The new CRKT Rakkasan is a fantastic knife.
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has introduced the new Rakkasan fixed blade knife at SHOT Show 2017. Designed by military veteran Austin McGlaun, the Rakkasan is a very balanced multi-purpose knife, with contoured [easyazon_link identifier=”B001B70WO0″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]G10 grips[/easyazon_link] that are both comfortable and intuitive for outstanding hand placement and hold.
CRKT came to SHOT Show 2017 with nearly 50 new knives and tools on display, and quite frankly blew the major knife competitors off of the showroom floor. These new designs are coming from an ever-increasing line of high quality designers with backgrounds that vary as far as a knife user could imagine. The Rakkasan is an entry from CRKT’s “Forged by War” series, where each designer is a military veteran. CRKT also expanded their Ruger licensed knives that we’ll post on later.
CRKT brought nearly 50 new knives and tools to SHOT Show.
CRKT Rakkasan Knife
Based out of Columbus, Georgia (adjacent to the massive Army Fort Benning), Austin McGlaun has remained very close to his military roots. McGlaun served three combat tours for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, giving him a unique perspective of what a multi-purpose fixed blade knife should entail.
As a part of the Forged By War® program, war veteran Austin McGlaun designed the Rakkasan™ in his Columbus, Georgia shop. The Rakkasan name comes from WWII Japanese soldiers remarking on the [easyazon_link identifier=”0891416048″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]187th Parachute Regiment’s deployment[/easyazon_link] in what the soldiers described as “umbrellas for falling.” The Japanese troops were unfamiliar with this military tactic that took them by surprise, just as the Rakkasan will pleasantly surprise onlookers and users alike.
McGlaun’s original and worn Rakkasan below the new floor model.
The Rakkasan™ takes on a very sleek profile with subtle, but attractive lines that draw both the eye and the hand of the user. McGlaun designed the Rakkasan™ as a mission-ready knife for his brothers and sisters still deployed in hostile foreign lands. With that in mind, you know he did not produce a knife that would fail in the harshest of conditions, when life or death are on the line.
McGlaun states the Rakkasan™ is more universal than his previous designs, such as the extremely popular [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BAJIQ14″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Clever Girl™ knife[/easyazon_link] (another [easyazon_link identifier=”B0030IT76C” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]CRKT[/easyazon_link] production). Designed to be a powerful self-defense knife, the Rakkasan™ is sturdy enough to also be a great utility knife. This opens up a wide range of uses, from cutting wood and rope, to opening crates, boxes, or even [easyazon_link identifier=”B009ZIDU0U” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]MRE’s[/easyazon_link].
McGlaun’s Rakkasan above and Clever Girl below.
McGlaun chose [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FJZD2CE” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]SK5 Japanese steel[/easyazon_link] for his Rakkasan™, which has been widely praised for its strength, durability and ability to maintain an edge. Comparable to U.S. 1080 steel, SK5 steel has a very good balance of carbon and manganese and is considered a good selection for high quality knives or tools.
The Rakkasan’s SK5 steel blade looks sharp, will remain sharp, and is strong.
In addition to a mission-ready utility knife, the Rakkasan™ comes with a durable, and long-lasting [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TIXLWAC” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Kydex sheath[/easyazon_link] as well. The sheath takes on a very concealable profile and is purpose-built with paracord or other tie strap rivet holes for mounting to packs, armor carriers, or belts.
The Rakkasan was well-balanced and felt very good in my hands.
CRKT Rakkasan Features
- High quality SK5 carbon steel blade
- Drop point tip with plain razor edge
- Full tang construction
- Black powder blade coating for corrosion protection
- Contoured G10 handles
- Kydex sheath with rivets and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CL0T5YY” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]paracord[/easyazon_link] attachments.
CRKT Rakkasan Specifications
- Knife Style: Fixed blade with sheath
- Blade Material: SK5 carbon steel, HRC 55-58
- Blade Edge: Plain razor
- Blade Thickness: 0.147 inches
- Blade Finish: Black powder coated
- Overall Length: 10.438 inches
- Blade Length: 4.894 inches
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Handle Material: Contoured G10
- Sheath Material: Black Kydex
- MSRP: $125.00.
The contoured G10 handle on the Rakkasan was outstanding.
Final Thoughts
It was an honor to get to talk to Austin McGlaun at SHOT Show. He is humble and friendly enough to be approachable, but is clearly proud by his knife productions. Last year McGlaun introduced his [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BAJIQ14″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Clever Girl knife[/easyazon_link], which was on of the most popular CRKT knives of the year. McGlaun’s war-time experiences are pretty obvious in his designs. In fact, when talking about the Clever Girl he bluntly stated, “there’s no doubt what that knife is for, it’s for stabbin’ dudes.”
With the Rakkasan, McGlaun sought to expand the versatility and work options for his knife. Bulking up the blade and handle, the Rakkasan can be used for chopping and prying actions in addition to all the traditional knife roles. The picture of McGlaun’s original Rakkasan above clearly shows sign of extensive and heavy use. I really like the Rakkasan’s simple format, that has been greatly enhanced with outstanding materials and strategic lines.
Overall I was very impressed with the Rakkasan. The contoured [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B0I5P1U” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]G10 grip[/easyazon_link] really molded to my hands and provided an outstanding texture for grasping. The blade on the Rakkasan is stout and gives me a good deal of confidence to perform a wide range of jobs. Though I have not used the Rakkasan in the field yet, I am planning on purchasing one very soon. Keep an eye on this knife, and expect great things!
One final look at the awesome Rakkasan.
This blade is worth every penny and it’s one heck of a tool. Stays sharp, handles easy, well balanced. Designed by one of my brothers…. even if he wasn’t a Rakkasan, I’d still buy it again. You won’t be sorry.
Thanks for the insight Kent. I’m waiting on my Rakkasan to arrive, but I was immensely impressed while handling one and talking to Austin about his inspiration.