The Kershaw Dividend Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, I'm going to look at two models of a very excellent little knife, the Kershaw Dividend. It's a good value, it's a good design, and it's an excellent cutting tool. So, predictably, it's a gem.

[@majergens]

Great review in this gem from Kershaw. I am getting hooked on your channel and I can now say that I am an official fan of "The Nick". There are plenty of knife channels but I watch only 3 or 4 regularly, yours being one of them. Thanks for what you contribute and keep up the great work on your channel. :-)

[@wickedmilitia271]

Great review nick. I'm definetly adding this to my collection. I currently EDC a para 3 but I did want a backup to carry in the backpack and I think I found it.

[@themawsjawz_9491]

Love your videos. Can't stop watching them

[@insidehi-fi8734]

you know that if there were 2 knives exactly the same at the same price hanging next to each other at the store (especially at the under $50 mark) and one is assisted, the assisted one will out sell the manual one to the general public. that being said I prefer non assisted but understand why it's done. Also don't forget that in a way assisted knives are a way to thumb your nose at anti-switchblade laws.... and that's a beautiful thing.

[@Nanchi]

Inside Hi-Fi I don't like spring assist love automatics and otf though totally agree with you there

[@justaamateur6533]

Its still stupid theyre 60$ where i live

[@GeroLubovnik]

I never understood why automatic knives were outlawed in some (if not most) areas. I mean, how many shots can you get off with a single switch pull?

[@charlescollier7217]

I appreciate your public offering of this review, and since it held my interest, I feel I got a return on my investment of the time I spent watching it.

[@no_handle_required]

Every time you show the Rats I sit on the edge of my seat to see if you're going to get the models right the first time. Hilarious!!! Great review as always.

[@American-dy5jk]

Nick, do you think the version made with M390 is worth the extra $30?

[@ccooper8040]

The Dividend is a great edc knife. Very affordable, very sharp and very easy to maintain.

[@calebmakepeace2189]

Love the Dividend. Great review Nick! :)

[@markthompson484]

Oooooooooh Nick These knifes are wonderful. I have always like assisted Kershaws...... The one handed operation is a problem for those who like other kinds of knife. Great review Nick....

[@insidehi-fi8734]

Will the deep carry clip from the AM-3, AM-4 fit. I just looked at my AM-3 and it looks like it (I don't have a dividend to see if it will).

[@tomsimmo5789]

Just got my dividend the other day in the glass filled handle model nice and small light in the pocket. The style of the blade is good for piercing and the thin blade will slice well.

[@tumtum3993]

didnt know that the rat-1 comes in two sizes ;)1:16 Nice video tho :thumbsup:

[@craiglachman1379]

Zazocki | Yup. Nick must have a "brainial" short circuit with the RAT 1 and 2! It makes me smile every time.

[@morayjames92]

there is a good reason for the straight plunge grind, it keeps the thickness of the blade behind the edge consistent along the length the blade. So that is a good thing giving you more useful blade edge that all sharpens the same. Blades which thicken behind the edge at the heel will over time/sharpening will develop a recurve.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

Love the channel and the brutally honest opinions all around this channel. Let’s keep it real, right?

[@markthompson484]

Mark..... Hi Nick I don't know what kershaw is doing but these knifes have no belly as most Kershaw do. I still like them because I have always like ZT and Kershaw. Great review Nick

[@cbowman1967]

House of Blades has an exclusive with S35vn steel and a deep carry clip with less billboarding . Red or blue ano. Got mine for $76. Sweet knife.

[@slayer7694]

I got one Red with blue back spacer s35

[@johnhuey9912]

Do you have a Kershaw Bareknuckle review? I can't seem to find one from you, and that's a shame.

[@franksalem8580]

I bought assisted knives when I first became a collector and didn't know any better. I hated them but learned I could de-assist some of them and the performance was greatly improved. I now avoid buying assisted knives. The Ruike 801 for $30 is great knife out performing knives costing much more. The Ruike 105 for $40 has buttery smooth action and the blade will drop into the handle when released. It has attractive layered G-10 two tone handles. It is a gem.

[@ricardobarbella5056]

Nick what do u think of the kershaw launch series ? The 7 looks like a star wars knife the steel is decent to the griptilian and very light 3.7 ounces or so ? Your thoughts sir ?

