EDC Knives Are Rarely as Streamlined, Functional and Affordable as This CRKT Offering

This unique cutting tool combines the precision-friendly shapes of artisan blades with the convenience and security of a pocket knife.

closeup of CRKT 2670 Straight Frame Lock knife on yellow-blue background

By Sean Tirman

Published February 26, 2025

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There’s no denying how legendary the X-acto knife is. Favored by artists, artisans, craftspeople and tradespeople alike, it’s one of the most beloved utility cutting tools ever created.

Unfortunately, X-acto knives are not very everyday carry-friendly. But there might be an answer now. CRKT has launched an affordable, relatively minimalist EDC folder that shares some of the X-acto’s best features, called the 2670 Straight Frame Lock.

CRKT 2670 Straight Frame Lock knife on yellow-blue background — This knife’s angled, straight-edge blade is exceptionally adept at precision cutting tasks.

An eye for detail

You might ask, “Where does this X-acto comparison come from?” It starts with the 2670’s blade.

The long, relatively straight-edge Wharncliffe blade — crafted from durable, reliable D2 steel — tilts up and away from the handle at a similar angle to X-acto blades. This gives the user a level of precision control not typically found in everyday carry knives.

Furthermore, the blade comes to a thin, piercing point, furthering its potential for detail-oriented cutting work more typically found in artisan- and artist-preferred tools.

The long, relatively straight-edge Wharncliffe blade […] gives the user a level of precision control not typically found in everyday carry knives.

That makes sense, considering that the knife’s designer, T.J. Schwarz, is one such artist. Before taking up knife design, he worked as a car designer, even accepting commissions from classic car owners.

Mate that to the knife’s relatively compact 6.08-inch total length, and you can see how this knife’s combination of its blade shape and overall form could draw such a lofty comparison.

CRKT 2670 Straight Frame Lock knife closed on yellow-blue background — The stainless steel frame lock adds a level of security and safety not found in other precision-cutting tools.

EDC X-acto

Despite its comparison to crafty cutting tools, the 2670 is an EDC knife through and through.

Its D2 blade is mated to a combination G10 and stainless steel handle, including an integrated frame lock that offers safety and security not found in X-actos.

It also boasts dual thumb studs for ambidextrous manual deployment, a slick and quick IKBS ball-bearing pivot, and a low-profile pocket clip for convenient carry.

Best of all, it’s all available at an extremely affordable price point, making this one of CRKT’s more approachable new knives.

Available now

CRKT’s 2670 Straight Frame Lock knife is available on the brand’s site for only $60. That makes this an outstanding bargain, especially for EDCers interested in precision cutting work.