We ran across three great surprises in the CRKT booth at OR Summer Market. Designed by world-record speed climber of The Nose on El Capitan Hans Florine, these blades are lightweight and can be opened one-handed.
From top to bottom:
Dimensions
Open Overall Length 7.06 inches
Closed Length 4.12 inches
Weight 7.7 ounces
Blade
Length 2.92 inches
Thickness .09 inches
Material 5Cr15MoV
Blade-HRC 55-58
Finish Satin
Grind Flat
Style Tanto
Edge Plain
Handle
Material 1060 Aluminum
Lock
Type Locking Liner
Carry
Carry System 1 Position Pocket Clip
Options
Includes 1 Spring Assisted Opening Plier
Includes 2 Screwdrivers – Flat/Phillips
Includes 3 Marlinspike
Dimensions
Open Overall Length 4.77 inches
Weight 1.2 ounces
Blade
Length 2.23 inches
Thickness .12 inches
Material 8Cr13MoV
Blade-HRC 58-60
Finish Stonewash
Grind Hollow Grind
Style Tanto
Edge Veff Serrations
Carry
Carry System Glass Reinforced Sheath
Weight .9 ounces
Dimensions
Open Overall Length 4.06 inches
Closed Length 2.5 inches
Weight .6 ounces
Blade
Length 1.56 inches
Thickness .08 inches
Material 5Cr13MoV
Blade-HRC 56-58
Finish Stonewash
Grind Chisel
Style Tanto
Edge Veff Flat Top Serrated
Handle
Material 6Al4V Titanium
Lock
Type Frame Lock
Tags: CRKT, Hans Florine
I got to meet and climb with Hans way back in the Fall of ’93. I was in Tucson at the time and he was having a clinic at the gym. Had him sign my Climbing (or Rock n Ice) that he had an article in.
“Speed is Power” – Hans
I love the climbing community, all of them are pretty chill. You could be climbing at anywhere USA and on the route next you could be the best in the world. I met Robyn Erbesfield in Boulder. Met Paul Piana and Heidi Badaracco at Devils Tower. All of them were awesome and willing to sit, chat and share a story and knowledge.
Neat blades.
The KISS/PECK-esque Niad looks like it would keep the blade from opening with a carabiner through the ring, a nice feature if clipped to your harness. Similarly, I wonder if a ‘biner would fit through the blade/sheath hole of the Hyphenate, effectively locking the blade inside the sheath. The O2 wrench in the Hyphenate is a nice addition for EMS or mountain rescue folks.
Left-handed versions, please.
I like the blades. The Bivy is something I won’t be paying much attention to, sorry. When it comes to multitools with pliers Leatherman are my go to tools.