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Is This Simply the Most Stunning Knife CRKT Has Ever Released?

A classic Ken Onion-designed flipper gets a jaw-dropping new look courtesy of Damascus steel and titanium nitride.

Close-up of a metallic object with a rainbow-colored, iridescent finish, featuring two silver screws and a textured edge, set against a black background.CRKT

By Steve Mazzucchi

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Come this cool, crispy time of year, throwing on the perfect new coat will not only meet the meteorological moment but also have others regarding you with fresh, admiring eyes.

Making a huge metaphorical leap, I’d argue that knife and EDC brands achieve a similar effect any time they start working with a new blade or handle treatment.

Folding knife with a patterned silver blade marked "CRKT" and a metallic, iridescent handle that shifts between blue, purple, and green hues. The handle has a sleek, angular design with a clip and two screws near the end.
This luxe new edition of the Facet nicely balance the blade and handle bling.
CRKT

Brands such as Benchmade and Leatherman, for example, have leaned heavily into protective Cerakote, with head-turning results.

Now CRKT is getting into the game in a totally different but equally show-stopping way, via the use of titanium nitride.

Exhibit A: This dazzling reinterpretation of the already excellent Ken Onion-designed Facet.

Proven design

CRKT is introducing this amazing technicolor dream coat — which imparts a lovely iridescent effect — on a small cadre of new releases.

However, this one is the clear headliner for me, in large part because Ken Onion is a knifemaking legend and the original Facet’s business end is already excellent. 

Folding knife with a patterned steel blade and a metallic, iridescent handle. The blade has the text "ONION DESIGN" and "K231TOP" near the handle. The handle features visible screws and a thumb stud for opening.
The reverse tanto shape’s combo of form and function is tough to beat.
CRKT

It boasts a robust 3.38-inch reverse tanto blade, one of my favorite blade shapes. 

The original tanto shape, which employs a sharp angle to offer two cutting planes, dates back to a short sword carried by Japanese samurai as early as the 12th century.

Handle of a folding knife with a rainbow titanium finish and a patterned metal pocket clip, partially showing the blade with a Damascus steel pattern and the text "ONION DESIGN" and "K2310".
The new Facet retains all the functional elements of its forebears, including the deep carry pocket clip.
CRKT

Drawing inspiration from Japanese combat weapons such as the Bunka Bocho and Kiritsuke, the reverse tanto, meanwhile, shifts that angling to the spine of the blade. 

This aspect boosts its piercing prowess, giving it a tip strength approaching a chisel, without sacrificing its cutting and slicing ability. A ridge on the spine of the Facet’s reverse tanto adds a bit of extra grip for help with detail work.

Close-up of a folding knife showing the blade partially open with a visible thumb stud and a rainbow-colored metallic handle. The blade has a subtle pattern and a textured thumb grip near the pivot.
Tried and true, the dependable frame lock is part of the handle.
CRKT

In the Facet, this dynamic blade deploys swiftly via a ridged rear flipper tab, smoothly swinging open on an IKBS ball bearing pivot. 

It’s held in place with a sturdy frame lock, while a deep carry clip lets it sit low in the pocket.

Endless shimmer

What’s special about this new edition of the Facet is that it features a unique treatment of not only the handle but also the blade, providing a beautiful balance.

The blade is made of acid-etched Damascus steel, forged using the modern version of an ancient blending process that in this case incorporates 110 layers of high carbon stainless steel. 

Folding knife with a patterned Damascus steel blade and a metallic, iridescent handle. The blade has a sharp, pointed tip and features the "CRKT" logo near the handle. The handle has a smooth, reflective surface with a circular pivot and a locking mechanism.
The dynamic ripple effect makes each Damascus steel blade unique.
CRKT

This approach results in not only that rippling appearance but also an uncommon combination of edge retention and toughness.

The handle, however, is the real start of the show. Made of lightweight titanium that makes this lightest Facet ever at 2.9 ounces, it features a titanium nitride coating that bestows that many-splendoured rainbow effect.

Compact folding knife with a closed blade, featuring a metallic, iridescent handle that shifts colors between blue, green, and purple. The handle has a textured clip with a subtle wood grain pattern and several visible screws. The knife's design is sleek and modern.
This Facet’s handle is such a sight, this knife looks great even when closed.
CRKT

This treatment achieves the rare paradoxical effect of making the Facet both more elegant and more fun. 

Complementing the latter attribute is an included rainbow-colored fob, complete with a titanium nitride coated bead, attachable via the lanyard hole at the back of the handle.

Handle of a folding knife with a metallic, iridescent finish in shades of blue, purple, and green. Attached to the handle is a colorful paracord lanyard featuring a pattern of bright neon colors including pink, yellow, green, and blue, secured with a matching metallic bead.
The included rainbow-color fob is optional bit of additional flair.
CRKT

The new CRKT Facet with Damascus steel blade and iridescent handle is available now for $240.

A more wallet-friendly version with 12C27 steel and titanium nitride-coated stainless steel handle costs $80.

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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