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Introducing the new 2006 CRKT Knives from Columbia River Knife & Tool Article by Anthony Arnold – PremiumKnives.com |
[[email_name]] Date 5-18-06 May 2006 Newsletter - Pocket Knife Edition |
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CRKT
has been one
of the fastest growing knife companies since their introduction of their K.I.S.S
knife series in 2000, which took the knife industry by storm. Their growth
is due to continual industry innovations, exceptional quality and synergistic
relationships with the industry's top knife designers and CRKT 2006's new knife
innovations and designs are no exception. What we love about CRKT is that that they consistently produce outstanding quality licensed knife reproductions of some of the hottest knife artisan designs in the industry all at very affordable everyday knife prices. The ability to carry and use a Koji Hara designed knife for under $50 is an amazing value considering his handmade knives can exceed $400 easily. New this year is an industry first innovation called the OutBurst assisted opening mechanism available on the Koji Hara, Full Throttle, and My Tighe models. These three knife lines have been designed to give you a choice between conventional opening or super-fast assisted opening, employing our patented OutBurst assisted opening mechanism. The Outburst mechanism allow the user to use the assisted opening mechanism or remove the spring via one set screw and use the knife as a standard manual opening knife. It gives a new level of choice in folding knives. When using the assisted opening feature, you initiate opening using the thumb stud or disk, and after 30 degrees, OutBurst takes over, giving instant lockup.
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CRKT was delighted when internationally known Japanese knifemaker and American Knifemakers’ Guild member Koji Hara agreed to design a personal knife for CRKT. Koji is noted for his custom folders in exotic materials, and is especially known for his carving of the handle material into a classic terraced landscape that he calls his “Air-Step” design. Their goal was to apply Koji’s remarkable design sense to a small personal folder which could incorporate their patented* OutBurst assisted opening mechanism. Logically, they called this first CRKT Koji Hara series "Ichi" meaning Japanese for “one.” For rigidity and strength, CRKT used their InterFrame open build, with two 420J2 stainless steel liners. In a first for CRKT, they created layered injection-molded scales of Kraton and Zytel, the latter with Koji’s terraced Air-Step design. The result is a small knife that gives good grip, fits the hand nicely, and is truly functional for a variety of work tasks. The handle tapers neatly into a modified drop point pen blade with a high-hollow grind made of high-carbon stainless steel. An ambidextrous thumb disk allows easy one-hand opening. The Ichi is available in two color schemes: The bright version has a bead-blast blade, frame, and clip with gray Zytel scale inserts and black fasteners. The black-out version features a black titanium nitride blade coating, black Zytel inserts, black hardware and black Teflon-plated clip. If desired, the stainless steel clips are easily removed. Each model is available in conventional non-assisted opening models, or with their patented* OutBurst assisted opening mechanism, which instantly springs the blade fully open after you have opened the blade 30 degrees. Both have bronze and Teflon bearings at the adjustable blade pivot for smooth, fast action. Most of us can’t carry a Koji
Hara custom collectable daily, but the Ichi is a friendly and affordable
reminder of one of Japan’s premier custom knifemakers.
