Kershaw 1990 Brawler: The Ultimate Everyday Carry (EDC) and Tactical Folding Knife

Are you searching for a reliable, robust, and versatile folding knife that can handle anything from daily chores to more demanding tactical situations? Do you need a durable blade with exceptional piercing power, an easy-to-sharpen edge, and quick, dependable deployment? Look no further than the Kershaw 1990 Brawler. This meticulously engineered folding knife is a prime example of Kershaw's commitment to delivering high-performance tools that meet the needs of knife enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and everyday users alike. Designed to be a true workhorse, the Brawler combines a distinct modified tanto blade, a resilient black-oxide finish, and Kershaw's renowned SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism into a package that's both practical and impressive.

The Kershaw Brawler is not just another folding knife; it’s a thoughtfully designed instrument built for those who demand efficiency and durability from their tools. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a first responder, a trade professional, or simply someone who appreciates a dependable blade for everyday tasks, the Brawler offers a unique blend of features that make it an indispensable companion. Its aggressive yet functional design ensures it’s ready for action, providing both powerful piercing capability and excellent cutting performance.

Unpacking the Brawler's Core Design: Precision and Power

At the heart of the Kershaw Brawler’s formidable capability lies its modified tanto blade. This blade shape, often associated with tactical and rescue knives, is specifically engineered for maximum piercing power. The traditional tanto blade excels at puncturing tough materials due to its strong, reinforced tip. The Brawler takes this design and refines it, incorporating a "modified" aspect that enhances its versatility without sacrificing its primary strength.

The Modified Tanto Blade: Piercing and Cutting Mastery

What makes the Brawler's modified tanto blade so effective?

• Superior Piercing Power: The sharp, reinforced tip of the tanto blade is designed to punch through hard materials such as thick cardboard, seatbelts, or even light metals with impressive force. This makes it an ideal choice for emergency situations or tasks requiring precision piercing.
• Strategic Swedge: The top of the Brawler's blade features a grind, known as a swedge. This design element serves to narrow the blade at the spine, further enhancing its piercing capabilities by reducing drag and allowing for deeper, cleaner punctures. It's a subtle but significant detail that contributes to the knife's overall effectiveness in tactical applications.
• Straight Belly for Optimal Cutting: Unlike some traditional tanto blades that can have a more acute angle, the Brawler features a straight belly on its main cutting edge. This design provides excellent cutting capacity, allowing users to bear down on a task with full control and apply significant pressure for clean, efficient cuts. This straight edge is also remarkably easy to resharpen, ensuring your Brawler remains a top-tier performer throughout its lifespan. It allows for full contact cutting, making it ideal for slicing through ropes, cordage, or opening stubborn packaging.

The Blade's Foundation: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel with Black-Oxide Coating

The choice of blade material is paramount for any high-performance knife, and the Kershaw Brawler does not disappoint. Its blade is crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, a popular and highly regarded steel for its balanced properties.

Benefits of 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel:

• Edge-Holding Capability: This steel offers a commendable ability to hold a sharp edge through extended use, reducing the frequency of sharpening and keeping you productive.
• Strength and Hardness: 8Cr13MoV provides a good balance of strength to resist breakage and hardness to withstand wear, ensuring the blade remains robust even under strenuous conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: As a stainless steel, it offers good resistance to rust and corrosion, an essential feature for a knife that might be exposed to various environments, from damp outdoor settings to daily urban grime.
• Ease of Resharpening: While it holds an edge well, 8Cr13MoV is also relatively easy to resharpen when the time comes, making maintenance straightforward for both novice and experienced users.

Adding to its functionality and aesthetics, the blade receives a black-oxide coating. This coating isn't just for looks; it provides an additional layer of protection against corrosion and wear, reduces reflectivity (a benefit in tactical scenarios), and gives the Brawler its distinctive, stealthy appearance.

Ergonomics and Operation: Designed for Performance and Safety

A knife's effectiveness is not solely determined by its blade; the handle and deployment mechanism play crucial roles in user experience and safety. The Kershaw Brawler excels in these areas, offering a secure grip and rapid, reliable opening.

Glass-Filled Nylon (GFN) Handle: Lightweight Durability

The Brawler’s handle is constructed from glass-filled nylon (GFN), a material renowned for its combination of strength and light weight.

• Strength and Durability: GFN is incredibly resilient, capable of withstanding impacts and resisting abrasion, ensuring the handle holds up to rigorous use.
• Lightweight Comfort: Despite its strength, GFN keeps the overall weight of the knife down to a manageable 3.90 oz, making it comfortable for everyday carry without feeling cumbersome.
• Ergonomic Design: The handle features an angled design that curves naturally into the palm of your hand, providing an exceptionally secure and comfortable grip. This ergonomic contouring minimizes hand fatigue during extended use and enhances control, even in wet or challenging conditions. The textured surface further aids in maintaining a firm hold.

SpeedSafe Assisted Opening: Fast and Fluid Deployment

One of Kershaw's signature technologies, SpeedSafe assisted opening, makes the Brawler incredibly fast and easy to deploy.

