CRKT Keramin Fixed Blade — Quick Review

The CRKT Keramin just hit the market in February 2014.  An Alan Folts design, this little utility fixed blade knife is built just for you.  The tag line used by CRKT is “For anything that needs to be cut; get it done.”  I think it is very appropriate–because this minimalist fixed blade cuts everything you throw at it.

The 5Cr15MoV stainless steel blade has a carbon content of .45% and a Chromium content of 15%.  What does this mean for you?  It means that the blade will take an edge, the blade has very good corrosion resistance, and the blade should cut everything you throw at it on a daily basis. The hawkbill shaped blade is perfect for cutting straps, rope, and twine.  The curve of the hooked blade allows you to “grab” straps and rope as you make pull cuts and get more leverage than a straight edge blade will allow you to typically get.  I especially like the thumb ramp with deep jimping.  It gives my thumb a solid purchase on the blade–especially for fine control cuts.  The blade also has a secondary, smooth thumb ramp on the spine that allows you to get even more control over the blade for extra precise cuts.  This is a nice extra.

The full tang blade has two polished resin infused fiber handle scales.  Dark green with black highlights, the handle not only looks good but gives your fingers and hand a solid grip.  Three deep finger grooves position your forefinger, middle and ring finger nicely on the handle and your pinkie hangs off the back.  On some knives, this makes your pinkie feel left out and awkward.  On the Keramin, the knife comes with a small (about a 1/4″ wide and 1 1/2″ long) braided lanyard.  When you grip the handle, the lanyard gives your pinkie something that sits in the curled finger and makes it feel really good.  I like the extra touch–it makes this small knife feel much bigger than it is.

Although the primary function of the Keramin stands as a utility knife, the shape and size give it a great secondary use as a backup self defense tool.  It comes with a black, polypropylene pressure fit sheath that has a neck lanyard.  This makes it a superb neck knife that can also be pocket carried or hung off a pack or strap.  If you are looking for a minimalist knife that can play like the big boys, check out the CRKT Keramin–I think you will really like it.
SPECIFICATIONS:

• Overall Length: 4.78 inches
• Blade Length 2.31 inches
• Thickness 0.12 inches
• Material 5Cr15MoV
• Finish Bead Blast
• Grind Hollow
• Edge Plain, Kerambit
• Handle: Polished Resin Infused Fiber
• Weight: 1.7 Ounces