Canadian knifemaker Brian Tighe is a true Renaissance Man, with an array of professional skills including tool and die making, metallurgy, engraving and photography. In his St. Catharines, Ontario, workshop, he produces a wide array of custom folders, all with those signature touches that immediately make them stand out as Brian Tighe knives. CRKT have carefully translated Brian’s popular My Tighe custom frame-lock folder into an affordable production line, with four models in bead-blast finish and two in black. At first glance, the knife seems like a design exercise until you grasp it and understand that the concave cut scales are craftily shaped to enhance grip, aggressive with contours in just the right places. Brian’s blade design is unique too, with its asymmetrical spine facets, high-hollow grind and deep belly with recurve. CRKT use 1.4116 stainless steel in a high satin finish and offer both Plain Edge and Combination Plain Edge and Triple-Point serrated edges. On their “K” models, the blade is coated with black non-reflective titanium nitride for maximum corrosion resistance. The frame-lock folder has an open build with heavy-duty 420J2 stainless steel frames and a 6061 T6 aluminum back spacer. Frames are bead-blast on the bright models, and black EDP plated on the “K” models. The injection-molded black Zytel scales have a carbon fibre texture. Torx fasteners are used throughout. Each model is available in conventional non-assisted opening models, or with their patented* OutBurst assisted opening mechanism, which instantly springs the blade fully open after you have opened the blade 30 degrees. All have bronze and Teflon bearings at the adjustable blade pivot for smooth, fast action. Dual ramped thumb studs allow the My Tighe to be quickly opened with either hand. All models feature a removable black Teflon-plated pocket/gear clip. It’s hard to ignore any Brian
Tighe design, especially these highly personal work knives. Carry one
and you will certainly start a conversation among knife fanciers
everywhere.
His design uses a hefty open build. The frames are 1055 carbon steel in new Gun Metal Blue Gun Kote finish. This thin, hard coating looks like a custom blued finish, but gives superior protection from corrosion, abrasion, and impact. A pronounced finger choil enhances grip. Gold-plated fasteners, blade stop pin, and dual ramped thumb studs add a distinctive custom touch. CRKT have also replicated Russ’s back spacer in 6061 T6 aluminum, complete with CNC-machined file work and gold plating. The premium AUS 8 stainless steel blade in a high satin finish features a high-hollow grind. Both Plain Edge and Combination Plain Edge and Triple-Point serrated edges are available. Both blade styles are available in conventional non-assisted opening models, or with their patented* OutBurst assisted opening mechanism, which instantly springs the blade fully open after you have opened the blade 30 degrees. All have bronze and Teflon bearings at the adjustable blade pivot for smooth, fast action. A high-mounted custom removable mirror-polished stainless steel clothing/gear clip gives this rugged all-metal work knife great versatility for carry in pockets or on belts and gear. As usual, CRKT have priced Russ’s design very competitively to assure that it is an excellent value, and as CRKT do with all their knives, backed it with CRKT’s lifetime limited warranty. It’s a knife designed to perform, whether at idle, cruising speed, or Full Throttle. Knife
Specifications
CRKT heard you. So CRKT set about to make the Zytel EDCs the best value in the work and sport knife world. That starts with textured Zytel scales and a dual 420J2 stainless steel liner InterFrame. Assembled with Zytel back spacers and Torx fasteners, the result is amazingly rigid. Zytel is a fiberglass-filled nylon that offers excellent toughness and resistance to solvents. Teflon bearings at the blade pivot and an adjustable pivot screw allow for perfect blade action. Blades are AUS 4 high-carbon stainless steel in a bead-blast finish, which gives an ideal combination of toughness and edge holding ability in a work knife, and also allows easy field sharpening. The M16-10Z features a dual hollow grind Tanto-style blade with Combined Plain Edge and Triple-Point Serrated edges similar to their “Big Dog” M16s. The result is maximum blade strength and ability to saw through cord, webbing, nets or vegetation quickly. The M16-01Z uses their popular spear point slim profile blade with a Plain Edge. It is ideal for fine cutting and carving tasks. Of course, both models feature the Carson Flipper, which speeds opening of the blade and acts as a blade guard when the blade is open. The real breakthrough was their ability to engineer their new patented* AutoLAWKS knife safety into both models, which automatically actuates when the blades are open, making these folders into virtual fixed blades when locked. Add to these features the
standard removable Teflon-plated stainless steel clothing/gear clip plus
the CRKT limited lifetime warranty, and you have one of the truly great
knife values of their time.
