CRKT’s Latest Affordable Folder Showcases a Key Material Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

The Padawan was already a knockout thanks to its design and durability. Now it’s back, featuring a familiar material in a fresh new finish.

Close-up of a CRKT folding knife with a translucent blue handle resting on green moss.

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By Hayley Helms

Published March 13, 2026

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Updated March 13, 2026

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I’ve owned CRKT’s Padawan since it debuted in 2024, and while I have dozens of pocket knives, multi-tools and EDC items (it kind of comes with the job), the Padawan is the only implement to earn a permanent spot on my desk.

It’s the knife I reach for in almost any everyday scenario, including opening packages, breaking down boxes, cutting strings and the like.

Thanks to its latest rendition, which features a well-known material in a novel new form factor, I may need to scoop another Padawan up. Thanks to its affordable price, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Black folding knife with a translucent light blue handle standing upright on textured black sand with a green moss and blue ball in the background. — The Padawan gets a bold new look for 2026.

All natural

CRKT debuted a new version of the Padawan, along with two other knives, ahead of this year’s upcoming Blade Show Texas event.

Folding knife with a dark stonewashed blade and a gray handle featuring a translucent green inlay, on black textured surface. — The stainless steel handle, natural G10 overlays and stonewashed blade add up to an undeniable marriage of form and function.

The core components of the Pedro Buzetti design, including the drop-point 14C28N steel blade, smooth-opening IKBS ball-bearing pivot, frame lock, flipper deployment and low-profile pocket clip remain the same, but its style gets a major upgrade.

The 14C28N blade steel offers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness for the price.

CRKT

The knife’s refreshed looks include the black stonewashed finish on the blade and the stainless steel handle with G10 overlays. This isn’t your average G10 though; this is “natural” G10, which is an undyed, high-pressure fiberglass laminate.

Folded black and gray pocket knife with a textured light blue handle panel on black granular surface. — While components such as the low-profile pocket clip largely remain the same, the Padawan’s look is entirely new.

The semi-translucent, jade-like hue of the untreated composite adds a refined edge to this fan favorite folder.

Jade traditionally symbolizes durability, longevity and strength, and applied to the Padawan, it reinforces the design’s functionality and fortitude.

Folding knife with a light blue textured handle and black blade partially covered by green moss on dark soil. — The grid-like texture of the natural G10 offers a tactile feel and unique look.

Ultimately, CRKT managed to give one of its coolest knives an even more enticing look all while keeping the price below $100, adding to the folder’s appeal.

Availability and pricing

The refreshed Padawan is available now on CRKT’s website, retailing for an affordable $80.

Folding knife with a black blade and a gray handle featuring a translucent blue inlay.

CRKT Padawan Frame Lock (Natural G10)

$80 at CRKT

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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