Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) introduced he SIWI fixed blade knife. The SIWI is a fantastic fixed blade knife with features designed to both appeal to the user and provides greater functionality.
One of its latest knives, it is part of the Forged By War program. The Forged by War program started in 2013 when Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical approached CRKT about his work with returning American war veterans suffering from PTSD. Working to make knives and tools provided great help to these suffering veterans, and CRKT quickly jumped on board to help.
CRKT is no stranger to the BlueSheepdog site, and for good reason. They make high-quality knives, with innovative features, and at prices, the every-day user can afford it. We’ve reviewed several of the company’s knives. Make sure you read my CRKT Foresight review and my CRKT Fossil Compact Knife review when you are done with this article.
The new SIWI is another great CRKT knife we’re glad to feature. The Forged by War program donates 10% of sales to the veteran charity of the designer’s choice.
CRKT SIWI Overview
The CRKT SIWI is designed by retired Sergeant Major Darren Sirois, with 25 years of military experience, along with a few design suggestions from renowned knife maker Chris Williams. The SIWI is a nice compact fixed blade knife made with SK5 carbon steel and G10 handles. The modified drop point blade on the SIWI is black powder-coated providing a subdued, yet attractive appearance. Completing the knife is a glass-reinforced nylon sheath.
Specifications
- Blade Material: SK5 carbon steel, black powder coated
- Blade Design: Modified drop point, full tang fixed blade
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Blade Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Handle Material: G10 scales
- Overall Length: 7.438 inches
- Blade Length: 3.341 inches
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Sheath Material: Glass-reinforced nylon
- MSRP: $99.99
The SK5 carbon steel has been heat-treated providing this hard steel very good durability and longevity. Reading from the knife blogs the SK5 is a Japanese steel equivalent to American 1080 steel and produces an amazing Rockwell Hardness score of 65. Both steels are said to provide a very nice knife blade in quality, sharpness, and durability.
Sirois designed the SIWI with G10 handles sculpted with opposing grooves and jimping along the spine to assist the hand in gripping the knife. In addition, there is a small basket weave type texture on the handles for additional positive grip control. The grooves should also act as a natural drainage path for water, sweat, or blood in the event the SIWI gets into tough street work. In fact, Sirois believes tools incapable of enduring the harshest conditions are not worth fielding.
The SIWI is provided a glass-reinforced nylon sheath with simple tension retention. The sheath’s material provides quality, durability, and longevity without the concern of exposure to the elements. There are several rivets along the sheath’s edges for mounting on bags or outer vests with 550 Paracord, and there are two small slits in the middle that could provide the means to mount on Molle/PALS webbing or other locations with straps. In addition, there is an included belt mounting bracket as well.
Final Thoughts
I really like the simplicity but fine craftsmanship of the SIWI. I have found I am gaining a greater appreciation for knives that shine from their superior materials and simple design, rather than flashy gadgets, overly complicated mechanisms, or gaudy accessories. The SIWI is a somewhat compact fixed blade knife, but it is also a very nice size for jobs a patrol or SWAT officer could confront.
A fixed blade knife is a much better and safer design for any type of self-defense work, but also offers significant benefits for simpler jobs such as cutting, and scraping. The SIWI is made with materials designed to provide longevity and quality, even in harsh conditions. All told I really like this knife and have it on a short list to purchase.
Where to Buy
I highly recommend buying the CRKT SIWI through our affiliate link to Optics Planet. They seem to have the best price right now. Optics Planet is a trusted partner. I was one of their customers years before I established a business relationship with them. I consider them a gun-friendly Amazon alternative.
Disclaimer
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Some of the links on this page and site are affiliate links to companies like Amazon and Palmetto State Armory. These links take you to the products mentioned in the article. Should you decide to purchase something from one of those companies, I make a small commission.
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If you are interested in more blades, check out all of our knife reviews here.