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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
10.0
Chosen by1,487
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
424 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
10.0
Chosen by1,487
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
424 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 Leek Pocket Knife, Black, 3 Inch Stainless Steel Partially Serrated Drop Point Blade, EDC with Assisted Opening, Made in the USA, Reversible Carry, Everyday Carry Pocket Knife for Men & Women

Rating
8.8
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
21043 reviews

Blade Material
The blade arrives factory sharpened to a surgically sharp edge that remains easy to maintain with minimal stropping.
Blade Length
Its slender, 3-inch size and smooth stainless steel handle enable effortless one-handed opening and pocket carry.
Blade Shape
Partial serrations enhance versatility, especially for tougher tasks like cutting zip ties or rope.
Handle Material
Its slender, 3-inch size and smooth stainless steel handle enable effortless one-handed opening and pocket carry.
Locking Mechanism
The frame lock provides solid, reliable blade security during use, preventing accidental closures.
Opening Mechanism
The assisted opening mechanism delivers lightning-fast deployment, making it ready instantly when needed.

The Kershaw Leek pocket knife is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife. It features a 3-inch blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, which is known for being tough, easy to sharpen, and holding an edge well. The blade has a drop point shape with partial serrations, making it versatile for everyday tasks like cutting rope or opening packages. The all-black Cerakote finish not only looks sleek but also adds extra protection against wear. The handle is stainless steel with a contoured design that fits comfortably in your hand, and it matches the blade’s black finish for a unified look. For safety, this knife comes with assisted opening, which means the blade swings out quickly and smoothly with a push. A frame lock keeps the blade firmly open when you’re using it, while a tip-lock slider secures it closed when folded.

Weighing just 3 ounces, it’s slim and easy to carry in your pocket, with a reversible clip for left or right-handed use. While the stainless steel handle is durable, some may prefer a lighter material if they carry their knife all day. Also, the partially serrated blade is excellent for tougher tasks but requires a bit more care when sharpening. This knife is made in the USA and backed by a respected brand with a 2-year warranty.

If you want a stylish, dependable knife for work or daily use, the Kershaw Leek offers a great balance of quality, functionality, and portability.

Rating
8.8
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
21043 reviews

Blade Material
The blade arrives factory sharpened to a surgically sharp edge that remains easy to maintain with minimal stropping.
Blade Length
Its slender, 3-inch size and smooth stainless steel handle enable effortless one-handed opening and pocket carry.
Blade Shape
Partial serrations enhance versatility, especially for tougher tasks like cutting zip ties or rope.
Handle Material
Its slender, 3-inch size and smooth stainless steel handle enable effortless one-handed opening and pocket carry.
Locking Mechanism
The frame lock provides solid, reliable blade security during use, preventing accidental closures.
Opening Mechanism
The assisted opening mechanism delivers lightning-fast deployment, making it ready instantly when needed.
#3

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

Rating
8.2
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
1001 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
8.2
Blade Material
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
1001 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.

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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