Columbia River Knife and Tool | The Edge Observer Archive

CRKT

CRKT Kangee and Chogan Tomahawks

Published: February 7th, 2013 by The Edge Observer 2

The Kangee and Chogan mark CRKT’s entry into the tactical tomahawk market. To design this product they teamed up with Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical. Johnson is well known for both his historical and modern tomahawk designs which are sought after by collectors and military personnel alike. Although carrying similarities to RMJ hawks, these two models are unique to the CRKT line.

Both T-Hawks are built around a tough .23″ full tang. This is clad in a pair of glass reinforced nylon scales that are fastened with standard phillips head bolts for easy maintenance. A heavy relief has been machined into the mold faces resulting in an aggressive texture. The scales have a good amount of volume that fills the hand nicely. Unlike the majority of traditional tomahawk designs they have a contoured profile rather than a straight one. An over-all arc on the back edge nests in the palm while the inner edge has three distinct scallops that add security along the handles length. This gives the user some added grip along with feedback on hand placement. The hawks can be comfortably manipulated choked up under the head for finer tasks or at the back for chopping leverage and reach. At equal intervals there are two holes drilled through handle as well as three holes in the knob (handle’s end) that provide lashing and lanyard options. The exposed tang is also suitable as an impact tool. Overall the grip is secure and comfortable and the EDM (Electical Discharge Machining) texture on the scales does a good job of adding traction to the otherwise slick scale material.

The difference between the models comes at the heads. The Kangee seems to be much more of a purpose built design with its cutting edge traveling from beneath the heel and all the way to the tip of the poll-spike, including the entire top side. This unique grind makes the Kangee capable of cutting strikes from multiple angles. The spike on the end has a tanto-like grind and swedge that will easily pass through tough materials with little effort.

The Chogan has a similar under-heel grind but has a partially sharpened top edge that terminates at the start of the primary bevel. The poll on this hawk is flat providing a versatile hammer-like function. Each heel grind and the Chogan’s top grind have swedges that provide a sharp corner that aids in a back-cut. When pulling the head of the hawks out of thinner materials after a strike, the heel edge geometry has a can-opener like effect. Both main blades have a flat grind, the Chogans being slightly shallower than the Kangee’s. Made from SK5 carbon steel and hardened between 54-55 Rockwell, the blades will be tough and easy to maintain in the field. A coarse black powder coat adds a dense corrosion resistant barrier and low-glare matte finish.

For carry the hawks come with a well made Kydex scabbard. These have a great bottom-eject design that allows quick drawing in a natural, ready to go position. Retention is excellent without being excessive. Easily stowed and with a positive click, there is a nylon strap and buckle for security. At the top of the sheath there are multiple slots that correspond with the MOLLE platform for standardized attachment options. The kydex has been assembled with eyelets that also offer other lashing possibilities.

CRKT couldn’t have partnered with a more experienced, tasteful designer for these versatile tools. At an MSRP of 185.00 US (street price around 140 US) they are currently one of the most affordable full tang hawks. Aside from the competitive pricing, a generous amount of materials give these an excellent value for your money spent. With the sum of these parts, the CRKT Kangee and Chogan tomahawks will likely find their way into many professionals kits as well as in the collections of fans of these time tested tools.

If you are thinking of purchasing the Kangee or Chogan please consider our affiliate sponsor BladeHQ.

