These days, CRKT is a major player in the knife and EDC space, renowned for its innovative designs and quality materials.
But three decades ago, that wasn’t exactly the case. Founded by former Kershaw employees Paul Gillespi and Rod Bremer in 1994, Columbia River Knife and Tool was flying under the radar as SHOT Show ’97 commenced.
Then they opened their booth to reveal a small folding knife — and everything changed. Designed by a Mississippi-based former aircraft mechanic named Ed Halligan, the K.I.S.S. (Keep. It. Super. Simple.) was an instant sensation.
In just days, it sold out an entire year’s worth of inventory. Post-show, Gillespi and Bremer had to triple production efforts simply to keep up with demand.
When the K.I.S.S.’s blade is folded into the sturdy frame lock, the fit is so precise that it safely seals the cutting edge, even though it is exposed.
But as it was launching CRKT in the cutlery stratosphere, I don’t imagine they were complaining much.
And thankfully, the brand has the capacity to accommodate what will likely be a rush of business for a new blacked-out treatment of the knife, complete with upgraded blade steel.
