Not one of his everyday builds, the Taka v2s by Brian Brown features a notable blade, handle and lock.
Brian Brown likes a good, pointy tanto.
“It’s kind of a straight hollow grind all the way from the choil to the tip in a climbing grind,” he explained of the blade on his Taka v2s dress tactical folder. Grinding it that way helped him keep the blade extremely thin from the recurve edge to the tip. “You’ve got to be really careful [at the edge] because that’s gonna be the lowest spot where it gets thinnest the fastest—and I’ve burned through them before,” he noted.
Brian Brown said he had to be careful grinding/removing the top layer of the Black Top Timascus™ handle material by Alpha Knife Supply or he would expose too much of the titanium and change the color—somewhat visible here on the spine. The 3.125-inch blade is FireClone 2 forged by Mike Norris, which Brian lauded as some of the best stainless damascus anywhere. Closed length: 4.375 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
Only the second one he’s done, the folder’s linerlock-like inset lock enabled him to use the fancy handle material paired with a straight, solid piece of Grade 5 titanium for the lockbar. There are several more steps involved but the upshot is the scales are symmetrical as with a linerlock—a symmetry Brian prefers to that of a framelock. Plus, the inset lock results in a thinner handle than with a linerlock because the lock side must be relieved to make room for the lockbar.
A mechanical wonder with practical functionality, the CRKT Provoke incites wonder.
Karambits are unique knives, originating in southeast Asia as an agricultural tool and later adapted as a weapon. Its signature claw-shaped blade allows effective slashing, and given its cutting edge is always oriented to the target at an angle, it also delivers wicked slices from point to hilt.
Just think about how a cat grabs, holds, punctures and cuts its prey and you have a pretty solid idea about how a karambit operates. The age-old design still inspires and intimidates, and some manufacturers have even figured out how to put a new spin on the longstanding design.
The Provoke offers a wicked chisle grind for maximum slicing, cutting and punturing ability.
Knifemaker Joe Caswell took the concept of a folding karambit and made it a bit different. Instead of the blade simply folding into the handle, the Provoke’s steel lunges out and back in with a simple flick of the thumb. In the ancient art of knifemaking it’s difficult to come up with something unique, but Caswell did.
The Provoke not only incites wonder in collectors but also elicits excitement in serious users.
Provoke Blade
The blade of the Provoke (MSRP $200) is 2.4-inches long and is made from D2 steel for superior edge retention. To work properly with the deployment mechanism, the blade is chisel ground. The flat side is faces in toward the handle, laying flush against the frame when closed. This is mainly a safety precaution, protecting the user from cuts or torn clothing when the blade isn’t in use.
Provoke Action
The mechanical action of the Provoke is one of a kind.
The Provoke’s signature action is what Caswell dubbed “kinematic”. It works thusly, the blade is attached to a pair of movable arms anchored into the handle. To deploy the blade, it is held in reverse grip and the thumb presses on the exposed end of the blade. The arms pivot and the blade leaps forward. Closing is equally as effortless. Just press down on the exposed locking tab just below the finger ring, then the blade is retracted backward until it rests fully against the handle frame.
Nicely, given it doesn’t take much force to open or close, the blade locks in the open position. Honestly, it’s a really neat, mechanical motion. Fairly self-evident, the movement of the Provoke is unlike anything else available on the market today and has the ability to capture even a jaded knife aficionado’s attention.
Getting Clipped
As unique as the action is the Provoke’s pocket clip, which lays flat until needed.
Another intriguing aspect of the CRKT offering is its pocket clip. Often used, rarely discussed and poured over, the clip is one of those unsung if not massively simple aspects of the knife. Even here the Provoke takes a different twist in design.
The clip is spring-loaded and rests against the finger ring completely. To open, you simply push down on a notched portion of the clip and it rises up. Some might complain it’s overly complex, but it does fit nicely in a knife defined by its mechanical ingenuity. Not to mention, in hand, you do not feel the clip at all—a break from nearly every other option with in a standard configuration.
