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.
If there’s one star of the everyday carry show, it’s got to be the pocket knife. They’re functional and stylish, and available with a huge range of options and prices.
And if you’re looking for an affordable way to get started with a small EDC knife, Kershaw’s Cinder is one of the best options out there.
I’ve been using the Cinder for a few years now, and it’s become a constant part of my everyday carry. In this review, I’ll give you my honest take on what’s great about the knife, what could be improved, and who it’s probably best for.
Table of Contents
Quick Take
Kershaw’s Cinder is probably the best small EDC knife on the market today. It’s 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.
They’ve been around since 1974, and have always focused on making knives that are solid, durable, and reliable. That’s not just big talk either — 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 it’s closed, it comes in at 2.6 inches.
That’s just slightly longer than the average key, making this little knife great for keychain carry. And it’s equipped with a bottle opener for convenience, too.
Kershaw’s 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 blade’s steel is about as durable and wear resistant as you can get at this price.
What I Don’t Like
Honestly, I don’t have much negative to say about the Cinder. It’s been a regular part of my EDC for a while now, and I’ve always found it to be handy and reliable.
I guess if you’re looking for a heavier duty knife it wouldn’t 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, let’s take a look at a few questions I’ve gotten about the Cinder.
Does the Kershaw Cinder hold a decent edge?
The Cinder’s blade is made with a 3cr steel. It’s 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 Kershaw’s models that is made in China. Other knives from Kershaw are still made in the US.
How can I tighten the screws on Kershaw’s Cinder?
You’ll need a Torx screwdriver with size T-6 and T-7 bits to tighten up the Cinder. Kershaw’s 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. It’s 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!