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Columbia River Knife & Tool
Columbia River Knife & Tool
from Wikipedia

Columbia River Knife & Tool, Inc. (CRKT) is an American knife company established in 1994, and currently based in Tualatin, Oregon, United States. The company's president and sales executive is Rod Bremer and the finance executive is Peggy Bremer.[1]

Key Information

History

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CRKT was founded in 1994 by Paul Gillespi and Rod Bremer. Both individuals were formerly employed with Kershaw Knives. The company did not truly take off until the 1997 Shot Show when the K.I.S.S (Keep It Super Simple) knife was introduced. The small folder, designed by Ed Halligan, was a success. Within the opening days of the show the years worth of the product was sold out. They sold at 4-5 times original production numbers resulting in a tripling of production efforts.

On October 3, 2000, US Customs seized a shipment of 80,000 Chinese CRKT folding knives worth more than $4.3 million. All 50 models seized had always passed every Customs test in prior situations. The shipment had cleared Customs on September 29 but on October 3 an inspector decided that the knives acted like switchblades despite the fact that none of them fit within the definition set forth by the U.S. Switch Blade Knife Act of 1958. On October 17 a letter was co-signed by Oregon U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley and Senator Gordon Smith that petitioned the head of Customs to aid CRKT. Because of their action there was a Federal inquiry of the US Customs actions that had to be answered within thirty days. On October 20 the company was once again allowed to move their product. However this was not before losing over $1 million in sales and spending over $30,000 on legal fees.[2]

Products

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CRKT Carson Design M16-12
CRKT M16-14LE (up) and CRKT M16-10K (down)

The company produces a wide range of fixed blades and folding knives, multi-tools, sharpeners, and carrying systems. CRKT has collaborated with custom knifemakers such as Ken Onion, Harold "Kit" Carson, Allen Elishewitz, Pat Crawford, Liong Mah, Steven James, Greg Lightfoot, Michael Walker, Ron Lake, Tom Veff, Steve Ryan, Flavio Ikoma, and the Graham Brothers.

One of the company's most famous products is the M16 folding knife, which comes in a number of variations. The M16-13 Military, or M16-13M, is considered a very effective and rugged combat knife. It was developed by Harold "Kit" Carson, a former U.S. Army Sergeant Major. The M16-13M carries the special logo "1*" or "one asterisk," intended to invoke the phrase "one ass to risk." The M16 is equipped with a liner lock and an additional safety system to prevent inadvertent closing. Another notable M16 variation is the larger M16-14D, nicknamed the "Desert Big Dog." The M16-14T is a titanium framed version of the M16-14D.[3]

Patents

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CRKT owns fifteen patents and patents pending. These include the Outburst assist opening mechanism, Lock Back Safety (L.B.S.) mechanism, Veff-Serrated edges, and the Deadbolt Lock.

The Outburst is the company's proprietary mechanism for their assisted-opening knives. These knives are standard pivot joint liner lock or frame lock folding knife. Inside the knife there is a spring tab that catches the tang of the blade as it is manually opened. Once the blade reaches thirty degrees the spring takes over and quickly snaps the knife open.[4]

The Lock Back Safety mechanism, also invented by Ron Lake, is similar in function to the LAWKS mechanism. It is a lockback folder with a switch that can prevent the locking bar from being depressed. Inside the handle there is a small rod with a flange near the butt of the handle. The other end is connected to a switch near the pivot end. When the switch is pulled back (away from the pivot) the lock functions as a regular lockback. When the switch is closed the flange on the rod slides under tip of the locking bar at the butt end. This prevents the depression of the bar and the blade from unlocking. When the knife is closed the system functions the same way to lock it closed or allow it to open.[5]

Veff-Serrations were developed by Tom Veff, a sharpener and knife maker, and are exclusively licensed to CRKT for production. The Veff-Serrations differ from standard ones in that they are large and set at an angle of 60 degrees whereas most serrations are small and arranged 90 degrees from the cutting surface.[6]

