Kershaw 1620SWBLK Scallion 2.40" Folding Drop Point Plain Stonewash 420HC SS Blade Black Anodized Aluminum Handle

Discover the Kershaw 1620SWBLK Scallion: Your Everyday Companion for Unrivaled Performance

Are you on the hunt for a compact, reliable, and exceptionally sharp folding knife that seamlessly integrates into your daily life? Do you need a dependable tool that can tackle everything from opening packages to light outdoor tasks, all while maintaining a discreet profile? Look no further than the Kershaw 1620SWBLK Scallion, a perennial favorite among everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts, first-time knife buyers, and anyone who appreciates precision engineering in a convenient package. This guide will delve deep into why the Scallion isn't just another pocket knife, but a carefully crafted instrument designed to enhance your preparedness and efficiency.

The modern world often demands versatility, and your personal tools should reflect that. Whether you’re a busy professional needing to open boxes, a student looking for a reliable utility knife, or an outdoor enthusiast preparing for a light hike, the Scallion answers the call. Its thoughtful design addresses common concerns such as safety, ease of use, and durability, ensuring that it’s ready when you are.

Unpacking the Scallion: Core Features That Stand Out

At the heart of the Kershaw 1620SWBLK Scallion's appeal is its meticulously selected combination of materials and innovative design elements. Every component works in harmony to deliver a superior user experience.

The Blade: Precision, Durability, and Style

The Scallion features a 2.40-inch drop point blade crafted from 420HC stainless steel. This specific steel choice is a significant advantage for an everyday carry knife. What makes 420HC steel so desirable?

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: For a tool that will often be exposed to varying environmental conditions, resistance to rust and corrosion is paramount. 420HC excels in this regard, ensuring your blade maintains its integrity and appearance even with frequent use and less-than-perfect drying conditions. This means less time worrying about rust spots and more time relying on your tool.
• Ease of Sharpening: Unlike some super steels that can be notoriously difficult to sharpen, 420HC takes a razor-sharp edge with relative ease. This is a huge benefit for the average user, allowing them to maintain peak cutting performance without specialized equipment or advanced sharpening skills. A dull knife is a dangerous knife, and the Scallion makes it simple to keep your edge keen.
• Good Edge Retention: While not a super steel, 420HC offers respectable edge retention for everyday tasks. It holds its working edge through numerous cuts, reducing the frequency of sharpening and maximizing your time using the knife rather than maintaining it.

The blade's drop point profile is another intelligent design choice. This versatile shape features a gently curving spine that drops towards the tip, creating a strong, controllable point. This makes the Scallion excellent for:

• Piercing and Puncturing: Ideal for opening packages, cutting into dense materials, or starting a cut.
• Slicing and Detail Work: The belly of the blade provides ample cutting surface for clean slices, while the refined tip allows for precise, intricate cuts.
• General Utility: Its balanced design makes it adaptable to a vast array of daily cutting needs, from trimming loose threads to preparing snacks.

Finally, the stonewash finish on the blade isn't just for aesthetics, although it certainly gives the knife a rugged, sophisticated look. This finish helps to hide scratches and minor wear marks that inevitably accumulate with regular use, keeping your Scallion looking newer for longer. It's a practical application of style that speaks to the knife's readiness for real-world application.

The Handle: Secure Grip and Lightweight Durability

A knife is only as good as its handle, and the Kershaw Scallion doesn't disappoint. It features a black anodized aluminum handle that combines several crucial benefits:

• Lightweight: Aluminum is renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio. The Scallion's handle ensures the knife remains incredibly light in your pocket or hand, making it comfortable for all-day carry without adding bulk. This is especially important for an EDC tool, where every gram counts.
• Exceptional Durability: Anodized aluminum is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and wear. The anodizing process creates a hardened surface that protects the aluminum beneath, ensuring the handle can withstand the rigors of daily use, accidental drops, and exposure to the elements. This translates to a knife that will serve you faithfully for years.
• Secure Grip: The handle is designed with ergonomic contours that fit comfortably in the hand, providing a secure and confident grip during use. Some Scallion models, including the 1620SWBLK, feature Kershaw's Trac-Tec texture, which enhances grip even further, preventing slippage in wet conditions or during strenuous tasks. This attention to tactile feedback is a significant safety feature.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The deep black anodized finish provides a sleek, tactical, and understated appearance that complements any style. It’s a design that looks good whether you’re in a boardroom or out on a trail.

The SpeedSafe Advantage: Fast, Safe, and Reliable Opening

One of the most celebrated features of many Kershaw knives, including the Scallion, is the SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. This innovative technology allows for quick, smooth, and ambidextrous blade deployment with just a simple push on the flipper or thumb stud.

• Effortless Deployment: With SpeedSafe, the blade practically springs open with minimal effort, making one-handed operation incredibly easy and fast. This is invaluable in situations where quick access to your blade is necessary.
• Safety First: Despite its speed, SpeedSafe is designed with safety in mind. It provides just enough assistance to overcome the initial resistance, then the blade locks securely into place. It’s not a switchblade; you still initiate the opening.
• Liner Lock Security: Complementing SpeedSafe is the robust liner lock mechanism. Once the blade is open, a portion of the liner moves into position behind the blade's tang, locking it firmly in place. This prevents accidental closure during use, offering superior safety and stability. Disengaging the lock is simple and intuitive, allowing for safe and controlled closure.