• Rapid Deployment: With a simple push on the flipper tab, the blade smoothly and quickly springs open, ready for immediate use. This one-handed operation is invaluable in situations where speed and efficiency are critical.
• User-Friendly Flipper: The flipper tab is strategically placed and easy to engage, making deployment intuitive for both right- and left-handed users.
• Reliable Mechanism: SpeedSafe is a proven system, known for its consistent performance and reliability, ensuring your blade is always ready when you need it.

Secure Liner Lock: Safety First

Once deployed, the Brawler’s blade is held firmly in place by a robust liner lock mechanism.

• Dependable Blade Security: The liner lock provides a solid and secure lock-up, preventing accidental blade closure during use and ensuring maximum safety for the user.
• Easy Disengagement: While secure, the liner lock is also easy to disengage with one hand, allowing for quick and convenient closing of the blade when tasks are complete.

Versatile Pocket Clip: Ready for Carry

The Kershaw Brawler includes a practical pocket clip, designed for ambidextrous, multi-position carry. This allows users to choose their preferred carry orientation – tip-up or tip-down, and for left- or right-hand carry – ensuring optimal accessibility and comfort for individual preferences. The deep-carry design ensures the knife rides low in the pocket, keeping it discreet and secure.

Real-World Applications: Where the Brawler Excels

The Kershaw Brawler isn't just a collection of features; it's a versatile tool designed to address a multitude of real-world needs.

Who is the Kershaw Brawler for?

• Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: Its compact size (4.10" closed length), lightweight nature, and robust features make it an ideal companion for daily tasks like opening packages, cutting string, or general utility.
• Outdoor Adventurers: Campers, hikers, and fishermen will appreciate its durability for tasks like preparing kindling, cutting fishing line, or general camp chores. Its piercing capability can also be invaluable in emergency situations.
• Professionals Needing a Utility Blade: Tradespeople, warehouse workers, and first responders can rely on its robust construction for heavy-duty box cutting, cable stripping, or emergency cutting.
• Individuals Seeking a Reliable Self-Defense or Emergency Tool: The tanto blade’s piercing power combined with rapid SpeedSafe deployment makes it a viable option for personal safety or as a quick-response tool in unexpected scenarios.
• First-Time Knife Owners: Its affordability, ease of use, and durable construction make it an excellent entry-level knife that performs far above its price point.
• Anyone who values preparedness: Having a dependable cutting tool readily available is a cornerstone of preparedness, and the Brawler fits this role perfectly.

Common questions the Kershaw Brawler helps answer:

• "What's the best folding knife for everyday tasks that can also handle tougher jobs?"
• "I need a reliable knife for opening boxes and cutting rope, but also something durable."
• "What knife offers quick one-handed opening and a strong lock for safety?"
• "Can I find a good quality tactical-style knife without breaking the bank?"
• "Which knife has excellent piercing capabilities for emergency situations?"
• "How do I choose a durable, lightweight EDC knife that's easy to maintain?"

The Kershaw Advantage: Trust and Innovation

Kershaw Knives has built a reputation for crafting innovative, high-performance knives that are accessible to a wide audience. The Brawler embodies this philosophy perfectly. With a long-standing history of quality and precision, Kershaw ensures that every knife, including the Brawler, meets stringent standards for materials, construction, and functionality. Their commitment to using advanced manufacturing techniques and designs, like the SpeedSafe system and the practical modified tanto, sets them apart in the competitive knife market. When you choose a Kershaw, you're investing in a product backed by years of expertise and a dedication to user satisfaction.

Maintaining Your Kershaw Brawler for Lifelong Performance

To ensure your Kershaw 1990 Brawler continues to perform at its peak, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

• Cleaning: After use, especially in dirty or wet conditions, clean the blade and handle with warm, soapy water. Use a brush for tight spots. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a light coating of knife oil to the pivot area to ensure smooth SpeedSafe operation.
• Sharpening: While the 8Cr13MoV steel holds an edge well, all knives eventually need sharpening. Use a quality sharpening system appropriate for the steel type and tanto blade shape. The Brawler’s straight belly makes resharpening particularly easy.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the lock mechanism, pivot, and pocket clip screws to ensure everything is secure and functioning correctly.

By following these simple guidelines, your Kershaw Brawler will remain a reliable and effective tool for years to come.

Availability

All Kershaw products, including the versatile Brawler (UPC 087171033044), are readily available through trusted retailers like DEGuns.com, ensuring you can acquire this exceptional knife with ease and confidence.

Kershaw 1990 Brawler Specifications (UPC: 087171033044)

Feature	Detail
Brand	Kershaw
Model	Brawler
MPN	1990
UPC	087171033044
Overall Length	7.10 inches
Closed Length	4.10 inches
Blade Length	3 inches
Blade Material	8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
Blade Type	Modified Tanto
Blade Finish	Black Oxide
Blade Edge	Plain
Blade Thickness	0.12 inches
Handle Material	GFN (Glass-Filled Nylon)
Handle Color	Black
Opening Mechanism	Flipper (SpeedSafe Assisted Opening)
Lock Type	Liner Lock
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Weight	3.90 ounces
Includes	Pocket Clip
SKU	136771