CRKT’s Super-Affordable New Knife’s Unique Deployment Mechanism Alone Is Worth the Price of Admission

The clever manual out-the-front design modernizes a rare vintage curiosity that requires no springs or buttons.

Close-up of a black CRKT folding knife blade with a metal locking mechanism.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published April 9, 2026

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Updated April 9, 2026

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I should say right off the bat that my enthusiasm level for typical OTF (out the front) knives matches my feelings about DCT (dual-clutch transmission) motorcycles.

Which is to say, while I appreciate the convenience of automatics, I much prefer the tactile satisfaction and skill brought on by manually deployed blades and manually shifted bikes.

Black-handled CRKT folding knife with a stonewashed blade on green fabric with brown leather straps. — With its stonewashed spear-point blade and black handle, the Gravitic Flip reminds me of last year’s Ken Onion-designed Redemption Black at a glance.

Then CRKT goes and throws me for a loop with its latest release, which revives a rare category of deployment: the manual OTF.

Check out the Gravitic Flip, and a momentary WTF will quickly be replaced with a lingering OMG, because the mechanism here is throwback magic at its most enchanting.

Flip fantasia

Designed by Colorado-based Ted Valerio, founder of Teval Knives, the Gravitic nods to “Flip It” knives of yesteryear and reminds us there’s still a place for whimsical ingenuity.

Rather than relying on springs or buttons, the Gravitic Flip features a flip insert mechanism made of glass-reinforced nylon and held in place by recessed magnets.

Black CRKT folding knife with a stonewashed metal handle partially extended from its black sheath. — The Gravitic Flip’s rare, vintage-inspired deployment mechanism is a surefire conversation starter.

A flick of the insert essentially enables it to rotate up and slide across the handle, deploying the blade in the process, with internal tabs locking it into place.

While that probably sounds complicated, and my colleague Sean jokes that it’s “the slowest OTF ever,” this video breaks down the mechanics pretty clearly.

This video is queued up to start 52 seconds in, when Steinkamp begins digging into the actual mechanics.

As CRKT’s own Rob Steinkamp demonstrates, deployment can actually be surprisingly quick and one-handed once you get the hang of it.

Further details

For better or worse, this rare deployment mode is easily the most compelling aspect of this knife, followed by the low, low cost of $38.

While making such a cool curiosity so accessible is laudable, that price tag explains the blade steel (or vice versa), as 5Cr13MoV is very much on the budget end of the spectrum.

For its part, the 3.18-inch double-edged blade makes 5Cr13MoV steel look as attractive as possible.

CRKT

It nonetheless offers credible corrosion resistance and decent toughness, making the 3.18-inch double-sided spear-point blade reliable enough for everyday tasks.

For what it’s worth, CRKT often rolls out higher-end versions of popular releases; I’d love to see that happen with this one, which could elevate it from novelty to potential heirloom.

Black rectangular metal clip with a silver spring clip attached on a blurred brown background. — Adorned with a simple pocket clip and lanyard hole, the humble handle gives no indication of the magic within.

Opposite the business end, the handle is made of light, durable glass-reinforced nylon, helping keep the weight to a feathery 1.4 ounces.

Rounding things out are a lanyard hole (and lanyard) and a deep-carry pocket clip, keeping the Gravitic in easy reach, whether you need to make a cut or, perhaps better yet, start a conversation.

Availability and pricing

The CRKT Gravitic Flip is available now for $38.

Black CRKT folding knife with a slim, rectangular handle and a pointed blade.

CRKT Gravitic Flip

$38 at CRKT

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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