Knifemaker CRKT adds assisted opening functionality to its 2021 lineup with three new designs from decorated bladesmith Ken Onion. The Stylus and Shenanigan release on April 15th, while the Foresight joined the lineup earlier this year. Each design is an ode to a different aspect of EDC performance. The Stylus is sleek and low-profile, the Shenanigan is robust and work-ready, and the Foresight embodies tactical performance.
Each assisted opening knife features Onion’s original assisted opening mechanism, streamlined by the IKBS ball-bearing system.
“[IKBS] takes the assisted opening mechanism and turns it into a Swiss watch,” Onion says. “It makes for a much more snappy, lively action to the knife.”
We take a closer look at each knife below.
The Stylus
The Stylus is an executive-style knife: narrow and sleek, it’s designed to fit in any pocket with a profile similar to a pen. It features a 3.18-inch satin-finished drop point blade made of 12C27 Sandvik steel, which is known for edge retention and corrosion resistance. Maroon ribbed aluminum handles deliver grip and keep weight down.
A cutout flipper opening, liner lock, and deep carry clip complete the assisted-opening knife. The sleek unit is 4.15 inches long when closed and weighs an airy 2.1 ounces. Opening MSRP is $90.
The Shenanigan
Onion’s Shenanigan design was popular when it first hit CRKT’s lineup a decade ago, and this year it’s back in two new variants with assisted opening capability. Styled as an EDC workhorse, it features a prominent flipper opening (for ease of operation) and a 3.35-inch hollow grind stonewash blade. The hollow grind is an interesting choice in that it generally produces an extremely sharp edge that can require more-than-usual maintenance.
The handles are glass-reinforced nylon and come in maroon or black. The blade is available in a plain edge or with Veff serrations. The Shenanigan weighs a moderate 3.6 ounces and is just under 5 inches long when closed. Its MSRP is $80.
The Foresight
Ken Onion’s Foresight is the tactical entry of CRKT’s assisted opening trio. A robust 3.53-inch hollow grind blade (certain to provide razor sharpness) anchors the knife. Its handle is designed for easy grip under any conditions with deep finger grooves and a generous palm swell.
Released earlier this year in a non-assisted variant, CRKT now delivers the Foresight with IKBS and assisted opening. It’s a substantial blade, almost 9 inches long when open and weighing 6.2 ounces. Entry MSRP is $100.
Enter to Win a Special Ken Onion Assisted Opener
CRKT will commemorate the knives’ release and its collaboration with Ken Onion on its marketing channels during the month of April. Interested suitors can register to win a one-of-a-kind Stylus handmade by Onion, featuring characteristics not reflected in production units. Follow CRKT’s Instagram for instructions on how to enter starting on April 16, 2021.
The three assisted opening knives are available now on CRKT.com.