Provoke Variations
Provoke Compact
Provoke Compact (top) and Provoke Grivory (bottom) offer two lightweight EDC options.
In addition to the full-size Provoke, there is a scaled-down version in the form of the Provoke Compact (MSRP $150). Essentially, it’s the same knife but with a blade length of 2.2 inches. Where this petite Provoke earns its stripes is ease of carry, as it is much less cumbersome in the pocket than its big brother. And, from my perspective, this smaller version’s action is a bit crisper than the full-sized, perhaps due to the smaller blade.
Provoke Grivory
Again, aiming at EDC, CRKT also offers the lightweight Provoke Grivory (MSRP $100). You guessed it, the handle is made from injection-molded Grivory—a very stiff but lightweight glass-reinforced thermoplastic. Here you have a host of choices in handle colors, including fluorescent green, red, blue, and orange—adding some pop to an already exciting knife. Regardless of the color, the blade’s arms are always black Grivory, providing a nice contrast to the frame and matching the blade’s black stonewash finish.
It’s also worth noting that the Grivory arms are reinforced with steel to provide strength and rigidity to the material for superb blade action. The lightweight version weighs 4.7 ounces; for comparison, the full-size Provoke weighs 6.1 ounces. So there is considerable weight savings.
As for the action on the Grivory, it feels a bit different than the aluminum handle versions—in a good way. For me, it felt a bit lighter and faster in deployment.
Provoke First Responder
For the save and serve professionals, CRKT offers the Provoke First Responder (MSRP $225)—the full-size knife with a 2.4-inch blade. However, it does have some value adds life-saving professionals should appreciate, such as a ceramic glass breaker point inserted into the end of the handle frame.
The Provoke’s curved blade is especially suited for rescue work, particularly cleaving through seatbelts with a single, swift pulling motion. In addition to the standard integrated pocket clip that all Provoke models feature, the First Responder also includes a molded sheath with multiple carry options to offer carry flexibility if desired.
Provoke EDC
The EDC (bottom) next to the Compact (top). The EDC may prove more practical for some users.
The Provoke EDC (MSRP $175) features a 2.5-inch long drop point blade of D2. This iteration replaces the knife’s standard talon-shaped blade with a blade shape that is more friendly to daily cutting tasks. Honestly, it’s perhaps my favorite out of the entire Provoke family.
The action is very quick on this one, though once open you have to reorient your grip from a reverse to a forward grip. The blade’s lock release on the EDC version has been reoriented from the position of the other Provoke models, to make one-handed closing of the blade possible. You can deploy the Provoke EDC one-handed as well as close it one-handed. It does require some practice to close one-handed but once you get it down, you will be able to do that easily.
Provoke Trainer
No need to upgrade your health insurance when practicing with the Provoke Trainer.
For those who might be serious about employing the Provoke for self-defense, or simply like to fiddle with the knife’s action as a fidget toy, CRKT offers a trainer model (MSRP $100). Built exactly like the live-bladed lightweight Provoke, it sports a dulled and blunted blade. In short, there’s no danger of accidental cuts or stabs while working with the knife.
Furthermore, a series of holes drilled into the blade blank subtracts weight so it is the same as the live-bladed version. The trainer is only available in an all-blue handle, signifying its purpose.
Using The Provoke
When using the regular Provoke, you’re limited to a pulling motion for cutting, though it has a defined blade tip for precise cutting and scoring. If you intend to carry one on an EDC basis then the Provoke EDC is a better candidate because of its double ground drop point blade, which is more conducive to general utility use.
Due to the more common blade shape along with the short length, this model allows you to get into places where a larger knife blade cannot. This means using the Provoke EDC to open mail, packages, strip wire, cut cardboard, and other general working tasks that a knife of this size would be called upon to do. The D2 steel does an excellent job at holding an edge yet when it comes time to resharpen, it’s still a great steel.
