This Award-Winning Designer’s Latest CRKT Knife Just Got a Big Blade Upgrade

Thanks to a couple of new materials, CRKT’s new edition of Lucas Burnley’s Ibis Frame Lock is just like the original — only better.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published October 25, 2024

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Updated October 25, 2024

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Having won multiple Blade Show awards over the course of his career, Lucas Burnley has proven he knows his (sharp) stuff. The Bend, Oregon-based knife designer has done some great work with CRKT, highlighted by the iconic yet affordable Squid.

Burnley’s latest team-up with the brand, the Ibis, caught our attention when it launched earlier this year. But the knife rises to another level with a just-launched, significantly upgraded version. Meet the Black/S35VN Steel/Titanium Handle Ibis Frame Lock.

crkt ibis full — The full belly on this S35VN steel drop-point blade is ideal for everyday cutting and slicing.

Key ingredients

The new Ibis employs the same deployment and retention as its predecessor, courtesy of a smooth-flipping IKBS bearing and a reliable frame lock. The difference here lies in the materials and the color.

The 3.08-inch drop-point blade is rendered in S35VN steel, a nice jump up from the original’s 14C28N while retaining a generous belly that’s ready to tackle most everyday tasks.

crkt ibis folded — With a closed length of 4.14 inches and a weight of 2.9 ounces, the new Ibis is perfectly pocketable.

Meanwhile, the handle swaps out G10 for titanium. The incredibly sturdy yet lightweight material likely accounts for the overall package dropping in weigh from 3 ounces to 2.9 ounces.

Whereas the original knife’s blade is a standard stainless steel silver with an aqua handle similar in color to some actual ibis eggs, here the whole package gets a black stonewash finish that, in our professional opinion, looks pretty damn good.