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

I lost my go-to knife so needed another EDC. Saw the reviews and went for it. This knife is just about perfect in every way. Scary sharp right out of the box, hefty enough for tough jobs but still light enough not to be obtrusive. Thinner than my last knife, so more comfortable to carry. Silky smooth action, solid locking mechanism, and gorgeous finish. Love the copper colored spine. Overall, worth every penny. It’ll break my heart if I lose this one.

I own around 80 knives, I'm admittedly a Knife Knerd. I consider D2 steel as entry-level good stuff...it's a widely-used tool steel and it's used in ball bearings. As blade steel it's reasonably tough, has decent edge retention and isn't too difficult to sharpen...for knives used or abused daily, it's a good choice. Fresh out of the box my Iridium snaps open very easily, is perfectly centered, is scary sharp, has no blade wiggle and looks great. Kershaw's version of the Benchmade Axis Lock (called DuraLock) seems perfect...mine opens almost like an assisted knife and falls shut when I slide back the lock button. It's a fun fidgeter, satisfying to open and close. The action is perfect, not always the case with thumb tabs--it snaps right open every time. I find very little wrong with it, beyond some nit-picking: The tip is more delicate than I prefer, though good for detail work. Plus there are just three jimping grooves on the spine that only begin 3/8" up the back of the blade--I would much prefer blade jimping all the way back to the pivot point (and even continued onto the handle). In utility, construction, materials and price, it's comparable to the venerable Ontario Rat 1 (previously my favorite "beater"). However the engineering and styling are a big improvement over the Rat...I confess that I like well-designed knives that are also pretty and classy--the Iridium qualifies on both counts (though part of the Rat's appeal, admittedly, is that it IS rather butt-ugly...just a tough, simple tool always gets the job done). The Iridium really outshines it and others in the same general category due to its DuraLock action...such axis locks are one of my favorite mechanisms; they're tough, secure, very easy to open and close one-handed and generally seen only in knives priced well north of $100. If it weren't for the "Kershaw" engraving on the blade, I would easily mistake this knife for a premium Benchmade or Zero Tolerance costing 3-4 times more. At $60 it's an absolute steal of a deal, one I'm pleased to adopt for EDC.. I have some a couple of small issues, but altogether you might skip that Benchmade you've been coveting and buy three of these instead. If it were also offered in pricier and fancier steels like Magnacut, Maxamet, ZDP-189 or CPM S35VN there would be a line of prospective buyers (though I'm quite happy with my D2 model and at 60 bucks I won't have to cry if it's lost or stolen). Addition 3-28-2026--I'm still carrying it and liking it, it pockets easily and I dig the blade shape. In my original review above, I said I would appreciate it in a more premium steel...it turns out that Kershaw already beat me to it with the Bel Air XL, with a 3.4" Magnacut blade. I just ordered one for $133...reviews say it's like a Rolls Royce Iridium with an even smoother opening action (though the Iridium requires no improvement). It's great to see companies like Kershaw and Cold Steel now hitting the ball out of the park with improved steels and designs. I own several Benchmade and Zero Tolerance knives that I paid through the nose for in years past...yes, they're beautifully designed and engineered, but why pay double for a knife when a Kershaw is equal in all regards? Kershaws are meant to be used, and cheap enough that SEFOU is not an issue (that stands for Special Edition Fear of Use). I have a number of knives that qualify as SEFOU, and I'm not going to risk scratching or damaging a $400 knife when a $60 blade gets the job done just as well. Anyhow, as I said before, if you've been horny for a Benchmade or Zero Tolerance you will likely be just as satisfied with a Kershaw...and you can buy two of them for less money. I'm a Kershaw Konvert--I used to consider them as mid-quality but recently they have turned the table....

I don't typically consider Kershaw to be all that impressive in regard to ease of action, blade retention, or even aesthetic appeal, obviously the last is strictly subjective to my own preference and can't be taken as anything objectively disagreeable comparatively. That being said, after one of the chefs I worked with picked up the original release with mirror blade and brass liner I was intrigued, the blade design and scales were sleek, edge was definitely sharp and the bar lock offered multiple action options all of which were smooth and fast. I bought the black option the same day from blade hq, and then a 2nd one from Amazon. I work in a kitchen and breaking down boxes, cutting into multiple layers of cater wrapping when new guy gets too ambitious with the plastic wrap, and a myriad number of other needs this knife gets a lot of action daily. After a month of heavy use it's still sharp, I keep my chef knives razor sharp whether it's a honing steal, ceramic, porcelain, or leather strop, and regularly run my knives on whetstones to keep them savage sharp, it's habitual daily ritual, I haven't given this knife the treatment because it hasn't needed it. It will hold an edge, I can't speak to retention for people using the knife for whittling wood or using it to cut carpet, rope, or whatever other things put a strain on the edge more than cardboard, varying spec plastic, and butchers twine. Action is still smooth, and is honestly enjoyable enough to be considered a bladed fidget spinner, it's entertaining and incredibly satisfying to feel the blade lock into place, just a tip if you are using the lock bar to deploy, only hold it down until the blade releases from closed lock position, otherwise you'll run the risk of having it kick back and close or fail to lock into open position on your first swivel, I typically thum flick the stud to open and then only use the lock bar to release and close but whatever your preference is just be aware of that. I would recommend this knife to anyone looking for an incredibly reasonable priced edc that offers more bang for your buck than almost any knife I can think of. Does it measure up to a Benchmade bugout, in a lot of ways, absolutely. Obviously blade quality isn't comparable but that's where the 180-300$ price point for a bugout comes in. You could buy 3-5 of these Kershaw for one Benchmade. Just saying...

