Kershaw Bel Air Folding Knife - Full Review

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@BillBranscome]

I bought the bel air a couple weeks ago and so glad I did. Love it! I looked at the bug out for a long time but could never bring myself to buy one because of the scales and to me buying aluminum scales to put on it was just to much of a cost for me. This bel air has it all in materials. Everything I wanted at a great price. Totally satisfied with it.

[@ajpend]

Awesome comment.

[@backlash2869]

Was able to grab a Bel-Air (before sold out everywhere) I own a Bugout and have aluminum scales on it. The Bel-Air is much better out of the box. Knife guys that I have handed mine to.. All comment about how super slick it is to open. I love my Deka, I like and have abused my Bugout, but I will never give up my Bel-Air. XL Bel-Air? just take my money Kershaw... Kershaw is just killing it with the Launch series and the Bel-Air. Kershaw needs to sell scales in different colors, and they will sell out. Only thing i'm not 100% sold on, the super deep carry clip is not my favorite. I'd rather have a little less deep clip, but thats all i can complain about.

[@AmbuBadger]

I just got mine a few days ago and love it. Definitely thin, but not flexy like my Mini Bugout. I would definitely call this knife a Bugout-Killer, and blade deploys smoother. I'd love to see a larger version!

[@joshalmightyblades]

Keep the Prices Down Kershaw. We're Trusting you.

[@OMGProductions803]

I second that, with Spyderco giving all their knives a bump in price it's getting a bit ridiculous compared to just a few years ago

[@iamchaos1399]

It's $159

[@hanford_adventures]

Thats what im saying. Prices are up thats not down 😂😂​@@iamchaos1399

[@WhuDhat]

if that could be done for sub $100 with similar materials it would sweep the competition under the rug

[@gabesaenz9837]

$159 for magnacut and the Kershaw quality cranftanahip, totally worth it

[@michaelinsc9724]

It's an amazing knife. Your review is spot on! A USA made non-assisted Kershaw! YES! More color option please.

[@soteriology501]

Yeah a blue and white one like the mini iridium would be fire

[@clintcrosby6337]

Im so happy to see Kershaw coming back. Thanks MC

[@matthewshannon6946]

I'll buy 10 Kershaws before I buy another BM!!

[@SharpShooterCO]

Great review on a great knife... I would also like to see a larger version.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

The Bel Air and Launch 19 are two of the nicest mid priced ones I have seen lately.

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

I bought one of these for my brother as gift without even ever holding one. I polished up the edge, tightened up the pivot so there was no blade play and put locktite on everything. I was no impressed by it that I went and bought one for my self. That’s how much I like it. Kershaw really designed by committee and made one of the best knives in the process bracket.

[@toddoverzet2880]

Very nice, I definitely like it and will consider getting one. However, I will wait for color choices and possibly an XL version.🤞

[@kingjgregory]

These are awesome. It used to be Kershaw knives were mostly good designs, but cheaply made in China and super budget friendly. ZT would make the USA made premium materials knives. Looks like Kershaw is doing it all now and ZT has been very quiet since this change. Hope to see more great stuff from both companies in the future!

[@M1911jln]

That’s a good price for Magnucut with an Axis lock. I’m not a fan of that color, but hopefully Kershaw will give us some more color options.

[@BAD_CONSUMER]

is kershaw licensing axis locks from Benchmade? or is this their version of it? or are the two companies somehow related... Im confused.

[@PeepersonCreedo]

@@BAD_CONSUMERbenchmade no longer had a patent on this lock design , so most companies are doing their own version of this lock now. They call their version of the ‘axis lock’ the ‘DuraLock’

[@BAD_CONSUMER]

@@PeepersonCreedo noice. why hasn't spyerco done something with it. I hate their ball bearing lock.

[@PeepersonCreedo]

@@BAD_CONSUMER is that the one that’s used on the manix? I wonder if they feel that their design is superior and don’t want to change their model or introduce a new model using that similar design. I haven’t gotten my hands on a manix yet so I can’t exactly give my opinion on it but I hear from so many others that they love that knife

[@hificat101]

So this is a really good looking, and certainly good knife. But the Kershaw folder I REALLY want is that BHQ exclusive bronze Iridium. And they're out of stock. Please Kershaw, fire up the presses. Daddy wants that bronze suited, Kershaw black washed, D2. What a stunning folder.

[@evanshall]

Finally a US company not charging rip off prices.

[@GTGibbs]

That’s been Kershaw’s gig for a long time IMO. Great knives and better pricing than some of the same offerings from others.

[@josephjones1025]

I just bought a Bel Air. It'll be here in a few days. I'm excited!

[@isveryniceyes]

What do you think of it after almost half a year?

[@josephjones1025]

@@isveryniceyes it's an absolute joy. It's light, it's fidgety, it's smooth, it's sharp straight from the box.......it's a wonderful knife. Kershaw nailed it.

