Kershaw Knives is one of the most recognized American pocket knife manufacturers, founded in 1974 in Lake Oswego, Oregon, by Pete Kershaw — an outdoor enthusiast and former sales representative at Gerber Legendary Blades. Over more than five decades, the brand has consistently advanced assisted-opening technologies, materials science, and collaborations with some of the world's most acclaimed knife designers, establishing itself as a leader in the high-quality EDC knife segment at an attractive price point. Kershaw is a brand of Kai USA Ltd., part of the Japanese Kai Group — one of the largest cutting tool manufacturers in the world.
History and Breakthrough Innovations
Pete Kershaw founded the company with a single goal: to build knives he would want to use himself on the water and on the trail. The first models were produced by Japan's Kai Cutlery — a partnership formed at the very outset that would go on to define the brand's success. In 1985, Kershaw came under full Kai Group ownership, forming Kai USA Ltd. with production facilities in Oregon. The real turning point came in 1996, when Doug Flagg, VP of Sales, met inventor Ken Onion in Hawaii and discovered his assisted-opening mechanism. The result was the patented SpeedSafe® system — a torsion bar-assisted opener that deploys the blade with complete precision and control via a gentle thumb press or flipper tab. SpeedSafe® transformed the folding knife market and remains the brand's defining feature to this day. Kershaw's manufacturing facility in Tualatin, Oregon (approximately 55,000 m²) is the largest knife production plant in the United States.
Technologies and Materials
Kershaw consistently invests in advanced steel processing and locking mechanism technologies. Alongside SpeedSafe®, the company employs its proprietary Sub-Frame Lock — a lighter, streamlined take on the frame lock design. In collaboration with Ken Onion, the brand has developed knives featuring back lock, liner lock, and frame lock systems — each tailored to a different use profile. Steels used across the Kershaw lineup span a wide range: from heat-treated 420HC and Japanese VG-10 and 8Cr13MoV to premium D2, 14C28N, CPM-S35VN, and MagnaCut in the top-tier lines. Surface finishes include stonewash, Blackwash, satin, and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, which eliminates glare and enhances corrosion resistance. Handles are constructed from G10, GFN (glass-filled nylon), Zytel, aluminum, and steel — depending on the model's price point and intended application.
Collections and Designer Collaborations
Kershaw maintains ongoing collaborations with independent knife designers, ensuring a steady stream of fresh, original designs. Among the most iconic collections: the Cryo and Cryo II series designed by Rick Hinderer — compact, tactical EDC folders with frame lock and ball-bearing pivot; models featuring the Wave Opening Feature designed by Ernest Emerson, which deploy automatically as the knife clears the pocket; the Natrix line by Dmitry Sinkevich with its clean, refined profile; and the Leek — a classic slim-line EDC with SpeedSafe® and a titanium-coated clip. The Blur series represents one of the brand's most popular all-purpose designs, available in high-carbon S30V and S35VN steel with anodized aluminum handles in a range of colors.
Kershaw at Militaria.pl
At Militaria.pl you'll find Kershaw knives with SpeedSafe® — from classic everyday carry models to more advanced options for demanding users. Kershaw means American reliability and fifty years of innovation packed into a knife that won't break the bank. If you're looking for a dependable EDC with lightning-fast deployment and Made in USA quality — Kershaw delivers.
