This Might Be My FAVORITE Budget Kershaw Knife EVER! - Kershaw Iridium - Overview and Review

Full review of the Kershaw Iridium.
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[@metal_complex]

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[@shythawks9549]

How about the Kershaw Ram 1910? I have one of eBay I’m bidding on. It is a XXXX I know they are collectible and I’m sure this xxxx is too but at what cost?

[@floydmayes4924]

Do you put out a catalog?

[@budwengler6730]

I just ordered one

[@charlesanderson3035]

Just got mine in & I gotta say, this thing is the real deal. Have an upgraded bugout, PM3, whole 9 yards & this thing is right up there with them for a 1/3 of the price. Kudos kershaw 👍🏻

[@brevanmcclellan6235]

I have this and I just got the Benchmade Osborne today. I can’t lie, the Iridium’s action is WAY smoother than the Osborne. Could be that I haven’t worked in the action on the Osborne yet, but the iridium definitely punches up a weight class or two

[@reneramon]

What's happening at Kershaw that has them stepping up their game so much lately? I'm not even mad, I'm impressed.

[@underskillednunderpaid]

Ikr? I'm pumped for the livewire. Such a great OTF

[@godforever27]

Kershaw has always been good

[@chasing3suns]

No one's going to be mad at Kershaw if they keep this up!

[@aussie1546]

stepping up the game, made in China?

[@reneramon]

@@aussie1546 Not sure what that has to do with Kershaw putting out a couple of good products lately, but cool.

[@MrLongboarder87]

Great knife for the money. The only thing I would change is adding a blanking plate for the unused pocket clip spot. The unused side is a bit of an eyesore for such a clean looking knife.

[@mattakudesu]

Kershaw really outdid themselves with this one, just got my Iridium today and it's already one of my favorite knives in my ever-growing collection

[@Jonesy87371]

Same.

[@jarvis513]

I have a Kershaw iridium myself and I must say I concur very well executed, I absolutely love it it has replaced my Kershaw RJ tactical for good. One of the best Kershaws I've owned, and I must say it's razor sharp right out of the box. I have been extremely pleased with this purchase.

[@Counter_Culture_Commentary]

Kershaw has been making excellent knives at a great price for a long time. I have the iridium and I love it.

[@DrDrewdude]

That’s a good lookin Kershaw, I do declare.

[@orendz7740]

I just ordered this one. I’m actually really excited to check this out. I really love the crossbar lock and happy to see other knife makers using this lock. As far as the steel, I don’t mind D2, it’s way better than 8cr so yeah I’m ok with it. Steel usually doesn’t bother me because I usually don’t need super steels for my daily use. Most people don’t.

[@rietzhu]

Than again most people don’t use their 200-500 blade for anything crazy.. so I agree lol.

[@chaddrake9241]

I will have to check this one out - My personal favorite has been the skyline for quite a while

[@SpaceDave3000]

That is one handsome knife. Love Kershaw for what they do and how well they do it, raising the bar for everyone by being by far the most accessible "quality" knife brand for the non-knife-guy masses.

[@jhammy46]

I just bought one of these - my first Kershaw - and I have to agree that for the price point this is one massively badass EDC. I love it!

[@dgripper05]

Had this knife for a month or 2 now and I can say I would have gladly paid double for this thing. It’s only D2 steel but the knife as a whole is probably my favorite right now

[@user-ei9ns9hq6b]

You would have paid double for it but you no longer have it? What happened did you give it away or something?

[@gregjames9156]

I absolutely love mine, almost everything about it but I hope they make a run with premium blade material. I'd buy it again.

[@dgripper05]

Same

[@mbrownie22]

They just did

[@omarrodriguez377]

They did bro and it’s tempting

[@rietzhu]

Tbh not many use “premium” steels for what they can actually do.. unless you’re living in the wilderness or a special forces bad ass D2 is all you need.. 😅 It’s like the people that buy a duramax diesel extended cab with full bed and tow but have nothing to tow.. overkill… truth.

[@dannystephens8572]

One of if not best budget blades I have ever handled.

[@GTGibbs]

100%

[@richcampbell-ri1mo]

I was hoping you would review this knife. It’s awesome! Best budget knife that’s come out in a long time. Buy it, you’ll love it.

[@geoffstark5728]

Just ordered mine, Full black version. Can’t wait. Thx for the review 👍

[@GTGibbs]

100% Correct on both offerings from Kershaw. I picked up both the Iridium and that same Heist, based on my addiction to Kershaw and this review. Awesome Channel Dewd!!!

