The Ultimate Compact Companion: Discovering the CRKT 7086 Dually Folding Knife

In an increasingly dynamic world, the demand for versatile, reliable tools that seamlessly integrate into our daily lives has never been higher. For many, a high-quality folding knife is not merely a gadget but an indispensable part of their everyday carry (EDC) kit, a vital asset for navigating tasks both mundane and unexpected. When considering the ideal compact knife, certain attributes come to mind: portability, quick deployment, enduring sharpness, and a robust build. It is within this demanding landscape that the CRKT 7086 Dually Folding Knife emerges as a standout choice, embodying a synthesis of thoughtful design, practical functionality, and CRKT’s renowned commitment to quality.

Why a Compact Folding Knife? Addressing Your Everyday Needs

Why would someone need a small folding knife like the CRKT Dually? The reasons are as varied as the individuals who carry them. From the urban professional to the weekend adventurer, a compact blade offers unparalleled utility. Are you frequently opening packages, breaking down cardboard boxes, or slicing through stubborn zip ties? Do you find yourself needing to cut cordage while camping, strip a wire during a DIY project, or simply open a tricky plastic clam-shell package? These are just a few of the common scenarios where a specialized tool outperforms makeshift solutions like keys or bare hands, which can be both inefficient and unsafe.

The ideal compact knife solves the problem of preparedness. It's about having the right tool at the right moment, enhancing efficiency and safety in countless situations. For those concerned about bulk, weight, or discreet carry, a knife like the CRKT 7086 Dually, with its ergonomic design and manageable size, slips effortlessly into a pocket or bag without drawing undue attention, yet remains instantly accessible when duty calls.

Unpacking the Excellence of the CRKT 7086 Dually: Key Features and Benefits

The CRKT 7086 Dually is meticulously engineered to provide exceptional performance within a minimalist footprint. Let's delve into the specific attributes that make this knife a top contender for your everyday carry needs, and why it consistently earns praise from users seeking reliability and practical utility.

The Heart of the Blade: 5Cr15MoV Stainless Steel

At the core of any great knife is its blade material. The CRKT 7086 Dually features a 1.72-inch drop point blade crafted from 5Cr15MoV stainless steel. What does this mean for the user?

• Corrosion Resistance: 5Cr15MoV is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for use in diverse environments, from humid outdoor settings to kitchens. This means less worry about maintaining your blade's pristine condition, even with regular exposure to moisture or chemicals.
• Ease of Sharpening: Unlike some super steels that require specialized equipment and significant effort to sharpen, 5Cr15MoV is known for its user-friendliness when it comes to edge maintenance. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer to keep their knives razor-sharp with minimal hassle, ensuring optimal cutting performance at all times.
• Good Toughness: While not the hardest steel on the market, 5Cr15MoV offers a good balance of hardness and toughness, making the blade less prone to chipping or breaking under stress. This robustness is crucial for a utility knife that might encounter various materials.
• Value Proposition: This steel provides excellent performance for its price point, offering a reliable and durable blade without an exorbitant cost, making the Dually an accessible yet high-performing tool.

Blade Profile and Finish: Drop Point and Bead Blasted Aesthetics

The drop point blade shape is arguably the most popular and versatile blade profile available. Its design features a convex curve on the spine that drops from the handle to the tip, creating a strong, controllable point.

• Versatility: Ideal for a wide range of tasks, from piercing to slicing. The tip is strong enough for detail work but robust enough for general utility.
• Strength: The full belly of the blade provides excellent cutting power, while the robust tip ensures durability even with lateral pressure.
• Control: The drop point design offers superior control, making precise cuts easier and safer.

Complementing the blade shape is a bead blasted finish. This process creates a non-reflective, matte surface on the blade, which offers several benefits:

• Reduced Glare: Essential for outdoor use or situations where reflection could be a distraction.
• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance (Surface Level): While the steel itself is corrosion-resistant, the bead blasted finish can provide an additional layer of surface protection.
• Aesthetic Appeal: It gives the blade a rugged, understated, and sophisticated look, contributing to the knife’s overall discreet profile.

The Grip You Can Trust: GRN Black Handle

The handle of the CRKT Dually is crafted from Glass-Reinforced Nylon (GRN) in a sleek black finish. GRN is a high-performance polymer renowned for its exceptional properties:

• Lightweight: GRN significantly contributes to the Dually’s overall light weight, making it comfortable to carry throughout the day without adding noticeable bulk.
• Durability: This material is incredibly tough and resistant to impact, abrasion, and temperature extremes. It won't crack, chip, or deform under normal use, ensuring your knife withstands the rigors of daily life.
• Excellent Grip: Even when wet, GRN provides a secure and tactile grip, reducing the risk of slippage during use. The texture and ergonomic contouring ensure the knife sits comfortably and securely in the hand, enhancing safety and control.
• Chemical Resistance: GRN resists many common chemicals, making it easy to clean and maintain without degradation.

Deployment Speed and Security: OutBurst® Assisted Opening and Liner Lock

One of the defining features of the CRKT 7086 Dually is its OutBurst® assisted opening mechanism. This innovative technology allows for swift, one-handed blade deployment with minimal effort.

