10 Best CRKT Knives

This post was originally posted in August 2018 and is updated every year.

Formally known as Columbia River Knife & Tool, CRKT is a relatively new company in terms of big knife brands, having only been established in 1994.

In nearly 30 years, CRKT has released hundreds of models, earning a reputation for bold innovation and standout collaborations with top-tier designers. There’s a lot to admire—from clever opening mechanisms to unique blade shapes—but the brand has also faced some criticism for relying on budget materials. Thankfully, in recent years, CRKT has taken steps to level up in that department.

Narrowing down the 10 best CRKT knives started out easy… until I remembered just how many gems the brand has churned out over the years. With CRKT constantly rotating its lineup—adding fresh designs and retiring old favorites—this list ended up being a mix of classics and current standouts.

Think we missed a deserving blade? Drop your picks in the comments—we’d love to hear what makes your top 10.

CRKT M16

Let’s kick things off with CRKT’s flagship series: the legendary M16. Designed by the late, great Kit Carson—a pioneer of the flipper tab—the M16 played a huge role in putting CRKT on the map. In fact, Carson’s original design was named one of Blade Magazine’s top 10 tactical knives of the decade. CRKT’s version? Still a force to be reckoned with.

Over the years, the M16 lineup has exploded into dozens of variations—so many, in fact, that keeping track of the models (and their often-bewildering numbers) can feel like solving a tactical puzzle. That said, the M16-14SF is a fan favorite.

CRKT Drifter

The Drifter might seem like an unexpected pick for this list. On the surface, it’s a pretty unassuming folding knife—but that’s exactly what makes it great. It’s the kind of knife just about anyone can pick up and put to work. In fact, The Wirecutter dubbed it the best folding knife for the masses, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s budget-friendly, sports a practical sub-3-inch blade, and keeps things simple with a straightforward liner lock. Sure, the 8Cr14MoV steel won’t blow anyone’s mind, and there are flashier options out there—but when it comes to pure bang-for-your-buck reliability, the Drifter is tough to beat.

CRKT Razel

CRKT has teamed up many times with the late Jon Graham, and while not every early collaboration was a home run, the CRKT Razel stands out as something special.

This fixed blade features Graham’s signature chisel-style blade—part utility knife, part pry tool—paired with a sturdy resin-infused handle. It might look a little unconventional at first glance, but it’s packed with functionality and originality.

When a knife delivers both style and substance like this, what more could you really ask for?

CRKT Pilar IV

When we first made this list, the Pilar was in this spot. Then we picked the better Pilar III as a replacement last year. Finally, we had to put the Pilar IV on here.

It’s rare for a knife to improve with each new version, but the Pilar IV managed to accomplish this feat.

The original Pilar, a Jesper Voxnaes design, quickly earned a reputation as one of the most accessible and well-loved EDC knives out there. It was compact, practical, and had great character—but it wasn’t without a few quirks. Enter the Pilar IV: a refined upgrade that fixes the flaws and ups the game.

This version stretches the blade from 2.4 inches to a more versatile 3.09 inches, swaps out the hefty stainless steel handles for a lighter G-10 front scale, and manages to shed some weight despite its larger size.

It also upgrades the blade steel to D2, a noticeable step up from the original’s 8Cr13MoV. The OG Pilar is still a fantastic budget option, especially if you prefer something more pocketable—but when it comes to overall performance, the Pilar IV just does it better.

CRKT Minimalist

The Minimalist series is unusual.

At first glance, these knives look almost unfinished, with blade shapes that are anything but conventional. But Alan Folts pulled off something brilliant with the Minimalist series—a design that punches well above its weight (literally and figuratively).

Despite the handle being barely there, it fits the hand surprisingly well, offering a secure and comfortable grip. The compact blade—just around two inches—comes in a variety of styles to suit different tasks and tastes.

Most models in the series weigh under 2 ounces (with the larger Katana version tipping the scales at about 2.4 ounces). Paired with its included sheath, the Minimalist is perfect for neck carry—so light and low-profile, you’ll forget it’s there until you need it.

