Another direct competitor to the Kershaw’s Bel Air is the Doug Ritter Mini-RSK with a 3” MagnaCut blade and G-10 scales for $160. They are made by Hogue in the U.S. and sold exclusively at KnifeWorks.

Don't forget the Hogue Deka, also in Magnacut, also made in the USA.

I’m betting the Bel-air comes out in all kinds of options shortly.

Kershaw, I am going to buy this for two reasons 1: Made in USA and 2. magnacut. Please offer the irridium with the same!

I prefer textured g10. I know this goes down to preference so is 100% subjective, BUT I also prefer the drop point of the bug out and clip point of assert more. The belair looks wharncliffey. But I’m glad you touched on the magnacut, because I prefer that over s30v. With more color options and handle materials the belair is major bugout and Deka competition for sure imo.

Props to you for using your blades. So many knife youtubers have all their knives practically untouched

Got mine yesterday! Today will be the first full day! So far very impressed and seems to be the perfect edc for me, pared with the SOG power pint.

The newer models of the Deka dont have the "biting" issue and also have a better pocket clip. I think you should revisit that knife as it is much better now!

Would be nice to have micarta or g10 or g10 with different inlays like micarta or carbon fiber for sure.

made in the USA is the number one thing I look for in a knife.

Glad to see Kershaw came out swinging with their newest made in USA manual. I like the aluminum scales as long as the finish adds a little grip.

The Bel-Air has the best looking blade shape

I ordered this the other day. I’m not big on aluminum. But I want more USA made Kershaw knives. And the Iridium absolutely rocks, so I’m confident that the Bel Air is going to rock

I just ordered one of these yesterday. I stayed away from Kershaw the last few years strictly because they are so heavy on using aluminum scales. But I love the looks of this one so I ordered it. If they would only offer more micarta options. One can only hope.

I’m looking forward to picking one up, but the Bugout will probably still be my EDC for most occasions. I’m one of those weight-first guys you mentioned at the top of the video (assuming the quality is still excellent, obviously). An extra ounce or two may not be a lot for some people, but when your belt and pockets have to support keys, phone, wallet, flashlight, firearm, spare mag, knife, OC spray, pen, dog treats, etc. etc., an extra ounce here and there adds up to serious weight.

I love aluminum handles. Even better if they're milled for texture/grip. They make a knife feel much stronger and more premium while remaining extremely lightweight. And not lightweight in a cheap way. Which is a common problem with lightweight knives.

I ordered a Bel-Air last night and then the title of your video scared me today. I'm glad I watched the whole review. I think I'll be happy with it. (But I've been spamming Kershaw for a year to make an Iridium in MagnaCut with CF scales.)

Aluminum handles on my edc. I currently carry a zt with g10, first ever g10. The biggest thing I miss is how anodized aluminum wears. Had a knockout previously, carried it every day for over 3 years before I broke it, using it as a crowbar at my dad's cabin. I've had the zt for two years now, and it looks like the day I bought it..... dumb I know, but I love it slightly less because of it. This bel air has my attention, I'll wait for different colors though haha

Looks like a cool blade. I personally prefer a g-10 handle. I personally am a fan of Magnacut. I really enjoy the Decka and the Mini Bugout.

I’ve used the Kershaw iridium since the day I got it the for the reverse tanto version. Both come in D2 steel. and the og is still sharp. Not shit popping sharp but for 65 bucks it can not be beat. Aluminum scales and a cross bar lock. I bought the reverse tanto weeks before release. I still like the og better. If you have a whetstone and can hone a blade then it’s a no brainer. Best knife I ever purchased under 70 dollars hands down

Amazing, Kershaw actually came out with a quality knife that is well designed. If they sell a ton of them just maybe they'll figure out they can be competitive without producing cheap throw away knives. One can only hope.

I quit buying knives over a year ago, but I ordered this one. Perfect edc for my needs.

I have been looking for a "super steel" edc knife for quite a while. I couldn't find anything that really spoke to me. There seemed to be some issue with every contender that wouldn't allow me to pull the trigger. The Hogue Deka was... well... ugly. The Giant Mouse Ace Tribeca had too many sketchy reviews. The SOG One-Zero was close, but the price. Then this dropped. I bought it the first day it was available after watching several of the reviews. This one definitely spoke to me. It should be delivered next week.

Kershaw exclusive to their website is the Iridium with 14C28N and a TOPO aluminum handle. I'm sure they'll come out with different handle materials for the Belair, plus different blade steels & blade shapes.

I just ordered a Tactile Maverick in G-10. I’m curious how this Kershaw measures up since they are both Magnacut and US made cross bar locks.

