Kershaw Natrix Copper
The symbol Cu — to those who stayed awake in high school science class — stands for “copper.” Otherwise described as “a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal occurring abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor.”
Now here’s an attraction not hard to explain — there’s something drawing shooters to copper. Maybe it’s the fact it has been the preferred bullet-jacket material ever since projectiles got pushed fast enough to make pure lead “an issue.” But enough of this space-filling theorizing (God knows we get enough of it elsewhere).
Kershaw has got a pretty nice EDC folder called the Natrix Copper. It’s a smaller version of the company’s highly regarded Zero Tolerance 00777, but — because of the heft of the copper scales — pleasingly substantial. Anytime someone mentions the inevitable acronym “EDC” (Everyday Carry) in regard to folders, a bit of dimensional clarification is in order so here goes: Blade length is 2.75”, overall length is 3.6” closed and 6.4” open. Weight is 3.7 oz.
The copper handle is nicely sculpted and will take on a very cool-looking patina after a while (mine certainly has). One-handed opening is very quick thanks to the mercifully unobtrusive serrated KVT ball bearing flipper. The lock is what the company terms a “sub-frame” type, requiring an outward push to free the blade for closing. There’s the obligatory reversible pocket clip, which can be tailored for tip up or tip down carry.
The drop-point blade is stone-finished D2 tool steel, which, thanks to high chromium content, is considered highly corrosion-resistant. MSRP is $94.49. It’s priced steeper than a lot of current Kershaw folders but it’s a heck of lot less spendy than the company’s premium ZT lineup.
