The CRKT Squid XM Folding Knife

The CRKT Squid XM Folding Knife, identified by UPC 794023522501 and SKU 5225, represents a pinnacle of everyday carry (EDC) design, masterfully crafted for those who demand both reliability and refined performance in a compact form. Engineered by the acclaimed designer Lucas Burnley, this folding knife is more than just a tool; it's a meticulously crafted companion built to tackle the myriad challenges of daily life with unparalleled ease and confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast, a dedicated tradesperson, a weekend warrior, or simply someone seeking a dependable cutting instrument for tasks around the home or office, the Squid XM stands out as an exceptional choice. It seamlessly integrates a robust build with precision engineering, ensuring it's ready the moment you need it.

For individuals frequently asking questions like "What's the best folding knife for everyday use?" or "Which pocket knife offers both durability and smooth operation?", the CRKT Squid XM provides a compelling answer. Its design philosophy centers around delivering maximum utility in a minimal footprint, making it an ideal solution for anyone needing a reliable blade that won't weigh them down or draw unnecessary attention. This knife excels in scenarios ranging from opening stubborn packages and breaking down cardboard boxes to preparing kindling on a camping trip or making precise cuts for craft projects.

Unveiling the Blade: Precision and Performance

At the heart of the CRKT Squid XM's cutting prowess is its remarkable blade, a testament to thoughtful material selection and finishing.

• Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV – The Workhorse of Everyday Carry
  The 3.64-inch (92.46 mm) blade is forged from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This popular material is lauded for its excellent balance of properties, making it an ideal choice for a versatile EDC knife. Users often wonder, "What blade steel is good for general purpose tasks?" 8Cr13MoV offers a superb combination of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. While it holds an edge remarkably well for daily cutting chores, it's also straightforward to resharpen when the time comes, ensuring your knife is always ready for peak performance. This makes it a practical choice for those who might not have specialized sharpening equipment but still want to maintain a razor-sharp edge. It resists rust and staining, crucial for a knife that might be exposed to varying environmental conditions.
• Blade Finish: Stonewash – Aesthetic and Practical
  The stonewash finish applied to the blade is not merely for aesthetics; it serves a crucial functional purpose. This tumbling process gives the blade a matte, worn-in look that is highly effective at concealing scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints that naturally accumulate with regular use. For those who value a tool that looks good even after extensive use, the stonewash finish is a significant advantage. It also reduces reflectivity, making the knife less prone to glare in bright conditions and giving it a more understated, tactical appearance.
• Blade Edge: Plain – Versatility Redefined
  With a plain edge, the Squid XM offers maximum versatility for a wide array of cutting applications. A plain edge provides a clean, continuous cutting surface that excels at push cuts, slicing, and shaving tasks. It's particularly effective for fine, detailed work and provides superior control when compared to serrated blades for most common uses. Whether you're cutting cordage, opening mail, preparing food, or stripping wire, the plain edge delivers consistent, efficient performance. The blade thickness of 0.13 inches (3.23 mm) strikes a perfect balance, providing robust strength without excessive bulk, allowing for both precise and powerful cuts.

Effortless Deployment: The Ball Bearing Pivot System

One of the standout features that sets the CRKT Squid XM apart is its Ball Bearing Pivot System. Many users ask, "How can I get a knife that opens smoothly and reliably?" This advanced pivot mechanism utilizes lubed ball bearings in the pivot, significantly reducing friction as the blade deploys. The result is an incredibly smooth, fast, and almost effortless blade opening experience. With a simple push of the thumb stud or flipper (if applicable to a specific variant, otherwise the thumb stud), the blade snaps open with a satisfying swiftness, ready for immediate use. This fluid action is not just a luxury; it's a functional benefit, allowing for quick, one-handed deployment in situations where every second counts. It speaks to the machinist's masterpiece quality mentioned in the original description, highlighting the precision engineering involved.

Secure and Intuitive: The Button Lock Mechanism

Safety and security are paramount in any folding knife, and the CRKT Squid XM excels with its robust Button Lock mechanism. For those wondering, "What's the most secure knife lock?", or "How does a button lock work?", the Squid XM offers an excellent example. The button lock provides an extremely strong and reliable lock-up, holding the blade securely in the open position during use.

The mechanism is simple yet highly effective: a spring-loaded button on the handle slides into a notch on the blade's tang, effectively locking it. To close the knife, you simply press the button, disengaging the lock and allowing the blade to fold safely back into the handle. This design offers several key advantages:

• Strength: Button locks are known for their exceptional strength and resistance to accidental closure, even under significant pressure.
• Ease of Use: It allows for intuitive, one-handed operation for both opening and closing, a crucial feature for efficiency and safety.
• Ambidexterity: The button lock is inherently ambidextrous, equally accessible and easy to operate for both right-handed and left-handed users, expanding its appeal.

