Just when we thought we had seen every way possible to open a folding knife, a prototype arrived from knifemaker and inventor Charles Kain of Indianapolis, Indiana, that demonstrated his patented* Fulcrum™ Action. It didn't take us long to purchase the rights to this surprising new lock for use in CRKT production folders.

We felt the Fulcrum Action was perfect for a sleek design proposed by knifemaker Russ Kommer, and so we put Russ to work integrating it into his folder, which we call the Fulcrum™.

The knife world enthusiastically embraced the Fulcrum. It was voted the Imported Knife of the Year at the 2008 Blade Show in Atlanta, and was given a Special Innovation award at the 2008 International IWA Show in Nuremberg, Germany.

To open the Fulcrum, simply press the left side of the frame down with your thumb. The blade swings out to the 90° position. Then pull the left side of the frame back, gripping with your index finger at the choil, and the blade continues to rotate open and lock in the open position. After a few openings, you can do it naturally in one continuous, fluid action, or "fulcrumation."

To close the Fulcrum, simply release the stainless steel locking liner. One-hand closing is also fast and easy.

The build uses our high-carbon steel InterFrame with a steel pivot at the back spacer. The stainless steel bolsters have a diamond pattern. All models come with a removable stainless steel pocket/gear clip.

The larger Fulcrum models have a 2.75" blade in a modified drop point style with a high hollow grind, made from premium AUS 8 stainless steel. For traditionalists, the base model 7403 features a satin blade finish, vibratory frame finish, and gray/black swirled CPL scales. For 2009, it is also available with pink swirled CPL scales by popular demand. For the more adventurous, the deluxe model 7404 boasts a black titanium nitride blade finish, deep blue titanium nitride frame, and wild blue/black swirled CPL scales.

....................s p e c i f i c a t i o n s

Blade Material

AUS8

RC Hardness

58-59

Blade Thickness

.1"

Blade Length

2.75"

Handle Material

CPL

Length Overall

6.25"

Weight

2.7 oz.

Country of origin

Taiwan