Knife review: CRKT Fossil - A fancy yet functional folder
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- ** Specifications **
Length (folded): 10.7 cm / 4.25 in
Overall length (opened): 19.2 cm / 7.5 in
Blade length: 8.5 cm / 3.3 in
Blade thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 120 g / 4.2 oz
Blade material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, tempered to Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC
Handle material: 2Cr13MoV stainless steel and G10
Lock: Frame
Price range: 45-60 USD / 75-90 CAD
** Pros / Cons **
Shaving sharp out of the box
Comfortable and "grippy" handle
Smooth pivot, flawless fit and finish
Unorthodox style
Annoying and loose pocket clip
The serrations, although well made, are not as versatile as a full plain edge
Unorthodox style (good or bad, depending on personal taste)
** Verdict **
This is a very unique, odd looking design. Often a strange design turns out to be impractical, but in this case it's pulled off very well. The knife feels good in the hand, opens smoothly, locks up tightly, and cuts nicely. It's made of decent materials and properly put together.
As long as you're not opposed to the design in terms of aesthetics this may be worth considering as an everyday carry folder or collector's knife.
** Where to get it **
In the USA:
Serrated version - amzn.to/1O0VtTd
Plain edge version - amzn.to/23UcYAl
In Canada:
Serrated version - www.amazon.ca/g...
Plain edge version - www.warriorsand...
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I have a CRKT Fossil myself, the plain edged version, and I absolutely love it. it's my current EDC knife and everything about it is just amazing I think. I love the way it looks, it feels really great in the hand, as you mentioned the ball bearing system makes for an extremely smooth action. It's just a really great knife. My first CRKT, but certainly won't be my last.
when you get deep into weapons its hard not to get into the Art side of it
+Tactical hello Tac!!!!
+Tactical well put
+Tactical True man some weapons are just beautiful.
+Tactical ...This is not a weapon, it's a tool.
+Sigvulcanas weapons are tools
I've had one of the plain edge models for about 3 years and it has been a part of my EDC for some time now. The blade has a sharp edge on it and the profile of the blade is supposed to reflect a T-rex skull. Maintaining it has been easy for me and will continue to be a part of my EDC kit.
I really don't know much about swords, axes and knifes, but your voice is calming and i watch your videos whenever i play games. :)
I've had this knife but with the plain edge for almost a year now and love it. I carry it everyday as my EDC. The soft pocket clip tends not to be a problem except for the fact I caught it on something and striped the threading so it always comes lose. I can put an amazing edge on this knife and actually shaved my face with it last night.
I have the plane edged version of the same knife, and have to say it is a very sturdy and beautiful carry knife. A good amount of weight to it and id probably recommend to most people looking for a reliable yet fashionable knife for EDC. Not to mention the standard non serated blade seems to have a more pointed blade.
I have a bunch of knives and this one is my current favorite. I tied a paracord knot through the blade hole and now it waves out of my pocket. It also opens fast with the flipper. You get a good comfortable grip. The blade size is pretty big at just under 4” but the handle is small for that blade size. It should fit most hands well, small or large. The blade steel is perfect for my use. Food and any emergency. This blade was well thought out, well designed and the materials and workmanship are good.
Good to see you getting back into the swing of things. Hope your recovery is swift and as complete as possible.
I've had mine as an EDC for well over a year and it's just as good now as the day I got it. Even after it spent a day in salt water, I rinsed it in fresh and wiped it down with gun oil after, and 2 months later not a trace of corrosion.
One minor criticism of your review is on your demonstration of the cutting surface. particularly the Veff Serrations. There is actually a technique to using them properly. When you do, they will cut like a razor. Think of them like a gut hook. You catch the edge of the serration and then glide through. The other advantage of the Veff Serrations is that you can sharpen them with a standard round sharpener, unlike most serrated edges.
Other than that, this is a great knife, and a good review.
fumble, fumble..... boop! open!
shhhh... NAILED IT!!!
This is my all-time favorite knife I have the unserrated version I've carried it with me over a year do in perfect condition and I've used it for Factory work, work on my car, wood carving, all the way up to eating the only problem was the clip broke and I broke off the very tip of the blade just recently... it's still in such great condition when I'm actually giving it to my grandfather as a birthday present because I want him to have a extremely reliable blade
The difficulty with one-hand thumb hole opening may be due in part to an internal detent. Detents are typically used in flipper knives to create resistance to opening until a certain break-point, thus enhancing the speed and authority with which the blade deploys once enough force is applied to the flipper tab to break past the detent strength.
