CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) is one of the best-known makers of affordable folding knives, working with independent designers to bring custom-style designs to a wide audience. This guide explains who makes CRKT knives, where they are made, which steels and locks they use, the popular CRKT lines such as the M16, Pilar and Squid, how to choose one, and what to consider if you want a custom or branded knife instead.
Who Makes CRKT Knives?
CRKT is an American knife company based in Oregon, founded in 1994. It designs and sells knives, and it partners with independent knife designers, so many CRKT knives carry a designer's name. CRKT sells through knife shops and online, and its range covers pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, multi-tools and Ruger-licensed knives.
Where Are CRKT Knives Made?
Some CRKT knives are made in the USA, but many are made in other countries, such as China and Taiwan. This is how CRKT keeps many models affordable. The country of manufacture differs by model, so check the product page or the knife itself before you buy if it matters to you.
CRKT Blade Steels
- 8Cr13MoV. A budget stainless steel from China. It takes an edge easily and resists rust, but does not hold an edge as long as premium steels.
- AUS-8. A Japanese stainless steel, a step up from 8Cr13MoV in toughness and edge holding.
- D2. A tool steel that holds an edge well but can stain if left wet.
- 12C27 and 1.4116. Swedish and German stainless steels that are easy to sharpen and resist corrosion.
The steel changes from model to model, so check the specs for the exact knife.
Locks and Opening Systems
- Frame lock. A part of the handle itself locks the blade open, which is strong and simple.
- Liner lock. A metal liner inside the handle moves behind the blade.
- Carson Flipper. A flipper on the spine of the blade that opens the knife with one finger. It was designed by Kit Carson for the CRKT M16 series.
- Thumb stud. A small stud on the blade that you push with your thumb to open it.
- Lock safety. Some models, including some in the M16 and M21 series, add an extra safety that holds the lock in place.
Popular CRKT Knife Lines
- M16 series. A long-running family of folding knives designed by Kit Carson, with the Carson Flipper. They come in several sizes, blade shapes (plain and partly serrated) and handle materials. They are a good choice for a larger everyday carry or work knife.
- Pilar. A compact pocket knife designed by Jesper Voxnaes, made in more than one size. It is small enough to carry daily and suits an office or light everyday use.
- Squid. A small, simple folding knife for everyday tasks such as opening mail and parcels.
- Provoke. A folding knife designed by Joe Caswell, known for a kinematic opening system that transforms the knife from folded to a hand-filling shape.
- Minimalist. A small fixed-blade neck knife designed by Alan Folts.
- Ruger knives. Knives made by CRKT under licence from the firearms brand Ruger.
CRKT adds, changes and drops models every year, so check CRKT's own page for what is currently on sale and for the exact specs.
How to Choose a CRKT Knife
- Use. Choose a compact knife for everyday carry and a larger one for outdoor and work use.
- Blade length and the law. Check the maximum blade length you may carry where you live. Many cities and states have limits.
- Steel. 8Cr13MoV is fine for light use. Choose AUS-8 or D2 for a bit more edge retention.
- Lock and opening. A frame lock with a flipper is easy to use one-handed. A thumb stud is slower but simpler.
- Handle. G10 and glass-reinforced nylon give a good grip when wet. Stainless steel handles are strong but heavier.
- Origin. Check where the model is made if that is important to you.
- Price. CRKT is known for value, with many models at the budget end of the market.
CRKT vs Other Pocket Knife Brands
CRKT sits in the affordable middle of the market. It is not a premium maker such as Chris Reeve or Benchmade's higher-end lines, but it often costs less and offers interesting designs. If you want a premium steel and hand finishing, look at higher-end brands. If you want a good-value everyday knife, CRKT is a sensible choice.
Custom and Branded Pocket Knives
If you run a shop or a brand, or you want gift knives with your own logo, you can order knives to your own design instead of a stock brand. Makers in our network in Wazirabad, a Punjab city known for cutlery, make handmade knives to order, with a choice of steel, handle and engraving, and some also produce folding and pocket knives. Check that the style you want is legal to import and sell in your market, and approve a sample before the full order.
- Custom knife manufacturer: your design, logo and handle
- Damascus knives wholesale guide, including pocket and folding knives
- Gentleman's knife guide
- Japanese pocket knives guide
Conclusion
CRKT knives are good-value folding knives from an American company, with designs from independent makers and a wide range from compact to full-size. Choose the line that fits how you will use it, check the steel, lock and where it is made, and look at the law on blade length where you live. If you want your own design or a branded knife, ordering custom knives from the makers is the next step.