New Kershaw and ZT 2025

New Kershaw and ZT 2025

Published: February 12th, 2025

New Kershaw and ZT 2025 Header

Kershaw and Zero Tolerance are kicking off 2025 with an impressive lineup of new releases, offering both brand-new designs and fresh variations on beloved favorites. From rugged everyday carry folders to high-performance automatics, these knives showcase premium materials, innovative locking mechanisms, and refined aesthetics. Kershaw introduces new manual and automatic models like the Broadside and Launch Iridium, alongside stunning updates to classics like the Leek Rainbow Trout. Meanwhile, Zero Tolerance makes history with its first-ever button lock in the ZT 0044 and expands its automatic lineup with the ZT 0512 Auto. Whether you're after tactical reliability or standout style, these 2025 models deliver cutting-edge performance and craftsmanship.

New Kershaw Knives

Broadside

Kershaw Broadside

The Kershaw Broadside is built for reliability and strength, making it an excellent everyday carry choice. Featuring a D2 tool steel spear point blade with a stonewashed finish, this knife balances edge retention with toughness. The tan G-10 handle scales provide a secure grip, while the manual KVT ball-bearing pivot ensures smooth deployment via the thumb stud opener. The DuraLock crossbar lock offers confidence-inspiring security, keeping the blade firmly in place during use. Whether you're tackling tough cutting tasks or just need a dependable pocket knife, the Broadside delivers performance at an affordable price.

Kindred

Kershaw Kindred

The Kershaw Kindred is a sleek and functional folding knife designed for smooth, effortless operation. Built with a D2 tool steel spear point blade and a stonewashed finish, it offers excellent wear resistance for long-term use. The black anodized aluminum handles keep the knife lightweight while providing a solid grip. With a manual KVT ball-bearing pivot and thumb stud opener, the blade is deployed seamlessly. The push-button lock ensures safety and ease of use, making it an ideal addition to any collection or EDC rotation.

Launch Iridium

Kershaw Launch Iridium

Blending high-end materials with fast deployment, the Kershaw Launch Iridium is a standout automatic knife for 2025. Equipped with a CPM-MagnaCut spear point blade featuring a working finish, this USA-made model excels in both edge retention and corrosion resistance. The black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handles offer durability while keeping the knife lightweight and comfortable in hand. With the push-button automatic opening and lock, users can enjoy rapid, one-handed deployment. Whether you're looking for a premium everyday carry or a reliable automatic for demanding situations, the Launch Iridium is built to perform.

New Kershaw Variations

Iridium (Black Reverse Tanto)

Kershaw Iridium (Black Reverse Tanto)

The Kershaw Iridium now comes in a sleek black reverse tanto variation, built for everyday performance with a sleek, tactical edge. Its D2 tool steel blade features a durable black oxide finish, offering enhanced corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance. The black aluminum handles provide a lightweight yet sturdy grip, while the DuraLock crossbar lock ensures a secure hold during use. With a KVT ball-bearing pivot and thumb stud opener, deployment is effortless and smooth. Whether you're looking for an EDC workhorse or a stealthy addition to your rotation, this Iridium variation delivers reliability in style.

Leek (Rainbow Trout)

Kershaw Leek (Rainbow Trout)

The Leek Rainbow Trout brings a stunning, lifelike design to one of Kershaw’s most iconic knives. Its Sandvik 14C28N modified Wharncliffe blade features a bead-blasted finish, ensuring excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The real showstopper is the custom UFI aluminum handle finish, which depicts a detailed image of a rainbow trout, making this knife a true standout. Built-in the USA, it features assisted opening via a flipper, a secure liner lock, and the slim, easy-to-carry profile the Leek series is known for. Whether you’re a collector or an angler, this Leek is a must-have.

Leek (USA Flag)

Kershaw Leek (USA Flag)

A patriotic take on a classic, the Leek USA Flag blends Kershaw’s renowned performance with an American pride aesthetic. The Sandvik 14C28N modified Wharncliffe blade has a bead-blasted finish, offering a clean, low-maintenance look. The standout feature is the custom UFI aluminum handle finish, showcasing the stars and stripes in full detail. Built with Kershaw’s assisted opening flipper, the blade deploys with ease, while the liner lock ensures reliability. Made in the USA, this Leek is a must-have for anyone looking to carry a little American spirit in their pocket.

