Kershaw Black Gulch Knife

Kershaw's Black Gulch is an excellent value and a mindfully built lockback knife. The steel is Chinese made AUS8, which has more more carbon than the standard AUS8 and less nickel in the steel, hence AUS8A: the nomenclature for this steel is 8CR13MoV, which is the same China-made stainless steel used in many of Spyderco and and Spyderco Byrd knives. The overall properties are improved wear resistance and hardness compared with the original AUS8.The knife feels good in hand. I also picked up the shorter version, Corral Creek with a 2.5" blade. The Black Gulch has a 3" blade and takes a exceptional/sharp/clean edge. The acid tests are slicing through paper and cardboard, the Black Gulch sliced through both materials with ease. I would think as a hunting knife it would perform equally as well.I'm quite pleased with the look and feel of the knife and the quality of the materials used in the build. The majority of the company's knives are U.S. made; this model and several others, however, are manufactured in China specifically for Kershaw and to the company's specifications, i.e., Kershaw did not buy a 'box' knife and etch its logo on the blade. The company has designed and produced a quality knife. This, for me, is the first China-manufactured knife that I have owned that I can confidently say is a thoughtfully made, quality product, thanks to Kershaw.The knife comes with a simple black nylon sheath with a hook-and-loop fastener. The sheath rides flat on a belt and can be worn horizontally or vertically. In addition to the Black Gulch and Corral Creek. Kershaw's entire series of this particular lockback is worth a look. The one model in the series that I haven't tried is Kershaw's Wildcat: this knife has a 3.5" blade. If I had a need for a 3.5" blade, it would be my next lockback purchase. On a final note, Kershaw's customer service has been exemplary. I have called to ask questions about products and to request additional #6 Torx-head screws because of a lost clip screw, my fault, on a Ken Onion Leek--Kershaw sent me a bag of new screws and even the Torx drivers. I have had great customer service from the CSR dept. at Kershaw. This is an honorable company, one that cares for its customer base and the quality of its products.March 27 Update: I discussed sharpening knives with Kershaw. I've had difficulty with Smith's diamond sharpeners, I'm unable to reproduce a smooth blade edge. I've been using the fine 'stone.' Kershaw recommended Lansky's sharpening system, available right here at Amazon. Lansky Deluxe 5-Hone Sharpening System Lansky's Deluxe 5-Hone appears to be the one. According to the spokesperson at Kershaw, the smart procedure between semiannual or annual sharpening sessions is to hone the blade after several uses at a 20- to 22-degree angle. Lansky offers 20 degrees as one of the cutting angles. I've read where some of Kershaw's blades are cut at 16-degrees, likely the Chive, Scallion, and the Leek, judging from their extreme slicing capability. However, Kershaw recommended honing and sharpening all their blades at 20 degrees. Of course, the company also offers a no-charge sharpening service on all its knives.

I can't compete with reviewers who know a lot about materials, sharpening or reputation. I just see what I like and get it. If I look at it and it appears cheap, or doesn't feel good in my hand, or isn't sharp out of the box., chances are it'll go back.You also can have great difficulty evaluating a knife from just knowing the blade length or weight. Kershaw makes several knives that look exactly the same in the pictures. The Black Gulch is one of them.One thing I've noticed over time is, even though 'China' may be stamped on the blade, it does not mean it is an inferior in any way to American made.Knowing my limited knowledge you can take this for what it's worth. This is an excellent knife, and the price makes it a bargain (<$20). It is large and has a lot of heft, so it is not a pocket knife you're going to be carrying in your business suit. But if you're looking to have a knife that will hold up to heavy use, this fits the bill.No flipping it open with one hand, or impressing your friends with some unique feature. It is a simple lockback knife that takes a little effort to open, and a little more to close.But if you'd rather have a nice knife than a $20 bill, pick one up. You won't be disappointed.

Made in China! Didn't know until I received it. Pretty knife, wished it were American or German made.

As of 7/6/12, the day I am writing this review, Amazon's page states this knife has AUS6 steel, a good quality Japanese steel. In the mail I received the Kershaw Black Gulch and it had "CHINA" stamped on the blade. From research I found out that this is Chinese 8cr13mov steel. People say it's equivalent to AUS8 which actually a better Japanese steel, but with this knife, it sure doesn't seem like it..Like the other reviewer who gave this knife one star, I too have experience owning another Kershaw lockback knife. Except in my case.. I still have it. I own an old 90's Kershaw Corral Creek. It's basically the 2.5" version of this knife but with "Japan" stamped on it (I assume this old knife really has AUS6 steel). So, I put the two side-to-side, and boy was there a difference..The Corral Creek has very solid lines, good jimping (the bumpy part on the spine of the blade for thumb traction), and a SOLID satin finish. When you open and lock the blade it makes a distinct "click!" noise like how most good quality knifes make.The Black Gulch I got looks nothing like it. The blade shape is inconsistent and has rounded edges. What's worse is the blade isn't even sharpened straight. The relief edges are lop-sided (it's heavily sharpened on the right, but not so much on the left). When you cut with the blade straight down your cut appears to the left of where you're aiming. You can also clearly see some spots of the blade that are black or rusted, especially in between the lines of the jimping; the blade seems to just be cheap rusty steel with a stainless steel coating to make it look legit. The blade steel is definitely not AUS6. I should mention also that the handle is noticeably cheaper looking and makes a hollow "ting!" noise when I open and lock the knife.Please Amazon, edit your page to read "8cr13mov Chinese Steel".. then at least we'll know what we're getting into when we buy this knife. This is the first time Amazon has ever let me down so I'm still an Amazon fan. Peace.