It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
I think it is easy to say that CPM MagnaCut has become the most sought-after everyday carry steel for enthusiasts who demand the best out of their pocket knives. While plenty of knives have featured MagnaCut in their design, the industry has focused on putting out tactical knives and minimalist folders. The time is ripe for someone to cater to those who prefer a more traditional look, and CRKT delivers precisely that with the new Redemption knife. It’s a bonus that Ken Onion, one of my favorite custom knifemakers, designed the Redemption, adding another knife to his long string of successes over the years.
A knife like the Redemption shows you can have beautiful, classic styling without compromising performance. It looks like an old-timer knife but has modern performance materials and made-in-America attention to detail at its heart. The highlight is the Redemption’s 4.06” CPM MagnaCut blade with far superior hardness and edge retention than older knives. The handle inlay on the Redemption features G-10 handle scales for enhanced grip, and the stainless steel bolster also contains the Crossbar Lock for security and one-handed operation.
What we like: The solid mix of modern premium materials with classic styling makes the Redemption an excellent option for everyday carry. It even comes with a deep carry pocket clip, eliminating the need for a belt holster like you usually find on a traditional gent’s pocket knife. Also interesting—though understandably polarizing—is that the Redemption’s blade doesn’t come with the usual deployment methods like thumb studs or a cutout; it gets deployed by way of disengaging the Crossbar Lock and flicking it out.
What to watch out for: At 4.90 oz, this is a heavy pocket knife, but you get a lot of performance for that weight, and the materials used provide lots of confidence when you use it. It’s also pretty limited while also being popular, so watch out for any announcements or restocks.
Final verdict: The CRKT Redemption comes from the mind of one of the best knife makers in the business. It also comes with one of the best steels you can pick for your everyday carry today. Choosing the Redemption is easy if you prefer the classic look without compromise.
