The CRKT 2493 SQUID Assisted Folding Knife: Your Ultimate Everyday Carry Companion

In the realm of essential gear, few items offer the blend of utility, reliability, and compact design quite like a well-chosen folding knife. For individuals seeking a robust yet discreet tool that’s ready for anything life throws at them, the CRKT 2493 SQUID Assisted knife stands out as an exceptional choice. This isn't just a knife; it's a meticulously crafted instrument designed to empower its user in countless everyday scenarios, from opening packages to more demanding utility tasks. If you’re asking "What's the best small, dependable pocket knife for daily use?" or "I need a compact tool that I can rely on for minor emergencies," then the CRKT SQUID 2493 is engineered to be your answer.

The Heart of the Blade: Precision and Performance

At the core of the CRKT 2493 SQUID's functionality is its 2.37-inch blade, a testament to thoughtful engineering. Crafted from 8Cr14MoV stainless steel, this blade material is celebrated for its balanced properties, offering a commendable blend of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. For the everyday user, this translates into a knife that holds its keen edge through regular use while resisting rust and tarnish, even in humid environments or after contact with various materials. This makes it an ideal companion for a wide range of tasks, ensuring consistent, reliable cutting performance.

The blade features a classic drop point profile, renowned for its versatility. The drop point design is characterized by a convex curve on the spine, which drops towards the tip. This creates a strong, robust tip that excels at piercing while maintaining a durable belly for slicing and general cutting tasks. Whether you're breaking down cardboard boxes, stripping wire, or preparing kindling for a campfire, the drop point shape offers optimal control and efficiency.

Furthermore, the blade boasts a plain edge, which provides a consistently sharp cutting surface for clean, precise cuts. Unlike serrated edges, a plain edge is easier to sharpen and maintains a finer edge, making it superior for tasks requiring accuracy, such as fine slicing or intricate work. This choice underscores the knife's role as a true utility tool, capable of delivering clean results with minimal effort.

Aesthetically and practically, the black stonewash finish on the blade adds another layer of sophistication and resilience. This finish isn't merely for looks; it helps to conceal scratches and wear, giving the blade a rugged, well-worn appearance from day one. More importantly, the stonewash process enhances the blade's resistance to corrosion and wear, providing a protective layer that ensures the knife looks good and performs reliably for years to come.

The Foundation of Grip: Unyielding Durability and Comfort

Complementing the robust blade is the CRKT 2493 SQUID's black high-carbon stainless steel handle. High-carbon stainless steel is chosen for its exceptional strength and durability, making the handle virtually impervious to bending, breaking, or corroding under normal use. This material provides a reassuringly solid feel in the hand, contributing to the knife's overall sense of reliability and longevity.

The handle's design prioritizes ergonomics, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip in various hand sizes and orientations. Its compact nature belies its ability to provide ample purchase, allowing for confident manipulation during intricate tasks or when applying greater force. The black finish on the handle not only matches the blade's stonewash for a cohesive aesthetic but also adds an extra layer of protection against wear and corrosion.

For convenient and discreet carry, the CRKT 2493 SQUID is equipped with a sturdy pocket clip. This allows the knife to be securely affixed to the edge of a pocket, waistband, or gear, ensuring it's always within easy reach. The clip's design is optimized for deep carry, meaning the knife rides low in the pocket, minimizing its profile and making it less noticeable – an essential feature for anyone prioritizing discretion in their everyday carry setup.

Assisted Opening Technology: Speed, Safety, and Seamless Deployment

One of the standout features of the CRKT 2493 SQUID is its assisted opening mechanism. This technology allows for rapid, one-handed deployment of the blade with minimal effort. With a gentle push on the thumb stud or flipper (if present on this specific model, though the description highlights "assisted"), the spring-assisted mechanism takes over, propelling the blade swiftly and smoothly into the locked position. This makes the knife incredibly quick to access and ready for action when seconds count, whether in an emergency or simply when you have only one hand free.

Once deployed, the blade is secured by a reliable liner lock mechanism. The liner lock is a time-tested and widely respected locking system known for its strength and simplicity. A segment of the handle's liner springs inward to engage the base of the blade, holding it firmly in the open position and preventing accidental closure during use. This provides an essential layer of safety, giving the user peace of mind that the blade will remain securely locked during cutting tasks.

