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Knife News: Three New Blades from CRKT



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Tualatin, Oregon based CRKT (@crkt_knives) has been busy over the last few months. Not too long ago they announced the release of a two new knives, the Justin Voxnaes Pilar design and Austin McGlaun's  Rakkasan. News of those two knives came soon after word of the Ken Onion designed Ruger Muzzle-Brake. Here's a rundown on all three.

Industry News: Three New Blades from CRKT

Here's what we know about the new designs.

1. CRKT Pilar

A new everyday carry folding knife pairs minimal design with maximum utility.

CRKT has released the Pilar everyday carry folding knife. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes (@voxknives) of Loegstrup, Denmark, this beautiful, minimal folder is low profile and understated when tucked away, and carefully designed to punch above its weight when in use.

Inspired by the fjords out his back window and the spirit of adventure, Voxnaes created the Pilar, and named it after Ernest Hemingway’s beloved sailboat—the 38-foot long vessel that he used for renegade surveillance of German U-boats during WWII in Caribbean waters. The world-famous author was also a WWI combat vet, big-game hunter, sailor, and fisherman, and certainly would have selected an everyday knife companion like the Pilar for his daily endeavors. This super compact 2.4” blade is stamped out of stainless steel and features a strong satin finish. It’s built to go where you go—which in Voxnaes’ mind is everywhere.

CRKT Pilar 3

solnedgang-hjarbaek-fjord

Hjarbaek Fjord, near Løegstrup; photo by Steve Cooper

The compact, beautiful handle is created of the same stainless steel aesthetic effect. A first-finger notch is carved out at the head of the handle, both for upping the security of your grip, and making room for the large thumb slot. Swift blade deployment comes standard. Even if you’re wearing thick gloves on high seas.

The modern Hemingway is the ultimate Renaissance man, and the Pilar is the knife that will stand up to the challenge.

Link to Product Information Page.

Product Specifications

PILAR
SKU: 5311
Blade: Length: 2.402” (61.0 mm)
Edge: Plain Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Finish: Satin
Thickness: 0.145” (3.6 mm)
Closed: 3.530” (89.6 mm)
Weight: 4.2 oz. (119.0 g)
Handle: Stainless Steel
Style: Folding Knife w/Frame Lock

Ernest Hemingway's Pilar, off the coast of Cuba.

What CRKT says about Jesper Voxnaes.

When Jesper needs to test a design, he only has to step into his own backyard. The harsh elements and conditions of the fjords and forests in his native Denmark do the rest. When he was starting out, no one was making the kind of knives he wanted to design so he learned by trial and error. Apparently his efforts paid off given his IF Award in 2013 for one of the Top European Designs. Now he creates and uses knives like the Amicus® as he sails, camps, and drives off-road. Which is more often than not.

2. CRKT Rakkasan

A new tactical fixed blade designed by war veteran, ready for the front lines.

CRKT has released the Rakkasan tactical fixed blade. Designed by Austin McGlaun (@austinmcglaun) of Columbus, Georgia with the Forged By War program, it’s inspired by the duties of his brothers and sisters in arms who are still abroad.

The name Rakkasan is reminiscent of the WWII paratroopers from the 187th infantry regiment (and remains their name). It’s the Japanese translation of “umbrella for falling,” because they were completely unfamiliar with the American combat tactic. Though its name harkens back to another time, it’s prepped and ready for a 21st century battlefield with an SK5 carbon steel blade and a powder coated finish. The deep belly shape is multi-functional and serves just as well as a utility blade as it does a backup defense tool.

Rakkasans-Iraq

Troopers of the 101st Airborne Division, 187th Infantry Regiment, patrol Al Betra, Iraq, Nov. 2007 (DoD Photo)

The strong, G10 handle has been molded into an optimally ergonomic shape and features three holes for carrying versatility. The Kydex sheath comes equipped with paracord.

McGlaun served in the 101st airborne division in Iraq, and as a street cop in Columbus. If there’s anyone that knows that a knife has to work both as a weapon and a tool, it’s him. He’s applied his skills as both a combat vet and a knifemaker to create the Rakkasan. That’s not to mention, a new way to bring his fellow soldiers home.

The combat arena is laden with unexpected variables. The Rakkasan serves to address them all.

The designer's charity of choice with the Rakkasan is the Green Beret Foundation

187th Infantry Regiment, “Rakkasans.” NE DESIT VIRTUS (Let Valor Not Fail)

Link to Product Information Page.

Product Specifications

Rakkasan
SKU: 1520
Blade: Length: 4.894” (124.3 mm)
Edge: Plain Steel: SK5 Carbon
Finish: Powder Coating
Thickness: 0.147” (3.7 mm)
Overall: 10.438” (265.1 mm)
Weight: 9.2 oz. (260.8 g)
Handle: G10
Style: Fixed Blade Knife w/Sheath
Sheath: Material: Kydex
Weight: 1.9 oz. (53.8 g)

What CRKT says about Austin McGlaun.

There are those who fight with knives. There are others who design them. And then…there’s Austin. Having served in the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq, and as a street cop in Columbus, GA, he knows that a knife has to work as both a weapon and a tool. As part of the Forged By War program he applied his skills as both a combat vet and knife maker to develop the Clever Girl™. Not to mention a new way to bring his fellow soldiers home. When asked about his design philosophy, he’ll tell you that if a knife is ugly but effective, it’s not ugly. It’s perfect.

 

CRKT-MuzzleBrake-Ruger

3. Ruger Muzzle-Brake

The Muzzle-Brake, designed by Ken Onion (@shopjunky), has elements from a traditional Bowie design but is developed with the construction techniques of today. With its stout full tang blade, it can be used as a chopper in camp or for fashioning a quick shelter in the forest if needed. Its clip point blade shape, featuring a blood groove, is perfect for making quick work of butchering an animal after a successful hunt. The handle is glass filled nylon construction that wraps around a thick blade tang. The sure-grip surface matches the Ruger American Rifle stock texture with Ruger eagles embossed into both sides of the grip.

The Muzzle-Brake is part of the exclusive Ruger knife line; the line includes designs for everyday carry, hunting, tactical uses and self-preparedness. The knives are crafted in varying sizes and finishes, with an assortment of blade edges. Developed by six master knife-smiths who combined their knowledge of the art with aesthetic details from Ruger firearms, the line offers unique knives with the important features that every good knife should have. These knives are purpose built to be durable and highly functional in the environments where Ruger customers will expect them to perform.

Manufactured by CRKT under license from Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Product Specifications

Muzzle-Brake (R2501K) MSRP: $99.99

Blade:
Length: 7.50″ (190.50 mm)

Edge: Plain

Steel: 8Cr13MoV, 58-59 HRC

Finish: Black Powder Coat

Thickness: 0.187″ (4.75mm)
Overall:
12.00″ (304.80 mm)
Weight:
11.1 oz. (314.67 gm)
Handle:
Glass-Filled Nylon
Style:
Full Tang Fixed Blade

Sheath:
Multi-Position Injection Molded Nylon
Weight: 3.8 oz. (105 g)

What is a muzzle brake? Read more about that here: http://www.recoilweb.com/5-things-to-solve-the-muzzle-device-mystery-112372.html.

More about CRKT in their own words.

Founded in 1994, CRKT is the industry’s premier brand of knives, tools, and lifestyle accessories, with a reputation for innovative design.

You can find CRKT online right here.

Know your knife anatomy? Read more here.

Knife-Anatomy


 

 

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