CRKT Just Made One of Its Premium Knives Much More Affordable

The new LCK + Liner Lock swaps some materials to duck well under $100 but retains the original’s stunningly streamlined form and function.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published March 26, 2025

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

First things first: I love a premium knife as much as anyone. It’s always fun to see what can be accomplished when no expense is spared with blade steel, handle materials and more.

That being said, when it comes to true everyday carry, most of us do not need MagnaCut this and FatCarbon that to actually tackle often unglamorous daily tasks.

crkt lck + liner lock full — Made of 14C28N steel, this knife’s 3.38-inch drop-point blade is beyond qualified for most everyday tasks.

From that point of view, I am stoked about CRKT’s recent reimagining of the LCK + Liner Lock (which, to be fair, was already one of the more affordable premium EDC knives at $175).

Due to its ease of sharpening, corrosion resistance and toughness, 14C28N is considered one of the top budget knife steels, if not the outright best.

The new edition changes out a few materials to slice the price well more than in half while keeping much of what makes it so compelling in the first place — namely, its sleek look and reliable utility.

Knife swap

Let’s start with the key substitutions, the most notable of which is the blade steel.

While the original version of the knife (model 3801K) featured S35VN blade steel, the new guy (model 3801KN) gets 14C28N, which is honestly no slouch.

crkt lck + liner lock folded — G10 handle scales ensure a good grip, while a generous back flipper makes deployment simple and swift.

Due to its ease of sharpening, corrosion resistance and toughness, 14C28N is widely considered one of the top budget knife steels, if not the outright best.

The second big material change regards the handle scales, which trade out marbled carbon fiber for textured denim blue G10.

This switch is the main reason the knife jumps 0.3 ounces in weight. But 2.8 ounces is not exactly chubby, and from a functional standpoint, G10 is at least as easy to grip and manipulate, if not more so.

crkt lck + liner lock off side — As with many knives, the off side of the blade divulges key details, such as the knife’s designer and the model number.

Materials aside, the new LCK is identical to its pricier predecessor in streamlined silhouette and durable design.

Drawn up by award-winning, Wisconsin-based innovator Matthew Lerch, this knife deploys its 3.38-inch drop-point blade via a back flipper, swinging smoothly on an IKBS ball bearing pivot.

crkt lck + liner lock off side folded — The fuss-free deep-carry pocket clip keeps this knife in easy reach.

As the name suggests, said blade is secured via a liner lock which, when handled delicately, can be closed using one hand, making the LCK’s entire operation a single-handed affair.

Rounding out the features is a deep-carry pocket clip, an essential quality for a knife that, as I suggested at the outset, you actually carry and use on a daily basis.