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CRKT Foresight

The Foresight knife is a design by the legendary Ken Onion, designer of so many great knives.It features a handle with finger grooves that make it easy to grab and actually fit a variety of sizes. I know that because I asked several people of varying stature to hold the knife. It is an aluminum handle that is cold forged and sturdy. This is a drop point blade and you can purchase the knife with AUS8 in either a partial serrated edge or plain. Make no mistake this is a big knife. It weighs 6.5 ounces and measures over 8.75".

It just feels substantial. The knife has a black titanium nitride finish. Look at the large rounded belly of the knife. Some serious cutting edge there and the grind comes to a sharp pointy tip. Look also at the curve of the top part of the knife, plenty of room for a thumb in a standard grip with a slight assist from that clip.

The action of the knife is driven by CRKT's IKBS and has a smooth quick opening action. If you are in a situation and need fast, one handed deployment of the blade, this knife and opening mechanism will not fail you. The flipper is a manageable size and upon deployment the blade is snapped into position and held in place solidly.

The knife also has a small clip located near the top of the knife that allows you to hold the knife on a belt or on clothing. It is not movable.

It would be entirely appropriate for this knife to be used by a professional, a service provider who serves the public good in some capacity. Take a look here at the thickness of the blade at the spine:

Its very rigid and strong and runs along almost the entire top of the knife coming to a taper at the point. The knife available for some time now and won the "Imported Knife Of The Year Award” at this years' Blade Show.

Finally I just want to say a few words about CRKT. Here at iKnife Collector we come into contact with lots of knife companies, dealers and others involved in the business end of cutlery. Our team here at iKC has had a chance to speak with some of the people at CRKT and they are as committed and friendly a group of people that you will find anywhere. They have genuine interest in what you think about their knives and are willing to not just meet demand but listen and respond to what people want. They are innovators, but along the way they indeed know its you the user/collector they serve.

Appreciate your comments.

Tags: CRKT, Foresight, IKBS, Ken, Onion.Blade, Show, aluminum

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stanley May on October 4, 2012 at 9:21

Man if anything would get me into tech. knives, it would be this one. Gorgeou knife!!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 4, 2012 at 14:07

Thank you Stanley, yes I am so happy to see Ken Onion with a hand in the design of this knife. It is quite striking perhaps even to a non-tactical fan.

Stanley May said:

Man if anything would get me into tech. knives, it would be this one. Gorgeou knife!!

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Noot on October 4, 2012 at 15:44

AUS8a IS pretty good stuff. But the stuff that was in my CRKT folder was 420J.....which is really only cool when you use it for knife hardware.

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Permalink Reply by KK Low on October 6, 2012 at 21:59

I am totally impressed with the generous radius at the edges of the spine, shown clearly by Steve's last photo. The rounded edges makes it comfortable for the hands, no sharp edges unlike other knives.. This extra step complicates the manufacturability of the blade and increases the cost of manufacturing, but i think it just go to show that CRKT / Onion cares.

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Permalink Reply by 0i7wgehqz1f0d on October 7, 2012 at 5:59

Excellent review Steve. I've owned a Foresight for 4 days now, and have had plenty of time in-hand with it. I will be brief as I believe that Steve’s review and the comments thereafter say pretty much all there is to say. Firstly, I’d like to list the official CRKT specifications. For future reference, the specifications pertain to the First Production model (as marked on the blade) of the Ken Onion designed Foresight tactical folder 2012. I've included metric calculations in brackets following the imperial units of measurement in the specifications below, in addition to the physical and chemical properties of the AUS8 blade steel. A comparison to 440(A) to give some perspective is included. This information was gratefully sourced from [1] CRKT.com and [2] Wikipedia.org – both very reliable sources of information. Specifications – CRKT Ken Onion Designed Foresight Tactical Folding Knife: “First Production” Model 2012 Dimensions
Open Overall Length	8.69 inches (220.72mm)
Closed Length	5.17 inches (131.32mm)
Weight	6.3 ounces (178.60g)

Blade
Length	3.5 inches (88.89mm)
Thickness	.16 inches (4.06mm)
Material	AUS8
Blade-HRC	58-59
Finish	Black Ti-Nitride
Grind	Hollow
Style	Modified Drop Point
Edge	Razor Edge / Triple-Point Serrations

Handle
Material	Aluminum
Liner	420J2

Lock
Type	Locking Liner

Carry
Carry System 1 position clip

Steel HRC %C %Cr %Mn %Mo %Ni %Ph %Si %V %Co

AUS8 58-59 0.70-0.75 13-14.5 0.50 0.10-0.30 0.49 0.04 1.00 0.10-0.26 --

For Comparison Purposes:

440A 55-57 0.65-0.75 16-18 1.00 0.75 -- 0.04 1.00 -- --

Legend:

C Carbon

Cr Chromium

Mn Manganese

Mo Molybdenum

Ni Nickel

Ph Phosphorus

Si Silicon

V Vanadium

Co Cobalt

Please refer to http://www.crkt.com/steelfacts for further information.

Comments:

To my mind, the CRKT Foresight represents a revolution in tactical folders, and an evolution in Ken Onion’s tactical designs. It is quality all over, from the hollow ground, deep bellied drop point to the ergonomically designed aluminium handle. In my hand it feels the perfect weight and size. Drawing and closing is silky smooth with no sticking or recoil. In the traditional grip, it becomes not only an extension of the arm, but an integral part of the hand. It truly is a biomechanical work of practical, military themed art. Its premium TiNi coated AUS8 blade is hard, strong, and durable and will hold a very fine edge well. Through the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD), years of knife design experience and a culmination and extension of all of the best features of his finest knives, Ken Onion has created a masterpiece of form and function. Certainly, it would be a complement to the kit of those who serve, in either military or law enforcement capacities. It is a must for any seriously engaged knife collector, and forms the keystone of my own military themed knife collection. Undoubtedly, the Foresight will become a historically significant piece in its time. Outstanding.

