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Columbia River Knife & Tool
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) is made by an American knife company, dedicated to making quality tools for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry. Since its founding in 1994, CRKT Knives has been successful in maintaining a reputation for innovation.
The company has collaborated with world-renowned designers like Ken Onion and Ed Van Hoy to create groundbreaking locking mechanisms and sleek new blade shapes. What truly sets CRKT Knives apart is a commitment to both substance and style.
This unique balance of form and function has been the foundation for bringing Columbia Knives & Tools to the forefront of the everyday carry knife market. The company offers an extensive range of hunting knives, fishing knives, and tactical knives.
CRKT’s History of Innovation
Determined to design high-quality knives for fishing, hunting, camping, and tactical tasks. Rod Bremer and Paul Gillespi left Kershaw Cutlery in 1994 to establish their own company, Columbia River Knife & Tool.
CRKT had made a hit just three years in when Ed Halligan’s compact, cleverly named K.I.S.S (Keep It Super Simple) knife series was an instant hit among knife enthusiasts. The K.I.S.S folders showed how CRKT’s commitment to forward-thinking designs highly resonates with customers.
With the success of the K.I.S.S knife series, CRKT started expanding very rapidly taking on visionary designers like Ken Onion, Allen Elishewitz, and Liong Mah to engineer bold new mechanisms and blade shapes.
CRKT knives still continue to push boundaries, releasing award-winning collaborations with renowned knife makers like the Graham Brothers. Despite achieving so much, CRKT Knives still hand assembles every knife in their Tualatin, Oregon headquarters.
CRKT’s Legacy of Reliable Products
The CRKT CEO series by Richard Rogers
The CEO series by CRKT shows Richard Rogers’ design philosophy of clean and practical pocket knives for everyday carry. This series blends sleek, low-profile looks with high usability for professionals.
The CRKT CEO knives are popular among professionals who crave fine craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic for their EDC knives. While sharing an overarching theme, each CEO model offers something unique in blade shape, handle material, or size.
For example, the Microflipper Silver Drop 7081 has a versatile drop-point blade ideal for slicing and controlled piercing during everyday tasks. The Microflipper Blue Sheepsfoot 7083 is designed for clean slices and safety with its straight edge favoured for precision cutting.
Models like the Flipper Blackout 7097K and Compact 7095 embody the everyday carry knive’s true spirit with exceptionally low profiles—these knives can almost be mistaken for pens. The CEO D2 boasts durable D2 steel construction for enhanced toughness and edge retention when you need more out of the blade.
The original CEO Flipper 7097 and standard models closely resemble each other with IKBS ball-bearing pivots for smooth, fast deployment. Their lightweight build complements the discreet profile.
In choosing each practical blade shape for the CEO series, Richard Rogers enhances the functionality to match specific needs. Combined with his eye for clean design, these knives deliver on aesthetics and utility for everyday carry.
Fixed Blade Knives by Columbia River
AG Russell Sting and CRKT Clever Girl Kukri are two of the most popular fixed knife blades produced by CRKT in collaboration with world-renowned experts in the industry.
A.G. Russell Sting
Designed by a former military person A.G. Russell, this fixed blade knife provides a balance, grip, and sharpness for a variety of tasks. The A.G. Russell Sting is a high-quality fixed-blade knife designed for a wide range of applications.
It’s a versatile and practical tool, ideal for those who value durability and efficiency in a compact package. The Sting’s design makes it suitable for various scenarios, from outdoor activities like camping and hiking to more tactical uses such as self-defence or survival situations.
The knife uses 1050 steel and a protective coating with a custom Cordura/Zytel sheath, which, along with its lightweight and compact size. Its build quality, combined with its thoughtful design, makes it an excellent choice for everyday carry, outdoor adventures, or tactical use.
Clever Girl Kukri
A rugged blade that can handle both outdoor adventures and tactical situations designed by Austin McGlaun with the classic curved kukri shape in mind, this full tang fixed blade beauty is packed with some serious action.
CRKT crafted the Kukri from SK-5 carbon steel, so it can withstand heavy-duty use and resist corrosion and is meant to last. With that wide blade shape, Clever Girl Kukri still manages to have enough finesse for detail work, food prep, and even cleaning a game.
CRKT Folding Knives
CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) offers a range of folding knives, with the M16 and Homefront series & CRKT Redemption being among their most versatile and popular models.
M16 Series
These knives are designed with utility and tactical use in mind. They feature a variety of blade styles, including tanto and spear point, suitable for piercing and slicing. The M16 series often comes with a Carson Flipper for quick deployment and a secure locking system for safety.