Specs

Chogan

Overall Length 14 inches
Weight 1 lb. 8.6 ounces

Blade

Length 2.93 inches
Thickness 0.23 inches
Material SK5 Carbon Steel
HRC 54-55
Finish Black Powder Coat
Grind Flat

Kangee

Overall Length 13.75 inches
Weight 1 lb. 8.4 ounces

Blade

Length 2.93 inches
Thickness 0.23 inches
Material SK5 Carbon Steel
HRC 54-55
Finish Black Powder Coat
Grind Flat

Handles

Full Tang
Material Glass Filled Nylon
EDM Finish

Sheaths

MOLLE Compatible Black Kydex
Weight 3.6 ounces

Made in Taiwan

CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken

Published: December 1st, 2012 by The Edge Observer 30

The CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken (Silent Sword) was designed per a request from SOCOM for a large, thin combat folder that was easy to carry and conceal. The design is a collaboration between CRKT and James Williams. Williams, has designed many tools for Columbia River Knife and Tool, all which draw heavily on traditional Japanese blade design married with modern features, materials and technology. The majority of his offerings are informed by his martial arts training and work as an instructor teaching military and LE personnel.

The Otanashi Noh Ken is very much an extension of the Williams’ designed line for CRKT and fills a niche that other models in the series do not. More specifically the knife has a greater size than the other folders, along with features and a form factor to improve conceal-ability.

The 4.56″ x .157″ thick blade on the Otanashi Noh Ken is a tanto that is optimized for penetrating cuts. This is further augmented by a thin profile, slightly upswept point and swedged spine. Its geometry is essentially an Osoraku-zukuri style blade. This shape was made famous during the 16th century being favored by the powerful feudal ruler (diamyo) Takeda Shingen. The profile is defined by the tip (kissaki) making up approximately 2/3rds of the blade.

The blade steel used here is AUS 8 that is hardened between 58-59 Rockwell. AUS 8 is considered a mid-range grade steel that offers a great working edge and easy maintenance. The blade has a matte black finish that reduces glare and gives the knife a modern, aggressive appearance.

The handle on the knife is large yet very thin, designed with concealment in mind. On one side the handle has heavily textured G10 that provides an excellent grip. Additional traction comes from three deeply milled slots that also add a nice, subtle design detail. The opposite side is a stainless slab that includes the frame-lock and a unique variation on the LAWKS safety mechanism. Normally LAWKS is on the inner edge of the frame however this version is on the outside and doubles as a lock-bar over-travel stop. Lock-up is very solid and without play or rock in any direction. For carry there is a low riding, left or right handed tip up pocket clip. This, coupled with the handle thinness, does an excellent job keeping the knife comfortably out of sight.

If you are looking to buy the Otanashi Noh Ken, please consider our affiliate BladeHQ.

Over-all the Otanashi Noh Ken is an excellent offering from CRKT’s line targeted toward professional use. The blade design coupled with a quick, easy deployment and strong lock make for a formidable tool. In many ways this folder is the best yet from this line, providing excellent build quality and function in a desirable, aesthetic package. People who love big folders will easily find a home for this knife along with professionals and collectors of combat/utility style knives. CRKT has done an exceptional job keeping the Williams design style apparent while making improvements and adding something unique to the line-up.

Available at BladeHQ

Specs

Overall length: 10.13 in (257 mm)
Closed: Length: 4.57 in (116 mm)
Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g)

Blade

Shape: Osoraku zukuri (Japanese Tanto)
Material: AUS 8
Blade Length : 4.56″
Hardness (HRC): 58-59 HRC
Thickness: 0.16 in (4 mm)
Bevel Grind: Flat
Surface Finish/Coating(include color): Bead Blast (black corrosion resistant coating)

Handle Information

Length in the closed position: 5.56 in (141 mm)
Material: Black G10 & black coated 420J2 SS
Lock Mechanism: Frame Lock
Safety System: LAWKS
Carry: Low riding tip up reversible pocket clip
Surface Finish: Bead Blast

Made in Taiwan

CRKT Foresight designed by Ken Onion

Published: June 19th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 12

The Foresight is a collaboration between Cutlery Hall of Fame recipient Ken Onion and CRKT. This is a large folder, measuring in at a total length of 8.75″ and weighing 6.5 oz.

The knife’s drop point blade has a slight re-curve followed by a large belly. The near to mid position of the belly on the blades length still allows for a sharp tip. As a nice detail, the blade’s spine has a radius (capped) allowing for comfortable thumb placement. The spine has a subtle taper into a swedge at the tip to improve penetrating cuts.

