Pocket knives like the James Brand’s Elko and WESN’s Microblade have proven that little blades can be great, particularly for everyday utility. But what about big knives? Actually, what about massive knives, like CRKT’s new limited edition XOC?
The XOC — pronounced “shock” — is huge. Its blade, which is made of CTS-XHP steel, a type that emphasizes a practical balance between corrosion resistance and hardness, is 4.258 inches long. That may not sound too substantial until you handle the thing: launch it open with its flipper tab to extend it to its full 10.375-inch extent, and you feel like a toddler holding your dad’s favorite hunting knife.
And that’s what makes the XOC so interesting; it’s less like a folding Bowie knife than your everyday pocket folder scaled up by magnitudes. It even uses CRKT’s new Deadbolt locking mechanism, a system that uses interior steel bolts that wedge into the blade and liner when open to provide strength without bulk. The lock releases by pressing the oversized button that also marks the knife’s pivot point, an action that’s fast but also safe.
CRKT says that the XOC is “far and away the strongest, most heavy-duty knife” that it’s ever made. That’s a compelling statement, but do you really need a knife this, to use the company’s own description, “overkill”? Maybe not. Awareness of necessity likely won’t matter though, since CRKT is only producing 200 of these knives for the cost of $750 each.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
The James Brand Elko ($60)
CRKT Seismic ($119)
Zero Tolerance 0220 ($161)