M16-01Z: Spear Point Blade, Plain Edge Cutting Edge
Ensign Aaron Frederick, who is now on active duty in the U.S. Navy, found time to present his designs for a new folder, and CRKT recognized it was the perfect Basic Utility Locking Liner (B.U.L.L.) for CRKT. It’s just the right size, with no frills, the essence of a classic utility sport and work knife. Aaron’s design has everything CRKT like in a multi-purpose knife: a strong modified recurve drop point blade grind, an ergonomic handle with finger choil, thumb ramp, butt swell and ample friction grooves. Over the years CRKT has refined their InterFrame open build. CRKT believe it is the most rigid and rugged available in a popular-priced work knife. CRKT use two 420J2 stainless steel liners, one locking, and injection-molded Zytel scales, assembled with stainless steel back spacers and Torx fasteners. Grip is improved by textured scale panels and castellations on the spine and at the butt. The high-carbon steel blade in a high satin finish features a belly and recurve for excellent slicing and carving ability, plus a top grind that aids penetration. Models are available with Plain Edge or Combination Plain Edge and Triple-Point Serrated edges. At 3” long, the B.U.L.L.’s blade is large and versatile enough to tackle all those daily work tasks. There are two ways to open the B.U.L.L.’s blade with one hand, both ambidextrous: by the thumb disk, or by a flick of the serrated extended blade tang. Closing is also an easy one-hand action, thanks to Teflon bearings at the blade pivot. Finally, the B.U.L.L. comes with a removable satin-finished stainless steel pocket/gear clip, just like more expensive knives. In other words, the B.U.L.L. has the features you’d expect in a knife selling for two or three times as much. It’s built like a bull, strong as an ox, and it’s yours, for well, chickenfeed. Knife
Specifications
When A.G. designed the first Sting in 1975, he intended it as a boot knife for hunting and personal defense. His very popular all-steel version in 1977 carried the idea a step further. CRKT see today’s CRKT Sting as a multi-purpose one-piece utility knife that is just about indestructible. Hot forging is the reason the Sting is so tough. It begins life as an ordinary blank of 1050 carbon steel, similar to the alloy used in traditional Samurai swords, which is first hot forged and then precision ground into final shape. After heat-treating and normalizing to improve the grain structure, the Sting is then heat treated and quenched to achieve hardness, and tempered to arrive at an optimum hardness with excellent strength. While they are very tough, low alloy steels do not have the rust resistance imparted by the chromium and nickel in stainless steels, so CRKT apply a black non-reflective powder coat finish to stop corrosion. The spear point blade features two Plain Edge cutting edges. The integral handle is contoured to fit the bare or gloved hand nicely and provides heft and balance, with thumb detents for grip. A large lanyard hole is provided, allowing the use of a wrist lanyard, or carry as a neck knife. CRKT have also created a new Cordura multi-carry sheath with a Zytel liner. This quiet and strong design allows the Sting to be carried in a variety of carry positions on trousers, belts or gear. CRKT never recommend mistreating a knife, but as a survival knife, the Sting can take more outright abuse than any stainless steel knife CRKT make. You can use it to cut wood, clean and skin animals, and even for those unforeseen digging and prying tasks. As a personal carry, the Sting is a heftier knife than their other small fixed blades, which many say adds a sense of security. Knife
Specifications
The original Side Hawg 1 is skeletonized with CNC-chamfered edges. The deeply curved modified drop point blade has a 1.625” Plain Edge cutting edge. It is a versatile shape, designed for a broad range of outdoor tasks from carving, cutting line or rope, slicing and trimming, to skinning game. A deep finger choil locates the knife in the user’s hand and gives a secure grip. Friction grooves on the spine locate the thumb securely. The new Side Hawg 2 is a bit longer at 5.50”, with a 2.375” drop point blade and a single-side textured Zytel scale. It’s more of a daily work knife with a longer handle for better grip and a more versatile blade. Also new is the Side Hawg 3 with a modified 2.00” Tanto blade, a single-side grind in the traditional Japanese mode. Again, a textured single-side Zytel scale gives added grip. The result is a very slender personal carry. All three Sheath Plates are constructed of lightweight black Zytel with stainless steel posts and saddle clips. Each Side Hawg is securely held by placing its locator hole over the post, and then rotating the knife down into the saddle clip. The precision fit of the knife’s flat-ground side, plus a molded security ridge, effectively seal the cutting edge to the frame. Drawing the knife is a fast one-hand action. The knife/sheath plate is small enough to be carried in a pants pocket, coat pocket, vest pocket or PFD pocket. A carabineer and swiveling nylon strap allow you to attach the Side Hawgs to D-rings, belts, or belt loops, so you won’t lose them whether you are running through the brush or running a river. Each of us has their favorite, but they are so affordable, you can be a hawg and buy all three.