The primary bevel is a high hollow grind. This does a very good job of reducing the 4mm blade stock for the keen secondary bevel. The curvy edge of the Foresight provides quite a bit of cutting surface : 3.75″ As a first production model, this blade is made from the stainless Acuto+. Subsequent production models will be AUS8. It is available in a combination or plain edge, both with a black titanium nitride finish.

For deployment, the knife features a flipper with the IKBS or “Ikoma Korth Bearing System”. This pivot mechanism was developed by Flavio Ikoma and Rick Lala (Korth Knives). Originally developed for use in Bali Song knives, it utilizes opposing circular slots milled in the blade’s tang that house a small bearing set. The result is a large, low resistance contact area between moving parts that negates lateral play. It is most suitable for knives that require a very fast, reliable deployment, such as self defense or folding fighting knives. The smooth pivot action also allows the knife to have a small but very effective flipper. This is great because the flipper’s low profile doesn’t snag on your pocket.

Foresight with Ikoma Korth Bearing System and Nested Stainless Liners

Foresight with Ikoma Korth Bearing System

On opening the blade meets a liner lock and in-tang stop pin. The lock is solid and without play. There is a good amount of jimping on the locking leaf making disengagement very easy. The locking leaf is part of the Foresight’s partial, nested stainless liners. Along with comprising the liner lock, the stainless liners provide the material hardness required for the IKBS bearings that mate with their surface.

The rest of the handle is made from matte black anodized aluminum. The over-all shape has a slight arc and volume toward the back third of the handle. This shape is very indicative of Ken Onion’s design and can be seen on the majority of his production folders. More unique to the Foresight handle is the inner edge. Here, there are three distinct finger grooves and a more subdued fourth. There is corresponding scalloped texture on both sides of the handle to reinforce the over all, locking grip. There is also a subtle but effective ramp for thumb placement or scalloping for a comfortable, clenched grip.

In a standard grip, the small deep riding pocket clip sits comfortably away from your hand. This is very nice as most clips will be a hot-spot as they sit under your palm. In a reverse grip however, the clip’s end naturally sits directly under my fourth finger. This can be adjusted but isn’t nearly as comfortable a standard grip, in which this knife’s ergonomics truly excel. There is a lanyard hole to round out the knife’s features.

The sum of the CRKT Foresight’s features are impressive. The knife has excellent mechanical and ergonomic properties that are at a great value for the price point. Ken Onion’s knowledgeable approach and CRKT’s quality and value minded brand has brought another functional well built knife to market. This model should be very attractive to the tactical knife market while still being very at home in a sport – utility setting. The function, fit and finish is very good and should provide a long, reliable service.

The Foresight was the recipient of the “Imported Knife Of The Year Award”, Blade Show 2012.

If you are thinking of buying the Foresight please consider out Affiliate BladeHQ.

Pros

IKBS
Very useful blade geometry
Great ergonomics

Cons

May be slightly weighty for some

Specs

Overall Length: 8.75″ (222mm)
Weight: 5.6 oz (159)

Blade

Length: 3.625″ (92mm)
Thickness: .157 (4mm)
Acuto+ (First production) AUS 8 standard production
Plain Edge (Also available in a combo edge)

Handle

Length: 5.125″ (130 mm)
Partial Stainless Liners
Matte Black Anodized Aluminum Scales

Lock

Liner lock

Carry Options

Deep riding bridge style. Right handed tip down.
Lanyard hole

Made in the Taiwan

CRKT Eraser by Liong Mah Model 8900 and 8900K

Published: March 2nd, 2012 by The Edge Observer 7

The Eraser is a design collaboration between Liong Mah and Columbia River knife and Tool. This is Liong Mah’s first knife design for CRKT and marks a huge departure from his prior work for the company, the Eat’n Tool. That being said, Liong Mah is no stranger to knife design having collaborated with custom designer/makers in the past such as Allen Elishewitz, Warren Thomas and Jeff Hall to name a few. Mah’s design portfolio is diverse and professionally dates back to 2002.

