EDC Gear: Kershaw Eris Folding Knife

The Kershaw Eris folder entered the everyday-carry market early in 2017 and brought with it a host of new features designed to provide prepared individuals with a carry knife that's simple to use and easy to carry. Shooting Illustrated received one of the new knives for testing and evaluation, and many of the incorporated features work together to produce a fine EDC blade.

The first thing that jumps out about the Kershaw Eris is its smooth-scale handles. The scales are actually made from stainless steel and feature a titanium carbo-nitride coating that gives it a clean, corrosion-resistant, matte-gray finish.

The back edge of the handle opposite the blade opening incorporates a gentle contour that settles comfortably into the palm of a user's hand, providing for a comfortable, secure fit when the blade is deployed. The handle also features a cutout for the end user's choice of lanyard, and astute observers will notice two threaded screw holes that allow the Eris to be carried by both left- and right-handed owners. While the knife is fully ambidextrous, the included pocket clip only allows for tip-up carry.

The blade, which is constructed from 8Cr13MoV steel, measures 3 inches long and is deployed only through the use of a flipper located on the opposite side of the blade opening. This is one of the other novel features of the Kershaw Eris, thanks to Kershaw's patented SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism. The flipper features serrated ridges that provide a solid index point for your dominant hand's index finger. Simply push down firmly on the ridged edge of the flipper, and the blade deploys fully every time. While the Eris is no auto-open knife, the SpeedSafe opening system is, without a doubt, one of the fastest assisted-opening mechanisms on the market today.

When the blade is deployed, a simple liner lock secures it in place and prevents the blade from closing into a user's fingers in any application. When open, the overall length of the Eris measures 7.5 inches. Closed, it measures only 4.1 inches. Weight-wise, the Eris isn't one of the lighter options on the market, thanks to the solid stainless-steel scales. However, it's still a perfectly viable pocket-carry option, weighing in at 4.7 ounces.

Best of all, the Kershaw Eris is eminently affordable as a high-quality carry knife, selling for $69.99.