Kershaw 3960 Barstow Folding Knife: Your Everyday Companion for Reliability and Performance

Are you searching for a dependable, swift, and aesthetically pleasing folding knife that delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality? Look no further than the Kershaw 3960 Barstow. This meticulously crafted folding dagger is designed for individuals who appreciate a no-nonsense, direct approach to their tools. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an everyday carry (EDC) aficionado, or simply someone who needs a reliable cutting instrument for daily tasks, the Barstow offers a compelling blend of functionality, durability, and discreet style.

The Kershaw Barstow addresses common challenges faced by knife users: the need for rapid deployment, a secure grip in various conditions, robust blade retention, and convenient, low-profile carry. It’s an ideal solution for anyone asking questions like, "What is a good, versatile knife for everyday carry?" or "Which folding knife offers both speed and security?" The Barstow is engineered to be an extension of your hand, ready for any impromptu cutting task or practical application that arises in your day-to-day life.

The Heart of the Barstow: Blade Excellence

At the core of the Kershaw Barstow's performance is its 3-inch spear-point blade. This straight, symmetrical blade profile is renowned for its strong, utilitarian tip, making it excellent for piercing, while the single sharpened edge ensures clean slicing and ease of maintenance. The spear-point design provides a robust tip that is less prone to breaking compared to finer points, making it a reliable choice for a variety of tasks from opening stubborn packaging to more demanding outdoor utility.

The blade is forged from high-quality 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This popular blade material is a favorite among knife manufacturers for its excellent balance of properties. 8Cr13MoV offers a commendable combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. For the user, this means less time spent on maintenance and more time enjoying a consistently sharp edge. It strikes a perfect balance for a working knife, providing resilience against the elements and holding an edge through regular use, yet allowing for straightforward resharpening when needed. This steel makes the Barstow a practical choice for those who value performance and easy care.

Adding to its appeal, the blade features Kershaw's distinctive black oxide BlackWash coating. This finish is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a functional enhancement. The BlackWash treatment gives the blade a non-reflective, matte appearance that effectively hides scratches and scuffs that accumulate with daily use. It imparts an "already broken-in" look from the moment you take it out of the box, giving it a rugged, field-ready character. This coating also provides an additional layer of corrosion resistance, further extending the life and pristine appearance of your blade. It’s perfect for users who prefer their tools to look lived-in and ready for action, rather than factory fresh.

Unmatched Speed and Secure Locking: SpeedSafe and Liner Lock

One of the standout features of the Kershaw Barstow is its SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. This proprietary Kershaw technology ensures that the blade deploys quickly and smoothly with a simple push on the built-in flipper. The flipper tab protrudes from the spine of the closed blade, allowing for effortless one-handed opening. With a gentle push, the spring-assisted mechanism propels the blade into the open and locked position, making the Barstow ready for action in a fraction of a second. This rapid deployment is invaluable in situations where quick access to a cutting tool is critical, enhancing both efficiency and safety for the user. It answers the user’s need for an "easy-to-open folding knife" with precision and reliability.

Once deployed, the blade is held firmly in place by a robust steel liner lock. This time-tested locking mechanism utilizes a tensioned steel liner that pivots behind the blade’s tang when opened, securely locking it into position. The liner lock is celebrated for its strength, reliability, and ease of disengagement. To close the knife, simply press the liner to the side, allowing the blade to fold safely back into the handle. The steel liner, like the blade, is also finished with the non-reflective BlackWash coating, maintaining the knife's consistent, utilitarian aesthetic and providing an equally stout and secure lock for dependable use. This secure locking mechanism offers peace of mind during heavy-duty tasks, ensuring the blade remains open and stable.

Ergonomics and Design: Grip, Comfort, and Discreet Carry

The handle of the Kershaw Barstow is crafted from glass-filled nylon (GFN), a material renowned for its exceptional durability, light weight, and resistance to impact and harsh chemicals. The GFN scales are further enhanced with a distinctive, heavy arrow-patterned texturing. This aggressive texturing is not merely for aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in providing an enhanced, non-slip grip, even in wet or challenging conditions. The ergonomic design ensures the knife feels comfortable and secure in the hand, reducing the risk of accidental slips during demanding tasks. The black handle complements the blade’s BlackWash finish, contributing to the knife’s sleek and tactical appearance.

Despite its robust construction, the Barstow maintains a slim profile and a manageable weight of just 3.40 ounces. This lightweight design, combined with its 7-inch overall length when open and a compact 4-inch closed length, makes it an ideal everyday carry companion. It won't weigh down your pocket or feel cumbersome, ensuring it's always there when you need it without being a burden.

