Kershaw Pocket Knife (Tip-Lock Folder)
by Kershaw
9 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
A KAI/Kershaw folding pocket knife with a tip-lock mechanism that keeps the blade closed in your pocket; several owners describe assisted-opening variants with the same design.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Owners report carrying the same Kershaw folder daily for 8 to 20+ years. When parts eventually fail — the tip lock, the opening spring, a belt-clip screw — Kershaw's warranty repairs and sharpens the knife for little more than shipping (~$15), or ships replacement parts for free.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as January 2025
Show 6 more mentions
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
Have about 3 of these, love them, but the blade tip lock sucks lol... Kershaw customer support had been good to me.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I have one of the assisted opening Kershaw knives, the cryo I think... they sent me the parts I needed to rebuild it for free
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I found an old Kershaw in a truck at my work... contacted them to see if I could buy a new clip and they just sent one to me. I was very pleased
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
It's been used daily by me for over 8 years minus the repair time :( Absolutely bifl
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
Thank you for this! Mine has the same problem... Knowing I can get my knife repaired is the best of both worlds!
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I've carried that knife every day for 15+ years! Kershaw makes a great product but make sure to buy the USA models, the others don't have the same BIFL quality.
I've had this pocketknife for close to 20 years... Sure enough, KAI/Kershaw has a warranty that covered it. For the cost of shipping (about $15) my knife is repaired and sharpened like new.
At the store I used to have I sold a LOT of Kershaws and own several myself. I made sure everyone knew about this
Have the same knife with the same issue. Great tip, thanks!
I have this exact knife and it's a dream. Easy to open, stays sharp even though I abuse it.
I have this same exact knife with a broken tip lock lol
I've got the same knife and the spring somehow broke in the assisted opening. I'll have to look into this!