Who is CRKT?
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) today. This American company has established a reputation for bringing innovative designs to market at accessible price points. Today we will explore the company's background, examine their material choices, and highlight some of their most popular knife models. Without further ado, let's dive into the world of CRKT knives.
CRKT's Background and Philosophy
Columbia River Knife & Tool was founded in 1994 by Rod Bremer, a former sales manager at Kershaw Knives. Based in Tualatin, Oregon, the company started with a simple yet powerful concept: collaborate with custom knife designers to bring their unique designs to the production market at affordable prices. This collaborative approach has become the cornerstone of CRKT's business model and a key differentiator in the knife industry.
The company's breakthrough came in 1997 when they released the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) knife designed by Ed Halligan. This minimalist folder with its distinctive skeleton frame and integrated money clip became an instant hit, establishing CRKT as an innovative player in the knife market. The success of this model cemented the company's commitment to working with outside designers rather than relying solely on in-house design.
CRKT's philosophy centers on making innovative designs accessible to average users. Rather than focusing on ultra-premium materials and correspondingly high prices, they prioritize unique mechanisms, practical designs, and reasonable price points. This approach has allowed them to introduce numerous patented technologies like the Outburst assisted opening system, IKBS ball bearing pivots, and the revolutionary Kinematic opening mechanism.
Manufacturing and Materials
CRKT operates as a design and distribution company rather than a direct manufacturer. They develop products in their Oregon headquarters but partner with manufacturing facilities primarily in Taiwan and China to produce their knives. This approach allows them to keep prices accessible while maintaining quality control standards through rigorous specifications and testing protocols.
For blade materials, CRKT typically employs practical, mid-range steels rather than ultra-premium options. Common blade steels in their lineup include:
- 8Cr13MoV: A Chinese stainless steel comparable to AUS-8, offering good corrosion resistance and adequate edge retention with excellent sharpenability
- 12C27 Sandvik: A Swedish stainless steel known for good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance
- D2: A semi-stainless tool steel prized for excellent edge retention and wear resistance
- 1.4116: A German stainless steel similar to 420HC with good corrosion resistance
- AUS-8: A Japanese stainless steel offering a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening
Higher-end CRKT models occasionally feature more premium steels like S35VN or Bohler M390, though these represent a smaller portion of their catalog. For handle materials, CRKT employs G10, glass-reinforced nylon (GRN), aluminum, thermoplastic rubber, and occasionally natural materials like wood or bone depending on the model and intended use.
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Types of Knives in CRKT's Lineup
CRKT produces a diverse range of knife types to serve various user needs and preferences. Their folding knife lineup spans from compact everyday carry options to larger tactical designs with various opening mechanisms including thumbstuds, flippers, and assisted opening systems. Many feature innovative locking mechanisms including liner locks, frame locks, and their patented Deadbolt lock for enhanced security.
Fixed blade offerings range from small neck knives and utility blades to substantial survival and camp knives. These designs often focus on specific tasks like skinning game, food preparation, or general outdoor utility. Their fixed blade lineup emphasizes practical designs with secure grip patterns and thoughtful sheath systems for various carry options.
CRKT also produces a limited selection of specialized tools including multi-tools, rescue knives with integrated glass breakers and strap cutters, and kitchen cutlery designed by renowned knife makers. This diversification allows them to serve specialized niches while maintaining their core focus on everyday and tactical cutting tools.
The company organizes many of their offerings into designer collections, with legendary knife makers like Ken Onion, Lucas Burnley, Richard Rogers, and Jesper Voxnaes having substantial design contributions across multiple product lines. This designer-forward approach gives each knife a distinct personality and purpose beyond generic product offerings.
CRKT M16 Series
The M16 series, designed by the late Kit Carson, represents one of CRKT's most enduring and successful knife lines. First introduced in the late 1990s, this tactical folder has undergone numerous iterations while maintaining its distinctive handle profile and flipper opening mechanism. The design was inspired by Carson's custom tactical folders and has become something of a modern classic in the tactical knife world.
The M16 features a spear-point or tanto blade with Carson's signature flipper tab that doubles as a finger guard when the knife is open. Earlier versions utilized CRKT's AutoLAWKS safety system, while newer models incorporate the Deadbolt lock for enhanced security. The series spans various sizes from compact 3-inch blade models to larger tactical versions with 4-inch blades.