[@warrenthiessen4682]

Appreciate the review. Ordered the black version today.

[@robbknice389]

As soon as I held it I knew I wanted one! Great piece and for the price?!?! Wow!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@clintcrosby6337]

I have always loved Kershaw. Most of my knives are Kershaw. Thanks MC great content

[@akquicksilver]

I personally like Kershaw, I have several and have given several as gifts. They cranked a lot tacky techno, Japanese motorcycle, quirky looking stuff over the last 15 years, but they have produced some classics as well. I think this latest design will join the classics very soon. And my ZT 561 is one of my favorites knives. I would really like to see them up their blade material, some 1428NC or 30SV and charge more.

[@rietzhu]

Ok thanks for sharing and killing the mood, kid… 😅

[@jannishansoonn]

I got a kershaw launch 12 and they used cpm154

[@akquicksilver]

Cool, good score. I would buy one made with cpm154.@@jannishansoonn

[@jordansorensen9895]

I really like the old Kershaw Thermite. Hinderer design. I lost mine and will forever be sad they dont make them anymore. best knife for $30 i ever had

[@chimchu3232]

i have the ferrite and the cryo, their hinderer designs are awesome value knives

[@lepton31415]

I compare every knife to my Kershaw Skyline. Have yet to find one I like more. I've been through 3 of them already I use it so much.

[@WOV49]

Best pivot out of the box of any knife I have owned. Smooth and loose but locks up perfectly.

[@michaelmiles8740]

Got mine yesterday, has a bit of Duralock stick, but getting better as I flick it. Razzzor sharp D2, I like it.

[@mikecurtis1111]

Just got this knife the other day. Bought off Amazon for $59. WOW! I've got several BM and 3 CR Sebenza that I've carried for close to 20 years. This knife is amazing for the price. If it had Benchmade name on it, it would easily cost over $200. Well done, Kershaw!

[@neilreid2298]

Looks like a terrific EDC. I've had multi-hundred dollar folders as my EDC and then found the Kershaw Analyst. About $34 on Amazon. Light, sharp, holds an edge, the mechanicals are fantastic. It's rugged, has perfect action and if I lose it, I'm out $34 versus a couple hundred. Thanks for your vid!

[@aaronsmith8804]

Really need to get my hands on one of these. Probably one of the very few knives in the last 20 years that can really fulfill the promise of being a budget alternative to Benchmade 940. Looks great!

[@aaronsmith8804]

The CJRB Pyrite is another recent release that come very close to filling that niche as well although I think I like this one a little better.

[@greenless1983]

I have been thinking of giving Kershaw a try. This might be the one.

[@13mschen]

I really love the energy of this review. Thanks for sharing!!

[@littlejimmy7402]

This is really next level for Kershaw, I've liked them for a long time. They're generally pretty decent, and honestly if I break it through hard use or have to surrender it to security (because I don't want to walk back to the car) I don't really mind. I'll go get a new one later.

[@T_D_B_]

The Skyline will always be one of my favorites. Hope they make more color options for the scales on this model! 👌

[@SpaceDave3000]

The Skyline is massively overrated, but it was the first knife guy knife easily available to the non knife guy masses and put Kershaw on the map.

[@tylerfendley1825]

I would have to say Skyline is a very popular cheap budget knife that is majorly underrated! I have several and would put my S30V version Skyline up against many of my higher end knives.

[@tylerfendley1825]

I would have to say Skyline is a very popular cheap budget knife that is majorly underrated! I have several and would put my S30V version Skyline up against many of my higher end knives.

[@shawnroyer1930]

Just got mine today. It's a very nice knife. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for something new and a little different.

[@codyparker4742]

I love that Kershaw is making a great comeback. They fell off so hard there for years and now theyre back with a vengeance. I just picked up the Launch 10, waiting on the Iridium now

[@gizmaticopappy1524]

Been eyeing this one. I'm with MC with the D2 thing. I'm kinda sick of D2 but at this price point I can deal with it. Nice looking knife.

[@jackshore3735]

I'm in the same boat. I would like more options at a budget price, but D2 is gonna beat 8cr13mov or AUS4 every day in my book

[@MrBhcole]

I'd put this knife up as a budget Bugout. LOVE mine and it dethroned my Bugout as my EDC

[@chrishinkle5982]

Thanks for sharing bud need this in premium USA versions next

[@Salamando3D]

Been enjoying mine quite a bit. Great action, design, and materials. The action doesn't feel too different from my Bugout. No issues with D2. I've seen some folks whining about the size of the bearings, but it doesn't seem to affect how smoothly this baby deploys at all. Non-issue for me. Sure there are 'better' options from some Chinese brand knives regarding materials, but there's something to be said for supporting US companies despite OEM'ing with China. Lord knows our economy needs the boost. If the knife was junk I wouldn't advocate for it, but it really is an excellent knife for the price. Yeah, it would be great if they'd stop stamping 'China' on the blades, but at least there's no guesswork as to where it's made! Thanks for the look at this one 👍

[@mikereese15]

This and the heist would probably be the two I would consider purchasing.