Their lightweight design and pocket clip makes them easy to carry, making them ideal for everyday use, outdoor activities, or as a part of tactical gear.
Homefront Series
The Homefront series is known for its innovative “Field Strip” technology, which allows users to easily disassemble and clean the knife without tools. This feature is particularly beneficial in situations where the knife might be exposed to dirt, grime, or other substances that can affect its performance.
The Homefront folding knife typically features a classic design with modern functionality, making them suitable for both everyday carry and outdoor adventures.
Both series demonstrate CRKT’s commitment to combining innovative features with practical designs. The M16’s tactical orientation and the Homefront’s easy maintenance capabilities showcase the versatility and adaptability of CRKT’s folding knives to various needs and environments.
CRKT Knives: Innovation and Functionality
Innovation runs deep in everything CRKT does. Since day one, they’ve pushed the envelope on knife and tool design to enhance how you use and experience their products.
Their Field Strip Technology allows for the easy disassembly and cleaning of a knife without tools. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining the knife’s performance in outdoor or dirty environments.
They have also created an Assisted Opening feature for their CRKT knives for quick and easy blade deployment.
The company’s one of the most notable innovations is their IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System). This system provides smooth and efficient blade deployment in folding knives such as Homefront Assisted, Attaboy Deadbolt, and more.
OutBurst is also an assisted opening mechanism that quickly deploys the blade with a nudge of the thumb stud.
AutoLAWKS is another automatic safety system that turns a folding knife into a virtual fixed blade when the knife is opened and locked, enhancing safety.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction with CRKT Knives Warranty
CRKT has fully committed itself to ensuring complete customer satisfaction with its products with theri Columbia Warranty. Their lifetime warranty demonstrates this dedication to standing behind everything they make.
If any CRKT knife or tool ever fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, they will repair, replace, or substitute it with a comparable product at no charge for as long as you own it.
They aim to make this an easy, no-questions-asked process because customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal. All you have to do is simply contact their customer service in case you experience any issue with the performance of a CRKT product, and they will resolve it for you.
Exclusions do apply for normal wear and tear, misuse, lack of maintenance, or modifications, but they handle even questionable cases generously within reason. Your safety and confidence as a CRKT customer come first.
This comprehensive guarantee underscores their commitment to the absolute best in fit, finish, performance, and safety across their product line.
CRKT vs Gerber Knives
CRKT is often regarded as producing good knives for their price, featuring innovative designs like the unique “Field Strip” technology and experimenting with new ideas and mechanisms.
Some users have seen some inconsistencies in the production of their knives. Despite this, CRKT is generally well-respected and valued for its affordability and range of designs.
Gerber, on the other hand, has a legacy of producing great knives but has faced criticism for declining quality over time. Some users feel that while Gerber continues to make decent knives, they are perceived as a more low-end option compared to their past offerings.
Gerber knives are still practical and serve well for various purposes, but they may not be the first choice for knife enthusiasts looking for high-end or highly durable options.
Why Choose STL Tacticals for CRKT
STL Tacticals offers one of the largest collections of genuine CRKT knives. With dozens of folding knives, fixed blades, kitchen knives, and specialty designs, we have the widest selection anywhere. And with models like the M16, Homefront, and PECK, you can find classic and innovative CRKT knife designs. Our 30-day return policy allows you to freely browse and find the perfect CRKT knife to fit your needs. As an authorized dealer, STL Tactical brings you the full CRKT catalogue with confidence.
Cleaning CRKT Knives with Field Strip Technology
Field Strip Technology by CRKT has made it easy to clean their knives. Knowing the proper stripping method and reassembly is important. You should use Field Strip Technology when considerable debris, dirt, or residue has built up or the knife has been exposed to moisture or liquids.
How to Clean Using Field Strip:
- Ensure the knife is closed
- Locate the Field Strip release wheel on the back of the handle
- Turn the wheel 90 degrees away from the pivot shaft (counter-clockwise)
- Pull the handle scales apart to expose the inner components
- Rinse all parts with warm soapy water, gently scrubbing away debris
- Pay special attention to cleaning out pivot points and joints
- Rinse components thoroughly and dry them completely
- Apply lubricating oil to joints and springs
- Reassemble by aligning parts, snapping scales back in place
- Turn the release wheel 90 degrees towards the pivot shaft (clockwise)
Important Precautions
Ensure components are completely dry before reassembly
Do not disassemble beyond what is exposed through Field Strip
Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasives
How to Choose the Right CRKT Knife Based on their Features
CRKT Pocket Knives with D2 Steel Blades
CRKT offers a wide range of D2 steel knives in different categories. Some of their D2 steel knives options start from as low as 30$. D2 steel is an excellent choice for hard use knives. It has high hardness and good edge retention.