Different configurations offer options like partially serrated edges, different blade finishes, and various handle materials including aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon. The M16's versatility, reasonable price point, and reliable performance have made it a staple in CRKT's lineup and a popular choice for both everyday carry and tactical applications.
CRKT Minimalist Series
The Minimalist series, designed by Alan Folts, features compact fixed-blade knives intended for everyday carry and light-duty cutting tasks. These neck knives feature 2-2.5 inch blades in various profiles including Wharncliffe, drop point, bowie, and tanto configurations. The distinctive handle design incorporates three finger grooves and a substantial palm swell that provides surprising ergonomics despite the knife's small size.
Minimalist knives come with a molded thermoplastic sheath and paracord for neck carry, though many users adapt them for pocket, belt, or bag carry. The series typically uses 5Cr15MoV stainless steel with a black stonewash finish, making them practical for daily use without requiring extensive maintenance. With affordable pricing, the Minimalist series represents one of CRKT's most accessible entry points.
These knives have developed a substantial following among those seeking an unobtrusive fixed blade for everyday tasks. Their compact size, secure grip, and versatile carry options make them popular for everything from opening packages to food preparation and light outdoor tasks. The Minimalist series demonstrates CRKT's ability to deliver practical, affordable designs that serve specific user needs.
CRKT Pilar Series
The Pilar series, designed by Jesper Voxnaes, takes its name from Ernest Hemingway's boat and embodies the rugged utility that characterized the author's lifestyle. This compact folder features a distinctive sheepsfoot blade ranging from 2.4 to 2.7 inches depending on the variant, with a forward-positioned finger choil that allows a secure grip despite the knife's small size.
The standard Pilar features a stainless steel handle with a frame lock mechanism, though various editions offer different handle materials including G10, carbon fiber, and copper scales. Blade steel typically consists of 8Cr13MoV in standard models, with some premium variants featuring D2 or 12C27 steel. The design has expanded to include both larger and smaller versions, as well as models with enhanced materials.
With affordable prices for standard and premium variants alike, the Pilar exemplifies CRKT's approach to accessible design innovation. The knife's compact size, robust construction, and ergonomic design have made it popular for urban everyday carry, where its non-threatening profile and practical cutting ability serve users well.
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CRKT Provoke Series
The Provoke, designed by Joe Caswell, represents one of CRKT's most innovative designs featuring the patented Kinematic deployment mechanism. This karambit-style folding knife opens with a push of the thumb rather than a traditional flip or rotation, transforming from closed to fully deployed in one fluid motion. The blade essentially "launches" into the open position through an ingenious linkage system.
Unlike conventional folding knives, the Provoke doesn't rotate around a pivot point but rather moves forward through a parallelogram action. This unique deployment method allows for extremely fast opening with one hand, even while wearing gloves or in awkward positions. When closed, the knife forms a compact package suitable for pocket carry despite its aggressive tactical design.
The original Provoke features a hawkbill blade made from D2 steel, with newer variants offering different blade shapes and materials. The handle typically uses aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard anodized finish for durability. Its desirable features and materials place the Provoke at the higher end of CRKT's price spectrum, reflecting its innovative mechanism and premium construction.
Conclusion
Columbia River Knife & Tool has established a unique position in the knife industry by prioritizing innovative design and functionality at accessible price points. Their collaborative approach with custom knife makers brings creative concepts to production models that might otherwise remain available only to those willing to pay custom knife prices. While they typically utilize mid-range materials rather than ultra-premium options, their designs offer practical functionality and distinctive features that appeal to a broad range of users.
The company's diverse lineup spans from budget-friendly everyday carry options like the Pilar and Minimalist to innovative tactical designs like the Provoke and M16 series. This range ensures that most knife users can find a CRKT knife suited to their needs and budget, whether seeking a reliable work tool, a tactical folder, or a compact utility blade. Their continuing emphasis on innovation through designer collaborations ensures the brand remains relevant in an increasingly competitive knife market.
All in all, CRKT delivers innovative designs and practical functionality across a range of price points. Whether you're seeking your first quality knife or adding to an extensive collection, their diverse offerings provide options for virtually any cutting need. We here at True Shot Ammo carry CRKT knives in addition to our extensive inventory of ammo for sale. Our range of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you want to buy CRKT knives, purchase knives, or buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
