The first time I saw the Columbia River Kiss Classic folder I said, "There's no way I'm gonna put that in my pocket." My reason was that I'm a klutz with knives and cut myself much too regularly. The fact that one side of the blade is just "out there" gave the impression that one would get cut. Not so.

CRKT have a unique way of grinding and sharpening the blade and blending it, just so, with the back stainless steel handle. You can run your finger over the blade at will with nary a drop of blood to be shed. Part of the back also serves as a positive spring latch for the blade. It could be carried clipped into the pocket or waistband, but the small size (3" blade, 3 1/2" overall) would let it work very nicely as a money clip too.

The second knife of theirs that I'm using is the M-16-13. This is a much more traditional-looking folder with a couple of attractive and innovative features. Even though the overall length is 3.56", the blade is almost as long, so no space is wasted. Handles are machined of aircraft grade aluminum with a stainless steel liner/lock.

A neat feature is the "Carson Flipper" (for designer Kit Carson) that is just a little hump on the back of the blade. It protrudes through the back of the knife and provides an easy way to get the blade started in the opening process.

That there are no protrusions on the side of the knife, as some openers are built, so you start the opening sequence by pulling back on the flipper with your forefinger to get it going and then pick up the somewhat smaller conventional opener and complete the process with your thumb.

It's quick and easy to learn. The M-16 is riding in my pocket right now and I never know it's there.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group

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