The Kershaw Misdirect delivers what you want in a daily carry folding knife without the premium price. Part of Kershaw's Starter Series, it proves you do not need to spend big to get assisted opening, all steel construction, and an aggressive reverse tanto blade. The original Misdirect weighs 3.2 ounces and closes to 4 inches, the kind of knife you will actually carry because it does not eat up half your pocket, and it is one of the easiest entry points into the full line of Kershaw knives.
The 3 inch reverse tanto puts a reinforced tip right where you need it for piercing and detail work, while the belly handles everyday slicing. The 4Cr14 stainless resists corrosion, stays easy to maintain, and sharpens quickly when the edge needs a touch up. The BlackWash finish gives it a worn look out of the box and hides the scratches that come with real use. Our knife steel guide explains where 4Cr14 fits.
The all stainless construction can take a beating, and the bead blasted handle slides in and out of a pocket without snagging. The frame lock is simple and reliable, and Kershaw's assisted opening gets the blade out fast off the flipper. The clip sets up for tip up carry on either side, and an oversized lanyard hole takes paracord if you run one.
The new Misdirect XL scales the same formula up for bigger hands and harder work. The reverse tanto grows to 3.37 inches on 0.11 inch stock, the knife closes to about 4.5 inches, and gray painted stainless brings it to 4.2 ounces. It keeps the assisted opening and frame lock, adds an overtravel stop, and wears a stonewash finish.
If BlackWash is too subdued, the Rainbow PVD Misdirect adds iridescent color to the blade and handle. The new Misdirect Kings Camo wraps the handle in the Kings Camo pattern over a stonewashed blade and adds a clip that sets up for tip up or tip down carry. Same knife underneath, dressed for the field or for people who want their EDC to stand out.