This Affordable New CRKT Knife Boasts a Blade Unlike Any Other

Perhaps the only thing cooler than the Minimalist Nessmuk’s sleek versatility is the early American outdoorsman behind its name.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published January 14, 2025

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Updated January 14, 2025

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‘Go light, the lighter the better.’

So advised George Washington Sears, an early American outdoorsman and conservationist more of us should know.

Sears wrote for such publications as Forest & Stream and The Atlantic during the mid to late 1800s under the pen name of Nessmuk, adopted from a childhood friend of the Nipmuc tribe who taught him many hunting, fishing and camping skills.

crkt nessmuk full — With a 2.9-inch blade and an overall length of 6 inches, this Nessmuk is about as balanced as can be.

Now regarded as the father of ultralight camping, according to Northern Bush, Sears tended to tote a somewhat heavier EDC than we do today (it was a different time).

But he followed his own advice when it came to the backcountry cutlery he packed for solo canoe trips in the Adirondacks and other adventures: a two-bladed folding knife for carving, a custom-made hatchet with different grinds on the two sides and a thin hunting knife for food prep and eating.

gw sears and outdoor blades — Left: A portrait of George Washington Sears with what appears to be a Nessmuk tucked safely into his satchel. Right: The backcountry blades Sears swore by — a two-bladed folder, a hatchet and the Nessmuk itself.

It’s that third blade we’re concerned with today, as its unique shape has resurfaced in a new knife from CRKT called, fittingly, the Minimalist Nessmuk.

Nessmuk notes

While it is the name of this specific knife, the influence of Sears is such that Nessmuk is in fact its own category, one Blade magazine itself regards as “the all-American outdoor knife.”

So, what is a Nessmuk? In his book, Woodcraft and Camping, Sears describes his go-to fixed blade knife as “thin in the blade, and handy for skinning, cutting meat, or eating with.”

crkt nessmuk blade — The Nessmuk’s uniquely shaped blade is by far its most notable distinguishing characteristic.

The blade shape itself is unlike any other and the defining feature of a Nessmuk knife: typically a keen-edged 4- to 5-inch blade with a hump on the spine near the upswept point and a generous belly.

True to the “Minimalist” half of its name, CRKT’s interpretation of the blade is a bit more compact.

So, what is a Nessmuk? In his book, Woodcraft and Camping, Sears describes his go-to fixed blade knife as “thin in the blade, and handy for skinning, cutting meat, or eating with.”

It measures 2.9 inches — just under half of the knife’s 6-inch length — and is made of sturdy D2 steel, notable for its edge retention. The deep-bellied, full-tang blade has a strong tip, hollow grind, plain edge and stonewash finish.

The handle is made of durable Micarta in green and black and outfitted with a hole at the rear to accommodate the included lanyard. Three finger grooves and jimping on the spine of the blade enhance grip for tough cuts and detail work.

crkt nessmuk with sheath — The thermoplastic sheath and lanyard are part of the package when you purchase CRKT’s Minimalist Nessmuk.

The knife also comes with a tough thermoplastic sheath (and optional belt loop mount), and a length of cord that can be looped through the sheath’s holes for wearing around the neck.

Considering it weighs just 2.6 ounces, we imagine the father of ultralight camping would approve.

Availability and pricing

The Minimalist Nessmuk pictured on this page is available now for $45. An upscaled version possessing an Ivory Micarta handle and 12C27 blade steel costs $75.