Kershaw Bel Air, best EDC on the market today?

Centermass said:
Ooooh we love absolutes! There are more than two options.
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I have many EDC knives in my rotation, so I get it. I guess this discussion is more for people who have both and which one they prefer. I have both and love both, but I think I prefer the Bel Air overall.

Really close call, but I think the Bel Air can perform a larger variety of cutting tasks quite comfortably. The Bel Air weighs more, so those who prefer a lighter knife will probably prefer the Bugout, but that's not as much of a concern for me as it is for others. Lately, my Bel Air has garnered a lot more pocket time than my Bugout.
 
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Between the two, I think the Kershaw Bel Air is better, because I've always thought that the Bugout's blade is too thick for what it is.

Also, my new Buck Range Elite has stolen the crown from the Bel Air (in my opinion) as it's more or less the same recipe as the Bel Air, but I like the blade shape better.
 
Starmarion said:
I have many EDC knives in my rotation, so I get it. I guess this discussion is more for people who have both and which one they prefer. I have both and love both, but I think I prefer the Bel Air overall.

Really close call, but I think the Bel Air can perform a larger variety of cutting tasks quite comfortably. The Bel Air weighs more, so those who prefer a lighter knife will probably prefer the Bugout, but that's not as much of a concern for me as it is for others. Lately, my Bel Air has garnered a lot more pocket time than my Bugout.
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That’s fair. I don’t have either, not because they aren’t good EDC knives, but I generally carry larger than those personally. Thanks for clarifying.
 
I don’t own a Bugout, but my Bel Air splits regular carry time with a Buck Sprint Select. On days of potentially dirtier work, the Buck gets the duty call, otherwise it’s the Bel Air. It’s slender and classy looking, and the one I just feel good about carrying. Both share pocket space with a SAK Evogrip 18.
 
Yes, Kershaw Bel Air is a great EDC knife. I recently purchased two Bel Air knives in the all black and carbon fiber configuration from an authorized dealer. I frequently use, enjoy and recommend this knife. USA made Bel Air seems fairly priced given the materials used. I appreciate the solid feel that full liner construction offers. Overall size, weight, blade thickness and shape are outstanding. Reversible pocket clip with recessed screws is top notch. Fully ambidextrous knives are always appreciated. I will stop just short of saying my two Bel Air knives represent the very best EDC on the market today only because I feel there is room for improvement. I had early issues with both of my new Bel Air knives. Specifically with the bearing washers.

The wonderful out of the box bearing action became a little gritty feeling and both of my knives developed slight side-side play. Emphasis on little gritty and slight play. Nothing major. Kershaw customer service did not agree that what I could feel and see was worthy of their attention. I began searching online, and found information about a potential problem. Fortunately the fix was simple. It seems that the washers Kershaw uses around the bearing disc can become etched. Normal use for me is very light in and around my home. No heavy work, no cardboard, nothing dusty or gritty. We are talking about opening mail mostly.

I decided to remove four washers and two bearings from each knife and replace them with two thick phosphor bronze washers from Skiff. Six very thin parts came out, and two heavy duty chunky parts went in each knife. Cost to upgrade both of my Bel Air knives was $8.99 for washers plus $4.99 for shipping plus my time.

I found the Bel Air just a bit more difficult to disassemble and reassemble than say a PM2 or Para 3. Kershaw uses fair amount of thread lock, barrel spacer needs to be gripped to prevent spinning while removing second side body screw, omega springs require some patience and the pivot can be a challenge to reinsert. Overall moderately difficult. Centering was perfect on first attempt for both knives. Washers fit great so, easy to tune the action with pivot screw.

Moving slowly and carefully, taking a couple breaks, the first knife took me less than an hour to complete. Second knife went much faster. I lubricated washers and pivot with standard red KPL. I couldn’t be happier with result. Knives have almost zero side-side blade play and zero up-down play. Nice smooth, fluid washer action. They can flip open & closed when cross lock bar is held down. Washer action is not as slick as if running on bearings. I prefer the way this feels. FYI, Skiff offers phosphor bronze washers AND bearing replacement parts to upgrade Bel Air knives.

Maybe Bel Air with Skiff phosphor bronze washers is the best EDC not quite on the market today ;)
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Theres no such thing as the best edc. Favorite for a individual sure but not the best
 
I’m sorry…. Not even close. They are both WAY too small. I bet the PM2 would beat both combined.
 
Never had a Bel Air. The Bugout is a very nice, light, and capable knife. It works great for a minimal carry. I did not feel “underknifed” carrying one, but I realize I’m more of a maximal carry guy than minimal carry.
 
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