Kershaw is a brand that I’ve had mixed feelings about for a long time. I’ve generally had a soft spot for Kershaw knives, but they’ve definitely tested those feelings and put out some real turkeys. Still do. BUT, they’ve also put out a lot of good stuff as well. This knife falls firmly into the “good” category and maybe even into the great one. It’s a very sleek and attractive looking knife. Sensible, but without being boring. This DuraLock (axis style lock) is tuned really, really well. Just the right amount of tension, and everything locks up tightly. Deployment via thumbstuds or through using the lock is smooth and fast. The aluminum handles are very well done and the grip is comfortable. The blade shape is great. It’s a drop point with a swedge, it’s almost a spear-point blade. And, like most Kershaws I’ve had, it came very sharp from the factory. D2 steel is fine, it holds an edge quite well for this price range - but at the expense of rust resistance to an extent. Semi or almost stainless is how I normally hear it described. It’s not a bad choice, but for my money I’d rather have 14C28N or Nitro-V. That a personal preference thing though. I hope Kershaw will stick with designs and quality at this level going forward. If they do this and jettison some of the junk steel knives they make or spin those off into another line - it will be a game changer for how they are perceived in the market.

So far I've had the knife for a few months and have yet ti have a problem. The blade is pretty tough and I've put it through its paced. The lockup could be a bit tighter. I don't feel that its unsafe at all. It could just be a little tighter. I bought this knife to carry around as a knock-around knife so i dont beat up my expensive knives too much. It's been in my pocket every day since I bought it. The blade shape is great and is a useful size. The tip is very pointy. Its the first knife ive had with this blade profile and I love it. It seems small and lightweight but has a nice and solid feel. I set it up as I do with every new knife. Adjusted the screws and hinge to my liking and it hasn't needed any adjustment since. Great value for what you get. The blade also stays usefully sharp for a long time. Which is definitely a plus.

This is a very smooth operating knife. The blade opens with a flick of the wrist. It can be opened with the ambidextrous thumb stud, or pull back the Duralock button, and swing the blade open. With a release of the button lock, the blade effortlessly swings back into handle. The Duralock locks the blade securely. The knife fits well in the hand, as well as in the pocket. The pocket clip is tip up oriented only. This knife was received in arm-shaving sharpness right out of the box. The thickness of the blade is adequate for EDC and light duty work. There isn't any side to side play with the blade in any position, and feels solid. Overall, I'm happy with this knife and feel it will serve me well.

Feels very smooth in my opinion. Was sharp ish straight out of the box. Frame lock is great as a lefty who can't use liner lock knifes. Pocket clip is reversible. Has been my edc for months and has never let me down. Apparently the d2 steel the blade uses rusts, but I haven't had that problem even though it's often humid where I live.

The iridium is a sold knife, the aluminum handle is reinforced with steel inserts that make the knife feel sturdy but keep the knife very light as it nearly vanishes into the pocket. The crossbar lock or "dura lock"/ "axis lock" make this knife truly ambidextrous fantastic for leftys. Opening and closing is very smooth on the ball-bearing or "kvt" system, when compared to my benchmade griptilian that pivots on bronze washers the iridium is significantly smoother, the griptilian is by no means bad just not as effortless. The build quality on mine is great ,perfectly centered blade the QC was on point, my only real complaint is the blade stock, the spine looks thin when compared to other kershaw knives I own. That being said it is a beautiful knife and makes for a great gentleman's carry or an edc. The iridium blade steel is d2 for quick reference d2 is a mid-range steel most commonly used to make most hand tools. Its edge retention, flexibility and durability is good but d2 does have one drawback and that is corrosion it will pit and rust more easily then other budget steels like 8cr13mov but unlike 8cr13mov it will hold and cutting edge for significantly longer. To mitigate this just wipe the blade down and occasionally oil it and it will fine. Overall this is a great blade at a really good price, the design is unique and beautiful made with premium materials if you take care of it this will serve you well.

Primero es una navaja para mi gusto algo pequeña pero es muy bonita, no le halle ningún defecto visible, todo bien acabado y bien hecho muy llamativa y elegante, el acero d2 no es inoxidable asi que hay que limpiarla de vez en cuando pero retiene muy bien el filo aun que llego con un filo decente la reperfile a mi gusto con un acabado espejo, el sistema de seguro que llaman dura-lock es un cross-bar como los de benchmade y que anda de moda ahorita, la verdad es muy confiable no tiene ningún juego todo bien seguro como roca en conclusión una navaja que te ofrece mucho mas por lo que pagas.

Ein Traum von einem Messer. Sehr schön und super scharf. Leider nicht 42a konform in Deutschland das muss einem klar sein.

He tenido muchos cuchillos de distintas gamas y este se volvió en mi favorito, el diseño moderno, la calidad, el peso y la funcionalidad me parece excelente para ser considerado una navaja con precio accesible. Hasta ahora no he visto que se oxide pero también siempre trato de mantenerla aceitada. El único pero que le pondría es que el clip es más ajustado de lo que me gustaría. La hoja se siente sólida al estar desplegada, el filo que trae de fabrica es sorprendente.

It came very sharp

ziemlich gut