Wow!
What a knife for $40 and USA made! It is similar in many ways to my $165 Benchmade Volli. The main differences are the Link uses basic 420HC stainless steel and the Volli uses the superb but expensive S30V and the Link employs an assisted opening flipper and liner lock, and the Volli has assisted opening thumb studs and Axis lock.
The blades of the two knives are very similar: same length, same thickness with a tapered back and point though the Link has a sharper point and slightly more belly, same length of handle and overall, both have quality scales over sturdy stainless liners, same handle thickness. But the Volli costs more than 4x the Kershaw Link.
The 420HC steel of the Link is plenty good enough for most purposes. It requires sharpening more often than the S30V but it is a well proven blade stainless steel. I don’t generally like liner locks since you must put your finger in the blade path of travel to unlock it. Use focused attention always when closing one. But liner locks is a way manufacturers can keep costs down as well. For a medium to light duty knife it is OK. For me I wanted a knife similar to my excellent BM Volli but cheaper for use in the yard or job site so if it is lost I don’t mind so much as I would with a $150-$200 knife.
The quality of design, assembly and finish of the Link is superb. It far exceeds my expectations at this price point. The Speedsafe assisted opening is stiff at first but after 20-30 openings it has slicked up to a quick slam opening and lock. The flipper has nicely done jimping for fingertip traction. All edges are radiused and finished. The handle shape is fantastic for a secure hold and the aluminum scales are roughed up slightly for a good grip. The overall size is what is for me the max comfortable pocket carry size. Bigger knives like the BM Barrage take up most of the jeans pocket. This Link is slim enough and just shorter enough to leave pocket room for keys and coins and a hand. It is also on the heavier side with aluminum scales and stainless liner but it feels OK for the size of the knife.
I don’t think there is a better value for a quality assisted opening knife , and possibly any lock design near this price. This is an amazing quality knife and great to see it accomplished at the Kershaw factory in Tualatin, Oregon.
Update May 2020:
My original blue Link is still working great and have come to like it so much for work and yard conditions that I bought another one. The new Link 1776 is the $31 nylon handled version. I like it even more than the aluminum version since it is lighter. All else is the same great quality. I have other knives similar to this with similar or better steel but they cost 3x-6x as much as the Kershaw Link. Such as Spyderco Salt, Delica, Paramilitary2, and the aforementioned Benchmade Volli. Buck Knives make some some folders of similar quality but they are not assisted and not as smooth manual opening, but same steel. Also U.S.A. made. This Link model is superb value at this price point. I like having a sturdy, sharp, quality knife on me while working yet not be too bummed if it got lost, easily replaced at the price. You can several Links for the price of one US made Spyderco or Benchmade.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kershaw |
| Model Name | 1776NBBW |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | Knife |
| Handle Material | Aluminum |
| Color | 1776NBBW |
| Style | Pocketknife |
| Blade Length | 5 Inches |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 4.8 Ounces |
| Blade Shape | Pocketclip |
| Blade Edge | Stainless Steel sharp edge |
| Item Length | 7.6 Inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.88 x 1.5 x 1.42 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.16 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Brand Name | Kershaw |
| Material | Steel & Aluminum |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Kershaw Sporting Goods |
| Part Number | 1776NBBW |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Size | 4.8 oz |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
