Announcing the CRKT Operation Iraqi Freedom Special Editions.

These specially engraved models of the Carson M16 Desert Series, Desert Cruiser and M60 were previously only available to Coalition Forces at downrange stores in Kuwait and Iraq.

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has been granted the authority to sell a limited number of our professional M16, Desert Cruiser and M60 SOFTB Tanto models with the Operation Iraqi Freedom Certified blade imprint, developed in cooperation with the Armed Forces Exchange System. These knives were previously available only to downrange Coalition Forces in Kuwait and Iraq.

Pricing for these Special Editions is the same as for the standard models of the same knives. This limited time offer ends May 28, 2004, so we recommend that professionals and collectors order immediately.

OIF Certified Special Editions include:

Carson M16 Desert Tactical Folder Special Editions.

The service men and women of the coalition forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan require cutting tools that can stand up to the harsh demands of the desert. Our Carson Desert Tactical Folders have been developed specifically to blend into the desert environment.

Our two special M16 Zytel® models feature our super rigid InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless steel liners, threaded stainless steel back spacers, and Desert Camo pattern Zytel scales. Blades are non-reflective bead blast finished AUS 6M stainless steel. They blend and almost disappear in the desert.

M16-13ZMI Military Special Edition. This model features a 3.56” (9.0 cm) spear point blade and weighs only 3.5 oz. (99 g). It is ideal when weight and bulk must be kept to a minimum, and is usable in a variety of carry positions. It comes with a removable Teflon® plated clothing/gear clip.

M16-14ZSFI Special Forces Special Edition. Our tactical SF models feature two Carson Flippers, resulting in a true hilt when the blade is opened. Our Big Dog Zytel version has a 3.94” (10.0 cm) blade and full size handle with a pommel which is exceptionally powerful in tactical situations. Weight is a hefty 6.2 oz. (176 g).

Each Special Forces Special Edition comes with two stainless steel Teflon-plated clothing/gear clips, extra screws and a Torx® tool, allowing four position carry on belts or webbing— tip up, tip down, left or right.

M16-14DI Desert Big Dog Special Edition. This is an aluminum frame M16 with all the features or the M16 but in desert camo. The contoured handles of textured, 6061 T6 aluminum are hard anodized Desert Tan. The 3.94” (10.0 cm) AUS 8 stainless steel blade, chosen for edge retention and durability, receives a highly corrosion resistant Desert Tan non-reflective titanium nitride coating.

All models feature the patented* Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS®), which effectively turns the folders into fixed blades when actuated.

One-hand opening and closing is quick and smooth, the result of precision tolerances and Teflon® bearings at the blade pivot. The dual ambidextrous thumb studs with checkered surfaces provide instant access in any circumstance.

All blades have Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated cutting edges.

*U.S. Patent No. 5,596,808

Specifications:

M16-13ZMI Special Edition:
Build: InterFrame with Zytel® Scales
Color: Desert Tan with Bead Blast Blade
Blade: Combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-Point™ Serrated Cutting Edge
Overall length: 3.56” (9.0 cm)
Cutting edge: 3.38” (8.6 cm)
Thickness: 0.10” (0.25 cm)
Steel: AUS 6M, 55-57 HRC
Handle: Closed length: 4.63” (11.8 cm)
Weight: 3.5 oz. (99 g)
MSRP: $49.99

M16-14ZSFI Special Editon:
Build: InterFrame with Zytel Scales
Color: Desert Tan with Bead Blast Blade
Blade: Combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-Point™ Serrated Cutting Edge
Overall length: 3.94” (10.0 cm)
Cutting edge: 3.88” (9.9 cm)
Thickness: 0.14” (0.35 cm)
Steel: AUS 6M, 55-57 HRC
Handle: Closed length: 5.31” (13.5 cm)
Weight: 6.2 oz. (176 g)
MSRP: $69.99

M16-14D Special Edition:
Build: 6061 T6 Aluminum Frame
Color: Desert Tan Handle and Desert Tan Ti Nitride Coated Blade
Blade: Combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-Point™ Serrated Cutting Edge
Overall length: 3.94” (10.0 cm)
Cutting edge: 3.88” (9.9 cm) (more)
Thickness: 0.14” (0.35 cm)
Steel: AUS 8, 57-58 HRC
Handle: Closed length: 5.31” (13.5 cm)
Weight: 4.9 oz. (139 g)
MSRP: $89.99

Desert Cruiser Special Edition.

Jim Hammond is highly regarded in Special Ops circles worldwide for both his tactical fixed blades and folding knives. So tactical operations were paramount when he designed his new Desert Cruiser. Created to blend like a chameleon into the desert realm, the desert tans of its corrosion resistant titanium nitride coated blade and contoured Zytel® scales disappear as part of the subtle tones of combat camouflage for the modern day warrior.