Final Cut
If you like knives that are a step away from ordinary—not to mention are conversation starters—the Provoke series is for you. If you like mechanical things…the Provoke has your name on it. However, I would pick the Provoke EDC as the best of this bunch if you are just going to carry one for daily cutting purposes.
Each model is made with excellent fit, finish, and sharp ess right out of the box, however. I think this design is perhaps one of the most inimitable knives out there right now. It may not be for everybody, though. But if your knife tastes venture into the unique and different, then the CRKT Provoke series has your name on it.
First Announced At SHOT Show 2023, CRKT And Hogue Knives Announced A New Manufacturing Partnership To Create The Next Generation Of CRKT Knives.
The collaboration between the brands launched at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas with the release of two new American-made knives: the Definitive and LCBK. This new joint effort showcases CRKT’s eye for design, craftsmanship, and making purpose-driven products.
First announced at SHOT Show 2023, Columbia River Knife & Tool and Hogue Knives will join forces in a new manufacturing collaboration. The partnership blends the Oregon-based CRKT’s innovative and user-friendly ethos with Hogue’s long history of precision engineering and will focus on the next era of CRKT knives.
CRKT Definitive And LCBK
The sleek CRKT Definitive has an MSRP of $215, the same as the LCBK.
The companies showcased their first two knives together at SHOT: the Definitive and LCBK. Both models are high-end folding EDC knives made from 154CM steel married to a G10 handle. Both are also among the first in the CRKT lineup to feature a crossbar lock, the ambidextrous, one-handed locking mechanism.
The Definitive is the bigger of the two knives with a 3.7-inch blade (vs a 3.48-inch blade on the LCBK), and it outweighs the LCBK 3 ounces to 2.8 ounces. The blade on the Definitive features a stonewashed finish while the LCBK has a bead blast finish.
Both knives have an MSRP of $215.
The Future Of The CRKT/Hogue Collaboration
The LCBK has a bead blast finish and is a light 2.8 ounces.
These knives are meant to be the first launch in a long-term, wide-sweeping alliance between the two companies. Both have said they are excited to work together and learn from each other’s expertise.
“We’ve known the team at Hogue Knives for quite some time and their sterling reputation in the marketplace is well deserved,” said Doug Flagg, VP of Marketing & Innovation for CRKT. “As we looked towards partners in US manufacturing, they were an obvious fit in helping us develop top-notch American-made knives and we couldn’t be more pleased to be working with them.”
“This partnership with CRKT is a natural extension for our business,” said Jim Bruhns, President of Hogue Knives.“CRKT’s penchant for design and willingness to take risks and stand out fits right in with the ethos here at Hogue Knives and we’re excited for what the future holds for both brands.”
Rosecraft Blades expands its catalog with three new flipper-folders.
As the Rosecraft Blade crew was excited to herald during June’s BLADE Show, it has big things in store for this year. What the Tennessee designer was angling at became apparent this past month, with an interesting expansion of its catalog.
Rosecraft dropped three new knives in July, offering options in the mid to large range, all of them flipper folders. Here’s the breakdown of each.
MA-11
One of two new designs from Andy Armstrong, the MA-11 is a robust tanto flipper with a tactical look, with Rosecraft stating it’s angled at military, law enforcement and first responders. However, it’s not so geeked to preclude it from EDC in milder environments. Catching the eye right off is the bulldogged nose of the 3.9-inch RPM9-steel blade, a much steeper angle than seen on a majority of factory tantos recently. The method to the madness here appears to be creating an ample prying surface, a task the relatively thick blade should prove adept at.
