Kershaw's Bump

Anyone who uses a knife on a regular basis knows that the good ones have a "sweet spot," a section of the blade where you can focus your leverage, get a good cut and still maintain balance and control. Sharpness is great, but if it isn't sharp in the right place, then your knife could be more of a hazard than an asset. Why can't someone create a knife that takes full advantage of the sweet spot? Well, the whetstone wonder-kin at Kershaw Knives have done just that with their Bump folder. Designed by master knife builder Ken Onion, the Bump features a pronounced hump a little more than halfway up the blade. The theory is that this "bump" provides maximum leverage on tougher cuts, thereby making it safer and easier to use than a standard bump-less blade.

Does it make that big of a difference? Actually it does. Cuts of various types from simple packing tape to more difficult wooden dowel rods were easier and more controlled using the Bump's blade. Since the "bump" kept the cutting subject on the sweet spot of the blade, more focus could go into pressure and control. Don't get the idea that the Bump is a one trick pony; the three and a half inch blade is built from S30V stainless steel, a variant that is practically devoid of impurities. S30V is strong (55-57 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale), versatile and holds an edge for a very long time.

The Bump Comes In Two Colors

Keeping with the theme, the handle of the Bump also has an anti-rotation protrusion to prevent it from inadvertently turning in the user's hand. Constructed from 6AL4V titanium for it's light weight and super strength, the four and a half inch handle is molded to fit perfectly into the user's palm for a safe, secure grip. The handle also sports a removable belt clip and a lanyard hole.

The Bump also comes equipped with Kershaw's Speed Safe assisted opening system. A simple push on the thumb stud (left or right handed) sends the blade easily into the open position where it locks into place for safe handling. Additionally, the Bump can be opened using the Index Finger Opening System, where simply pushing back on the Index Opening Knob on the spine of the handle over the pivot of the blade activates the Speed Safe System. Once open, the Index Opening Knob also functions as a finger guard. An effortless nudge of the liner-locking tab allows the blade to fold back into the handle for future use.

Simply put, Kershaw's Bump is the most versatile and practical folding knife on the market. For about two hundred fifty to two hundred seventy dollars you can get an individually serial numbered Bump (available in blue or green handles) and a zippered collector's pouch. You can grab one at any major sporting store or online at KershawKnives.com.