The Cruiser’s design is pure combat common sense. In translating Jim’s custom Cruiser into production, we used our extremely strong InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless liners, one locking. The Desert Tan injection molded textured Zytel® scales are radiused and contoured to perfectly fit the hand. Their boldly textured surface provides grip security under adverse conditions. The deep finger choil, serrated thumb ramp on the blade, and rounded parrot’s beak pommel, capture the hand for maximum control in multiple grip positions, forward or reverse.

To simplify the clean open build, a unique blade stop channel is CNC machined within the blade. This in turn, allows a friction grooved, tapered blade extension “flipper” to rocket the blade open with either hand. It also provides added thumb security when holding the knife edge up. Tactical Knives calls it “the sweetest flipper in the business.”

Our desert version of the Cruiser uses premium AUS 8 stainless steel for the clip-point blade. It has a high hollow grind that curves upward near the tip and a long false top edge, making it an exceptionally versatile tactical knife. The blade cutting edge is Combination Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated. Dual thumb studs and Teflon® blade bearings allow smooth one hand opening and closing.

We’ve also incorporated the patented* Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS®) into the Desert Cruiser, which makes the folder a virtual fixed blade when engaged.

Jim also designed a special paddle style clothing/gear clip system, which can be attached in four positions: tip up, tip down, left or right. Two clips, hardware and Torx® tool are included. The stainless steel clips are Teflon® plated.
Jim Hammond’s Desert Cruiser is one of the most advanced designs of its type. Designed to do its job and complete any mission. The knife of choice when the only easy day was yesterday. MSRP is only $79.99.

*U.S. Patent No. 5,596,808

Specifications:

Desert Cruiser Special Edition 7914DI:
Combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-Point™ Serrated Cutting Edge
Blade: Overall length: 3.75” (9.5 cm)
Cutting edge: 3.75” (9.5 cm) (more)
Thickness: 0.14” (0.35 cm)
Steel: AUS 8, 57-58 HRC
Handle: Closed length: 5.25” (13.1 cm)
Weight: 6.1 oz. (173 g)
MSRP: $79.99

M60 SOFTB Tanto Special Edition.

Designed by our military consultants, this extreme duty Special Operations Tactical Fixed Blade (SOTFB) is built to withstand the hardest possible duty in combat. The knife itself is built like a rock, by far the heftiest full tang fixed blade CRKT has ever offered. Military experts told us they wanted the knife available with a completely versatile sheath system to meet the preferences of different special forces units.

The knife has AUS 8 stainless steel blades with a black titanium nitride coating for superior corrosion resistance. Its injection molded black Zytel® scales have an aggressive operator’s pattern. A double guard hilt, with thumb friction grooves and pronounced butt pommel give maximum security and grip.

M60-14NK Tanto Special Edition. This model is purely tactical, with a recurved dual grind Tanto blade with Combination Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated cutting edges. A false top grind aids penetration, and a full width ridge of metal extends near the tip for maximum strength.

Tactical Sheath. Our military experts designed the most versatile tactical sheath possible based on the needs of special forces teams. The black Cordura®/Zytel® sheath has an injection molded Zytel liner which prevents blade penetration and helps secure the knife. It has an integral belt loop for conventional high carry. There is also a removable adjustable drop leg extender and two adjustable removable leg straps, which allow low carry.

There are two security handle straps with snaps, one removable, to give just the right combination of access and security, depending on the mission’s terrain and underbrush.

All hardware and grommets are black. High and low grommets allow attachment of the sheath with paracords if preferred.

Finally, a utility pocket with Velcro closure, adjustable for length, will carry a variety of folding knives, multipurpose tools or sharpeners.

We don’t know of any, tactical knife/sheath system better designed to meet the needs of today’s modern military, and none of like quality priced at only $89.99 MSRP.

Specifications:

M60-14NKI Special Edition:
Combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-Point™ Serrated Cutting Edge
Blade: Cutting edge: 4.50” (11.4 cm)
Thickness: 0.16” (0.40 cm)
Steel: AUS 8, 57-58 HRC
Knife: Overall length: 9.37” (23.8 cm)
Weight: 9.4 oz. (266 g)
MSRP: $89.99

Sheath (included with knife)
Material: Cordura/Zytel
Overall length: 16.00” (40.6 cm)
Width: 3.00” (7.6 cm)
Weight: 12.1 oz. (343 g)

All Special Editions are protected by CRKT’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Columbia River Knife & Tool is dedicated to producing knives of uncompromising quality and selling them at affordable prices. CRKT products are distributed through specialty retail, sporting goods and cutlery stores that offer customers knowledgeable service.

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