G'day Aaron, no probs with Aluminium scales, though I would usually argue for some texture on it, but all that's gonna do on this one is upset the clean aesthetic. I generally go for dark color scales, though I reckon they've nailed the contrasting duotone approach on this one; adds a touch of class, without being a fancy pants job, IMO. My two big pet hates have been dealt with, i.e. c/sunk clip screws and the thumb stud is out of the cutting/sharpening path. With some slicey Magnacut at a fair price, I reckon that's 5 reasons why its quite compelling ; ) Cheers Duke.

Only downside to the Bel-Air in my opinion is the blade thickness, it could be a little too thin for some applications, but in my opinion it's a fantastic knife, I carry mine almost daily now to work and everything, it's awesome

Thanks for the great review. I will put it on my wish list.

Crazy...Kershaw has 4 models in Magnacut: Bel Air, Leek, Blur and one of the launch series knives (forget which one).

Unless you're thru-hiking, the difference between 1.9 oz and 2.9 oz is wildly insignificant. I really think people are just chasing numbers when talking about light weight.

Aluminium scales are nice as long as there is some texturing so they aren't slippery. Otherwise I might prefer G-10. The Bel-Air looks pretty interesting and I will likely end up buying one.

Love the Bel air. Have the Bugout, Para 3. Appreciate the magnacut, Al scales improves balance vs frn. Nickel colored cerakote adds uniqueness. Love the feel and action also. Current edc with no negatives.

I do wish Kershaw would offer the Blur with a better lock. I keep seeing all of these cool new knives, and I've bought a few. They keep ending up at the back of the drawer as soon as I look at the Blur again. There's something just perfect about it, the size and shape are spot on for me. I just want a better lock.

1) benchmade for the same price or close 2) its not a benchmade 3) it uses benchmade's expired patent to be a knockoff

Hell yea good points and great video man, i just started making content myself and have most definitely gotten some knowledge from you!

Good review. I have a Tactile Rockwall thumb stud version in Magnacut. I really like it and the steel seems good. Great knife. I also have a Spyderco Native 5 Salt with Magnacut also. I love the knife. It’s great for use wearing gloves. The steel is great. I wish I had the Hogue Deka with drop point in Magnacut and G10. Too many knives. Not enough paychecks.

Man I am always jealous when US based youtubers mention the prices of these in the U.S. I am currently eyeing either the Kershaw Bel Air, SpyderCo Delica or Benchmade Bugout. However, due to import tax, duties, transportation etc. Given today's rates, I am looking at 274 USD for the Kershaw, 172 for the Delica (K390) and 220 for the Benchmade standard model. As someone who will be using any of these three to cut but apples for my 2yo son while hiking, I need to take value for money out of the equation I guess. Oh and fun fact: they are all forbidden as EDC knives where I live due to the combination of 1h opening and lock. Us poor Europeans...

Love my Deka, but had to buy OG scales which put the final price closer to $200. This Kershaw is a bargain.

I bought mine from Knifecenter for 149.95. My priority ans blade steel 1st Lock type second and cosmetics third. I have the Bencemade Mini Bugout. I prefer the AXIS stye locks. I have several Magnacut blades and I am sold on it. Magnacut is a great all around steel.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="855">14:15</a> I went with the Bel Air over the Deka based on this and have cut my self twice with the Bel Air closing it for the exact same reason that you stopped carrying the Deka 😂 in my experience it has the exact same problem

I was suspicious of Kershaw Magnacut...but, my Launch in Magnacut is doing great work

I personally like metal scales. I prefer Ti but i do very much like aluminum. I do wish they would put some kind of texture as some of them get pretty slick. But that isnt a deal breaker.

I love my Deka in magnacut, but after seeing the original Goat xl scales in pineapple texture with the floating back spacer I was excited. But once I got them and cerakoted them it changed the dynamic of the knife for me. Nothing against OG but the knife just sits in the collection now. I will just spend the extra $ in the future for the tricked out OEM.

Def prefer this knife over the gerber or benchmade, high textured G10 would be a great option for this knife but part of what I like about this is the full liners as well. Along with the aluminum scales without having handled this knife I know what you mean on preferring the feel of the aluminum, it feels substantial without being heavy is what I imagine. Along with the steel upgrade only the dekka really stands in its way for the $$$. I’ll take the kershaw for the value proposition along with the scales and the fact I live in Washington and actually do travel through tualitin oregon where the USA made kershaws are build around thanksgiving every year. Same would go for gerber and benchmade (also oregon) but kershaw beats them on value.

