Kershaw Dawnstar 1423 Assisted Hawkbill Folding Knife

Overview of the Kershaw Dawnstar Assisted Hawkbill Folder | 1423

When you need to slice strapping, rope, or cardboard fast, a straight blade tends to slide off the material. The Kershaw Dawnstar 1423 is an assisted opening folding knife with a 3.5 inch hawkbill blade in 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and a black BlackWash finish.

Tow operators, patrol officers, and everyday carry users want a pocket knife that opens with one hand and grabs what it cuts. Kershaw states the Dawnstar's downward-angled blade handles boxes, rope, and many other cutting tasks.

Fast One-Hand Deployment

Press the built-in flipper and assisted opening swings the blade out. A liner lock holds it open, and a false edge near the tip makes push cuts more efficient.

Built to Carry

• 3.4 oz with weight-relieving handle pockets
• 4.4 inch closed length, 7.9 inch overall
• Reversible deep-carry pocket clip for tip-up carry on the left or right

Key Features

• Hawkbill blade: 3.5 inch downward-curved plain edge hooks rope, cord, strapping, and cardboard for controlled pull cuts.
• Assisted opening: the built-in flipper starts the blade and the mechanism finishes the opening for fast one-hand access.
• 8Cr13MoV stainless steel: Kershaw states this steel offers good corrosion resistance and high strength.
• BlackWash finish: black-oxide coating that Kershaw states helps hide use scratches.
• False edge: ground near the top of the blade to make push cuts more efficient.
• Liner lock: secures the blade in the open position during use.
• Glass-filled nylon handle: ergonomic and textured for grip, with weight-relieving pockets and a custom backspacer.
• Sharpening choil: a circular choil lets you sharpen the edge all the way to the handle.
• Deep-carry pocket clip: reversible for left or right tip-up carry, with black-oxide screws and clip.
• Warranty: Kershaw Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Specifications

Compatibility

• Sharpening: The inward curve of the edge needs a round or tapered rod, such as the Kershaw Ultra-Tek Blade Sharpener 2535 or the Lansky Tactical Pocket Sharpener LCD02. A flat stone cannot reach the curve evenly.
• Carry: The clip fits pants pockets, cargo pockets, and pack pouches for tip-up carry on either side. It does not convert to tip-down carry.
• Environments: The stainless blade and nylon handle suit wet and outdoor work. Wipe the knife dry after exposure.
• Not a karambit: The Dawnstar has no finger ring. For a ring grip, choose the Kershaw Outlier 2064 Karambit Assisted Folding Knife.
• Not a pry tool: This is a plain-edge folding knife, not a fixed blade or rescue tool. Use it to cut, not to pry.

Intended Users

Tow truck operators use the hawkbill to cut straps, rope, and zip ties during recovery work. Patrol officers, corrections officers, and security guards carry it as a lightweight utility knife for cord, tape, and packaging on shift. Public works crews and warehouse staff use it to open boxes and trim twine. Preppers and outdoor users pack it for rope and camp chores, and knife collectors add it for its distinctive hawkbill profile.

What's Included

• 1 Kershaw Dawnstar 1423 assisted folding knife with reversible deep-carry pocket clip installed

Not included: sharpening rod, belt sheath or pouch. Order these separately.

Available at WCUniforms

WCUniforms, the DBA of West Coast Uniforms and Accessories, Inc., has served law enforcement, first responders, and civilian buyers from San Diego, California since 2013, and this Kershaw ships from our Michigan warehouse to customers across the United States. WCUniforms is owned by a U.S. Marine veteran and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who also served as a city police officer and EMT, so first-hand duty experience guides the gear we stock. Unlike general retailers, we focus on tools for public safety professionals, tow operators, preppers, and knife collectors.

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