Kershaw Chive Pocket Knife - Compact EDC with SpeedSafe

In this review the Kershaw Chive pocket knife emerges as a compact everyday carry for users who want a reliable cutter without bulk. With a blade just under 2 in and made in the USA, its single biggest selling point is the combination of a corrosion-resistant 420HC steel blade and SpeedSafe assisted opening, which makes one-handed deployment fast and predictable. The Chive is aimed at commuters, hobbyists, and anyone who values a small, solidly built folding knife that lives comfortably in a pocket all day.

Key Features

• Made in the USA: The Chive is manufactured domestically, offering consistent build quality and reassuring fit and finish for daily use.
• 420HC drop point blade: The high-carbon 420HC steel delivers corrosion resistance and a bead-blasted matte finish that resists glare while holding a useful working edge.
• SpeedSafe assisted opening: Assisted opening with a built-in flipper enables quick one-handed deployment, useful for tasks that require fast access to the blade.
• 410 stainless steel handle: The bead-blasted stainless handle matches the blade finish, provides a slim profile, and includes a lanyard hole for carry options.
• Secure locking and transport safety: A frame lock secures the blade during use and a Safety Tip-Lock keeps the blade closed during transport for safer pocket carry.
• Right tip-down pocket clip: The single-position clip allows discreet tip-down carry and keeps the knife accessible without weighing down a pocket.

Who It's For

The Chive is best suited to people who want a minimal, unobtrusive pocketknife for everyday tasks: opening boxes, light cutting chores, and incidental use while commuting or at a workstation. Its sub-2 in blade and slim stainless handle make it a good pick for anyone who values pocket comfort and a clean, no-nonsense carry profile.

Users who need a larger blade for heavy-duty work, extensive outdoor use, or a fully ambidextrous clip system should look elsewhere; the Chive is intentionally small and configured for right-hand, tip-down carry, and its blade length limits some utility compared with full-size folding knives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent pocketability thanks to the compact closed length and slim 410 stainless handle.
• Durable 420HC steel blade with a bead-blasted finish that balances corrosion resistance and edge maintenance.
• SpeedSafe assisted opening provides quick, one-handed access when needed.
• Made in the USA build quality and a secure frame lock for confidence during use.

Cons

• Assisted opening action receives mixed feedback from some users and may feel light compared with larger assisted knives.
• Single-position, right tip-down clip limits carry options for left-handed or tip-up preferences.

Specifications

Blade steel	420HC stainless steel
Blade style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade length	1.9 in (just under 2 in)
Handle material	410 stainless steel, bead-blasted finish
Opening	SpeedSafe assisted opening with built-in flipper
Lock type	Frame lock with Safety Tip-Lock
Carry	Right-hand, tip-down pocket clip; lanyard hole

Our Verdict

The Kershaw Chive is a thoughtfully executed compact EDC knife that delivers solid materials, quick assisted opening, and American assembly at a modest size. It is a good value for someone who wants a discreet daily carry that still feels robust and dependable; those who need larger cutting capacity or left-side carry options should consider a different model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the blade corrosion resistant?
The blade is made from 420HC steel with a bead-blasted finish, which offers good corrosion resistance for everyday use.

Can the knife be opened with one hand?
Yes, Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted opening and the built-in flipper allow reliable one-handed deployment.

Is the pocket clip reversible?
No, the Chive includes a single-position right-hand, tip-down pocket clip and is not supplied with a reversible clip.