The one we’re highlighting here is the katana version, but at this point there are more than a dozen including the CRKT Minimalist Wharncliffe and the CRKT Minimalist Drop Point Black Out.

CRKT Padawan

Don’t let the name fool you—the CRKT Padawan may sound like an apprentice, but this fixed blade is no novice when it comes to performance.

Designed by Danelle Tallman, the Padawan is a no-nonsense utility knife that keeps things clean, compact, and incredibly useful. It sports a 2.95-inch D2 blade with a drop point profile that’s all about control and versatility. Whether you’re tackling camp chores, opening boxes, or slicing lunch on the trail, the Padawan is ready to train (or, more accurately, slice) alongside you.

The full tang construction and G-10 handle scales give it a solid, confident feel in hand, while the included sheath keeps it low-profile and easy to carry—whether on your belt or tossed into a bag.

While it may not wield the Force, the Padawan is a great fixed-blade option for anyone looking to graduate from folders or just add a capable compact companion to their rotation. And hey, with a name like that, who wouldn’t want to start their training?

CRKT Shrill

It was a tough decision, but we decided to boot the iconic boot knife CRKT Sting from this spot. The design was simply getting long in the tooth and the Shrill has been gaining ground in terms of sales and reviews.

That’s why we had to give a well-deserved spot on this list to the CRKT Shrill, a sleek boot knife designed by Matthew Lerch.

With its 4.7-inch dual-edged blade and polished Micarta handle, the Shrill leans more tactical than practical for everyday carry—but that’s kind of the point. It’s made for discreet, reliable backup, whether you stash it in your boot or tuck it into a pocket. It may not be your daily box cutter, but when the occasion calls for a dedicated fixed blade with attitude, the Shrill steps up.

CRKT Foresight

The CRKT Foresight, designed by Ken Onion, combines sleek design with solid performance. Featuring a 3.5-inch S30V steel blade, known for its durability and edge retention, this knife delivers precision with every cut.

Thanks to the OutBurst assisted opening mechanism, the Foresight opens smoothly with a simple flick of the flipper tab. The G-10 handle scales provide a secure grip, while the frame lock keeps the blade firmly in place.

Whether for everyday tasks or more demanding chores, the Foresight offers the perfect balance of power and finesse, making it a standout choice for those who want a reliable, high-performance folder.

CRKT M4-02

In the early versions of this list, we featured the Homefront and then the Provoke. While both knives had their appeal, they leaned a bit too much into gimmicks and weren’t necessarily the best CRKT had to offer.

So, we decided to skip the specialty knives this time and return to the classics with the M4-02 series. These folders, designed by Kit Carson, have been CRKT staples for a reason—they’re modern classics that still feel fresh and timeless.

The M4-02 with white bone handle stands out as especially eye-catching and is one of our best-sellers. It is also available in burl wood and red stag.

CRKT Squid XM

The Squid, another design by Lucas Burnley, has earned its spot as a budget-friendly standout with a reputation for delivering solid performance. Compact and practical, it features a 2.14-inch blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel and stainless steel handle scales, secured with a frame lock to keep the manual blade steady. In 2015, guest reviewer Beau Shelton couldn’t help but gush about how the Squid evoked feelings of nostalgia and made perfect sense in his hand.

Much like the Pilar, the Squid has only gotten better with time. Enter the Squid XM, the refined version of the original.

This upgraded model addresses the Squid’s minor shortcomings: it’s slightly longer but still incredibly light, upgraded to D2 steel, and features a G-10 scale for better grip and less slickness. Plus, it adds an assisted opener with a flipper for smooth deployment.

For the price, the Squid XM is tough to beat as one of the best EDC knives out there.

Honorable Mentions

Out of all the major brands, CRKT has one of the most diverse catalogs that range from user-friendly pieces to absurd designs to all-time classics.

A few honorable mentions that deserve a shoutout here are the CRKT Ritual, CRKT Provoke EDC, CRKT Stickler, CRKT Ignitor, and more.