I tested the Kershaw Iridium pocket knife and came away impressed. Not only does it remind me of my beloved Ken Onion Leek, but it earned the top spot on our best pocket knives list.
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? My first "nice" pocket knife was a . After years of carrying a cheap, $1 Walmart folder for years, I loved the Leek's all-metal construction and super-satisfying flipper action. It became my constant companion until my forgetfulness and the TSA conspired to steal it from me. Since then, I've had a number of Kershaw pocket knives and liked all of them, but none matched the Leek... until I tried the Kershaw Iridium. Its rugged metal build and fast flipper action remind me of my old favorite, but it's a full-size folder with more polished looks and a very secure crossbar locking mechanism. I'll admit, the Iridium had been on my wish list for a while and I was glad to have it for my latest round of pocket knife testing. Given its Kershaw pedigree, it seemed like it could be a strong contender for the "Best Overall" among my recommendations. As it turns out, I suspected right. The Iridium isn't a flashy or expensive knife: There are no exotic materials or distinctive design features. It doesn't need those things to make a strong impression, though. It is just a solid, modern everyday pocket knife. The folding action is smooth, and the base version costs less than $100. (There are more expensive variations that mix in higher-end steels and handles.) This is a great-looking production EDC pocket knife that's fun to use, and that's all I need from it. Kershaw Iridium Folding Pocket Knife $59 at Amazon$67 at Wayfair Key Specd Weight 3.3 oz Blade Length 3.45 in. Closed Length 4.5 in. Blade Steel D2 Locking Mechanism Dura Lock (crossbar lock) The Look When you see the Iridium, its silver-gray anodized aluminum handle scales catch your eye first, but everything else on the knife is metal—no plastics or other synthetics—including the branded pocket clip. The bar lock hardware and clip match its satin-ground, stonewashed D2 bright silver steel blade. A…