Kershaw Dividend M390 UPDATE - Issues & Sharpening

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-Just an update on my Dividend in M390 Steel. If you watched my review video, I talk about how the blade needed to be reprofiled and made much thinner. Well I had to make it MUCH thinner. I show the sharpening issues and fixes, as well as some disassembly and construction issues with the knife and the fixes. Still an awesome knife! Thanks for watching!

[@natek1993]

Absolutely love this knife

[@abc456f]

I have the same knife and the kme so this is great info for when I'm ready to sharpen. I did put a Kershaw deep carry clip on it and because the screws aren't flush with the scale, it's sometimes impossible to get the knife all the way in pocket depending on the thickness of the material. Gets hung up on the screws.

[@jtscustomcutlery317]

Awesome review brother! Very informative and well thought out I’m subscribing now 👍🏻

[@jimbo92107]

Just bought a Kershaw Link with m390, can't wait for it to arrive. I will be the king of box cutters!

[@bob5958]

I've been a Benchmade Customer for a lot of years. But, I bought this knife on ebay in December for $89.00. Since then, I've put away my Benchmade and this knife has become my daily carry knife. The overall quality and especially the M390 Blade are as good as you're going to find. As much as I love anything Benchmade, they want over $100 more for a comparable knife. By the way, both knives are made in The U.S.A.

[@barrylevitt1170]

I enjoy your follow up videos, as with the spyderco paramilitary 2, and also the honesty with the problems you have had with the dividend. Keep up the informative reviews. Barry Levitt

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks Barry! I try to be honest regardless of popular opinion and just shoot everything straight. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelgallagher7696]

Good vid. Thanks. I am a Kershaw junkie. A production knife, w a supersteel, for that price is fantastic. I just bought one. I am curious as to how it will do when we hunt elk. Kershaw customer service is outstanding. I sent a Chinese made knife to them w issues, they sent me a new version way superior back almost immediately. I agree with some sharpening issues. I think it's due to belt sharpening, to manage production volume and keep costs down. The American knives are the best bang for the buck you can get. I knew m390's reputation, but your demonstration was amazing!

[@abc456f]

Thanks for posting your experience. I have an m390 dividend on back order. I also have the kme as well as the sharpmaker. I have a few knives with m390 but haven't sharpened any of them yet. For me, s30v has been the most time consuming steel to sharpen. I'm not too pleased to hear about the screw problem though. KAI is usually very responsive to warranty claims. I've had to send in a couple of ZTs and got them repaired to my satisfaction. I've already emailed Kershaw for a deep carry clip for the dividend, no charge.

[@valenzuelaeph]

Whats the email you used? And what proof do they need before they ship out a free deep carry clip?

[@abc456f]

@@valenzuelaeph kershaw.kaiusa.com/warranty#tab-form-2

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

I love the dividend, I bought my dad and I the original version when it came out but that's the version they should have dropped from the start with the black and the m390, so sexy

[@mikenone6328]

The reason for the Dividend having an odd angled blade profile it is a modified Wharncliffe style blade.Which have a fairly unique edge geometry profile to them. I have one blade that has one bevel at 15 degrees and no bevel at all on the opposing side. Think of how half pair of scissors ie edged.I keep it mirror polished and is a very good cutter made of AUS 8 steel.It is is a neck knife made by SOG I believe.I own a few others and have hand sharpened a lot of wharncliffe over the near 50yrs of honing blades..I knew there would be two different angles and just went with the flow on it. For my Dividend M390 blade I hand honed it to 1k grit on both sides. Then put a micro bevel by adding and extra 2 degrees honed with 60k grit mirror polishing it. It now cut just like the blade you are reviewing. Mine is now a cardboard eating monster as it should be with an M390 blade. It will push cut fairly well and draw cut always as well as your does. But thanks for the knife review as I enjoyed watching it.

[@someweirdstuff]

I had the same “issue” with my link in m390 regarding the sharpening. Not as bad as yours, busy sharpening on my edge pro apex I could tell the angle near the plunge at the rear was I little goofed. I got mine almost perfect and within the next sharpening or 2 You’d never tell it was any different. Not a biggie to me. I really wanna get my hands on the m390 dividend but being in Canada that will take a while.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

KZbin User yeah I was a little disappointed it was an issue but hey, it's a $75 knife so I can't complain too much. Time will tell! Thanks for watching!

[@silverfoxcondor46]

Good to hear Kershaw customer service is standing by . Holding off this model because of the aluminum scales. Thanks

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey Tony, I wouldn't let the aluminum scales turn you away. I think this is still a Really Good knife especially the blade at $75. I'm hoping my issues have just been minor. I still think it's a very cool knife.

