Kershaw Knives

Kershaw Knives has been a driving force in the American knife industry since its founding in 1974 by Pete Kershaw in Tualatin, Oregon. As a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese Kai Group, Kershaw combines American design innovation with Japanese manufacturing heritage to produce high-quality cutting tools that balance performance with affordability.

The brand has built its reputation on pioneering the SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism, a technology that revolutionized the folding knife market by providing quick, one-handed deployment while maintaining legal compliance in most jurisdictions. This innovation exemplifies Kershaw's commitment to practical design that serves real-world users, from everyday carry enthusiasts to tactical professionals.

Kershaw's product lineup spans an impressive range of specializations, including folding knives, automatic knives, tactical designs, kitchen cutlery, and EDC essentials. The company operates at remarkable scale, producing over one million pocketknives annually through a dual manufacturing approach that includes both USA-made premium models and imported options that deliver quality at accessible price points.

This manufacturing strategy allows Kershaw to serve diverse market segments, from budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable everyday tools to collectors pursuing premium American-made designs. The brand's Launch series of automatic knives has become particularly popular among tactical knife enthusiasts, while models like the Leek and Blur have achieved iconic status in the EDC community.

Beyond individual sales, Kershaw offers knife engraving services for bulk orders, making them a popular choice for corporate gifts, promotional items, and organizational purchases. This versatility, combined with consistent quality control and innovative features, has established Kershaw as one of the most recognized names in American cutlery.

Whether you're seeking an affordable entry-level folder or a sophisticated assisted-opening design, Kershaw's extensive catalog and five decades of manufacturing expertise ensure options for virtually every cutting need and budget level.