Are CRKT Knives the Best Choice for You? A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Are you on the hunt for a high-quality, affordable, and versatile knife? Look no further than CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool). Since 1997, CRKT has been a name synonymous with innovative and cost-effective knives. Collaborating with renowned designers like Ken Onion, Lucas Burnley, and Jesper Voxnaes, CRKT offers a diverse range of knives to cater to all your needs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best CRKT knives to help you make an informed decision.

  1. CRKT Pilar

The CRKT Pilar, masterfully designed by Jesper Voxnaes, stands as a testament to the perfect fusion of form and function in the realm of compact folding pocket knives. Its compact size is incredibly deceptive, for within its small frame lies a world of exceptional ergonomics and stunning aesthetics.

At the heart of the Pilar is its sheepsfoot blade, a design that’s both practical and distinctive. This blade shape excels in precision tasks, making it an excellent choice for daily cutting needs. Whether you’re opening packages, slicing fruit, or performing detailed work, the Pilar handles it all with ease.

But what truly sets the CRKT Pilar apart is its robust frame lock mechanism, providing a secure and dependable lockup when the blade is deployed. This feature not only enhances the knife’s usability but also elevates its overall durability and reliability.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Pilar is its high degree of customizability. You have the freedom to choose from an array of options, allowing you to tailor the Pilar to your personal preferences. Hand-engraved and colored micarta scales are available, adding a touch of artistic flair to your knife. If you’re into a rugged, well-worn look, the copper-washed blades and hardware are an excellent choice, lending your Pilar a distinct character that only improves with time.

This versatility makes the CRKT Pilar an ideal choice for everyday carry (EDC). It’s a dependable companion that you can count on for various tasks, no matter how big or small. Furthermore, the Pilar’s appeal extends beyond practicality; it’s a must-have for any knife collector. Its unique design, customizable features, and blend of aesthetics and functionality make it a standout addition to any collection.

  • Overall Length: 5.90”
  • Blade Length: 2.40”
  • Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
  • Handle Material: Stainless Steel
  • Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
  1. CRKT Squid


In the realm of everyday carry knives, the CRKT Squid, a brainchild of designer Lucas Burnley, truly shines. Its distinctive features make it an outstanding option for everyday use. With a spear-point blade and robust frame lock construction, the Squid is a compact and convenient choice for daily carry, offering both functionality and style.

One of the Squid’s notable features is its low-profile deep-carry pocket clip. This clip allows you to discreetly and securely carry the knife in your pocket, ensuring that it remains unobtrusive and readily accessible when you need it. The deep-carry design is not only practical but also adds to the knife’s sleek and minimalist aesthetic.

For enhanced grip and control, the Squid incorporates spine jimping along the back of the blade. This provides added traction, particularly when you’re handling the knife in various conditions. The jimping ensures that your grip remains secure, giving you the confidence to tackle a wide range of cutting tasks.

Ease of use is another hallmark of the Squid. It’s equipped with a thumb stud for quick and effortless one-handed opening. This feature is not only practical but also adds to the knife’s overall user-friendliness. Whether you’re in a hurry or simply prefer a straightforward opening method, the Squid has you covered.

  • Overall Length: 5.75”
  • Blade Length: 2.25”
  • Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
  • Handle Material: Stainless Steel
  • Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
  1. CRKT Folts Minimalist

When it comes to selecting a fixed blade knife for everyday carry, the CRKT Folts Minimalist emerges as a top-notch choice. This knife boasts a superb combination of features that make it a practical companion for a wide range of tasks.

One of the standout features of the Folts Minimalist is its ergonomic design. The knife’s handle is carefully shaped to fit comfortably in your hand, allowing for extended use without discomfort or fatigue. The hand-contoured Micarta scales not only contribute to the knife’s excellent grip but also ensure that it remains secure in your hand, even when conditions are less than ideal. Whether you find yourself in a humid environment or facing wet conditions, the Folts Minimalist is a reliable tool you can count on.

The slim profile of the Folts Minimalist is another advantage. It’s designed to be compact and unobtrusive, making it easy to carry every day without weighing you down. Its lightweight nature means you won’t even notice it’s there until you need it, making it a dependable backup knife or a primary fixed blade option for your daily carry needs.

What’s even more appealing about the CRKT Folts Minimalist is that it offers all these features at a budget-friendly price point. You get a high-quality fixed blade knife that doesn’t break the bank, making it an accessible option for a wide range of users.

  • Overall Length: 5.125”
  • Blade Length: 2.125”
  • Blade Material: 5Cr15MoV
  • Handle Material: Micarta
  • Locking Mechanism: Zytel Sheath
  1. CRKT Tuna

The CRKT Tuna boasts excellent geometry and a blade designed for cutting tasks. This mid-sized folding knife features grippy G-10 handle scales, a slicey spear point blade, and vibrant orange accents that make it stand out. It includes a deep carry pocket clip and a generous lanyard loop for versatile carry options.

With a sturdy frame lock design, the Tuna offers both affordability and high performance. The 3.5 inch 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is complemented by a slender profile and contoured scales that fit comfortably in hand. The hollow grind blade is honed to an extra sharp edge that excels at push cuts, slicing, and detail work.

An IKBS ball bearing pivot deploys the blade smooth and fast while ensuring stability in the open position. The blade locks up via a secure frame lock that prevents accidental closure during use. Dual thumb studs allow ambidextrous one-handed opening.