The MA-11 has a stainless steel handle with G10 front cover, nicely textured to give a bit more grip to the knife. The kicker and thumb stud on the frame lock is ample, but not so aggressive as to get in the way or initiate a premature deployment. However, when the blade is required it comes out in a snap, thanks to a ceramic ball-bearing pivot. Other notables include an ambidextrous tip-up/tip-down carry pocket clip and a lanyard loop. MSRP: $77
Aeris Rex
An offering by designer Hawkins Rose, an early run of the Aeris Rex proved among the best sellers at BLADE Show, according to Rosecraft. It’s easy to see why, the harpoon tanto is darkly handsome, set off with copper bolsters. Fairly sizable, with an overall length of 8 inches and 5 ounces in weight, the knife nevertheless has clean lines and looks that should make it comfortable in any setting.
Offering supreme control, the Aeris Rex—Latin for “King of the Air” or “Air King”— boasts a fairly sizable handle and the choice of Micarta or carbon fiber handles. Both options are attractive, but the latter material tacks nearly $20 on the MSRP. Again, Rosecraft outfits the knife with both a kicker and thumbstud for deployment and utilizes a ceramic ball-bearing pivot. This liner lock also has a hidden lanyard hole and is ambidextrous, with a configurable tip-up/tip-down pocket clip. MSRP: $86 Micarta handle; $107 carbon fiber handle
Waya
Cherokee for wolf, the Waya is perhaps the most dapper of the three new releases—yet another creation of Armstrong. The clip point presents very clean lines and a striking dark appearance, complimented by a split G10 handle—black and an off-white in the above case. Overall a classy package that cuts an executive knife’s figure.
The smallest of the releases, the Waya sports a 3.4-inch RPM9-steel blade, topped off with a black PVD coating. Again, the knife is outfitted with a flipper and thumbstud, as well as a ceramic ball-bearing pivot for fast and easy opening. The G10 handle should provide a solid purchase on the knife and comes with an ambidextrous, deep-carry, tip-up pocket clip that helps the Waya disappear into a hip pocket. There is also an OD green handle option that comes with a stonewashed blade finish. MSRP: $74
Celebrating its 30th birthday, the Kit Carson-designed M16 has an economical crossbar lock option.
It might seem surprising, but CRKT produced one of the most popular military knives of modern times. Here, we aren’t talking about issued blades, but working EDC options, typically purchased at a soldier’s local PX.
Aptly named, the M16 was the wire stripper, rope cutter, lid prier and snack slicer of choice for many a military man and woman from Kandahar to Kubal and Baghdad to Balad, and everywhere in between. And the unexpected warhorse is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.
CRKT isn’t allowing this momentous occasion to slip by, with the Kit Carson-designed folder having a pair of new models added to the series. The black M16-10XK and tan M16-10XD hues aren’t the eye-catching aspect of the new knives, nor are the models’ crossbar lock—it’s available on a few other models. Instead, the M16 model’s price tag should get fans of the folder excited.
Both models come in with a very affordable $48 MSRP, making them among the most reasonably priced options in the family of knives. This is particularly true of the crossbar lock models, which start at $75.
Enthusiasts or veterans looking to replace the blade they lost in the “sandbox” get a solid build out of the new M16s. Both models are outfitted with 3.03-inch 8Cr14MoV modified tanto blades, with titanium nitride finishes and sporting Veff serrations near the heel. The final aspect is wicked, giving the blade a highly aggressive cutting ability.
The blade deploys quickly, thanks to IKBS ball bearings and opens via thumbstuds or with a flick of the wrist, with the crossbar lock actuated. Note, the locking system is ambidextrous, rock solid and allows for single-handed manipulation. The handle is fiber-glass reinforced nylon, keeping the knife’s weight a very manageable 2.1 ounces.
CRKT has shown plenty of dedication to the M16 design and evolving it over the years. Early this year, the company dropped a balisong version of the knife, possibly the most unique riff of the time-tested design. In all, there are now 36 variations of the storied M16.
A couple of notes on the knife and its legacy. It was included on BLADE® Magazine’s top 10 tactical knives of the past decade in the early 2000s. Further, CRKT has created a video series on the knife’s design and military pedigree, with veterans and experts looking back on their time with the knife.
