Our continuing focus at Columbia River Knife & Tool has been to offer custom quality in popularly priced production knives. This effort has two main directions: innovative design and exotic materials. We've combined these two thrusts in this new knife line, and we named it the Vertex™ because that is the geometric point where two lines intersect.
First, it's a striking shape submitted by one of our many outstanding designers, that places a symmetrical scale precisely at the palm swell, resulting in a secure and comfortable grip.
Second, we built the Vertex line using the same materials a custom knifemaker would: premium blade steel, stainless steel liners, black hard anodized 6061 aluminum scales, and hand-shaped scale inserts of cocobolo wood or resin impregnated fiber.
Vertex™ CP. For those who prefer a clip point blade grind, we offer the model 1045, which has a pronounced notch at the top of the blade thoughtfully integrated into the false grind near the tip. Scale inserts are hand shaped and polished cocobolo hardwood. It is sized for daily carry, with a four-inch handle and 3.125" blade of 8Cr14MoV stainless steel in a satin finish.
Then, to add value and give instant one-hand opening, we built in our OutBurst® assisted opening with the patent-pending* Fire Safe™ mechanism. When closed, the blade is safely locked by the Fire Safe pin. It cannot be opened until the safety button on the end of the thumb stud is firmly depressed and the thumb stud is nudged outward. It is both very fast, and very safe, because simply pressing the Fire Safe button does not open the knife. You must both press down and nudge the blade outward deliberately.
Vertex models feature custom removable stainless steel clips in a black oxide finish.
Finally, we've created a vertex of another type– we have aimed our suggested retail price to intersect with your most optimistic price expectations. We hope you get the point.
I am a BIG FAN of the Vertex. I have carried my fair share of blades throughout the years and this is THE BEST for the price. The blade comes out quickly with little effort, locks firmly in place, and is easily folded up using only one hand (very convenient in a tight spot). In the video (link below), I show why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. The "FIRE SAFE" technology is genius, but rattles no matter if it's open or closed. This annoys me because a silent secure folding knife allows you to hear if any part the knife starts to become loose. I would insert a small rubber bushing/O-ring around the cylinder, allowing you to compress the safe release the blade, while silencing the "rattle". Overall Great, practical, attractive, light-weight knife
David
2011-07-14 Menlo Park, CA
I am extremely pleased with the Vertex. I bought the version with the cocobolo wood scale inserts as it gives the handle a beautifully natural two-toned look and I believe the wood will wear well over time with the oils from my hands. The shape of the knife with all its interesting angles make it very pleasing to the eye as well as the hand. The blade is razor sharp and holds it edge remarkably well. The outburst assisted opening system with its FireSafe mechanism is a brilliant design feature. Every part of this knife, as with other CRKT products, fits precisely together and there is no extra movement or wiggle. In fact my son liked the Vertex so much that he basically "borrowed" it for himself. Fortunately the reasonable price-tag allowed me to buy a second one for myself.
Kevin
2011-05-13 Raleigh, NC
I have the 1045 (clip-point blade, cocobolo scales) and am thrilled with it. A very sharp knife in both senses of the word. The materials are sturdy yet lightweight and look quite handsome. The clip is extremely low-profile and makes it very unobtrusive to wear in a pocket. The entire knife in fact is slim, but not too slim. The assisted opening takes some getting used to if you've never owned a knife with that feature before, but after a little while it feels very natural. The edge of the locking pin is a little rough though and will calise your thumb. The spring is stiff at first when closing the knife, but loosens up some with a bit of use. Overall I find the vertex to be a quality knife that looks great and is very functional as its name implies. I recommend it.
View Cart
(0 items $0.00)