Since the dawn of human history, man has dreamed of a knife that would sharpen itself during normal use. Here it is, the patented* brainchild of inventor Maj. Howard Pope (USAR Ret.), who collaborated with custom knifemaker and Knifemakers’ Guild member Steve Jernigan. Steve created a practical and affordable prototype, which was the basis for their new folder. CRKT call it the Edgie because it hones its edge every time it is opened or closed. This first CRKT Edgie model was designed to be a simple, affordable utility knife with broad appeal. The secret is an aluminum oxide-coated spring sharpener built into the folder frame. (Why didn’t I think of that?) It is placed at the precise angle to give the Edgie’s Wharncliffe blade a sharpening stroke as it is closed, and again as it is opened. Not only do you never need to sharpen the Edgie with stones or wheel, but you should not, because it may alter the Edgie’s proper self-sharpening edge angle. Of course, it is important during a long cutting work session to periodically open and close the blade to maintain the edge. The high-carbon stainless steel blade in satin finish features a strong full-width spine for most of its length, dual hollow grinds, and the single cutting edge. Because the internal abrasive sharpening strip works on this one edge only, a tiny burr forms, which actually helps cutting action, acting as a micro-serration. This makes the Edgie tops for cutting cardboard boxes, rope, cord and even ripe tomatoes. For strength and long life, CRKT has used their InterFrame build, with two stainless steel liners and stainless steel back spring, all in satin finish. The injection-molded Zytel scales have castellations at the spine and a checkered inset pattern to enhance grip. Finally, a removable stainless steel clip in satin finish makes this a most versatile work knife, ready to clip inside pockets, on belts or webbing, on tool belts, or on sports gear. Because the aluminum oxide strip is designed to last as long as the blade itself, the Edgie is covered by CRKT’s limited lifetime warranty like all CRKT knives. Edgie 6442: Plain Edge Cutting Edge
The blade is similar in shape to the Carson M21, but with the addition of a second Carson Flipper on top, resulting in a true hilt. The blade grind is a deep-bellied spear point, which leaves an exceptionally strong full-width spine which extends down 80% of the blade length. The blade has Combined Plain Edge and Triple-Point Serrated edge maximum versatility when cutting through rope, cord, underbrush or netting. Blade steel is premium AUS 8 stainless steel, which offers an optimal combination of strength, toughness and edge-holding ability. A black titanium nitride blade coating protects against corrosion and gives a low-reflectance finish. The M21-SF also features their new patented* AutoLAWKS knife safety, which provides fully automatic actuation. Based on the Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS), it immediately turns the folder into a fixed blade when the blade is opened and locked. Release the LAWKS lever, release the locking liner, and it folds to an easily carried length. You have the advantages of a fixed blade without the disadvantage of a costly sheath carry system. AutoLAWKS still allows the quick and smooth one-hand opening and closing that their Carson series is known for, the result of precision tolerances and Teflon bearings. The ambidextrous thumb studs with checkered surfaces provide instant access in any circumstance. The CRKT production aluminum frame SFs are based on Kit Carson’s custom designs, with contoured handles of textured, black, hard anodized 6061 T6 aluminum, with a perimeter radius for a comfortable grip with or without gloves. Stainless steel locking liners with friction grooves give positive locking. Each knife comes with two stainless steel black Teflon-plated clothing/gear clips, extra screws and a Torx tool, allowing four-position carry on belts or webbing— tip up, tip down, left or right. The M21-SF is a true advance in tactical locking liner folders, and is also an outstanding value.
