Kershaw and AL MAR are both pretty storied names in the world of cutting tools. The AL MAR company has been around since 1979 and has a mission of providing serious users with custom-quality blades (in both design and construction) at factory-knife prices. Kershaw has been around since 1974 and has a very similar mission — providing users of all sorts with the highest quality knives at very reasonable prices. I have owned several Kershaw knives and can attest that they are top-notch. It makes sense that two companies with such similar missions would team up to provide a series of knives that combines AL MAR design and style attributes with Kershaw concepts and manufacturing.
The Kershaw/AL MAR AM-3 and AM-4 knives are both serious blades that will serve well in both the tactical and utility roles. (If we are being brutally honest, the utility role is what tactical blades are used for 99% of the time.) Despite their functional designs, both knives are what I’d call “elegant” blades — due to the overall design and finish. If you are a bit weary of the purely tactical look as I am, you will appreciate the appearance and attributes of the AM-3 and AM-4.
The AM-3 and AM-4 are exactly the same except for size. The Kershaw website lists the AM-3 as having a 3.4-inch blade and the AM-4 as having a 3.5-inch blade. I looked at both knives side by side and, using my trusty yardstick, I found that the AM-4’s blade is actually 3¼ inches long, while the AM-3 is 2-7/8 inches long, making the AM-3 desirable for those users who live in an area where maximum blade length of a concealed knife is 3 inches. The AM-3’s length maximizes blade efficiency while giving the user some additional distance from legal jeopardy.
Both blades are equipped with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening — one of the very best designs for quick, one-handed deployment. While there are no nail nicks, the blades can be opened by pulling them open, using the ambidextrous thumb studs or by using the smooth-deploying finger flipper, which is the only way to operate.
The finger-flipper opening method is an outstanding design. By applying pressure from the index finger of the grasping hand to start the opening process, the blade flips open the rest of the way under spring pressure, locking into place. There is no safety to release and no button to push. Due to the fact that the blade cannot open unless started by the motion of the finger, finger-flipper knives with spring assists are not classified as “switchblades” in most locations — check your local laws to make sure. The difference between the two is ridiculously miniscule. Because the motion of a hand used to open a switchblade only involves the pushing of a button and no physical contact with the blade itself, switchblades are illegal, while spring-assisted finger-flipper knives aren’t (even though finger flippers are as fast as, if not faster than, the average switchblade). Why? Since switchblades utilize push-button activation to open, it is entirely possible to have one open in your front pants pocket from pressure outside the pocket. To deal with this very valid concern, a true switchblade must be kept in the pocket with the safety on, making quick opening a two-step (take safety off, then push button) process rather than the one step required of the finger-flipper designs.
Speaking of the blades, both the AM-3 and AM-4 use 8Cr13MoV satin-finish stainless steel for a fine cutting edge. The blade style is technically a drop point, but also has hints of stiletto in the design, imparting a sleek combat/defensive look without detracting from the ability to perform mundane daily tasks. There are no serrations on the blades, which is the style I prefer for easy sharpening. The AM-3 and AM-4 are simply some of the coolest looking — yet functional — blades I have seen or worked with.
The AM-3 and 4 both balance well in the hand. The scales are smooth G10, with the scales opposite the pocket-clip side finished in a carbon-fiber-type pattern, which adds to the overall elegance of the knives. The pocket clip is not movable from the factory position, which is set for tip-down, right-handed pocket carry. The AL MAR logo is emblazoned in red on the pocket clip. I never use pocket clips to carry my folding knives; I don’t want to advertise that I am carrying a knife any more than I want to advertise that I am carrying a gun. Plus, rolling around on the ground in a fight is a sure way to guarantee your defensive knife is up for grabs by anyone, which is a situation I prefer to avoid.
Speaking of the scales and grip, the grip shape is nicely contoured to fit in the hand. When open, the flipper serves as a finger guard. The top of the blade has serrations for thumb purchase when open. The blade locks open with a frame-/liner-type lock — and the lockup is rock solid. Zero play was felt when the blade was open. Here is another nice subtle yet appreciated feature of both knives: the top and bottom are both open, meaning that the AM-3 and 4 can’t become difficult-to-clean lint traps. There is also one final elegant touch added that is not instantly obvious: the spacers used for the grips are red tubes, another nod to the AL MAR collaboration.
I really like the AM-3 and AM-4 Kershaw/AL MAR series. When you put two great companies together with the right mission, great things occur. The AM-series knives are manufactured in China, although Kershaw also has a line of U.S.-produced knives. The Chinese-manufactured Kershaw line is indistinguishable in terms of quality and appearance from the U.S. line. Chinese manufacture allows a great price point for the AM-3 and AM-4: MSRP is $44.99 and $49.99, respectively.
More info at:
www.kaiusaltd.com
www.almarknives.com
