Alaskan knifemaker Russ Kommer, who has also been a commercial guide since 1980, tells us that his clients call his “Bwana.” A big part of his job is dressing out and skinning the game his clients harvest, such as caribou and 1,600 lb moose. At times like this, he needs a knife that is comfortable and easy to use, one that won’t lose its edge, and one that is easy to clean after the job is done.
Our Alaska Bwana™ is the folding skinner Russ designed and made for himself, translated into CRKT production models. He won’t embellish a knife if it doesn’t improve the function, so the knife includes only the features Russ wanted for himself in a clean, purposeful design.
This is a supremely comfortable knife to grip, with a curved handle and finger scallops which make it feel like shaking hands with an old friend. There are no sharp angles or pressure points to cause fatigue.
It is also comfortable to carry, thanks to a flat profile and through-drilled lightening holes. The custom stainless steel clothing/gear clip is removable, partly because Russ prefers pocket carry, and doesn’t use one.
The full-bellied skinning blade features a high, hollow grind. Blade material is tough AUS 4 stainless steel in a bright satin finish. Friction grooves at the top of the blade and near the tip increase feel and control in slippery skinning conditions.
We’ve incorporated the patented* Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS®), which effectively converts the knife into a fixed blade when actuated with a push of the thumb, a comforting thing to know when you are working under adverse conditions.
Our strong InterFrame build is ideal for this knife, with dual stainless steel 420J2 liners, one locking, and black textured injection molded Zytel® scales. Add a Zytel back spacer and Torx® fasteners and you have exceptional rigidity.
It is also easy to clean and maintain. The open build eliminates hidden nooks and crannies. The Teflon® bearings at the blade pivot make opening and closing smooth and fluid, and are fully adjustable for wear.
And for the hunter who appreciates value, we’ve priced the Alaska Bwana to be your best bang for the buck.
Specifications:
Blade Length:
3.625 in.
Blade Shape:
Skinner
Blade Steel:
AUS 4, 55-57 HRC
Clip:
Stainless Steel Clothing/Gear Clip
Handle Material:
Zytel® scales
Knife Type:
Folding
Length Closed:
5 in.
Length Overall:
9.125 in.
Weight:
4.6 oz.
Similar Models:
About Columbia River
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) is a Wilsonville, Oregon-based manufacturer of quality knives and tools founded in 1994. The Columbia River Knife catalog has grown and is divided into two categories, Sport and Work Knives, intended for the general public; and Professional Knives, designed for the military, law enforcement, fire department, search and rescue and other emergency services personnel.
Founders, Rod Bremer and Paul Gillespie commented on the Columbia River Knife & Tool's rapid growth in the highly competitive cutlery industry: "We began with the vision of offering top quality knives at affordable prices to give the highest possible value," said Gillespie. Fortunately, because we were starting with a blank sheet of paper, we could make the new designs we wanted from the optimum materials, using the latest high tech manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, injection molding and fine blanking.
Before packing and shipping each Columbia River Knife & Tool knife, it is inspected for defects in materials and workmanship, the lock and cutting edge are checked, it is opened and closed to assure smoothness of action, and it is lubricated and adjusted if needed.
All Columbia River Knife & Tool knives are built incorporating the most advanced equipment and production systems available, and quality is controlled from beginning to end. Knives are built the way they should be built without compromising quality in any part of their creation. Columbia River Knife & Tool accessories are crafted to the same standards as the knives, so that each sheath, for example, lives up to the customers high expectations.
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