Hair & Body
CRKT: Confidence in Hand
Confidence in Hand.
While this phrase may be a registered trademark for the folks at Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT), it’s not just a slogan; it’s a business model. A mission statement. A belief in their product and a belief in their clientele!
Confidence in hand means that there's a perfect CRKT match out there for everyone.
From Oregon to the World.
CRKT was started in 1994 by Paul Gillespi and Rod Bremer, both of whom had spent time with well-known knife brand Kershaw before breaking out on their own. It takes something truly unique to stand out from the pack in a world rife with pocket knives. In 1997, CRKT stood out in a big way. The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) model of folding knife would go on to become the darling of SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show). Within the opening days of the show, the year's worth of the product was sold out. People noticed the elegant yet rugged simplicity of the CRKT knives immediately, although true fame and notoriety wouldn’t come until early October 2000.
Are You Serious?!
In October of 2000, US customs would seize a shipment of 80,000 CRKT knives based purely on discretion or perhaps even confusion. Just days earlier, the shipment had cleared inspection, but a secondary glance spooked a customs official, and from there, things would get messy. The Oregon Congress and the senate would go to bat for CRKT and ultimately get the shipment released within the same month! Proving the adage that "No Press is Bad Press", Knife enthusiasts all over North America would begin to tout the tenacity of the company and the quality of CRKT knives, often in hushed, reverent tones.
CRKT makes some of the most reliable, innovative pocket knives on the market.
Cooperation and Collaboration
Today CRKT is renowned the world over. Those reverent tones are no longer hushed but rather shouted from the hilltops. If you meet someone with a pocket knife clip peeking out of their pants pocket, there’s a near 30% chance they’re carrying a CRKT. No, Seriously. It’s that high. Because these knives last. Over the years, CRKT has worked closely with renowned knife makers such as Ken Onion, Greg Lightfoot, Harold “Kit” Carson, amongst others, to ensure that their wares are constantly being updated and improved. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of CRKT, and it's why they continue to be one of the most recognizable knife makers in the world.
What’s In-Store? These are my personal top picks from the CRKT Lineup:
Pilar Copper & Pilar III
A personal favourite, Jesper Voxnaes, designed the original Pilar® in his workshop in Logstrup, Denmark. Named after the beloved boat belonging to Ernest Hemingway, the Pilar was a 38-foot long vessel that he used for renegade surveillance of German U-boats during WWII in Caribbean waters. Be it a utility blade in the field or an everyday carry for around town, the minimalist design allows you to have rugged elegance tucked away for a moment's notice.
Hunt'n Fisch
Designed by Larry Fischer (Hence the unique name), this fixed blade hunting knife has multiple friction grooves along the spine for optimum blade control and a rugged, stylish, multi-coloured G10 handle. The Fit & Finish is a must-see! The goal with this design? To get every morsel of meat off your game and onto your plate!
Scribe
Now I don’t know about you, but I’m an absolute fanatic for the tiny little knives of the EDC world. Compact, elegant, frankly less threatening than most, the Scribe has that quasi-futuristic look while still being classy looking. High Carbon stainless 5Cr15MoV steel, these are easy to sharpen, takes a wicked edge and tucks away perfectly in your shirt or jacket pocket! A fixed blade with a unique built-in “sheath” system, this is the next big thing in Everyday Carry!
Dually
Much like the scribe, but for those who like to imbibe! High Carbon, easy to sharpen 5Cr15MoV stainless steel, the Dually comes with a separate bottle opener for your favourite beverage! It also easily attaches to a lanyard or key fob, making this your next mandatory can’t-leave-home-without it EveryDay Carry!
Be sure to check the Calgary store and online for more products from Columbia River Knife & Tool, you can also visit Knifewear in Edmonton and Ottawa for all your pocket knife needs!
