Are Kershaw Knives Good? An Honest 2025 Review

Kershaw Knives: Are They Worth It?

Kershaw has been making knives since 1974 and is consistently one of the top-selling brands in the US. They are owned by Kai (the same parent company that makes Shun), which gives them access to Japanese manufacturing expertise and steel supply chains. They offer excellent value at budget and mid-range prices.

Kershaw's journey from a small Oregon knife shop to a global brand is a story of smart business decisions, quality engineering, and a genuine understanding of what knife users actually want. Their partnership with Kai has elevated their quality while keeping prices accessible.

Company Background

Pete Kershaw founded the company in 1974 in Oregon, making custom folding knives. Over the decades, the company grew from a small custom shop into a major manufacturer. In 2007, Kai Ltd. (the Japanese company behind Shun cutlery) acquired Kershaw, providing access to international manufacturing resources and premium steel supply chains without sacrificing the brand's American identity.

Today, Kershaw manufactures knives both in their Tualatin, Oregon facility and in Kai's factories in Japan and China. American-made and Japan-made models tend to have higher quality standards, while China-made models (their budget line) are more hit-or-miss.

What Kershaw Does Well

• SpeedSafe assisted opening — Kershaw's signature system is smooth, reliable, and legal in most states. The torsion bar mechanism is one of the most refined assisted-opening systems in the industry, proven reliable over millions of units.
• Value for money — knives like the Leek and Blur punch well above their price point. Kershaw consistently delivers better performance than their price suggests.
• American-designed — many premium models are made in Tualatin, Oregon with stringent quality control
• Wide variety — budget folders, USA-made premiums, fixed blades, kitchen knives, and even stilettos
• Warranty — Kershaw offers a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship

Kershaw's Steel Selection

• Budget line ($20-40): 8Cr13MoV and 14C28N — decent performance for the price
• Mid-range ($40-80): 14C28N, S30V, and D2 — significant quality jump
• Premium ($80-150+): CPM S30V, CPM D2, and CPM S90V — USA-made models rival any premium brand

One standout is the Kershaw CPM D2 models, which offer a CPM powder steel at an accessible price point. These knives compete directly with much more expensive options while maintaining Kershaw's trademark smooth action and fit.

Notable Models

• Kershaw Leek — best slim EDC folder under $50. Reliable SpeedSafe, 14C28N steel, deep carry clip.
• Kershaw Blur — best all-around under $60. Ken Onion-designed, Hawkbill-inspired blade shape.
• Kershaw Link — best budget USA-made folder. Reliable, well-finished, American-made pride.
• Kershaw Iridium — best premium mid-range. CPM D2 steel, precision action, lifetime warranty.
• Kershaw Comrade — best budget tactical folder. Axis lock mechanism, 8Cr13MoV steel.

Quality Control Considerations

Because Kershaw manufactures across multiple facilities, quality can vary. The USA-made models (Tualatin, Oregon) generally have the tightest tolerances and best fit/finish. Their Chinese-made budget models are functional but sometimes show inconsistencies in blade centering, lock tightness, and edge quality. When buying a Kershaw, check where it's made — it matters.

Kershaw vs. Competitors

In the $30-$50 range, Kershaw competes with CIVIVI, Benchmade's entry models, and CRKT. Kershaw's advantage is their SpeedSafe mechanism and consistent brand identity. CIVIVI often wins on pure value per dollar, while Benchmade offers better warranty service and build quality at slightly higher prices. CRKT offers innovative mechanisms at similar prices.