Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

The Kershaw Flatbed folding pocket knife lives up to its name as a highly functional EDC. If you're looking for a tough, reliable, and affordable pocket knife that's comfortable in a wide range of applications, the Flatbed is a great choice.

Without even looking at the Kershaw Flatbed pocket knife, the name indicates a highly functional utility. Our knives have to work for a spot in our pockets and we wanted to know if there’s more to this one than just a name.

Kershaw starts with 8Cr13MoV blade steel. It takes an excellent edge and while its edge retention isn’t great compared to the super steels, it’s easy to sharpen and has decent corrosion resistance. Kershaw’s Blackwash finish adds an extra layer of corrosion resistance and it’s a very attractive finish in my opinion.

Overall, it’s a respectable steel blend that we prefer over 420HC and makes for an affordable knife.

Kershaw shapes the blade into an American Tanto style that measures 3 1/8 inches. Its plain edge adds a slight belly to its leading section before hitting the classic Tanto angle. The spine of the blade introduces a curve starting at the tip before angling down and sweeping back up into the jimping.

It’s a good choice for cuts that require a solid piercing tip to get started and makes for reliable tactical use.

The blade deploys with a spring assist and finger flipper. The action is snappy and while the movement isn’t as smooth as some of the bearing-only models, it’s so quick that you won’t notice.

The handle features a lightweight, comfortable black G10 material. Inside, there’s a liner lock that avoids disrupting the exterior look the way a frame lock does.

There’s a Blackwashed steel inlay on one side, breaking up the handle with an asymmetrical shape that adds interest.

The clip is left/right reversible and installs only in the tip-up carry position. It’s a deep carry style that only leaves ~1/4-inch of the handle exposed above your pocket.

Kershaw’s price for the Flatbed is a very reasonable $39.99 and it’s running about the same at our favorite online retailers. Kershaw backs the knife with a limited lifetime warranty.

The Kershaw Flatbed folding pocket knife lives up to its name as a highly functional EDC. If you’re looking for a tough, reliable, and affordable pocket knife that’s comfortable in a wide range of applications, the Flatbed is a great choice.

On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay.

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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros