CRKT Knives and Cutting Tools

About CRKT

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) was founded in 1994 by Paul Gillespie and Rod Bremer, both former Kershaw Knives employees, in Tualatin, Oregon.

The company made its breakthrough at the 1997 SHOT Show with the introduction of the revolutionary K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) knife designed by Ed Halligan.

CRKT continued to innovate with the 1999 release of the M16 model designed by Kit Carson, featuring the first mass-produced flipper-style deployment mechanism.

The company became one of the early pioneers to embrace the custom-to-production model, helping shape the modern knife industry by bringing custom knifemaker designs to mass production.

Today, CRKT continues their mission "For Those Who Serve," providing cutting-edge tools to military, law enforcement, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Popular CRKT Features

Kinematic Deployment System

• Revolutionary opening mechanism using finger ring and deployment curve for rapid blade deployment in emergency situations.

Deadbolt Lock

• Strength-focused locking system with steel pegs that interlock with the blade for extreme durability under heavy use.

Field Strip Technology

• No-tool disassembly system designed by Ken Onion, allowing complete knife disassembly for cleaning and maintenance in the field.

IKBS Bearing System

• Ikoma Korth Bearing System uses ball bearings in the pivot for smooth, fast blade deployment with minimal effort.

OutBurst Assisted Opening

• Spring-assisted opening mechanism provides rapid blade deployment while maintaining safety and reliability.

Custom Designer Collaboration

• Partnerships with renowned custom knifemakers worldwide bring innovative designs to production at affordable prices.

Best-Selling CRKT Knives

M16 Series

• Tactical folders designed by Kit Carson featuring the pioneering flipper deployment system that revolutionized the knife industry.

K.I.S.S. Series

• Minimalist two-piece design by Ed Halligan that put CRKT on the map with its simple yet effective construction.

Woods Chogan T-Hawk

• Outdoor camp axe that combines traditional tomahawk design with modern materials for camping and survival applications.

Pilar Series

• Compact pocket cleaver designed by Jesper Voxnaes, named after Ernest Hemingway's sailboat, offering unique cutting geometry.

Minimalist Series

• Compact fixed blade survival knives designed for everyday carry and emergency situations with lightweight construction.

Provoke Series

• Innovative karambit featuring the revolutionary Kinematic deployment system for rapid blade deployment.

Redemption Crossbar Lock

• Popular EDC folder combining reliable locking mechanism with practical blade geometry for daily utility tasks.

Folding Razel

• Utility folder featuring unique blade shape optimized for cutting and scraping tasks in professional applications.

Popular Uses for CRKT Knives

Everyday Carry (EDC)

• Daily utility tasks including package opening, general cutting, and emergency situations where a reliable blade is essential.

Tactical Applications

• Self-defense, law enforcement, and military use where rapid deployment and reliability under stress are critical.

Outdoor Activities

• Camping, hunting, fishing, and survival situations requiring durable cutting tools that perform in challenging environments.

Professional Use

• First responders, emergency services, and tradespeople who need reliable cutting tools for their daily work requirements.

Kitchen and Culinary

• Food preparation and cooking tasks where CRKT's kitchen knife line provides professional-grade cutting performance.

CRKT FAQs

QUESTION: What warranty does CRKT offer on their knives and tools?
ANSWER: CRKT provides a limited lifetime warranty on knives and tools for the original owner, covering defects in materials and workmanship.

QUESTION: Are CRKT knives good for everyday carry and EDC use?
ANSWER: Yes, CRKT offers numerous EDC-focused models like the Pilar and Minimalist series designed specifically for daily carry and utility tasks.

QUESTION: What is CRKT's Field Strip Technology and how does it work?
ANSWER: Field Strip Technology allows complete knife disassembly for cleaning and maintenance without tools, designed by Ken Onion for field use.

QUESTION: Where are CRKT knives manufactured and made?
ANSWER: CRKT designs and develops knives at their Oregon headquarters with manufacturing partnerships primarily in Taiwan and China.

QUESTION: What steel types does CRKT use in their knife blades?
ANSWER: CRKT uses proven steels including AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV, SK-5, and D2, optimized for specific applications and price points.

QUESTION: Does CRKT make tactical knives for law enforcement and military?
ANSWER: Yes, CRKT's mission "For Those Who Serve" includes tactical knives specifically designed for military, law enforcement, and first responders.

QUESTION: What is the CRKT M16 series and why is it popular?
ANSWER: The M16 series by Kit Carson features the first mass-produced flipper deployment system and remains one of CRKT's most popular tactical folders.

QUESTION: Can I get replacement parts for my CRKT knife?
ANSWER: CRKT offers free replacement parts for the life of ownership, with online ordering available through their website.

QUESTION: What is CRKT's Kinematic deployment system?
ANSWER: The Kinematic system is a revolutionary opening mechanism using a finger ring and deployment curve for rapid blade deployment.

QUESTION: Are CRKT knives suitable for hunting and outdoor activities?
ANSWER: Yes, CRKT offers outdoor and hunting knives designed for field dressing, skinning, camping, and general outdoor tasks.