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10 Best Kershaw Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife, Made in The USA, 3.4 inch CPM MagnaCut Steel Blade, EDC Design, Duralock Locking Mechanism, Manual Folder, Pocketclip (Beige)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,227
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
354 reviews

Blade Material
Crafted in the USA with premium Magnacut steel and aluminum scales, it delivers a solid, reliable everyday carry experience.
Blade Length
Though the blade is a bit thin, the overall build and locking design make it a dependable tool for precise cutting tasks.
Blade Shape
Though the blade is a bit thin, the overall build and locking design make it a dependable tool for precise cutting tasks.
Handle Material
Crafted in the USA with premium Magnacut steel and aluminum scales, it delivers a solid, reliable everyday carry experience.
Locking Mechanism
The DuraLock mechanism offers a secure, stable lockup that inspires confidence during use.
Opening Mechanism
The blade opens and closes effortlessly with a smooth, flickable action, making one-handed deployment a breeze.

The Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife is a solid choice if you want a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife made in the USA. Its 3.4-inch blade is crafted from CPM MagnaCut steel, a premium material known for holding its edge well and resisting rust, which means less frequent sharpening and longer-lasting sharpness. The blade shape is a reverse tanto, offering a strong tip that’s good for precise cutting tasks and durability.

The handle is made from lightweight but sturdy aluminum in a beige finish, which gives a modern look and feels comfortable to hold. It includes a black deep-carry pocket clip that’s reversible for right or left-hand users, adding convenience for everyday use. The knife’s DuraLock mechanism is a standout feature; it locks the blade open securely with a steel crossbar, which provides safety during use and can be easily unlocked by pulling the ambidextrous lock back.

Opening the blade is smooth thanks to the KVT ball-bearing system and thumb studs, making one-handed deployment quick and easy. When open, the knife measures 7.2 inches and closes down to 4.2 inches, weighing 2.9 ounces—slightly on the heavier side for some, but still comfortable for most pockets. The knife is manual folding, requiring you to open and close it yourself, which is typical for legal and safety reasons in many places. It’s recommended to hand wash only to keep the blade and handle in good shape. This knife suits campers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a durable, no-nonsense pocket knife with a modern style and excellent steel quality. Its solid construction and thoughtful features make it a dependable tool, although those seeking an ultra-lightweight option might find it a bit weighty.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,227
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
354 reviews

Blade Material
Crafted in the USA with premium Magnacut steel and aluminum scales, it delivers a solid, reliable everyday carry experience.
Blade Length
Though the blade is a bit thin, the overall build and locking design make it a dependable tool for precise cutting tasks.
Blade Shape
Though the blade is a bit thin, the overall build and locking design make it a dependable tool for precise cutting tasks.
Handle Material
Crafted in the USA with premium Magnacut steel and aluminum scales, it delivers a solid, reliable everyday carry experience.
Locking Mechanism
The DuraLock mechanism offers a secure, stable lockup that inspires confidence during use.
Opening Mechanism
The blade opens and closes effortlessly with a smooth, flickable action, making one-handed deployment a breeze.
#2

Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife, SpeedSafe Opening, 2.75 inch Black Blade and Handle, Small, Lightweight Every Day Carry

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
3062 reviews

Blade Material
The blade is still sharp even after using it on boxes and some whittling.
Blade Length
The 2.75-inch serrated black blade strikes a perfect balance between portability and functionality.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomically designed, offering a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism keeps the blade secure during use, providing an added layer of safety.
Opening Mechanism
Nice little knife for home or as an EDC. It’s easy to open, but tight enough that there's no concern about it opening in the pocket.

The Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife is a solid choice for those in need of a compact, lightweight everyday carry knife. Key strengths include its 2.75-inch black stainless steel reverse tanto blade which is sharp and versatile for tasks like cutting tape, boxes, and rope. The blade's reverse tanto shape provides a strong tip, making it effective for piercing and precision cuts. The knife's SpeedSafe Assisted Opening mechanism ensures quick and easy one-handed blade deployment, which is further secured by a reliable liner lock once open. This makes the knife both safe and user-friendly in various situations.

The handle, made of plastic with several cutouts, keeps the knife lightweight at just under 2 ounces, making it comfortable for prolonged carrying. The handle design also includes a reversible pocket clip and a lanyard hole, offering multiple carrying options to suit personal preferences. However, the plastic handle may not be as durable or premium-feeling as other materials like G10 or aluminum often found in higher-end knives.

With an overall length of 6.5 inches when open and 3.6 inches when closed, the Kershaw Appa is compact enough for easy portability. The knife is suitable for a variety of uses, particularly for hiking and everyday tasks, but may not be ideal for extremely heavy-duty applications due to its lightweight build. Additionally, the knife is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, providing some assurance of its quality and longevity.

In conclusion, the Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife offers good value for its price, particularly for those needing a reliable, lightweight, and versatile everyday carry knife, but users should be mindful of the plastic handle's potential limitations.