Livewire (Reverse Tanto)

Kershaw Livewire (Reverse Tanto)

Designed by Matt Diskin, Kershaw’s popular Livewire OTF gets a bold new reverse-tanto blade, adding extra durability and precision to this USA-made powerhouse. The CPM-MagnaCut steel blade features a striking two-tone finish, with Black PVD-coated flats and satin grinds, offering a sleek, high-performance edge. The black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle, provides a lightweight yet sturdy grip. With its rapid-fire automatic deployment and premium materials, this new Livewire variation is built for those who demand reliability, strength, and cutting-edge design in their everyday carry.

Mini Iridium (Black Reverse Tanto)

Kershaw Mini Iridium (Black Reverse Tanto)

Compact and capable, the Mini Iridium Black Reverse Tanto delivers big performance in a smaller package. Its D2 tool steel blade features a black oxide finish, adding a stealthy, tactical touch. The black aluminum handles keep the knife lightweight while maintaining durability. A KVT ball-bearing pivot and thumb stud opener ensures smooth, easy blade deployment, while the DuraLock crossbar lock provides rock-solid security. Whether you need a discreet EDC option or a reliable backup blade, this Mini Iridium packs impressive power into its sleek frame.

Mini Iridium (Stonewash Reverse Tanto)

Kershaw Mini Iridium (Stonewash Reverse Tanto)

The Mini Iridium Stonewash Reverse Tanto is the perfect blend of style and function in a compact size. With a D2 tool steel blade sporting a two-tone finish with stonewashed flats and satin grinds, this knife offers a refined yet rugged look. The gray aluminum handles provide a comfortable grip, while the KVT ball-bearing pivot and thumb stud opener allow for smooth, effortless deployment. The DuraLock crossbar lock ensures safe and reliable use. Ideal for those who prefer a smaller, more pocket-friendly knife without sacrificing performance.

Misdirect (Rainbow PVD)

Kershaw Misdirect (Rainbow PVD)

The Misdirect Rainbow PVD takes Kershaw’s sleek design and elevates it with a bold, eye-catching finish. Its 4Cr14 stainless steel reverse tanto blade is coated in a polished rainbow PVD finish, adding a unique look while maintaining durability. The stainless steel handle, also coated in matching rainbow PVD, provides a seamless and vibrant look. With an assisted flipper opener, this knife deploys quickly, while the frame lock ensures secure use. A statement piece for any collection, the Misdirect Rainbow PVD is a fun and functional everyday carry.

Outcome (Rainbow PVD)

Kershaw Outcome (Rainbow PVD)

The Misdirect Rainbow PVD takes Kershaw’s sleek design and elevates it with a bold, eye-catching finish. Its 4Cr14 stainless steel reverse tanto blade is coated in a polished rainbow PVD finish, adding a unique look while maintaining durability. The stainless steel handle, also coated in matching rainbow PVD, provides a seamless and vibrant look. With an assisted flipper opener, this knife deploys quickly, while the frame lock ensures secure use. A statement piece for any collection, the Misdirect Rainbow PVD is a fun and functional everyday carry.

New Zero Tolerance Knives

0044

Zero Tolerance 0044

The ZT 0044 marks a historic first for Zero Tolerance as the brand’s first-ever button lock, bringing smooth operation and secure lockup to this high-performance folder. Featuring a CPM-S45VN drop point blade with a stonewash and satin finish, it delivers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The titanium handles, finished with a ceramic bead blast, offer a lightweight yet ultra-durable grip. The manual ceramic KVT ball-bearing pivot ensures effortless, fluid deployment via the flipper opener. A black Cerakote reverse deep-carry pocket clip rounds out this sleek, hard-use folder, making it a standout addition to the ZT lineup.

0512 Auto

ZT 0512 Auto

ZT expands its automatic knife lineup with the 0512 Auto, a tough, hard-hitting folder designed for serious use. Featuring a CPM-CruWear clip point blade with a Dark Bronze Cerakote coating, this USA-made auto balances extreme toughness with excellent edge retention. The natural canvas Micarta handle scales provide a comfortable, secure grip, even in wet conditions. With a push-button opener and lock, the 0512 deploys lightning-fast and locks up tight. As only the second automatic knife ever produced by Zero Tolerance, this model blends heritage-level craftsmanship with modern materials, making it a must-have for those who demand performance and reliability.

Kershaw and Zero Tolerance have set the tone for 2025 with a lineup that blends innovation, performance, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s Kershaw’s fresh takes on fan-favorite designs or Zero Tolerance’s push into new territory with its first button lock and expanded automatic offerings, these releases prove that both brands continue to evolve while staying true to their reputation for quality. With premium materials, smooth deployment mechanisms, and bold new aesthetics, this year’s collection delivers something for every knife enthusiast.

Written by Drew Clifton


Written By

Drew Clifton

Drew Clifton

Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.


Expert Reviewed

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.