The 2038R and 2038RBLK are the same knife in every structural respect — identical D2 tool steel, identical 3.4-inch reverse tanto blade, flat grind, DuraLock crossbar lock, black anodized aluminum handle, manual thumb stud deployment, and identical carry configuration. The sole difference is the blade finish. The 2038R has a stonewash finish that shows the D2 steel, creates a two-tone look against the black handle, and develops a natural working patina over time. The 2038RBLK has a black-oxide coating that creates a fully blacked-out package with zero light signature. Steel performance, lock quality, and carry specs are identical on both — the choice is purely one of finish preference and carry environment.

D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel — semi-stainless by composition but tool steel by performance. Its high carbide content gives it significantly better edge retention and wear resistance than the 8Cr13MoV common at this price tier, meaning it stays sharp through more cutting cycles before needing attention. The trade-off is modest susceptibility to surface rust if left wet or stored in humid conditions. With a stonewash finish on the 2038R, the blade face is textured bare steel — wipe it dry after moisture exposure and apply a thin coat of blade oil before extended storage to keep the surface clean. D2 maintained this way will serve reliably as a daily carry steel.

DuraLock is Kershaw's crossbar locking system. 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 across a wide contact area. To close, push the crossbar from either side with your thumb — it clears the tang notch and the blade folds freely. The crossbar provides a wider, more stable lockup geometry than a standard Liner Lock and eliminates accidental lock disengagement from lateral blade pressure. On the Iridium, this hardware handles a 3.4-inch D2 blade under full working loads.

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.

Black-oxide is a chemical conversion coating that creates a layer of magnetite across the blade surface, providing a modest but meaningful corrosion barrier and full light suppression. Stonewash is a mechanical finish that creates surface texture but does not add a chemical barrier — it leaves the D2 steel exposed in textured form. In practical terms, the 2038RBLK's black-oxide blade face has slightly more corrosion protection out of the box than the 2038R's stonewash blade face. Both are D2 and benefit from the same basic maintenance: wipe dry after moisture exposure and apply blade oil before extended storage. The stonewash will develop a natural patina over time that actually provides its own mild corrosion resistance as the steel oxidizes uniformly.

The Iridium 2038R is a manual folding knife with thumb stud deployment — not assisted-opening, automatic, or OTF — 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.

The Kershaw Iridium 2038R 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.