CRKT Just Revived a Funky $50 Fan Favorite Folding Knife Packed With Unique (Double) Features
What do you get when you combine a razor and a chisel? Jon Graham's delightfully handy Razel, of course.
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He could have called it the Chisor. Or the Risel. Or the Chazor.
But thankfully, the sheer insanity that drove mechanic turned knife designer Jon Graham to combine a razor and a chisel soon departed, as his senses returned in time for him to sensibly name it the Razel.
Born as a fixed blade and spun off into many forms, the Razel now returns as a practical, pocket-friendly folder. - Credit: CRKT
This particular incident took place way back in the '80s, and "sheer insanity" is unfair, as the knife evolved from a fixed blade into literally dozens of iterations, including a small axe .
So perhaps sheer genius is more like it.
The multi-functional Razel can handle everyday slicing and dicing while also tackling push cuts, scraping and other chisel-friendly jobs.
Graham is sadly no longer with us, but his memory lives on with this iconic knife design, which CRKT has just revived in the form of the perfectly sized new Folding Razel Liner Lock .
Beyond its fun name, this knife boasts a number of features that are, yes, insanely useful.
Best of both worlds
As Graham tells it — in a charming YouTube video with Tom Hanks vibes — his original inspiration was a dovetailing of two interests: his truck driver brother's desire for a razor blade and Graham's own mechanic's admiration of chisels.
Combining the two in its modern incarnation makes for a 3.21-inch 8Cr13MoV steel blade with a lightly curved 3.13-inch main cutting edge and 1.25-inch straight chisel tip edge in high carbon stainless steel.
Scraping a sticker off of a wooden surface would be awkward with a typical EDC knife, but it's right up the Razel's alley. - Credit: CRKT
The result is not only eye-popping but multi-functional, as it can handle everyday slicing and dicing — from apples to boxes to twine — while also tackling push cuts, scraping and other chisel-friendly jobs.
Contoured micarta handles provide a secure ergonomic grip while ambidextrous thumb studs ensure quick and easy deployment.
Double the safety — and convenience
The rare features don't stop at the blade; they extend to the lock and carry as well.
Regarding the former, the 6-ounce Razel leads with a liner lock (as the full name suggests), but it is augmented by a Manual Liner Safety.
The ergonomic micarta handle fits comfortably in the hand while jimping on the blade's spine improves grip. - Credit: CRKT
This feature sets a pin between the locking liner and frame, which means that to close the knife, you must pull the safety lever back, slide the liner over and then fold the blade into the handle.
It's basically an additional layer of safety that prevents the locking liner from disengaging during high-stress use.
Regarding the latter, the Razel comes with not one but two different pocket clips.
Left: The traditional flat pocket clip (with a tip-down orientation). Right: The wire-like pocket clip (tip-up orientation). - Credit: CRKT
The more traditional flat one attaches near the top of the handle on the off side, while a second, smaller, wire-like option can be attached to the bottom of the handle.
If you are feeling really wild, you can technically have both clips attached at the same time. T
That's the kind of double-edged thinking of which Jon Graham himself might be proud.
Availability and pricing
The CRKT Folding Razel Liner Lock is available now for $50. Royalties from Razel sales continue to help support Graham's family.
CRKT Folding Razel Liner Lock
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$50 at CRKT $60 (17% off)
About the Author:
Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