I find it amazing what all you can actually do with that work sharp handheld sharpener you use in the video

There is another good reason to not buy the Bel Air that you may have missed. The magnacut blade is hardened to 62 HRC in their specs, which is near the bottom of the range suggested by Larrin Thomas for that steel. That is great if blade toughness is your main priority, but not so great if you want the best edge retention the steel can offer. On a premium blade steel like Magnacut, anything under 63 on a folding knife is kind of a smack in the face to the customer. Kershaw seems to hug the bottom spec on ALL their knife steels in my experience and that is precisely why I stopped buying their knives. I have had some examples that were way past the bottom spec as well... Hard Pass.

Even the updated Deka has QC issues. I have the clip point DLT exclusive version and had to RMA it to fix the same issue that you encountered with the CRKT Definitive: the blade tip barely makes it past the scale when closed, leaving the tip exposed enough to open it with your nail or shred your jeans when pocketed. And Hogue OEM's the Definitive, too! Something just ain't right with Hogue's machining for that issue to keep popping up. The Deka isn't a Bugout killer, and definitely not a Bel Air killer. Still, I love Hogue and the Deka is a great knife that fills a need. Having said that, the Bel Air is on my 'must buy' list. Amazing looking knife and price for what you get. Way to go Kershaw! 👍

I carried a kershaw blur for a few years. Really liked that knife. Bought my girlfriend a kershaw leek and it was junk. Other than those 2 I haven't had another kershaw. Looking at that knife it seems just a little leeky to me

The recommended HR-c for Magnacut is 63/64 as per both the developer aw well as the Manufacturer. Nice knife, but i'm out until the wake up and do it right! Magnacut is one that the heat treat is paramount! KnifeMaker

US made is important to me. I can't wait for mine to arrive! Neeves had it for $149

Aaron, where did you get that version of the Gerber Assert?! That topo blade design is super rad!

I'm pumped for this knife.

Comparing it to knives that have been out for years and of course have many options kinda unfair I would think. I’m sure there’s more to come. Agreed the price point is huge

Come on man, just get you a Case Mini Sodbuster. Simple.

As far as the weight is concerned an extra ounce is not a deal breaker at all. Bel Air is very new and I’m sure other colors and variations are in the pipeline. Bel Air is actually more a direct competition to Benchmade 945 both with aluminum scales. Bel Air has superior blade steel and costs $50 less than BM 945. Both the Bel Air and BM 945 cover the 3” blade length limit. Iridium does not. MagnaCut is superior to S30V and D2.

I'm afraid the height of Kershaw's highlights is the "speed safe" assisted opening

Micarta, G10, then Aluminum. But this is my opinion, I’m also a mechanic so my hands always have something on them.

Very interesting, but I already have the Iridium and Gerber Sedulo. Guessing I’ll just be watching to see what Kershaw does with this knife.

Gonna have to pick one up. My first crossbar lock / magnacut was the Deka which I like. Especially at the sale price of $114 . The Bel Air is a steal at $150 !

Excellent video man. I'm loving the BelAir.

I knew this would be a hit for Kershaw. Saw some hype on it on other channels. It’s a great looking knife. I would love to get one but will wait until they come out with an XL version. I used to have a hogue deka in magnacut but it was just too small.

Awesome knife. On my list. Thanks for the review!

I prefer textured. I had an aluminum scaled knife slip on me once and never used one again. Knife looks gorgeous tho

Just have to say, the new Iridium knife really makes me think of the old Kershaw Skyline in appearances!

I think 61-63 hrc is the recommended range for magnacut. M390 was always below the 61-62 hrc and was still wildly popular

kershaw is heading in the right direction! love to see it...

Waiting for the release of the new esee Pacaya, which will be released in shot show 2024.

Textured g-10 scales or Micarta all day my school of thought is that metal scales can mimic the weather hot or cold days and or nights I don’t really want to carry a knife with metal scales in my pocket if you’re working or adventuring it could be a draw back, nice knife though…

The Hogue DEKA smokes both!.. In quality & price!

I didn’t know this one was out. I’ve seen the iridium promoted everywhere but not this one. Looks better than the iridium for me but seems a little higher than what I would pay for a Kershaw though. Might just wait for a sale or get one lightly used.

Deka is bad on palm bite. Get some OG scales, the xl have extra length to keep that tip from getting you. I have the wharncliffe version, and it got me twice on the first day.

I always prefer G-10 to aluminum. I have quite a few Kershaws with aluminum but most all of them is prefer in G-10.

