Kershaw Bel-air or Launch Iridium

T

txgolfer45

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Aug 29, 2002
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One is manual and the other is an auto. Both have magnacut blades. I don't currently have an automatic. The Launch Iridium is new but in the Launch line if knives.

I have a Benchmade Bugout in S30V, Spyderco PM2 in S45VN and Manix 2 in S30V along with a Benchmade Griptilian in 440C and a mini Griptilian in D2.

Which would you get?
 
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If you’ve never owned an auto, I’d give the Launch Iridium a shot. Know your laws and don’t whip it out in the lunchroom…the knife I mean.

If you hate an auto knife, you can sell it and buy the Bel Air. I have a Bel Air and it’s a great EDC knife. One of the best things Kershaw has done in a long time.
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I'm kinda partial to the Launch 16, I like tanto style knives. The Launch series was a great addition to KAI/Kershaw lineup.

The Iridium is a nice looking knife, as is the Bel Air above.
 
Haven't had the bel air yet but I did have the iridium for a little while and really was impressed with it for the price!
 
Recently picked up a Bel Air off the exchange here. Really impressed with it, carries very well and the action on mine is excellent. I like it a lot more than I was expecting to.
 
One point to clarify is that the Iridium and Mini Iridium are Chinese made knives with D2 steel. I’m not casting shade, they are quite nice knives at the price point, but the Auto Iridium is different.

The Launch Iridium is USA made knife with Magnacut steel, a huge upgrade over the rest of the family.
 
I had a bel air. Gave it to a friend and been missing it since. Planning to get another when I sell a few more things. Maybe the CF one. I wish they had a black aluminum handle with satin blade. It’s a great knife for the money. I like it a whole lot better than the bugout which costs more.
 
What would I get?

Well you are assuming I would want either of those knives . . .and I do not.

I would rather "get" one of the several Chris Reeve folders. I am thinking of a large Sebenza 31; Magnacut in a titanium frame locking handle.

What I wish they made: A Sebenza 31 with a flipper tab and the blade profile of a CRKT M21. .. . perhaps with spring assisted deployment.
 
I’ll give you a decisive - you can’t go wrong with either one. I have a Bel Air and a Launch 11. The action on both is outstanding. The blade on the Iridium is longer and a little thicker, so the Bel Air will be a better slicer (in fact it’s an awesome slicer, if that’s what you need). The Bel Air has taken the spot of my regular carry from my Buck Sprint Select. But … if you don’t currently own an auto, I think you’ll be very happy with the Iridium. In fact having now seen the Iridium, I’ve put it on my mental list for the next time I get the itch. Which is getting itchier as I type this.

As for Chris Reeve vs Kershaw, CRK’s are very nice, but I just sold two of my four, while I still have all 11 of my Kershaws. Just a little anecdotal sidetrack. Call me crazy (and many have), but dollar for dollar, I think the Kershaws you’re looking at are better values.
 
Did you make a purchase? If so, what did you go with?

My two cents is that you can't go wrong with either, really just comes down to whether you want an auto or not. Personally, I prefer manual knives. Autos just don't feel as engaging to me, a decent comparison would be like driving a manual vehicle or an automatic. I prefer manual every time.

I might also add the new USA made Iridium button lock Kershaw just released. Typically the Iridium has been one of their overseas produced model, but they created a button lock version with Magnacut and made in the USA. So if you want to stick with manual and switch up the lock style, that would be great.

I want to mention the fact that Kershaw/ZT/Kai has really perfected their heat treat process in particular for Magnacut. Consistently 63.5-64hrc which is incredible. The fact that you can get that on a USA made folder for $150 is seriously under appreciated. They are making Benchmade look like absolute fools. Kai has done an amazing job the last few years, all I want is for them to get back to making ZT's like they used to(cool stuff like the 0392, 0777, 0560, etc etc) .
 
VorpelSword said:
What would I get?

Well you are assuming I would want either of those knives . . .and I do not.

I would rather "get" one of the several Chris Reeve folders. I am thinking of a large Sebenza 31; Magnacut in a titanium frame locking handle.

What I wish they made: A Sebenza 31 with a flipper tab and the blade profile of a CRKT M21. .. . perhaps with spring assisted deployment.
Click to expand...
You need a PJ iMamba flipper 😉
 
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