[@isveryniceyes]

@@josephjones1025 Right on, thx for the info!

[@josephjones1025]

@@isveryniceyes you are very welcome. Hope it helped, and whatever you decide to get, here's to hoping it'll be your latest favorite!

[@ch-vs3fw]

I just received my Bel Air today.. The omega spring on the left hand side was missing. Not knowing, I flicked it open, and it popped back about half way, and almost caught my finger. Scary stuff. Really disappointed and surprised that quality control let it go in this unfinished/incomplete condition. The spring wasn't broken, there was nothing in the bag, no remnants anywhere. It wasn't installed at the factory. I got it from Knife Center, $15 less than HQ. I'll keep you updated on what happens next...

[@ch-vs3fw]

Knife Center sent out a new one that they inspected before it left. The replacement is perfect!

[@Nutsackfart]

​@@ch-vs3fwTerrible this alone made me not want to buy it

[@PeepersonCreedo]

@@ch-vs3fwthat’s good to hear that knife center at least has a good return policy/ customer support. Thanks for your update I appreciate it! Also if you don’t mind me asking, how have you been enjoying this knife so far?

[@akquicksilver]

I started knife collecting several years ago and was a big fan of Kershaw. Then I discovered there were many more manufacturers out there making high quality knives out of premium materials and I haven't bught a Kershaw in years, but I think I'm going to pickup one these soon. Good review!

[@brianroyster7510]

Same here. Although I have considered a couple of the Launch models but I've never really been into auto's. This one I'm probably gonna have to have.

[@slayer7682]

@@brianroyster7510 they have been killing it with the Launch series. I have been collecting the launch series, check out the launch 8 . They also have been doing them in Damascus.

[@rhugh02]

I bought the expensive bug out because it was supposed to be all that. I was pretty much disappointed. I ended up buying this one as my first Magnacut knife. I was expecting a disappointment, but however, the knife is awesome. I actually carry it even though it’s a little small for me. It’s still that good. If you get one, you won’t be disappointed.

[@matthewshannon6946]

My first Magnacut knife was the SMKW Leek exclusive (red/black ). I love it and will be buying more!!

[@Prizrak-hv6qk]

The 3 inchers are a bit too small for me (what she said). Honestly, I am more excited about the new Iridium Reverse Tanto. They should really do a premium Iridium in MagnaCut.

[@DarkKnight369]

I just got the Belair yesterday and it’s missing one of the omega springs. Kershaw QC apparently sucks. Saw another video on here where they were missing a spring as well.

[@Drolly95]

The Bel Air has been living in my pocket. Really great knife.

[@petervu9773]

out of my 100 or so collection, this is my favorite and ticks all the boxes

[@JavierGarcia-xz5vl]

So you're telling me the knife profile that I just drew yesterday on my lunch break wasn't new. You're saying the bugout looks exactly like it and all these other knives look just like it.

[@akquicksilver]

The original "bugout" handle was carved from Mastadon tusk on January 12th 3004 BC. Just the facts ma'am, nothing but the facts.

[@jeremyulloa931]

Hey MC! Could we get a video comparing this, the Iridium, the Vosteed Raccoon, and the BM Bugout? I’d really love to hear your opinion on a comparison of these crossbar lock knives!

[@MrKopamontanga]

What do y’all think I should pick up , the Bel Air , or the Kershaw Launch 20 ???? Same size almost same shape but ones auto ones duralock …. I’ve been on a manual button lock flipper style edc knife

[@alexisdetocqueville9964]

I have the launch 6 and it's been very solid, but if I had to choose I'd probably go with the bel air. The auto open feature can get sticky occassionally, and lately it's been snapping open and not locking - i have to give it a little extra flick to lock. This action seems more reliable. Bear in mind though I've used the launch daily for 3 years now and 99% of the time the auto function worked perfectly.

[@justthetipedc7835]

Sharper than a marble 🤣🤣🤣 why did I laugh so hard at that🤣. The level of sass in this vid🤣. I can’t tell if you’ve had your ultra sunrise or are deprived of caffeine and are snappy🤣🤣

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

Been waiting on your review for this!

[@nachocheese3382]

I'm going to wait for some different colors and maybe add larger size.

[@tonysculimbrene3781]

Otzi the Iceman's kit is a famous example of an early knife. The flint dagger that he carried has a blade shape and handle profile similar to the Bugout/Bel Air handle. Carbon dating places those tools at 5,300 years old. So, yeah, its been around for a while.

[@toddparsons2980]

Want. 3" blade and under 3 oz is perfect EDC. 👍

[@spacejamgoliath]

I love this knife. It is truly a great value. If you're actually looking for a single edc knife, this could be the one. Of course, everyone down here has way more than one knife

[@CheekyMenace]

Seems like Kershaw in the past few years hired someone with a better understanding of the current knife market of what people want and are looking for.