[@Scott-ye4qh]

I really have to watch the placement of the thumb studs; I have a fairly large hand and perfect position of the studs is important for (1) handed deployment. I have a Buck Bantam and I really like it but it is a little small for me and when deploying it with one hand I'm really expecting the worst so I'm giving it to my friend who has no knife and would like one; his hands are the right size for the knife. 😊👍 Thank you for the review on the Iridium. It is definitely tempting. 😎✌️

[@MrSabram07]

Kershaw Bailout and the Heist is the Bugout. And that's cool

[@longlegcraig]

I haven't bought a Kershaw in years. This one definitely looks really nice.

[@krefcenz]

completely agree. Good review. I added grip tape to the scales for texture. Also agree that having a cross bar lock with only a right handed bias position for the pocket clip is beyond stupid. Several new CKRTs meet that description.

[@macdud85]

I have one of these. I love it. Especially the flush pocket clip and screws. Super slicey. I really hope Kershaw does different versions with different materials but they keep the flush hardware

[@brian4407]

14c28n would have made this perfect at it’s price point

[@landofpc]

ronan bestechman was on sale for 35 blade hq (only green), I bought and it's a very good knife

[@bigmac3006]

Would love a video on good beginners pocket knives for smaller hands. My grandsons will be knife ready this summer. Great vid!

[@jonathanwatson268]

Even though they don't include extra springs, Kai's warranty department is on the ball. I got a ZT 0470 second hand that someone had overtightened the pivot and indented the steel washers that the bearing ride on. I went on their website and requested new washers and they quickly sent new washers and bearings.

[@DillonNunley-wm8cd]

Where is a good 2nd hand website with used knives, I know blade HQ but need some more

[@Hunnisloot]

​@@DillonNunley-wm8cdebay

[@duckbuster1572]

⁠@@DillonNunley-wm8cdeBay has good deals if you know what you’re looking for and have some patience

[@user-qb8cg1nt8x]

Spyderco Manix 2 g10 is still the perfect CLASSIC folder with all boxes checked and the only folder I want to own. I changed my mind to purchase Iridium (even of its high value) because of D2 (not stainless), unsafe choil, little grip handle even it is aluminum, little jimping.

[@prtypeninja]

I have one of these and am also very pleased with it

[@wyomingadventures]

Just got one. It was a little sticky but i put some oil on the pivot and it's good now.

[@tgjames011]

Just received my Iridium. I’m in the unfortunate lock stick camp. When I get a good solid thumb flick open, the lock sticks while trying to unlock it. It’s easily to overcome, but it definitely sticks like a light detent feel. If I open it softly, I get a slightly loose lock up. Also, out of the box I had to tighten the pivot because the blade was also wobbly. Other than that, it’s definitely a very solid feeling knife and a step up from their recent offerings. I would love to see a 14C28N version. I’m hoping it wears in after a week of use and fidgeting.

[@mr.drewpaintswithyou9034]

I saw the Iridium at a local gun shop. I liked the appearance, then when I held it and flicked it open and closed… put my money down. 😄. I see it as kind of a budget Bugout killer.

[@jackperry1757]

I noticed the cut out for the pocket clip on the left side is in a slightly different position than mine, which is kind of weird, but doesn’t really matter still, I think one of the best knives 2023 By

[@LarryGanz]

I have this knife and also the Heist, and the Iridium is much better than my Heist. My Heist blade is not centered, and even with several dozen opening and closing operations the pivot is still not "drop shut" due to friction. That resistance makes the reverse flick more difficult. But the Iridium is flawless out of the box, and recommendable for the price (half the cost of a Benchmade Griptilian).

[@dbfcrell8300]

SOG's bar lock stages the blade. I think it's the only one that does. Make for lightening fast deployment and retraction. Great for fidgeting.