[@GeroLubovnik]

I bought the one with the nylon handle. While not as thin as the all metal handle, I think I like the nylon one better. The grip is solid, yet the thickness isn't an issue. I never carried a knife before all the time, but I keep this hooked to the pocket of my pants and can extract deploy it in about 1 second. I never realized how many times I'd use a knife every day if I just had it with me. This knife has a relatively thin blade, but is sharp enough to do an emergency surgery! While I use it for the utility of opening things, the ease of carry and quick deployment make it a decent defense weapon in a pinch.

[@CSGraves]

Would be interested to know your thoughts on the Kershaw Pub. Seems like a nifty, angular little tool.

[@geoff_tac]

I did a review on this knife as well, we agree on the thin tip on the blade for an EDC knife. Also, if you contact Kershaw, they sent a deep carry clip for free. Good review...

[@baconslayercm7033]

has anyone handled the ZT0450 G10 sprint run? ive been considering picking one up but would like some opinions... I like that its lighter than the full titanium version and it's cheaper while still using s35vn

[@michaeldevries993]

The clip issues can probably be solved with an aftermarket clip. But are assists ever modified with an aftermaket spring bar?

[@Hungrybird474]

This looks kinda like a kershaw volt or kershaw zing ? I like the look a lot and I like the lock liners for their slimness and sleekness .

[@gstrader73]

Great review. . I de-assisted both of my Blurr's and they are two of the smoothest knives I have...I prefer it much better. Try it sometime, if you haven't ...you will love it. If I get one of these, I will definitely do it to it as well.

[@ssunfish]

Maybe better, but I love Blur as is and Leek!

[@KeithKacanek]

If you get a chance, could you look into doing a review of one of Milwaukee’s hardline knives? They have 5 knives in the family: one fixed blade in AUS-8 (meh), and 4 stonewashed D2, ball-bearing action folders in various sizes & configurations. I have the 3” plain edge folder, and i think it’s a great option as a tough wear EDC

[@TautologyTechSystems]

Nick, you have to check out the Rike Thor4s. I think you will love it. Not a single review out there for it yet, so you can have exclusive coverage.

[@GeroLubovnik]

As far as your "con" about the open assist thing... I had (and returned) a Gerber Skyridge after the blade stuck 3/4" open to the point where my thumb slid off the knob and got sliced across the fingerprint. The assist didn't do it's job. I opened a second Skyridge at the store and same issue. I suppose I could have messed with the tension- but instead based largely on this review I got the Dividend with plastic handle and just think it's a great EDC knife. The thing flies open like a switchblade (unlike the Skyridge). Fits in my pocket and I don't even know it's there. The blade is razor sharp. Had to cut a piece of carpet today and it went through like it was nothing.

[@baconslayercm7033]

I like the dividend but my Kershaw leek with CPM154 and carbon fiber is more useful to me and feels much better in hand and pocket.... great vid

[@bornfree2237]

Great review. To the point!

[@matthewjorstad2398]

Is the Damascus version a good steel

[@thomaslanders1162]

Not for me but a great review. Really good point about the speed safe being used to cover up less then great tolerances.. Makes total sense..

[@darichard11]

Yep. You can essentially get away with a lot using an assisted knife. You just brute force it. Doesn't mean they aren't good usable knifes. The original VW Bug was a great car for what it did also. It just wasn't a Porsche.

[@eldorisgardner]

Will you ever review fixed blades?

[@Balames2502]

Hi Nick as always I take your recommendations seriously and that is why I am asking your advice today. I have a chance to purchase an Artisan Predator green G10 D2 steel for $40.00 delivered and I am asking you because I can only purchase 1 blade per month right now because of limited funds so to the point is should I purchase the Dividend with the aluminum scales now or get it later I have been told by others that the Artisan is a steal at that price and I should get it now? Which one first?

[@flythesky3000]

I have the GRN handle ... I wish I had gone with the ultra thin metal handle instead. I'd rather give up a little comfort in hand in exchange for comfort in pocket. I live, l learn.

[@gerardallantiro6636]

Good day nick, can you review Kershaw 7100BW launch 1 automatic please? Tnx!

[@kakashi99908]

I am debating this or the R2D2. I know the rat 2 has better steel, no spring assist and just overall better but I like the looks of this.

[@elijahweaver2282]

Can you do a review of the ruike p801!!???

