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Kershaw Duralock Knives
Kershaw DuraLock - Crossbar Lock Technology for Everyone
When Benchmade's AXIS lock patent expired in 2018, the market followed suit quickly. By 2023, Kershaw introduced the DuraLock—an ambidextrous crossbar lock with a steel bar sliding across the blade tang to lock it open. Pulling it back closes the knife. It's simple, strong, and truly ambidextrous.
What Makes It Different
The DuraLock isn't reinventing anything—it's just Kershaw's version of a proven design. The steel crossbar locks solidly with no blade play, and the rounded triangle cutouts in the lock provide a secure grip without being aggressive. It's smooth to operate and genuinely ambidextrous, with reversible pocket clips on most models to match your preference. Unlike liner locks, you never put your fingers in the blade path when closing, which is a significant safety advantage.
The Lineup
Kershaw launched four DuraLock models in 2023. The Iridium, with gray aluminum handles and a D2 blade on ball bearings, became the breakout hit and sold out for months. The Heist features a polymer handle, thumb studs, and utilizes washers as a budget-friendly option. The Covalent features a flipper, ball bearings, and a polymer handle, while the Monitor is a compact, blacked-out version of the Covalent.
Worth Noting
The DuraLock system is no longer unique to Kershaw—plenty of companies now offer their own crossbar lock variants. But Kershaw's execution is solid, and the pricing makes these knives accessible. The Iridium's popularity proves there's real demand for well-made crossbar lock folders that don't require a Benchmade budget. Whether you want aluminum or polymer, bearings or washers, there's a DuraLock model that'll work.