For convenient and discreet carry, the Barstow is equipped with a deep-carry pocket clip. This clip allows the knife to ride low in the pocket, keeping it largely out of sight and minimizing snagging on everyday objects. The pocket clip is also reversible, catering to both left-handed and right-handed users, showcasing Kershaw's commitment to ambidextrous design and universal usability. This thoughtful detail ensures that every user can customize their carry preference for optimal comfort and accessibility.

One subtle yet eye-catching design detail that sets the Barstow apart is the inclusion of anodized blue tube spacers. While all other hardware on the knife is black, these blue accents provide a touch of unexpected color and visual interest. It's a small detail, but one that reflects Kershaw's attention to detail and ability to infuse a bit of character into even the most straightforward designs.

Why Choose the Kershaw Barstow 3960?

Choosing the Kershaw 3960 Barstow means investing in a tool that embodies reliability, efficiency, and smart design. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rapid Deployment: SpeedSafe assisted opening via the built-in flipper ensures the blade is ready instantly when needed.
• Durable Blade: The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade offers a great balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Resilient Finish: The black oxide BlackWash coating not only adds a rugged aesthetic but also enhances durability and hides wear.
• Secure Grip: Glass-filled nylon handle with aggressive arrow-pattern texturing provides a confident hold in any condition.
• Robust Locking: The stout steel liner lock keeps the blade firmly open during use, ensuring safety and stability.
• Discreet & Versatile Carry: Deep-carry, reversible pocket clip allows for ambidextrous, low-profile carry.
• Exceptional Value: The Barstow delivers premium features and performance at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Kershaw Quality: Backed by Kershaw's renowned reputation for producing high-quality, innovative, and reliable knives.

The Kershaw Barstow isn't just a knife; it's a reliable partner for everyday challenges. It’s a testament to thoughtful engineering, designed to offer maximum utility in a sleek, straightforward package. From its fast-deploying blade to its secure locking mechanism and comfortable grip, every aspect of the Barstow is crafted to enhance the user experience. Whether you’re cutting cordage, opening boxes, or simply need a capable tool by your side, the Kershaw 3960 Barstow answers the call with unwavering performance.

Care and Maintenance for Your Kershaw Barstow

To ensure your Kershaw Barstow provides years of reliable service, proper care and maintenance are essential. Follow these simple guidelines:

1. Cleaning: After each use, especially if the knife has been exposed to dirt, moisture, or corrosive materials, wipe the blade and handle clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, a mild soap and water solution can be used, followed by thorough drying.
2. Lubrication: Periodically, apply a light coat of a high-quality knife oil or lubricant to the pivot area of the blade. This will ensure the SpeedSafe mechanism operates smoothly and prevents rust in crucial moving parts.
3. Sharpening: While 8Cr13MoV steel holds an edge well, all knives eventually need sharpening. Use a quality sharpening system appropriate for stainless steel. Maintain the original blade angle for best results. If you're unsure, professional sharpening services can restore your edge perfectly.
4. Storage: Store your knife in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. Avoid extreme temperatures or humid conditions.
5. Inspection: Regularly inspect the blade, lock, and handle for any signs of wear or damage. Address any issues promptly to maintain optimal performance and safety.

By following these simple care steps, your Kershaw 3960 Barstow will remain a sharp, reliable, and trusted tool for all your cutting needs.

Detailed Specifications: Kershaw 3960 Barstow

Feature	Description	Specification
Brand	Manufacturer	Kershaw
Model Name	Product Identifier	Barstow
Model Number	Manufacturer Part Number	3960
Overall Length (OAL)	Total Length When Open	7 inches
Closed Length	Total Length When Closed	4 inches
Blade Length	Length of Cutting Edge	3 inches
Blade Material	Steel Composition	8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
Blade Type	Blade Profile	Spear Point
Edge Type	Sharpening Style	Plain Edge
Blade Finish	Surface Coating	Black Oxide BlackWash
Blade Thickness	Blade Stock Dimension	0.11 inches
Handle Material	Handle Construction	Glass-Filled Nylon (GFN)
Handle Color	Handle Aesthetic	Black
Opening Mechanism	Deployment Method	SpeedSafe Assisted Opening
Open Type	Deployment Trigger	Flipper
Lock Type	Blade Locking Mechanism	Liner Lock
Hand Orientation	Usability for Users	Ambidextrous
Weight	Product Mass	3.40 ounces
Included Accessories	Standard Attachments	Deep-Carry Pocket Clip
SKU	Stock Keeping Unit	102395
UPC	Universal Product Code	087171048628