Knife Review: CRKT Free Range

I know I discussed doing a review on the Mora knife that I own but I picked up a CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) Free Range Hunter Clip Point Lockback Folder recently that I am really pleased with.  That is a mouthful so we will stick with CRKT Free Range.

As before, I will give you the specs from the site, initial reactions and positives and negatives. You decide whether you like the knife. At least pick one up to get the feel of it and you will see one main reason I bought it.

Specifications:

Dimensions

Open Overall Length 8.875 inches

Closed Length 5.125 inches

Weight 4.4 ounces

Blade

Length 3.75 inches

Thickness 0.12 inches

Material 8Cr13MoV

Blade-HRC 58-59

Finish Satin

Grind Hollow

Style Clip Point

Edge Plain

Handle

Material Double Injection

Liner 2CR13

Lock

Type Lock Back

Carry

Carry System Sheath

Weight 1.1 ounces

My immediate thoughts when I grabbed the knife for the first time was, “I thought I was actually going to hold a knife.” Folks, this thing is lightweight and fits perfectly into my hand. The rubberized grip made it easy to shave wood and get a firm grip to cut through 1/2” sisal rope.

For starters, I have an everyday carry that is a little heavier and spring assisted. However, I wanted one that I could depend on to be a little more durable for the long haul. I like the size and feel of the handle in my hand. It conforms to my fingers nicely so, as mentioned above, was very lightweight and comfortable. I also like the fact that I am not limited to the sheath, but instead it is slim enough that I can slide it into my pocket. The downside is there is no clip and I can’t carry anything of size in the same pocket.

I took it through a few tests:

slicing - It sliced through cordage like butter and sisal rope with a little resistance.

cutting - I used it to cut some slices of wood as well as food, both acted as if they were meat from a crock pot that had been cooking for 10 hours. “Fall off the bone”

chopping - I did not chop with it due to the type of knife and I have one for chopping and batoning, see Gerber Knife Review

carving/whittling - Okay, so it’s an old test, but it passed with flying colors as well

hair off the arm - yet another old test but well, it just works for sharpness. It won’t give a clean shave out of the box but the sharpness does hold well with the CRKT.

Positives:

Lightweight

Slim-design

Comfortable Grip

Smooth Opening

Thumb Post for Quicker Opening

Clip Point blade

Sturdy Locking Mechanism

Thumb Ridge along 1” of back of blade

Durable Sheath (plastic insert. can hang vertical or horizontal with belt)

Not a serrated blade (I didn’t want one on this knife)

Negatives:

Not spring assisted opening

No pocket clip

What modifications I might make:

To the knife itself, I may add that pocket clip

To the sheath, I might drill two holes in bottom for water drainage and run braided paracord pace-counter through it

That’s about it. I am pleased with my purchase from the North Georgia Mountains

Until then,

Use your instincts to survive