[@jamessilly6837]

You should check out the Ruike p801-sf, good steel, nice fit and finish, good action on a manual flipper, (and I'm comparing that to knives in general) all for $30. The design seems heavily influenced by a sebenza but they have a p108 model that has a unique design and everything above, but a bit bigger and seems like a lot worse of a slicer so I feel like the 801 would suit you better. Anyway you do great work and thanks for the great reviews

[@SuperJohnbob123]

and the p801 has 14C28N Steel for 30 bucks

[@Prosecute-fauci]

James Silly The Ruike is made in China. The Kershaw is made in the USA. I would rather pay the extra $10 for the USA made knife

[@nitrorc4life1]

Yidris , yes I would rather buy USA and I do as 80% of my over 200 in my collection are upper to high end blades are American made, have a m390 link in pocket now . But do enjoy mid and some budget stuff too. And I will say in materials, fit and finish, action, blade sharpness ,edge grind consistency, (difficult to admit)the Kershaw cannot touch the Ruike's, unbelievable value brand.

[@TeddyRoooosevelt]

Regarding the shallow carry, KAI will send free deep carry clips no questions asked. You could get one for an 0560 and I think it would fit

[@hypocrite_of_america6315]

You should review the Ruike p108sf, I think you'd love how light it is considering it's all stainless steel and how thin the blade is, dare I suggest it may be a gem?

[@powbobs]

Hypocrite_of_America Chinese

[@yogililly884]

h.r. tiger reference... another largely 70s reference similar to your music/movie reference from other videos. Mr Giger, probably best known for Aliens design also did many album covers for artists in 70s, early 80s. Most notable ELP and Debbie Harry. Some Dune work influenced by Mr. Giger. Do I plan on picking up one of these, no.. unless a special release is done similar to the HOB Kershaw Link with upgraded materials at twice the price. For the under $50 looking forward to the release of Rat2 in D2 and the Steel Will Mini Cutback in D2. both in the 3" blade length, my preference size.

[@shredman59]

Hi Nick, what do you think of the dividend in M390? I'm looking for an EDC to replace a delica I had for 20 years that I just lost while out running.

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

shredman59 There's a S35VN model out too.

[@syndicate4417]

I mean you could just put a different KERSHAW deep carry clip in it from another knife and NOT have to go aftermarket

[@kylemiller3924]

0450 aftermarket clip will fit that hole pattern.

[@Happytrees1]

Love the Giger reference.

[@Hungrybird474]

Nice knives plus dividends Win win . Kershaw fans everywhere since 1974 , buck , benchmade . You know who I think is underrated is camillus or am I wrong ? Yeah that ss looks good l I’m going to polish one up and the top of the blade and leave the cutting surface stock because I can , in stages , not all in one shot would be no fun . Have to watch it progress start with 600 grit to 3000 and then green and white polish will take a few hours of patience to not let it the wheel send it flying 😂😂🤔. I noticed if I stay at the 4-6 o clock area on the cloth wheel there’s usually no grabbing . Red wing makes a nice small , super quiet polishing machine spinnng machine they use for places like hearing centers to shape the earpieces . I m telling y guys this machine is quiet and has tow speeds perfect for knifes . I got one by chance , it had rust on it 😂 and they asked me to take it away . Lucky me . I just need to know how to clean the crap off the cloth a little

[@mosherogoff1252]

It would be very interesting I think to see a comparison between the Dividend and one of Kershaw's older models -- the 1550 Blackout. Whilst the Blackout is not a flipper, I suspect it is going to line up as similar to the Dividend! Plus the Dividend uses the Sandvik steel so may even be a bit better. How about it Nick?

[@joshlowrance3627]

The numbers on those Rats just seem to elude you at every turn. Label those Rats Nick. Good video as always 😆

[@toddpayne]

Reminds me of my favorite -- Oh So Sweet....

[@stoneblue1795]

Finally, a Kershaw for the left handed folks (thanks!)

[@baconslayercm7033]

the best unassisted flipper ive found is the CRKT Hootenaney... as frankie and the bird could probably agree with....

[@BT_360]

Will you review a Ruike knife?

[@aireydc]

The House of Blades back the blue dividend in s35vn should be reviewed. It’s an upgraded exclusive that addresses many of Nick’s points.

[@scotteger6271]

Didn't know that was a thing...thanks for the info...checks all my boxes I'm a law enforcement officer so I like the purpose behind it too...thanks again

[@petergalione9704]

I'm so glad they handled the pocket pecker nicely. When you mishandle a pocket pecker, you're gonna have a bad time.

[@Thisguydoesstuff]

They did come out with a Dividend in m390, for ~$75. Kinda wondering if it might be worth picking up...

[@chrisc7707]

ThisGuyDoesStuff just grabbed one myself

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

ThisGuyDoesStuff There is S35VN now too

[@nitrorc4life1]

I say yes and will grab a couple when back in stock.