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) is an American manufacturer of folding knives, fixed blades, and multi-tools founded in April 1994 by Rod Bremer in . The company emphasizes innovation through collaborations with custom knifemakers, producing purpose-built tools that prioritize functionality, self-sufficiency, and accessibility for and tactical applications.
CRKT has distinguished itself with patented mechanisms that enhance deployment speed, durability, and maintenance ease, including Ken Onion's assisted-opening system, the tool-free takedown for cleaning, the Deadbolt lock for secure blade retention, and the Kinematic opening featured in the Provoke design. Over three decades, these advancements have positioned CRKT as a leader in translating custom knife designs into mass-produced models without compromising performance, earning acclaim for value-driven products in the knife industry.

History

Founding and Early Years (1994–2000)

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) was established in April 1994 in , by Rod Bremer and Paul Gillespie, both former employees of where Bremer had served as a sales manager. The founders sought to create an American knife brand centered on innovation, integrity, and practical tools for field use, distinguishing it from competitors through a commitment to quality production rather than mass-market generics. This vision emphasized self-sufficiency and reliability, drawing from the Pacific Northwest's outdoor heritage symbolized by the namesake. From the outset, CRKT pioneered a custom-to-production model, collaborating with renowned knifemakers to adapt bespoke designs for accessible manufacturing without compromising durability or performance. The company's first such partnership was with Jim Hammond in 1994, whose folder designs established new benchmarks for production knife construction, including robust liners and precise fit. Additional early collaborations included Russ Kommer and Michael Walker, enabling CRKT to introduce knives that bridged custom craftsmanship with everyday utility. Manufacturing initially relied on overseas partners to scale designs efficiently while keeping costs viable for broader markets. Key milestones in the period included the 1997 launch of the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) folding knife, designed by Ed Halligan as a minimalist two-piece frame-lock model that prioritized simplicity and strength, marking CRKT's first major commercial breakthrough. By 1999, the M16 series debuted, featuring Kit Carson's innovative "Flipper" tab for rapid blade deployment, which enhanced user accessibility and set precedents for assisted-opening mechanisms in production folders. These developments during the late helped CRKT gain traction in the knife industry, though initial growth was gradual as the company refined its lineup amid a competitive landscape dominated by established brands.

Expansion and Milestones (2001–2015)

CRKT continued to grow its portfolio in the early 2000s by forging partnerships with established custom knifemakers, transitioning their bespoke designs into affordable production models. Collaborations expanded to include designers such as Jim Hammond, Russ Kommer, and Michael Walker, whose mechanism CRKT helped popularize in mass-market folders. This approach allowed the company to differentiate its offerings in a competitive market dominated by imported blades, emphasizing functional innovations over mass . A pivotal development occurred with the introduction of the patented OutBurst® assisted opening system, which utilized a torsion bar spring to propel the blade open after initial manual deployment. Debuting in models like the 2006 MyTighe folder by Bill Harsey Jr. and Javier Garcia, this technology earned the Blade Magazine Imported Knife of the Year award, signaling CRKT's edge in user-friendly deployment mechanisms. The system's reliability contributed to broader adoption among tactical users, with subsequent integrations in lines like the M4 series enhancing one-handed operation without violating restrictions. The M16® series, originated by , solidified CRKT's tactical credentials during this era, as thousands of units were fielded by U.S. military personnel in and conflicts. Variants evolved with frame locks, LAWKS safety enhancements, and diverse handle materials, driving sustained demand and establishing the model as a benchmark for lightweight, corrosion-resistant combat folders. By 2010, CRKT initiated a significant partnership with Hall of Fame knifemaker , yielding assisted-opening designs that leveraged his SpeedSafe-inspired ergonomics adapted to CRKT's OutBurst platform. Releases such as the 2014 Hi Jinx folder exemplified this synergy, featuring ergonomic handles and robust construction for everyday and professional carry. These efforts marked steady expansion in product diversity and , positioning CRKT as a leader in collaborative innovation through 2015.

