New from CRKT: Ken Onion Swindle

I’ve been a Ken Onion fan for a while now. In fact, I was toting my Kershaw K.O. Blur when I sauntered up to the CRKT booth and chatted up Joel Bornzin who knows a thing or two about blades. That’s when he pulled out Onion’s latest aromatic effort for CRKT. And despite its name, after a few minutes of fondling, it seems a safe bet that you’ll get every penny’s worth out of these slim, slick Swindles . . .

Neither version of the new pocket folder is your usual EDC. Check out that spine-mounted pocket clip. I know, you’d think it would suck. So did I. But then I put it in my pocket and for some reason it works. Unfortunately, Joel made me take the knife out of my pocket and put it back on the counter.

There are two Swindle versions. The bottom one is the star here, with a 3.2″ blade made of 12C27 Sandvik steel and that seksi milled handle. The smooth-handled version has a more common 18CrMoV blade. And both come in at a svelte 3.3 oz.

The Swindle is a flip-open affair, but that’s where things get even more interesting. They feature what CRKT calls the Ikoma Korth Bearing System or IKBS. I’m not sure about all the mechanics involved, but can report that it takes only the barest flick of an index finger to fully and smoothly deploy the blade. No wrist snap required.

The grooved model has a groovy MSRP of $79.99. The more budget-minded will be drawn to the smooth-sided unit at $59.99. They’re due to hit retailers some time in March when you’ll be able to take a good 10-15% off those MSRPs to get a street price. I know I want one. Bad.