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Permalink Reply by KK Low on October 7, 2012 at 11:45

HI David

According to some literature, the First Production models of the Foresight has a blade material called Acuto + or Acuto 440. Material comparison table found here: http://www.crkt.com/steelfacts

The Foresight I have is a signed First Production version . see a couple of photos here:

http://www.iknifecollector.com/photo/albums/crkt-foresight

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 7, 2012 at 19:55

Yes this knife is stout and i would say steel selection is good for the intended purpose.

Alexander Noot said:

AUS8a IS pretty good stuff. But the stuff that was in my CRKT folder was 420J.....which is really only cool when you use it for knife hardware.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 7, 2012 at 19:56

KK thanks for the comments, no question in my mind the organization cares and Ken Onion did a great design job.

KK Low said:

I am totally impressed with the generous radius at the edges of the spine, shown clearly by Steve's last photo. The rounded edges makes it comfortable for the hands, no sharp edges unlike other knives.. This extra step complicates the manufacturability of the blade and increases the cost of manufacturing, but i think it just go to show that CRKT / Onion cares.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 7, 2012 at 20:02

Thank you David,They have had great success with the knife so far and I would expect it to continue as word of mouth grows.
David A. Vitali said:

Excellent review Steve.

I've owned a Foresight for 4 days now, and have had plenty of time in-hand with it. I will be brief as I believe that Steve’s review and the comments thereafter say pretty much all there is to say. Firstly, I’d like to list the official CRKT specifications. For future reference, the specifications pertain to the First Production model (as marked on the blade) of the Ken Onion designed Foresight tactical folder 2012. I've included metric calculations in brackets following the imperial units of measurement in the specifications below, in addition to the physical and chemical properties of the AUS8 blade steel. A comparison to 440(A) to give some perspective is included. This information was gratefully sourced from [1] CRKT.com and [2] Wikipedia.org – both very reliable sources of information.

Specifications – CRKT Ken Onion Designed Foresight Tactical Folding Knife:

“First Production” Model 2012

Dimensions

Open Overall Length

8.69 inches (220.72mm)

Closed Length

5.17 inches (131.32mm)

Weight

6.3 ounces (178.60g)

Blade

Length

3.5 inches (88.89mm)

Thickness

.16 inches (4.06mm)

Material

AUS8

Blade-HRC

58-59

Finish

Black Ti-Nitride

Grind

Hollow

Style

Modified Drop Point

Edge

Razor Edge / Triple-Point Serrations

Handle

Material

Aluminum

Liner

420J2

Lock

Type

Locking Liner

Carry

Carry System 1 position clip

Steel     HRC      %C           %Cr       %Mn      %Mo         %Ni          %Ph          %Si          %V           %Co

AUS8     58-59      0.70-0.75 13-14.5      0.50         0.10-0.30   0.49            0.04            1.00            0.10-0.26   --

For Comparison Purposes:

440A      55-57       0.65-0.75 16-18         1.00          0.75              --                0.04             1.00            --                  --

Legend:

C             Carbon

Cr           Chromium

Mn         Manganese

Mo          Molybdenum

Ni           Nickel

Ph           Phosphorus

Si            Silicon

V             Vanadium

Co           Cobalt

Please refer to http://www.crkt.com/steelfacts for further information.

Comments:

To my mind, the CRKT Foresight represents a revolution in tactical folders, and an evolution in Ken Onion’s tactical designs. It is quality all over, from the hollow ground, deep bellied drop point to the ergonomically designed aluminium handle. In my hand it feels the perfect weight and size. Drawing and closing is silky smooth with no sticking or recoil. In the traditional grip, it becomes not only an extension of the arm, but an integral part of the hand. It truly is a biomechanical work of practical, military themed art. Its premium TiNi coated AUS8 blade is hard, strong, and durable and will hold a very fine edge well. Through the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD), years of knife design experience and a culmination and extension of all of the best features of his finest knives, Ken Onion has created a masterpiece of form and function. Certainly, it would be a complement to the kit of those who serve, in either military or law enforcement capacities. It is a must for any seriously engaged knife collector, and forms the keystone of my own military themed knife collection. Undoubtedly, the Foresight will become a historically significant piece in its time. Outstanding.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 0i7wgehqz1f0d on October 7, 2012 at 20:06

Hi KK! On the official CRKT Foresight webpage, I didn't see any references to ACUTO (another premium quality blade alloy). The page simply refered to AUS8. Thank you for brining the ACUTO information to my attention. I'll look into it as soon as I have moment. Dave.

KK Low said:

I am totally impressed with the generous radius at the edges of the spine, shown clearly by Steve's last photo. The rounded edges makes it comfortable for the hands, no sharp edges unlike other knives.. This extra step complicates the manufacturability of the blade and increases the cost of manufacturing, but i think it just go to show that CRKT / Onion cares.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on October 7, 2012 at 20:39

Thank you all. Some significant information there.

I think you may be right Hog, word of mouth on this one is going to increase this knives sales significantly. I am hoping Smokey has one for me to put in my hand next weekend

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 9, 2012 at 15:01

I hope so too Jan! I can't honestly say if they do have it or if they even stock it! If it is a knife you'd be considering I would check around. They may be more scarce then we think.

Jan Carter said:

Thank you all. Some significant information there.

I think you may be right Hog, word of mouth on this one is going to increase this knives sales significantly. I am hoping Smokey has one for me to put in my hand next weekend