This Darkly Dazzling Update to CRKT’s Best Ken Onion Knife Isn’t Just for Looks

The Redemption is back with a vengeance — courtesy of a badass blade treatment and an additional, scaled-down size.

Published May 29, 2025

·

Updated May 29, 2025

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Launched in 2023, the CRKT Redemption immediately announced itself as one of CRKT’s most premium knives — and a damn good-looking one to boot.

Such an instant classic is perhaps inevitable given the ingredients.

crkt redemption hero — From tip to tail, the new Redemption Black’s aesthetic is unfailingly true to its name.

The design is based on the legendary Ken Onion’s Deadman’s Hand custom — a tribute to Old West outlaws and poker players — it’s made in the USA in collaboration with Hogue Knives, and main materials are G10 and MagnaCut steel.

So meticulous and minimalist is the machining here, the entire blade disappears completely into the handle when not in use.

Now, as Blade Show Atlanta approaches, CRKT ups the ante (so to speak) with three new variants, each offering unique appeal in terms of pocketability, protective aesthetics or both.

I’ll dish the details on all three but a dark reimagining of the OG will get the most attention: the Redemption Black.

None more black

As a general rule, it’s best not to mess with perfection (too much), so I’m glad to see that CRKT’s approach to these updates is, in a word, restrained.

Toward that end, the 4.9-ounce Redemption Black retains nearly everything that makes the original so compelling.

crkt redemption blade detail — The Cerakote treatment is not only gorgeous; it also helps extend the life of the blade.

The business end is a 4.06-inch spear point blade, again made of MagnaCut steel, universally acclaimed for its blend of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance.

The handle is textured G10, which is grippy, lightweight and durable, and all deployment and retraction of the blade can be undertaken single-handedly thanks to one of my favorite mechanisms, an ambidextrous Crossbar Lock.

crkt redemption half folded — The Crossbar Lock ensures smooth and reliable one-handed deployment and retraction of the blade.

So meticulous and minimalist is the machining here, the entire blade disappears completely into the handle when not in use, and unfussily rides in your pocket via a reversible deep-carry clip.

What’s the difference with this new edition, then? Not only has the entire handle and bolster been blacked out, so too has the blade, and it’s not just to look super badass (though it certainly does).

crkt redemption hero off side — The equally black deep-carry tip-up pocket clip is reversible, making it as ambidextrous as the lock is.

Not unlike what Leatherman has been doing with a lot of its best multi-tools lately, CRKT has introduced a Cerakote finish here.

This treatment boosts resistance to abrasion, wear, corrosion and chemicals, ensuring this black beauty’s loyal service as an EDC staple for years to come.

Scaled-down delights

Complementing the full-sized remix, CRKT is introducing a couple of other editions with many of the same winning traits, but in a smaller size.

Accordingly, the new Redemption Compact is almost identical to the 2023 original in design and materials.

crkt redemption trio — As you can see here, the two new Compact models are significantly smaller than the full-sized form factor.

The big departure here? At 3.28 inches, the silver stonewashed blade is roughly 24 percent shorter, translating to a package that’s a bit more pocketable.

Last but certainly not least is a variant that essentially combines the previous two.

crkt redemption trio off side — As sweet as these knives are, perhaps all that’s left for CRKT to do is offer some sort of package deal. (Pretty please?)

So yes, it’s a Redemption Compact with a black Cerakote-finished blade.

For long-term every day use, it might actually be the best of the bunch, but when it comes to choosing from this lineup, you really can’t go wrong.

Availability and pricing

The three new CRKT Redemption knives will be available for purchase beginning June 6th.

The Redemption Compact will cost $225, the blacked-out Compact will cost $250 and the Redemption Black will cost $275.

If you just can’t wait another day, the original Redemption is available now for $250.

CRKT Redemption 2025

Starts at $225

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.