This Award-Winning Designer’s New CRKT Pocket Knife Is a Triumph of Style and Materials

The man behind the Blade Show sensation CEO flipper is back with an equally impressive, much higher-end new offering.

Published September 26, 2024

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Five years ago, CRKT teamed up with a humble New Mexico-based cattle rancher on a rather unexpected release: a slender gentleman’s pocket knife called the CEO.

Pop this Italian-made beauty open and the IKBS ball-bearing pivot will ensure a smooth deployment of the 3.31-inch plain-edge MagnaCut blade, while the precision-engineered frame lock holds it securely in place.

Despite its boardroom-worthy name, the Richard Rogers-designed flipper cost just $50, a price tag that helped it claim Best Buy of the Year at the 2019 Blade Show. CRKT has gone to offer the knife in more than a dozen varieties, most of which cost $45 to $60.

Now, with the 2024 Blade Show West on the horizon (October 4-5), Rogers is back in the CRKT fold. Like an indie film sensation who graduates to big budget epics, he’ll be showcasing some higher-end stuff, including a no-expense-spared masterpiece called the Q.

CRKT Q Frame Lock

$250 at CRKT

CRKT Q Frame Lock

Now, what do we mean by no expense spared? You’ll find out as we describe it.

Let’s start with the handle, which is made of titanium with an inlay made of carbon fiber, basically the two best options for optimizing weight, strength and style.

crkt-q-handle-and-clip — As the perfectly engaged frame lock indicates, this knife is meticulously machined.

Pop this Italian-made beauty open using the flipper on the back and the IKBS ball-bearing pivot will ensure a smooth deployment of the 3.31-inch plain-edge blade, while the precision-engineered frame lock holds it securely in place.

The blade itself is where the materials really shine (so to speak), as the bead-blasted steel here is that which cannot be denied, MagnaCut. You probably don’t need us to tell you that this material, designed specifically as a knife steel, boasts a no-sacrifices blend of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance.

crkt-q-in-hand — While it’s significantly bigger than the CEO, the Q’s clean geometry gives off a similar streamlined vibe.

With a closed length of 4.58 inches (7.94 inches open) and a weight of 3.2 ounces, the Q fits easily in your pocket, held in place by a titanium clip. A floating backspacer enhances the premium look and feel.

It’s worth noting that, even without S-tier materials like titanium, carbon fiber and MagnaCut, the understated yet overwhelmingly elegant style of this knife would remain. But it wouldn’t be quite so choice then, would it?

Availability and pricing

Coinciding with Blade Show West, the CRKT Q Frame Lock will be available October 4th for $250. Also available at that time: a smaller version with G10 handles and S35VN blade steel, the CRKT Q Compact Liner Lock, for $195.