The Ultimate Everyday Carry Companion: CRKT Tuna 2520 Folding Knife – Engineered for Reliability and Performance

Are you searching for a dependable everyday carry (EDC) knife that effortlessly tackles daily tasks, stands up to challenging conditions, and combines robust functionality with striking aesthetics? Look no further than the CRKT Tuna model 2520. This innovative folding knife is more than just a tool; it's a testament to thoughtful design and practical engineering, making it an indispensable asset for a wide range of users, from outdoor adventurers to urban professionals.

Designed by the renowned Lucas Burnley, the CRKT Tuna 2520 instantly commands attention with its distinctive profile. Its robust form, reminiscent of a powerful deep-sea fish, signals a knife built for cutting performance and enduring strength. This isn't just about looks, however; every curve and material choice serves a specific functional purpose, ensuring the knife performs precisely when you need it most.

Who is the CRKT Tuna 2520 For?

The CRKT Tuna 2520 is expertly crafted for individuals who demand unwavering reliability from their tools. This knife is an ideal choice for:

• Everyday Carry Enthusiasts: Its compact closed length of 4.49 inches and moderate weight of 3.70 ounces make it comfortable for pocket carry, ensuring it’s always within reach for unexpected tasks.
• Outdoor Adventurers: Whether you're camping, hiking, fishing, or exploring, the Tuna's durable construction and reliable lock mechanism provide peace of mind in demanding environments.
• Tradespeople and DIYers: From opening stubborn packages to cutting various materials, the sharp 8Cr14MoV stainless steel blade offers consistent performance for professional and home improvement projects.
• General Utility Users: If you simply need a robust, sharp, and easy-to-deploy knife for common household or office tasks, the Tuna excels at a myriad of everyday cutting needs.
• Those Seeking a Blend of Style and Substance: The unique design, complemented by the bronze anodized pivot ring and back spacer, offers a distinctive aesthetic without compromising on practical utility.

Solving Common Challenges with the CRKT Tuna 2520

What problems does the CRKT Tuna 2520 solve for its users?

• Frustration with Dull or Unreliable Knives: The Tuna’s high-quality 8Cr14MoV stainless steel blade ensures excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening, preventing the common annoyance of a blade that won't hold an edge.
• Lack of Control in Adverse Conditions: The G10 and stainless steel handle combination offers exceptional grip, even when wet or cold, providing confidence and control where other knives might falter.
• Safety Concerns with Weak Locking Mechanisms: The robust frame lock system provides secure blade deployment and prevents accidental closure, a critical feature for safety during strenuous use.
• Difficulty with One-Handed Operation: The integrated thumb stud allows for quick, smooth, and ambidextrous one-handed opening, making it practical for situations where your other hand is occupied.
• Need for a Versatile Cutting Tool: With its plain edge and efficient blade shape, the Tuna 2520 is adept at a wide variety of cutting tasks, from slicing through heavy-duty packaging to preparing fire kindling.

A Deep Dive into the Design and Materials

The CRKT Tuna 2520 is a masterclass in combining high-quality materials with thoughtful design.

The Blade: 8Cr14MoV Stainless Steel and Stonewashed Finish

At the heart of any great knife is its blade, and the Tuna 2520 doesn't disappoint. It features a 3.22-inch plain edge blade crafted from 8Cr14MoV stainless steel. Why is this steel a popular choice for everyday carry knives?

• Excellent Balance of Properties: 8Cr14MoV is renowned for striking an impressive balance between hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. This means your Tuna blade will hold a sharp edge well, resist rust and staining in various environments, and can be relatively easily brought back to a razor-sharp state with standard sharpening tools.
• Reliable Performance: This steel is consistently proven in real-world applications, offering good wear resistance for general utility tasks without being overly brittle, which can be an issue with some harder, more exotic steels.
• Stonewashed Finish: The blade boasts an attractive stonewashed finish. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this finish serves a practical purpose: it helps to hide scratches and wear marks that accumulate through regular use, keeping your knife looking good for longer. It also reduces glare, which can be a minor benefit in certain outdoor scenarios.

The blade’s profile itself is engineered for powerful cutting. Its deep belly and plain edge configuration ensure maximum cutting surface for slicing, making quick work of everything from ropes to cardboard boxes.

The Handle: G10 and Stainless Steel for Superior Grip and Durability

The handle of the CRKT Tuna 2520 is a highlight, offering a unique combination of materials for optimal performance and aesthetics:

• G10 Front Scale: G10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, created by compressing layers of fiberglass cloth soaked in epoxy resin. It's an incredibly popular material for knife handles due to its:
  • Exceptional Grip: Even when wet or slick, the textured surface of G10 provides a secure, non-slip hold, crucial for safety and control in adverse conditions.
  • Durability: G10 is remarkably tough, resistant to impacts, temperature changes, and moisture, ensuring the handle will withstand rigorous use over time.
  • Lightweight: Despite its strength, G10 is relatively light, contributing to the knife's balanced feel and comfortable carry.
• Stainless Steel Back Scale: The stainless steel component on the back of the handle provides a solid foundation for the frame lock mechanism, enhancing structural integrity and overall robustness. The combination of G10 and stainless steel offers the best of both worlds: the superior grip of G10 where it matters most for your palm and fingers, coupled with the strength and rigidity of stainless steel for the critical locking side.
• Ergonomics: The handle's design is contoured to fit naturally in the hand, reducing fatigue during prolonged use and providing a comfortable, secure grip for a wide range of tasks. The black and green G10 adds a touch of visual appeal, making the knife not just a tool, but also a statement piece.