Their new M16 Fire Department Zytel models are designed to meet the special requirements of those in fire fighting. For strength, CRKT use their rigid InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless steel liners. Scales are injection-molded Fire Engine Red Zytel, which is a tough, strong composite of fiberglass and nylon designed to handle the worst abuse. The scales are textured for good grip in wet conditions. 1* designs feature AUS 8 stainless steel blades, chosen for edge retention and durability. Black titanium nitride coating provides extreme corrosion resistance. Blade edges are Combined Plain Edge and Triple-Point Serrated to handle rugged cutting tasks that break down standard cutting edges. All models feature the “Carson Flipper” extension to the blade, which aids opening, especially when wearing gloves, and acts as an additional blade guard. The M16-14 FDZ Big Dogs are hefty, full-size working knives, with an extra-strong dual grind Tanto blade. The M16-13 FDZ features a spear point blade with a false top edge. It is a slim profile design that is ideal for a variety of carry positions. The M16-12 FDZ is a little bulldog, packing a lot of power in a compact package. The dual grind Tanto blade offers maximum strength. One-hand opening and closing is velvet smooth, the result of Teflon bearings at the blade pivot. The ambidextrous thumb stud with checkered surface provides instant access in any circumstance. For 2006, all models feature their new patented* AutoLAWKS, which automatically turns the folders into fixed blades when the blade is opened and locked. Every model features a removable black Teflon-plated stainless steel clothing/gear clip. M16 Fire Department Zytel Fire Engine Red Zytel Handles, Black Teflon-plated Blade Knife
Specifications
CRKT work with custom knifemakers like Greg Lightfoot, because frankly, they are never satisfied. They are always looking for perfection, to take their next design further. Greg has achieved a new level of performance in the production version of his M1 design, with a unique blade grind, asymmetrical contoured frame, deeply textured scales and a “Mako Flipper” blade guard, all aimed at improving grip and cutting power. Greg explains the blade: “It is a refined Tanto shape with a custom-style hollow grind, slight belly and recurve and a hint of a drop point. I call it a ‘Millennium Tanto.’ The false edge on the spine improves penetration while maintaining strength.” The blade is premium AUS 8 stainless steel with titanium nitride non-reflective coating for superior corrosion resistance, with Plain Edge or Combination Plain Edge and Triple-Point Serrated edges. To aid grip, there are aggressive friction grooves on the thumb ramp and the Mako Flipper, which is a sleek blade guard when open. The flipper and dual checkered thumb studs allow fast opening with either hand. CRKT used a heavy-duty open version of their InterFrame build, with dual 420J2 stainless steel liners, one locking, and custom injection-molded contoured Zytel scales textured with a special “operator’s grip,” hexagonal pattern. The entire handle “package” is designed for maximum comfort and grip. The "K" models have a black blade, liners, scales, hardware and clip, while the “D” model is in full Desert Tan dress. The M1 is assembled with stainless steel spacers and Torx fasteners, and Teflon bearings are at the blade pivot, standard on CRKT locking liner folders. The unusual “paddle clip” design is heavy and wide to allow carry on straps, belting and gear as well as in the pocket. The four-position stainless steel clip is removable, and gives the option of tip-up or tip-down carry, left or right. (Caution: Not designed for tip-up in-pocket carry.) The patented* Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS), makes the M1 folder a virtual fixed blade when actuated. At first glimpse, the M1 is a striking and unfamiliar shape. But, as Lightfoot says, “Grab it and it makes a fit. You instinctively know exactly where it is in your hand. And I believe that is a critical aspect in any successful knife design.” Knife
Specifications