Recent Developments (2016–Present)

In 2023, CRKT established a manufacturing with Hogue Knives to produce select models , marking an expansion into domestic production for higher-end designs such as the Ken Onion Redemption folder, which features a CPM MagnaCut steel blade and weighs 4.9 ounces. This collaboration leveraged Hogue's expertise in ergonomic grips and precision machining to enhance CRKT's offerings with American-made quality, focusing on task-specific tools for and tactical use. The company commemorated its 30th anniversary in 2024 by highlighting its legacy of designer collaborations and introducing limited-edition pieces that revisited iconic models, while continuing to emphasize proprietary technologies like the Deadbolt lock and Kinematic deployment systems refined in recent years. These efforts underscored CRKT's commitment to iterative improvements in blade steels, handle materials, and deployment mechanisms, with annual releases incorporating feedback from military and outdoor users. In 2025, CRKT released its largest product assortment to date, including its first out-the-front automatic knife, expansions of the M16 series with crossbar locks, and collaborations such as the Twist Tighe Compact produced with Hogue. New fixed-blade options like the HangTi and folder variants in the button-lock series featured updated blade geometries, including historical shapes with over 500 years of for enhanced cutting performance, alongside options in premium steels and customizable colors. This lineup, comprising over 50 SKUs, prioritized versatility for EDC, tactical, and outdoor applications, with several models manufactured in the U.S. to meet demand for domestically produced .

Products

Folding Knives

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) specializes in folding knives that integrate innovative deployment mechanisms and locking systems, often developed through collaborations with independent designers. These knives typically feature high-carbon blades, such as AUS-8A or D2, paired with ergonomic handles made from materials like G10, aluminum, or frames. The company's assisted-opening models employ proprietary technologies to enhance one-handed deployment while complying with legal restrictions on automatic knives in many jurisdictions. The M16 series, designed by , represents a of CRKT's folding knife offerings, first introduced in 1998 with a pioneering flipper tab for rapid blade access. Subsequent iterations incorporate the IKBS (IK Ball Bearing System) for frictionless pivot action and the L.B.S. (Locking Liner Safety) mechanism, which adds a secondary pin to prevent accidental disengagement of the liner lock during closure. Blades in the M16 line often include Veff Serrations, a patented triple-point grind developed for superior cutting performance on fibrous materials like rope and seatbelts. Models vary in size from 3-inch to 4-inch blades, with handle options supporting tactical or applications. CRKT's OutBurst assisted-opening system, utilizing dual torsion springs, propels the to full extension after manual initiation, featured in series like the MyTi and various Carson designs. More recent innovations include the Deadbolt lock, a rigid plunger-style mechanism for secure blade retention under high stress, integrated into 2022 models for enhanced safety and strength. The Provoke series, launched circa , employs the Kinematic crossbar drive for unconventional opening via a finger hole in the spine, using D2 for edge retention in compact folders. Additional lines, such as the Pilar IV introduced in 2023, emphasize minimalist designs with D2 blades and IKBS for versatile . Proprietary features like the Klecker Lock in the Nirk Tighe 2 provide ambidextrous frame lock engagement without traditional thumb studs. CRKT folding knives prioritize functionality through empirical testing of mechanisms for reliability, with materials selected for corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. Designer partnerships, including with Brian Tighe and Luke Lambert, drive model diversity, resulting in over 100 variants across tactical, EDC, and specialized categories as of 2023.

