10 Best Kershaw Knives 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.