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 Nuremberg, Germany, and was named "Overall Knife of the Year" at the 2004 Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
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. The pocket/money clips are removable, and left and right clips are included. The blade can pivot a full 360 degrees with no clip, or 180 degrees in either direction with a 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."
I have the split blade though I wish I'd gotten the straight blade instead. It holds its edge very well but the serations are harder to sharpen, plus I don't cut much that needs the serated part. It's fun to hand this knife to someone and have them try to open it, unless you need them to use it quickly. My only gripe is the cam unit has enough grooves in it that it's a little hard to keep clean, though that's not a major factor at all. This is my first grab for an EDC pocket knife when I don't want the weight of a multi-tool. I've had it for 6 years, purchased at EMS and I'm very pleased with it.
Dan
2011-07-16 Dudley, NC
This is my Sunday go to meeting cloths pocket knife. Slick sharp and very classy. Works well with nice dress pants.
Christopher
2011-06-09 palm coast, FL
i have the alternate cut blade....best knife i ever owned....very fun to work, and play with
ROBERT
2011-05-14 APO, AE
I got it for the unique style and love it. Sharp and light-weight.
Two things I'd like to note
Paula
2011-01-05 Minneapolis, MN
my husband LOVES this knife. He likes the styling and gets many compliments on it. It gets daily use and has a permanent place hooked to his pocket. He lost it and I replaced it for Christmas. He was VERY happy
Kris
2011-01-03 Moore, OK
OK I'm going to start with my complaint about this knife: It's addicting The mechanism is so unique that I find myself opening and closing it constantly on the days that I carry it. It's also fun to hand it to someone and tell them to open it. It usually takes a bit for them to figure it out, but then eyes light up I would definately call this a "Show me" knife rather than a real working knife. I'd never carry this one when I was going to be heading for the woods or planned on doing a hard day's handy work. That said, mine came VERY sharp, and it's been great for opening boxes and such. But then I catch myself playing with it again......
steve
2010-12-23 seatac, WA
One of the most unique knives I have ever owned. Very easy to use. Delivery was fast
Scott
2010-08-04 Port Orchard, WA
Cool styling but be careful with this one. The small frame makes it difficult to get a good hold on it and if the mechanism sticks it can literally jump out of your hand when you attempt to open it. It did it to me more than once. It got better when I oiled it but I still use extra care when opening it.
John
2010-07-13 Houston, TX
One of, if not THE MOST, unique knives that I've ever had the pleasure of owning It is definitely one of my favorites, and quite possibly, the one that I most frequently choose to carry. Without a doubt, it is one of the most innovative (not to mention, very functional) designs, that I've ever come across. Hats off to Mr. Van Hoy, on a great design John Braswell, Jr.
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