CRKT's new Fulcrum Flame

[Grant Lamontagne]

CRKT has had a knife called the Fulcrum for a while now- it's a nice knife with a unique opening system that amused Bob and I at last year's show.  Still, they were dainty Gentlemen's type knives and so as much as I enjoyed playing with it, I never really reported much, if anything about it.



In the above pic, we see that has changed.  Along the top is one of the original Fulcrums in the open position.  On the right is the new Mini Fulcrum, which is just a smaller version of the original, and also very nice in it's own right.  The next one in on the right is another full sized Fulcrum in the closed position for comparison sake.  The two on the left are the new Fulcrum Flame, and may be nice enough to actually get me to carry a single bladed folder again!



Designed by ID Works designer Tom Stokes, the Fulcrum Flame comes in two versions- a polished blade and plain liner version, or the dressier black blade version with rainbow anodized liners.  Guess which one I have in front of me! 



I really couldn't put this thing down.  As Tom and I discussed old tools, new tools, and yes, even tools from other manufacturers, I just couldn't put this thing down!  The blade is opened by pushing one of the handle scales forward, then pulling it back.  Pushing it out pushes the blade out to about a 90 degree position, then pulling it back snaps the blade the rest of the way open and the liner lock snaps into place.
 


It sounds awkward, but with even a small amount of practice it becomes very natural and smooth.  I'll post the video I took when I get a chance to dump, edit and upload it.



There was a lot of attention to detail on this knife as well- the liners were rainbow anodized, the scales were black anodized, the bolster was black anodized then milled to create the silver/black lines as well as increase grip, but most striking is the laser cut flame on the side, and the laser cut logo on the blade.  Sure the logo doesn't look like the CRKT logo, but Tom decided to jazz it up a bit, and I think it looks great, and more importantly, really suits the knife.  Remember, that isn't just etched on, the logo is cut right through the blade!

This one will be available soon, and will retail at about $100US.

Thanks again Tom- if you are reading this, I wasn't fooling when I said this was beautiful!

Def

[hawkchucker]

Ya know that is a very nicely tricked out blade. I can see why that made you a sigle blade carrier again. That thing is more art than blade, and that is not a bad thing!

[Benner]

OOoo! I like that! 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I dunno about that...

The blade is AUS 8, under three inches and recurved, which makes it just right for lots of chores, and scratches are kept to a minimum with a titanium nitride coating.  This is a working knife that just happens to look real nice!  

Def

[cliosguy]

nice looking blades, if the price is right i might get me one of those

[Grant Lamontagne]

MSRP on the black bladed, rainbow anodized one is $99.99, and the plain one is $89.99.  Chances are you'll be able to get them for somewhat less if you shop around.

Def

[J-sews]

Pretty to look at it may be, but the mechanism is what impressed me the most. What a clever system it is! Words really cannot describe it - Def, we are going to need that video for sure.

[cliosguy]

MSRP on the black bladed, rainbow anodized one is $99.99, and the plain one is $89.99.  Chances are you'll be able to get them for somewhat less if you shop around.

Def

cool thanks

[hawkchucker]

I still really like it and will certainly be getting one!

[jzmtl]

Ohh, I want one to play with. A little flashy for EDC thou.

[hawkchucker]

I dont think so. Look at it this way. People carry 400$ Sebenzas and Striders. But now might shy away from a 100$ CRKT. Carry it and have fun!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Pretty to look at it may be, but the mechanism is what impressed me the most. What a clever system it is! Words really cannot describe it - Def, we are going to need that video for sure.

Yeah, I'll be sure to upload some video as soon as I can.  I may have to take more video at a higher frame rate, then slow it down as the video I have doesn't really allow you to see the mechanism at work, just one second it's closed, then open 90 degrees, then open all the way.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

I managed to get some better pictures this morning, but they still don't do this thing justice!







The knife looks fast even when closed up!

Here's some pics of the opening- the scales are hinged at the middle, and when you split them apart the blade opens to 90 degrees, then snaps open the rest of the way when you pull the scales back together.  I am trying to capture it on video and slow it down so you can actually see it working, but this really is one of those things you have to experience for yourself!





The stylized logo was also designed by Tom and cut out of the blade with a laser.  It's crisp, clear and since it goes all the way through the blade, looks pretty sweet, even when looked at backwards on the other side of the blade!





With the rainbow anodizing showing purple, blue, green and gold through the flame cutouts in the matte black slabs and the titanium nitride coated blade, this is one sweet knife that is ready for anything! 



Def

[cliosguy]

great pics mate , i cant wait to see a video

[Nikos]

That's one sweet looking knife indeed. I wonder how does the locking mechanism fare when you grab the knife really strong or when you try to cut through some material with your thumb resting on the knife spine (if that makes sense). I fear that the pivoting handle could probably move exactly when you don't want it to...