Fixed-Blade Knives

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) fixed-blade knives prioritize structural integrity and reliability, lacking the moving parts found in folding designs, which makes them suitable for high-stress applications such as outdoor , tactical operations, and everyday utility tasks. These knives often incorporate premium steels like high-carbon stainless or D2 for edge retention and , paired with ergonomic full-tang constructions and included sheaths for versatile carry options including neck, pocket, or belt mounting. The Minimalist series, designed by Alan Folts and introduced as compact (EDC) tools, features lightweight, full-tang blades in styles such as , bowie, and spear point, typically measuring 1.95 to 2.13 inches in length with bead-blasted high-carbon finishes to minimize glare and facilitate sharpening. Handles utilize tough materials like G10 or for grip security, enabling precise control in confined spaces despite the knives' small overall length of around 5 inches and weights under 2 ounces; models include secure molded sheaths for or clip attachment. CRKT's Razel line, originating from designer Jon Graham's concepts blending and geometries, equips users with multi-functional fixed blades for prying, scraping, and cutting in workshop or field environments, featuring 3-inch D2 satin-finished blades with extended tangs for leverage. Handles of black-and-red resin-infused fiber or G10 provide robust , while sheaths with integrated clips support pocket carry; overall lengths approximate 6.75 inches, emphasizing the design's hybrid utility over traditional forms. Additional models expand the range for specialized needs, such as the S.P.E.W. (Small Everyday Wharncliffe) with its G10-handled wharncliffe for detail work, the Siwi employing SK5 with coating for corrosion resistance on its 3.34-inch (overall 7.44 inches, 5.6 ounces), and the one-piece HangTi for ultralight neck EDC. Tactical options like the dual-edged Sting boot knife in hot-forged steel and the USA-made survival by Kaila Cumings further diversify applications, often with or nylon sheaths.

Tools and Multi-Tools

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) offers a select lineup of compact tools and multi-tools, distinct from its primary focus on knives, emphasizing innovative, lightweight designs for (EDC), emergency situations, and outdoor activities rather than comprehensive plier-based systems. These products, often developed under the I.D. Works imprint launched in 2008, prioritize artistic form, functionality, and portability, incorporating features like carabiners for attachment and non-traditional configurations to address specific user needs such as strap cutting or basic repairs. The Eat'N Tool exemplifies CRKT's approach to minimalist multi-functionality, serving as a for eating with integrated utilities including a bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, and hex es in 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm sizes, all forged from durable 3Cr13 weighing just 1.5 ounces (42.5 grams). An XL variant expands capabilities with added , pry tool, and additional wrench sizes (up to 1/2 inch), targeting campers and hikers for reduced pack weight and fixes. A titanium edition further lightens the design to 0.7 ounces while retaining core functions. The K.E.R.T. (Keyring Emergency Rescue Tool), designed by Ray Kirk, provides a keychain-compatible solution for urgent scenarios, featuring a hooked strap cutter for or fibrous materials, alongside a , oxygen tank valve opener, bottle opener, and 1/4-inch hex bit driver, encased in a form-fitted vinyl sheath for safe carry. This tool addresses first-responder and EDC needs without incorporating blades, measuring compactly for unobtrusive attachment. Additional offerings include the Guppie, a versatile tool with multi-fit wrenches, screwdrivers, and bottle opener functions, and the Exitool Compact for prying and extraction tasks, reflecting CRKT's emphasis on specialized, non-knife utilities manufactured primarily in for affordability and precision. These items, while not as expansive as competitors' catalogs, integrate seamlessly with CRKT's EDC philosophy, often featuring construction and ergonomic grips for reliability in practical applications.