The Locking Mechanism: Secure Frame Lock

Safety and reliability are paramount in a folding knife, and the CRKT Tuna 2520 delivers with a sturdy frame lock. How does a frame lock work, and why is it preferred by many users?

• Principle of Operation: In a frame lock, a portion of the handle's stainless steel frame (the "back" side of the handle) is precisely cut and bent inward to spring against the tang of the blade when the knife is open. This creates a strong, solid wedge that locks the blade firmly in place. To close the knife, you simply press the "liner" section of the frame outward, disengaging it from the blade.
• Advantages:
  • Exceptional Strength: Frame locks are renowned for their strength and resistance to accidental closure, making them highly reliable for demanding cutting tasks.
  • Simplicity and Reliability: With fewer moving parts than some other locking mechanisms, frame locks are less prone to failure and easier to maintain.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Their open design allows for easier cleaning and removal of debris.
  • Positive Engagement: Users often report a satisfying "click" as the blade locks into place, providing clear tactile and auditory feedback that the knife is ready for use.

Smooth Deployment: Thumb Stud Opener

Opening the CRKT Tuna 2520 is a smooth and intuitive experience, thanks to its integrated thumb stud. Positioned perfectly on the blade, the thumb stud allows for quick, one-handed deployment, making the knife readily accessible. This feature is particularly useful when you need to open the blade with speed and efficiency, such as when your other hand is occupied.

Everyday Carry (EDC) and Beyond: Versatility in Action

The CRKT Tuna 2520 truly shines as an everyday carry knife due to its balanced dimensions and robust feature set.

• Pocket Clip Included: The included pocket clip ensures secure and convenient carry, allowing you to attach the knife to your pocket, belt, or gear for easy access. Its thoughtful design allows for deep carry, keeping the knife discreet.
• Optimized Dimensions: With an overall length (OAL) of 7.69 inches when open and a closed length of 4.49 inches, it strikes an ideal balance between usability and portability. It’s large enough for effective cutting but compact enough not to be cumbersome.
• Weight: Weighing in at 3.70 ounces, it's substantial enough to feel solid and reliable in hand without adding unnecessary bulk to your daily loadout.

Beyond its EDC prowess, the Tuna 2520 is also perfectly suited for various outdoor and utility applications:

• Camping and Bushcraft: From preparing kindling for a fire to cutting cordage, the Tuna's sharp plain edge and durable construction make it a valuable asset in the wilderness.
• Fishing: Its corrosion-resistant blade and grippy handle are ideal for cutting fishing lines, bait, or even processing a small catch.
• Workplace Utility: In warehouses, workshops, or offices, the Tuna makes quick work of opening boxes, cutting packing straps, or performing other light-duty tasks that require a sharp, reliable edge.

Maintaining Your CRKT Tuna 2520: Tips for Longevity

To ensure your CRKT Tuna 2520 provides years of reliable service, a little maintenance goes a long way:

1. Cleaning: After use, especially in dirty or wet conditions, clean the blade and handle. Warm, soapy water works well, followed by a thorough rinse and drying. Use compressed air to clear out debris from the pivot area if necessary.
2. Lubrication: Periodically apply a light film of a quality knife lubricant to the pivot mechanism. This ensures smooth blade deployment and reduces wear.
3. Sharpening: While the 8Cr14MoV steel holds an edge well, all knives eventually need sharpening. Use a quality sharpening system (stones, ceramic rods, or a guided sharpener) to maintain the blade's keen edge. Be consistent with your sharpening angle for best results.
4. Storage: Store your knife in a dry environment to prevent rust, even with stainless steel.

By following these simple care instructions, your CRKT Tuna 2520 will remain a high-performing tool for countless tasks.

Why Choose the CRKT Tuna 2520?

The CRKT Tuna 2520 stands out in a crowded market of folding knives for several compelling reasons:

• Design Excellence: Lucas Burnley's design is not only visually striking but also supremely functional, embodying a perfect blend of form and utility.
• Robust Construction: The combination of 8Cr14MoV stainless steel, G10, and stainless steel in the handle, alongside a dependable frame lock, ensures the knife is built to last and perform under pressure.
• Versatility: Whether for daily chores, outdoor adventures, or specific work tasks, its plain edge blade and ergonomic handle make it adaptable to a wide array of cutting needs.
• Reliable Performance: From its secure frame lock to its smooth thumb stud opening, every feature is designed for reliable, consistent operation, providing peace of mind to the user.
• Exceptional Value: Offering premium features and design at an accessible price point, the Tuna 2520 provides outstanding value for a high-quality EDC knife.

For those seeking a knife that is as robust and dependable as it is visually appealing, the CRKT Tuna 2520 is an outstanding choice. Its ability to slice through packages faster than its namesake glides through water is not just marketing; it’s a testament to its design efficiency and sharpness. Experience the confidence that comes with carrying a truly capable everyday tool. This exceptional knife is readily available from trusted retailers like DEGuns, ensuring you receive an authentic product backed by reliable service.

Specifications and Features

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the CRKT Tuna 2520's key specifications, making it easy to compare and understand its technical attributes.

Feature	Detail
Brand	CRKT
Model	Tuna
MPN	2520
Blade Material	8Cr14MoV Stainless Steel
Blade Finish	Stonewashed
Blade Edge	Plain
Blade Length	3.22 inches
Blade Thickness	0.15 inches
Overall Length	7.69 inches
Closed Length	4.49 inches
Handle Material	G10 / Stainless Steel
Handle Color	Black / Green
Weight	3.70 ounces
Lock Type	Frame Lock
Open Type	Thumb Stud
Includes	Pocket Clip
SKU	129447
UPC	794023252002