The Kershaw Iridium 2038 is a knife that strikes a balance between modern design, functionality, and lightweight portability. In the Sharp On Sight YouTube review, we took a detailed look at this sleek tool, evaluating everything from its aesthetics to real-world performance. Here’s a breakdown of what we discovered about the Iridium, and why it might—or might not—be the right everyday carry (EDC) knife for you.

First Impressions: Form Meets Function

The Kershaw Iridium immediately catches the eye with its gray anodized aluminum handle and striking burnt orange accents. Its aesthetic leans heavily into minimalism while retaining a modern edge. The blade features a modified spear-point design with a satin finish that adds to its sleek look while providing a durable surface for everyday use.

The knife’s compact size is one of its strongest assets. Coming in at 7 3/4 inches overall with a 3 3/4-inch cutting edge, it slots comfortably into the medium-sized EDC category. It’s smaller than both the Ontario Rat 1 and the Buck 110, two knives we used as benchmarks in the review. For users familiar with these classics, the Iridium feels more streamlined without sacrificing usability.

Specifications: What You Need to Know

• Overall Length: 7.75 inches
• Blade Length: 3.75 inches
• Handle Length: 4 inches
• Weight: 3.5 ounces

The Iridium’s size makes it versatile for daily tasks, and its lightweight construction ensures comfort during extended carry. The knife also features nested steel liners inside the anodized aluminum handle, a construction choice that bolsters durability without significantly increasing weight.

Blade Material and Performance

The D2 steel blade is a standout feature, offering excellent edge retention and toughness. While not stainless, D2 can resist corrosion if properly maintained. The blade’s flat grind and spear-point design make it highly effective for slicing, piercing, and precision tasks.

In the review, we tested the blade on a variety of materials, including cardboard, rope, and paper. The knife performed admirably, slicing cleanly and efficiently. The unfinished spine of the blade is another point of interest. Its sharp edges could potentially strike a fire steel, a feature outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate.

Ergonomics: Designed for Comfort (Mostly)

The Iridium’s handle ergonomics are solid for most users, though not without minor drawbacks. The aluminum scales are smooth but not overly slick, providing a comfortable grip for light to moderate tasks. However, the lack of aggressive texturing might be an issue for heavy-duty use, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

The Grip: A Mixed Bag

The handle’s design accommodates a full four-finger grip, even for those with larger hands. That said, the jimping (the textured surface for thumb placement) is positioned closer to the blade’s spine, making it less accessible for users who prefer a more rearward grip. Choking up on the blade for finer control is possible but feels slightly precarious due to the proximity of the edge to the handle.

In reverse grip, the handle feels slightly short, and users with larger hands may find themselves wishing for more security. However, for standard EDC tasks, the ergonomics are more than sufficient.

Pocket Clip and Carry

The deep-carry pocket clip is a highlight of the Iridium’s design. With flush-mounted screws and a smooth finish, the clip allows for easy pocketing without snagging on fabric. The knife slides in and out of pockets effortlessly, thanks to the smooth aluminum scales.

However, the same smoothness that makes pocketing seamless can work against grip stability during use. For users wearing work gloves, retrieving the knife and operating the lock might require a bit of extra effort, as noted in our review.

Action and Locking Mechanism

Kershaw’s DuraLock system is their take on the crossbar lock, and it’s implemented well here. The lock engages securely, providing confidence during use. That said, the lock doesn’t protrude significantly from the handle, which can make it slightly challenging to operate, particularly with gloves.

The deployment action, powered by KVT ball bearings, is smooth and reliable. Whether using the thumb studs or attempting a reverse flick (Spidey flick), the blade opens with ease. However, due to the lightweight blade, the action isn’t particularly “drop shut.” On a scale of 1 to 10, the action feels like a 4.2—smooth, but not overly fidget-friendly.

Performance with Gloves

For those considering the Iridium for work environments requiring gloves, we conducted tests to evaluate its usability. The results were mixed. While the lock and thumb studs remain accessible with gloves, the knife’s compact size and smooth scales make operation slightly cumbersome. Heavy-duty users may find the knife less suitable for rigorous tasks in gloved conditions.

Pros and Cons: The Verdict

Pros:

• Sleek, lightweight design with premium materials
• Durable D2 steel blade with excellent edge retention
• Smooth deployment with KVT ball bearings
• Ambidextrous DuraLock system for secure lockup
• Deep-carry pocket clip with flush screws

Cons:

• Smooth scales lack aggressive grip texture for heavy-duty use
• Lock mechanism is less accessible with gloves
• Jimping placement could be improved for better thumb support
• Lightweight blade limits “drop shut” action

Who Is the Iridium For?

The Kershaw Iridium 2038 is an excellent choice for EDC enthusiasts who prioritize portability, modern aesthetics, and reliable performance for light to medium tasks. It’s a great fit for those who need a knife for tasks like cutting cardboard, opening packages, or occasional food prep. Its sleek design and lightweight build make it ideal for summer carry or situations where discretion is key.

However, if you’re looking for a knife to handle heavy-duty work or outdoor environments where grip and robustness are critical, the Iridium might not be your best option.

Final Thoughts

In our Sharp On Sight review, the Kershaw Iridium impressed with its sleek design, excellent blade performance, and smooth action. While it has some limitations, particularly for heavy-duty use, its lightweight construction and thoughtful features make it a standout in its price range.

If you’re interested in seeing the Iridium in action, check out our full video review on the Sharp On Sight YouTube channel, where we dive even deeper into the knife’s features and performance. Whether you’re new to knives or a seasoned collector, the Iridium is worth a look for anyone seeking a stylish and reliable EDC tool.