Innovations and Technologies

Key Design Collaborations

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) distinguishes itself through extensive partnerships with custom knifemakers, translating bespoke designs into mass-produced tools while preserving artistic and functional integrity. This designer-driven model, central since the company's founding, involves over 50 collaborators and a 15-month development cycle emphasizing prototype refinement and factory adaptation. Jim Hammond initiated CRKT's collaboration era in 1994 as the first knifemaker to partner with the brand, producing folding knives that elevated production standards with robust construction and innovative ergonomics, such as the assisted-opening model. Kit Carson's designs, starting with the M16 series released in 1999, popularized the "Flipper" deployment tab for intuitive one-handed opening, becoming the first production to feature this mechanism on a wide scale and influencing tactical EDC trends. Ken Onion's long-term collaboration integrated his patented SpeedSafe assisted-opening system—developed in 1996—into CRKT offerings, yielding ergonomic folders like the Hi Jinx (2014), Facet series, and Redemption, which draw on frontier motifs for enhanced grip and deployment speed. Additional key partnerships include ' CEO series, known for slim, executive-style folders since the 2010s, and Flavio Ikoma's contributions to advanced locks like the Deadbolt in the Seismic knife, enabling reliable high-torque performance. These alliances expand access to custom-grade features, as Ikoma noted that without CRKT, his limited custom output would preclude widespread availability.

Patents and Proprietary Features

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) holds multiple patents on folding knife mechanisms and safety features, assigned to its parent entity GB II Corporation. Notable among these is the OutBurst® assisted opening system, which deploys the blade rapidly after an initial manual nudge of approximately 30 degrees, enhancing user accessibility and speed. This proprietary technology is integrated into various CRKT folding knives to facilitate quick deployment while complying with legal restrictions on fully automatic knives. Another key innovation is the Lock Back Safety (L.B.S.) mechanism, developed by designer Ron Lake, which adds a secondary safety to traditional lockback folders. The L.B.S. secures the in both open and closed positions via a sliding safety that prevents unintended movement, addressing potential risks in high-stress scenarios. Patented for enhanced reliability, it represents an evolution of lockback designs to incorporate elements without compromising one-handed operation. CRKT licenses the patented Veff™ Serrations, a design by sharpener Tom Veff protected under U.S. USD559939S1. These serrations feature a unique that provides superior cutting performance on fibrous materials like and netting compared to conventional triple-point serrations, while maintaining ease of sharpening. The pattern's effectiveness stems from optimized tooth spacing and angles, reducing binding and improving edge retention in practical applications. Additional proprietary features include the AutoLAWKS™ safety system, an automated variant of the LAWKS (Lake and Walker Safety) lock, which converts a into a virtual walk-and-talk lock for added security during use. CRKT's portfolio also encompasses folding locking linkages and safety mechanisms, such as those detailed in U.S. US6941661B2 for improved retention. These innovations underscore CRKT's focus on balancing functionality, safety, and manufacturability in and tactical tools.

Manufacturing and Operations

Production Processes

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) conducts initial design and prototyping at its headquarters in , collaborating with external designers to refine custom concepts into viable production models over several months. This phase emphasizes innovation, such as adapting flipper deployments and kinematic mechanisms, while ensuring manufacturability and adherence to the original design intent. Manufacturing for the majority of CRKT products occurs at partner facilities primarily in and , with occasional production in or . These operations employ automated techniques including precision stamping, , CNC machining, and injection molding to achieve consistent profiles, contours, and component weights with minimal variation. Blades are fitted to handles during assembly to optimize fit and function, supporting features like tool-free disassembly in select models. A small subset of knives, particularly automatics, undergoes complete design, assembly, and final production in the United States to meet domestic standards. Quality assurance integrates inspections at overseas partners and CRKT's Oregon facility, focusing on material integrity and defect detection, with warranties covering identified manufacturing flaws. This hybrid model—domestic innovation paired with global scale—enables efficient production of diverse knife lines while prioritizing reliability for end-user applications.

