Kershaw Iridium Review: A New Era for Kershaw

For years, Kershaw was defined by two things: SpeedSafe assisted opening and 8Cr13MoV steel. They were the kings of the budget aisle, but enthusiasts often graduated from them to higher-end brands like Zero Tolerance or Benchmade. Then came the Kershaw Iridium.

This knife marks a significant pivot for the brand. Gone is the spring assist. Gone is the basic liner lock. In its place is a manual, KVT ball-bearing action driven by the new “DuraLock”—Kershaw’s take on the crossbar lock mechanism made famous by the Axis lock. With sleek gray aluminum handles and a D2 steel blade, the Iridium feels like a knife that should cost twice its price.

In fact, it feels like a direct challenge to the industry. While we still love classics like the Kershaw Blur S30V, the Iridium represents the future. But does it hold up under real-world use? Is the D2 heat treat up to par? We carried it for three weeks to find out.

Technical Specifications

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Design & Aesthetics: Understated Elegance

The first thing you notice about the Iridium is how “grown-up” it looks. There are no aggressive “tactical” angles or strange texturing often found on M-Tech knives or other budget blades. The profile is slim, streamlined, and classy.

The handle is made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a matte gray anodized finish. It feels cool to the touch and offers a smooth, satin-like texture. Kershaw added a subtle pop of color with a copper-anodized backspacer and a matching blue pivot collar ring. It’s a small detail, but it elevates the knife from “tool” to “gentleman’s carry.”

Compared to the utilitarian look of a Ka-Bar Dozier, the Iridium looks like it belongs in a suit pocket just as much as it does in blue jeans. However, the smooth aluminum does have one drawback: it can be slippery in wet hands. If you are field dressing game in the rain (check our list of best field dressing knives for that), you might want something with more grip like G10 or Micarta.

The DuraLock Action: Smooth as Glass

This is where the Iridium shines. The DuraLock is Kershaw’s version of the crossbar lock. It operates by pulling back a steel bar that blocks the blade tang. This mechanism is inherently ambidextrous and keeps your fingers out of the cutting path when closing the knife.

Running on KVT ball bearings, the action is drop-shut smooth. You can flick it open with the thumb studs or pull the lock bar back and swing it open with a wrist flick. The fidget factor is off the charts—easily rivaling button locks (see our best button lock knives guide) for pure satisfaction.

We found the spring tension on the DuraLock to be spot-on. It’s stiff enough to keep the blade sucked into the handle (detent strength) but light enough to manipulate easily. This is a massive improvement over older assisted mechanisms that could fail or break over time.

Blade Performance: D2 Tool Steel

The Iridium sports a 3.4-inch spear point blade made of D2 steel. The blade shape is versatile, with a decent belly for slicing and a fine tip for piercing tasks.

Why D2?

D2 is a semi-stainless tool steel. It is much harder than the 8Cr13MoV or 420HC found in entry-level knives like the Smith & Wesson line. This means it holds an edge for a very long time. In our testing, the Iridium sliced through over 100 feet of cardboard before showing signs of tearing.

Maintenance Required

However, D2 is not fully stainless. If you live in a coastal area or carry your knife while sweating, you need to keep it oiled to prevent corrosion. If rust resistance is your top priority, you might be better off with H1 or LC200N steel found in knives like the Spyderco Caribbean.

Sharpening D2 can also be a chore due to its large carbides. It takes longer to get a keen edge compared to softer steels. We highly recommend using a diamond sharpening system. Check our guide on knife sharpening systems to find the right tool for D2.

See the Action

Want to see the drop-shut action and cutting performance in real-time? Check out this video overview:

Comparison: Kershaw Iridium vs. The Competition

The “budget bar lock” market is exploding. Here is how the Iridium stacks up against its toughest rivals.

Vs. Benchmade Bugout

The Bugout is the benchmark for lightweight carry. However, it feels plasticky to some. The Iridium, with its aluminum scales, feels significantly more rigid and premium in hand, despite costing less than half the price. You sacrifice the superior stainless steel of the Bugout, but for general EDC, the Iridium is a better value proposition.

Vs. SOG Terminus XR

The SOG XR series also uses a crossbar lock. The SOG Terminus XR is the direct competitor. The SOG has a flipper tab (which the Iridium lacks), but the Iridium has smoother action out of the box and a cleaner aesthetic. The SOG branding is heavy; the Iridium is subtle.

Vs. Budget Alternatives

Compared to a QSP Hawk or other liner locks, the Iridium offers the safety of the DuraLock. Your fingers never cross the blade path. This makes it safer and more fun to use.

Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kershaw Iridium assisted opening?

No. Unlike the Boker Kalashnikov (automatic) or the Kershaw Leek (assisted), the Iridium is a manual folder. It opens via thumb studs and runs on ball bearings for a smooth, non-spring-loaded deployment.

Can left-handed people use the Kershaw Iridium?

Yes! The Iridium is one of the best budget knives for lefties. The DuraLock is accessible from both sides, and the pocket clip is reversible to the left side.

Does the D2 steel rust easily?

D2 is a “semi-stainless” steel. It has high chromium content but just under the threshold for full stainless classification. If you keep it dry and wipe it down, it will be fine. If you leave it wet or cut acidic fruit without cleaning it, it will develop a patina or rust spots.

How does it compare to Zero Tolerance knives?

Kershaw and Zero Tolerance (ZT) are owned by the same parent company, Kai USA. The Iridium feels like a bridge between the two brands. While it lacks the super-steels (like 20CV) found in ZT knives, the fit and finish are surprisingly close to ZT quality standards.

Is the Iridium legal to carry?

In most places, yes. It is a manual folding knife with a blade under 3.5 inches. It is not a gravity knife or automatic. However, check your local laws regarding locking knives. For stricter areas like the UK, you might need a non-locking knife like a Victorinox Cadet.

Is it hard to sharpen the spear point blade?

The spear point shape is actually one of the easiest to sharpen because it has a consistent curve. The D2 steel itself is hard, so diamond stones work best. Avoid cheap pull-through sharpeners.

Final Verdict

The Kershaw Iridium is arguably the best knife Kershaw has released in the last decade. It successfully breaks the brand away from the stigma of “cheap assisted knives” and propels them into the modern enthusiast market.

With a price point usually hovering around $65, it punches way above its weight class. It combines the fidget-friendly nature of the SOG XR, the sleekness of a gentleman’s folder, and the workhorse capability of D2 tool steel.

If you are looking for a reliable, fun, and stylish EDC knife that doesn’t break the bank, the Iridium is a home run. It pairs perfectly with a smaller backup tool like a keychain multitool for a complete carry system.