D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel — semi-stainless by composition but classified as a tool steel by behavior. Its high carbide content gives it significantly better edge retention and wear resistance than the 8Cr13MoV or similar stainless alloys common at this price tier, meaning it holds a working edge through more cutting cycles before needing to be resharpened. The trade-off is modest: D2 is more susceptible to surface rust than fully stainless steels if left wet or neglected. The black-oxide finish on the 2038RBLK adds a functional corrosion barrier that mitigates this in daily carry conditions. Wipe the blade dry after extended exposure to moisture and D2 will serve reliably for years.

DuraLock is Kershaw's crossbar locking system, also known generically as a crossbar lock or through-lock. A hardened steel crossbar passes laterally through the handle and drops into a notch in the blade tang when the blade is fully open, locking it positively in place. To close, you push the crossbar from either side with your thumb — the crossbar clears the tang notch and the blade folds freely. The key advantage over a Liner Lock is the width and geometry of the lockup: the crossbar spans a wider contact area across the tang and is not subject to the gradual lock face wear that can develop in Liner Lock designs over extended use. It also completely eliminates accidental lock disengagement from lateral blade pressure.

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, prying light materials, and any task where tip strength and precision matter. The flat grind on the Iridium keeps the edge geometry versatile for slicing and general utility work, so the reverse tanto does not sacrifice EDC usability in exchange for tip performance. At 3.4 inches, the Iridium blade has genuine reach for tasks where a compact folder runs short.

The Iridium 2038RBLK is a manual folding knife with thumb stud deployment — not an assisted-opening, automatic, or OTF knife — which places it in the broadest category of legal carry knives under most state laws. That said, blade length restrictions vary by state, city, and municipality, and a 3.4-inch blade may exceed carry limits in some jurisdictions. 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.

D2 sharpens well on diamond stones, ceramic rods, or CBN abrasives — its high carbide content means it takes slightly more effort to reprofile than a softer stainless, but it responds well to standard sharpening tools at maintenance angles. The black-oxide finish provides a corrosion barrier but will wear off at the edge bevel with sharpening, which is normal and expected. To prevent surface rust on the exposed steel at the bevel, wipe the blade dry after exposure to moisture, apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or blade oil before extended storage, and avoid leaving the knife in humid environments for prolonged periods.

The Iridium and Bel Air are different platforms serving different carry roles. The Bel Air (6105 series) is a slim, lightweight EDC folder on a 3.1-inch CPM MagnaCut blade with SpeedSafe assisted opening and a Liner Lock — optimized for front-pocket carry, premium steel, and fast one-handed deployment. The Iridium 2038RBLK is a larger, full-size tactical folder on a 3.4-inch D2 blade with manual thumb stud deployment and a DuraLock crossbar lock — optimized for hard use, greater blade reach, and a lock mechanism built to take lateral stress. If you prioritize steel quality and slim carry, the Bel Air. If you prioritize blade length, lock robustness, and a full-size grip, the Iridium.

The Kershaw Iridium 2038RBLK is manufactured in China under Kershaw's offshore production program. Kershaw designs, engineers, and quality-controls all models from their Tualatin, Oregon headquarters, and the Iridium carries the same Kershaw Lifetime Warranty as their USA-made production pieces. Buyers who prefer domestic manufacturing should consider the Bel Air series (6105), which is USA made in Tualatin, Oregon.