[@KillBoyPowerHead77]

I love my dividends :) Great knife

[@GregW]

if you were going to choose between this and a kershaw cryo, which do you think would win?

[@NickShabazz]

For me, the Dividend.

[@VomitYou]

Ruike p108 great knife.

[@kevinweaver4265]

Nick, you don't nit-pick the details, you nick-pick, which is a good thing.

[@eduardorivera4100]

How do they work if u take the speedsafe out?

[@eliasburgstaller4544]

If you see a detend hole and ball (in the disassembly) it works without the speedsafe

[@rexdoran2051]

Kershaw will send you a deep carry clip. The clip on the Al Mar AM4 works perfectly on the Dividend. Be careful, it is easy to strip out the clip screws.

[@250rapid]

The clip on the Kershaw Deadline also works perfectly on the Dividend.

[@JV-tk9yn]

Do you remember how much they charge? Mine is arriving tomorrow and I really prefer deep carry.

[@joes.5811]

Believe it or not, they don’t charge a dime. I emailed customer service at Kershaw about a deep-carry clip for my Link (expecting to buy one, if they’d let me) and they sent one to me free of charge. Can’t beat the customer service at Kershaw!

[@RecklessFables]

Int NYC, a knife that can be opening using just gravity is illegal, so an assist like Kershaw is actually more legal. I say it that way because a cop has the final say on that assessment and if he manages to open your knife just flicking his wrist he gets you.

[@midnightreport118]

Has The Nick considered the Kershaw Al Mar collaboration series?

[@NickShabazz]

+midnightreport118 On my table right now actually

[@Count_Smackula]

Take a black Sharpie to the billboard on the clip?

[@nitrorc4life1]

CountSmackula or do what I do and strip coating and polish.

[@ssunfish]

Could do the sharpie option! I don't mind the font or name, so won't change it

[@Daniel-rk3vf]

I realize this review is from 2017, and it's now 2021 as I write this, but the Dividend is just a hair under $100. Completely changes the calculation for this knife. Love Kershaw, but $100 has a lot of competition. But we all enjoy choice, we can vote with our wallets.

[@boogalookid9562]

line you're drawers?????

[@ryanlavallee6342]

I just bought this on house of blades.com in s35vn steel for $80. Never seen this steel for a bargain before. I also used hearts10 for 10% off. $70 for this beautiful knife in s35vn!!!!

[@raphaelbeinhauer9242]

And where did you get the coupon code? How long is it good for?

[@ZakWilson]

I'm really disappointed in the choice of blade steel. US-made Kershaws used to default to 14C28N, and while that's no supersteel, it's on par with VG10 in my experience and outperforms everything else in its price class while 420HC is the minimum viable blade steel.

[@vintage1art137]

Look for voice actor work for those looking for someone with a New York accent fits the bill perfectly

[@Jkp1321]

I thought 420HC was only good in Buck knives

[@mitchel7477]

Do the thermite

[@MotorjockMike]

ADC reviews knives....who knew?...Oooh!

[@knifenoob5411]

20$ at knife center for grn model now. Slycer

[@MrATVJunkie1]

Nice

[@Melo_EL]

Hey Nick! Great vid! Just an FYI, backwards American flag patch on military uniforms indicate we are at war and face the other direction during times of peace.

[@DrFrankLondon]

Isnt it Sandvik steel on these knives, buddy?

[@johnbowen5336]

I'm going to have to take exception to part of your conclusion. The Ruike 801 is a better knife than the Dividend in almost every regard and it's $29.99. I'm not saying that the Dividend isn't a gem, it certainly appears so, but the Ruike shines a bit harder.

[@jamessilly6837]

John Bowen wow I didn't even see this comment, said just about the same thing just expanded a bit more before looking through the comments. I hope he gets one to review soon

[@johnbowen5336]

Every production line kicks out a stinker now and then, that's why reputable sellers have return policies. The only problem I had in that direction was due to the fact that they used two short pivot screws instead of a single long pivot screw. Once I had enough locktite on those screws everything else dropped into place without issue.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

The Ruike is made in China. The Kershaw is made in the USA. I would rather pay the extra $10 for the USA made knife

[@guysmarkus1]

John Bowen I totally agree, at the same price point Ruike kicks Kershaw's ass 7 days a week and twice on Sunday. Kershaw has always had nice designs and pretty good fit and finish but at this price point you are either stuck with crappy 8cr13mov or 420hc whereas with Ruike you get 14c28n. All things being equal, for the same price you just get a much better steel with Ruike knives without the fear Kershaw has of producing anything with a blade larger than 3.5 inches.

