In this hands-on review, we’ll share our thoughts on the Kershaw Cinder to help you decide if it’ll be a good addition to your EDC.
![Kershaw Cinder Review](https://www.themodestman.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Kershaw-Cinder-Review.jpg)
If thereโs one star of the everyday carry show, itโs got to be the pocket knife. Theyโre functional and stylish, and available with a huge range of options and prices.
And if youโre looking for an affordable way to get started with a small EDC knife, Kershawโs Cinder is one of the best options out there.
Iโve been using the Cinder for a few years now, and itโs become a constant part of my everyday carry. In this review, Iโll give you my honest take on whatโs great about the knife, what could be improved, and who itโs probably best for.
Quick Take
Kershawโs Cinder is probably the best small EDC knife on the market today. Itโs really affordable, super compact, and durable enough to stand up to daily use. Definitely Modest Man approved.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Good grip
- Keychain compatible
Cons
- Mini knife style might feel weird for some
About Kershaw
Kershaw is consistently producing some of the most popular and affordable knives for everyday carry, in a wide range of styles and prices.
Theyโve been around since 1974, and have always focused on making knives that are solid, durable, and reliable. Thatโs not just big talk either โ Kershaw backs up their commitment to quality and durability with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner of any of their knives.
What I Like
As a mini knife for everyday carry, the Cinder is pretty much perfect. Fully open, it measures just 4 inches. And when itโs closed, it comes in at 2.6 inches.
Thatโs just slightly longer than the average key, making this little knife great for keychain carry. And itโs equipped with a bottle opener for convenience, too.
Kershawโs attention to detail on all of their knife designs comes through in the Cinder as well. A thumb stud makes unfolding the blade smooth and easy. A liner lock means the blade will be stable and secure when fully open.
The grippy nylon handle and curvy design make it easy to hold onto. And the bladeโs steel is about as durable and wear resistant as you can get at this price.
What I Donโt Like
Honestly, I donโt have much negative to say about the Cinder. Itโs been a regular part of my EDC for a while now, and Iโve always found it to be handy and reliable.
I guess if youโre looking for a heavier duty knife it wouldnโt fit the bill. But as a mini knife that can be kept on your keychain, the Cinder is really top of its class.
Questions About the Kershaw Cinder
To wrap things up, letโs take a look at a few questions Iโve gotten about the Cinder.
Does the Kershaw Cinder hold a decent edge?
The Cinderโs blade is made with a 3cr steel. Itโs not an expensive steel, but it actually has great durability and edge retention for the price.
Where is the Kershaw Cinder made?
The Cinder is one of Kershawโs models that is made in China. Other knives from Kershaw are still made in the US.
How can I tighten the screws on Kershawโs Cinder?
Youโll need a Torx screwdriver with size T-6 and T-7 bits to tighten up the Cinder. Kershawโs warranty also covers this type of maintenance if you send it back to them.
Final Verdict
For around $10, the Kershaw Cinder is a very good deal. Itโs my favorite mini pocket knife for everyday carry, and its durable construction and lifetime warranty show that it really performs above its pay grade.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
When you put a tiny knife like the Cinder on a key chain, the key chain becomes the handle, vastly improving grip.
My favorite EDC knife is also a Kershaw, the Ken Onion Chive. It is about the same size as the Cinder. I have a number of Ken Onion knives.
Oh I’ll have to check that one out…looks great!