• Rapid Accessibility: In situations where quick access to your blade is crucial, OutBurst® ensures the blade springs open smoothly and rapidly once you initiate the opening action. This is invaluable for emergency situations or when your other hand is occupied.
• Smooth Operation: The mechanism is designed for consistent, reliable performance, providing a satisfying and secure snap as the blade locks into place.

Once deployed, the blade is securely held by a liner lock mechanism.

• Robust Security: The liner lock is a time-tested and widely respected locking mechanism that uses a spring-tensioned liner to wedge against the blade's tang, preventing accidental closure during use.
• Easy Disengagement: Disengaging the lock is straightforward and can typically be done with one hand, allowing for safe and convenient folding of the blade when you're finished.

Who Benefits Most from the CRKT 7086 Dually?

The CRKT 7086 Dually is designed to be a universal utility tool, but it particularly shines for specific user groups:

• Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: Its compact size, light weight, and quick deployment make it an ideal choice for those who carry a knife daily. It’s small enough to be unobtrusive but capable enough for common tasks.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts (Hikers, Campers, Anglers): For light outdoor tasks like cutting fishing lines, opening food packages, or preparing kindling, the Dually offers a reliable, low-profile option that won't weigh down your gear.
• Tradespeople and DIYers: Electricians, mechanics, and general handymen will find its quick deployment and sharp blade useful for cutting wires (non-electrical), opening boxes of supplies, or scoring materials.
• First-Time Knife Owners: Its robust construction, reliable lock, and easy-to-maintain steel make it an excellent entry-level knife that performs far beyond its accessible price point.
• Individuals Seeking a Discreet Utility Tool: For those who prefer a less overtly tactical or aggressive-looking knife, the Dually's subdued aesthetics and compact size make it a perfect fit for a pocket or purse.

Real-World Applications: The Dually in Action

Imagine these scenarios where the CRKT 7086 Dually truly proves its worth:

• At Home: Need to open a mountain of online deliveries? The Dually makes quick work of tape and cardboard, saving your fingernails and other household objects. Crafting or intricate tasks? The plain edge and controlled tip offer precision.
• At Work: From a retail environment where you're constantly opening stock to an office where you need to slice through packaging, the Dually is a discreet, professional asset.
• In the Outdoors: While not a heavy-duty bushcraft knife, it excels at light tasks like preparing kindling for a campfire, cutting fishing line, or opening dehydrated food pouches on a trail.
• Unexpected Situations: While primarily a utility knife, its reliable deployment means it's always ready to help in minor emergencies, such as cutting away tangled cordage or opening a stubborn container.

Maintaining Your Investment: Caring for Your CRKT Dually

To ensure your CRKT 7086 Dually continues to perform optimally for years to come, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

1. Cleaning: After use, especially if exposed to moisture or corrosive substances, wipe down the blade and handle with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Pay attention to the pivot area to prevent debris buildup.
2. Lubrication: Occasionally apply a small drop of high-quality knife oil to the pivot point to ensure smooth action of the OutBurst® assisted opening mechanism.
3. Sharpening: Thanks to its 5Cr15MoV steel, the Dually is relatively easy to sharpen. Use a quality sharpening system (stones, ceramic rods, or guided sharpeners) to maintain a keen edge. Regular stropping can also extend the time between full sharpening sessions.
4. Storage: Store your knife in a dry environment to prevent any potential corrosion.

The CRKT Legacy: Innovation and Reliability

Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) has built a stellar reputation on a foundation of innovative design and reliable craftsmanship. Based in Oregon, CRKT collaborates with some of the world's most talented custom knifemakers to bring their groundbreaking designs to a wider audience. The CRKT 7086 Dually, designed by the talented Patrick Christensen, exemplifies this philosophy. Christensen's vision for a compact, fast-deploying utility knife is perfectly executed in the Dually, showcasing a deep understanding of practical needs and ergonomic efficiency.

When you choose a CRKT product, you're not just buying a tool; you're investing in decades of expertise, a commitment to quality materials, and a heritage of producing knives that perform when it matters most. Their focus on features like OutBurst® assisted opening and robust locking mechanisms ensures that every CRKT knife, including the Dually, is built for safe, efficient, and long-lasting use.

Your Go-To Source for the CRKT 7086 Dually

For those ready to experience the blend of compactness, utility, and reliable performance that the CRKT 7086 Dually offers, it is available from trusted retailers. When seeking this exceptional folding knife, you can find the CRKT 7086 Dually and a wide array of other high-quality knives and gear at DEGuns, your premier destination for outdoor and tactical equipment. DEGuns.com provides a comprehensive selection, expert customer service, and the confidence that you are purchasing an authentic and high-performing product designed to meet the demands of everyday life. Equip yourself with a tool that stands ready for any challenge – choose the CRKT 7086 Dually from DEGuns.

CRKT 7086 Dually Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	7086
UPC	794023708605
Blade Length	1.72 inches (43.69 mm)
Blade Steel	5Cr15MoV Stainless Steel
Blade Finish	Bead Blasted
Blade Edge	Plain
Blade Style	Drop Point
Handle Material	Glass-Reinforced Nylon (GRN)
Handle Color	Black
Opening Mechanism	OutBurst® Assisted Opening
Locking Mechanism	Liner Lock
Designer	Patrick Christensen
Brand	CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool)
Availability	Exclusively at DEGuns.com