Michael’s design firm, Group Design, Inc., reached out to a team of medical specialists for the answer. Their Ultima achieves 22 out of 23 ideal contact points with its unique patent-pending* handle. The injection-molded black Zytel scales feature over 70 triangular grip segments, separated by sipes, or “ooze grooves” which channel away water, mud and oil. Horizontal grooves are placed under the fingertips for optimum feel. The scientific placement and crisp edges of these segments result in the best possible contact for tactical grips. Because tactical knifes are inevitably used as pry bars, Michael’s team created a butt pry tip as an extension of the blade tang, with a rounded tip that is equally useful opening a junction box or breaking a window. The Ultima is available with a 6.75” or 4.95” full-tang blade of 1.4116 stainless steel with a light bead-blast non-reflective finish. It is available with Plain Edge or Plain Edge combined with their exclusive Veff Serrated edges. Developed by Oregon City, Oregon, knife designer Tom Veff, these serrations are unlike traditional serrations, which are usually small scallops oriented at 90 degrees to the blade cutting edge, Veff Serrations are wide and angled at 60 degrees to the edge. The resulting cutting points bite instantly and dig deep upon contact, while the large, surgically sharp valleys slice smoothly and effortlessly. The points of traditional serrations have a tendency to snag and fray when cutting rope and similar flexible material. Veff Serrations slice through cleanly, giving dramatically improved cutting ability on rope, webbing, strapping, hoses and leather. The large, open pattern of Veff Serrations allows even novices to restore their edges with a 3/8” ceramic sharpening rod. CRKT believes its application of Veff Serrations on its Ultima tactical fixed blades is the first use of this new technology on a production knife. These serrations extend the utility of the Ultima into sport and work tasks, such as hunting, camping, recreational boating and commercial fishing, where the ability to cut a line quickly may be a life-and-death matter. The Ultima is ideal for the Veff Serrations, which are angled to feed material on the pulling stroke, because of the knife’s unique patent-pending handle designed for optimal grip power. An injection-molded black polypropylene Ultima Trainer is also available. Tactical Sheath. The Ultima’s custom black Cordura/Zytel sheath has an injection-molded liner. Dual belt loops are Velcro adjustable. For maximum versatility, there are ample grommets with a length of 550 paracord included, an adjustable leg strap, plus a slotted sheath back that can mount on MOLLE gear. Removable security handle straps with snaps give access and security. A utility pocket with a Fastex buckle will carry a variety of folding knives, multipurpose tools or sharpeners. After 4,000 years of scientific
progress, the only thing the Ultima shares with its bronze ancestors is
its role in the mission.
When we first saw this knife we though the same thing you are thinking now - "What the heck is that thing?" Once in hand, the reality of the Crawford Plier Knife is that it's a simple, handy, ergonomic, and tough design that just works when you put it in your hand. The other thing you start to realize is that when on a job site you do need a tough rugged knife and sometimes discretion requires discrete carry of the knife. The Crawford Plier Knife fits the all your needs perfectly with the discrete look of a belt mounted set of regular pliers. Columbia River Knife & Tool has a long history of producing unusual production knives based on the custom models of leading knifemakers. But when Pat and Wes Crawford showed CRKT their custom Crawford Plier Knife, CRKT was so surprised that they quickly agreed to make a production version, the CRKT Crawford P.K. It is a hefty fixed blade with a wide split handle coated with red PVC that resembles a pair of electrical pliers. CRKT forge it from a single piece of 420J2 stainless steel that is 0.124” thick, resulting in the toughest work knife CRKT can imagine. The modified drop point blade is broad and only 3.25” long, resulting in an exceptionally strong blade for rugged tasks. The width of the plier-style handles, with finger choils, gives excellent control of the knife, and is ideal for those with large hands. A leather sheath completes the package, designed to look right at home on tool belts. This is not a delicate display
knife. What you see is what you get: a man-sized knife ready to cut
wood, rope, wire, carpet or sheetrock and hold an edge. It is remarkably
low priced for a quality tool. So quit staring and get to work.
