If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Fulcrum: Quirky CRKT Folder Returns

The CRKT Fulcrum 2 is back after a bit of a hiatus. This folder is a Russ Kommer design and its re-emergence means that one of the most interesting production folder deployment mechanisms is available again.

The Fulcrum 2 has a history that goes back to the realm of high-end custom knives. Maker Charles Kain is the creator of the custom piece on which the Fulcrum 2’s unique mechanism first appeared. Kain operates in what you could call the “art knife” arena, but he has always been just as interested in the engineering as the look of a knife, and many of his pieces incorporate unusual locks and/or deployment methods. CRKT, always on the lookout for new collaborators and never afraid of a non-traditional mechanism, tapped Russ Kommer to design the Fulcrum 2 in 2016 – we first handled it at that year’s SHOT Show.

Some of you may not have been on the scene in 2016 and, if so, you’re probably wondering: what is the Fulcrum mechanism? Basically, instead of a flipper, button, thumb stud, nail mark, or other opening method, the Fulcrum 2 is opened by pushing the handle scale like it’s a button; the knife’s handles split open, freeing the blade and pushing it up to the half-open position; by squeezing the handle scales, you put the knife back together and allow the blade to pivot up into the open position, where a liner lock falls into place underneath the tang.

The materials on this reissue are the same as they were in 2016. That means an 8Cr13MoV blade, GFN scales, and stainless steel frame and bolster. With a blade measuring 3.18 inches, the Fulcrum 2 can hang with most other knives in the EDC class in terms of chore capabilities; and while these fancy mechanical flourishes can sometimes translate to a lot of added weight, the Fulcrum 2, while a tad heavy for its size, is still weighing in at a very reasonable 4.7 oz. It comes with a short deep carry pocket clip to round out the package.

The Fulcrum 2 will officially be available on October 1, but you can ogle it now on CRKT’s website.

Knife in Featured Image: CRKT Fulcrum 2

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