Everyone should have a good folding knife. And it seems I am always looking for something that fills that bill. Well I came across the Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) Triumph non-assisted opening knife. The Triumph is designed by knife maker Pat Crawford. It seems that CRKT may be discontinuing the non-assisted version, because they are discounted on their website. This particular knife may be on the large side for some people, weighing in at 6.3 ounces. But with some of the features it has, I couldn't wait to try it out.
The Triumph is a full featured knife. Starting with the AUS 8 stainless steel blade. It is a dual ground Tanto style with a false top edge. The false top edge and tanto blade design give the knife good puncturing abilities. You can get the Triumph with or without Veff serrations. This one has no serrations. The blade is held out with a single .100" locking liner and the knife also has CRKT's AutoLAWKS safety. AutoLAWKS is a spring loaded lock that engages once the knife is fully opened. This feature helps to keep the locking liner in place and supposedly makes it almost as strong as a fixed blade. When closing the Triumph, one must first move the autolawk out of the way with a finger, and while holding the lock back, push the liner over, and then close the blade slightly. Once the blade has moved, you can then release the lock and fold the knife in as normal. It takes a little bit to get use to, but I don't even notice it anymore.
Another nice feature about the Triumph is its G-10 handles. This handle offers one of the grippiest I have ever used. Water, mud, and oil don't seem to make it any different either. When inserting or removing the knife from your pants, it can be difficult because the texture of the grip makes it seem like you wrapped it in sandpaper. The clip on the knife is removable, but it only has one position. That position is tip down, so if you like tip up carry look elsewhere for your knife. The clip is very strong and keeps the Triumph in place throughout the day.
Like I said previously, the knife is large. Coming in at 5" closed and 8.5" open. The Tanto style blade is 3.5" long and .14" thick at its spine. The knife I have has a tiger stripe camo coating on the blade, with black handles. Different blade designs and handle colors are offered. CRKT also makes the Triumph in an assisted opening, or a fixed kneck knife. I have cut many things with this knife and the edge seems to hold up very well and I am pleased with the quality.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Good tactical folder for everyday carry
Target Market: People looking for a good solid EDC knife
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)
- AutoLAWKS locking system
- 3.5" Tanto blade
- G-10 grips
- locking liner
- Serrations optional
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
- Veff Serrated blade
- Plain Black Blade
- Assisted Opening
What others are saying?
CRKT Delivers
Reviewed by ApolloExx on Sierra Trading Post: 4/5 stars - The triumph series means business, with its one side bevel, tanto point, and the serrations that are more like hooks then serrations, this knife is intimidating, aggressive, and very attractive. Crawford designs made this knife out of quality parts and materials, each knife is handmade and is all around a balanced, high quality knife. the grip on this knife is also very unique, feeling more like fine sandpaper this knife has a pleasing texture and you wont loose your grip even if you tried. downside of the blade is the effort it takes to sharpen it, with serrations like this it may be a challenge to sharpen but I believe that can easily be worked around,
Michael on CRKT.com - I have between 12-15 CRKT knives, and this being my most recent purchace has given me the chance to really get to use this thing quite a bit. In the past 3 weeks I've had my Triumph w/Veff serrations I've put the thing through absolute hell and have only had to sharpen it once completely and one quick time up This things a BEAST and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT you grab one if you happen to be lucky enough to come across one
Price point
MSRP = $149.99 ($44.99 discount)
Retail = $99.99 on Amazon for the assisted opening
I need it now! Availability: Readily available on CRKT
Our Rating:
Pros: + G-10 handles - excellent grip + 3.5" Stainless Steel blade + Stays sharp + Strong .14" thick blade + AutoLAWKS Feature
Cons: - G-10 handles can be too course - Overall size at 5" closed and 8.5" open - AutoLAWKS takes some getting use to - Heavy at 6.3 ounces - Non USA made
Score: 7.5 Good
Chad's Favorite Link: Handgun Radio