The only downside is that it is not fully stainless and can rust if not properly cared for. Make sure to clean and lubricate the blade after use, especially if exposed to moisture.
These knives make for a great choice for heavy duty tasks, moist environment, and durability.
CRKT Pocket Knives with Flipper Openings
If the task requires you to respond quickly without wasting any time, CRKT flipper knives are for you. The flipper is a protrusion on the back of the blade that allows you to pull back on it to easily swing the blade open using one hand. This makes for very fast and easy blade deployment. The flipper also keeps your fingers out of the path of the swinging blade for added safety.
The Columbia River Flipper Knives starts from as low as 32$, this deployment method is also available in multiple knife categories such as pocket knives, automatic knives, assisted knives and folding knives.
CRKT Pocket Knives with Field Strip Mechanism
Built around award winning Field Strip technology, Columbia River knives give you superior longevity and performance. Giving you complete flexibility to disassemble, CRKT has created an ecosystem for combatting wear and tear at the source.
Field strip knives can be quickly disassembled without any tools for cleaning or maintenance. This is useful for those working outdoors where debris can get inside the knife. Just open the knife, disengage the field strip screws, and take it apart in seconds.
CRKT Pocket Knives with Deadbolt Locking Mechanism
The deadbolt lock uses a thick steel wedge to firmly lock the blade open. It creates an extremely strong and secure lockup when open to handle heavy cutting tasks. The lock is also easy to disengage using the large pivot switch. It makes for a great choice for single hand use.
Starting from 150$ to as much as 500$, CRKT Knives with deadbolt mechanism show a great promise for its users.
CRKT Pocket Knives with Assisted Opening
Featuring economical options from 40$ to 70$. CRKT pocket knives with assisted opening use internal springs to propel the blade open once the user begins the opening action.
This makes opening very fast and easy, while keeping the knife from unexpectedly opening in the pocket. Assisted knives are legal in most areas that allow folding knives.
Quality and Affordability
When it comes to knife prices, CRKT gets it: performance and cost go hand-in-hand. The company engineers across the spectrum – creating real value at every budget by finding the ideal balance between materials and manufacturing.
Budget-Friendly Steels (Lower Price Range)
Their more affordable options use reliable steels like 8Cr13MoV and 1055 carbon. These hardworking knives are designed to handle daily duties without breaking the bank.
The Pozoda fit perfectly in this bracket – built to take on everyday adventures at a price that’s easy to digest.
These two steels give a decent performance with durability while being cost-effective, making them suitable for everyday use knives that are more affordable.
Mid-Range Steels (Moderate Price Range)
Stepping up a tier and you’ll find knives that offer longevity and resilience into mid-range offerings. CRKT knives featuring 12C27 and AUS-8 steels gain an edge when it comes to retention and corrosion resistance compared to their budget-friendly counterparts.
With the M16-03BS Spear Point or M16-12Z Tanto, you can be confident in having a trustworthy companion for all scenarios, all at a fair cost.
Premium Steels (Higher Price Range)
For professionals who can’t compromise on quality, CRKT Knives offer premium options made out of high-caliber steels like D2. Found in sophisticated knives like the CRKT Provoke Aluminum, this steel provides uncompromising longevity through heightened wear resistance and expert retention. Of course with such impressive capability comes an increased price tag.
The choice of steel is just one part of determining a knife’s price – practical purpose and smart design also weigh on overall value across their product lines.
CRKT keeps their foundation firm: delivering trademark reliability blended with the ideal material for the task at hand, no matter what the customer’s budget.
FAQs
What does the name CRKT stand for?
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) is a renowned American knife manufacturer located in Tualatin, Oregon.
Does CRKT make automatic knives?
Yes, CRKT produces some of the industry’s best knives including automatic knives featuring their reliable AutoLAWKS opening technology.
What type of steel does CRKT use?
CRKT uses premium knife steels including 8Cr13MoV, 12C27, 1055 carbon steel, AUS 8, D2, 8Cr14MoV, Damascus steel and more. This ensures strength, edge retention and corrosion resistance.
What is the angle of sharpening a CRKT knife?
CRKT knives are sharpened by hand at an angle between 17-22 degrees per side, allowing for a razor sharp edge. Variance in the angle accounts for the unique honing of each blade