CRKT Crossbones Folder, by Pat Cascio

Under review is one of the newest folding knives from CRKT ^[1]. It’s the Crossbones ^[2], and it is one dandy gentleman’s folder, too.

Folding Knives

Regular readers will know that I’m a fan of folding knives with a blade between 3.5” and 4”. For my personal taste, that 3.75” blade is about perfect for my daily chores. I like a stout folder, because I never know what kind of chores I might have to use a pocket knife on. However, I certainly do appreciate smaller folders for every day carry as well; they have lots of uses.

Designer Jeff Park in Hawaii

Jeff Park, who resides in Hawaii, is an up and coming knife designer and maker, and he learned quite a bit about designing and making knives from world famous Ken Onion, who also resides in Hawaii. In the past, I interviewed Onion for an article in a knife magazine, and we had a great visit. To be sure, Ken is one wild man to talk to. In any event, Jeff Park learned from one of the best in the business, if you ask me.

Using a Gentleman’s Folder

^[3]I know quite a few guys who carry what is called a “Gentleman’s” folder. Some carry some very expensive folders, and they don’t do anything more than pull those knives out of their pockets to clean their finger nails or open mail. To each his own, I guess. That’s not to say that those aren’t legitimate uses for a smaller folding knife; they are.

What is a “Gentleman’s Folder”

There really aren’t any hard and fast rules, when it comes to what is a “Gentleman’s” folder either. Some think they have to have a blade less than two inches. Some claim three inches is the limit. In my eyes, a “Gentleman’s” folder is one fancy folder that’s not too big and not too small but one that will catch the attention of bystanders when they see it because of its beauty.

Jeff Park Crossbones Specs

^[4]The Jeff Park Crossbones folder is one really sweet looking folder. Even though it has a blade that 3.536” in length, I still consider it a Gent’s folder because it is slim, trim, and very eye catching. It is available only with a plain blade, no serrations, and that works for me. This is a hard-core use folder. The blade is made out of AUS 8 stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness of 57-59, which is just perfect. AUS 8 is a decent knife blade material, and it helps save on costs. It holds an edge a decent amount of time and is easy to re-sharpen, too.

The Crossbones has a two-tone handle made out of 6061 aluminum that is bead blasted for a very eye catching look. There is a locking liner to keep the blade locked open, and there is a blade flipper, not a thumb stud. The blade flicks open with pressure applied to the flipper. The satin finish on the blade will help hide any scratches you might get on it. And, the best thing is, the entire set-up is very thin and weighs in at a mere 2.4 oz. Yep, you read that right; it is a super lightweight folder. When you slip this folder in your pants pocket, you readily forget it is there, because it is so lightweight. You will readily notice from the pics of the Crossbones that the design on the handle looks like bones that are crossed on it, thus the name “Crossbones” comes to mind.

^[5]The thin pocket clip readily allows you to slip the Crossbones folder into your pocket or even a dress shirt front pocket. Remember, it is only 2.4 oz, so you won’t know it’s there until you need it. And, I’ve known quite a few guys who carry a folder in their shirt pocket. If you are wearing a sport coat or suit jacket, no one will even know it is there.

A Folder For Survival?

Once again, I like to remind our readers that “survival” takes on many forms, and many people mistakenly believe that survival means hard-core do or die in the mountains or wilderness. That just isn’t the case. I believe most of us, maybe all of us, have to survive whatever trials and tribulations that might come our way each day, and even the smallest tool can help us survive. Take for example getting packages from UPS or FedEx, and you have to look around for a sharp knife in order to cut the box open.

It can get a little frustrating when you can’t find a good knife. Having a nice folder on-hand will make your job a little bit easier if you ask me. So, don’t think that a small, lightweight folding knife can’t be considered a “survival” knife. It can, and it just depends on the situation you are trying to survive at the moment.

Mean Streets

^[6]Having lived in Chicago for more than 25 years, I know how mean the streets can be. I worked in private security, and as a private investigators, and more often than not, those jobs brought me into some really tough neighborhoods. Of course, I was armed with a handgun, but I also had some kind of folding knife in my pocket, just in case. The Crossbones would sure help save your bacon, if attacked in a bad part of town.

Remember the old song, “Bad, bad, Leroy Brown” the baddest man in the whole d*** town. Well, when his opponent was done with him, he was cut in about a hundred places and shot in a couple more. I betcha Leroy Brown wished he’d never faced a man with a knife. A knife, any knife, but especially a good knife, can sure turn the tables on some bad people who intend you harm. Keep that in mind.

^[7]I’m here to tell you, from 35 years in the martial arts, that even an untrained person with a knife can inflict some serious harm on an attacker. So, please, keep this in mind, too. No one likes to be stabbed or cut. In most knife fights, slicing and dicing is more the norm, than actual stabbings are. It doesn’t take a lot of talent to reach out and slash at someone’s arms or hands or even their legs.

A Fancy Folder Survival Knife Made With Quality Materials

So, next time you are in the market for a new “survival” knife, or a fancy looking folder, that is made with quality materials, keep the CRKT Jeff Park Crossbones in mind. Full retail is $99.99, and you can often find CRKT products deeply discounted, if you shop around. They are always a bargain if you ask me.