Regarding the CRKT Outrage, the company’s website says “Product Coming Soon.” What it should really say is “Not Coming Soon Enough.” If Ken Onion’s latest CRKT creation comes tomorrow, it’s still not soon enough. Since CRKT was kind enough to send me an early sample before they become available nest month, let me whet your appetite.
The CRKT Outrage is an every day carry (EDC) folder designed by the curvy Ken Onion. I’ve never met Ken, so I have no idea how curvy he is, but his knives carry curve that are his signature and makes his knives almost instantly recognizable. More on that in a minute. Deployment is achieved manually with the help of CRKT’s IKBS bearing system.
Let’s take a look at material selection briefly. The modified drop point blade is made from CRKT’s popular 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. Hardness rates 58 – 60 for this blend and treatment which is a point higher than we’ve seen this steel rated in previous reviews. I’ve found the 8Cr13MoV to be a good blend of edge retention and sharpening ease. The handle is a textured 6061 aluminum with a 2Cr13 steel liner lock. Aluminum on its own can be slick, as would be any metal. Texture, physical design, and jimping help though.
CRKT Outrage Design
As I mentioned before, the CRKT Outrage features classic Ken Onion curves. The top of the handle and blade complement each other well. Running your finger from back to front, it feels like waves that are decreasing in size with each crest. As you come down from the last wave crest, you come to a drop point tip that has considerable piercing potential.
The business end of the blade is a seriously modified drop point. Normally, a drop point blade sacrifices piercing capability for a stronger tip. Ken Onion started the curve in the first half of the blade, still leaving belly for slicing with a solid piercing tip. The blade was designed to handle a variety of EDC tasks well. That’s not an easy task and it’s why we have so many blade styles available. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Ken Onion has found a style that adds more versatility to the traditional drop point. Is there a trade off? Yes. You do have a tip that won’t be as strong. It’s essentially a clip point tip on a drop point blade.
CRKT Outrage Ergonomics
The handle offers a full four finger grip. For my hands, the bottom contours were a little off for being a perfect fit to my grip. It will be a well suited fit for medium to large handed users. The fact that my ring finger is left on top of a ridge doesn’t make it uncomfortable though. Texture on the handle and jimping along the very back of the blade/tip of the handle make for a secure enough grip. After using the CRKT Hootenanny, I got used to having some additional jimping toward the middle of the blade, but I’m setting for a contour that my thumb naturally fits in.
Forward carry is excellent. However, reverse/defensive gripping isn’t as effective. That’s a little bit of a disappointment since the drop point blade has been modified to a great balance of utility slicing and piercing.
Deployment is excellent as well on the CRKT Outrage. The IKBS bearing system is smooth. Again, CRKT’s Fossil really set the standard for CRKT’s ultimate non-assisted blade deployment, but that was mostly due to the weight of the blade. The liner lock is solid and keeps the handle aesthetics from being broken up. It also wraps up an experience that is easily a one handed effort from deployment to closing.
I don’t typically get excited about a belt clip. For the CRKT Outrage belt clip, however, I’ll make an exception. This low profile clip has only one tip position, though it is removable. The clip contours beautifully to your ring finger during deployment for right-handers. Lefties will enjoy the curve while gripping the knife. The compound curvature of the clip cradles your ring finger in a way that is very natural and comfortable. When it’s on the palm side of the handle (for right-handed users), it finds a home just under your ring finger and is barely noticeable.
Parting Shots
The CRKT Outrage by Ken Onion is going to be an extremely popular EDC once it’s released next month. Its combination of solid material selection, mid-range price point, and functional design are a winner. Fans of a traditional drop point blade that want more piercing capability should absolutely give this design a shot.
CRKT Outrage Specifications
- Overall Length: 7.88 inches
- Closed: 4.67 inches
- Blade: 3.19 inches
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Steel
- HRC Rating: 58 – 60
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Blade Grind: Hollow
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Handle Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Liner Material: 2Cr13 Steel
- Locking: Liner Lock
- Carry Positions: 1, tip up
- MSRP: $56