Designed for Life: The Lucas Burnley Influence

The CRKT 2493 SQUID is a creation of renowned knife designer Lucas Burnley. Burnley is celebrated for his distinctive design philosophy, which blends utilitarian functionality with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. His designs often feature robust construction, practical blade shapes, and ergonomic handles, all while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered appearance. The SQUID embodies Burnley's design ethos perfectly: it's a compact, no-nonsense tool that is exceptionally capable and visually appealing. His expertise ensures that every aspect of the knife, from its balance to its deployment, is optimized for real-world performance. Choosing a Burnley-designed knife means investing in a piece that benefits from years of design experience and a deep understanding of user needs.

The Everyday Carry (EDC) Companion: Why the SQUID Excels

For those who embrace the "Everyday Carry" lifestyle, where essential tools are always on hand to navigate daily challenges, the CRKT 2493 SQUID is a quintessential choice. Its compact size, specifically the 2.37-inch blade, strikes a perfect balance: it's large enough to handle a wide array of cutting tasks but small enough to be unobtrusive and legal in many jurisdictions with stricter knife laws (always check local regulations). Weighing in at a mere few ounces, it disappears into your pocket, making it easy to forget it's there until you need it.

The SQUID's design prioritizes discreet carry, making it suitable for both urban professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Its solid construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily life, from unexpected utility needs to more demanding tasks. It's the kind of knife that doesn't draw attention but is always ready to perform, making it an indispensable part of a well-equipped EDC kit.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases: Beyond the Blade

The versatility of the CRKT 2493 SQUID extends far beyond its basic description. This knife can be a problem-solver in countless situations:

• Office/Urban Environment: Easily opens packages, slices through tape, cuts tags off new clothing, or trims loose threads. Its non-threatening appearance and compact size make it ideal for an office drawer or a professional's pocket.
• Outdoor Adventures (Light Utility): While not a dedicated bushcraft knife, it excels at light tasks like cutting fishing line, opening food packaging, preparing tinder, or trimming cordage for camping setups. Its robust construction can handle light wilderness chores with ease.
• DIY Projects and Home Use: Perfect for opening paint cans, scoring drywall, slicing through zip ties, or making quick cuts on various materials around the house or workshop.
• Emergency Situations: A sharp, reliable blade can be crucial in an unexpected scenario. Cutting seatbelts, opening emergency packaging, or performing first-aid related tasks are all within the SQUID's capabilities.
• Simple Utility Knife: For those who just need a reliable tool to cut anything, the SQUID is up to the task without being overly bulky or specialized.

Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping Your SQUID Sharp

To ensure your CRKT 2493 SQUID remains a reliable companion for years, basic maintenance is key. The 8Cr14MoV stainless steel blade, while resistant, benefits from occasional cleaning and drying, especially after exposure to moisture or corrosive materials. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth and a light application of a protectant oil will keep it in prime condition. Sharpening is straightforward due to the plain edge, and a quality sharpening stone or system will easily restore its factory edge. The high-carbon stainless steel handle requires minimal care, usually just a wipe-down. This knife is designed to be a workhorse, and with a little attention, it will serve you faithfully.

Why Choose the CRKT SQUID 2493? A Summary of Value

When considering a new folding knife, the CRKT 2493 SQUID presents a compelling argument. It represents an exceptional blend of thoughtful design, durable materials, and practical functionality. Its compact size makes it incredibly portable, while its robust construction ensures it can handle the rigors of daily use. The assisted opening mechanism provides swift and safe deployment, and the secure liner lock offers peace of mind during operation. Crafted by a renowned designer and backed by CRKT's reputation for quality, this knife delivers remarkable value for its capability. It’s an investment in a tool that will prove its worth repeatedly, whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or enjoying the great outdoors. For those seeking a dependable, high-performing, and discreet cutting tool, the CRKT SQUID 2493 is undoubtedly a top contender.

This versatile tool is readily available for your everyday carry needs at DEGuns.

Feature	Description	Material/Type
Model Number	CRKT 2493 SQUID	N/A
Blade Length	2.37 inches	N/A
Blade Material	8Cr14MoV Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Blade Style	Drop Point	Plain Edge
Blade Finish	Black Stonewash	N/A
Handle Material	High Carbon Stainless Steel	Black Finish
Opening Mechanism	Assisted Opening	Liner Lock
UPC	794023249306	N/A
Designer	Lucas Burnley	N/A