I wouldn't say I'm an expert but I have owned over the years more than two dozen pocket knives. This is either the best, or ties for first but it wins the prize for EDC because it's not a collector's knife that I can use without worrying about its price dropping because it's a collectible. It is certainly my favorite. It is light with a reversible, deep carry clip that can actually go over your pants pocket. The clip is deep enough that it does not catch on the pocket edge and it's not so tight that it takes two hands to wrestle it into place. It is not spring loaded but it is so light if you open it with the right amount of pressure on the lever it almost seems like a spring loaded blade. It looks handsome and useful without exclaiming "He's got a knife!!", both when in use and when in the pocket. I use mine almost every day for something but I'll admit I'm not extremely rough on my EDC knife. I did notice that mine had a few hard edges when I got it...on the spine and on the edges of the carbon fiber but I took some steel wool and smoothed the edges down with a little effort. Unlike other knives I've bought it did not need lubrication, adjustments or sanding off rough pitted metal to give it smooth action. It just came that way...what a treat.
I can't speak for the hardness of the steel, other than it seems to keeps an edge well. I demand a sharp blade so anytime I use it for a project like cutting up a bunch shipping boxes I'll run it over the blade sharpener a couple times to keep it sharp. I usually do it once a week but I've never thought that my blade seemed dull at all even after using it. This is a really good EDC and at 1.9 ounces it does not get in the way. My wife does not like any other knife I have but she said this one looks nice. I agree...it's what I would consider a Gentleman's EDC. I also like how affordable it is. I feel like I can use it, try to wear it out and maybe even lose it and I'm not going to me set back a lot. This is what I want in a knife...a working tool that is there when I want it but not in my way and looks good while serving its purpose.
I want to comment on some things I read in a review after buying mine. In this review they said that the carbon fiber body flexed. No. I can't make mine flex any more than I think steel would with the same force. They said the clip has some wiggle: Nope, not on mine. They said the blade moved: Nope, not on mine. I got the impression they thought it felt cheap because it was light. Um, NO!. There is a difference between cheap and being lightweight. I think the carbon fiber is great. It's lightweight but has a classy basketweave pattern that appears to move and reflect the light differently when you move it side to side, almost like a hologram. The review ends with a comparison to another knife that is like the Atmos but "nicer in every imaginable way" and suggests that you consider a different knife with similar shape and design but then mentions it has a framelock, which is a con to me, it's stainless steel so it's four times heavier and oh, by the way, it costs $250. Ridiculous to compare the two knives, other than they are designed by the same man. Get real. Please don't heed a review like that as he is comparing apples to watermelons.
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2023: It’s now two years later and I still carry this knife every day. I love it. It shows no signs of wear and has never disappointed in any way.
I guess I do wish they made the exact little brother to this that was a little shorter. I don’t always need a 3” blade. I think a version on this exact knife with a 2” blade would be perfect. But I honestly still do carry this knife every day.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Everyday |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kershaw |
| Model Name | Atmos |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Age Range (Description) | 18+ yrs |
| Included Components | knife |
| Handle Material | G10, carbon fiber overlay |
| Color | Black |
| Blade Material | 8Cr13MoV |
| Style | 4037 |
| Blade Length | 3 Inches |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 1.76 ounces |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point |
| Blade Edge | Plain |
| Is Cordless? | Yes |
| Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Item Length | 6.9 Inches |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00087171052236 |
| Manufacturer | Kershaw Sporting Goods |
| UPC | 087171052236 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.96 x 1.42 x 1.26 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.08 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.9 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Brand Name | Kershaw |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Warranty |
| Material | Synthetic |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 4037 |
| Size | One Size |
