Ed Van Hoy is a well known Virginia custom knifemaker and instructor who has a flair for the dramatic and unusual. When his custom Snap Lock™ was given the “Most Innovative Knife Award” at the American Knifemakers’ Guild Show, we knew we had to offer a production version, and here it is, the CRKT Snap Lock. It immediately won the Designer Knife award at the 2004 IWA show in Nuremburg, Germany, and was named “Overall Knife of the Year” at the 2004 Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
Yes, there have been side opening knives before, but none quite like Ed’s. A patent is pending for his unique opening and locking mechanism. And although Ed’s customs are jewelry-like in their materials and finish, we recognized that the Snap Lock could be a very functional daily utility knife.
When closed, the AUS 4 stainless steel wishbone frame is a 100% effective blade edge guard; when open, it is a minimal but very usable handle. The harder you grip the handle, the more it locks the blade in place, thanks to twelve positive locking surfaces between the frame and locking lugs, so it is a very safe and secure system.
Ed’s cam locking system features two thumb wheels, for truly ambidextrous use. Left and right removable pocket/money clips are included. The blade can pivot a full 360 degrees with no clip, or 180 degrees in either direction with either stainless steel clip in place. Simply press the thumb wheel and rotate the blade. Opening and closing can be accomplished with one hand and is truly slick and quick.
The AUS 4 stainless steel blade itself has a subtle drop point shape, almost a Wharncliffe, and is available in both Razor-Sharp or Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated edges. Five lightening holes also add a decorative touch.
Blade, frame, and clip have a contemporary bead blast finish.
It has been called a “far out folder” but the more you handle and carry the Snap Lock, the more you realize it is one great work tool. All steel construction means it is just about indestructible, and will last for years. The handle itself is likely the biggest “spring” ever devised for a knife locking mechanism, so it will last for the life of the knife.
“The decisions of the jury were almost unanimous,” stated Margaret Spindler, Chair of the IWA jury and consultant for the Knife Award. The jury commented, “Everything in one: gadget, ornament, utensil and money clip.”
Specifications:
Blade Length:
2.5 in.
Blade Shape:
Drop Point
Blade Steel:
AUS 4, 55-57 HRC
Clip:
Removable Pocket/Money Clip
Handle Material:
AUS 4 Stainless Steel
Knife Type:
Folding
Length Closed:
4.25 in.
Length Overall:
6.125 in.
Weight:
2.7 oz.
Similar Models:
Columbia River Van Hoy Snap Lock - Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point Serrated Edge
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Columbia River Van Hoy Snap Lock 2 - Plain Edge
$49.99 $33.99
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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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