Yeah, they will work and ride off road... happened to me too, you go off the edge because you get crowded off in a race, or you're not paying full attention and of course the tyres hold up.

What I was trying to say is where possible, don't use skinny smooth road tyres when you are going to bike off the road. Skinny and smooth (and the high pressure that often goes with these tyres - I train at 110psi, I race at 130psi) means they are more susceptible to tiny stone shards, prickles/thorns etc - not just the expected dangers of road rubbish like broken glass.

By gravel, Oak, i assume you mean loose metal/small stones? In which case, again I would recommend not "skinny smooths"...
I guess it all depends what Sundial classes as road tyres. I'm afraid I am not familiar with Kendars.

Alot of hybrid/comfort bikes are sold with slightly knobbly tyres... and they would hold up much better than the tyres I race on...

I guess the moral would be; use the right tyres for the right surface when you possibly can.