The Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) company has been developing outstanding knives, and outdoor survival tools since 1994. I own several CRKT knives in the M14 and M16 lines, as well as their Eat-N-Tool, and have found their design, fit, and function to be outstanding.
This year at SHOT Show, CRKT announced the addition of the new Fossil Compact knife with Veff Serrations. This is knife has great potential as a patrol knife, or just for everyday carry (EDC) use. The Fossil series of knives brings out some of the best design features from Flavio Ikoma of Presidente Prudente, Brazil. The Fossil Compact grabs your attention at first sight with its sleek lines, Veff serrations, and uniquely colored and hammer-textured grip.
The Veff Serrations are absolutely incredible for cutting through thick, or tough materials. They are, in my opinion, far superior to standard serrations. Cutting with the Veff Serrations feels as if the knife is gripping the material into an amazingly smooth slicing cut, instead of a jerky, tearing feel with many standard serrated-blade knives.
Here are the Fossil Compact with Veff Serrations features:
- Style – Folding knife with frame-style lock
- Pocket Clip – Reversible for RH or LH carry
- Pocket Clip – Attaches to rear handle for quick deployment option
- Overall length – 7.69″
- Blade length – 3.41″
- Weight – 4.1 oz.
- Handle – Stainless steel with G10 hammered 2-tone overlay
- Blade edge – Combination razor and Veff Serrations with hollow drop point
- Blade material – Steel: 8Cr13MoV, 58-60 HRC
- Blade finish – Gray titanium nitride
- Blade thickness – 0.110″
- Folding mechanism – IKBS ball bearing pivot system
- MSRP – $89.99
- Available – March, 2015.
The Fossil Compact has an opening flipper, for blade deployment that is smooth and fast. This flipper is at the bottom base of the blade, and fits through the open handle, sticking up for easy access by the trigger finger for deployment. The flipper also turns into a handsome finger guard when the blade is open.
The Fossil Compact has an elongated, machined cut slot through the top, rear of the blade. In addition to making the Fossil Compact slightly lighter, this slot acts as a quick deployment thumb grip. These features also prevent pocket damage like knives with a thumb knob on the blade. The IKB ball bearing pivot system makes deployment and return of the knife as smooth as glass.
The frame-style lock is very secure when the blade is locked out, but easily disengaged when needed to close the knife. The contoured multi-colored G10 handle overlays not only provide additional tactile grip, they make the Fossil Compact look like a gator. A very unique look, with deliberate functionality.
The large-sized Fossil “Black” is already available. However, it’s nearly 9″ of extended length, and almost 4″ blade, makes the “Black” a bit much for a patrol or EDC knife. Not to mention two more ounces of weight. The Fossil Compact, on the other hand, provides the same incredible features, in a package small enough that it will not become burdensome or too aggressive.