CRKT has quietly added a slew of new for 2019 products to its website. More than ten fresh designs are on the way, including a brand new locking mechanism, bigger versions of some popular models, and three new Field Strip products.
Flavio Ikoma Debuts the Deadbolt
Flavio Ikoma, one of the two minds behind the IKBS bearings system that CRKT has implemented on numerous models, drew up the new Seismic for 2019. This large offering marks the CRKT production debut of the Deadbolt locking mechanism. When the knife is opened, two tabs lock into slots milled into the blade tang, providing a lightweight but rigid locking system. The Deadbolt is disengaged by pressing down on the oversized pivot itself, so the fingers are completely clear of the blade channel during closing.
Big Line Extensions for Existing Models
One of CRKT’s biggest 2017 successes was undoubtedly the Jesper Voxnaes-designed Pilar. Users went crazy for its quirky, utility-driven design and super affordable price tag. CRKT is expanding the Pilar line with the Pilar Large, which bumps the blade size up by about a fifth of an inch and adds in a flipper tab. CRKT also dished up a minor blade steel improvement from 8Cr13MoV to 8Cr14MoV, as well as a blacked out version with D2 blade steel. The Pilar Large retains the stainless steel frame lock of its little brother but can be had with either a stainless steel or G-10 show side scale.
The Jeff Park Crossbones is also getting a second size option with the awesomely-named Jumbones. CRKT dialed up the AUS-8 blade length from 3.5 inches on the original to a whopping 4.8 inches on the Jumbones. It appears that all other details, including the milled aluminum handle and IKBS flipper, are present and accounted for.
Finally, the Offbeat II is the new variation for 2017’s Offbeat, a slim EDC knife that features the Pat Crawford Lockback mechanism. It has a slightly longer blade length of 3.2 inches and FRN, instead of stainless steel, scales.
New Field Strip Models
Three new Field Strip models are joining the CRKT ranks next year. Ken Onion, inventor of the technology itself, is back with the Slacker, which aims to be slimmer and more EDC-friendly than his beefier Homefront model. Onion is also putting out the Helical, a non-Field Strip, tanto-bladed folder that can be had with either 8Cr13MoV or coated D2 blade steel.
Lucas Burnley and Russ Kommer are both making their Field Strip debut with the Prequeland the Monashee folders. The Prequel is a tinier folder with an interesting compound tanto blade, while the Monashee incorporates a sinuous drop point and a thoroughly finger grooved handle. All three knives’ construction is standard for the Field Strip line: FRN scales, liner locks, and simple blade steels (1.4116, 8Cr14MoV, and 8Cr13MoV for the Slacker, Prequel, and Monashee respectively).
The Lerches are Back with a Bevy of New Blades
Matthew and MJ Lerch have turned in a quartet of new collaborations for 2019. Matthew produced the Flat Out, Up & At ‘Em, and the Fast Lane, three folders that highlight the usability of narrow, streamlined blade shapes. MJ drew up the Hyperspeed, which has a technical, angular handle and, like the Fast Lane and Flat Out, an Outburst assisted opening mechanism.
Two New Ochs Worx Folders on the HorizonEric Ochs has contributed two more knives to the new catalog as well. The Avant echoes the unique blend of organic shapes and utilitarian flourishes that characterize his custom blades. It has a carbon fiber over G-10 handle, 3.1-inch 8Cr14MoV blade, and a liner lock. The Bev-Edge picks up on a popular design trend by embedding a bottle opener on the back side of the handle; the business end is a 2.5-inch cutting edge made from 8Cr13MoV.
