CRKT Pilar Review: The Best Budget Designer Knife Ever Made?
Every once in a while, a knife comes along that punches so far above its weight class that it disrupts the entire industry. The CRKT Pilar is one of those knives. Named after Ernest Hemingway’s beloved fishing boat, the Pilar is a masterclass in minimalist design.
Designed by the legendary Danish knifemaker Jesper Voxnaes, this compact folder brings custom-level aesthetics to the masses for the price of a few pizzas. It’s stubby, it’s heavy for its size, and it has a blade steel that snobs turn their noses up at. Yet, it remains one of the most beloved EDC knives of the last decade.
Why? Because it proves that great design matters more than exotic materials. In this comprehensive review, we will explore why this little tank of a knife belongs in your collection, even if you already own blades costing ten times as much.
Technical Specifications
The Pilar is small but dense. It feels like a solid ingot of steel in the hand. It challenges the modern trend of “lightweight everything” by embracing heft and sturdiness.
| Blade Length | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Closed Length | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.145 inches (3.7 mm) |
| Weight | 4.2 ounces (119 g) |
| Blade Material | 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel (Base Model) |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
| Designer | Jesper Voxnaes |
Design & The “Cleaver” Blade
The blade is a modified sheepsfoot design, often referred to as a “cleaver” style. It features a high flat grind and a prominent swedge. This shape is incredibly useful for urban EDC tasks. Unlike a drop point or clip point, the sheepsfoot has a reinforced tip that is perfect for draw cuts—like opening boxes without slicing the contents inside.
Jesper Voxnaes is known for his “compact but capable” philosophy. The Pilar embodies this. It looks friendly enough to use in a coffee shop (thanks to the lack of an aggressive point) but sturdy enough to tackle hard work. If you are exploring different types of knives and their uses, you’ll find the sheepsfoot blade is safer and often more practical for daily utility than tactical shapes.
Ergonomics: The Finger Choil Magic
How do you make a 2.4-inch blade feel like a full-sized knife? The answer is the finger choil. The Pilar features a massive cutout at the base of the blade that allows you to choke up on the knife.
When you place your index finger in the choil, your grip effectively extends onto the blade itself. This gives you:
- Full four-finger grip: Even with large hands, you can get a solid hold.
- Precision control: Your hand is closer to the cutting edge, allowing for fine detail work.
- Security: The choil acts as a guard, preventing your hand from slipping forward.
This design trick turns a “three-finger” knife into a hard-use tool.
Experience the “Voxnaes Grip.” Big knife ergonomics in a pocket-friendly package.
Check Price on Amazon8Cr13MoV: Is It Good Enough?
The standard Pilar uses 8Cr13MoV steel. In the modern era of MagnaCut and M390, 8Cr13MoV is considered a budget steel. It is soft and will lose its shaving edge relatively quickly.
However, it is also incredibly tough and very easy to sharpen. For a knife at this price point, it is acceptable. It resists rust reasonably well and takes a wicked edge with just a few passes on a strop. If you are new to knife maintenance, learning how stainless steels perform versus harder steels makes the 8Cr13MoV a great learning platform.
Note: CRKT also releases D2 versions and premium S35VN limited runs for those who demand better edge retention.
Deployment & Frame Lock
The Pilar uses an elongated thumb hole (the “Vox hole”) for deployment. It can be slow-rolled open or flicked with the middle finger (“Spydie flick”). The action runs on Teflon and bronze washers. It isn’t a drop-shut guillotine like a bearing knife, but it is smooth and reliable.
The lock is a sturdy stainless steel frame lock. It utilizes the handle scale itself to lock the blade open. Because the handle is steel, the lockup is incredibly strong—perhaps overkill for a knife this size. There is zero blade play, instilling massive confidence.
Pocket Carry Experience
At 4.2 ounces, the Pilar is heavy for its size. For comparison, the much larger Ontario RAT 2 weighs only 2.75 ounces. You will feel the Pilar in your pocket.
However, the smooth stainless steel scales allow it to slide in and out of the pocket easily. The pocket clip is reversible (tip-up or tip-down) but only for right-hand carry. It is a sleek, minimalist design that carries fairly deep.
If weight is a major concern for you, you might want to look at lighter keychain options, but you will sacrifice the robust ergonomics that the Pilar offers.
Pilar vs. The Competition
CRKT Pilar vs. CRKT Squid
The Squid is another Lucas Burnley design that competes directly. The Squid is lighter and has thumb studs. The Pilar has the finger choil and the clever blade. If you want a slicer, get the Pilar. If you want a piercer, get the Squid.
CRKT Pilar vs. Spyderco Techno 2
The Techno 2 is the “premium” version of this concept (titanium, CTS-XHP steel). It costs roughly $250. The Pilar gives you 90% of the design aesthetic and 70% of the functionality for 20% of the price. It is the best budget alternative to a custom Slysz or Voxnaes blade.
Want more style? Check out the Copper scale version for a unique patina over time.
Check Price on AmazonPros & Cons
The Pros
- World-class design by Jesper Voxnaes.
- Incredible ergonomics (finger choil).
- Rock-solid frame lock construction.
- Sheepsfoot blade is excellent for utility.
- High customization potential (aftermarket scales).
The Cons
- Heavy for its size (4.2 oz).
- 8Cr13MoV steel requires frequent sharpening.
- Teflon washers can be tricky to tune.
- Clip is not left-hand friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CRKT Pilar good for EDC?
Yes, it is excellent for urban EDC. The sheepsfoot blade is non-threatening and perfect for opening packages, while the small size makes it easy to carry in most jurisdictions.
What is the difference between Pilar and Pilar Large?
The Pilar Large (Pilar III) has a 2.67-inch blade and an overall length of 6.6 inches. It offers more handle real estate and often comes in D2 steel, making it better for larger hands.
Does the Pilar rust?
The 8Cr13MoV steel is stainless, but bead-blasted finishes can be prone to spotting if left wet. Wipe it down after use, especially if cutting fruit or using it in humid environments.
Can I flick the Pilar open?
Yes. With practice, you can use your middle finger to “Spydie flick” the deployment hole. It may require adjusting the pivot screw to find the sweet spot between smooth action and zero blade play.
Are there custom scales available?
Yes, the Pilar has a massive aftermarket community. You can find scales in copper, brass, carbon fiber, micarta, and titanium to customize the look and feel.
Is the frame lock safe?
Yes, the stainless steel frame lock is incredibly strong. Because the entire handle scale acts as the lock bar, it is very difficult to accidentally disengage during use.
How do I sharpen the sheepsfoot blade?
The blade has a relatively straight edge with a slight belly. It is very easy to sharpen on flat stones or guided systems. Check our guide on sharpening techniques for tips.
Is it legal to carry?
With a blade under 2.5 inches, it is legal in most US states and many cities with length restrictions. However, it is a locking knife, so check local laws regarding locking folders.
Get the knife that everyone is talking about. Rugged, stylish, and incredibly affordable.
Check Price on AmazonFinal Verdict
The CRKT Pilar is a triumph of design. It proves that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a knife that feels custom, looks amazing, and works hard. While the steel isn’t premium and the weight is substantial, the ergonomics and utility are unmatched at this price point.
If you appreciate industrial design and want a reliable companion for your daily tasks, the Pilar is a must-have. It isn’t just a budget knife; it’s a modern classic.
