Kershaw 1365 Misdirect 2.90" Folding Reverse Tanto Plain Black Oxide BlackWash 4Cr13 Blade Gray Bead Blasted SS Handle

Discover the Kershaw Misdirect 1365: Your Essential Everyday Carry Companion

Are you searching for a dependable, compact folding knife that excels at daily tasks without breaking the bank? Do you need a versatile tool that can effortlessly slice through tough packaging, open boxes, or handle light utility cutting with precision? Look no further than the Kershaw Misdirect 1365. This exceptional knife, a standout in Kershaw's popular Starter Series, is engineered for individuals seeking a reliable, high-performance blade for everyday carry (EDC) scenarios. It's the ideal choice for new knife owners, seasoned enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly workhorse, or anyone who values a sleek design combined with robust functionality. When considering where to acquire such a finely crafted tool, remember that the Kershaw Misdirect is available exclusively through trusted retailers like DEGuns, ensuring you receive an authentic product backed by excellent service.

The Kershaw Misdirect answers a critical need: a small, yet mighty, cutting instrument that's easy to carry and ready for action at a moment's notice. It’s perfect for those who encounter everyday cutting challenges – from opening stubborn clamshell packaging and breaking down cardboard boxes to slicing through twine or performing minor repair tasks. Its thoughtful design and high-quality materials make it a go-to solution for both household chores and light outdoor activities, proving that a truly capable knife doesn't need to be cumbersome or overly complex.

Unpacking the Blade: Design, Material, and Performance

At the heart of the Kershaw Misdirect's utility is its meticulously crafted 2.90-inch blade. This length strikes a perfect balance, making it small enough to be unobtrusive for daily carry but large enough to provide effective cutting power for a wide range of tasks.

The Versatile Reverse Tanto Profile

One of the Misdirect's most distinctive features is its reverse tanto blade style. Unlike traditional tanto blades, which often feature two distinct angles on the cutting edge, the reverse tanto maintains a straight edge with a reinforced, angular tip that slopes towards the spine. This unique geometry offers several significant advantages for practical, everyday use:

• Exceptional Piercing Power: The strong, pointed tip is incredibly effective for piercing tough materials. Whether you're breaking into a heavy-duty cardboard box, puncturing the seal on a blister pack, or making initial holes in various mediums, the reverse tanto tip drives through with minimal effort. This makes it an invaluable asset for anyone regularly dealing with packaging.
• Robust Tip Strength: Compared to many other blade styles that taper to a fine, delicate point, the reverse tanto's tip is inherently stronger and more resilient to bending or breaking. This enhanced durability is crucial for tasks that involve prying or applying significant pressure, providing peace of mind during demanding cuts.
• Efficient Slicing: While optimized for piercing, the straight portion of the cutting edge maintains excellent slicing capabilities. It glides through materials like tape, cordage, and fabric with remarkable ease, ensuring clean and precise cuts every time. For everyday tasks like opening large quantities of mail or quickly dispatching delivery boxes, this blade performs flawlessly, reducing effort and saving time.

The 4Cr13 Stainless Steel Advantage

The blade of the Misdirect is constructed from 4Cr13 stainless steel, a material chosen specifically for its excellent balance of properties suitable for an EDC knife. This particular steel offers:

• Good Corrosion Resistance: 4Cr13 stainless steel contains a sufficient amount of chromium to provide robust protection against rust and corrosion, even in damp or humid environments. This characteristic is vital for a knife that will be carried daily and exposed to various conditions, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
• Ease of Sharpening: One of the most user-friendly aspects of 4Cr13 steel is its relatively softer composition compared to premium super steels. This makes it exceptionally easy to sharpen, allowing users to quickly restore a razor-sharp edge with basic sharpening tools. For those new to knife maintenance or anyone who prefers a hassle-free sharpening experience, this is a significant benefit.
• Adequate Edge Retention: While not designed for extreme edge retention like high-carbon tool steels, 4Cr13 holds a working edge for a respectable period under typical EDC use. When it does dull, its ease of sharpening means you can get it back to peak performance swiftly.
• Durability and Toughness: This steel grade exhibits good toughness, meaning it is less prone to chipping or breaking under stress. This makes the Misdirect a reliable companion for a variety of tasks, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use without compromising its structural integrity.

