Product Review

A far cry from familiar. During his impressively long career, designer Pat Crawford has earned himself a handful of illustrious awards. And throughout it all, one unique knife has stood the test of time: the Offbeat. Originally designed in 1979, Pat has honed and refined this out-of-the-ordinary pocket knife to perfection. This is ingenuity at its finest.

For anyone that considers themselves a part of the knife community, Pat Crawford is a household name. From his shop in West Memphis, Arkansas, hes turned out customs that have set a seriously high precedent. Thats not to mention that theyre consistently some of our most popular at CRKT. Now, hes back at it with a design from the archives: the Offbeat.

Before the CNC machine revolutionized our industry, Pat spent an inordinate amount of time cutting handles out of titanium and fitting folders together by hand. So, to expedite the process, he simplified his design. Inspired by a Boy Scout wire handle folder, he invented the Crawford Lockbackan innovation that has proven its worth and is the defining characteristic of the incredibly unique Offbeat.

The handle is made of stainless steel and features a long, slender cutout along the back with a solid thumb stud at its terminus. As the blade is deployed with its own ambidextrous thumb stud, the cutout slides around the butt end of the blade until it reaches a notch along the backside. Then, the cutout seats snugly into place, effectively locking the blade in the open position. In this position, the harder you grip the handles, the more secure it becomes.

To disengage the Crawford Lockback and close the knife, push up on the thumb stud near the pivot area of the blade and fold it closeda truly offbeat way to unlock a folder. The classic drop point blade features a satin finish, matching the handles, and making for one sleek, sender everyday carry.

Conventional? Nope. Utilitarian? All the way.

How the Crawford Lockback Works
Inspired by a wire handled folder, Pat Crawford created the long cutout on the handle to slide around the butt end of the blade until it seats snugly into a notch. In this position, the harder you grip, the more secure it becomes.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 3.522" (89.46 mm)
Edge: Plain
Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Blade Finish: Satin Finish
Blade Thickness: 0.109" (2.77 mm)
Grind: Hollow
Closed Length: 4.483" (113.87 mm)
Open Length: 8.000" (203.2 mm)
Weight: 2.9 oz
Handle: 2Cr13; Brush Finish
Style: Folding Knife with Lockback