CRKT Pup: New Boss

CRKT has once again collaborated with renowned designer Richard Rogers. The resulting Pup could follow in the footsteps of a classic.

With the new Pup, CRKT is using special Super Dense Twist Damasteel. Photo: CRKT

Most people who have been around the knife scene for a while are likely familiar with CRKT's CEO series – a slim, almost pen-like knife that fits discreetly in any briefcase or jacket pocket. Few would suspect that it’s a fully-fledged pocket knife when the blade is closed.

This is thanks to rancher and knife maker Richard Rogers, whose designs are known for translating form and function into an elegant design. Now, Rogers has followed up with a smaller, everyday version called the Pup, again in collaboration with CRKT.

Der Name verrät bereits, dass man sich hier auf kompaktere Ausmaße freuen kann. Mit einem Gewicht von gerade einmal 34 Gramm und einer Gesamtlänge von 7,6 Zentimetern im geschlossenen Zustand lässt sich dieses Messer quasi unsichtbar in der Hosentasche mitführen. Und dank eines unauffälligen, umsetzbaren Clips, der das Messer tief versinken lässt, bleibt es für Außenstehende praktisch unsichtbar.

The unofficial predecessor of the Pup and a true classic: the CRKT CEO. Photo: CRKT

However, as soon as the Pup is needed, it immediately becomes apparent how sophisticated even a small knife can be. This is not only due to the IKBS ball bearings, which ensure a particularly pleasant and fluid mechanism when opening, but also to the AUS 10 blade, which is rust-resistant and effortlessly sufficient for most everyday cutting tasks. Especially when quickly cutting a cardboard box or opening a package, the blade with its length of just over 5 centimeters is absolutely sufficient.

The focus here was clearly on creating a gentleman's knife in a mini format. The use of glass-fiber reinforced nylon (GRN) scales gives the Pup an interesting appearance that many observers might initially associate with carbon.

With just a finger press on the flipper, the knife can be opened one-handed, while the solid liner lock reliably secures the blade. Anyone familiar with and appreciating the CRKT CEO will find the Pup easy to handle right away.

Despite its exceptionally low weight, the Pup does not feel fragile at all; rather, it feels surprisingly solid in hand – a clear testament to how much attention to detail Rogers has put into this little construction.

But that's not all: alongside the standard version, CRKT presents a particularly exclusive slipjoint version that is sure to whet the appetite of lovers of high-end materials and collectibles. This variant, limited to just 500 pieces, is made in Italy and features a titanium handle with elegant carbon fiber inlays.

Even more striking is the blade: here, so-called Super Dense Twist Damasteel is used, a material that not only impresses with its intricate patterns and exceptional hardness but also gives the Pup an almost artistic touch.

Designer Richard Rogers combined titanium handle scales with carbon inlays for the Pup. Photo: CRKT

The CRKT logo on one side of the blade and the Rogers design emblem on the other highlight the special status of this edition. A double detent mechanism and fine jimping on the spine ensure that the slipjoint variant sits securely in hand.

Those who choose this collector's piece also receive an Italian leather case that can be attached to a belt or bag thanks to a wire clip. This clip is not only practical but also as elegant as the Pup itself.

The minimalism that Richard Rogers always strives for is elevated to a higher level: where other knives might appear bulky or intimidating, the Pup slipjoint seamlessly integrates into any environment without drawing too much attention.

That a knife of this size can be a true companion for everyday tasks becomes immediately apparent upon first use. While it may not shine as an outdoor tool for chopping wood or other rugged activities, it is perfect for opening a letter or quickly snipping a thread.

Both versions – whether with a liner lock or in slipjoint format – encapsulate exactly what defines Rogers: a thoughtful, aesthetically pleasing design that can be carried unnoticed and reveals its true elegance only when in use.

So if you're looking for a lightweight, discreet, yet high-quality knife, you should take a closer look at the Pup. The flipper-based version is likely to appeal to anyone who has already developed a taste for the CEO and wants to try an even more compact concept.

At the same time, the Pup slipjoint is the choice for those who like to make a statement and consciously opt for a higher price range. CRKT continues down the path already paved with the CEO family: refined designs, premium materials, and a user concept that appears simple at first glance but impresses with numerous subtleties upon closer inspection.