Aesthetic Appeal and Practicality: Black-Oxide BlackWash Finish

Beyond its functional advantages, the Misdirect's blade boasts a distinctive black-oxide coating finished with Kershaw's signature BlackWash. This combination is not merely for aesthetics; it provides tangible benefits:

• Enhanced Corrosion Protection: The black-oxide layer acts as an additional barrier against moisture and environmental elements, further boosting the blade's resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Non-Reflective Surface: The matte BlackWash finish reduces glare, making the knife less conspicuous and ideal for environments where reflections might be undesirable.
• Hides Scratches and Wear: Perhaps one of the most practical aspects of the BlackWash finish is its ability to effectively camouflage minor scratches, scuffs, and signs of wear that inevitably accumulate with regular use. Instead of standing out, new marks tend to blend into the distressed pattern, keeping the knife looking good even after extensive use. This ensures your Misdirect maintains its rugged charm over time.

Effortless Deployment: SpeedSafe Assisted Opening and Flipper Mechanism

The Kershaw Misdirect incorporates the renowned SpeedSafe assisted opening system, a hallmark of many Kershaw knives, ensuring quick and reliable blade deployment. This mechanism assists the user in smoothly opening the blade with minimal effort.

• How SpeedSafe Works: With a simple push on the flipper tab, the SpeedSafe torsion bar springs into action, propelling the blade open rapidly and locking it securely into place. This swift, one-handed deployment is incredibly convenient in situations where quick access to your blade is crucial, whether you're in a hurry or only have one hand free.
• The Dual-Purpose Flipper: The flipper not only serves as the primary means of activating the SpeedSafe mechanism but also intelligently doubles as a finger guard once the blade is fully open. This design feature provides an added layer of safety, preventing your hand from slipping forward onto the sharp edge during use, thereby enhancing control and confidence when performing cutting tasks.

The Handle: Robustness Meets Modern Minimalism

The handle of the Kershaw Misdirect is crafted from durable stainless steel, providing a solid and reassuring feel in the hand. Its construction speaks to the knife's overall robustness and longevity.

• Stainless Steel Durability: Stainless steel handles are known for their exceptional strength and resistance to impact, corrosion, and wear. This makes the Misdirect an incredibly tough and reliable tool that can withstand harsh environments and rigorous daily use without degrading.
• Sleek, Modern Aesthetics with Bead-Blasted Finish: The handle features a sophisticated gray bead-blasted finish. This process creates a uniform, non-reflective matte surface that not only looks incredibly sleek and modern but also provides a subtle texture for improved grip. Unlike highly polished surfaces, the bead-blasted finish is less prone to showing fingerprints and contributes to the knife's understated, utilitarian appeal.
• Clean and Minimalistic Style: In line with its "Misdirect" name, Kershaw has deliberately opted to laser engrave its distinctive logo directly onto the stainless steel handle rather than the blade. This strategic placement maintains the blade's clean lines and minimalistic aesthetic, creating an uncluttered appearance that appeals to those who appreciate refined simplicity in their tools. It's a subtle yet impactful design choice that enhances the knife's overall sophisticated look.

Secure and Reliable: The Frame Lock Mechanism

For any folding knife, the locking mechanism is paramount to safety and reliable performance. The Kershaw Misdirect utilizes a robust frame lock, a tried-and-true system renowned for its strength and security.

• How the Frame Lock Functions: When the blade is opened, a portion of the handle frame itself pivots inward to wedge against the blade's tang, holding it firmly in the open position. This direct metal-on-metal engagement provides a remarkably strong and dependable lock-up, minimizing any blade play and significantly reducing the risk of accidental closure during use.
• Enhanced Safety and Confidence: The inherent strength and simplicity of the frame lock inspire confidence, allowing users to perform demanding tasks without concern for the blade failing. This reliability is a critical factor for an EDC knife, where unforeseen circumstances might require immediate and secure deployment.

Ergonomics and Carry: Designed for Everyday Life

The Misdirect is engineered with everyday carry in mind, focusing on a balance of size, weight, and ease of transport.

• Optimal Dimensions for Carry: With an overall open length (OAL) of 6.80 inches and a closed length of a mere 4 inches, the Misdirect is incredibly compact. It disappears comfortably into a pocket, making it unobtrusive for daily carry. Its slim profile (blade thickness of 0.11 inches) further enhances its pocketability without sacrificing strength.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 3.20 ounces, the Misdirect is light enough that you'll barely notice it in your pocket. This low weight minimizes bulk and discomfort, making it an ideal choice for continuous carry throughout the day, whether you're at work, running errands, or enjoying leisure activities.
• Ambidextrous Design: The knife's design caters to both left- and right-handed users, ensuring comfortable and efficient operation for everyone.
• Integrated Pocket Clip: A sturdy pocket clip is included, allowing for secure, tip-up carry. This ensures the knife is always in a ready position for quick access, and it can be easily adjusted or reversed to suit individual carry preferences (though the factory setting is often preferred for rapid deployment).

