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Kershaw 1423 Dawnstar Tactical 3.50" Folding Hawkbill Plain Blackwash 8Cr13MoV SS Blade, Black Textured Glass Filled Nylon Handle
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$39.99
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SKU: 1423-087171067414
Overview
Built for everyday cutting tasks, this tactical folder pairs a hawkbill blade with assisted opening and a flipper for quick, straightforward deployment. The textured handle is shaped for a secure hold, while the false edge near the top of the blade is designed to support more efficient push cuts. A circular sharpening choil, custom backspacer, and weight-relieving pockets in the handle add practical detail without unnecessary bulk. With a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, it suits hunters and outdoorsmen who want a compact knife for general utility and carry.
Why Hunters Choose the Kershaw
Assisted Opening
Flipper support quick, one-handed deployment
Hawkbill Blade
Shape suits everyday cutting tasks
False Edge
Near the blade top helps
Textured Handle
Ergonomic design improve control in
Weight-relieving Pockets
3.40-ounce weight support lighter carry
Key Features
- Tactical folding knife designed for everyday cutting tasks.
- 3.50-inch hawkbill blade with plain edge.
- Assisted opening with flipper for quick deployment.
- Black textured handle with ergonomic grip design.
- Reversible deep-carry pocket clip included.
- Weight-relieving handle pockets for lighter carry.
Best Used For
- Everyday cutting tasks where a tactical folder and assisted opening are preferred
- Users who want a hawkbill blade for controlled push cuts and utility work
- Hunters needing a compact, deep-carry folder for camp and field chores
- Carry-focused users who value a lighter-feeling folder with reversible pocket clip
Specifications
| Blade Length | 3.5 in |
|---|---|
| Blade Steel | 8Cr13MoV SS |
| Blade Type | Hawkbill |
| Closed Length | 4.4 in |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Handle Description | Black Textured |
| Open Type | Assisted w/Flipper |
| Overall Length | 7.9 in |
| Type | Tactical |
| Weight | 3.4 oz |
Pros
- Assisted opening and flipper support quick, one-handed deployment.
- Hawkbill blade shape suits everyday cutting tasks.
- False edge near the blade top helps make push cuts more efficient.
- Textured handle and ergonomic design improve control in hand.
- Weight-relieving pockets and 3.40-ounce weight support lighter carry.
- Reversible deep-carry pocket clip offers flexible pocket carry options.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- The hawkbill profile is well suited to pull-style cutting, but it is less versatile than a straighter blade for general-purpose slicing and tip-oriented tasks.
- Assisted opening and a flipper make deployment quick, though they also add mechanical complexity compared with a simple manual folder.
- At 3.40 oz with a 7.90" overall length, it is compact for carry, but the shorter closed length may feel small in hand for users who prefer a larger folder.
- The reversible deep-carry clip improves pocket carry options, but the pocket clip setup may not suit every carry preference or pocket orientation.
Suggested Comparisons
- Tactical folding knives
- Hawkbill folding knives
- Assisted-opening pocket knives
- Everyday carry folders
Suggested Accessories
- Pocket clip
- Knife sharpener
- Knife storage pouch
- Cleaning cloth
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of blade does the Dawnstar use, and what is it suited for?
It uses a hawkbill blade and is described as a tactical, practical folder for everyday cutting tasks.
Does the Dawnstar have assisted opening?
Yes. The product lists an assisted opening design with a flipper.
What are the listed blade and overall lengths?
The listed blade length is 3.50 inches and the overall length is 7.90 inches.
What handle and carry features are included?
The handle is described as black textured, and it includes a reversible deep-carry pocket clip.
What other functional details are mentioned in the product data?
The description mentions a false edge near the top of the blade, a custom backspacer, a circular sharpening choil, and weight-relieving pockets inside the handle for a lighter carry.