The New Andromeda From Artisan Cutlery Is A Gorgeous, Sturdy Folding Knife That Works Just As Good As It Looks.
Made in collaboration with Ray Laconico, the Andromeda from Artisan Cutlery is a gem. The folder features a 3.42-inch M390 stainless steel drop point blade with a stonewash finish treated to a durable 59-61 HRC.
The handle is where the Andromeda visually shines. The entire construction is made from gray titanium for a sleek, clean look, but it is the single piece of blue & black fat carbon on the side opposite the clip that makes the knife stand out.
The key feature on the knife is the deployment method. There’s a traditional dual-sided thumb stud and an inset button lock for one-handed deployment making the Andromeda one of the first Artisan models to feature it.
The Cogent Flipper Folder From Civivi Is Ready To Cut Through Pretty Much Anything
The Cogent button-lock folder from Civivi is well put together. It has a great feel and a classy blackened stainless steel damascus blade.
Civivi uses 10Cr15CoMoV and 9Cr18MoV stainless steels in the damascus mix. The blade has a full flat grind designed to slim the edge geometry down for efficient slicing.
Testing The Civivi Cogent
Skiving 6-ounce leather was no problem as the Cogent did the job aggressively and noisily—the author easily could hear the crunch on each skive.
First up on the test agenda: 20-pound bond copy paper. The Cogent zipped through it without hesitation. The blade was super smooth during slicing. I used a push cut for a full slice. The knife most definitely has a fine edge.
Staying with a push cut, I used the Cogent to effortlessly slice single-walled cardboard to shreds. The edge never stalled in dispatching the medium. Man, this thing is wicked sharp! There was no twisting of cuts, just straight slices. In fact, it sliced so quickly I had to really watch my fingers to avoid cutting them.
I took it up a notch by slicing plastic board. It was like there was no variation at all in the speed and control of cutting. The only difference was the absence of the zipping noise emitted by the cutting of the cardboard. It was nice, quiet slicing with no hang ups.
There was some 6-ounce leather on the bench for skiving. I decided to slice just a part of it up first. Talk about aggressive cutting! I could easily hear the crunching from every skive. The Cogent sounded like it was actually taking a bite out of the leather—which I guess it was. I did some skiving on another piece of leather with similar results. This knife is a wicked sharp cutter.
Wood & Rope
The Cogent worked its way to 214 crunching cuts on the 3/8-inch rope before the author got tired and quit.
It was time for some firestick making. Utilizing the fine edge, I whittled some curly-cues in a pine stick. I did some very fine curly-cues and some thicker ones. The Cogent was excellent controlling curly-cue thickness. The thumb notches were very comfortable during the deeper bites. The handle was quite comfy.
For some splitting action to test the lockup, I batonned the Cogent into a half-inch-thick board. It split the wood very quickly with no smears on the blade. The button lock stayed at 100 percent lockup. No wiggle here!
The last challenge was the 3/8-inch sisal rope. The Cogent worked its way to 214 crunching cuts before I got tired. The edge would still shave hair from my arm*. The blade boasts excellent heat treatment. I didn’t find one hot spot on the handle and the knife was very comfortable for heavy cutting.
Civivi Cogent: Final Thoughts
I would carry this knife every day. It holds a sharp edge longer than most. The second-best thing is the comfortable handle. It is made for using. The Cogent is an excellent folder. I’d maybe add more handle color options. I love everything else.
*Editor’s note: BLADE® does not recommend shaving arm hair to test blade cutting ability. It can result in injury or worse.
Civivi Cogent Knife Specs
Blade length: 3.47” Blade material: Blackened stainless damascus Blade thickness at the thickest: 1/8 of an inch at ricasso and tapers to the tip Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Handle: Green Micarta® Liners: Stainless steel Opening: Flipper Lock: Manual button lock Knife to know: Open-handle construction for easy cleaning; handle textured; thumb notches on base of blade spine Country of origin: China Weight: 4 ounces Closed length: 4.25 inches MSRP: $115