Materials Sourcing and Quality Control

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) primarily manufactures its products in and , with a smaller portion of USA-made knives involving domestic design, assembly, and final production. This overseas production implies that and materials are sourced through global supply chains, often aligned with Asian hubs, though specific supplier details are not publicly disclosed by the company. CRKT employs a diverse array of blade steels, including budget-oriented options like 8Cr13MoV and AUS-8, semi-premium varieties such as D2 and 12C27, and higher-end alloys like CPM S35VN, selected for properties including edge retention, resistance, and . Handle materials commonly include G10 composite, stainless steel frames, and , chosen for durability and ergonomics in applications. Premium steels like 12C27 originate from established producers such as the Swedish firm , while more economical steels are typically supplied via international markets. Quality control at CRKT emphasizes the use of high-grade materials and multi-stage inspection processes to minimize manufacturing defects, which the company describes as rare. A lifetime warranty covers workmanship issues, including material flaws, underscoring confidence in production standards. In response to earlier criticisms, CRKT announced in 2016 an initiative to enhance its quality assurance protocols across all products. However, user reports from knife enthusiast communities have highlighted inconsistencies, such as uneven fit and finish or liner lock failures in models like the M16 series and field-strip designs, potentially attributable to variability in overseas facilities. These anecdotes suggest that while official processes aim for reliability, practical outcomes can vary, prompting some consumers to favor premium USA-made variants for perceived superior oversight.

Reception and Impact

Achievements and Industry Contributions

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has advanced the knife industry by pioneering the custom-to-production paradigm, collaborating with custom knifemakers to scale innovative designs for mass accessibility while maintaining quality standards. Founded in , CRKT was among the early adopters of this model, which facilitated the transition of concepts from limited runs to reliable, affordable production knives, thereby shaping modern manufacturing practices and broadening the appeal of tactical and (EDC) blades. Key technological contributions include the Field Strip mechanism, an award-winning innovation co-developed with designer Ken Onion that enables tool-free disassembly for cleaning and maintenance, setting a benchmark for practical folding knife durability. The Deadbolt lock provides superior strength against rotational forces, while the Kinematic deployment in the Provoke series offers rapid, intuitive blade access through a novel pivoting mechanism, influencing subsequent advancements in assisted-opening systems. CRKT holds multiple patents on folding knife components, such as liner locks and handle assemblies, enhancing safety and ergonomics across product lines. Individual CRKT products have garnered industry recognition, with the Klecker NIRK earning a 2006 design award, Blade Magazine's Best American Design in 2008, and accolades from and for gear innovation. Collaborations with hall-of-fame inductees like , enshrined in the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2012, have amplified CRKT's impact by producing enduring series such as the M16, which emphasize robust construction and versatility, contributing to evolving EDC standards.

Criticisms and Challenges

CRKT has faced recurring criticisms from knife enthusiasts regarding inconsistencies, particularly in fit and finish, with users reporting issues such as uneven centering, loose pivots, and defects in models like the M series EDC knives. These problems have been attributed to overseas production, leading to variability compared to higher-end competitors, though the company has shown improvements over time. Specific models, such as the HVAS knife, were discontinued in 2023 following documented quality failures observed in user testing. Safety concerns have been raised about certain locking mechanisms, including reports of failures in folding knives, even when equipped with CRKT's LAWKS (Lake and Walker Knife Safety) system, which the company markets as enhancing reliability to "virtual " levels—a claim debated among users for potentially overstating performance. Enthusiasts on forums advise against CRKT s due to observed slippage risks in demanding use, prompting recommendations for frame or back locks instead. Additionally, specialized tools like the river have drawn complaints for reliability failures in wet environments, such as rusting when left sheathed during drying. In 2015, CRKT encountered legal challenges when Cold Steel filed a alleging , specifically claiming that CRKT misrepresented the strength and durability of its knives in marketing materials, such as assertions of superior toughness without substantiating evidence. The suit highlighted competitive tensions in the industry over performance claims, though outcomes focused on marketing practices rather than product defects. Broader critiques note CRKT's use of budget steels like 8Cr13MoV or 12C27 in mid-priced models ($80–100 range), which some view as mismatched with designer collaborations and aesthetics, prioritizing affordability over premium edge retention. Despite these issues, CRKT maintains for claims, addressing many user-reported defects through repairs or replacements.

References

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