Designed for Everyday Carry

The Scallion 1620SWBLK embodies the ideal characteristics of an EDC knife:

• Compact Size: With its 2.4-inch blade and closed length of just 3.5 inches, the Scallion is incredibly discreet. It disappears into a pocket, purse, or backpack without creating unnecessary bulk or drawing unwanted attention. This compact footprint ensures it's always there when you need it, without being cumbersome.
• Lightweight Construction: Weighing in at approximately 2.3 ounces, you'll barely notice the Scallion until it's called into action. This minimal weight contributes significantly to its comfort as a daily companion.
• Versatile Pocket Clip: The knife includes a deep-carry, reversible pocket clip, allowing for tip-up carry and ambidextrous placement. This means left-handed and right-handed users can customize how they carry their knife for optimal accessibility and comfort. The clip ensures the knife stays securely in place, preventing accidental loss.

Addressing Common Questions About the Kershaw Scallion

Understanding the practical applications and common queries about a knife is crucial for making an informed decision. Here’s how the Kershaw 1620SWBLK Scallion addresses some frequent questions:

"Is the Kershaw Scallion a good knife for everyday tasks?"

Absolutely. The Scallion is purpose-built for daily utility. Its sharp 420HC stainless steel blade is perfect for opening mail and packages, cutting cordage, breaking down cardboard boxes, stripping insulation from wires, or even preparing small snacks. The drop point blade shape offers excellent versatility for both piercing and slicing, making it a true all-around performer. Its compact size ensures it’s never overkill for these common chores, making it a reliable partner for any task that pops up throughout your day.

"How durable is the Scallion, considering its size?"

Despite its small stature, the Scallion is remarkably durable. The 420HC stainless steel blade offers good resistance to chipping and corrosion, while the anodized aluminum handle is exceptionally robust and scratch-resistant. The sturdy liner lock mechanism ensures the blade remains securely open during use, preventing accidental closures that could lead to injury or damage. Kershaw's reputation for quality construction means the Scallion is built to last, providing years of dependable service even with regular use. Many users report their Scallions performing flawlessly for over a decade.

"Is the SpeedSafe assisted opening feature legal everywhere?"

Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted opening system is generally legal under federal law in the United States and in most states. It is important to note that SpeedSafe is assisted opening, not automatic or "switchblade" opening. The user must initiate the blade's movement with a thumb stud or flipper. However, knife laws vary significantly by state, county, and even city. We always recommend checking your local regulations regarding knife carry and blade length to ensure compliance. DEGuns adheres to all applicable laws regarding product sales and recommends customers do their due diligence.

"What kind of maintenance does the Scallion require?"

Maintaining your Kershaw Scallion is straightforward, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Regular care includes:

1. Cleaning: After use, especially if cutting food or corrosive materials, wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. A cotton swab can help reach tight spots around the pivot.
2. Lubrication: Periodically apply a drop of light oil (such as mineral oil or specialized knife lubricant) to the pivot area to keep the SpeedSafe mechanism smooth and efficient.
3. Sharpening: As mentioned, 420HC steel is relatively easy to sharpen. Use a quality sharpening system appropriate for your skill level, such as a sharpening stone or a guided sharpener, to maintain the blade's razor edge.
4. Inspection: Occasionally check all screws to ensure they are tight. A small amount of blue Loctite can be used on the pivot screw if it tends to loosen over time, but always allow full drying before use.

"Who is the ideal user for the Kershaw 1620SWBLK Scallion?"

The Kershaw Scallion is an excellent choice for a wide demographic:

• First-Time Knife Buyers: Its user-friendly design, reliable safety features, and approachable price point make it an ideal entry into the world of quality folding knives.
• Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: Those who value a lightweight, compact, and highly functional tool that disappears into the pocket will find the Scallion indispensable.
• Students and Office Workers: Perfect for opening packages, cutting string, or general utility without being overly aggressive or bulky.
• Hikers, Campers, and Anglers: While not a heavy-duty outdoor knife, it excels at light tasks like cutting cordage, opening food packets, or preparing tinder.
• Gift Givers: Its universal appeal, quality construction, and respected brand name make it a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone.
• Individuals Seeking a Reliable, Discreet Tool: For those who need a knife for unexpected situations but prefer a low-profile option.

Why Choose a Kershaw Knife, Specifically the Scallion?

Kershaw Knives has built a formidable reputation for producing high-quality, innovative, and value-driven cutting tools. Founded in 1974, the brand is synonymous with precision manufacturing and user-centric design. When you choose a Kershaw, you're not just buying a knife; you're investing in decades of expertise and a commitment to excellence.

The Scallion encapsulates Kershaw's core philosophy: delivering superior performance through intelligent design and robust materials. It's a testament to the fact that a truly effective tool doesn't need to be large or overly complex. Its success lies in its perfect balance of size, strength, and convenience. As a trusted offering at DEGuns, the Scallion stands as a prime example of a product that consistently exceeds user expectations, earning its place as a staple in countless EDC rotations. It provides an exceptional return on investment, offering premium features typically found in much more expensive knives.

Beyond the Blade: The Value Proposition

The Kershaw Scallion 1620SWBLK offers more than just a sharp edge and a strong handle. It offers peace of mind, confidence, and preparedness. In a world where unexpected needs arise, having a reliable cutting tool at your fingertips can make a significant difference. From a minor repair to opening a stubborn package, the Scallion is ready to perform. Its discreet nature means it won't draw unwanted attention, yet its capability is undeniable. It's a tool that empowers you to handle the small challenges of daily life with ease and efficiency. This dedication to practical utility makes it a must-have for anyone seeking to enhance their daily toolkit. For those who prioritize function, form, and lasting quality, the Scallion remains a top-tier choice available at DEGuns.