The Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) company was founded in 1994 by Rod Bremer and Paul Gillespi with the goal of producing high-quality knives that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Today, CRKT is known for their innovative and unique designs, as well as their use of cutting-edge technologies and materials. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the history of CRKT, their signature technologies, and some of our favorite CRKT knives that are available at Knife Depot.
History of CRKT
CRKT was founded in Tualatin, Oregon in 1994, with the goal of creating knives that were both functional and beautiful. The company’s founders, Rod Bremer and Paul Gillespi, had a passion for knives and wanted to create a brand that offered innovative and unique designs. From the beginning, CRKT focused on collaborating with top designers and inventors in the knife industry to produce cutting-edge products that stood out from the competition.
In the early days, CRKT faced some challenges as a small start-up company. They struggled to get their knives into retail stores and had to rely on direct mail and phone sales to generate revenue. However, the quality of their products and their commitment to innovation soon earned them a loyal following of knife enthusiasts.
One of the keys to CRKT’s success has been their focus on collaborating with top designers and inventors in the knife industry. Over the years, they have worked with some of the most renowned names in the business, including Ken Onion, Brian Tighe, and Jesper Voxnaes. These collaborations have resulted in some of CRKT’s most popular and innovative products, including the Onion-designed Ripple folding knife and the Tighe Breaker fixed-blade knife.
Signature CRKT Technologies
CRKT is known for their innovative use of materials and technologies in their knife designs. Here are a few of the most notable technologies found in CRKT knives:
- OutBurst: The OutBurst assisted opening mechanism is found in many CRKT folding knives. It uses a small spring to assist with blade deployment, making it quick and easy to open the knife with one hand.
- AutoLAWKS: The AutoLAWKS safety system is designed to prevent the blade from accidentally closing while in use. It works by locking the blade in place once it is fully open, providing added safety and security.
- Veff Serrations: The Veff Serrations are a type of aggressive serrated edge that is designed to provide maximum cutting power. They are found in many CRKT knives and are particularly useful for cutting through tough materials like rope and fibrous materials.
- Field Strip: The Field Strip technology is a proprietary system developed by CRKT that allows users to disassemble and reassemble their knife quickly and easily, without the need for any tools. This is particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts and military personnel who may need to clean and maintain their knives in the field.
Our Favourite CRKT Knives
Now that we have covered some of the key features and technologies found in CRKT knives, let’s take a look at some of our favourite models that we have available at Knife Depot.
- CRKT Squid Button Lock: A compact yet capable everyday carry, the Squid Button Lock combines a durable D2 steel blade with a smooth, fidget-friendly button lock mechanism. Its small footprint, reliable grip, and effortless one-handed operation make it an ideal choice for daily tasks and pocket carry.
- CRKT Straight Black Frame Lock: The Straight Frame Lock is a sleek, modern EDC knife featuring a sharp D2 wharncliffe blade and a sturdy frame lock for added strength. Lightweight and easy to deploy, it delivers precision cutting performance in a clean, minimalist design.
- CRKT P.S.D.™ (Particle. Separation. Device.): Designed for serious cutting performance, the P.S.D.™ features a large recurve blade with a double grind for efficient slicing power. Paired with assisted opening and a lightweight carbon fibre and G10 handle, it’s built for fast deployment and high-performance everyday use.
- CRKT Pup Liner Lock: The Pup Liner Lock is a lightweight and compact EDC knife built for simplicity and convenience. With its smooth flipper action, AUS-10 steel blade, and slim profile, it’s perfect for everyday carry in both casual and professional settings.
Conclusion
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, tactical professional, or just someone who appreciates a well-crafted knife, CRKT has something to offer. With over 25 years of experience, they have built a reputation for producing high-quality and innovative knives that are trusted by knife enthusiasts around the world.
At Knife Depot, we are proud to offer a wide selection of CRKT knives, including the models highlighted in this guide. From the compact and versatile Pilar to the rugged and durable M21, we have a CRKT knife to suit your needs. If you have any questions about our products or need assistance with your order, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable customer service team.
CRKT M16: The CRKT M16 is a classic folding knife that was designed by Kit Carson. It features the OutBurst assisted opening mechanism for quick and easy blade deployment, and the AutoLAWKS safety system for added security. The blade is made from AUS-8 steel and has a versatile tanto shape. The M16 also has a comfortable and durable G10 handle.
Find out more about CRKT at their official website.