When CRKT announced their partnership with Ruger to create a line of knives that would represent the firearms manufacturer’s reputation, I was excited. I’m already a fan of Ruger’s Mark III Target Pistol and my son is learning to shoot on a Mark II. Looking through the line of knives, I found models appropriate for every day carry, hunting, tactical, and survival. Two models caught my eye due to the revolver cylinder pivot point cover – the spring-assisted Crack Shot Compact and manual flipper All-Cylinders.
It had been a while since I reviewed the CRKT Fossil, my last full size flipper, so I went with the CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders. I usually shy away from serrations in my EDC knives, but the All-Cylinders has the bold Veff Serrations as an option so I couldn’t resist and brought them both in.
The CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders fits in the full size EDC category for me. The design lends itself for tactical use, but it’s got a little too much light coloration and needs a spring assist or bearing system to really fit there. That’s just my opinion though. This is my first experience with a Bill Harsey design. He’s used materials I’m very familiar with, so let’s dive in and see what this model brings to the firing range.
CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders Design
For materials, we see two of the most popular suspects combined again. The drop point blade is made from 8Cr13MoV steel, offering an excellent blend of edge retention, hardness, and strength. It comes in a stonewash finish that has become my favorite for a coated blade. Veff Serrations give the All-Cylinders a no-nonsense look that I really like. It’s not as great in EDC applications, but it’s an attention grabbing look. Let’s be honest, none of us are buying this knife to keep it in our pocket without showing our friends.
The handle is really what defines the CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders. Below the forefinger contour, you’ll find a G10 gray/black wood grain design. Reviewer Jon Bucklew showed me how he achieves this finish in ash with a combination of charring and smoke tinted oil. A pre-drilled lanyard hole is toward the back of the handle.
Above the wood grain, the handle switches to a black steel where the belt clip points are found. Then there’s the revolver cylinder pivot point cover to round out a solid appearance and tribute to the Ruger brand.
CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders Ergonomics
Being a full sizer folder, the CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders has some weight to it. An official weight isn’t listed, but they weighed in at 5.92 ounces (serrated) and 6.08 ounces (plain edge) on our scale. The clip seems small compared to the rest of the knife, but I found the gripping strength to be solid. Of course, when I finally run against a workbench while it’s in my pocket and do my best bend it out, I’ll know for sure.
Deployment is the only real weak spot for the All-Cylinders. I don’t know that I’d want a spring assist in this size knife, but I would like to have CRKT’s IKBS bearing system. It will take a decent wrist flick to deploy the blade one-handed. There’s enough clearance for the thumb stud to get a solid push and consistent opening though. The rest of the design has such a good look and feel that I’d pay an extra $5 or $10 to get the bearing system.
Opened, nearly an inch of jimping for your thumb combines with basic finger contours and the G10 handle to provide a solid grip. Weight is really well balanced on the forefinger gripping point. The liner lock pushes aside easily enough to make one-handed closing a task that doesn’t require additional thought.
Parting Shots
The CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders can attribute its appeal to the handle and blade’s appearance as a knife that’s here to work. The subtle contours and curves that we’re used to seeing from designers like Ken Onion just aren’t here. It’s really a no-frills design, but it feels good and solid in my hand. I love the charred wood grain pattern of the G10 handle and versatile blade design.
If you’re buying the All-Cylinders to work, I’d go with the plain edge design. If your applications call for even occasional cord cutting or it’s simply an addition to your collection, go for the Veff Serrations.
All things considered, the only thing I’d ask for is a bearing system to bring this knife up a level. The CRKT Ruger All-Cylinders is a solid design that will find a happy home among Ruger fans everywhere.
CRKT Ruger All-Cyclinders Specifications
- Designer: Bill Harsey
- Deployed Length: 8-7/8″
- Blade Length: 4″
- Closed Length: 4-15/16″
- Deployment: Manual thumb stud flipper
- Locking Mechanism: Liner lock
- Blade Style: Drop point in plain edge or partial Veff Serrations
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV steel
- Blade Finish: Stonewash
- HRC Hardness Rating: 58-59
- Handle Material: G10
- Belt Clip: 2 position, tip down
- Price: $89.95
