Back when there were far more true gentlemen, men carried certain everyday items that were germane to their style and dress. There were gentlemen’s pocket watches, handguns (such as .25 ACP Colt 1908 Vest Pocket Pistols), smoking pipes, lighters and pocket knives. Gentlemen’s knives have traditionally been meant for light use and can’t usually handle serious situations.
When it comes to the gentleman’s knife, I think of a traditional pocket knife: a small knife designed to handle mostly light cutting chores while riding comfortably and inconspicuously in a trouser pocket. One of my favorite knives of this type that I carry often is a Case XX Stockman three-bladed pocket knife with surgical-steel blades and a yellow Delrin handle. While it is a sleek and finely crafted cutting tool for daily chores, I wouldn’t want to pry open a door with it. Standard-sized Swiss Army knives also fall into this type of category, but they offer more versatility due to the extra tools they provide.
I came up with the term “21st century gentleman’s tactical blade” to properly describe the Kershaw Method. Kershaw’s website describes the Method as “rugged, gentlemanly and dead sexy.” The description showed me I was on the same wavelength as Kershaw’s PR people and in line with the intended purpose of this new knife. Let’s face it: There are a lot of large tactical knives out there that aren’t the best for minor cutting tasks such as opening sealed boxes. Kershaw didn’t design the Method to be a frontline, sentry-silencing type of SWAT knife but rather one that would get a great deal of use for which it was designed.
I actually knew nothing about the new Kershaw Method 1170 knife when I was asked to review one. I looked at the picture of it when I received the press release email. It looked like just another tactical folding knife that people today like to carry so they can deal with a myriad of needs, including self-defense. While the Method looks like that type of knife, the dimensions aren’t the same. Designed by Jens Ansø in cooperation with Kershaw, the Method is much smaller than the average true tactical knife. However, it follows a similar form and style on a reduced scale, making it much lighter and easier to pack. Plus, the reduced size allows you to use it more easily for mundane tasks.
The Method weighs a feathery 2.1 ounces. This is accomplished in part by the scaled-back 3-inch blade and 7.25-inch overall open length. The thin blade is 8Cr13MoV, black-oxide, BlackWash-finished stainless steel. The blade has a standard edge, which is easier to sharpen than serrated styles. The BlackWash finish resists rust and gives the Method the subdued look that is popular these days.
The finger flipper, which operates the KVT ball bearing, is one of the best I’ve seen. It is very low-profile, yet prominent enough to provide plenty of leverage to flip the blade open. Once the inset liner lock locks the blade, the flipper serves as a finger guard to prevent the hand from slipping forward. The liner lock is easily accessed through the recessed area on the bottom of the knife that accommodates the index finger. The index finger recess, like the flipper guard, also helps prevent the finger from slipping forward when cutting.
The Method’s short handle, which is 4.25 inches long, limits the ability to obtain a super strong grip. Even in my medium-sized hands, the grip doesn’t protrude more than halfway down my pinky when I grip the knife tightly, and it certainly does not reach below the palm of my hand. Again, the handle’s length doesn’t matter when you consider the kind of tasks for which the Method is designed.
The grips are made from 3D-machined G10 and feature a machined pattern which allows for a solid non-slip grip. There is also a large built-in lanyard ring, which is a trademark of Ansø’s designs. A single-position pocket clip allows for right-side, tip-up carry.
The left side of the blade bears the Kershaw logo. The right side bears the model number (1170) and says that the Method is an Ansø design. This knife has an MSRP of only $39.99 because it was manufactured in China according to Kershaw’s high standards.
The Kershaw Method’s design plays to the reality that most users of tactical folding knives actually use their knives for mundane chores and small cutting tasks. The Method’s small size and ultra-light weight mean that there is no reason for you not to have one on your person, no matter where you are. A knife (or a gun) that is too big for long-term comfort is no good to you when you leave it at home. And with a $39 MSRP, you also can’t afford not to have the Method with you. Just don’t forget you have it when you go to the airport.
More info at: https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/method
