KAI USA LTD. announced the release of a new knife under the Kershaw brand. The Barstow is a folding knife that has many of the characteristics of a dagger while still retaining much of the functionality of a modern EDC folder.

The Barstow, also known affectionately as model number 3960, has a 3″ blade made of 8Cr13MoV steel. The blade is a straight spear point design with a single sharpened edge. The sharpened edge is a plain edge without any serrations. The blade has a fuller on each of the flat sides. These knives have a BlackWash coating, which is a non-reflective version of the stone washed look that has become popular with many knife owners.

Kershaw uses its SpeedSafe assisted opening system with the Barstow, and a liner lock secures the blade in an open position. I own several Kershaw knives, and I’ve found the SpeedSafe system to work well.

The handle is made of glass filled nylon. It is black with an arrow pattern on it. The pocket clip is reversible to either the right or left side and is designed to carry the knife low in the pocket. The knife weighs a total of 3.4 ounces.

Kershaw lists the suggested retail price of this knife at $39.99.