[leadin]Speed climbers are a particularly discerning crowd. With such high stakes, an ounce of steel can be worth a ton of prevention.[/leadin]
So when Oregon-based knife maker Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) looked to create knives to put in the hands of climbers, the company went straight to the top (and fast!), teaming up with American speed climber Hans Florine.
Florine is the current record holder on El Capitan’s “The Nose,” Yosemite’s most famous big-wall test piece. He set a blistering 2 hours, 23 minute time on the 3,000+ foot vertical route.
When asked about what he looks for in a knife, Florine said “I wanted things that were simple, lightweight and safe.” He added, ‘In climbing, sometimes you have to fashion those for yourself. I’m glad to now be working with CRKT to put these knives and tools into production.”
CRKT is releasing three knives at the Outdoor Retailer trade show next week. Here’s a peek of the new designs.
NIAD (Nose In A Day)
Florine’s NIAD (Nose In A Day) knife is a two-piece design that draws inspiration from the classic look of a climber’s piton. The simple stainless steel blade seats against the frame, shunning the need for a sheath or additional parts. At 0.6 oz. it is lighter than most items on Florine’s rack.
Specs
- Blade Length: 1.560” (39.6 mm)
- Edge: Combination
- Steel: 5Cr13MoV, 56-58 HRC
- Finish: Silver Stonewash
- Thickness: 0.080” (2.0 mm)
- Closed: 2.500” (63.5 mm)
- Open: 4.060” (103.1 mm)
- Weight: 0.6 oz. (17.0 g)
- Handle: 6AI4V Titanium
- Style: Folding Knife w/Frame Lock
Bivy
Inspired by Florine’s work with the Bandaloop Vertical Dance Troupe, the Bivy is a multi-tool equipped with a knife, pliers, marlinspike, and Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. The spring-assisted pliers emerge with the push of a button, single-handedly, and are made for assisting while rigging or in emergencies.
BIVY
- Blade Length: 2.920” (74.1 mm)
- Steel: 5Cr15MoV, 55-58 HRC
- Finish: Satin
- Thickness: 0.090” (2.3 mm)
- Closed: 4.120” (104.6 mm)
- Open: 6.030” (153.1 mm); Blade: 7.060” (179.3 mm)
- Weight: 7.7 oz. (218 g)
- Handle: 1060 Al
- Style: Multi-Tool w/Locking Liner
Hyphenate
For those who appreciate a fixed blade, Florine’s Hyphenate bridges the gap between camp and climb. The Hyphenate has a modified tanto blade with a combination serrated/straight edge. Two holes are machined on the handle to assist with grip while also cutting weight.
HYPHENATE
- Blade Length: 2.230” (56.6 mm)
- Edge: Combination
- Steel: 8Cr13MoV, 58-60 HRC
- Finish: Silver Stonewash
- Thickness: 0.120” (3.0 mm)
- Overall: 4.440” (121.2 mm)
- Weight: 1.2 oz. (34.0 g)
- Handle: Stainless Steel
- Style: Fixed Blade Knife w/Sheath
- Sheath: Material: Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Weight: 0.9 oz. (25.5 g)
For anyone attending Outdoor Retailer next week in Salt Lake City (closed to the public), Florine will be sharing his goods at CRKT’s booth (#70) on Thursday, August 6th from 2:00-4:00 PM.