  • Overall Length: 7.625”
  • Blade Length: 3.25”
  • Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
  • Handle Material: G-10
  • Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
  1. CRKT M-16

The CRKT M-16, a trusted and favored choice among military and law enforcement professionals, has consistently demonstrated its reliability and practicality over the years. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its straightforward yet effective design, making it an essential tool for those who depend on their knives in high-stress situations.

One of the standout features of the M-16 is its user-friendly design. This knife is not only easy to operate but also a breeze to disassemble, clean, and maintain. This ease of maintenance is crucial for professionals who rely on their tools daily and can’t afford to spend excessive time on upkeep. The M-16’s simple construction ensures that it remains a dependable companion, ready for action when needed.

One of the notable advantages of the CRKT M-16 is its versatility. It’s available in a variety of configurations, including different blade shapes, edge styles, and handle materials. This wide array of options means that you can choose the M-16 that best suits your specific needs. Whether you require a versatile everyday carry (EDC) knife or a robust tool for demanding tasks, the M-16 has you covered.

The M-16’s reputation for ruggedness and durability is well-deserved. It can withstand the rigors of challenging environments, making it an ideal choice for those in military and law enforcement roles. The knife’s robust build ensures that it can handle heavy-duty use without compromising its performance.

  • Overall Length: 7.125”
  • Blade Length: 3.125”
  • Blade Material: 8Cr15MoV
  • Handle Material: Zytel
  • Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
  1. CRKT Provoke

Innovation sets CRKT knives apart in a saturated knife market. The CRKT Provoke, designed by renowned knifemaker Joe Caswell, is a fast-opening, one-handed operation karambit knife that really showcases the brand’s inventive spirit. It’s built from strong yet forgiving materials, featuring a durable D2 tool steel blade that’s easy to sharpen and maintain. The knife’s aluminum handle construction keeps it lightweight at just 5.6 oz, making it suitable for attachment to duty belts or tactical vests.

The unique karambit shape features a dramatically curved 2.4” hawkbill blade that provides ample belly for slicing tasks. An integrated finger ring allows safe and secure grip during use. The fluid opening is facilitated by CRKT’s IKBS ball bearing pivot system, which makes deployment smooth and reliable. A sturdy frame lock secures the blade open to prevent accidental closure.

Clearly optimized for tactical use, the CRKT Provoke meets the needs of military, law enforcement, and first responders who require quick access to a dependable cutting tool. It delivers utility and performance in a futuristic-looking package that takes karambit design to new levels. The Provoke exemplifies how CRKT Knives push boundaries and bring fresh innovations to the everyday carry world.

  • Overall Length: 7.37”
  • Blade Length: 2.41”
  • Blade Material: D2
  • Handle Material: Aluminum
  • Locking Mechanism: Lever Lock
  1. CRKT Little Razor

Be prepared to have your senses enthralled and outdoor adventures elevated by the masterful craftsmanship of the Columbia River Knife & Tool Little Razor straight blade knife. Measuring 6 inches in total length with a 3.1 inch razor-sharp blade, this exceptional knife is precision-engineered to perfection.

The ergonomic handle spans 3 inches and combines durable, resilient materials like dragon bone pattern inserts and sleek black G10 scales. This provides a secure, comfortable grip. The blade itself is forged from high-performance 9CR18MOV steel, ensuring strength, edge retention, and versatility for all your cutting, slicing, and survival tasks.

With thoughtful dimensions including a 0.16 inch thickness and 1.18 inch width, the 4.1mm thick blade allows for precise, clean cuts while the 3cm width provides an ample cutting surface for effortless control. The blade boasts an optimized hardness of 59HRC, making it resilient enough to tackle the toughest materials while retaining that factory sharp edge.

Weighing in at just 4.2 ounces, this exquisitely designed knife is lightweight and easy to maneuver in hand, giving you the freedom to carry it wherever your outdoor adventures may take you. Its graceful sandblast finish adds an unmatched elegance that elevates this knife from a mere tool to a work of art.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, survivalist, or knife collector, the CRKT Little Razor is a must-have addition thanks to its harmonious blend of form and function. With remarkable design, premium materials, and master craftsmanship, it takes outdoor cutting performance to new heights. Get ready to ascend into new realms of wilderness experiences with the Columbia River Knife & Tool Little Razor at your side.

  • Overall Length: 6”
  • Blade Length: 3.10”
  • Blade Material: 9CR18MOV
  • Handle Material: dragon bone
  • Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock

Whether you’re a desk jockey or a service member, there’s bound to be a CRKT knife that perfectly suits your needs. These knives not only boast impressive craftsmanship and design but also offer great value for your money. With customer reviews that highlight their functionality, versatility, and durability, CRKT knives are an excellent choice for both everyday use and specialized tasks.

In conclusion, CRKT knives have earned their reputation as some of the best affordable knives on the market. Their collaboration with renowned designers has resulted in innovative and eye-catching designs. These knives offer practicality, functionality, and the opportunity for personalization, making them a fantastic addition to any collection. So, if you’re in search of a reliable and budget-friendly knife, CRKT should definitely be on your radar. Don’t hesitate to explore their diverse range and find the perfect CRKT knife that suits your unique requirements. With CRKT, you’re not just purchasing a knife; you’re investing in quality and versatility.

At otfknifehq, you can obtain high-quality knives at affordable prices, and even when compared to well-known knife brands, our knives continue to offer the same level of quality and performance at a highly competitive price.

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