Reddit reviews Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST); 3.4” DLC-Coated, 14C28N Steel, Partially Serrated Blade; Anodized Aluminum Handle, SpeedSafe Opening, Reversible Pocketclip; 3.9 OZ
We found 19 Reddit comments about Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST); 3.4” DLC-Coated, 14C28N Steel, Partially Serrated Blade; Anodized Aluminum Handle, SpeedSafe Opening, Reversible Pocketclip; 3.9 OZ. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
SpeedSafe Assisted Opening makes for easy one-handed safe opening with thumbstudReversible pocketclip allows for carry tip up or tip down on the right side using pre-drilled holesKnife blade held in place with a secure liner lock, giving the knife a slim, sleek and stylish design while keeping the blade secure and the user safeTrac-Tec inserts give quality grip and offers easy carry in all environments, including wet and marine conditionsGreat EDC knife for anyone in need a reliable knife, including hunters, fishers, outdoorsmen, and users who enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, carving, camping and more
Ok. So to summarize what you want:
Will be used for
Some things you also mention
>when I want to use it, I want it to do the job properly
You listed off a large range of tasks, an I personally feel that for all those things, some of the knives you are looking at might not be necessarily the best.
My Thoughts
Firstly, I would advise against using any knife as a go-to seatbelt cutter. For safety reasons you don't want to accidentally stab the person whose seatbelt you want to cut. Especially since tanto blade shapes are designed to maximize tip strength for stabbing/penetration. For your emergency needs I feel this or this would be better.
As for camping, a tanto blade is not "ideal" but for the tasks you I assume you'll be doing I think you'll be ok. A blade with a nice belly (the curved part of a blade, like a drop point) has more utility as it will be easier to slice food, and offer you a bit better control. But I mean if you like the tanto shape than by all means =).
If you feel like you're not going to have it on your person everyday, then that Kershaw RJI should be more than sufficient for your needs. Just because Kershaw's price are lower, they definitely do not feel like "cheapies"! Kershaw has great build quality, 8cr13MoV is an OK steel, and will be easy to touch up.
I haven't had any experience with SOG so I can't say much about them, other than that /r/knives is a fan of the SOG Flash. As for ZT, they are wonderful knives. they are a little big to have in the pocket, but the quality and craftmanship is definitely there. For how lightly you will use it, If I were in your shoes, I am not sure if I can justify this as a first buy, unless you have a real appreciation for knives.
Other Options
They are all around the same blade size, and same "look" as your suggested 3. The first 3 are around the same price range as the Kershaw RJI and are community proven knives. The last is around the price range of the ZT 0700, but in my opinion is a better buy. Griptilians are a joy to use.
That's my $0.02, hopefully I didn't overwhelm you too much!
Sorry for the lack of info fellas. I posted the pic last night and totally for got to add the specs.
http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Tactical-Folding-Knife/dp/B0009VCA1M/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1292357792&sr=8-5
my friend has one of these. It's a bit slower than the leeks because of the big blade, but it does fine.
Look at the Kershaw Leek, its got a good 3 inch blade, it practically disappears in your pocket, is basically a modern gentlemen's folder, and can get it in several different colors. Its one of the most popular knives out there and is well made. Only thing to watch out for is the tip, its very thin and can break off if you try and use it as a pry bar. You can find the leek for about 40-60 bucks depending on the model.
Link - Kershaw Leek
If you're looking for something heavier duty, the Kershaw Blur or Freefall would be good buys. I use a freefall as one of my EDC knives and think its a great buy for the money. The blur is very well regarded as well, though I don't have experience with one myself.
Link for Blur
Link for Freefall
If you don't absolutely need the spring assist, another idea would be a Spyderco Delica 4, or perhaps a Spyderco Persistence if you want a little cheaper price. Both are solid knives for the money and aren't too bulky in the pocket. You can get the Delica in colors too!
Link for Delica 4
Link for Persistence
Fortunately for you, there's nowhere to go but Up from S&W Knives. How about this one: http://amzn.com/B0009VCA1M
Kershaw Blur Tanto Serrated
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009VCA1M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XVh4Db95P4Y1Q
Kershaw Tac Blur: http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Tactical-Folding-Knife/dp/B0009VCA1M
You should get him this.
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur as well as a Gerber Artifact.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009VCA1M/ref=twister_B008XOX5E8?_encoding=UTF8&th=1 Or any kershar blur you can find around your price range, they're great knives.
http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Tactical-Folding-Knife/dp/B0009VCA1M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397175549&sr=8-1&keywords=blur+kershaw
%50 off
Are folders out of the question? Kershaw's Tanto Blur would be a decent option if not. A friend of mine loves his. I must ask though, why tanto?
*Edit: Here is a link to view the product on amazon/read reviews. Just a time saver. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009VCA1M
What you think about the Kershaw Blur tactical over the Spyderco Tenacious?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009VCA1M/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/187-9554535-0085520
What about a Kershaw Tanto Blur?
Kershawguy.com has blemished ones for 35 bucks. I bought mine from him and the only thing wrong with it was the finish was slightly off on the spine of the blade. Otherwise completely functional and sharp as heck. (though by purchasing a blem knife it has no warranty)
The Kershaw Blur is the best every day carry knife that I've used. It is the only knife I have ever bought again when I lost the previous one (and I've done this 3 times).
Some employers do not allow their employees to carry pocket knives, just so you know.
You're right. I remembered that it came in tanto and serrated, but I guess not both at once. The Blur does, but at a bigger price tag. Post when you get your stuff!
Kershaw Tanto Serrated Blur Knife with SpeedSafe (Tactical Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009VCA1M/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Z8Izub13291Y3
This is the knife I carry. Partially serrated, assisted open, long, strong clip, tough aluminum body with Trac-Tec grip. Sharp, easy to open and close, great grip and the handle is tough enough to withstand using it as a tool in it's own way.
That would be nice for some, but I just don't see it happening. If you're into SOG, Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco, or any of the high end knives you know what the difference is between the Kershaw Zero Tolerance Combat Folding Serrated Knife for $180 made with S30V stainless that will hold a 23 degree bevel all day long, and the Kershaw Kershaw Ken Onion Tactical Blur Folding Knife for $52 made from 13C26 stainless. The second one isn't a bad knife, but it won't come close to as sharp, or holding it's edge as long.
I think $50 SR's might turn guys off to the practice. They just wouldn't be as sharp, or hold their edge as long. That said, with the way Chinese and Indian steel has come up in quality in the last 10 years, if those boys get serious about making high quality razors, all bets are off because they might be able to make a high end product in the $50 price range.
is it worth it over the 13C26 Blur or the 14C28N glass breaker Blur.
I think the Blur will be my next EDC knife and /r/Knives said go with the S30V blade. I just have yet to find one (a serrated S30V that is)