First Look: CRKT Gungho EDC Knife

Designed as a workhorse tool for those in need of a versatile, durable, daily carry knife, the CRKT Gungho knife is built with a seemingly simplistic construction. However, despite its unassuming form, Knife Designer Tom Krein, the brains behind the Gungho, put a great deal of thought into the fit and finish of this EDC blade, ensuring that consumers have a dependable tool that can tackle a range of daily tasks.

“I draw strong influences from early custom knifemakers and find beauty in the clean lines of Art Deco and the arts and crafts movement," Krein said when discussing the origins of the Gungho blade design.

Based in Gentry, AR, Krein views the design of this all-new CRKT knife as one of the essential elements of his legacy as a knifemaker. In his view, function is paramount, and that led to the development of the Gungho, drawing inspiration from hardy, elemental designs of the past. While a clean, artful look is a benefit, Krein focused primarily on making a tool that would stand up to daily use.

The heart of the CRKT Gungho knife is the Tanto-style, plain-edged blade, which is made from 8Cr14MoV steel and treated with a black-oxide finish. The blade measures 2.7 inches long and deploys using CRKT's trademarked OutBurst spring-assisted opening mechanism, ensuring that users can deploy their go-to EDC tool quickly, easily and with one hand, if needed. The mechanism springs into gear with a little help from the user, thanks to thumb studs located on the blade. Once a user reaches the 30-degree mark in the opening process, the spring takes over and fully deploys the blade.

Surrounding the blade is a two-piece handle, featuring a G10 fiberglass-laminate scale on one side to provide an aggressive, secure gripping surface. The other side of the knife is machined from stainless steel and provides a frame-locking mechanism that secures the blade into place when deployed. This matte-black, stainless-steel handle also incorporates a pocket clip designed for tip-up carry, as well as a lanyard-loop hole for added retention.

The CRKT Gungho knife measures 7 inches in overall length when deployed and weighs 4.7 ounces. The suggested retail price on the knife is $59.99.