[@silverfoxcondor46]

Ranger Jon The ergonomics look good . I have a Kershaw camber with aluminum & it's been very good.

[@d.stacy90]

Yeah the scales damage very easy, sucks that you can't buy replacement scales. I have the gray Version as well and the blade on that looks sick with these black aluminum scales

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Quick tip...extend the sharpening choil to avoid the sharpening issues by the plunge grind. It’s what I did to mine and I’m very satisfied with the results

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

hovan2yourknives thanks for the tip! I've thought about doing this a lot recently to quite a few knives. Maybe the dividend will be my test run. Thanks for watching!

[@67cuda38]

I’m assuming the dull, very back of the blade, was intended to be that way so you didn’t cut your finger really choking up on it. I just ordered a link, and a dividend. Gotta check out the hype of the M390 steel. I’ll be shipping one out to my nephew in the marines. They only allow a 3” carry on that base.

[@jonathane8585]

Great video. I just started my knife collection with a Kershaw M390. Would you be so kind to provide a link for the brown and white bars/stones you used to sharpen your M390?

[@ToxicityAssured]

Great steel, I only have it in the 20cv cousin form. I really like it! Overall for me it's m4 for any steel and m390/20cv/204p for stainless. I think all of my ZT's are way too thick at the edge and got ground down. I only have two Kershaw, but they are ok.I've handled some that were bad though. I guess it's a KAI thing that runs across brands. Hard Use!!! Right..? ;) Fantastic to see such quality made in the USA for such a good price. This knife is great. It sucks when issues happen but KAI stands behind their shit hands down. They are just like Benchmade with a fantastic warranty. The difference is Benchmade is a little more hit/miss on quality and ZT/Kershaw is more spot on. I will get this knife one day.

[@tphvictims5101]

I’ve had the same problems with the angles on some of my Kershaw launch’s and blur. One of my leeks has a huge problem with the pivot screw seat, it’s non existent. The blur has a lock up problem s30v model.

[@alanrobison2657]

Hey John, great update and great video, just signed up to your profile!! I must be looking at something totally different on Amazon but I pulled up 2 different Dividend's and they were under $40, I heard you say that the Dividend in your video was $75. Keep up the good work, it's very professional and a pleasure to watch!! Thank you, this is Alan from Riverside California, stay safe!!

[@NEKiZLogistics.LLC.]

Alan Robison, the Dividends you see on Amazon under $40 bucks are the standard production knife that use Chinese 420HC steel for the blade. The one in this video was almost $80 dollars because Kershaw also made the Dividend featuring a MUCH STRONGER, made in USA Bohler M390 steel. You probably don't know a heck of a lot about blade steels but I can assure you, M390 is in the top 10%, typically more common in "top shelf" knives that you can't get for under $200 bucks. IT'S CERTAINLY THE CHEAPEST KNIFE YOU'LL FIND THAT USES AN AMERICAN MADE PREMIUM STEEL!!!!

[@loweroctave1]

Josh Nequiz Bohler M390 is actually an Austrian steel, not made in USA. But it is a far more prestigious steel than 420HC. To Alan, folding knives with M390 steel typically start at around $150. So for less than $80, the M390 Dividend is a very good value.

[@NEKiZLogistics.LLC.]

loweroctave, I stand corrected, thank you!

[@shawfestify]

Yes, Alan, all the Kershaw Link knives in Amazon are 420 HC steel blades...I like that blue one with the black blade though-it’s a cool-looking knife. For the M390 steel version, look on BladeHQ.com. They also come up with other sprint run type offerings, occasionally (like a Spyderco Manix 2 with natural jade colored G-10 scales and M4 steel, that think cuts exactly like the sharpened version of the link, in this video, with no sign of ever needing sharpening after six months of work!). M390 is about $80 on BladeHQ, the next cheapest knife with that steel costs a hundred dollars more! Then they go to the $200 range. Crazy to get one for 80 bucks. I’m so tempted right now; I’m sure they’ll be gone soon! Good luck! Stay sharp out there!

[@abc456f]

@@shawfestify I have the link in blue with the black washed blade as well. Blue is my favorite color and the shade of blue is beautiful. Love how it fits in my hand.

[@richard66754]

Does m390 like a toothy edge like Elma’s steel?