A key part of this system is the Hissatsu based on an old Japanese design. The unique shape of the blade, made famous by the legendary Samurai warlord Takeda Shingen, provides enormous penetrating power and superior slashing capability in one blade, which works with the natural motion of the body. James arrived at this modern version as a backup weapon for close-quarters combat. This is a focused single-purpose knife for use in anti-terrorist/close-quarters battle (CQB) environments, either as a primary or a secondary weapon to augment the handgun in the hands of trained professionals. The Hissatsu’s dual grind Tanto blade is 440A stainless steel, high satin finished. For those who prefer a non-reflective finish, the Hissatsu is available with a black EDP blade or in Desert Tan dress with titanium nitride blade coating. To aid in law enforcement and military training, a Hissatsu Trainer is now available with a blue handle and aluminum blade with a rounded trainer edge. The handle is in a traditional Japanese pattern, but is Twin-Fused, double injection-molded with a high-impact polypropylene core, butt and hilt, and a non-slip Kraton handle surface. Oyatsubo, the emperor node on the omote (outside/public side) of the tuska (handle), allows you to know which direction the blade is facing, even in compromised lighting conditions, by touch. The custom injection-molded Zytel sheaths (in matching black, Desert Tan or blue) grip the knife firmly, and have removable belt clips which can be attached high or low, vertical or horizontal with the black two-piece screws provided. There are also holes and slots for carry on belts, webbing or equipment. The Hissatsu is intended for use only by
trained law enforcement and military tactical team professionals. Enormous power
in a light, flat package makes for easy carry with many options for placement on
tactical gear.
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Koji Hara is
an award-winning Japanese knifemaker who left high school to work in the cutlery
industry at the age of 16 when his father died in 1965. After learning the
skills of production knifemaking, in 1976 he first saw custom knives made by Bob
Loveless, and began making his own designs. In 1988 he established the Knife
House Hara and began winning knife awards at shows around the world. In 1994 he
became a member of the American Knifemakers’ Guild. He unveiled his signature
Air-Step design at the East Coast Custom Knife Show in 1996. His many awards
include Best in Show at the Southeast Custom Knife Show in 2000, Most Innovative
Knife at the East Coast Custom Knife Show and Best in Show at the Las Vegas
Classic Knife Show in 2002, Colpo Di Fulmine at the Internazionale Del Coltello
in Milan in 2004, and Best Knife in the All Nippon Knife Shows of 2004 and 2005.
He is the designer of the new CRKT Koji Hara Ichi.
Kit Carson’s M16 designs continue to be their most popular series, so it
was only a matter of time that CRKT filled out the line with a Zytel InterFrame
build version of his Every Day Carry (EDC). Their knife users told CRKT, “The
size of the aluminum build EDC is perfect, but I need a more affordable work
knife that I can give hard use without feeling guilty, and one that won’t break
me up if I leave it on a job site or drop it in the river.”
In the beginning, just over a decade ago, CRKT made its name by offering
a series of quality locking liner folders at remarkably competitive prices. CRKT
became known in the knife industry as the “value company,” a distinction CRKT
are still proud to hold even though their line has expanded to include
sophisticated high-dollar knives. Their approach has always been: never cut
corners, just give a whole lot of knife for the money.
Say “A.G. Russell,” and you have to immediately say “first,” because
this living legend was one of the inventors of the modern knife
industry. But despite all his awards and achievements, A.G. is first
of all a knifemaker. CRKT are proud to offer a CRKT production
version of his Sting, complete with a new custom Zytel sheath.
Today’s
tactical fixed blade knives still resemble the first Bronze Age daggers of 4000
years ago, especially in their handle design. Michael Martinez, inventor of the
Merlin knife deployment system, didn’t start out to redesign the fixed blade,
but he explains, “CRKT tested over 400 knives with the Merlin system, and I kept
noticing how many knives, even expensive ones, didn’t feel right, didn’t have a
grip that gave both control and comfort in the four fundamental tactical grips.”
