Specifications
Weight4.1 oz / 116g
Blade Length3.4″
Closed Length4.5″
Overall Length7.9″
Blade SteelCPM 154CM
Lock TypeLiner lock (with SpeedSafe assisted opening)
Blade ShapeModified drop point, hollow grind
Handle MaterialAnodized aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts
OriginDesigned in USA, made in China
WarrantyKershaw limited warranty against manufacturing defects
What Sets It Apart
Like the Leek, the Blur uses Ken Onion's SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism: a spring-loaded torsion bar completes the opening motion once the user has moved the flipper tab or thumb stud partway through its arc. On the Blur, this is paired with a thicker blade and handle than the Leek, making it a more capable tool for tasks beyond light EDC cutting, while retaining the same fast one-handed deployment.
CPM 154CM is a powder-metallurgy refinement of standard 154CM stainless steel, offering improved edge retention and a finer grain structure for sharpening compared to the Sandvik 14C28N found on the standard Blur and the Leek. It sits below CPM-S30V in overall performance but above mid-tier steels like D2 or 14C28N, making it a reasonable middle ground for users upgrading from a budget assisted opener.
Ken Onion's SpeedSafe assisted opening in a thicker, more substantial build than the Leek
Who This Is For
The Blur is right for: users who want SpeedSafe's fast one-handed deployment in a more substantial knife than the Leek, EDC carriers who value grip security from textured inserts over a slim all-steel profile, and anyone upgrading from a standard-steel assisted opener who wants a meaningful edge retention improvement.
A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of June 2026. Some links are affiliate links.
How It Compares
Common Questions
Kershaw Blur vs Kershaw Leek — what's the difference?
The Blur is larger, heavier (4.1oz vs 3oz), and uses a thicker blade with rubber Trac-Tec grip inserts, making it more capable for harder EDC tasks. The Leek is slimmer, lighter, and uses an all-steel handle, prioritizing a minimal, discreet carry profile over raw capability.
Is the CPM 154CM version of the Blur worth the upgrade?
For users who want noticeably better edge retention than the standard Sandvik 14C28N Blur, yes. CPM 154CM holds an edge meaningfully longer under repeated use, at a moderate price premium over the standard steel version.
Is the Kershaw Blur legal to carry?
Assisted-opening knives like the Blur are legal in most US states but restricted in a small number of jurisdictions that classify them similarly to automatic knives. Verify current local law before carrying, as rules vary by state and change over time.
Does the Blur come in a tanto blade version?
Yes, Kershaw has offered the Blur in both a standard drop point and a tanto blade shape across various production runs. The tanto version offers a stronger point at some cost to slicing efficiency compared to the drop point reviewed here.