This dependable locking mechanism ensures that the blade remains firmly in place, providing peace of mind during demanding tasks and preventing accidental closures that could lead to injury.

Ergonomics and Carry Comfort: Designed for Daily Life

The overall design of the CRKT Squid XM prioritizes user comfort and practical carry, making it a true extension of your hand.

• Handle: Glass Reinforced Fiber Polyamide – Lightweight Durability
  The handle is constructed from Glass Reinforced Fiber Polyamide (GRFP), a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This material is incredibly durable, resistant to impact, chemicals, and temperature extremes, ensuring the handle can withstand rigorous use in various environments. Despite its robustness, GRFP is lightweight, contributing to the knife's manageable overall weight of 5.00 oz. (141.75g). The handle's texture provides a secure and comfortable grip, reducing the risk of slippage even when wet or working in adverse conditions.
• Grooved Backspacer – Enhanced Grip and Style
  A subtle yet significant detail, the grooved backspacer, not only contributes to the knife's aesthetic appeal but also plays a vital role in enhancing grip. The precise grooving provides additional texture and purchase for your fingers, improving overall hand-to-handle contact and control during demanding cutting tasks. This thoughtful design element ensures a secure hold, boosting confidence and safety during use.
• Deep Pocket Carry Clip – Discreet and Secure
  The CRKT Squid XM features a deep pocket carry clip, a highly sought-after feature for those who prefer their EDC knives to be as discreet as possible. This clip allows the knife to ride low in the pocket, nearly disappearing from view, maintaining a low profile and preventing snags. It ensures the knife remains securely in place, readily accessible when needed without drawing unwanted attention. The secure retention provided by the clip means you can move confidently throughout your day, knowing your tool is exactly where you left it.

The CRKT Squid XM: Your Ultimate Everyday Companion

With an overall length of 8.88 inches (225.43 mm) when open and a compact closed length of 5.15 inches (130.71 mm), the CRKT Squid XM strikes an optimal balance between functionality and portability. It’s large enough to handle substantial cutting tasks yet compact enough to disappear comfortably into a pocket, bag, or glove compartment.

This knife is an answer for countless queries:

• "What's a good first folding knife to own?"
• "I need a reliable knife for outdoor activities like camping or hiking."
• "What kind of knife should I carry for general utility around the house or workshop?"
• "Looking for a durable and easy-to-maintain EDC knife."
• "Which knife offers quick deployment and a secure lock?"

The CRKT Squid XM embodies a commitment to quality and user-centric design. It offers dependable performance for a wide range of users, from those new to carrying a knife to seasoned professionals. The combination of its premium materials, advanced deployment system, secure locking mechanism, and ergonomic design makes it an indispensable tool for anyone who values readiness and efficiency.

Whether you're opening boxes, cutting cord, performing light-duty field tasks, or simply needing a sharp edge for unexpected situations, the CRKT Squid XM delivers. Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it a reliable investment that will serve you well for years to come. The attention to detail in its engineering, from the smooth ball bearing pivot to the grippy handle, underscores its position as a top-tier choice for everyday carry.

Maintaining Your CRKT Squid XM

To ensure your CRKT Squid XM performs optimally for years, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

1. Cleaning: After use, especially in dirty or corrosive environments, clean the blade and pivot area. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly.
2. Drying: Always dry the knife completely, especially the pivot and locking mechanism, to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Air dry or use a clean cloth.
3. Lubrication: Periodically apply a small amount of high-quality knife oil to the pivot area to maintain the buttery-smooth action of the Ball Bearing Pivot System.
4. Sharpening: Keep the 8Cr13MoV blade sharp. A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. Use a quality sharpening system appropriate for plain edge blades.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your CRKT Squid XM remains a highly effective and reliable tool for all your cutting needs. The brand CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) is renowned for producing innovative and high-quality knives, and the Squid XM is a prime example of their dedication to excellence. You can find this exceptional folding knife, UPC 794023522501, and other fine CRKT products at DEGuns, your trusted source for premium outdoor and sporting goods.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail	UPC/SKU
Blade Length	3.64" (92.46 mm)	UPC 794023522501
Blade Edge	Plain	SKU 5225
Blade Steel	8Cr13MoV
Blade Finish	Stonewash
Blade Thickness	0.13" (3.23 mm)
Overall Length	8.88" (225.43 mm)
Closed Length	5.15" (130.71 mm)
Weight	5.00 oz. (141.75g)
Handle Material	Glass Reinforced Fiber Polyamide
Lock Mechanism	Button Lock
Deployment System	Ball Bearing Pivot
Carry Feature	Deep Pocket Carry Clip, Grooved Backspacer