Its not a thumb hole, its for the middle finger. Works like a dream that way
I truly like this knife. Probably need to buy one.
I own 2 of these knives, I bought this exact model. Then purchased a non serrated satin finished version that I am currently carrying.A great knife for the money, my only complaint has been the mediocre pocket clip. the risers lifting off the handle aren't a big deal it still fits comfortably in the hand, but its soooooooo soft..I've had to spend more time with pliers bending the clip back to shape after catching it on something like a seat belt than sharpening it. Other than that one flaw its a great knife and definitely one I would recommend.
i love my fossil, and the reverse grip on is is AMAZING
I bought the small and larger version of the Fossil without serrations a few years back. Really great knives for the money
It looks like they changed the finish on the blade. Older ones like mine are more mirror finish with a parallel pattern on the flats of the blade.
Very nice. This and the futuristic 'Tron-inspired' CRKT Deviation were introduced at the 2015 SHOT show. They're around 90 Euro's at stores on the other side of the puddle.
As a paleontologist and a knife enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to this knife about a year and a half ago. I started off with the one featured in the video (the 5461k model), but later got the mini plane edge version (4560) for an edc knife. The 4560 has been my favorite edc knife since as it is quite the looker and has edge retention on par with my Benchmade Mini-griptillian (154cm steel). I have heard that the Veff serrations can be hit of miss so I have not tried to cut anything super tough with mine, but from what I have cut with it the serrations bite extremely well and seem to cut much cleaner than the traditional style.
From my years working in the kitchen, i love having serrations on my blade. Makes cutting cardboard or things you don't want to ruin your straight edge with very easy. I like CRKT, I got sick of folding knives inevitably breaking, so i bought their Sweet kiss straight tang blade for a fair price a few months ago.
I bought this one a few months ago! It is very comfortable in the hand and I have no regrets, save that mine was about $60. :( It's my daily carry knife.
I usually despise serrations on knives, but this little thing really pulls them off I think. Has a really cool look to it.
Great knife, beautiful design. Looks so prehistoric, somewhat sharklike. I took of the clip right away.
This is one (plain blade version) of the best flippers that I own in terms of action and ergonomics. And I own more expensive flippers which are not as well-balanced and well done as the Fossil. On the aesthetics it surely appeals to those who like a sci-fi folder (especially with this partly serrated blade). In due course I liked that too, and understand how the outside G-10 scales play a major part in making handlig the knife perfect. Congrats to Flavio Ikoma (who designed the Fossil and co-invented the IKBS bearing system) and CRKT, which built the knife!
Skall, I'm a new subscriber, I've been watching a lot of your videos and wanted you to know how much I'm enjoying your reviews, get well soon buddy!
Ahh yeah this was my first CRKT knife i got & i love it way to much, the style, the weff serrations is very nice,opens smooth
I picked up my Fossil at Walmart for $40 US. It is a straight edge version and totally awesome. I agree totally with the review, completely useable and that clip needs a rethink... Mine is in a display case, not because I am some mad uber collector, it's because it looks so amazing. I almost wish it wasn't so cool to look at, then I might be tempted to carry it.
With that giant bleeder gap on the blade If ur the stabbing type this is perfect for u.. And that clip comes lose n swings side to side almost feels like it will break off at any time.I bought several n both were like that.. Too bulky for my taste but a fun knife to play with n show off as well cuz it is a looker. All in all good knife for the price.
Love it. And One handed folders are finally becoming legal in denmark again soon.
That one is properly gonna be my first purchase.
+Tony Atzen Flipper knives have just been made legal here in Australia, people are coming to their senses it seems.
+Tony Atzen Yay!!!
+Tony Atzen really?
i am glad for you!
however that spy-DK is a beaut.
Jimmy Grey Yeah. And that was about time. :)
polonose 00 Thanks.
spy-DK? what's that?
received the plain edge version a while back, still in love with it.
Been carrying this as my go to edc for over a year now. No problems with the clip in everyday use. I have the non serrated model. Nice balance between form and function IMHO
I really like that handle. Looks very nice. I think I would look the appearance of the plan edge better, but those serrations do seem to work well. They would work perfect for cutting cordage.
I like the pocket clip spacing, pinching/narrower clips tend to wear on my pants, this one has enough spacing that it doesn't damage the seam at the top of the pocket.