[@Aaron-pf7eh]

Just got mine today in the uk and what a perfect edc this is! Can’t fault any part of it

[@kurtnufferjr7017]

Only thing I wish it had on it is "made is USA" that would make it perfect and competition to the Benchmade Osborne

[@jakeo4557]

this knife is only 50 bucks right now on amazon, not shipping out until june 15th but I picked up two of them just because of this video

[@simonelfstrom]

Order placed with your link! Waited for the perfect one and you found it for me i think

[@jarrettlesly7279]

These would be my words exactly.

[@dougbrown7150]

I'm glad they FINALLY slowed down using the 8cr

[@jlpowell51]

Most of their under $50 stuff is 8cr. The real switch they've been making is from 14c28n to D2. Maybe a supply/pricing issue considering what's going on in Europe.

[@bigwrnrg]

I love my Iridium, and I wanted it the moment I saw it announced. It impresses everyone I show it to.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I have an Iridium; its fit and finish would be fine for a $200 knife.

[@Grimsgiver]

Really falling in love with this one. Can't wait to get one.

[@iancain1042]

I bought one of these a few weeks ago, and I love it. Although mine does have some side to side blade play.

[@Skwish6952]

I bought this when it first dropped at blade HQ. I love it. My only complaint is, the scales get slippery very easily.

[@escapetherace1943]

I got the heist... mine's broken in and amazingly smooth, it can drop-close when it's horizontal... lol... scary smooth I would've got the iridium but my climate is so cold that I dislike metal-handles, only reason I went for the heist. I think they're both beautiful and the ergos are... passable. Not the best.

[@NoBaconForYou]

I just picked on of these up, gorgeous knife. I saw the bar lock and it reminded me of my benchmade I lost.. seems like almost as good of a knife for a third of the price

[@NoBaconForYou]

Got it for $52

[@rickym1889]

My wonderful girlfriend got me one of these the other day. It’s an amazing knife. I own a lot of knives and this one by far has the sharpest factory edge I’ve seen. Things like a razor blade on paper Also that bronze backspacer is sexy af

[@TwitchRadio]

😂, budget... When I hear budget I think maybe 30 or under.. But I do agree it's very very nice

[@krefcenz]

I really like the monitor, which is another of their crossbar locks. It’s blacked out and has a flipper tab

[@danpennella]

Kershaw is on the cutting edge with this one… not really but had to say it. Great looking knife and definitely a reasonable price; haven’t grabbed one yet because I had to reserve the weekly allotment for the bad ass new blade on the pyrite! Otherwise I would have bought this one for sure

[@molon_labe_nc9390]

It look's awesome and I'm luvin the color combo 👍🏼

[@ix8750]

Your videos have been both a fun and helpful part of my recent knife hunt. I decided on going for the kunwu knives Tau Sheepsfoot Vanax, but I have a new otf and a fixed blade on the bucket list still.

[@dougbrown7150]

For the fixed blade look into the bark river jx4 bush bat. I've loved mine for years

[@ix8750]

​@@dougbrown7150 Thank you for the suggestion, I'm putting it on my list of things to check out before buying something.

[@clintwilliams2705]

Kershaw has great customer service!

[@somedude0505]

Hey!!! For the first time you are reviewing a knife that I already have. Im happy with mine. Im starting the video now, i hope you like it as well!

[@darrylk808]

I just bought one a few days ago. Ok, this vid is months old. It is just like my favorite knife the Riuke, but the Riuke has a frame lock which I seem to prefer over this crossbar.

[@Graham_Rob]

If it wasn’t D2… ugh that’s the only thing that has been stopping me since it dropped. Love the design tho

[@j.hardesty446]

Same here

[@gregjames9156]

Ditto

[@titusdrake-bw9ws]

what's wrong with D2?

[@Graham_Rob]

@@titusdrake-bw9ws it corrodes rlly easily

[@AmbuBadger]

Same, I'm in Hawaii and notice that my D2 blades all need just a little more care. I work 24 hr shifts and don't always have the luxury of being able to re-oil a blade after using it. Also, I haven't had the best luck with China heat-treating D2...

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

Just got mine for 45 bucks on Amazon. Gonna be in my pocket for a while.

[@walterbracewell3212]

I am looking forward to checking this out soon. Only two complaints, wish it was American made or confirmed American steel and I do not like the thumb tabs. They seem to get caught when inserting or removing from my pocket. A sleeker design has to be possible. However, I love the Kershaw line and find the action on their knives pleasing.

[@Sleepy_spartan717]

The kershaw kuro is the model that got me into carrying a knife every day back 20 or more years ago. Had a knife in my pocket, where allowed, every day since then. Only difference is the much higher amount I spend on them now

[@willy250r]

Bought this knife. I wish kershaw made one a bit bigger. Like 3 3/4- 4”. I’d buy it in a second.

