Taking blue as kass is tad greedy imo, sometimes the jungler is the kind that needs mana like Hecarim. Zhonya is never an item to replace unless there is no AD on other team like at all. DFG is usable but with blue elixir that is 24% CD. Sounds more like it but again not to replace Zhonya's, also there is roughly 10% more CDR to capitalize on.

Late game or with non mana dependent jungler you might get away with not buying CDR items but then you still have that 10% CDR gap staring at your face as you wait that extra 0.5 (this is exact) seconds to get to Riftwalk to saftey.

Lets not forget that now that Null Sphere does less damage for less mana, yet its CD was not touched, you are going to want to make it more spam-able.

More than anything else though I really want to see the opinions on this matter of others so that it may help you see where you can take your build.

Anyone else think Kassadin needs more than 4% cdr?

EDIT:
You made DFG sound like a situational item there :P
Add to list?

If you really want cdr on Kassadin you could build a Deathfire Grasp. You would most likely be replacing Zhonya's Hourglass for it, though, so it's only good if you know you're not going to be focused down in fights. With DFG + blue buff you'll be at max cdr.

Anyone else think Kassadin needs more than 4% cdr?

Thank you! With the upcoming patch, Kass is getting a bit of a nerf so I'll have to revamp the guide a bit.

deserves more than 50% for sure. you have been open to comments and changed as you feel you should. keep working on it as you play kass more.

Thank you!!

Awesome guide! :D

ROA is better than Lich Bane if your opponent has stuns/seals. Whats point of AA based item if you get stopped before you can pull off the AA ( Ryze) ;). If you rely on surprise silence gameplay style then you not only will rely on LB doing decent enough damage to make chasing worth it, you also will be relying on move speed. Also what if your opponent has a gap closer instead of, or along with a stun ( Fizz, LeBlanc). ROA and LB are situational, normally if you take Kassadin to counter someone you would probably have use for LB but other wise ROA is a great generic starter item.

The point is that you should never ever start Sapphire Crystal. 2 hp pots won't get you to level 6 easily enough.

There's also a Flask Start to the right of it... ^^;

Yep, downvoted for sapphire crystal start.