Kershaw Iridium Review The Budget Knife That Finally Gets It Right

Kershaw has been hit or miss for the last few years. They have had some solid designs, but a lot of the budget lineup felt like it belonged in a gas station display case, not in an EDC rotation. Every now and then though, they remind you why they are still one of the big names in the knife world.

The Kershaw Iridium is that reminder. This is the knife that makes you sit back, flip it open, and think, OK, they finally nailed it.

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Iridium looks and feels like a knife that should cost more than its roughly 65 dollar price tag. It is clean, minimal, and grown up. No weird lines, no over designed handle shapes, no cheap tactical energy. Just a straightforward, well-executed pocketknife that feels solid in the hand and smooth in the pocket.

The knife measures just under eight inches overall with a three and a half inch D2 blade, giving you plenty of cutting edge without feeling bulky. The scales are hard anodized aluminum, which adds a touch of class and makes it feel far more expensive than its budget pedigree.

The first thing you notice when you open it is how good the Duralock, Kershaw’s bar lock, feels. It is snappy, consistent, and easy to use. None of that gritty or sticky feeling you sometimes get from cheaper bar locks. It is ambidextrous, smooth, and dialed in.

Build Quality and Design

Kershaw absolutely stepped up their game on this one. The Iridium feels like it came out of a much higher price bracket. The fit and finish are excellent, with fully nested steel liners inside the aluminum scales, something you almost never see at this price.

The construction is tight. There is no blade play, the centering is dead on, and everything lines up. You get a reversible deep carry clip that is actually designed well. No giant ramp, no snag points, and no palm hotspots. It sits deep, carries comfortably, and does not look like an afterthought.

The subtle copper colored backspacer adds character without feeling flashy. Between that and the smooth, contoured scales, it is obvious Kershaw put real thought into the design language.

Ergonomics

This is where the Iridium shines. The handle shape is simple and neutral, which means it fits just about any hand size comfortably. You can choke up slightly if you want more control, or drop back for heavier cuts. The chamfered edges keep it comfortable during long use, and even after extended cutting sessions it does not leave your hand sore.

It is not trying to reinvent the wheel. It just gets the fundamentals right.

Blade and Cutting Performance

The blade is classic drop point D2 with a clean satin finish. Nothing flashy, but that is the point. It is built to cut. The factory edge is excellent, shaving sharp, and thin enough behind the edge to glide through packaging, rope, and daily tasks.

At about one eighth inch stock, it is slicey without feeling fragile. D2 is a solid choice here. It is tough and holds an edge well. Keep it oiled and it will serve you for years. Geometry matters more than spec sheets in daily use, and the Iridium’s geometry is on point. It cuts efficiently, tracks straight, and does not wedge in thicker material.

Action and Lockup

The Duralock is dialed. The bar action feels confident and snappy with smooth, even resistance. You can thumb flick, reverse flick, or pull the bar and let it fly. There is zero lock stick, no wobble, and it drops shut cleanly. Tension is tuned correctly so it is easy to manipulate one handed whether you are right or left handed.

Carry and Everyday Use

At about three and one third ounces, the Iridium is a dream to carry. It disappears in the pocket, rides deep, and does not scream for attention. The aluminum handles are smooth but not slippery and they do not chew up denim. The footprint is slim and sleek which makes it an easy daily pick.

Real World Notes

Kershaw has made plenty of budget knives, but this one feels like a turning point. It is not just another copycat bar lock. It is refined, consistent, and legitimately enjoyable to use.

If I am nitpicking, the T6 body screws could be T8 for easier maintenance, and tossing in a spare set of Omega springs in the box would be a smart move. Those are minor gripes in an otherwise stellar package.

Final Verdict

The Kershaw Iridium is the kind of knife that makes you rethink what a sixty-five-dollar EDC can be. It is light, strong, easy to carry, and built with precision that rivals some premium models. It is the first budget Kershaw in years that I can recommend without hesitation.

If you want a no-nonsense EDC that feels like a far pricier knife at a very friendly price, get the Iridium. Kershaw is paying attention again, and that is good news for anyone who likes well-built tools that just work.