[@brianfollett687]

I have both the Dividend and the Link in M390 . I also have the Kershaw Camber in S30V , which I'm sure these 2 were modeled after, and they all have that same problem when I go to sharpen them on my Edge Pro , the stones hit the handle when I try to get that first 1/8th inch of blade. Thank God these knives are work knives for me, because all I do is color the scratches in with a black sharpie . If not I would just take the knives apart and sharpen just the blade. Anyway, now that my blades are near perfect from reprofiling them on my Edge Pro , all I have to do is touch them up on my Spyderco Sharp Maker when needed . I knew what I was getting into because of my experience with the Camber, but it still pisses me off because even though they are work knives I still like to keep them in the best possible shape I can .

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Yeah it seems just downright neglectful on the part of Kershaw in my mind along with using the screw into aluminum construction. I have the same issues with my KME when reprofiling or putting a fresh edge from scratch on something. I normally freehand my knives on bench stones or sharpmaker rods after initial sharpening anyways and that was just a big time pain to do on this knife. Thanks for watching !

[@stoneblue1795]

I have been interested in buying one of these Dividend knives in either the original steel or the upgraded M390, I think they have great lines, are lightweight and I like that they are ambi-friendly. That being said, much of what you point out underscores that Kershaw continues to often produce an American made knife that has the rather low end craftsmanship of early China-made knives. And China is now kicking our ass and has upped their game. Just an observation.

[@timbo4374]

Since you had it apart why didn't you do the sharpening while the blade was out? This would take care of the handle being in the way issue. I don't own a KME< so maybe there is a reason I am not aware of..just asking.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Tim Gannon hey man thanks for the comment I actually talk about how I did just that in this vid.thanks for watching

[@chriselliott484]

So I got that rattle problem with my g10 gryo

[@kenfair8178]

Any update on this Jon? I've got a KME sharpener on the way and am worried how I'm going to deal with my Dividend. If I have to take it apart to sharpen it I'd like to know if I have any problems with screws or scales that I can count on Kershaw to replace them.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

First off, Thanks for watching Ken. I'd say the knife is sharpenable on the KME without taking it apart. I only took it apart to A.) Make it easier to get the rear of the blade fully sharpened and profiled, and B.) To get the exact perfect spread of my angle across the blade from rear to tip for that initial reprofiling. I will probably freehand this knife from now on, but that is something I normally do with all my knives once I've got the reprofiling done with the KME, It's more of a reprofiling machine to me than a daily sharpening system if that makes sense. If I put it back on the KME now, I am sure I can find a way to clamp it so that it will sharpen up. I wouldnt be worried at all about finding a way to get it sharp. As far as Kershaw is concerned, I got 3 screws in the mail by themselves to replace the three in my dividend. I still feel the Aluminum is what has stripped, but I added blue loctite to the new screws, got them as tight as i am comfortable with, and let the loctite settle in. We will see how it goes from here on out with that. In fact I will probably make an update video. But yes! Dont worry about the KME, and if you DO need to take the knife aart, just be very careful, and at least know you'll get new screws from Kershaw, whether i still need a scale or not, time will tell. Rock on hope this helps!

[@wilindrocca]

Jon, thanks for your insightful videos. I find them very helpful, as I am thinking about getting a Dividend or Link with the M390 (and I guess time is running out as most vendors seem to be out of stock :-) I am a bit puzzled why Kershaw only sent you the screws if, presumably as you explained to them, the aluminum scales stripping is the problem. I hope that the new screws with the loctite is doing it for you but, if the scales are the problem, I hope that Kershaw will be good enough to just send you replacement scales (my experience with their CS so far has been excellent. BTW, I have the Knockout and it looks like it is also the screw in aluminum construction. I've never taken it apart and it seems to function fine, but your experience is something to keep in mind.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes, I was a bit puzzled too, but it seemed to solve the issue for the time being. The question in my mind was how many times can the knife handle being taken apart again before they dont. Maybe once would be my bet. I have since sold the knife and moved on to other knives that will get more carry time. I think the s110v UKPK is a much better knife and a much better overall value! Good luck with the knockout, while that looks like a very cool knife and I love 14c28n (and Elmax if you were lucky enough to get that version), the screw into aluminum handle construction really turned me back off Kershaw for the time being. Rock on and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@wilindrocca]

I bought the M390 Dividend a while ago and have been totally underwhelmed by the edge retention of the steel. Both in usage and sharpening, I found this steel to be much softer than expected. Even humble blade steels like 440C and 14C28N have outperformed the M390 in simply slicing paper (i.e. number of cuts before blade started to tear paper - I am mainly interested in how well a blade steel maintains a very fine edge). It's puzzling because I also compared the edge retention of the M390 to Shun' Knives' SG-2 - also a powder steel from the same company that makes Kershaw products - and the SG-2 performed like what I would expect of a premium, powder steel - very hard to get a burr on the SG-2 during sharpening (unlike the M390) and the edge lasted for months after daily use on the kitchen cutting board and could still slice paper, though roughly (which is to be expected). I figured I just got a case of bad heat treat and got in touch with Kershaw's warranty service people about my Dividend's M390 and they were less than helpful, contrary to my prior experience with them. Anyway, please keep the reviews coming as they are helpful and enjoyable.