Will the hole spacing on that clip allow it to be switched out for the less optimal clip on, say, the Launch 16?

Great video! Looking for suggestions for a good fixed blade bushcraft/survival knife. Made in the USA with magnacut. Any suggestions? Thank you!

The aluminun scales are a deal breaker for me. Give me some good G10 with moderate (no pocket shredding) texture or even better some nice micarta. I would alos like to see a non-coated stonewashed blade. Blackedout or blackwash isn't for everyone.

Well, I torture-tested the BelAir on my channel alongside the S30V Bugout and MagnaCut Deka. The BelAir blade bent. Bogout’s didn’t. Also be aware: There are 4 washers and a cheap nylon bearing with steel balls. The omega springs are very light duty compared to the Bugout spring, one bent during disassembly. I don’t think “foreman knife” is a good excuse for poor design and over-cooked heat treat.

I like it, but I’ll wait and see if they make some variant colors. Not a fan of the wash not a fan of the scales.

I was going to get a Bel Air until I heard it has ball bearings instead of phosphor bronze washers. I am willing to sacrifice some of the "flipability" of the knife to not have the ball bearings gum up because of the sugary juice from an apple or other piece of fruit gumming up the washers. I am sticking with my Hogue Deka which falls into this category of knife.

It looks nice, has a nice weight and a good steel. But I have to pass. I HATE metal scales on anything other than collector's pieces, and flat out won't carry a knife with metal scales of any sort, aluminum, titanium, no matter what, I don't like how they feel in hand. And this is as an indoor office worker sort of person.

The Assert has the looks, but probably not the fit and finish. My usa gerbers always need dissasembly and cleaning.

i prefer the grip tape feel in aluminum like the blur

Hello, I have bought a Joker Ember knife.Can I ask which sharpner set is right for such knife.What would you recommend?

Has great design, poorly executed.... companies jumping on magnacut because it's the hype right now that don't have a production heat treat protocol DAILED IN should now be putting pieces out in it. Just like hogues first run MC, I was PISSED when I bought the carbon/blue SMKW subzero Deka and was literally the first person out raising hell about how soft it was, the day I got them and sharpened them was the day I was I'm insta all kinda pissed off. Hogue fixed their issues, after emails from me and many others saying they are wayyyyyyy to soft.. only thing I was mad about with hogue is that after they fixed the heat treat I called them and asked for reblades since it was well known and admitted that the HT was bad on thr first runs and they wouldn't do it even tho I was willing to pay for the reblades. If kershaw follows what hogue did and quickly corrects the heat treat then they will have a total winner on their hands. 60 to 63 is a massive margin, 63-64 is ideal for a pocket knife on MC, 60-63 is not cool that's far to much variation... remember the C scale is a exponential scale, the difference between 58 and 60 isn't nearly the difference between 60 and 62 and the difference between 62 and 64 is a huge amount of hardness. The difference between 60 and 63 is far to large of a difference to know what your getting. The kershaw magnacut dividend and leek both have super gummy burrs when sharpening telling me there is a retained austenite issue going on and both those knives are overly soft.. these have been out like 8 months and I really hope that they have updated their HT protocol since then or people are going to be getting poor preformance magnacut plain and simple.

In my experience kershaw crossbar lock almost always has lock rocks and play..

Where do we sign the petition to have a duck's fart added as a standard unit of measurement?

To me, it looks like CJRK Pyrite-Alt minus the finger choil and lock.

the coating is what causes the squeak. my arcade had it

Since it has liners I would like micarta handles.

I’d much rather prefer Synthetic scales or G-10 scales over aluminum/steel scale handles.

Thanks for sharing this, Aaron. I'll wait until there are more variants, because I like the functionality, but not the aesthetics.

$160 for a pocket knife is not a "great value" by any stretch.

I like aluminum. More colors would be nice but I like it over the plastic. I don't mind a little extra wgt.99.9% won't notice the difference and if they say they do they are probably lying.

Fan of your channel however your title prob had Kershaw blanching as it appears you are not a fan (in the title). With time they will have many options just like all the competitors. Love Benchmade but like how Kershaw has pumped out many new models lately…and some USA made to Boot! Thanks for your thoughts!

I prefer either as long as they have texture for wet hands.

Is it manual opening?

Well, the bugout when it first came out had a blue handle. That's it.

Great review!

It looks great.

Knowing Kershaw well I'd like to own this blade but in micarta & pocket clip removed for ergonomics

I do prefer a texture but my new Civivi Praxis has micartta handles I believe and it’s smooth but feels great in the hand 👍🏼👍🏼 😎🇺🇸🤙🏼