Frank Centofante, one of the pioneers in the custom knifemaking movement, passed away in September of 2009 before he could see this lockback design go into CRKT production. After a few moments of reflection, we decided to name the series the Centofante Tribute™.
Frank was not only highly successful, winning countless knife awards internationally, serving as President of the Knifemakers' Guild, and being inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame, but he was a genuinely nice person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. While you'll find many of Frank's customs made with Damascus steels and exotic handle materials, he was perhaps best known for his sleek and simple lockbacks.
The Tribute™, Frank's final production collaboration, is a fitting statement of simplicity and craftsmanship. It is a classic drop point lockback folder, with no gimmicks, no frills, no complex mechanisms, not even a clip. His meticulous approach to knifemaking is detailed in his chapter in the "Bible," How To Make Folding Knives, published in 1988, and that is exactly how we are making the Tribute.
First, there is the 3.125" drop point Razor-Sharp blade of premium 7Cr17MoV stainless steel in a satin finish. It has a high flat grind and a nail nick for opening. That's it. No bumps or facets, just the cleanest and simplest shape possible, ground and finished by hand.
The 4.06" open-build frame is simply two pieces of strong and lightweight resin impregnated fiber, layered in chestnut brown and black. There is the stainless steel lockback lever which forms the spine, and a stainless steel back spacer.
The pivot is peened in the style of Frank's customs, as are the assembly pins. Finally, the handle is shaped and polished by hand.
The result: Two knives for gentlemen (or ladies) that are at home anywhere. Yes, they look and feel like works of art, but these are knives that fit with Frank's philosophy that a knife is built to use. Think of them as our tribute to Frank.
This is an absolutely beautiful knife- clean, elegant lines and simple construction from the highest quality materials. Clearly the work of master designer. I particularly love the handle and oversized pivot. The blade is razor sharp and great for light, everyday tasks (and has none of the blade play mentioned in another review). It hasn't left my pocket since I got it
Keep up the great work
Jeff
rick
2011-12-21 san francisco, CA
I now have both the Tribute and the TributeII. Nice long blade on this one. Lightwight, slim, easy to carry and aesthetically pleasing. However this model too has lots of blade play in the open and locked position. Pretty solid in the up and down direction but very loose side to side.
Gerlyne
2011-11-06 Magnolia, TX
It's a beautiful knife, love the feel and looks of the handle. I don't know a lot about knives. I buy one for my son-in-law it's tradition for Christmas now, so far he's been more pleased each year. Like the size, too, he's a big boy. I wish you had included a little about this one. I will copy and paste so son knows how it came about.
Thank you, for the great service.
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
JESSE
2011-10-05 DEER PARK, TX
Exactly the type of knife I was looking to purchase.Simple esquisite design but very functional for every day use. Well made and constructed.
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