[@RedPillVegan]

+1 HR Giger reference

[@sublyme2157]

That Medford is begging for cocobolo.

[@LTT.Official]

Remember kids, not everyone can be first.

[@Dane_Reinsch]

ThisIsAPrettyLongUserNameWhyTheFuckWouldHeDoThatSoThatEveryoneWouldThumbsUpIt why would you put that as your username?

[@LTT.Official]

The real question is......why not mate?

[@Tmankiller72]

The Dividend in s35vn with carbon fiber!

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

That would drive the price to right under $100 but i'd still buy it.

[@American-dy5jk]

Yes!

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

Tmankiller72 There is a S35VN model out. It's anodized aluminum tho

[@CarlBehrens]

Zt 0770cf

[@kurtgrates4964]

American made, great price, how can you beat these...? except for the assist the only thing that I would change....

[@mooseclappin11]

The unfortunately discontinued Leatherman Expanse series was absolutely unbeatable ($30 for 154CM, and US made). Ontario RAT 1 in D2 is a better value if you don't care about country of origin.

[@Purp1eP3nguinZ]

Size comparison with the Ontario rat number one... aaaand the Ontario rat number one. It's definitely a Nick Shabazz review

[@bryanmchugh1307]

man if there is ONE thing Kershaw must do in order to keep me buying their knives it is this-Kershaw must STOP using plastic stand offs and plastic pivot pins. All hardware must be either hardened tool steel or some grade of stainless.

[@LD-bf1mi]

Sounds like Elmer Fud 😂😂

[@knifenoob5411]

Torsion bar has broken 4 times on me. If you plan on opening it more than 300 times plan on torsion bar breaking. So disappointed with this knife.

[@OLMmedic]

I hate non captive pivots. My combative edge m1 is impossible to take apart and the company customer service sucks. I want to smash the knife. Lol. I love kershaw. Really do

[@franksalem8580]

Here is a tip on how to remove pivot screws that spin. Fully open the blade and place it perpendicular to the edge of a table with the blade flush against the table and the handle extending off the table. Raise the handle while putting pressure on the blade. While maintaining pressure on the blade with one hand loosen the pivot screw with the other hand. This has never failed to work for me. Of course you can tighten a pivot screw the same way.

[@romanrauhala7853]

Vaseline Factory!!! LOL.....!!!!!

[@morayjames92]

In your assessment of the bad you claimed that Kershaw could not make an inexpensive great flipping unassisted knife and we know that is not the case. One only has to look at the Chinese built Method, Atmos and the Fraxion. Kershaw has to step up its game and they need to do so by a big step. Warped blade is also another Kershaw problem for both Chinese and American made Kershaw knives.

[@NickShabazz]

Yeah, this was filmed before those came out.

[@morayjames92]

My apologies I did not realize the time line. Would love to see more such reviews on these budget knives.They did a world class job on their 2017 series of budget manual knives and I hope they keep it up. Things get even better CRKT also released manual knives which are also excellent manual flippers in the LCK and and in Richard Rogers Cuatro and Maven knives. This proves that the bar has been raised with respect to the level of flipping quality of budget flippers.

[@adammartin8026]

It's not backwards, it's assaulting forward!

[@attercopattercop]

The dividend in Aluminum is almost $50

[@internetxtc609]

Joseph D down to forty now. Worth it.

$30 down at the Wal-Marrrrrt

[@upliftmofopartyplan1156]

Pronounced "Geegir"

[@Driver944S]

I'm pretty sure the reference to 1812 would be to the war of 1812, between the USA & GB not to a symphony.

[@johnkusky4398]

like

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

The aluminum is so much better looking imo. The plastic black looks like every other Walmart knife with that cheap pattern. That knife looks so ugly and even though I love kershaws, that has the uglier than a leek in geometry because it looks cheap. Sometimes the “Vanilla” tastes better when it’s done nicely and every knife you see at a shop hanging in plastic at a cheap sports store has black plastic frn / grn or plastic. Aluminum looks classier. Comes in m390- and now we’re talking. Frn / GrN gets slippery and looks like my child’s toys or legos. We need to advance beyond the polymers someday. I break my plastic when I drop it and I don’t break aluminum. Enough of my ranting.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Its sad it is hard to find a kershaw that is US made for under $50, I wish they would stay out of china and go to Japan or a EU country.

[@JettyLife23]

Great knife for people who think a $35 knife is an "expensive" knife.