The first thing you’ll notice is how this big handful of a knife nestles into your palm. The ergonomic design and the tough, glass-filled nylon handle scales provide a grip that’s comfortable, secure, and ensures that you’re always in control of the cut. Next, of course, you’ll want to try out the razor-sharp blade. Just push on the thumbstud and—twack!—the SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism moves the blade out of the handle and it locks securely into place, ready for use. The blade is a classic drop-point with a partially serrated blade, perfect for handling a wide range of tasks. It can take care of pretty much anything you care to throw at it. The blade steel is high-performance 14C28N. Developed in a partnership between Kershaw and Sandvik Steel, 14C28N offers excellent corrosion resistance, hardness, and edge retention. In fact, Sandvik considers this the highest-performance steel available that can still be fine-blanked. Kershaw would have to agree. But the only way you’re going to know for yourself is to get a Whirlwind of your own.