[@MikeLowe-yr2tz]

I have one and love it . Would love to see some variants in the near future . I'd pay up for a premium version with better steel.

[@aaronsmith8804]

Have you had a chance to handle the Titanium/20CV version of the Iridium? I managed to get one of those and it has blown me away!

[@serdj_50618-P]

Hello. Thanks for sharing. How would you compare 2 knives: Iridium against Pyrite? please advise. Thank you!

[@tylerfendley1825]

I have both and love both! But if could only have one it would be the iridium hands down! Buy this knife! Best money you’ll spend on a knife! I promise it will shock you! I collect knives some very high end. I know knives and this knife can’t be beat for the price point.

[@Sludgecaked]

I bought one of these and returned it 2 days later. I agree it's the "best" budget Kershaw, but for $70 there's much better Chinese made knives out there. The "detent" on mine sucked, and I could not get it centered even after trying a few different methods. The blade shape is cool, but I thought we were past stamping CHINA in full view on the blade.

[@nrthpole5106]

Mine would not center also. In my view dealers should check for centering before they ship them, I would even pay a few extra bucks if they did that.

[@huskydad8430]

I can’t find this knife in stock anywhere! Is something going on with it? Too many good knives have been discontinued, I am hopeful that is not the case.

[@timhoeffken]

Nice review. Thank you. You know knives,I appreciate that

[@johncook2504]

It’s funny how that new award winning WE knife is everything I’ve ever wanted, but I’m more likely to buy this knife bc they understood how to put a left sided pocket clip lol

[@stevenlaxton3618]

Just picked up a kershaw method at a box store a couple months ago and really like it stopped at a knife store a couple weeks ago and seen kershaw had released the crossbars(hey I haven’t been keeping up on knife news apparently lol) and I grabbed an iridium for a few reasons the lock felt great..I’d love a bugout but the iridium is about 1/3 the price here of a bugout and I also enjoy guitars and especially LesPauls and Les Paul himself frequently played in the iridium jazz club in his later years.. so I had to get it 😂

[@dougbotimer8005]

I got one, based significantly on this video. I do like it. Cool blade design and sharpest out of the box I’ve ever bought. Best cross lock action of the three I own. Practically opens and closes itself. Only two complaints with the scales fit and finish; the open slot for reversing the pocket clip ant the scale obstructing half the lanyard hole. Why have a lanyard hole if you’re going to cover it up? Speaking of the pocket clip, it is secure but unobtrusive.

[@michellehansen1563]

I liked this so much I bought two. They are users.

[@Po_goes_brrr]

hoping they come out with the iridium with a 3 inch blade, its a perfect knife for me all except its a little larger than I prefer.

[@austinkuipers6087]

Phenomenal knife. Ended up needing to make the free shipping minimum and combined with a sale got one for 13 bucks. Puts an frn griptilian to shame and avoids funding despotic behavior by bm in the process.

[@austinkuipers6087]

They could make this in magnacut and sell them by the zillions for a hundred bucks. Different enough than the us built link (a phenomenal knife for the money in both magna and 20cv forms) to not hit the same chunk of the market. I imagine an assisted ti scaled textured version in cruwear and magnacut options would sell like crazy in the $200 ballpark as an alternative to $$$ bm (sure they are us made but ideologically compromised..the old "the enemy not striking me now is a better friend than the enemy currently striking me" trope in action). It might undercut zt sales but most of those are a hundred bucks higher and the us made aspect delineates a fair portion of the market. BM hasn't made an assisted bugout, which is nuts given how nice models like the barrage 581 were. My first 581 still has a pristine action with tens of thousands of cycles on it and the bar lock design seems to work very well assisted

[@chetnolan7496]

" Sweet " I want one yesterday !!! Thanks MC

[@7784000]

Really appealing design imo. But I would have made the top spine of the blade a bit less convex, maybe a bit more like the benchmade bugout blade contour. Or maybaybe completely straigt from the beginning of the jimping towards the beginning of the swedge in the front. I'm considering to buy and modify the blade slightly.

[@RezaCyrus]

Do more size comparisons like this one with a couple different brands!

[@testaklese]

Thinking about getting this. I just got a CRKT CEO for my new semi-office job but it's so tiny and kinda crappy. I just need something to hold me over until people know me well enough that I can go back to my fixed blade without getting into HR trouble, but I can't deal with the CEO

[@larryborum5642]

Nice looking knife but I need stainless because I live in a swamp. Filler tab would be nice. Kershaw is getting better, would love to pick up the new Live Wire.😅