Kershaw strata cleaver

Big utility knives don’t always need to be bulky and unwieldy. The Kershaw Strata Cleaver is the perfect example.

This ultra-modern folding cleaver boasts a design that evolved from Kershaw’s attempt at a Spanish-style Navaja. The designers at Kershaw decided to take it another step further and make something completely different.

The Kershaw Strata Cleaver features a long 4-inch cleaver-style blade that looks like it belongs in a kitchen. But the unique blade shape allows the knife to be used in various applications, from preparing food to opening boxes.

Made from D2 steel, the stonewash-finished blade opens smoothly with a flipper tab and KVT ball bearings.

It locks open with a frame lock.

The show side of the handle is a textured black G-10 scale that provides a reliable grip. The other side is made from bead-blasted stainless steel.

Its handle is a design marvel. Not only is it slim enough to cut down on the profile of the opened knife but it’s shockingly ergonomic.

When you factor in a deep-carry pocket clip and a reasonable weight of 4 ounces, the Strata Cleaver makes a great large EDC.