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10 Best Kershaw Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kershaw Iridium Folding Pocket Knife, 3.4 inch D2 Steel Blade, DuraLock Locking Mechanism, Grey Aluminum Handle, Pocketclip

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,369
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
761 reviews

Blade Material
While the D2 steel blade requires some maintenance to prevent rust, its edge retention and durability are commendable, making it a reliable choice for everyday carry.
Handle Material
The aluminum handle reinforced with steel inserts offers a sturdy yet lightweight feel, making the knife almost disappear in your pocket.
Locking Mechanism
The DuraLock mechanism ensures the knife is truly ambidextrous, providing a fantastic option for left-handed users.
Opening Mechanism
The blade opens smoothly, locks securely, and outperforms many assisted opening knives in terms of speed and ease.

The Kershaw Iridium Folding Pocket Knife is a strong contender for those looking for a reliable everyday carry knife. With its 3.4-inch D2 steel blade, it offers excellent edge retention and durability, making it suitable for various cutting tasks. The spear-point blade shape enhances its versatility, allowing it to handle both detailed tasks and general cutting needs effectively.

One of the standout features is the DuraLock mechanism, which secures the blade in an open position, providing safety and confidence during use. The ambidextrous design and the KVT ball-bearing opening system make it easy to access and operate with one hand, which is a significant advantage for quick tasks.

The knife's grey-anodized aluminum handle not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a lightweight design, weighing just 3.3 ounces. This makes it comfortable to carry in pockets or bags. The deep-carry pocket clip is reversible for left or right-handed users, catering to a broader audience. However, there are a few drawbacks. While the D2 steel is known for its toughness, it may require regular maintenance to prevent rust and could be challenging for those unfamiliar with care for high-carbon steels. Additionally, the handle's aluminum material, while stylish and lightweight, may not provide as much grip as other materials like G10 or rubber, especially in wet conditions.

The Kershaw Iridium is well-suited for general-purpose cutting and everyday carry, appealing to those who appreciate a stylish yet functional knife. It’s ideal for adults who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality in their pocket knives while being mindful of some maintenance requirements.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,369
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
761 reviews

Blade Material
While the D2 steel blade requires some maintenance to prevent rust, its edge retention and durability are commendable, making it a reliable choice for everyday carry.
Handle Material
The aluminum handle reinforced with steel inserts offers a sturdy yet lightweight feel, making the knife almost disappear in your pocket.
Locking Mechanism
The DuraLock mechanism ensures the knife is truly ambidextrous, providing a fantastic option for left-handed users.
Opening Mechanism
The blade opens smoothly, locks securely, and outperforms many assisted opening knives in terms of speed and ease.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
761 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
9.8
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
761 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.
#3

Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife, Made in the USA, Black 3.4 inch CPM MagnaCut Steel Blade, EDC Design, Duralock Locking Mechanism, Manual Folder, Black Handle, Pocketclip

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
236 reviews

Blade Material
The handle is comfortable and grippy, and the MagnaCut blade is remarkably tough with excellent edge retention.
Handle Material
The handle is comfortable and grippy, and the MagnaCut blade is remarkably tough with excellent edge retention.
Locking Mechanism
The ball-bearing locking system paired with spring assistance makes opening and closing the knife extremely easy.
Opening Mechanism
This is probably the smoothest out-of-the-box flipper I have.

The Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife is a solid option for anyone in need of a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife. One of its main strengths is the blade, made from CPM MagnaCut steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. This means that it will stand up well to regular use, whether you’re camping or just tackling everyday tasks. The black DLC coating not only adds a sleek look but also provides extra protection to the blade.

Opening the knife is a breeze thanks to the KVT ball-bearing system and thumb studs, making it user-friendly for both left and right-handed individuals. The DuraLock mechanism is a standout feature, ensuring that the blade remains securely open during use. Additionally, the deep-carry pocket clip is easily reversible, allowing for versatile carrying options, which is great for personal preference.

While this knife is lightweight at 2.9 ounces, some users might find the 3.1-inch blade a bit short for certain tasks. Although the design is modern and stylish, it may not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look. Maintenance is also important; regular cleaning and oiling of the moving parts are required to keep the knife in optimal condition.

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
236 reviews

Blade Material
The handle is comfortable and grippy, and the MagnaCut blade is remarkably tough with excellent edge retention.
Handle Material
The handle is comfortable and grippy, and the MagnaCut blade is remarkably tough with excellent edge retention.
Locking Mechanism
The ball-bearing locking system paired with spring assistance makes opening and closing the knife extremely easy.
Opening Mechanism
This is probably the smoothest out-of-the-box flipper I have.

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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