All Bel Air 6105 variants share the same core platform: CPM MagnaCut blade, reverse tanto geometry, flat grind, SpeedSafe assisted opening, Liner Lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. What varies is finish and handle material. The 6105NBBW is the navy blue anodized handle with blackwash blade — the most classically styled combination in the series. The 6105GRYBW runs the same blackwash blade on a gray handle for a more neutral look. The 6105OLSW uses stonewash on an OD green handle for a working field aesthetic. The 6105CF is the only carbon fiber variant. The white-handle PVD models (6105WBLU, 6105WGLD) are the bold colorway pieces. The 6105NBBW is the call for buyers who want color and visual character without the starkness of the PVD variants.

Stonewash creates a matte, multi-directional texture across the blade surface by tumbling the blade with abrasive media. Blackwash takes that process a step further — a black coating is applied over the stonewash base. Because the stonewash creates peaks and valleys across the surface, the black settles into the recesses and wears away at the high points during a finishing pass, leaving a two-tone effect with more visual depth than either finish alone. Against a navy blue handle, the blackwash blade's dark recesses and lighter high points create a contrast that highlights the reverse tanto grind geometry clearly. It also retains the practical benefits of stonewash: light diffusion and the ability to hide the minor surface marks that accumulate with daily carry.

CPM MagnaCut was designed from the ground up by metallurgist Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries to outperform the previous generation of powder-metallurgy steels across all three primary categories simultaneously. Compared to CPM-S35VN, CPM MagnaCut delivers significantly better edge retention, equal or better toughness, and vastly superior corrosion resistance — it approaches the rust resistance of H1 steel while maintaining the hardness and easy sharpenability you would expect from a premium stainless alloy. For daily pocket carry that means a blade that holds its edge longer between sharpenings, resists moisture better, and still resharpens on a standard bench stone without fighting you.

A reverse tanto features a spine that curves downward to meet the edge rather than the angular clip of a traditional tanto. The geometry reinforces the tip by concentrating blade mass forward — ideal for controlled puncture, box work, strapping, and any task where tip strength and precision matter. The flat grind on the Bel Air keeps the edge versatile for slicing and general EDC tasks as well, so the reverse tanto does not sacrifice utility in exchange for tip performance.

The Bel Air 6105NBBW is a SpeedSafe assisted-opening folding knife — not an automatic or OTF. It requires manual thumb stud pressure to initiate opening, which places it outside the federal definition of a switchblade. Assisted-opening knife laws vary by state, city, and municipality. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice. Check your local laws at akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) before carrying, or call us at 888-225-9775.

Kershaw offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If the knife fails due to a manufacturing defect, Kershaw will repair or replace it at no charge. Warranty service is handled directly by Kershaw — not Knifeworks. Submit a claim through Kershaw's website at kershawknives.com with a description of the issue and proof of purchase. Normal wear, cosmetic finish wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

CPM MagnaCut is one of the more maintenance-friendly premium steels available. It sharpens readily on ceramic rods, fine diamond stones, or any standard bench sharpening system — no specialized abrasives required. The blackwash finish will show edge wear at the bevel with sharpening and extended use, which is normal and expected. Wipe the blade dry after exposure to moisture, apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil if storing for extended periods, and the blade will hold its performance through years of daily carry.

Yes. The Bel Air 6105NBBW is manufactured at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. USA-made Kershaw knives go through domestic quality control and are held to tighter fit-and-finish standards than Kershaw's offshore production line. All variants in the 6105 Bel Air series are USA production pieces.