Written by: Casey Kienzle

When it comes to everyday carry pocket knives, CRKT has a wide range of different styles. The CRKT Fossil is one of them. It falls under the category of a gentleman’s knife, meaning that it’s tough and durable. But it has a decorative look. This is truly a fantastic knife that is different from your regular pocket knife, and it won’t break the bank. So let’s check out everything that makes this knife a truly great addition to your collection!

The handle:

When you see a pocket knife, the first thing that stands out is the handle. And the handle on this knife is one of its biggest strengths! This knife's name is the “Fossil” and they managed to give the handle a slick design while also resembling something that looks like a fossil. The handle has a stainless steel frame that has a really great looking hammer finish on it and features G-10 scales on top of that. The handle has been milled out revealing different shades of brown. Those two together give it that awesome “fossil” look. The unique finish on the G-10 gives it a fantastic grip in your hand. This is by far an incredibly creative design for this knife that really makes it stand out! This knife is a right hand only knife, it does not have a spot to flip the clip around for left handed people. But I am right handed, so this hasn’t been a problem for me.

The Fossil has a frame lock, and it has to be one of the better frame locks that I’ve had in a knife. The lock on this knife is a little stiffer than other knives, giving it a stronger lockup on the blade. But this doesn’t make it hard to unlock, it still can be easily unlocked with your thumb when you are ready to close the knife. One thing that really stood out to me on the knife when I first got it was the guard on the handle. When you open the blade, the flipper tab swings through and acts as a guard. The shape of the handle already has a really nice area for your finger to sit. But then you get the guard, and it makes it really hard, actually just about impossible for your fingers to slip onto the blade.

The blade:

The blade on the CRKT Fossil is a “drop point” style. Measuring in at 3.96, it gives you plenty of blade length for cutting. When I first opened the knife I also noticed how crazy sharp it was right out of the box. Since then it’s held a sharp edge very well, and I cut lots of stuff with this knife. Things like cardboard boxes, zip ties and plastic straps for larger boxes like furniture. I have even used it before to scrape off plastic from a few different things. After all of that…it’s still sharp! The blade material is 8Cr13MoV which has stayed sharp for quite some time now. 8Cr13MoV steel’s strength is much higher than other high carbon stainless steels, such as 440C. The back of the blade has some of the best jimping I’ve had on a knife. It keeps your thumb or finger in place really well allowing you to maintain really good control over the knife.

Opening:

The CRKT Fossil features a bearing-run pivot that gives this knife a really smooth opening. This knife also opens very quickly when you flip the tab on the back, which really stands out to me. The Fossil gives you two different styles of opening. I have had to use both styles depending on how I open the knife. Both styles have been very smooth and easy. Opening one is the flipper on the back. And opening two is the thumb hole on the back of the blade. Sometimes thumb holes on the back of blades can be a little tricky, but this one has never given me any trouble.

Summary

I really love the CRKT Fossil. It is a very nice looking pocket knife that has a cool and unique design, while also being quite durable. The handle on the knife is very comfortable to hold onto while you are using it, but also has a good non-slip grip. The blade has been phenomenal for me. It’s kept an edge really well making it always reliable.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Unique but tough knife

Target Market:

The CRKT Fossil is for anyone who wants a not highly expensive EDC knife, but wants something unique and different looking.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Overall Length: 8.88"
Blade Length: 3.96"
Blade Thickness: 0.15"
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
Hardness: 58-60 RC
Blade Style: Drop Point
Finish: Satin
Handle Length: 4.95"
Handle Thickness: 0.62"
Handle Material: G-10
Frame/Liner: Steel
Weight: 6.10 oz.
Right Hand Pocket Clip: Tip-Up
Opener: Flipper
Lock Type: Frame Lock

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There is also the 5460 model that has a 3.41 inch blade. That one is around $10 cheaper.

What others are saying?:

It hurts how underrated this knife is. It is a great design because it is comfortable, has a buttery action, useful blade, and beautiful aesthetics. It really feels like a perfect merging of old world with new world materials. This was my first 'gentleman's carry' in my collection and I highly recommend this blade.