Nice review! I have the plain edge small version of this knife. I love it. Very cool knife.
This is my edc I love it
You should look at the CRKT Endorser. It's a beautiful and very safe knife on a budget. It's my favorite light EDC.
I usually don't like serrations but they look awesome on this knife.
I never thought a knife that looks like the skull of a dead dinosaur could look good, but this one does. It's fancy, but not over the top.
Just bought a Fossil today and I can say that the belt clip no longer sticks out quite as far (but still more than necessary) and doesn't bend as easily as it looks like yours did.
by the general look of it, and shape of the clip and the serrations, it might be intended as a hunting knife. the clip would work even on winter clothing, and the different serrations would come in handy in skinning game.
needs a reversible pocket clip, needs a lanyard hole so you could add paracord & a cool bead, which would accent it well. good looking knife.
I've been waiting for this review, I've been on the fence about this knife for a few months.
+Антониус Казаков Will you buy it now :)?
No
Cool story, bro.
NecroBanana tell it again
+Антониус Казаков LOL
Love this knife that I had to buy two the Fossil Compact and the Fossil Compact with serrations beautiful knifes
Those serrations are the same as on the CRKT ultima (older fixed blade of theirs). Beautiful knife!
Nothing will replace my Spyderco Dragonfly !!
I got the plain edge version at walmart for about $40 it's an awesome blade
thedamned93 me too
been wanting one of these for a while.. i like the scallop serrations .
I have been waiting for this. I love mine.
+Morgan Finley I don't have the serrated version. The serrations kinda suck.
I just bought this knife cause I seen this video, and I like it alot already.
I miss your knife reviews
Beau... ti... ful...
Non-reversable clip may be a deal-breaker, though.
Bought a CRKT M16-13SFG tanto a month ago. So Freakin' Awesome!
If they can accommodate that minor flaw, I'll probably end up buying three Fossils. Regrettably, my children have excellent taste...
i own this knife and adore it. great piece.
I like the look of the knife a lot. and I agree the pocket clip does not seem right.
I really like this knife, haven't pulled the trigger. I'm a pretty big fan of crkt i just got the squid folder for like a edc and it works great. very small and subtle with a wider blade makes it great for opening boxes and stuff we get at the office. I really like the colors and texture of this one might have to go for it
+Jdmsword14 It's a great knife. I got the plain edge one as a gift, loving it. Really cool style, easy to open and close. It can be slightly bulky in your pocket due to the raised belt clip but if you don't mind that I'd say go for it.
It's a 50$ Knife that looks like it belongs in a movie or is the real life equivalent of something from a book or comic, I don't think "something that isn't going to appeal to everyone" is really necessary. This is the kind of knife yo ubuy for the looks and pray you have a chance to use it just to show it to other people.
PS. Glad to see you can use both hand relatively easy.
Hello Skall I hope you are healing well, I wish my usual knife had a belt clip like that considering in all my vehicles I keep a knife or two in my trucks on the sun visor, the usual opening boxes, plastic wrap on CD Jewel Cases or opening packets of string cheese.
i think it´s beautyful....thanks for this review
I love how mine came out sharp out of the box and how light they are the only drawback for me is trying to sharpen it's veff serrated edge
i always find it really unusual that you are into history but yet like these more exotic knives, no disrespect just seems odd.
enjoy the reviews man keep it up and get well.
+polonose 00 He said in a recent video he is not a history expert, he just likes arms and armor.
Dr. Rockso i never said he claimed to be an expert however he is obviously very interested in history, i tried my best to make that comment not seem like i was being a dick. just unusual most people who are into history are also traditionalists, generally.
polonose 00 No problem, I get what you mean. I enjoy history and I love traditional folders, but recently knife companies have been making beautiful knifes that are not tacticool at all.
Been looking for a knife with serrated edge for a while. Brother needed one as a safety knife for his kayaking and as the serrated bit is used to cut through rope if stuck.
I would prefer something with a serration like that when camping. Really cool looking ^_^
3:54 it sticks out like that to sell more knives! I had to take mine off. It pulled out multiple times grabbed my shirt, coat waist draw strings and other things like twigs or things walking past it will absolutely drag out the pocket! I lost my first knife from it getting dragged out of my pocket with the clip. Braided paracord is a good option for sticking out of the pocket to help grab it. 😏🖖🏼🇺🇸
funny that skalls vid came up after I got the smooth blade version. man its a beefy knife and I love it!
I've never been a fan of partially serrated blades, but I gotta say, I kinda like this one...
