One of CRKT’s Best-Selling EDC Knives Gets a Major Lock Upgrade

The fan-favorite Lucas Burnley-designed brand mainstay is back and better than ever before.

CRKT Squid Button Lock knife pivot close-up

Published January 10, 2025

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Ten years ago, CRKT collaborated with legendary designer Lucas Burnley to create the Squid EDC knife. Since then, this blade has been a mainstay of the brand’s catalog, undergoing several iterations and updates. Yet it’s still one of the brand’s best-selling offerings.

Now, the Squid (and its larger sibling, the Squid XM) is poised to catch fire again. The design returned as part of the brand’s huge early 2025 product drop, but it’s undergone a major change that could make it even more popular.

CRKT Squid Button Lock knives on green background — Both the Squid and its larger sibling, the Squid XM, got the fidget-friendly button lock treatment.

Go ahead, push the button

The big change with the new versions of the Squid and Squid XM is the lock. Whereas previous iterations featured a liner or frame lock, these are fitted with a button lock.

That swap makes operating the knives easier and safer without sacrificing performance or functionality. It also adds a bit of fidget-friendly playfulness to a pair of knives that are already a joy to use.

Have it your way

The new versions of these knives differ not only in the button lock but also in the blade and handle material choices.

The knives are available in D2 or 14C28N steel. While either option makes for a solid, hardworking knife, D2 is better for those who prefer edge retention, whereas 14C28N offers better toughness and corrosion resistance.

CRKT Squid Button Lock closed on green background — Apart from the locking mechanism, much of what made the Squid’s design so good remains intact.

Both knives are also offered with either G10 or Micarta handle scales. Like the steels, these materials are relatively comparable, so your pick will likely come down to personal preference.

They also both retain the legendary IKBS ball-bearing pivot system, ensuring that — regardless of which variant you choose — they’ll open quickly and reliably every time you use them.