The Eraser is an attractive, yet aggressive looking, full on tactical knife that has many of the features one would expect from a well designed folder for this application.

The four inch blade is made from the Japanese steel AUS 8. AUS 8 has mid-range performance but is a popular choice due to its easy maintenance, ability to hold a good working edge and more importantly its performance to value ratio. The blade is considered a modified tanto, often referred to as a reverse tanto. A shape popularized by many of Warren Osborne’s designs. Reverse tantos are very similar to Wharncliffe blades in that they supply a long cutting edge, but have a much stronger point. The over-all blade profile has a gradual curve and narrows from tang to tip. The spine has a concave line and the cutting edge a subtle belly. The reverse tanto and entire spine of the blade have a swedge that is streamlined for thrust cuts.

A flipper is found on the tang that also doubles as a guard to prevent forward slipping. It is large enough to add confidence when cutting and the slight dip on the inner edge is comfortable when against your hand. When the blade is closed the flipper is easily accessible and allows for quick, reliable deployment.

The Eraser’s blade is available in two finishes : black titanium-nitride coated with a combination edge (“triple point serrations”) and a satin finish with a plain edge. Both models have a high, deep hollow grind that provides excellent performance in combination with the ample cutting edge (totaling 3.875″). The contrasting angles and grinds are aesthetically pleasing along side their function. As a bit of a steel snob, I would always like to see more performance driven steels and am personally willing to pay the extra premium. 154 CM or better, along side the current AUS 8 would be a welcome option.

Although designed as a tactical folder, the knife can be effectively applied to utility tasks and food preparation. The blade, although suited as a defensive tool, is also informed from Mah’s many years as a chef. With this in mind it isn’t difficult to draw parallels between kitchen cutlery and the Eraser.

The handle has a complimentary shape to the blade that gives the knife’s total profile a gentle S curve. There are two variations depending on the model. The 8900 has solid stainless liners clad in smooth matte black G10 with bead blasted aluminum bolsters while the TiNi 8900K version has black anodized bolsters. The inner edge is deeply scalloped allowing the knife to be held firmly and keeps the users knuckles safely tucked behind the flipper. The last inch of the handle’s spine features deep jimping that continues onto the pommel. The combination of texture and shape makes for a well though out reverse grip. A generous width and contouring fills the hand nicely. There is a four way pocket clip and lanyard hole offering carry options. The clip has good tension and the lanyard hole accommodates 550 paracord.

The liner lock on the knife is solid with no front to back play. There is a small amount of side to side play in the pivot design but it’s reasonable considering the blade length and smooth opening. The ball detent offers excellent retention without inhibiting the deployment.

As an added safety, the knife employs CRKT’s patented LAWKS mechanism to fortify the 420J2 locking liner. When LAWKS is used, the liner lock cannot disengage. Conversely the LAWKS lever also protrudes from the handle when utilized, which will be a hot spot for some, depending on the user’s grip. Over all the handle is very ergonomic and gives the blade a forward lean that many tactical knife enthusiasts appreciate.

The assembly is a partial G10 backspaced, torx, screw together construction. It should be noted that the two knives reviewed here are prototypes and the final locks, fit and finish should see some refinement in the production models.

To conclude, users looking for a well thought out tactical folder should definitely consider the Eraser as a serious contender at its price point. The MSRP for the Eraser is $150.00 for the 8900K, all black combination edge version and $140 for the satin plain edge (the street price will likely be lower). The knife offers all of the features, frills, fit and finish found on many, more expensive tactical knives. When opened and closed the shape has been well considered, giving the Eraser elegant yet comfortable flowing lines in both positions. All-in, I think that CRKT and Liong Mah have come up with an exceptional knife that should garner the attention of tactical knife buyers who have overlooked CRKT in the past, while offering up another value/performance driven knife to their existing customers.

