The Kershaw Skyline Flipper is a pocket knife that will surprise you! We’ve been testing this one out on the trails and on some backpacking adventures, and we are impressed with this easy open, lightweight knife.
Pros:
- Lightweight. The Kershaw Skyline is so lightweight I almost forgot it was in my pocket! It only weighs 2.3 ounces.
- Fun to open! To open the knife, all I have to do is use my index finger and a little wrist flip and out comes the blade. Believe me, it is safe, but you won’t want to show it to young children because they’ll be mesmerized by how fun it is to open. Those of us hikers who are young at heart can have fun out on the trail, and I am able to flip it open easily with both my right and left hand (it is specifically designed for ambidextrous use).
- Strong liner lock mechanism. When the blade is fully opened, the liner part of the handle secures the blade in place. This is different than “lock back” knives where the blade locks open and there is a depression on top of the handle that releases the lock when pushed downward. I found it to lock very securely, which is a nice feature.
- Good value. The Kershaw Skyline is one of the least expensive high quality folding knives we’ve tested, and it can be found for well under $50 at many online retailers including the Kershaw store for $41.95. Plus there is a limited lifetime warranty and they are all made in the USA.
Cons:
- So light you may lose it! I had to be careful not to lose this slim knife out on the trail since I’m used to carrying knives that weigh at least an extra ounce or two. There is a hole at the end of the handle, so I tied a small lanyard to it then clipped it to a carabiner so it wouldn’t slip out of my pocket.
- Clip is stiff. The pocket clip is not easy to use one-handed, and since I can open the knife one-handed it would be nice to be able to clip it in my pocket one-handed as well. Perhaps additional use will loosen it up.
I’ve nicknamed my Kershaw Skyline “Flipper”, and when I was out on a hike last weekend I was telling my friend about my new “Flipper”…she thought I was talking about a dolphin! 😉
Specs:
- Closed Length: 4 1/4 inches
- Blade Length: 3 1/8 inches
- Blade Style: Straight edge.
- Weight: 2.3 ounces
- Blade Type: Sandvik Stainless Steel with stone washed finish
- Price: MSRP $64.95
- Other features: Reversible Pocket Clip. It can be reversed easily or removed.
Happy trails!
Kaleb – thanks. I’ll try that too!
Its a good little utility knife. When I go hiking I don’t carry mine though as its to light duty for me and I don’t need to incorporate it into my system. I picked up a damacus one for a lil xtra flare and have been happy for the past year…
Right on. I love my skyline, but I noticed the clip was too tight as well. I bent mine a bit to make it less tight. I carry mine everyday.
Thanks for the feedback, Bobbi. Happy trails!
I like the description and features of this knife and will check it out; being so light I am going to recommend the knife to friends so concerned about each ounce of weight they carry on their hikes.
Thanks,
Well done!