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
3062 reviews

Blade Material
The blade is still sharp even after using it on boxes and some whittling.
Blade Length
The 2.75-inch serrated black blade strikes a perfect balance between portability and functionality.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomically designed, offering a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism keeps the blade secure during use, providing an added layer of safety.
Opening Mechanism
Nice little knife for home or as an EDC. It’s easy to open, but tight enough that there's no concern about it opening in the pocket.
#3

Kershaw Black Iridium Folding Pocket Knife, Sleek 3.4 inch D2 Steel Blade, DuraLock Locking Mechanism, Aluminum Handle, Designed in the USA

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
834 reviews

Blade Material
The blade stays sharp even after heavy daily use without needing frequent maintenance.
Handle Material
The handle’s smooth finish looks great but can feel a bit slippery during use.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is smooth and satisfying to operate, providing a secure and reliable hold.
Opening Mechanism
Opening and closing the blade is exceptionally smooth and quick, outperforming many assisted opening knives.

The Kershaw Black Iridium is a solid choice for an everyday folding pocket knife. It features a 3.4-inch blade made from D2 high-carbon tool steel, known for its toughness and excellent edge retention, so it should stay sharp longer than many common steels. The blade has a spear-point shape, which is versatile for general cutting tasks. The handle is made of lightweight aluminum with a sleek black anodized finish, giving it a modern look while keeping the weight comfortable at 3.3 ounces.

This knife uses Kershaw's DuraLock mechanism, a crossbar lock that securely holds the blade open and is easy to operate safely with a simple pull. Opening the blade is smooth thanks to the KVT ball-bearing system and thumb studs, allowing quick one-handed use. The pocket clip is reversible, supporting both left and right-handed carry, which adds to its convenience. On the downside, the knife requires hand washing to maintain its condition, and while the weight is moderate, some users might prefer a lighter option for long carry.

The blade’s black PVD finish helps reduce glare but may show wear over time with heavy use. This knife combines durability, safety, and style, making it suitable for anyone looking for a dependable, everyday folding knife.

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
834 reviews

Blade Material
The blade stays sharp even after heavy daily use without needing frequent maintenance.
Handle Material
The handle’s smooth finish looks great but can feel a bit slippery during use.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is smooth and satisfying to operate, providing a secure and reliable hold.
Opening Mechanism
Opening and closing the blade is exceptionally smooth and quick, outperforming many assisted opening knives.

Buying Guide for the Best Kershaw Knives

When choosing a Kershaw knife, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Kershaw offers a wide range of knives, from everyday carry (EDC) to specialized outdoor and tactical knives. Understanding the key specifications will help you select the best knife for your needs. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Blade MaterialThe blade material determines the knife's durability, sharpness, and resistance to corrosion. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and various alloys. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it ideal for everyday use. High-carbon steel is harder and holds an edge longer but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Choose stainless steel for general use and high-carbon steel for tasks requiring a sharper, longer-lasting edge.
Blade LengthBlade length affects the knife's versatility and ease of carry. Shorter blades (under 3 inches) are more portable and suitable for everyday tasks like opening packages. Medium blades (3-4 inches) offer a balance between portability and functionality, making them good for both EDC and outdoor activities. Longer blades (over 4 inches) are better for heavy-duty tasks and outdoor use but can be less convenient to carry. Consider your primary use to determine the best blade length for you.
Blade ShapeBlade shape influences the knife's cutting performance and suitability for different tasks. Common shapes include drop point, tanto, and clip point. Drop point blades are versatile and good for general use, with a strong tip for piercing. Tanto blades have a strong, angular tip, making them ideal for piercing tough materials. Clip point blades have a thinner, sharper tip, suitable for precision tasks. Choose a blade shape based on the specific tasks you plan to perform.
Handle MaterialHandle material affects the knife's grip, comfort, and durability. Common materials include G-10, aluminum, and stainless steel. G-10 is a lightweight, durable composite that offers excellent grip, even in wet conditions. Aluminum is lightweight and strong but can be slippery when wet. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean but heavier. Consider the conditions in which you'll use the knife and your preference for weight and grip to choose the right handle material.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism ensures the blade stays securely in place during use, enhancing safety. Common types include liner lock, frame lock, and back lock. Liner locks are easy to use with one hand and are common in EDC knives. Frame locks are similar but use the handle frame for added strength. Back locks are very secure but require two hands to operate. Choose a locking mechanism based on your preference for ease of use and the level of security you need.
Opening MechanismThe opening mechanism determines how quickly and easily you can deploy the blade. Options include manual, assisted, and automatic. Manual knives require you to open the blade with your hand, offering more control. Assisted opening knives use a spring mechanism to help deploy the blade quickly. Automatic knives open with the push of a button but may be restricted in some areas. Consider your need for speed and convenience when choosing an opening mechanism.

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