CRKT's new Fulcrum Flame

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** January 19, 2009, 12:21:53 AM

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 · **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2009, 12:58:27 AM

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 · **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:02:38 AM

OOoo! I like that!

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:08:14 AM

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 · **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:17:22 AM

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

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:25:50 AM

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 · **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:27:43 AM

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 · **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:30:13 AM

Quote from: Defender on January 19, 2009, 01:25:50 AM

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 · **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:33:03 AM

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

jzmtl · **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2009, 03:35:23 AM

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

hawkchucker · **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:03:00 AM

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 · **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:35:14 PM

Quote from: J-sews on January 19, 2009, 01:27:43 AM

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 · **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2009, 05:49:37 PM

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 · **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:07:36 PM

great pics mate

, i cant wait to see a video

Nikos · **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:08:36 PM

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...

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:14:18 PM

Sorry to be the voice of negativity, but that is damn fugly imo $:-\$

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:14:34 PM

Actually, it has a standard type liner lock once the blade is open:

Of course I questioned the need for having a lock in the first place since the opening mechanism won't allow the knife to close when held firmly, but Tom and CRKT think that it's something that should just be there anyway. When it comes to the safety of the user's fingers (in this case, mine!) I really can't argue with them on that.

And it's nice to know that there are two different, independent systems keeping you safe.

Def

Benner · **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:25:07 PM

Quote from: Micky d on January 20, 2009, 06:14:18 PM

Sorry to be the voice of negativity, but that is damn fugly imo $:-\$

A fugly person would think that.

I personally really like the looks, but I see it as a bit of a love/hate thing.

Gareth · **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:32:02 PM

I've got your back Micky, it not my thing either. I'm interested in seeing the opening mechanism working but as for the looks...

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2009, 10:21:10 PM

Quote from: Benner on January 20, 2009, 06:25:07 PM

Quote from: Micky d on January 20, 2009, 06:14:18 PM
Sorry to be the voice of negativity, but that is damn fugly imo $:-\$

A fugly person would think that.

I personally really like the looks, but I see it as a bit of a love/hate thing.

Heathen

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2009, 10:21:44 PM

Quote from: Gareth UK on January 20, 2009, 06:32:02 PM

I've got your back Micky, it not my thing either. I'm interested in seeing the opening mechanism working but as for the looks...

Good to know there's a bastion of good taste north of the border too

hawkchucker · **Reply #21 on:** January 21, 2009, 12:53:56 AM

If you get away from the Frost line of fantasy knives look of it. I really do like it. Maybe it will bring in new style to the industry. I guess we have to thank Kershaw for getting the jump on it with the Rainbow Leek.

Gareth · **Reply #22 on:** January 21, 2009, 01:13:55 AM

Quote from: hawkchucker on January 21, 2009, 12:53:56 AM

If you get away from the Frost line of fantasy knives look of it. I really do like it. Maybe it will bring in new style to the industry. I guess we have to thank Kershaw for getting the jump on it with the Rainbow Leek.

I agree But I'm not sure I can get away from the looks. But if we all liked the same thing then the world would be really boring.

hawkchucker · **Reply #23 on:** January 21, 2009, 01:24:10 AM

Well I am for one kinda getting sick of OD green and black. now tan is the new green, so maybe it is something the industry needs is good QUALITY art nives.

jzmtl · **Reply #24 on:** January 21, 2009, 01:31:23 AM

So the handle will need to be pivoted open in order to close as well? Sounds kinda awkward since you are pushing down liner lock while the top half handle is pushing finger away from liner lock.