I would love to see you do a review on a MACV-SOG Vietnam knife!
Those serrations are also good if you happen to be like Lord Draconical and have to slice through twine every other day.
This knife does look pretty sweet, been looking for a package opening knife for a while now, this one might just be it.
The question is, will it cut through a pommel?
plsdunkillmeitsjustaprankbro
+NecroBanana Has science gone too far? *X-files music theme*
+NecroBanana A Katana will. :P
+Serpens Viktorijewicz von Arma a pommel will cut a katana
+Benjamin Dan Paper will cu through a Katana.
+Jon De Olivieira true
been looking at this knife for a few days nice timing skall! i really like my other CRKT stuffz so ill probobly get this to. :3
Looks really nice.
I have one of the new ones and I think crkt really took the time to fix some of the issues for instance the pocket clip has bee changed from the weird clip that sticks out and to one that's right on the g10 and it's a lot shorter def worth buying
I'd like to see you review CRKT's new Clever Girl fixed blade which is a production model of Artificum Solis's original hand forged version, it's more on the tactical side but it does have an up swept, Persian style, blade so perhaps that may be of interest to you.
I've got one myself and I really like it, but I'd still like to hear your take on it.
From a fellow knife guy and nerd, keep up the good work.
You should try out the M16-01KZ from CRKT, it is a great EDC knife.
I have the fine edge version but the pocket clip is still the same, which is bad because on one occasion I was wrestling with my brother and I had the knife in my pocket and somehow during the exchange the knife switched from my pocket to his. Only it was hanging on the outside of his pocket. It was odd but then on I don't keep it clipped to my pocket and I even wanted to take the clip off but one of the screws was lodged in too tightly and I ended up ruining one of my bits. Anyways keep getting better skall.
I like the veff serration CRKT use. Much easier to sharpen than cold steel or spyderco's serrations. :)
Skall, i think that what you call a thumb opener is actualy a tool that i can't name in english, but that is used to open shackles.
funny this comes up just now. I just ordered my own crkt fossil yesterday.
I used to carry a similar knife but Ive since moved to a folding razor/box cutter.
that's quite the style. know what im keeping pennies for next.
the knife is pretty awesome
I believe it doesn't budge when you pull the hole so it won't randomly open in your bag/pocket if it gets stuck
it's beautiful!
I want one!
+Skallagrim, have you done a video talking about the effectiveness of Scythes in battle? If not, I'd like to see one.
Nice review Skall. I would think knife reviews are a good idea to put out content while you're hurt! Keep it up and get better!
I like it, it reminds me of a Gavko style of knife
beautiful knife, I would love to have it between my tools.
I really like how it looks! I wanna get it haha!
I just got this knife a few months ago. it was $100 on the crkt website . However amazon has it for around $80. I really like this knife but the serrations are just a bit to fragile.overall a great knife.
check out the CRKT Northcliffe. probably one of the best pocket knives I've held.
i have the non serrated version which I don't like. because of the geometry of the blade it's hard to sharpen on japanese water stones
CRKT makes nice knives
I have two, get a lots of complements on them, nice knife for the money.
currently on amazon the straight edge is $45 and the serrated version is $52 both have free shipping.
It was my first crkt but it was the straight blade version
I feel like those very unique serrations are more for style than any practical purpose. I think it would work just as well with more conventionally shaped serrations. Nonetheless, cool knife and good review. To bad a just blew $60 on a different EDC knife
Man, i love your channel !!! but why you don't some background music ;)
I don't know, Skall. CRKT is nothing if not consistent, but this particular product hasn't aged very well.
+Pizza Shark
What do you dislike about it?
***** 'Twas a joke, my friend. Keep up the wonderful reviews. It's great to have you back.
+Pizza Shark gr8 b8 m8 :D
+Skallagrim He means because fossils are old.
that's very punny
that a really good knife if i was not in Australia id buy it cause your currency conversion rate is more than double mine
I carry a stiletto and it has a pocket clip almost just like that. I actually have a problem getting it in my pocket sometimes.
Good Video!! Love you mate!
As of Jan 2022, u cannot find the Large Serrated version w Veff seration. u can only find the black scales w Veff in eBay n blade is satin, not stone wash, so ENTIRELY different aesthetic
Have you been able to lay your hands on a Griploc by Böker? If not, you really should. it's a fascinating piece of craftsmanship. ordered it last week and since it arrive i cant stop playing with it.