[@bassforgaia5003]

Hope they drop an XL before a tying up equipment with different colors

[@not-a-raccoon]

I'd buy the XL version so fast

[@michaelinsc9724]

Or just devote more equipment. It's that good imo.

[@AmbuBadger]

^^THIS. Imagine this baby with a 3.75" or 4" blade, hnnnng!

[@ahoyt653]

I want the knife, but I’m holding out to hopefully get it in blue and stonewashed….

[@roybokelman4215]

Need satin finish with blue scales. Plus the Iridium with reverse tanto is 3.4 in. Of blade. But its a D2 blade. Knife Center has it at $149.95

[@jamesconley6919]

Check out the MKM Yipper it's $139 axis lock magnacut also

[@gizmaticopappy1524]

That looks like a nice knife too! Thanks

[@austinkuipers6087]

kershaws american knives are awesome. I remember getting a 20cv link for like $70 on midway or similar and thinking "why did they not badge this as a zt and charge 200?"

[@drbilly5133]

Love my Bugout with Flytanium scales. I would have jumped on this first if it had been around though.

[@chaddixson8398]

They’ll do g10, ti, other colors, sw, satin, etc. the hrc is 60-63 I think

[@SiliconDrifter]

Black or beige version?

[@No1ANTAGON1ST]

The color is near ivory to me.love this knoife. Love that blade shape

[@hificat101]

Wouldn't it be cool if it had a finger choil that at least stopped at the front edge of the thumbstud instead of your basic sharpening choil?

[@dingusdog8687]

Tire screech. Excuse me sir, are those see through Deka scales?

[@tommywei1154]

Does yours have a rattling sound near the axis lock when you have it closed?

[@austinkuipers6087]

Nice to see a us made undercutting of benchmade. I just want a knife, I don't want to pay for a knife plus whatever causes the owner wants to fund regardless of whether or not I agree with them.

[@Rime0ne]

Not sure if anyone already mentioned it but the handle has a "bright nickel" cerakote.

[@angelchavez458]

THE AD10 HOW MUCH WHERE CAN I PURCHASE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS

[@The.Rogue.Element]

Where did you get those scales for the Deka?

[@joshalmightyblades]

The American working man's Brand.

[@bpkop1387]

Definitely grabbin one of these. i was planning to grab an iridium but once i saw this was coming out i held out. i really wanna wait for the different colors to come out but i dont hate the "salad dressing" color. i wear a lot of khaki/tan pants so it would match hahaha

[@lxAIRBORNExl]

Socom Bravo Mini is at dlt and knife center

[@Elmax17.5dps]

Kershaw is my brand. My livewires are THE BEST KNIVES i have ever owned

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

I dig it. Gonna have to have one. Id call it sandstone btw.

[@angelchavez458]

HOW MUCH AND ADDRESS WHERE I SEND IT

[@mikeh5967]

I cant wait for an XL version!

[@MrKaneo95]

@metal_complex I don’t agree with your idea on proper way to carry a pocket knife! I’ve been military trained on knife fighting and best way to carry a pocket knife is the easiest way for a person deploy it into action. My example of this is most knifes I carry are tip up but Spydercos I carry tip down so I can pull it out of my pocket by the deployment hole in blade.

[@TheDontbeEvil]

its heavily "inspired" by Bugout. The access lock, lanyard hole, proportions, pocket clip, and overall profile is the same. Those are not things that exist "thousands of years ago". The only difference is the blade shape.

[@bassingbasics6621]

Yeah that is definitely a copy of the bugout but I don’t have a problem with that cause I love the bugout 😂😂

[@MY-T-SHARP666]

Kershaw is doing a great job lately

[@charlesdudek7713]

This is the knife I was hoping Kershaw would make when they discontinued the Bareknuckle.

[@ajpend]

It's possible that ancient stone-knapping anthropoids were shaping like this the handles or shafts for their bladed and/or tipped tools a million years ago or earlier: certainly by about 50,000-200,000 years ago. When you look at flaked or knapped stone blades from tens and hundreds of thousands of years ago, you can see that they were quite capable at designing and shaping their tools. In fact, people alive today are not as capable at knapping stone as were people whose lives depended on the skill-set, and likely ancient kids were learning these skills and starting to hone their own abilities prior to the age of 10, and certainly by age 15 (almost all of them were dead before age 40; 30 years was old). Ancient/prehistoric human behaviors and ways of living happen to be major areas of my personal interest (and academic study).

[@Odigs6547]

Benchmade be like: “Let’s make a bugout varient Still with polymer handle still, but with magnacut, But the price is $350” Kershaw: “Well, Aluminum, Axis-Like lock, and magnacut, which is $165”

[@EMR22.]

