CRKT Crawford-Kasper Folder
The CK folder was the brainchild of Bob Kasper, a well-known self-defense instructor and Pat Crawford- one of the custom knife industry’s most famous knife makers. The design was licensed by Columbia River Knife and Tool, now a top producer of off-shore made production knives.
From the
manufacturer’s website:
Specs:
Crawford/Kasper™ Black
6783K:
Combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-
Point™ Serrated Cutting Edge
Blade: Length: 3.75” (9.5 cm)
Thickness: 0.16” (0.40 cm)
Steel: 420J2,
54-56 HRC < Current
Closed: Handle length: 5.375” (13.7 cm)
Open: Overall length: 9.25” (23.5 cm)
Weight: 7.4 oz. (210 g)
First off- I wanted to do this review because this knife design is nearly legendary. I need to point out right up front that if you’re interested in the knives I’ve reviewed, you need to get them soon. CRKT has re-tooled the knife and made it with what I consider am inferior steel, but you can still get AUS6M and AUS8 steel versions from online and local retailers. The knife was popular enough and ubiquitous enough that if you look you’ll find them. Last years’ models included the standard version, with AUS6m blade steel and Zytel over 420J2 Liners, and the “Professional” version with AUS8 blade steel mounted in textured aluminum handles.
First looks:
This knife is quite a large one. Oversized is still rather generous. The first thing that might strike you is the weight. I find anything over 6oz annoying. Upon opening it though, the first thing you notice is how smooth it opens- the blade balance and friction level are just right. The next thing to really take your attention is the strength of the lock up. It takes some good engineering to make sure the lock-up is solid, and it is here. I was impressed all the more because the lock spring is quite thick, yet is easy to depress when unlocking (as opposed to being too stiff). The handle is large and broad- over an inch across at its smallest point and wider where the various indexing points flare out. This broad flat shape is very conducive to retaining control for the knife. It gives you more leverage on the blade to resist turning in the hand. The knife has a pronounced finger choil, thumb ramp, small sub-hilt for control, and a “pinky catch.” The back of the handle has an aluminum back spacer for added stability. You might right away notice the little knob or switch on the blade spine- We’ll come to that later.
Ergonomics:
The knife is quite comfortable in my large-sized hands. The choil and sub-hilt not only act as index points, but as anchor points for really rough CQB work. The “pinky catch” is especially useful- it not only helps you retain the knife, but allows you to “choke up” on the handle if you need some extra length. See below. You’ll note the knife, when held “level,” has a downward sweep. This gives the knife a certain amount of utility. The back of the handle is curved to fit your palm in a saber grip; the front of the knife curves up to a thumb ramp with friction groves. The choil has friction grooves for a better purchase there as well. This knife was comfortable for me in standard and reverse grips; those with much smaller hands would do well to consider these knives’ smaller brothers- with 3” instead of four.
Testing and
Evaluation:
I’ve had several of the C-K folders for a number of years. I really liked the design. It’s a hard-core low-cost folder that’s built like a tank. The knife overall is pretty heavy (the pro version is quite a bit lighter). I found the solid blades cut well into softer material, but didn’t do so well carving into harder things like wood. The Zytel version of the knife was actually able to chop its way through some hardwood oak, which might be useful. The lighter weight of the pro didn’t lend itself to chopping much. Both knives had no trouble with cardboard, leather, and foodstuffs, but I had a lot of difficulty with a few things: Both knives seemed too fat to easily cut common garden hose, for example. And both knives had a tough time with synthetic rope. Where I could bend the hose or rope around the knife, it could do the job, but these knives needed a lot of force to do a press cut. The serrated pro did a better job in a few instances.
History:
The CK was designed from the ground up to be a heavy duty fighting knife. The blade is big and beefy, the handles wide and over built. The knife itself is quite heavy. Bob Kasper is a well-known and respected knife instructor; this knife was the result of his collaboration with Pat Crawford, a huge name in the custom knife industry. Together they built the custom version of this knife, which CRKT picked up a few years ago as a mainstay of their line. The C-K folders are on their way out, however, so get one while you still can.
L.A.W.K.S.
The
Notes/Recommendations:
The CRKT C-K folder does not come with multi position clip, its only set up for right handed tip-down carry. The knife carries low in the pocket, but leaves enough to grip when you need it. I don’t think the knife excels in everyday utility; it’s a combat knife that can do some other duties.
I thought this knife was great, and I’d recommend it to anyone who needs a no-nonsense, bet your life on it knife that won’t cost and arm and a leg. If the weight is within your limits, if you’ll actually carry it, it’s a great emergency knife. I’ve donated one to a friend going to Iraq. I’d tell anyone that the knife is combat ready, without being so expensive you couldn’t leave it behind if you had to.