[@pauld146]

Hey Jon thanks for the info. Had a question I currently have 2 knives with m390 steel a Contego and a mini barrage. How hard is it to sharpen it and any advice on the KME system was looking into getting one.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thraxamundar I don't find M390 any harder to sharpen than S30V honestly. For such a high end steel it isn't a bear to sharpen at all. A good example is that it took me an hour straight with good diamonds on the KME to even out both sides at 15 degrees all the way from over 25 on one side. Not terrible. The KME itself is an awesome system for Sharpening. I prefer to freehand things as much as I can, but the KME really comes in handy for reprofiling, and putting extremely precise edges on things. I've been very happy with it so far, however all clamp type systems have their limits. Just depends but so far the KME has been money well spent. Thanks for watching!

[@johnbowen5336]

Real tool catalogs are no doubt horribly offended by being lumped in with Hazard Fraught! Seriously though, I picked up one of these for myself and plan to give two more for Christmas. Hopefully they're not too much of a PITA to sharpen.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

All my real tool catalogs have left the house when they saw the harbor freight show up. But yeah, the knife was just difficult due to the things I needed to correct, and the choice I made to use a clamping system like the KME to do so. Freehanding the blade should be no problem from here on out. Thanks for watching!

[@Outpost_76]

That screw probkem is my big issue with Kershaw. I have had clip screws come stripped out on a brand new knife. I had another that the clip couldn't be changed to tip up because the holes were stripped . Sad that new knives have hard screws that go into soft material. I really wish they would fix these issues.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Yeah it seems just downright neglectful on the part of Kershaw in my mind. This knife could be an absolute masterpiece if they just maybe used standoffs the screws screwed into instead? ya know. Easy fix that might add $5 to the cost of the knife tops and make it so much better. This has all really turned me off Kershaw since. Thanks for watching!

[@Cavemandjd]

Oh nooooo I can't sharpen my knife perfectly what ever will I do. Those pieces of paper and all that fan mail will never open correctly.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Lol

[@jyearr6744]

Underrated comment 😅

[@narq5099]

Great steel attached to a cheap handle. Overall, the price is about right for this M390 considering the abundance of flaws with the overall knife.

[@k.stacks2445]

Why did the Dividend stand out for you to buy when the Knockout in M390 exists?

[@realtalk4real243]

The knockout is 0.25 inches longer than legal self defense length in my state. Dividend is 3 inches so its good. Super unlikely to defend yourself with a knife i suppose but still

[@OLMmedic]

Good to know. I will skip this one after u explained the handle design.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I wouldn't let any of that scare you away from this knife! I'm hoping these are just minor issues and I still think there's a ton to like with this knife. Thanks for watching

[@donwite3059]

This is a well made knife made in the usa . Proudly carry it daily. #@%! the rest !!!

[@valenzuelaeph]

Man those made in China are also pretty good lmao but with all thats going on, anything made in China or associated with that country is an auto-pass.

[@jeremyh5795]

The moral of the story is. If it ain’t broke leave it alone.

[@joeysmith1994]

freehand it or take it to somebody who can.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Joey Smith I was specifically using this knife as a test bed for the KME Sharpening system. I usually do freehand most of my knives on various stones but this was the knife I chose to test KME from 50 grit stone all the way up through .1 micron , hitting all the stones and films in between along the way. I should have clarified that in the video that was a criticism of the kme almost as much as the knife scale for that application. Thanks for the comment !

[@jeremys8360]

Stop gate keeping. A sharp edge is a sharp edge.

[@dogonmountain6445]

Any blade steel will achieve a high level of sharpness. You don't need M390 for that. It's the edge-holding that matters.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I agree whole heartedly? I like to take all my steels to a high level of sharpness, and the higher edge retention steels like M390 just ask to be taken even further due to those edge holding capabilities.

[@joeyripswell]

freehand forever lose the training wheels

[@gearjunkie3412]

Usually when someone says their not an idiot. Well u know

[@chrcaldwell]

*they’re*...

[@SilencedByYoutube]

Says the dude who can't spell.

[@gearjunkie3412]

@@SilencedByKZbin spelling doesn't change that fact.

[@waynepalmer6743]

Boaring

[@user-qp6dg7dc6t]

I smoked a boar last weekend.