CRKT Flux

[edcgear]

One of the most creative sets I've come across so far comes from CRKT ID Works laboratory and it’s called Flux. CRK Flux is a modular tool created by Launce Barber and Tom Stokes. Flux modular system consists of several parts; the main part of it is a light aluminum chassis with two rails, or optionally with one and carabineer. The frame with two rails, which is more common and can be mounted with two tools. The modular Flux tools are:



1.   Liner lock knife, OHO w/pocket clip
2.   Bit holder with several interchangeable bits and LED lamp
3.   2GB USB Flash Drive with enclosure for the micro SD card
4.   Wine Tool for opening bottles of wine and other beverage
5.   LED lamp with two LED emiters

This modular system can be purchased individually, but you can get it in several prebuilt options offered by CRKT:



1.   CRKT Flux Go-Work
a. Double chassis
b. Knife
c. Carrier bits (bit kit)
2.   CRKT Flux Go-Play
a. Double chassis
b. LED Lamp
c. Wine Tool
3.   CRKT Flux Go-Nerd
a. Double chassis
b. USB drive
c. Carrier bits (bit kit)

If you choose to buy all the tools of a modular CRKT has also offered carry pouch where all of them fit tightly and neat.

For more information on all parts and possible options, see the official page here http://www.crkt.com/idworksflux CRKT Flux



What I have had the pleasure to test and use the kit CRKT Flux Go-Work. This package consists of g a knife with liner lock, OHO and pocket clip.

The characteristics of the blade are:
- Length open 108mm
- Weight 105g
- 57mm blade length
- Steel 7Cr17
- Hardness: 57-59 HRC



Blade is made in the so-called high hollow grind and it’s clip point. Handles are made of Zytel-which is a type of fiber-reinforced plastic. One hand opening is made with spine disc, a small disc with jimpings mounted on the blade spine.

The second part mounted to the chassis is Flux Driver bit holder. Holder has the option to use bits in a linear or T shape, and it uses standard two ¼ "bracket, one in the direction of the handle and the other at 90 degrees so that, depending on the needs and desires can be used in two ways. Flux driver has also provided housing in Zytel handle that contains space for three ¼ "standard bits. Flux comes with two standard flat and one philips bit. In addition to this tool is also a small LED light so you can highlight the part you work, making it ideal for inaccessible places with low light.





All in all a very interesting and unique concept, and Go-Work pack prooved to be very usefull in various situations.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'd like to see CRKT support this concept more with some new components- otherwise I'm concerned this concept is going to be as effective and long lived as Coleman's ProLock.

Def

[edcgear]

Yup, they need to do that!

[Chako]

I agree. I hope they come out with more modules.

Here is a photo I was going to post elsewhere.

[Gareth]

I love the concept but I do feel the modules need to be a bit more 'tool dense' IMO.

[J-sews]

Thanks for the great write up and photos edcgear!

I love the concept but I do feel the modules need to be a bit more 'tool dense' IMO.

Same here. The assembly below for instance is pretty darn big and unwieldy, yet it only has a knife, a screwdriver, and an led light.

(Image removed from quote.)

You could have all those same features in a Guppie, which is a much smaller unit, and get an adjustable wrench to boot.

[Chako]

That is definitely true, it is a bit unwieldy at best. The tool does come into its own if you slide one module off the bracket and leave the rest hanging off a belt loop...but then again, it is still a bit large hanging off your belt, and does get in the way.

The Flux has a lot of potential, it just isn't there yet. I would love to see a lot of specialized modules, such as fishing, hunting, camping, watch repair, etc.

Does anyone know if the Flux is selling in any numbers? That is what happened to the Coleman ProLock. A great concept but never given a chance to succeed.

[J-sews]

I don't know the sales numbers, but I did hear a rumor that CRKT is not real enthusiastic about pursuing any additional niche modules.

Def might have more info on this matter though.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't know the sales numbers, but I did hear a rumor that CRKT is not real enthusiastic about pursuing any additional niche modules.

Def might have more info on this matter though.

That's about all I know on the subject too.  I do know there were some proposals from Tom Stokes and another CRKT designer for new components, but CRKT hasn't gone for them.

Def

[ari6126]

I do appropriate how the blade is PE. I feel often the new designs get CE for no real reason (Spirit, Fit, Wingman/Sidekick until they came to their senses, and so on).

[ksho7471]

I got the CRKT flux wine tool for work and I'm really disappointed in it
It does not open one handed even with thumb studs because the cork screw was in the way, I wouldn't bought it if I knew that...