Pros

Great blade geometry
Excellent Ergonomics
Good looks

Cons

LAWKS can create hot spot when engaged

Specs

Total Dimensions and weight :

length open 8.75 in (222 mm)
length closed 5 in (127 mm)
weight 6.2 oz. (176 g)

Blade :

blade length 4 in ( 102 mm)
blade steel AUS 8
blade thickness .14 in( 3.5 mm)
cutting edge 3.875 in. ( 98 mm)

opens with flipper

Lock :

Liner lock

Handle :

stainless liners
matte G10 scales
bead blasted or matte black stainless bolsters

Made in Taiwan

Shenanigan PPS

Published: October 7th, 2011 by The Edge Observer 5

Ken Onion is an inventor, entrepreneur, custom knife maker and former Marine. He is probably best known as a long time collaborator with Kershaw knives and the inventor of their speed-safe mechanism. When Ken parted ways with Kershaw in 2010, it left the door open for collaborations with other manufacturers. The CRKT Shenanigan is one of the first.

It could be said that a tool is only as useful as its availability or accessibility. More often than not the performers come with a high premium and the more affordable knives aren’t up to the demands of regular use. CRKT has always done a great job of bringing knives to market that are very dependable for their price point. Additionally, their collaborations with a variety of experienced and eclectic blade smiths has made their selection diverse and their company resilient.

The Ken Onion Shenanigan PPS is no exception to this rule. The PPS is the value model of the Shenanigan line, the aluminum handle version being the higher end model. The main difference between the two models is that the PPS version has a set of injection molded Zytel scales rather than machined aluminum. The result is light weight yet durable as Zytel is an impermeable, glass reinforced polymer. It is also much less expensive than aluminum both in material cost and manufacturing with only a marginal difference in strength.

The PPS features a 3.25″ AUS 8 blade with a bead blasted finish. The profile is distinctly Ken Onion, having the Onion style drop point found on many of his knife designs including the CRKT Ripple, another collaborative effort. The knife comes in a combination or plain edge, is hollow ground and notably large for its price point. A slight re-curve combined with a long swedge will make it competent at various utility tasks and could be considered for tactical purposes. The tang has a flipper, the knife’s method of deployment. A slot milled around the pivot hole houses a clever internal stop pin mechanism that is backed up by partial stainless liners. The stop pin in-tang construction adds considerable strength to the design by avoiding the stop pin being nested in the Zytel alone while keeping the footprint of the liner to a minimum. A strong ball detent both holds the blade firm in the closed position and causes the blade to fly open when it’s overcome by pressing the flipper. The blade travels around a large inset sintered bronze bushing and against bronze washers creating a very solid yet smooth hinge.

The handle on the PPS has a form that nicely compliments the blade shape. A large forefinger groove is continued by the flipper when the knife is open and provides excellent purchase. The over-all shape contours to the hand and the knurled surface of the scales and jimping on the thumb-ramp add to the grip. The ergonomics are very good and the slightly bulbous handle design is understated, which I like. My only complaint would be the clip, which is both an odd shape and almost completely flat to the scales. The combination of its fair tension and flatness, makes it difficult to clip onto anything. I’d opt for straight pocket carry or using the lanyard hole unless the clip is bent out. Additionally it can only be used right hand, tip down.

All in, the Shenanigan PPS is another excellent option at this price point. It’s tactile design is very functional combining a good sized, usable blade with solid handle ergonomics. The mechanical assembly is well thought out and much more robust than I initially though it would be. CRKT has done a great job leveraging Onion’s 20 plus years in knife design and manufacturing while staying true to their value driven scope; a point that has been appreciated by the Blade show this year, awarding the PPS a 2011 Best Buy of the year award. The Shenanigan PPS would be good choice for users looking for an affordable full sized folder up to the task of everyday use.