Kershaw is the brand that gave the world SpeedSafe Assisted Opening Technology, and sort of gave the world Composite Blade Technology. At least, they were the first to give the idea of different steel alloys in one blade stock with a differential temper a cool name (although San Mai is a pretty cool name too).  

Either way, it’s a great brand and they make a lot of affordable carry knives that are user-friendly, sport unique designs, and which are not only practical for EDC but downright cool. Here are 7 of the most popular among them.

Leek

If there were one Kershaw pocket knife to rule them all, it would have to be the venerable Leek. The Leek has been in production for some time now, is available in a variety of different variants, and there’s even an assisted-open version.

But what makes the Leek so popular has got to be the pairing of the comfortable, ergonomic scale profile paired with the somewhat needle-pointed blade, which is ideal for both piercing and slicing tasks, without being too fragile.

Blur  

The Blur is either on par with the Leek or at least it is a very close runner-up. Like the Leek, it is immensely popular and available in numerous variants. However, it’s substantially different in terms of ergonomics and blade profile. Whereas the Leek has a more delicate blade, the Blur has a broad, recurved blade that’s better suited to slicing than piercing.

Another selling point of the Kershaw Blur is that it is made in a variety of configurations sporting super steels, including but not limited to MagnaCut and S30V - there’s even a Damascus version.

Iridium

The Iridium is a true workhorse, and is available with two main blade profiles, a spear point and a reverse tanto point which has a slightly more robust tip. Chiefly available with either a MagnaCut or D2 blade and aluminum scales, it is built to stand up strong to hard use.

But all that, in spite of how appealing it is, does not betray the true value behind the Iridium - it was one of the first Kershaw pocket knives to sport a “DuraLock” which is just Kershaw’s take on the Benchmade AXIS Lock, a bar lock that is arguably the strongest folding knife lock that has ever been developed.

Bel Air

The Bel Air is one of the most popular Kershaw pocket knife models right now, and offers a lot of what the Iridium offers. If you’re looking for what the Iridium sports but prefer a sheepsfoot style blade, the Bel Air is the knife to get.

It also is available in a few variants and chiefly sports aluminum scales (although a carbon fiber version is available) and with a MagnaCut blade. In addition the Bel Air’s biggest selling point, like the Iridium’s, is its DuraLock, which is strong, fidget-friendly, and safer than alternatives like liner locks and frame locks.

Livewire

Fans of autos don’t need to leave the Kershaw crowd to satisfy their cravings, thanks to the Livewire, an automatic OTF knife with aluminum scales, and a MagnaCut blade available either in a spear or tanto point configuration.  

Besides the lightning fast action of the Livewire, and the fact that it is an OTF knife, another thing to love about it is the fact that it is made in the United States. If you’re looking for an auto OTF knife, throw this one in the running. It is one of the best.

Cryo  

For budget-buyers who love Kershaw pocket knives and prefer the basics, like a frame lock, a pretty nonspecific blade profile, thumb studs, and a solid steel, the Cryo is a great option.

This Kershaw pocket knife sports a relatively small blade of 8Cr13MoV steel with a titanium carbo-nitride coating that not only looks sleek but adds a high degree of wear and corrosion resistance.

Select Fire  

First, the name is cool as all heck - and the fact that the model is so versatile? Kershaw gets an A++ for that.  

The knife itself is nothing to write home about, but it contains a bit driver socket with a ruler along with 4 drivers that swing out of the handle, so it’s a lot more versatile and utilitarian than your average Kershaw pocket knife, or than your average knife, period.

Definitely not the thing for purists, but if you like cool gadgets, it’s a good one, and Kershaw keeps it on their bestseller list, so it must be popular.

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