Who is the Kershaw Misdirect For?

The Kershaw Misdirect is an excellent choice for a diverse range of individuals, making it a truly versatile tool. Consider it if you are:

• A First-Time Knife Owner: Its ease of use, assisted opening, robust lock, and forgiving 4Cr13 steel make it a fantastic entry point into the world of folding knives.
• An Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiast: Looking for a reliable, compact, and affordable blade to add to your daily rotation for general utility tasks.
• Someone Who Opens Many Packages/Mail: The reverse tanto blade is exceptionally efficient for breaking down cardboard, slicing tape, and opening envelopes.
• A Tradesperson or Hobbyist: Ideal for light-duty cutting, scoring, or marking tasks without the need for a larger, more specialized tool.
• Seeking a Backup or Secondary Knife: Its compact size and dependable performance make it perfect as a discreet secondary blade.
• Budget-Conscious Consumers: Offering exceptional value for its price, providing Kershaw quality without a premium cost.

Caring for Your Kershaw Misdirect: Simple Maintenance Tips

To ensure your Kershaw Misdirect serves you well for years to come, a few simple maintenance practices are recommended:

• Keep it Clean: After use, especially if it's been exposed to dirt, moisture, or corrosive substances, wipe down the blade and handle with a damp cloth. For tougher grime, a little soap and water can be used, ensuring you dry it thoroughly afterward.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Periodically apply a small drop of high-quality knife oil to the pivot area. This will keep the SpeedSafe assisted opening smooth and effortless.
• Maintain the Edge: The 4Cr13 steel is easy to sharpen. Use a quality sharpening stone, ceramic rods, or a pull-through sharpener to maintain its keen edge. A sharp knife is a safe knife and performs better.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store your Misdirect in a dry environment to prevent any potential corrosion, although its BlackWash finish and stainless steel construction already offer good protection.

Safety First: Important Considerations for Knife Owners

Owning and carrying a knife like the Kershaw Misdirect comes with responsibilities. Always prioritize safety:

• Know Your Local Laws: Knife laws vary widely by location. Ensure you understand and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding knife ownership, carry, and use.
• Handle with Care: Always handle your knife with extreme caution. The blade is sharp and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
• Use for Intended Purpose: Use the knife only for cutting tasks it is designed for. Avoid prying, striking, or using it as a screwdriver, as this can damage the blade or lock mechanism.
• Keep it Closed When Not in Use: Ensure the blade is securely locked in the closed position when not actively being used or carried.
• Store Safely: When not being carried, store your knife in a secure location, out of reach of children and unauthorized users.

Why Choose Kershaw and DEGuns?

Kershaw is a brand synonymous with innovation, quality, and exceptional value in the knife industry. For decades, they have consistently produced reliable, high-performance knives that cater to a wide audience, from casual users to seasoned professionals. The Misdirect 1365 embodies Kershaw's commitment to delivering superior functionality and thoughtful design even in their entry-level offerings. It's a testament to their engineering prowess that such a capable and aesthetically pleasing knife can be offered at an accessible price point, making quality tools available to more people.

When you decide to invest in a Kershaw knife, particularly a popular model like the Misdirect, selecting a reputable and authorized dealer is crucial. DEGuns stands out as a premier destination for purchasing Kershaw products. By choosing DEGuns.com, you are guaranteed to receive an authentic Kershaw Misdirect 1365, ensuring you benefit from the full manufacturer's warranty and the quality you expect from such a renowned brand. DEGuns is committed to providing excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and a secure shopping experience, making them the trusted source for all your knife and outdoor gear needs. Their dedication to authenticity and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with the reliability and quality embodied by the Kershaw Misdirect.

The Kershaw Misdirect 1365 is more than just a knife; it's a dependable partner for the countless small, yet essential, cutting tasks that arise in daily life. Its intelligent design, robust materials, and user-friendly features make it an outstanding value and a highly recommended addition to any everyday carry collection.

Kershaw Misdirect 1365 Specifications