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This Brain-Breaking EDC Knife Is Now Turning Heads for a Different Reason

Ed VanHoy’s distinctive design has delighted and disoriented for decades, but titanium nitride elevates it to a whole new level.

Close-up of a metallic, multicolored knife mechanism featuring a green circular component with cutouts, secured by black screws. The blade has a purple gradient with circular holes and text reading "MILITARY DESIGN" and "S102P." The handle includes a gold-toned part with a textured grip.CRKT

By Steve Mazzucchi

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People who don’t really get watches wonder what’s so g-d special about a unique route to the same basic result.

But enthusiasts know all the machinations involved in the journey can be way more interesting than the destination, anyway.

A close-up of a folding knife with a vibrant, iridescent finish in shades of blue, purple, and pink. The blade has circular cutouts near the spine and text etched on it. The handle features a unique, intricate cutout design and is secured with screws. The knife rests on a dark fabric background, with parts of other similarly colored knives visible around it.
The Snap Lock folder might very well be the most magical of CRKT’s new iridescent releases.
CRKT

It’s the same with knives when it comes to deployment, which is why Ed VanHoy’s Snap Lock Folder continues to confuse and captivate some 21 years after it won Most Innovative Knife at the 2004 Blade Show.

But just in case the unusual mechanics involved aren’t mesmerizing enough, CRKT just updated it with a titanium nitride coating that adds serious bling to the thing.

Deployment demystified

So, how do you release the blade here, anyway?

First, press down on the cam lever, specifically that round, ridged bit behind the blade, with your thumb. 

Folding pocket knife with a rainbow-colored metallic handle and blade. The blade has five circular cutouts and the handle features a circular, gear-like design near the pivot. The knife has a clip on one side and a small hole at the end of the handle. The blade is partially serrated and has text engraved near the pivot.
When closed the blade is safely contained within the skeletonized handle. By the way, the aforementioned cam lever can be seen in the upper left corner here.
CRKT

You can then rotate the blade outward until it is fully extended and you hear and feel it click into place. 

To close the knife, you press the cam lever down again to disengage it from its locked position, then swing it back into the skeletonized handle. 

A folding knife with a rainbow-colored, iridescent finish. The blade has several circular cutouts near the spine and the brand name "CRKT" etched on it. The handle features a unique, open-frame design with multiple holes and a circular mechanism near the pivot for opening and closing the blade. The overall design is sleek and modern.
Open, the knife measures 6.25 inches, with 2.54 inches of blade and a healthy grip of handle.
CRKT

When retracted, the blade is safely shielded by the handle and secured for carry in your pocket.

The action required here is unlike any other, showcasing a level of intricacy that continues to entrance.

Rainbow connection

Adding major pop to the new edition is, of course, titanium nitride, a distinctive treatment the brand is offering a few new releases. 

The iridescence has perhaps the biggest impact on this particular knife as now, when deployed, it resembles a tropical bird.

Close-up of a metallic, multicolored folding knife pivot mechanism with a textured adjustment screw and part of the blade visible, reflecting on a glossy surface.
The cam lever is easy to trigger thanks to the round, ridged nubbins on end.
CRKT

This quality is complemented by a bit of plumage in the form of a rainbow colored fob and bead that can be looped through the lanyard hole at the bottom of the handle.

Of course even with all the visual appeal, let’s not forget this 3.2-ounce knife is a reliable EDC tool, too. 

Emerging from the sturdy stainless steel handle, the 2.54-inch wharncliffe blade is made of 420J2 stainless steel. 

A close-up of a colorful, metallic folding knife with a rainbow finish, partially open and balanced vertically on its tip. The knife has multiple circular cutouts on the blade and handle, and a multicolored braided lanyard attached to the handle. To the left of the knife, there is a stack of translucent, multicolored plastic cases. The background is blurred with warm lighting.
When the blade is deployed, the knife brings to mind a colorful toucan — my mind, anyway.
CRKT

This wallet-friendly material nonetheless offers good toughness, ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance, making it a handy apple, sausage or sandwich slicer in a picnic pinch.

The CRKT Snap Lock Folder (5102P) is available now for $110.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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