpeedSafe action, and see if it truly stands superior to its budget competitors like the Smith & Wesson tactical line.
Quick Specs: The Tale of the Tape
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.4 inches (8.6 cm) |
| Blade Steel | CPM-S30V (Powder Metallurgy) |
| Handle Material | 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum |
| Lock Type | Inset Liner Lock |
| Opening Mechanism | SpeedSafe® Assisted Opening |
| Weight | 3.9 oz (110.5 g) |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA |
The Star of the Show: Kershaw Blur S30V
The Stone Washed finish meets the legendary Ken Onion recurve blade. A true workhorse for the modern user.
Check Latest Price on AmazonThe Blade: Why S30V Changes Everything
The standard Kershaw Blur uses 14C28N steel. That is a fine steel—easy to sharpen and decent at holding an edge. But the CPM-S30V version puts this knife into a different stratosphere.
What is CPM-S30V?
S30V is a martensitic stainless steel designed specifically for knives. Unlike standard steels that are melted and poured (which can create inconsistencies), S30V is created using Particle Metallurgy. This process sprays molten metal into a fine mist, which cools instantly into powder. This powder is then fused under heat and pressure.
The result? A molecular structure that is incredibly uniform. It allows for a high volume of Vanadium Carbides. In plain English: This blade stays sharp 5x to 10x longer than the cheap surgical steel you find in gas station knives.
The Recurve Shape
The blade features a slight “recurve” (an ‘S’ shape). This design philosophy helps capture material during a pull cut. It acts almost like a hawkbill, pulling the rope or packaging into the blade rather than letting it slip off the tip. It is aggressive and highly functional.
The Handle & Ergonomics: “Trac-Tec” Grip
The handle is crafted from 6061-T6 anodized aluminum. This is the same material used in aircraft fittings. It’s lightweight but incredibly strong.
However, aluminum can be slippery. Kershaw solved this with Trac-Tec inserts. These are textured, rubberized patches embedded into the handle scales. They provide a grip that feels like skateboard tape but without the abrasion that ruins your pockets. Whether your hands are wet, muddy, or gloved, the Blur isn’t going anywhere.
Deployment: The SpeedSafe Action
The Blur is an Assisted Opening knife. It is not an automatic (switchblade), but it feels just as fast. You push the angled thumb studs, and a torsion bar inside the handle takes over, firing the blade out with a satisfying THWACK.
This mechanism is controversial for some purists who prefer manual bearings, but for a tactical or work scenario, the reliability of SpeedSafe is unmatched. It opens every time, with authority.
Check out this video review to see the SpeedSafe action in real-time.
Field Test Results: How Does It Perform?
1. The Cardboard Test
We ran the S30V Blur through 50 feet of double-walled cardboard. Standard 8Cr13MoV steel (common in budget knives) usually starts tearing the paper rather than slicing it after 20 feet. The S30V Blur glided through the very last cut as smoothly as the first. The heat treatment on these USA-made models is superb.
2. The Lockup
The Blur uses an inset liner lock. Because the handle is aluminum, Kershaw riveted a steel liner inside specifically for the lock bar. The lockup is early and solid. There is zero blade play (wiggling) in any direction. It inspires confidence during hard use.
The Competition: Blur S30V vs. The World
Kershaw Blur S30V vs. Spyderco Paramilitary 2
This is the most common comparison. The Paramilitary 2 (PM2) is an icon.
The Blur wins on: Speed of deployment, slimmer profile in the pocket, and price (usually $40-$50 cheaper).
The PM2 wins on: The Compression Lock (stronger than a liner lock) and ergonomics.
Verdict: If you want a fast, tactical work knife, get the Blur. If you want a fidget-friendly slicer, get the PM2.
Kershaw Blur S30V vs. Smith & Wesson Border Guard
We recently covered the S&W Border Guard. The Border Guard is a massive, heavy tank of a knife. The Blur is sleek and precise. The Blur uses S30V steel, whereas S&W typically uses 7Cr17MoV. The S&W is a great “beater” for $25, but the Blur is a tool that will last a lifetime.
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
✅ The Good
- Premium Steel: S30V at this price point is a steal.
- Made in USA: High quality control.
- Grip: Trac-Tec inserts are fantastic in wet conditions.
- Action: SpeedSafe is reliable and fast.
❌ The Bad
- Sharpening: The recurve blade shape is tricky to sharpen on flat stones (use rods).
- Clip Position: Tip-up or Tip-down only (Right hand only). Lefties are left out.
- Assist Spring: Torsion bars can break eventually (though Kershaw replaces them for free).
Maintenance Tips for S30V
Owning a premium steel knife requires slightly different care than a cheap folder:
- Sharpening: Do not let it get butter-knife dull. S30V is hard to grind. Touch it up frequently with a ceramic rod or a leather strop. Because of the recurve shape, flat whetstones are difficult to use; we recommend a guided system like the Spyderco Sharpmaker or the Lansky system.
- Lubrication: Put a drop of light oil (like Nano-Oil) on the pivot and the torsion bar cavity once a month.
- Cleaning: Tape residue loves the coated blade. A little rubbing alcohol wipes it right off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Kershaw Blur S30V spring assisted?
Yes, it utilizes Kershaw’s patented SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. You manually start the blade opening with the thumb stud, and a torsion bar spring finishes the action.
Is S30V steel hard to sharpen?
It is harder to sharpen than basic carbon steels or 420HC, but it is not impossible. It holds an edge for a very long time, so you sharpen it less often. We recommend using diamond stones or ceramic rods for the best results.
Is the Kershaw Blur made in the USA?
Yes, the standard Kershaw Blur and the S30V model are manufactured in Tualatin, Oregon, USA. This distinguishes them from many of Kershaw’s budget lines which are made overseas.
Is the Kershaw Blur legal to carry?
The Blur is an “Assisted Opening” knife, not a Switchblade (Automatic). It is legal in most US states. However, you should always check your local municipal laws regarding blade length and assisted mechanisms.
Does the Blur have a glass breaker?
No, the standard S30V Blur model uses a rounded glass-filled nylon backspacer and does not feature a carbide glass breaker. For that feature, you would look more towards the Smith & Wesson tactical series.
Final Thoughts
The Kershaw Blur S30V is a legend for a reason. It sits in the “Goldilocks Zone” of the knife world: high-end materials, reliable American manufacturing, and a price tag that doesn’t require a loan.
If you are tired of sharpening your cheap EDC knife every week, make the upgrade. The S30V Blur is a tool you buy once and carry forever.
