One of Kershaw’s Most Popular EDC Knives Gets a Vibrant, High-Performance New Edition

While the colorway certainly pops, it’s the materials that really make this folding blade stand out, even among its peers.

Close-up of a green speckled folding knife handle with black screws and a partially visible blade.Kershaw

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Over the last few years, one of Kershaw’s most enduring, fan-favorite designs has been its Bel-Air folder. As such, the brand has released several variations of the design, presumably to capitalize on its popularity — including an extra-large version.

However, virtually all of them pale in comparison to the latest version, the Kershaw Bel-Air Mint Chocolate Chip. And while this knife is clearly eye-catching, it’s packing far more than just good looks.

Folding knife with a black blade and a mint green handle speckled with black dots.
This is probably the most eye-catching version of the Bel-Air that has ever been produced.
Kershaw

Mint condition

Clearly, this take on the Bel-Air has a very unique appearance. As the name suggests, it’s meant to mimic mint chocolate chip ice cream, evidenced by the bright green handle with its brown speckling.

However, those looks are hiding another, far more important feature. The knife’s blade and handle both feature a Cerakote finish.

For reference, Cerakote is a brand name for “thin-film protective ceramic coatings.” These coatings are renowned in the everyday carry and knifemaking worlds for adding abrasion resistance, corrosion protection and hardness to anything they’re applied to, including multi-tools.

Folding knife with black blade and mint green speckled handle on a green background.
The handle and blade boast a durable Cerakote finish.
Kershaw

They can also add a stylistic boost, as there is virtually no limit to the variety of colors they can add to a piece of gear.

It’s worth noting that applying Cerakote to both the blade and handle of a knife is relatively uncommon, and it makes this particular folder all the more special.

That said, the Cerakote finish is just one of the many elements that make this bladed tool special.

Black Kershaw folding knife blade with a mint green handle speckled with black dots.
Beneath that brown Cerakote finish, the blade is built from fan-favorite MagnaCut steel.
Kershaw

Fresh prince

Below the finish, the knife’s blade is an all-around fan favorite material: MagnaCut. It could be argued that this super steel is the trendiest blade material of the moment, renowned for its exceptional balance of toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention — a trifecta that, at one time, couldn’t exist in tandem.

Unfortunately, Kershaw hasn’t specified the handle material featured on this particular knife. That said, the Bel-Air has been available with either aluminum or G-10. Based on the handle’s apparent lack of texture, it’s likely this is the aluminum version. Either way, it’s lightweight and tough, especially considering the Cerakote finish.

The entire knife is ambidextrous, considering its [crossbar lock,] dual thumb stud deployment and reversible pocket clip.

One of the knife’s best returning features is its DuraLock, which is Kershaw’s take on a crossbar. In addition to being strong and reliable, the mechanism is easy to operate and ambidextrous. In fact, the entire knife is ambidextrous, considering its dual thumb stud deployment and reversible pocket clip.

The Bel-Air measures 7.3 inches total, has a 3.1-inch blade and weighs 2.9 ounces. As a final note, this is a Factory Special Series knife, meaning it’s exclusive to Kershaw and it’s a limited run, so it won’t be around for long.

Closed mint green folding knife with black speckles and a black clip labeled "Kershaw" on a green background.
The knife’s reliable, ambidextrous DuraLock (crossbar) makes its return, as does its thumb stud deployment and reversible pocket clip.
Kershaw

Pricing and availability

The Kershaw Bel-Air Mint Chocolate Chip is now available exclusively on the brand’s site for $208 (down from $250). Remember, this is a limited-edition knife, so once it sells out, it’s gone.

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