$129-$149 even

[@paultaylorduke]

Nice Knife! $199 USD fair price... in Canada $385 cdn - Hard No! Thanks Canadian Government. 🙄 I'll buy one on my next trip to USA

[@robertbrunello]

I'm glad they sold out originally because it saved my wallet.

[@Silentchaosdk]

They're back in stock! 😊

[@marktibbetts3799]

I LIKE that color

[@christianmolick8647]

would love to see a new Bareknuckle done with this lock

[@matthewshannon6946]

I'd like an xl Bel- Air...perfect!

[@edmondndrecaj4377]

I absolutely love mine it’s a great blade little light from what I’m used to carrying , as far the right and wrong way to carry he’s absolutely right about that I’m a righty but I carry lefty I’ve poked myself couple of times until I learned the right way to carry a blade 😂

[@thomassarver7638]

I got mine yesterday

[@mikereese15]

Captive pivots?! How dare you! My favorite greta quote😅

[@bigghead219]

That Gen 2 deka with those clear scales is sexy AF

[@grantsdad98]

Bifluoride etching of the aluminum adds texture, using chemicals.

[@sysmith5436]

Need an XL, 3.1 just isn't enough.

[@jameswhoever3730]

Awwweeee man, I would love this knife.

[@dextermomarte77]

Probably about 3K - 4K years ago or so for that actual shape.

[@R.H.bladeNshade]

Its Cerakoted aluminum

[@jacobcombs2269]

It looks like the scales are sandblasted and then a matte cerakote

[@TXLogic]

I think we’ve got it at this point re the similarity to the Bugout…

[@BrianSmithJr-mq5zo]

I was costuming a similar to that last

[@julianphotography1201]

Me watching this with airpods MC: "THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGOOO!!!!"

[@metal_complex]

I legitimately lol'd at this

[@littlerelyt]

They need to do a sub 100 in 14c28n

[@iamchaos1399]

Says it's in stock but not for that $

[@MrKopamontanga]

Also it’s funny that people are complaining when companies mimick other styles of edc knives , if it’s not patent infringement then why not let peoples creativity and ingenuity run wild and see what the market comes up with !!!! At the end of the day it’s more options for us, and maybe with better materials , better actions who knows !?!?! 😅🎉😅

[@JosephThomas-t3n]

Its not sold out now and its 50 minutes after posted

[@metal_complex]

I recorded this video long before it was released this morning. All content on this channel is pre recorded and scheduled for later dates

[@JosephThomas-t3n]

@metal_complex gotcha , now that you said it I remember you talking about it when you went on vacation but still had them loaded everyday . Still half asleep. Yeah, and I'm sticking with it haha

[@DavidFerguson-rj9ew]

Says 63 hrc which is not bad but not brilliant as magna cut fan go to 65 hrc

[@asanabias331]

Cant believe Kershaw and all these other knife companies copying the holy-godly-of-gods-original-godtier Bugout. Smh, these companies should be ashamed of copying Benchmade. Screw you Metal Complex! The Bugout is original!! 😂😂

[@billyberry6200]

Definitely a weird crowd😅(the benchmades)

[@justinmcvay5560]

Yup there's another one on the wish list 😬

[@CheekyMenace]

Probably Cerakote on the handle.

[@ghd4044]

I hate using pocket clips, It just always gets in the way when I try to put my hand in my pocket, id rather just throw it in the pocket all together

[@Wayfarer45]

Kershaw, late to the party once again lol looks neat though.

[@nickGEdc]

I wanna try one of these before I buy it lol

[@stuartrollings602]

Who cares if it’s a copy of a winning design? All cars look alike now and a lot have a scary resemblance to a BMW!

[@fabiogasperini4809]

It's so popular that they clone it in different colours of anodized aluminium. Obviously is not made in US. Obviously is not Magnacut. Can't wait for the original to arrive, after I ditched Benchmade, which I consider scandalously overpriced and overrated. I think Kershaw is doing a better job, for now, until they might decide to follow the lead and overprice their products as well.

[@not-a-raccoon]

tHaT's a CoPy oF tHe BuGoUt!!! REEEEEEEEE!!!

[@Weech.]

Anyone ever tell you you kinda sound like Zeos Pantera? The audiophile guy. Damn, I'm trading one expensive hobby for another. 😅

[@assordante2205]

You shouting scared the shit out of me 😂

[@ronp4529]

Love it. Make it longer and lose the blade coating and I'll bite.

[@SlappytheNinja]

I preordered one after I saw the first looks and dang it's a nice knife.

[@Mettle_DAD]

$160 for u.s.a made with magnacut? Nice

[@EMR22.]

Actually right at +/- $139! Awesome edc, awesome price! 🇺🇸🇺🇸