The folks at Kershaw recently sent me one of their Kershaw Funxion 8200GRY pocket knives to review and evaluate.
Initial Observation:
The Funxion features a 3 inch folding knife with Kershaws, Speedsafe designed into it. Speedsafe is an assisted opening system that uses a torsion bar to allows the blade to open swiftly. To engage the Speedsafe system all a user has to do is applying pressure to the thumb stud or index finger stud.
The Funxion blade has a satin finish, and the body has a charcoal grey aluminum handle with black rubber inserts. This knife measures 4 1/4 in. when closed. The Funxion also features a multi function blade that includes screwdriver, hex wrench a carabiner clip and bottle cap opener. Each tool has a separate locking liner.
This knife is not set up for lefties, the pocket clip and rubber inisert are not interchangable.
Specifications:
- Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV, Satin Finish
- Handle Material: Aluminum, Rubber Insert On Right Hand Side
- Blade Length: 3 inch
- Closed Length: 4-1/4 inches
- Opened Length: 7 – 1/4 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
- SpeedSafe Assist Mechanism
- Made in China
What I like about the Kershaw Funxion 8200GRY:
The Kershaw Funxion 8200GRY has drop point blade. Drop points are stronger at the tips than clip point blades and are often associated with an all-purpose knife that can stand up to abuse. This knife is no different – its tough and rugged.
I found the SpeedSafe opening mechanism to be one of the best I’ve seen in an everyday carry knife [EDC]. The belt clip was strong and held the knife secure. I liked that the index stud also doubles as a finger safety guard when the blade is open and locked.
The carabiner has an impressively strong spring associated with it and the screw driver attachment was very useful. Many times with an EDC knife I will resort to using the blade to pry things up or open. Why? Well its a what I call a “tool of immediate means.” With the screwdriver attachment I found an alternative solution to prying and subsequently save my blade point from potential damage.
I used the Kershaw Funxion 8200GRY in many different situations and found it to be an outstanding all purpose blade.
What I did not like about the Kershaw Funxion 8200GRY:
One thing I noticed the first day while using the Kershaw Funxion 8200GRYwas that the thumb studs method of opening was almost impossible to use to open the blade. I stopped trying to open the blade this way and am hoping that it will loosen up over time. My preferred method of opening has always been to use the index stud flipper. Regardless of my preference the thumb stud method of opening did not work well.
One feature that bugged me was I was unable to unclip the carabiner from something and immediately open the blade. When the carabiner is opened first it blocks the blade from opening as a safety feature. I did not like this feature as it would limit my ability to deploy the blade if the carabiner was engaged.
The knife is made in China with 8Cr13MoV, Chinese steel which is known for taking a sharp edge, sharpens easy, but also for moderate edge holding and corrosion resistance.
Overall Impression:
The Kershaw Funxion 8200GRY sells online here Kershaw-Funxion-DIY-Speedsafe-Knife for $36.00.
For that price this is an outstanding every day carry knife with a decent all purpose blade. I beat the tar out of this knife for a week and found no structural defects or issues with it. Recommended!
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