CRKT
CRKT handle scales
CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool), a leading American knife brand, was founded in 1994 in Tualatin, Oregon, by Rod Bremer and Paul Gilles. Bremer, a former salesman for Gerber Legendary Blades, saw an opportunity to create high-quality, innovative knives by partnering with top custom knifemakers and producing them affordably overseas
The company's breakthrough came in 1995 with the first production knives designed by Kit Carson (M16 series) and Ron Lake (Lake 111Z folder), introducing patented features like the AutoLAWKS safety and innovative locking mechanisms. CRKT quickly gained traction for blending custom designs with reliable manufacturing in Taiwan and later China
Key milestones include the 2000s explosion of tactical folders like the M16, S.P.E.W., Minimalist, and Provoke (Kinematic 2018), plus iconic collaborations with designers Ken Onion, Jesper Voxnaes, Lucas Burnley, and LionSteel. In 2018, CRKT joined GSM Outdoors (acquired by Marlin Firearms parent), expanding distribution while preserving independent branding
Known for affordable premium EDC knives, tactical folders, fixed blades, and innovative mechanisms (e.g., Deadbolt lock), CRKT remains a benchmark for value, durability, and designer collaborations in the knife industry
